Schlupp, Jordan Ayew inspire Crystal Palace win over West Ham

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Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp were on target for Crystal Palace in a seven-goal thriller against West Ham at the Selhurst Park on Saturday.

West Ham started brightly and took the lead through Tomas Soucek’s goal, taking advantage of Michael Olise’s inability to clear a corner. However, Palace responded with a quickfire three goals in 15 minutes to take control of the match.

Jordan Ayew got the equalizer for Palace with a first-time finish after a slick passing move, before Wilfried Zaha returned from injury to score the second, tapping in a cross from Eberechi Eze. Jeffrey Schlupp then added a third, dispossessing Soucek before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

West Ham pulled a goal back before halftime when Michail Antonio headed in from another corner, but Palace restored their two-goal advantage when Eze converted a penalty after being fouled by Nayef Aguerd.

West Ham refused to give up and responded with a scrappy goal from another set-piece, scored by Aguerd to make amends for his earlier mistake. However, the Hammers were unable to find an equalizer in the closing stages of the game, leaving them five points above the relegation zone with five matches remaining.

The result was a blow to David Moyes’ side, who had been hoping for a win to boost their survival prospects. Meanwhile, Palace’s victory ensured their own Premier League status for another season and gave their fans something to cheer about after a difficult campaign.

— Ferdinand A Baah

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