CHRIS WOOD CONTINUED his brilliant start to life at Burnley on Sunday, as his first-half strike against Crystal Palace, his second Premier League goal in as many games, condemned Frank de Boer to a fourth consecutive defeat.
The loss leaves Palace second from bottom with zero points from a possible 12 at the start of the new Premier League season, as pressure continues to mount on the under-fire boss who took charge at Selhurst Park less than three months ago.
Wood struck after just three minutes, with the New Zealander’s goal proving the highlight in a game devoid of quality or entertainment at Turf Moor.
The 25-year-old took advantage of a nightmare start by Palace when Lee Chung-Yong misplaced a horror back-pass which fell right into the striker’s path.
The South Korean international was making his 100th Premier League appearance but, looking to find a team-mate, the 29-year-old placed the ball on a plate for the forward — Wood only needing one touch before the ball was in the pack of the Palace net.
He retained his composure following a run behind enemy lines, before bending his shot around the onrushing dash of goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to give his new club a dream start on his home debut.
Burnley managed just two shots on target during a dismal 90 minutes, with de Boer’s Palace registering supreme with 23 shots throughout a game he will argue they more than deserved a point from.
His side drop to second from bottom with four defeats in as many games — Palace still yet to score a single goal this season in the Premier League.
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:
Boost to see Brady back but hopefully Wards Ireland career is done. Did well enough last few years but the Denmark performance and the Keane/ Arter situation weren’t pretty time for Doherty and Cunningham to take over
@Jason Oliver: Would agree with a lot of what you say. I have to say that I hope Brady does not just walk in to the eam, as he has being terrible lately. I know about the injuries.
Brady needs to get his game together. A lot of talent but need more than that . The game passes him too often. Before the injury he was very good but that is the past .