EPL: Crystal Palace 2-2 Bournemouth
Christian Benteke reacts to missing the injury-time penalty
Jermain Defoe scored twice and Christian Benteke had a last-gasp penalty saved as Bournemouth drew 2-2 at Crystal Palace.
The result leaves the Eagles at the foot of the table but they once again showed they have enough quality to move clear of trouble.
Palace created the first openings but Jeffrey Schlupp’s 20-yard drive fizzed over the bar while Benteke headed Wilfried Zaha’s cross wide before Defoe missed the target with a header for the Cherries.
However, the veteran striker made up for that miss by firing Bournemouth ahead in the 11th minute, sweeping Junior Stanislas’ cross home after a well-worked short corner had caught Palace out.
Roy Hodgson’s team stormed forward in search of an immediate equaliser but Benteke was foiled by Asmir Begovic before Andros Townsend’s shot was blocked by Nathan Ake.
The Eagles suffered a blow in the 25th minute when Mamadou Sakho had to be replaced by Scott Dann after picking up what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
The home team then had appeals for a penalty waved away when Charlie Daniels appeared to handle the ball inside his area.
However, Palace deservedly equalised five minutes before the interval when Luka Milivojevic scored from the penalty spot after Zaha had been fouled, and they then took the lead when Yohan Cabaye’s cross was turned home at the back post by substitute Dann.
There was still time for Eddie Howe’s side to reply before half-time as Defoe watched the ball come over his shoulder before firing a brilliant volley past Julian Speroni.
After such a frantic end to the first half, the second period began quietly until Cabaye’s 15-yard shot was saved by Begovic while at the other end Defoe wasted the chance to complete his hat-trick when his scuffed effort dribbled wide.
Palace should have grabbed the winner in the closing stages but Dann contrived to scoop the ball over the bar from just three yards out before, deep into stoppage time, Begovic kept Benteke’s penalty out after Zaha had again been fouled inside the area.
Palace created the first openings but Jeffrey Schlupp’s 20-yard drive fizzed over the bar while Benteke headed Wilfried Zaha’s cross wide before Defoe missed the target with a header for the Cherries.
However, the veteran striker made up for that miss by firing Bournemouth ahead in the 11th minute, sweeping Junior Stanislas’ cross home after a well-worked short corner had caught Palace out.
Roy Hodgson’s team stormed forward in search of an immediate equaliser but Benteke was foiled by Asmir Begovic before Andros Townsend’s shot was blocked by Nathan Ake.
The Eagles suffered a blow in the 25th minute when Mamadou Sakho had to be replaced by Scott Dann after picking up what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
The home team then had appeals for a penalty waved away when Charlie Daniels appeared to handle the ball inside his area.
However, Palace deservedly equalised five minutes before the interval when Luka Milivojevic scored from the penalty spot after Zaha had been fouled, and they then took the lead when Yohan Cabaye’s cross was turned home at the back post by substitute Dann.
There was still time for Eddie Howe’s side to reply before half-time as Defoe watched the ball come over his shoulder before firing a brilliant volley past Julian Speroni.
After such a frantic end to the first half, the second period began quietly until Cabaye’s 15-yard shot was saved by Begovic while at the other end Defoe wasted the chance to complete his hat-trick when his scuffed effort dribbled wide.
Palace should have grabbed the winner in the closing stages but Dann contrived to scoop the ball over the bar from just three yards out before, deep into stoppage time, Begovic kept Benteke’s penalty out after Zaha had again been fouled inside the area.