Crystal Palace earned a vital victory in their battle against relegation, defeating 10-man Burnley 3-0 in new manager Oliver Glasner’s first game in charge.
Ghana striker Jordan Ayew scored one of the goals, continuing his fine form in front of goal. He also assisted, taking his goal contributions to 10 this season.
Palace dominated possession in the first half, but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Burnley defence. The visitors were reduced to 10 men shortly before halftime when Josh Brownhill was shown a straight red card for bringing down Jefferson Lerma when he was through on goal.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Burnley managed to hold on until the 68th minute, when Ayew delivered a pinpoint accurate cross that was met by defender Chris Richards with a powerful header into the bottom corner.
Just three minutes later, substitute Matheus Franca combined well with Tyrick Mitchell down the left flank, and his low cross was tapped in by Ayew from close range to make it 2-0. Jean-Philippe Mateta then sealed the victory with a confidently taken penalty after Franca was fouled by Vitinho.
Burnley striker David Datro Fofana had a late goal ruled out for offside as Palace secured a crucial three points. The win moves Palace eight points clear of the relegation zone and marks a positive start for new manager Glasner, who becomes just the second Palace manager to win their first Premier League game in charge.
