Crystal Palace moved off the bottom of the Premier League table thanks to a 1-0 win over West Ham at Selhurst Park.
The success brought up Tony Pulis’ first win in charge of the Eagles thanks to Marouane Chamakh’s goal just before the interval.
West Ham did have a goal disallowed in the second half. Stewart Downing thought he had levelled for his side but Joey O’Brien fouled Chamakh in the process which was spotted by the referee’s assistant.
Palace are now into 10/3 to stay up with bet365 following the three points. Alternatively they are 1/5 to drop down to the Championship following their first season back in the top flight.
Chamakh’s header deep into the opening 45 minutes was his first goal since August as he made no mistake of Barry Bannan’s well-timed cross.
Jason Puncheon and Cameron Jerome had opportunities to extend the home side’s lead but the Hammers had Jussi Jaaskelainen to thank for keeping them out.
The visitors did have plenty of possession in the London derby but were unable to make the most of it. Kevin Nolan and Mohamed Diame both had good chances to get on the scoresheet but lacked the composure to do so in the final third of the pitch.
The night got worse for West Ham after the whistle as Ravel Morrison was booked for a push on Joel Ward. That means he will miss his side’s next game against Liverpool which will come as a blow for manager Sam Allardyce.
The east-London club are now 11/2 to be relegated with bet365 following their defeat and 1/9 to remain in the Premier League at the end of the season.
