Zaha’s Brace Lifts Crystal Palace Above Leicester
Wilfried Zaha scored twice as Crystal Palace claimed an impressive win at Leicester to ease their relegation worries.
In a first half of few chances, the Eagles broke the deadlock when Michy Batshuayi fortuitously deflected James McArthur’s effort past Kasper Schmeichel.
Jonny Evans fired home Harvey Barnes’ low cross to equalise midway through the second half before Zaha ghosted in at the back post to retake the lead for the visitors.
Luka Milivojevic then scored from the spot after Evans clumsily brought down Jeffrey Schlupp and Zaha added a fourth in injury time to make the points safe for Roy Hodgson’s side.
Victory means the Eagles climb to 13th and Leicester, who are now six league games without a win, remain 12th.
Win thanks to solid defensive display – Roy Hodgson
While Leicester took 14 shots in the first half alone, Palace only needed seven to score their four goals.
It is the ruthless streak the Eagles had been missing so far this campaign, and the sort of efficient finishing that perhaps could have seen them pull away from the drop zone weeks ago.
However, having now put together a four-game unbeaten run for the first time in the Premier League this season, any relegation worries have been well and truly eased.
Batshuayi opened the scoring with just their third shot on goal, as he instinctively powered home McArthur’s volleyed effort.
Zaha added another after Evans had handed the hosts a lifeline as he calmly volleyed past Schmeichel before Milivojevic dispatched from the spot.
Zaha then netted their fourth – finishing off a lightning counter which epitomised Palace’s performance – deep into injury time with the tiring Leicester defenders and a frustrated Schmeichel already well beaten.
Palace boss Hodgson became the oldest Premier League manager on Saturday (71 years and 198 days), and while the game may have not been the best advert for football, it will be one he and the Eagles faithful will cherish.
