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Stoke logo
Premier League
Mar 21, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
Crystal Palace logo

1-2

FT(HT: 1-2)
Murray (41' pen.), Zaha (45')

Player Ratings: Stoke City 1-2 Crystal Palace

Sports Mole rates the best and worst players in Crystal Palace's 2-1 win over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

Crystal Palace claimed successive victories in the Premier League by beating Stoke City 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon.

Mame Biram Diouf gave Stoke the lead when he latched onto Charlie Adam's deflected free kick and finished from close range.

The visitors drew level through Glenn Murray's penalty, after Asmir Begovic was adjudged to have fouled Yannick Bolasie in the box.

On the stroke of half time, Wilfried Zaha raced onto Murray's header and kept his composure to beat the keeper with a low strike as Palace moved 11 points clear of the relegation zone

Here, Sports Mole rates the best and worst performances at the Britannia Stadium.


Mame Biram Diouf of Stoke City celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Crystal Palace at Britannia Stadium on March 21, 2015© Getty Images

STOKE:

Goal

Asmir Begovic: Gave away the penalty, although it appeared that he was fouled by Bolasie. Made some decent saves in the second half to prevent any further goals for the visitors. (6/10)

Defence

Geoff Cameron: Given a torrid afternoon by Bolasie, who caused him plenty of problems down the wing in the second half and pegged him back for large spells. (5/10)

Marc Wilson: Dependable performance from the Irishman, who coped well with the threat of Murray, but could have defended better as Zaha raced in behind to score. (6/10)

Ryan Shawcross: Allowed Bolasie to get the wrong side of him and win the penalty. He was solid for the rest of the match and made some vital interceptions. (6/10)

Erik Pieters: Got forward well in the first half, but he was pushed back more as the game went on. Fortunate not to pick up a second yellow card shortly after the break. (6/10)

Midfield

Charlie Adam: Probably the best player on the pitch for Stoke this afternoon. He delivered some wonderful crosses and set-piece deliveries, with his free kick leading to the first goal. (7/10)

Stephen Ireland: Used possession well as his side controlled the midfield, but struggled to really impose himself on the game. Had a big chance to score in the second half with a close-range effort that was well saved by Speroni. (6/10)

Steven N'Zonzi: Put in some tough tackles and was a dominant presence in midfield for Stoke. (6/10)

Attack

Peter Crouch: Disappointing afternoon for the striker, who did not have any chances to score. He still posed a threat in the air, but was replaced by Walters in the final minutes. (6/10)

Mame Biram Diouf: Took his goal extremely well to give Stoke the lead and made some great runs throughout the game. However, his impact faded after the break and he wasted some good chances to bring his side back level. (6/10)

Marko Arnautovic: Had a decent game and caused a number of problems for the Palace defence. (6/10)

Substitutes

Jonathan Walters: Was brought on with just over 10 minutes remaining and, although he made himself a nuisance, he never had any chances to score. (6/10)


Glenn Murray of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring their first goal from the penalty spor with James McArthur of Crystal Palace during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Crystal Palace at Britannia Stadium on March 21, 2015© Getty Images

CRYSTAL PALACE:

Goal

Julian Speroni: Brilliant display from the keeper, who made some stunning saves to help Palace claim the points. (9/10)

Defence

Joel Ward: Decent outing from the full back, who tried to get forward at every opportunity and helped to nullify the threat of Stoke's wingers. (7/10)

Damien Delaney: Very solid showing from the experienced Irishman. He marshalled the defence well and made some vital interceptions in the second half. (8/10)

Scott Dann: Another of the Palace back-line who enjoyed a good afternoon. He was impressive in the air and came close to scoring with a decent effort that crashed against the post. (7/10)

Pape Souare: Was rarely beaten down his side of the pitch, but he started to fade in the second half and he was replaced by Kelly. (6/10)

Midfield

Joe Ledley: Did not see too much of the ball in the first half as Stoke dominated. He gradually became more involved as the game wore on and was always reliable in possession. (6/10)

James McArthur: Was overshadowed by the Stoke midfield in the opening half. Showed more intent after the break and crashed a decent shot wide of the post, just moments after being booked for diving inside the box. (6/10)

Jason Puncheon: Had a lively game and caused the Stoke defence a number of problems. Should have scored early in the second half for Palace, but blazed over when well placed. (7/10)

Attack

Wilfried Zaha: Barely had a touch of the ball until he raced through to score Palace's second goal on the stroke of half time. He was much more menacing after the break and his pace caused a massive threat on the counter. (7/10)

Yannick Bolasie: Won the penalty for Palace, although a foul probably should have been given against him. In the second half, he was a constant threat to the Stoke defence, who just couldn't handle his trickery at times. (8/10)

Glenn Murray: Kept his nerve to score from the penalty spot and bring Palace back into the game. He also set up Zaha's goal and put in a tireless shift up front. (7/10)

Substitutes

Martin Kelly: Came on for Souare and helped to stem the flow of Stoke attacks. (6/10)

Dwight Gayle: Replaced Zaha for the final 10 minutes, but did not see much of the ball with the hosts on the front foot. (6/10)

Shola Ameobi: Was only on the pitch for the last four minutes and won a couple of free kicks to help his side see the game out. (6/10)


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Glenn Murray of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring their first goal from the penalty spor with James McArthur of Crystal Palace during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Crystal Palace at Britannia Stadium on March 21, 2015
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