Four takeaways from Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win at West Ham – Olise winner is worth the wait and Mitchell rediscovers form

Crystal Palace enjoyed Sunday’s Premier League derby at West Ham United as Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise’s goals downed their east London hosts.

Here are Adam Sells’ four takeaways from the match.

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT

Michael Olise’s deflected added-time strike was Crystal Palace’s first win away from home in more than six months.

That victory came at St Mary’s when the Eagles came from behind to score in 90-plus minutes against Southampton.

This was the visitors’ first win away from Selhurst Park in this campaign and, on the balance of play, Palace were worthy winners – though for long periods it looked like it wasn’t going to happen.

David Moyes’ West Ham side were unbeaten in six home games in all competitions, while Palace were yet to win on the road this season – a draw would have been a decent result for Patrick Vieira’s men before the action started. But given the way the game unfolded, Palace would have been left with a feeling of what might have been had they only taken a point.

DECISIONS

Palace dominated for long periods but lacked a ruthless streak. There was plenty of good possession, but a reluctance to pass forwards in the final third and exploit their opponents which would have frustrated Vieira. There were countless good situations for the Eagles, but both the decision making and execution when the goal frame was in clear sight looked like it would catch up with Palace.

After an excellent opening period, Said Benrahma clinically finished from range against the run of play and it looked that Palace may fall victim to the harsh realities of the Premier League.

In the end Palace got what the performance warranted. If they can discover their clinical edge then a top-half finish will surely be within reach.

TYRICK’S TIME

Tyrick Mitchell is rediscovering the form that earned him an England cap last March. The likeable young defender put in an excellent display at the London Stadium.

The left-back’s form had dropped off a little towards the end of the last campaign, but of late it looks like it is on the rise again and there was further evidence here.

Mitchell’s ability to get up and down the pitch was prevalent in the corresponding fixture last season and it appears he likes the wide-open spaces in East London.

ALL SET

This was a huge victory in the context of Palace’s season. Should they gain a draw or better in next weekend’s visit to the City Ground, when they take on bottom-placed Nottingham Forest, they would go into the long World Cup break with 20-plus points from 14 games.

That’s one huge step to preserving Premier League status, together with perhaps the best opportunity for the club to achieve its highest=ever finish in the world’s best league, particularly if they can add a few players to the squad in January.

INSET PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD

MAIN PICTURE: PA