Player ratings from Crystal Palace’s 4-3 win against West Ham – Forward stars as Eagles hit the 40-point mark

Wilfried Zaha returned from injury to start Crystal Palace’s London derby against West Ham United in the early Saturday kick-off and the Palace captain promptly led his team to a 4-3 win in a rollercoaster match.

The win means Palace move up to 11th spot, but crucially, 40 points – a target boss Roy Hodgson has repeatedly said would ensure safety and what he was brought in for – with four games remaining.

Here are Andrew McSteen’s player ratings from Selhurst Park:

SAM JOHNSTONE – 6

Could not do much about his defence in front of him who failed to deal with West Ham’s corners, not much else to do.

 JOEL WARD – 5

Back in starting 11 after Wolves. Unable to deal with the West Ham attack for their third but provided safety in the right-back position.

JOACHIM ANDERSEN – 5

Recovered from injury on Tuesday against Wolves to start, but will be disappointed his defence conceded three from set-pieces.

MARC GUÉHI – 5

Second-best to unexpected ball back across the Palace six-yard box which saw Soucek open the scoring and like Andersen, will be annoyed about three conceded set-piece goals.

TYRICK MITCHELL – 6

Snuffed out any West Ham chances down the right and linked up well with Doucoure, Zaha, Olise and Eze.

CHEICK DOUCOURE – 7

Back after being rested against Wolves where the Eagles missed his intelligent short-passing. It was his pre-assist to Olise which helped set-up the first, but switched off for West Ham’s second and unable to deal with West Ham attack for their third. Subbed off 90+5.

JEFFREY SCHLUPP – 7

Returned to starting XI and provided much-needed energy throughout. Chased after some lethargic West Ham passing to dispossess Soucek and slot home to make it 3-1 but beaten easily by the same player for West Ham’s second and again for their third.

EBERECHI EZE – 7

His intelligent runs and constant attacking threat ensured West Ham could not relax. His run and subsequent penalty midway through the second half gave the Eagles some breathing room.

JORDAN AYEW – 8

Slick finish in front of the Holmesdale to even up the score after the home side went behind five minutes earlier. A simple pre-assist to Olise set up the cross for the Zaha tap-in for Palace’s second and his one-two with Eze in the 63rd led to the penalty which put them two-clear. Constant thorn in the side of West Ham, drawing easy fouls and allow the Eagles to get up field in transition.

MICHAEL OLISE – 7

Failed to clear the corner from which West Ham opened their scoring, but redeemed himself soon after with a simple but effective assist for Ayew’s goal. Provided another assist moments later for Zaha to tap in and put Palace in the lead. Forced Fabianski into a fingertip save from a rasping 54th minute shot from distance.

WILFRIED ZAHA – 7

Back in team as captain and would not have had an easier finish in front of the Holmesdale Road in his entire Palace career. Excellent example of anticipation and positioning for the deflected Olise cross. Dead leg after being hacked by Coufal on the hour. Taken off in the 83rd.

ROY HODGSON – 10

Reached the 40-point mark so job done. Failed to fully control Fabianski’s clearance in the 23rd minute whilst wearing a full business suit, shirt, tie and ‘smart shoes’, but him, his coaching team and most of the SE25 faithful enjoyed it.

 SUBS

LUKA MILIVOJEVIC – 6

After starting at Wolves, came on with a few minutes left in additional time but not enough time to affect the game.

ODSONNE EDOUARD – 6

Came on in the 83rd minute and his running stretched a tiring West Ham.