After eight defeats from their opening 10 league games this season, the pressure was on Burnley to prove they belong at this level here. And they set about proving that in the opening minute, but Zeki Amdouni could only divert Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson’s cross wide of the post.
For all Burnley’s good work in the opening exchanges, another glaring error proved to be their undoing, as Jordan Beyer’s slip was pounced upon by Jordan Ayew, who squared the ball for Jeffrey Schlupp to tap home Palace’s 300th PL away goal.
The Clarets’ response was impressive, and they were almost on level terms just five minutes later when Guðmundsson headed Charlie Taylor’s delivery inches wide of the post. That was about the only thing Burnley did muster up in response, with Crystal Palace more than happy to sit in and protect their lead.
And although that wasn’t contributing much to the game as a spectacle, Palace boss Roy Hodgson was still keen to see his side go for the jugular, introducing the returning Eberechi Eze in an attempt to kill the game off.
That change seemed to have the opposite effect though, instead inviting Burnley on a little and they almost drew level soon after when Guðmundsson flicked Luca Koleosho’s cross agonisingly wide of the post.
Clarets boss Vincent Kompany was far more calculated in his approach, waiting until after the 75th minute to roll the dice for the first time, but even when he did, his substitutions proved futile as Burnley simply couldn’t break Palace down.
It wasn’t for the want of trying, however, as both Josh Brownhill and Jay Rodriguez forced Sam Johnstone into smart stops - misses that somewhat summed up Burnley’s luck.
It’s been a pretty dismal start to the season for the Clarets, but things are looking up for Palace, who rounded off victory in stoppage time through Tyrick Mitchell.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace)
