Recap

Burnley Stun Crystal Palace with Dramatic 3-2 Comeback Victory

Crystal Palace hosted Burnley at Selhurst Park on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in a Premier League clash that turned into a five-goal thriller, ending with a shock 3-2 win for the visitors. Burnley, languishing in 19th place, mounted an incredible comeback from two goals down, scoring three times in seven frantic first-half minutes to secure their first league victory in 17 matches and end a 16-game winless streak.

Early Palace Dominance: Strand Larsen’s Dream Home Debut

The match kicked off with Crystal Palace asserting control, capitalizing on their home advantage at Selhurst Park. Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, making his home debut after a club-record signing, wasted no time in making an impact. In the 17th minute, he opened the scoring with his first goal for the Eagles, slotting home to send the home crowd into raptures and put Palace 1-0 up.

Palace continued to press, dominating possession and creating chances in a frosty start for the visitors. Their pressure paid off again in the 33rd minute when Strand Larsen struck his second, nodding home a well-delivered cross to double the lead to 2-0. This brace on his Selhurst Park bow spoiled what could have been a perfect night for Oliver Glasner’s side, who had halted their own poor run with a recent win at Brighton.

At this stage, Palace looked comfortable, with the Selhurst Park faithful sensing a routine victory. Strand Larsen’s clinical finishing highlighted his potential as a key signing, terrorizing Burnley’s defense with his movement and aerial presence. The hosts’ early dominance suggested they were on course for three points that would lift them further from mid-table concerns.

Burnley’s Seven-Minute Miracle: Mejbri, Anthony, and Lerma Own Goal Flip the Script

Just when Palace appeared in full control, Burnley ignited a remarkable turnaround in the dying embers of the first half. The turning point came in the 40th minute when Hannibal Mejbri pulled one back for the Clarets, rifling home to reduce the deficit to 2-1. This goal sparked life into Scott Parker’s beleaguered side, who had been second-bottom and desperate for points.

Momentum swung decisively four minutes later in the 44th minute, as Jaidon Anthony leveled the scores at 2-2. Anthony slotted smartly past Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack that exposed defensive lapses in the Eagles’ backline. The away fans erupted, sensing blood in the water.

Burnley weren’t finished. In the second minute of first-half stoppage time (45+2′), disaster struck for Palace when Jefferson Lerma inadvertently turned a Bashir Humphreys header into his own net, gifting Burnley a 3-2 lead. Described as a slice of fortune by commentators, the own goal came from a corner where Henderson got a touch first, but Lerma’s desperate clearance sealed the visitors’ advantage at the break.

This seven-minute spell— from Mejbri’s goal to Lerma’s own goal—saw Burnley score three times, transforming a 2-0 deficit into a lead. It was a capitulation from Palace, who went from cruise control to chaos, silencing Selhurst Park. Historical context underscores the rarity: Burnley became only the second team to trail by two goals in a Premier League away first half yet lead at halftime, emulating Tottenham’s 1995 feat at Newcastle.

Second-Half Pressure: Palace Push but Burnley Hold Firm

After the interval, the game became one-way traffic as Palace huffed and puffed in search of an equalizer. Oliver Glasner’s men dominated possession and territory, but Burnley’s defense, rarely staunch this season, stood resolute under Scott Parker’s guidance.

Key moments defined the second half. In the 58th minute, substitutions were made as both sides shuffled packs—Palace introducing fresh legs like Ismaïla Sarr to unlock the door. Around the 72nd-74th minutes, tension built with further changes, but Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was equal to the task.

Daichi Kamada missed a gilt-edged opportunity for Palace, squandering a clear chance that could have leveled the scores. In the 83rd minute, more subs altered the flow, but it was Sarr who came closest late on. In the 90+6th minute, Sarr’s left-footed shot from the center of the box was saved brilliantly by Dubravka in the top left corner, assisted by Yéremy Pino’s cross. This last-gasp denial preserved Burnley’s lead as the final whistle confirmed the 3-2 upset.

Burnley managed the game astutely, absorbing pressure and threatening on the break. Their resilience after the break turned a potential collapse into a famous victory, with Parker securing his first-ever Premier League away win in London on his ninth attempt (previously D3 L5).

Notable Performances and Key Statistics

Jorgen Strand Larsen was the standout for Palace despite the loss, his brace (17′, 33′) marking a dream home debut and showcasing why he’s a club-record investment. However, the Eagles’ defense crumbled, with Lerma’s own goal epitomizing their first-half meltdown. Dean Henderson made some stops but couldn’t prevent the three-goal barrage.

For Burnley, Hannibal Mejbri (40′) and Jaidon Anthony (44′) were heroes of the comeback, their goals igniting the revival. Martin Dubravka’s late save on Sarr was pivotal, earning him man-of-the-match honors in some reports. Jefferson Lerma’s own goal (45+2′) was unfortunate, but the team’s collective spirit shone through.

Statistically, Palace finished with more shots and possession but zero points to show. Burnley had fewer opportunities yet maximum efficiency. Timeline highlights include events at 35′, 36′, 45′, 58′, 72′, 73′, 74′, 83′, and 87′, pointing to a frantic affair.

Post-Match Implications: Table Shifts and Managerial Milestones

The result leaves Crystal Palace without a win in their last eight home Premier League games (D3 L5), their worst run at Selhurst since 1997-98 (15 games). They drop to 13th or 14th with 32 points from 26 games (8-8-10 or 8-8-9), mid-table but vulnerable.

Burnley, nine points from safety at 19th with 18 points (4-6-16), breathe life into their survival bid. This win ends a 16 or 17-match league drought, a massive boost for Parker.

Managerial notes: Glasner reached his 100th game in charge of Palace across competitions, with 42 wins—ninth-best among predecessors. Parker savored a landmark London away triumph.

Broader Context and Fan Reactions

Selhurst Park, usually a fortress, was stunned into silence by the turnaround. Palace fans who battled traffic felt the sting, as one broadcast noted: “Maybe some… might feel like they shouldn’t have bothered.” Burnley supporters celebrated wildly, their team defying odds in a relegation scrap.

This match exemplifies Premier League unpredictability—”nothing is safe,” as commentators put it. Burnley’s fortune from the own goal stemmed from momentum they created, refusing to collapse as they had before.

Looking ahead, Palace must regroup to end their home woes, while Burnley carry momentum. Highlights packages from NBC Sports and Sky Sports capture the drama, with the Lerma own goal a viral moment.

In a season of twists, Burnley’s resilience trumps Palace’s promise, delivering a thriller for the ages. The Clarets’ fightback will be etched in folklore, a beacon amid their struggles.