April 18 2015

Selhurst Park (Photo: Andy Roberts)

Crystal Palace were defeated 2-0 at home to West Bromwich Albion in a frustrating game at Selhurst Park.

Tony Pulis returned to Selhurst Park for the first time since walking out two days before the start of the season and was given a warm reception by the faithful.

The Eagles, who were chasing a record equalling five-game Premier League winning run, got off to a nightmare start by conceding inside two minutes.

Jason Puncheon failed to follow James Morrison who was left unmarked to easily nod a corner beyond Julian Speroni in the Palace goal.

So typical of a Pulis side, West Brom sat deep for the entire match as the Eagles tried in vain to breach a super organised defence.

A brilliant move culminated in Yannick Bolaise firing a bicycle kick that drew a save from Boaz Myhill, while Wilfried Zaha was denied a penalty after being blocked by Craig Gardner.

Eagles boss Alan Pardew brought on Dwight Gayle and Papa Souare for Mile Jedinak and left-back Joe Ledley at the break in a bid to break through the Baggies.

Souare and Bolasie combined well down the left but nobody could put away their crosses as the away side defended in numbers. Despite dominating possession - 68 per cent - Palace just could not score and were dealt a killer blow on 53 minutes when Gardner arrowed in a brilliant goal from 25 yards.

Gayle hit the bar and late sub Yaya Sanogo got the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside as Palace were on the wrong end of a workmanlike, solid Pulis side for once.

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