Sarr Shines Bright as Crystal Palace Thrash Aston Villa with Four-Goal Triumph

Crystal Palace have enhanced their chances of securing a top-half finish in the Premier League, with Ismaïla Sarr netting a double to lead the Eagles to a 4-1 triumph over Aston Villa. This marks their eighth win in 12 matches across all competitions (D2, L2).

After breaking a five-match winless streak in the league with a victory against Chelsea, Unai Emery’s men started strong in South London, though Youri Tielemans squandered an opportunity, misdirecting a close-range header wide of the goal.

Palace gradually found their rhythm following a somewhat shaky first 20 minutes, and their persistence paid off when Emiliano Martinez deflected Chris Richards’ header into the path of Ismaila Sarr, who marked his 27th birthday with a simple finish.

With momentum on their side, the hosts pressed for a quick second goal. However, Martinez was equal to the task, denying a chance for Sarr, while Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a golden opportunity by sending his shot wide of the far post.

As Villa pushed for an equaliser close to half-time, Morgan Rogers struck what looked like a well-taken goal, only for it to be disallowed due to a marginal offside against Ollie Watkins in the build-up.

Unfazed, the visitors launched an impressive attack at the start of the second half, finding the equaliser within seven minutes. A clever flicked header from Watkins set up Rogers, who turned in the box before firing into the bottom corner with precision.

However, the Eagles swiftly regained the upper hand just eight minutes later. Mateta seized a loose ball at the edge of the area and delivered a powerful finish that left substitute keeper Robin Olsen with no chance, marking his 12th league goal of the season.

As the match approached its final quarter, opportunities continued to arise for both teams, with Ezri Konsa coming agonisingly close, directing a header against the crossbar.

This near miss proved pivotal as Palace solidified their lead in the 71st minute, with Daniel Munoz’s cross volleyed into the corner by Sarr for his second of the night.

Faced with a two-goal deficit, Villa threw everything forward in search of a comeback, but it was Palace who sealed the game in stoppage time when Eddie Nketiah scored his first Premier League goal for the club.

This defeat marked a dismal seventh away loss in nine league games for Emery’s side, leaving Villa four points off the top four, while Palace sits in 12th, just six points behind their opponents.