Michael Olise made a notable return to Crystal Palace’s starting lineup by scoring the decisive goal in their 3-2 comeback victory over Sheffield United in the Premier League, providing relief for Eagles boss Roy Hodgson.
On loan from Villarreal, Ben Brereton Diaz stunned the home crowd with a goal within 21 seconds at Selhurst Park, but Olise played a crucial role in setting up Eberechi Eze for the equalizer. James McAtee restored the Blades’ lead, only for Olise to once again assist Eze, completing his brace and leveling the score within the first half-hour.
In the second half, Olise secured the win for Palace, making sure they walked away with all three points. Despite a late effort from Anel Ahmedhodzic hitting the crossbar, Sheffield United, the Premier League’s bottom side, couldn’t salvage any points.
Roy Hodgson’s team, with just one win in their last 10 league contests, saw the return of Olise, who had recovered from his second hamstring injury of the season. The victory was crucial for Palace, with Hodgson downplaying it as a “must-win” but acknowledging the challenges posed by numerous absentees throughout the season.
The match saw Brereton Diaz opening the scoring for Sheffield United, Olise assisting Eze for the equalizer, McAtee restoring the Blades’ lead, and Eze scoring his second to level the score again—all within a frenetic first half. The second half saw Olise securing the win for Palace, although concerns arose when he and Eze were substituted, potentially as precautionary measures.
Despite Sheffield United’s attempt to salvage a point with Ahmedhodzic hitting the crossbar and Henderson denying Brooks, the match ended with Crystal Palace securing the victory.