Crystal Palace claimed a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park, earning their first league victory of 2026.
The Eagles had been struggling and desperately needed this win to reduce the tension brewing among the fans, the club, and manager Oliver Glasner.
Palace had shown nerves in the first half, but held on before clinching a late goal via Evann Guessand to push the South Londoners up to 13th place on the league table.
Guessand joined Palace in January on loan and has made an impact on the reigning FA Cup champions. This was his second goal contribution in four appearances.
In his post-match comments, Dean Henderson, who saved a penalty to keep his side in the tie, made sure to single out his teammate for his impact from the bench.
“The big man (Evann Guessand) came on, and he was the difference-maker today,” he said (via CPFC’s website).
After a difficult few weeks, Palace needed this reprieve, and thankfully, Guessand stepped up.
Now, Palace desperately need to take this form into the Europa Conference League, where their chances of reaching the round of 16 hang in the balance.
After a draw with Zrinjski in the first leg, Glasner promised a response, and they will need to do that at Selhurst Park this Thursday.
Glasner could decide to start Guessand ahead of Yeremy Pino for that clash, allowing the Ivory Coast international to build some steam after a promising start to life.
Guessand may once again hold the key. His direct running injects urgency into a side that can drift into sterile possession.
In tight continental ties, moments decide outcomes – a flick-on, a knockdown, a composed finish in the box. Guessand has already shown he relishes those moments.
On Thursday night, with Selhurst Park expecting and Glasner demanding, the January loanee has the platform to be Palace’s difference-maker again.