Late strikes from Jhon Duran, Douglas Luiz and Leon Bailey earned Aston Villa a 3-1 comeback win over Crystal Palace in an entertaining Premier League match at Villa Park on Saturday.
After failing to create much in a goalless first half, Palace upped the tempo and hit Villa with a sucker punch when striker Odsonne Edouard pounced, firing home Jean-Philippe Mateta’s cross in the 47th minute.
Palace spurned chances to kill the game off and were made to rue their profligacy in the 87th minute, with Duran chesting down a cross from Lucas Digne and firing home a thunderous half-volley to level.
Eagles manager Roy Hodgson was taken ill before the game despite traveling to the Midlands, leaving assistants Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington to take charge.
“Unfortunately Roy Hodgson was taken unwell earlier today and is not at Villa Park,” read a statement.
“Roy is in contact with Paddy McCarthy, who will take the team today assisted by Ray Lewington.
“Roy sent his best wishes to the team ahead of the match.
“We send our very best wishes to Roy.”
Villa went ahead eight minutes into added time when Luiz converted a penalty after Chris Richards brought down Ollie Watkins and Palace’s misery was complete when Bailey finished off a rapid counter-attack to seal the three points.
