MATCH REPORT: Crystal Palace 1-0 Stoke
STORY OF THE GAME
Wilfried Zaha’s 17th minute strike proved decisive as Crystal Palace secured progression through to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Stoke came close to forcing a replay, with Xherdan Shaqiri curling an effort marginally over the crossbar from close range before firing another shot over and wide later on after Bojan had made an impressive run.
Phil Bardsley also had a 25-yard attempt well saved by Wayne Hennessey in the Palace goal and Joselu dragged a shot wide in injury time.
And Alan Pardew’s side held on for a narrow victory, guaranteeing their place in Monday night’s draw.
THE TEAMSHEETS
Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Hennessey (GK), Ward, Dann, Delaney (Capt), Souare; Ledley (Jedinak 45’), Puncheon, Cabaye (Mutch 45’); Zaha, Campbell (Chamakh 80’), Lee
Subs: Speroni (GK), Mariappa, Hangeland, Jedinak, Mutch, Chamakh, Kelly
Stoke (4-4-2): Haugaard (GK), Bardsley, Wollscheid, Wilson, Pieters (Capt), Ireland, van Ginkel, Bojan (Diouf 74’), Shaqiri; Joselu, Odemwingie (Crouch 74’)
Subs: Butland (GK), Muniesa, Whelan, Afellay, Diouf, Teixeira, Crouch
Mark Hughes made eight changes to the side that suffered a cruel penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool in the semi-final of the Capital One Cup midweek.
Only Phillip Wollscheid and Erik Pieters retained their places in the back four, with Phil Bardsley and Marc Wilson featuring in place of Glen Johnson and Marc Muniesa respectively, whilst Jakob Haugaard took position between the sticks at the expense of Jack Butland.
In midfield, Stephen Ireland, Marco van Ginkel and Xherdan Shaqiri all started, and Joselu and Peter Odemwingie replaced Jon Walters and Peter Crouch up front.
THE GOALS
1-0 (Zaha, 17’): With his back to goal, Zaha received the ball from Yohan Cabaye just outside the box. The former Manchester United forward produced a quick turn towards goal, avoiding lacklustre challenges from Stephen Ireland and Marc Wilson before penetrating the gap between Phillip Wollscheid and Erik Pieters and slotting comfortably past Haugaard from close range.
TALKING POINT
Wilson escapes with yellow
Irishman Marc Wilson may count himself lucky to have only received a booking for a questionable challenge in the first half.
When Fraizer Campbell was seemingly through on goal, he was brought down by a cynical Wilson challenge. The home supporters were incensed by the infringement and believed that the defender should have been given his marching orders because he was the last man.
However, with Campbell 35 yards away from goal, it seems that Mark Clattenburg felt a red card was unnecessary and, to the relief of the Stoke players, who argued the case that other players would have had enough time to get around and cover, the renowned referee only distributed a yellow.
Wilson could have easily been dismissed for the foul, though, and, on another occasion, he might have not been so fortunate.
THE INCIDENTS
Yellow Cards
Crystal Palace: Puncheon (39’)
Stoke: Wilson (28’), Wollscheid (79’)
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Durham)
ATTENDANCE
17,062
WHAT NEXT?
Stoke travel to Old Trafford on Tuesday night as they take on Louis van Gaal’s under-pressure Manchester United. The Potters will be looking to end a run of four games without a win in all competitions.