In an impressive show of skill from Michael Olise, Crystal Palace trumped Manchester United 4-0, registering their first Premier League double over the latter. The game that unfolded on the pitch of Selhurst Park saw Olise proving his exceptional form, scoring two goals which added to his nine in twelve league appearances this season.
His breathtaking performances in the 12th and 66th minutes highlighted a stellar result for Oliver Glasner’s squadron. Contributions from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell bolstered the win, adding to Palace’s recent streak of four victories in five games.
For Erik Ten Hag and his team, however, the match was a disappointment. Key United players Jonny Evans and Casemiro had a challenging game. Adding salt to injury, Man Utd, plagued by injuries, has only tasted victory in two of their last ten league games and are on the path to potentially their lowest Premier League ranking.
The Mancunians descended to the eighth spot following victories by Newcastle and Chelsea during the weekend. Star players Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes were sidelined due to injuries.
Evans, fit to play, grappled with the first few minutes of the game, blocking an initial shot from Olise which was rendered by a poor clearance from his own side. There were calls for a penalty after Evans and Mitchell crossed paths in the box, which referee Jarred Gillett disregarded.
United failed to consider the evident threat Olise posed when he scored the first goal in the 12th minute. Having left Christian Eriksen and Casemiro in his wake, Olise delivered a shot into the net’s bottom corner after being offered excess space by the retreating United defence.
While Olise enjoyed a memorable moment, it was a game to be erased from memory for the visitors. Subsequent attempts by Olise were thwarted, first inadvertently by his own compatriot Mateta, followed by a save from Andre Onana following another skilful movement from Palace.
United’s game proceeded disastrously, with an early goal by Casemiro, 27 minutes in, disallowed because Rasmus Hojlund had interfered with Palace keeper, Dean Henderson. This decision, although thought to be justified, left Ten Hag confused as he discussed it with touchline official, Graham Scott.
United’s day took a turn for the worse five minutes prior to the interval. A joint effort by Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards created an opportunity for Mateta, who skilfully outmanoeuvred Evans and shot his eight goal in nine games forcefully into the net’s top.
In the 51st minute, United finally managed a shot on target, but Antony’s attempt from 22 yards was comfortably dealt with by Henderson. Just a minute later, Casemiro’s would-be second goal was disallowed as he had drifted offside before Eriksen’s free-kick was taken.
United occasionally caused Palace some bother, but Olise dominated the game, almost scoring a third for Palace but Eze shot the ball wide. Onana managed to stop a shot from Mitchell coming in at the near post, and then a deflect a half-volley from Will Hughes.
United’s brief recovery was ended when a precisely lofted pass from Adam Wharton allowed Joachim Andersen to set Mitchell up for a tap-in at 58 minutes.
Later, Hojlund’s penalty claim was denied and following this, Olise scored the fourth goal with 24 minutes remaining. Following a setup from Daniel Munoz, Olise skillfully curved the ball beyond Onana from a distance of 16 yards and then rejoiced with Glasner, marking a memorable night for Palace.
The attempt at a hat-trick by Olise was cut short as he was substituted five minutes before the end of the match. United was spared further disgrace in extra time when a strike from Odsonne Edouard hit the post.