- Crystal Palace sealed an impressive 2-0 away win over Burnley on Saturday
- Experienced Jordan Ayew made his 250th Premier League appearance
- Big talks about Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal The It’s All Kicking Off podcast
When billions are spent by Premier League clubs, the £2.5m Crystal Palace paid for Jordan Ayew in 2019 looks like one of the great bargains of our time.
Ayew celebrated his 250th Premier League game and a new deal with a stunning assist as Roy Hodgson, 76, presided over another tactical masterclass.
The Ghanaian embodies the efficient and nonchalant way Palace do things. That fourth clean sheet in six put them comfortably in mid-table.
“I didn’t play much in my first season. I didn’t think I’d be here long. It shows you can’t predict things in life,” Ayew, 32, said. “Roy has been fantastic for Palace. He combines the best qualities of an old and a new coach.’
How would Burnley enjoy such ‘boring’ stability. Once Ayew set up Jeffrey Schlupp’s opener, Vincent Kompany’s men looked doomed to become the first team to lose a top-six at home in a top-flight season.
The home side were then dealt a mock punch in stoppage time as Tyrick Mitchell stepped in to leave the Clarets bottom.