The game
looked to be heading for stalemate when Gayle was sent clear on the left by
Palace full-back Dean Moxey. With only Villa midfielder Fabian Delph to beat,
the 24-year-old second half substitute skipped inside on his right foot and
curled a sumptuous effort into the top right corner leaving Villa ‘keeper Brad
Guzan completely helpless.
The 1 – 0
win means Palace move out of the relegation zone while for Aston Villa on a run
of four straight defeats, the danger zone moves ever closer. The 37,000 home
fans were quick to vent their anger at both the Villa team and manager Paul
Lambert who left the pitch to a loud chorus of boos.
The first
half was poor with both teams struggling to create chances and both goalkeepers
having little to do. The second half was a little more lively with former Villa
player Barry Bannan forcing a fine save from Guzan and team-mate Jason Puncheon
failing to capitalise on two very good opportunities.
Palace
boss Tony Pulis sent on Gayle and Moxey and the two substitutes combined for
the winner which was a quick counterattack after Villa pushed men forward in a
desperate attempt to try and secure the spoils.
Villa
have struggled to carve out openings in recent matches and two half chances
from striker Andreas Weimann and a late header by substitute Jordan Bowery were
the best they could muster.
After the
game Villa boss Paul Lambert said the fans had a right to vent their anger
after his team’s current run of poor results which leave Villa just three
points above the relegation zone. “The only way to bounce back is by
winning," he said.
“It’s a
challenge I am not going to wilt under. I’ve never wilted. It’s a fight and I’m
gonna fight it. I’m not going away from it.”
Palace
manager Tony Pulis praised his team who he said worked very hard to a man but
with Manchester City next, he said it was too early to get carried away.
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