Premier League • England

Crystal Palace

2 - 3

Burnley

Selhurst Park, London

Wednesday, 11 Feb 2026 at 19:30

Burnley Stun Palace with First-Half Blitz in Five-Goal Thriller at Selhurst Park

Burnley produced a remarkable turnaround at Selhurst Park, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Crystal Palace 3-2 in a pulsating Premier League encounter. Palace looked in complete control after racing into a 2-0 lead inside 33 minutes, but Burnley struck three times in a devastating five-minute spell before halftime to snatch all three points. The hosts dominated possession with 65% and peppered Burnley's goal with 21 shots, but could only muster three on target. Burnley, meanwhile, were ruthlessly efficient, matching Palace's shots on target tally despite having just eight attempts overall. The visitors' clinical finishing and resilience under pressure proved decisive in a match that swung dramatically just before the break.

Crystal Palace

6.4/10

Crystal Palace started brightly, dictating play with their 3-4-2-1 formation and stretching Burnley with width and quick transitions. Their dominance paid off with two well-taken goals in the opening half-hour, and they looked set for a comfortable evening. However, defensive lapses and a loss of composure before halftime saw them concede three times in quick succession. Despite sustained pressure in the second half, Palace were unable to break down Burnley's resolute defence, with their finishing letting them down despite 21 shots and 8 corners.

Key Players

E. Guessand: Scored Palace's opening goal, providing early impetus.

J. S. Larsen: Added Palace's second goal, capping a strong first-half display.

A. Wharton: Controlled midfield early, helping Palace dominate possession.

Strengths

Dominated possession and tempoCreated numerous scoring chancesEffective wing play in the first half

Weaknesses

Defensive lapses before halftimePoor conversion rate (3 shots on target from 21 attempts)Loss of composure under Burnley's pressure

Burnley

7.8/10

Burnley weathered an early storm, struggling to contain Palace's attacking threat and falling two goals behind. However, their response was emphatic, as they capitalized on Palace's defensive errors to score three goals in rapid succession just before halftime. Despite having only 35% possession and limited attacking opportunities, Burnley were clinical in front of goal and defended resolutely in the second half, frustrating Palace and seeing out a famous away win.

Key Players

Z. Flemming: Scored and assisted during Burnley's first-half comeback.

M. Edwards: Netted Burnley's first goal to spark the turnaround.

M. Dubravka: Made crucial saves in the second half to preserve the lead.

Strengths

Clinical finishing in key momentsResilient defensive organization after taking the leadEffective counter-attacking

Weaknesses

Slow start and poor first-half defendingLimited possession and attacking territoryConceded numerous chances and corners

⏱️Key Moments

17' - Goal

E. Guessand opens the scoring for Palace after sustained pressure.

33' - Goal

J. S. Larsen doubles Palace's lead, finishing a flowing move.

40' - Goal

M. Edwards pulls one back for Burnley, sparking their comeback.

44' - Goal

Z. Flemming equalizes for Burnley, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.

45' - Goal

J. Anthony completes the turnaround, giving Burnley a 3-2 lead before halftime.

📋Tactical Analysis

Both sides lined up in matching 3-4-2-1 formations, leading to an intriguing midfield battle. Palace used their wing-backs effectively in the first half, stretching Burnley's back line and creating overloads. Their ball retention and passing triangles allowed them to dominate possession and territory, but they struggled to penetrate Burnley's deep block after falling behind. Burnley, meanwhile, sat compact and looked to hit on the break, with their front three exploiting spaces left by Palace's advancing wing-backs. The visitors' tactical discipline was evident in the second half as they dropped deeper, defended in numbers, and relied on swift counters to relieve pressure. Substitutions in the second half saw Palace throw on more attacking options, but Burnley's defensive shape remained intact, with midfielders dropping deeper to protect the back three. Set pieces were a key outlet for Palace, but Burnley dealt with them well, limiting clear-cut chances.

Turning Point

Burnley's three-goal blitz between the 40th and 45th minutes, overturning a two-goal deficit in stunning fashion.

⭐Man of the Match

Z. Flemming

Instrumental in Burnley's comeback with a goal and an assist in the crucial first-half spell.