Oliver Glasner inflicted a fifth successive defeat on Burnley to move Crystal Palace up to fifth, giving the hierarchy a further nudge to provide the investment he desires in January to boost another push for Europe.
Burnley are also in need of entering the market, desperately requiring a striker if they are to get out of the relegation mire in which they find themselves, despite providing the bravery demanded by their manager. It was the fourth time this season that Burnley failed to score in seven Premier League home games and they barely looked like they would. Palace’s three centre-backs kept everyone quiet with ease, allowing Marc Guéhi the freedom to wander up the pitch to create Daniel Muñoz’s winner with arguably the only quality piece of play of the night. The goalkeepers were more at risk of frostbite than being called into action for most of the match.
Taking points off teams like Palace at home feels imperative. After averaging two shots on target in their first six home games, Scott Parker tried a more attacking lineup in the hope of putting the visitors under pressure. Considering Palace’s tired performance in defeat against Manchester United on Sunday, leading to Glasner’s demanding reinforcements, the home side may have arrived optimistic but their visitors battled through to victory.
“The last 30 minutes was about surviving and we could see it,” Glasner said. “We didn’t have the legs any more, we made two subs after 60, we tried to impact the game but we need all 11 players to bring the win over the line and that’s what we did. That makes me really proud of the team today, of their resilience, of their commitment, of their togetherness and then fighting for each other and getting this win.”
Unfortunately, Burnley’s lack of creativity continued to limit their chances, in every sense. The crowd lacked inspiration and the silence was punctuated by Glasner shouting instructions. By the break the hosts had produced an expected goals (xG) of 0.07 – their one chance being a first‑time shot from Jaidon Anthony which Dean Henderson read and easily palmed away.
Palace were not much better but Guéhi, in his final season with the club, strode out of defence and chipped a cross to the back post. Muñoz showed desire, leaving a napping Anthony behind, allowing him to head home. Colliding with the upright was the worthwhile price he paid.
With Palace comfortable, Parker sent on Hannibal Mejbri and Marcus Edwards to re-energise the forward line. They were there to pose questions not asked by the stagnant group that started. Turf Moor was encouraged and almost ecstatic when Jacob Bruun Larsen controlled a cross and smashed a shot which Henderson tipped on to the bar, but that was as good as it got.
Parker needs to find a way to make his side more dangerous because no one fears the most organised side in the Premier League, and the answer is not internal. They were almost handed an injury-time equaliser when Henderson missed a looping cross, which hit an unwitting Armando Broja on the back, and it trickled towards goal before Chris Richards cleared.
“I am a fighter, this group are fighters,” Parker said. “I have a group that will fight and that may not be enough. At the end of the season the curtain will come down and we will be judged.”
