Benteke breaks deadlock early as Palace confirm safety with win at Sheff Utd
Crystal Palace mathematically confirmed Premier League status for another season by beating Sheffield United 2-0 at Bramall Lane.
Palace have never really looked in too much danger this season, but it will have been a relief nonetheless for them to reach this landmark. Ultimately, it was goals at either end of the game that won it to move them on to 41 points.
It took very little time for the game to spark into life, as Palace went in front after just two minutes.
Eberechi Eze drifted through the Blades midfield before setting up Christian Benteke in the box. The Belgian’s shot was deflected into the net to make it 1-0.
6⃣6⃣ seconds!
Christian Benteke gives Palace the lead inside two minutes at Sheffield United
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Palace continued to put on pressure after taking the advantage and but they may have been worrying about having a disadvantage in personnel around half an hour in. Joel Ward got the ball but took out John Fleck.
VAR deemed the referee’s decision of it just being a yellow-card offence to be correct.
Palace could have doubled their lead towards the end of the first half, with goalscorer Benteke once again at the centre of the action.
The striker’s header was saved by Aaron Ramsdale, though, to keep the deficit at one.
Chances keep coming
Benteke went close again in the second half when dispossessing Fleck, beating Kean Bryan and hitting the post with a sharp effort.
United were still fighting for an equaliser and were creating their own chances. One came to young forward Daniel Ebbison after a cross, but he could only head over.
At the other end, Andros Townsend tried to curl one in for Palace, but aimed wide.
Jordan Ayew then somehow saw a shot blocked from just yards out after being picked out by Wilfried Zaha.
He was thwarted again when Ramsdale stretched to beat away another of his efforts.
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For the hosts, Oliver Norwood struck a free kick well but it sailed wide of Vicente Guaita’s posts.
Having gone in front early, Palace’s second goal finally came towards the end of the match. Eze dribbled forward unchallenged and saw his shot deflect into the goal.
The win ensures Palace will be in the Premier League again next year, although the Blades have long since known they will not be joining them.
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