- Gayle scores twice
- Palace win 2nd PL game of 2016
- Adam put Stoke ahead
- Eagles safe from relegation
Crystal Palace beat Stoke City 2-1 at Selhurst Park as the Eagles secured their place in the Premier League for next season.
Dwight Gayle struck twice in the second half to turn the game on its head as Charlie Adam had given Stoke a first half lead.
The win puts Palace on 42 points, while Stoke are now without a win in five and have 48 points.
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An even start to the encounter saw plenty of tackles fly in and Stoke went close as Peter Crouch had a free header from a corner but couldn’t generate enough power on this effort.
Shaqiri was then played in but Wayne Hennessey saved well down low as the Potters continued to push for the opener.
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That opening goal arrived in the 26th minute as Adam latched onto a superb through ball from Marko Arnautovic and drilled home. 1-0 to Stoke.
349 - Charlie Adam has scored his first goal since scoring against Liverpool on the final day of last season, 349 days ago. Wait.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 7, 2016
Pape Souare sent an effort wide after a teasing cross but Palace struggled to get going as Stoke led at half time.
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Palace equalized after the break through Gayle as Yannick Bolasie ran into the box and was tackled by U.S. international Geoff Cameron but the ball broke free to Gayle who slotted home.
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Gayle then added another with 22 minutes to go as he slipped as he hit a free kick which flew into the top corner. 2-1.
Palace held on for the three points despite Arnautovic rounding Hennesey but putting his effort off target.
