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Match Analysis: Crystal Palace 0-0 Burnley

Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the goalless draw between Crystal Palace and Burnley at Selhurst Park this afternoon.

Crystal Palace and Burnley remain without a Premier League win this season after playing out a goalless draw at Selhurst Park.

Scott Dann came closest to opening the scoring in the first half when his headed effort which came back off the crossbar, while Wilfried Zaha saw his shot saved on the line.

It was Burnley who should have won the game late on, however, with referee Mike Dean awarding the Clarets a penalty which Scott Arfield failed to convert six minutes from time.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how the game unfolded.

Match statistics

Crystal Palace
Shots: 11
On target: 3
Possession: 45%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 12

Burnley
Shots: 7
On target: 3
Possession: 55%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 10

Was the result fair?

It would be harsh to suggest that Crystal Palace were lucky to escape with a point, but Burnley really should have picked up their victory of the season this afternoon having been awarded a late penalty. Despite being a stalemate, it was not the worst game on the eye, with the first 25 minutes in particular seeing an entertaining, opening contest. Both sides created half-chances throughout, although it was Palace who looked the more dangerous, with Dann and Zaha coming particularly close in the first half.

Crystal Palace's performance

The Eagles have brought in a few new faces over the summer - not least a new manager - so it will inevitably take time for the squad to settle down. Zaha struggled during his short stint at Manchester United, but he looked particularly lively this afternoon, although his end product needs working on judging by today's display. There was also a promising showing from James McArthur, who was arguably Palace's star man this afternoon, making up for the poor showing from captain Mile Jedinak.

Burnley's performance

A Danny Ings penalty appeal aside, Burnley were fortunate to not fall behind in the early stages at Selhurst Park having rode their luck on occasions. That said, Sean Dyche's game plan would have worked to perfection, if not for that late Julian Speroni penalty save which will make this draw perhaps feel like a defeat. The Clarets have shown already this season that they will battle all the way through games, but they have now gone 430 minutes without a goal, which is rather worrying. A hamstring injury to Ings will also concern supporters of the Lancashire outfit, with a lengthy spell on the sidelines likely.

Sports Mole's man of the match

James McArthur: In truth there was no one stand out player, although McArthur, signed from Wigan Athletic for £7m on transfer deadline day, showed promising signs in front of the Palace back four. He will play a huge part for his new side this season.

Biggest gaffe

It may seem harsh to call it a gaffe considering that the goalkeeper produced a decent save, but Arfield really should have stuck his penalty away. Those moments can often prove the difference between relegation and staying up come the end of the campaign. That aside, Arfield looked one of his side's more livelier players, so he should not feel too disheartened.

Referee performance

Mike Dean had a couple of decisions to make at either end of the field, with Ings's early shout for a penalty setting the tone. Dean turned down that appeal, instead booking the striker, while Jason Puncheon was also annoyed when his own claim was declined. The experienced referee also got the late Burnley penalty decision spot on to cap a fine display from the officials.

What next?

Crystal Palace: Warnock's side face a daunting trip to Goodison Park next weekend, still in search of their first victory of the season.

Burnley: There are certainly positives for Burnley to take away from today's game, and they will look to put the lessons learnt into practice when they play host to Sunderland.

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James McArthur of Wigan Athletic in action during the FA Cup with Budweiser Third Round Replay between Milton Keynes Dons and Wigan Athletic at Stadium mk on January 14, 2014
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