Recap

Guessand’s Dramatic Late Strike Rescues Palace Against 10-Man Wolves

Crystal Palace secured a vital 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park on February 22, 2026, thanks to substitute Evann Guessand’s 90th-minute winner, easing mounting pressure on manager Oliver Glasner.

The match, played in Matchweek 27 of the 2025-26 Premier League season, saw Palace, sitting 13th with 35 points from 27 games (9 wins, 8 draws, 10 losses), finally end a dismal run without a home league win that stretched back through November, December, January, and most of February. Wolves, languishing in 20th place with just 10 points from 27 matches (1 win, 7 draws, 19 losses), suffered their second successive Premier League defeat at Selhurst Park. Guessand’s first goal for the club, a clinical finish from Tyrick Mitchell’s cut-back, came after Wolves were reduced to 10 men when defender Ladislav Krejci received a second yellow card in the 61st minute.

First Half: Henderson’s Penalty Heroics Keep Palace Afloat

The opening 45 minutes were tense and scrappy, with Palace struggling to find rhythm amid fan discontent. Supporters displayed banners criticizing the board as “inept” and accusing Glasner of “disrespecting fans” following his pre-match comments, reflecting the Eagles’ poor form—only one win in their previous 15 games across all competitions. Palace had endured a frustrating midweek Conference League draw against Zrinjski Mostar, adding to the gloom.

Early chances fell Palace’s way. In the 15th minute, Yeremy Pino spurned a golden opportunity after Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera’s poor backpass left him one-on-one, but Pino scooped his effort wide. Minutes later, around the 31st mark, Pino went close again from a corner, scuffing a shot against the post after another defensive lapse. Despite these moments, Wolves dominated possession and created more sustained pressure, particularly from set pieces. Tolu Arokodare and Mosquera threatened from corners, testing Palace keeper Dean Henderson.

The game’s turning point arrived in the 43rd minute. Adam Wharton fouled Matheus Cunha inside the box, conceding a penalty that could have sent Palace into halftime trailing. Arokodare stepped up but fired a weak spot-kick straight at Henderson, who dove the right way and parried it to safety. Henderson’s save was pivotal, preventing what would have been a first-half deficit for the hosts and earning him Player of the Match honors. The half ended goalless, with Palace grateful for their captain’s reflexes amid a display described as poor.

Second Half: Red Card Shifts Momentum, Guessand Delivers

Palace emerged with renewed intent after the break, making changes to inject energy. Glasner, who had rung the changes with four alterations from the side that faced Burnley previously, shuffled further. Wolves, however, initially held firm. The 58th minute saw minor action, but the game’s complexion changed dramatically around the hour mark.

In the 61st minute, Ladislav Krejci picked up his second yellow card of the half—deemed harsh by some observers—following an initial booking just moments earlier. The defender’s dismissal for two fouls in quick succession left Wolves with 10 men, tilting the balance decisively. Palace piled on pressure thereafter, with substitutions proving key. Tyrick Mitchell, introduced from the bench, began terrorizing the Wolves backline.

Key stoppages peppered the half: subs at 45′, 67′, 72′, and 77′; a free kick won by Jackson Tchatchoua at 90’+9′. Wolves defended stoutly, with Jose Sa making crucial interventions and Hugo Bueno, Andre, and Bellegarde standing out at 7/10 ratings. Yet Palace’s persistence paid off in the 90th minute. Mitchell cut back from the right, and Guessand swept home first-time for his debut Palace goal—a low, hard finish that gave Sa no chance. The stadium erupted, lifting the sour mood and silencing critics temporarily.

The final whistle blew at 90’+10′, confirming the 1-0 scoreline. It was a gritty, unconvincing win for Palace, but three points that moved them to 38 points, six clear of the drop zone, while Wolves remained rooted to the bottom with goal difference in tatters.

Player Performances: Henderson Shines, Guessand Stars

Dean Henderson was the undisputed hero, his first-half penalty save keeping Palace in it, and his command between the sticks earning Player of the Match plaudits. Evann Guessand, the super-sub, transformed the game with his clinical finish, justifying Glasner’s faith. Tyrick Mitchell excelled post-substitution, providing the killer assist.

Yeremy Pino was wasteful upfront, missing big chances early, while Adam Wharton’s penalty concession was a low point. For Wolves, Hugo Bueno, Andre, Bellegarde, and Mane showed fight despite the numerical disadvantage. Jose Sa made saves but couldn’t stop the late goal; Tchatchoua, Mosquera, and Santiago Bueno were solid until the red card. Krejci had a nightmare, his sending-off costly; Arokodare fluffed the penalty. Subs Wolfe and Joao Gomes couldn’t salvage it; Angel Gomes didn’t feature.

Managerial Context and Fan Reaction

Victory eased uncertainty around Oliver Glasner, who had faced banners labeling him “finished” and the board “inept.” Glasner took blame for the negativity post-match, but this result—Palace’s second win in 16 games—buys time. Wolves’ woes deepen; their lone league win this season underscores relegation peril.

Statistical Breakdown and League Implications

Palace edged possession and shots, capitalizing on the man advantage. Wolves’ set-piece threat was neutralized by Henderson. In the table, Arsenal lead with 61 points, City on 56; Palace at 13th (38 pts now), Wolves dead last.

This result halts Palace’s home drought, boosting morale ahead of a congested schedule. For Wolves, it’s another blow in a dismal campaign. Guessand’s intervention proves decisive in a match defined by resilience, a red card, and a goalkeeper’s brilliance.