LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace celebrates after scoring a goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at Selhurst Park on August 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom.

Zaha scores twice as Crystal Palace ease to victory over Aston Villa

The Associated Press
4 years ago
Sebastian Frej/MB Media / Getty Images Sport / Getty

LONDON (AP) — Wilfried Zaha underlined his importance to Crystal Palace with two more goals as his team picked up a first Premier League win of the season by fighting back to beat Aston Villa 3-1 on Saturday.

The forward, who scored for Palace in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Monday, swiftly canceled out Ollie Watkins' fifth-minute opener at Selhurst Park before converting on the rebound after his penalty in the 58th was saved by Emiliano Martinez.

Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta grabbed the Eagles' clinching goal with his first touch, with Zaha again involved.

Zaha has now scored in each of the Eagles' last seven top-flight victories and was given a standing ovation when he was brought off late on.

Patrick Vieira's team also had Jeffrey Schlupp's goal disallowed for offside during a dominant performance.

Villa faded fast after the rapid start, though did hit the crossbar through Leon Bailey at 1-1, and manager Steven Gerrard will leave south London with plenty to ponder.

Villa has lost both of its away games so far, while winning at home to Everton.

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