Crystal Palace delivered a commanding performance against Aston Villa, securing a 3-0 victory at Villa Park. The win marked Crystal Palace's first Premier League victory of the season, while Aston Villa continues to search for their first win, and goal, of the campaign.
Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for Crystal Palace in the 21st minute, converting a penalty after Daichi Kamada was fouled by Aston Villa's goalkeeper Marco Bizot. The penalty was Mateta's 49th goal for Crystal Palace. Aston Villa struggled to break down Crystal Palace's defense, and their woes were compounded when Marc Guehi doubled the visitor's lead in the 68th minute. Guehi, who has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool, put aside the speculation and curled a stunning strike into the top corner. The Palace fans then serenaded Guehi, singing "Marc Guéhi, I wanna know how you scored that goal”. Ismaila Sarr sealed the victory for Crystal Palace, heading in a third goal in the 78th minute.
Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, made five changes to the starting lineup, handing full debuts to summer signing Evann Guessand, Donyell Malen, and Ian Maatsen, while Ezri Konsa returned from suspension, and Marco Bizot replaced Emi Martinez in goal. Martinez's absence was due to speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United. Aston Villa started the match positively, with Youri Tielemans heading over from a corner early on. However, they failed to capitalize on their early pressure, and Crystal Palace took the lead against the run of play.
Aston Villa responded positively to the setback, with Guessand testing Crystal Palace's goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Ollie Watkins was also denied by a reflex save from Henderson. Emi Buendia was introduced as a substitute at halftime, and Aston Villa started the second half strongly. However, they were unable to find a way past Henderson, and Crystal Palace extended their lead through Guehi's stunning goal. Late in the game, Aston Villa brought on Pau Torres and Brad Burrowes, with Burrowes making his first-team debut.
Crystal Palace's victory ended Aston Villa's 22-match unbeaten run at Villa Park. The last time Aston Villa lost at home was in October of last year, when Crystal Palace also triumphed in the Carabao Cup. Crystal Palace has had the better of Aston Villa recently, winning five of the last six matches between the two clubs. Crystal Palace secured their spot in the UEFA Conference League. The only negative for Crystal Palace was an injury to Adam Wharton.