Zaha scores 2, Palace beats Villa 3-1 for 1st EPL win

Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game, during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, at Selhurst Park, London, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022. (Zac Goodwin/PA via AP)

LONDON (AP) — Wilfried Zaha underlined his importance to Crystal Palace with two more goals as his team picked up a first Premier League win of the season by fighting back to beat Aston Villa 3-1 on Saturday.

The forward, who scored for Palace in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Monday, swiftly canceled out Ollie Watkins’ fifth-minute opener at Selhurst Park before converting on the rebound after his penalty in the 58th was saved by Emiliano Martinez.

Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta grabbed the Eagles’ clinching goal with his first touch, with Zaha again involved.

Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates scoring his side's third goal of the game, during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, at Selhurst Park, London, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022. (Zac Goodwin/PA via AP)

Zaha has now scored in each of the Eagles’ last seven top-flight victories and was given a standing ovation when he was brought off late on.

Patrick Vieira’s team also had Jeffrey Schlupp’s goal disallowed for offside during a dominant performance.

Villa faded fast after the rapid start, though did hit the crossbar through Leon Bailey at 1-1, and manager Steven Gerrard will leave south London with plenty to ponder.

Villa has lost both of its away games so far, while winning at home to Everton.

By Associated Press

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