Match Facts
- 11th April 2015 – Stadium of Light
- Attendance – 42,073
- Referee – Anthony Taylor
- Goals – Murray (48), Bolasie (51, 53, 62), Wickham (90)
- Bookings – Dann, McArthur, Rodwell, Cattermole
- Star Eagle – Yannick Bolasie (10.00)
Match Review
Palace have not looked back since the single goal defeat to Southampton at the beginning of March.
Wins against Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City, Manchester City and now Sunderland have the Eagles soaring to the fringes of the top ten in the Premier League.
Heady heights indeed but this latest win was the fourth in a row and fifth out of the last six away from home and almost certainly seals a third consecutive season in the Premier League. The confidence and more importantly, togetherness that the team and club as a whole currently shows is simply incredible.
The long journey up to the Stadium of Light was worth it for the travelling Palace faithful even if the goalless first half suggested little of what was to follow. Both teams had chances but nothing really clear cut.
The talking points of the opening half were bookings. One that perhaps should have been a red for Jack Rodwell for a scything challenge on James McArthur. The other was for Scott Dann that simply should not have been given after his challenge for the ball which had been dropped by the keeper.
The second half was simply stunning for the visiting side. Last week Sunderland showed some fight in the local derby but there was always a question whether they could get up for any other game. The way that Palace dismantled this team suggests that they have a real fight on their hands to stay in the top flight.
First on the score sheet was Glenn Murray who got himself on the end of an excellent cross from Yannick Bolasie who had worked hard to create the space for himself. The in form Palace striker needed no further invitation to head home to put the Eagles a goal up.
It was the turn of Bolasie to steal the show. Playing in a little more advanced role, he looked to be enjoying himself. A long searching ball by Dann was flicked on by Murray into the path of Bolasie who touched it past the on rushing keeper.
A comfortable two goal lead for the visitors but it did not end there. Another searching pass this time from the returning Mile Jedinak found Bolasie behind the back line who took it on and had the audacity to lob the big keeper. The DR Congo international has been in the form of his life and he was now on a hat-trick.
It came just eleven minutes after his first. A scrappy goal set up by the hard working Murray who battled the defender off the ball to centre for Bolasie who was thwarted at his first attempt by the keeper but never gave up. A swing of the leg at the ball saw it nestle in the corner of the net.
Quite an incredible performance not only from Palace but for Yannick Bolasie who bagged the first hat-trick scored in the Premier League by a Palace player.
There was a consolation for Sunderland courtesy of Conor Wickham but there was little to cheer for the home fans, or at least by those who remained. This was Palace’s day and no-one could do anything to stop it. Or more to the point, stop our very own Yannick Bolasie.
Player Ratings (courtesy of Who Scored)
Julian Speroni (7.3) – Was hardly troubled until very late on when he tipped an effort onto the bar. Did what he was asked to do well.
Joel Ward (7.1) – Continuing the great form in the position he looks most at home in.
Scott Dann (7.1) – Commanding at the back as ever and was unfortunate to be booked for a challenge on the opposition keeper when the ball was free.
Damien Delaney (7.1) – Relinquishing the captains armband but continued as if he was still wearing it. A real force in the middle of the ‘yellow wall’.
Pape Souare (6.6) – Early promise ended before the half was out with what looked like a upper leg injury after a strong challenge. Replaced by Martin Kelly (6.7) after 35 minutes who stepped in and did his usual honest job.
James McArthur (7.6) – Industrious as we have come to expect and on the end of a rash challenge in the first half that on another day could have been a red card. Replaced by Joe Ledley (6.0) after 69 minutes who was unlucky to miss out from the starting line up but perhaps he deserved the rest.
Mile Jedinak (8.1) – There were questions on whether the captain would return to the starting line up. After this showing there was no question.
Jason Puncheon (7.5) – Looks a natural in his new role under Pardew and a real key figure in the attacking play.
Wilfried Zaha (8.7) – Gave the hosts plenty to think about throughout the game with another fine showing since his return to the club.
Yannick Bolasie (10.0) – As the Sky Sports commentator said ‘he has magic in his boots, he is sprinkling stardust all over this game‘. Nothing more to add. Replaced by Yaya Sanogo (6.0) after 71 minutes when the game was dead and buried.
Glenn Murray (9.4) – Leading the line as impressively as ever, caused chaos across the opposition defence. His form in front of goal continues and you would not bet on him reaching double figures before the season is out.
Match Statistics (courtesy of Who Scored)
- Team rating – Palace 7.51 – 6.01 Sunderland
- Shots – Palace 14-12 Sunderland
- Shots on target – Palace 5-3 Sunderland
- Possession – Palace 46% – 54% Sunderland
- Pass success – Palace 70% – 75% Sunderland
- Aerial success – Palace 44% – 56% Sunderland
- Dribbles – Palace 24-10 Sunderland
- Tackles – Palace 16-28 Sunderland
- Corners – Palace 5-8 Sunderland
- Throw ins – Palace 25-26 Sunderland
- Offsides – Palace 0-0 Sunderland
- Fouls – Palace 17-15 Sunderland
- Top rated – Bolasie (10.00)
- Top shots – Bolasie (5)
- Top tackles – van Aanholt (4), Zaha (4)
- Top dribbles – Zaha (11)
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