Evann Guessand may have saved Oliver Glasner’s job at Crystal Palace with a 90th-minute winner against rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Palace supporters had harsher words for Glasner on their return home from a frustrating draw with HSK Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League on Thursday night, which triggered fan protests.
Within the first minute at Selhurst Park, Palace fans made it clear their feelings towards Glasner had not shifted with the Holmesdale Fanatics unfurling a “Glasner finished” banner.
There were frequent digs at Glasner, even at 1-0 up with Palace supporters singing: “To the humble boys 1-0,” referring to his comments that Palace fans need to remember where they came from before their recent success. They took every opportunity to mock the Austrian.
It was a cagey affair, with Wolves creating the better chances, but defender Ladislav Krejci gave Palace the advantage in the 61st minute after he was sent off for a second bookable offence for kicking the ball away.
A missed penalty from Tolu Arokodare, which he won himself in the 42nd minute after Adam Wharton lunged in from behind, seemed even more costly for the visitors.
Palace struggled to create anything cohesive for much of the time it was 11 vs 10.
However, substitute Evann Guessand – on loan from Aston Villa – stepped up to be the hero in the 90th minute, turning Tyrick Mitchell’s cross from the left past José Sá from close range.
After buying himself space with an intelligent run to find some space in the penalty area, an instinctive finish with his right foot found the bottom corner.
Following just one win in 15, this was a vital three points for Palace as they clawed 10 points clear of the relegation zone.