Selhurst Jan 2 (BUS): West Ham United started the new year in the same way as last year, with a stunning away win as they beat Crystal Palace 3-2 in the Premier League.
Manuel Lanzini scored twice at Selhurst Park, before the hosts sparkled with two late goals, while fifth-placed West Ham took a one-point lead over fourth-placed Arsenal.
The two goals in the last minutes of the match at least gave Al Qasr some reward for what was a positive showing after they led 3-0 in the first half despite creating several chances.
West Ham has 34 points, one point behind Tottenham Hotspur and three points over Manchester United, although both teams have two games in hand.
David Moyes’ side, the surprise side of the season, took the lead in the 22nd minute when Mikhail Antonio slipped in to hit a superb cross from Said Benrahma.
Three minutes later, Hammers made it 2-0 with a superb finish from Lanzini, who hit the ball with his left foot and smashed it into the net after good work from Declan Rice.
Lanzini scored the third goal just before the end of the first half, and netted a penalty after a VAR review found Luka Milivojevic tackled the penalty area.
Palace scored a goal in the 83rd minute when Odson Edward rolled a superb cross pass from substitute Michael Ulis, who then scored himself in the 90th minute from a free kick.
Patrick Vieira’s side hit the net twice in the first half and enjoyed the bulk of possession and Antonio was generous in his praise of the Palace.
“To be fair this season, Crystal Palace is playing unbelievable football,” he said. “The way their Maher played is good.”
“All the matches they were chasing us but when the chances lit up for us we took them. They managed to get two and we had to hold on. I saw the pressure they put us in but we managed to hold on and there are three points to start a year.”
The meeting between the two teams in August ended 2-2 and Palace defender Joachim Andersen said it was a difficult result.
“We’ve played West Ham twice now and dominated them both times,” he said. “I think we should win this game easily. They had two chances and a penalty, not a penalty. We have to win this match.” .