Crystal Palace’s recent dominant win over Burnley saw defender Chris Richards score his first goal for the club, and he attributes the success to advice from teammate Jordan Ayew.
Under the management of Oliver Grasner, the Eagles displayed a ruthless performance, forcing Burnley to concede a red card.
Richards’ well-timed run into the box and a stooping header at the back post in the 68th minute secured a crucial goal for the team. The diligent cross came from none other than Jordan Ayew, who had been advising Richards on positioning throughout the game.
First @premierleague goal ✅
First Palace goal ✅Chris Richards, everyone 🫶 pic.twitter.com/OFndeTxE9l
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 24, 2024
“I’ve wanted it [my first goal] all year. Of course, you always like to score goals, but I think it was a very crucial goal in a very crucial game, so I’m very happy about it,” expressed Richards in an interview with Crystal Palace’s official website.
The strategic advice from Ayew proved pivotal. Richards explained, “Jordan [Ayew] was talking about hitting it back post the whole time, so I figured if T [Tyrick Mitchell] jumped with the man, I was going to be wide open, so I just tried to stay back post.”
The goal not only changed the mood of the game but also boosted morale for upcoming fixtures.
Richards believes more goals are on the horizon, stating, “Everybody likes to score goals. Fans like to see it, so it definitely changed the mood for the game, and the games coming up as well.”
Ayew, not content with just providing an assist, found the back of the net himself three minutes later, doubling the lead. Jean-Philippe Mateta from the spot, sealed a convincing 3-0 victory for the London-based side in the 79th minute at Selhurst Park.
This win propels Crystal Palace to 13th place in the Premier League standings with 28 points after 26 games. Ayew’s goal-scoring form, with back-to-back goals in consecutive games, adds to the positive outlook for the team as they look ahead to future challenges.