Crystal Palace Win 3-0 at Villa Ending Home Unbeaten Run Amid Transfer Speculation

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi delivered a standout performance by scoring a stunning curling goal in what could be his final match before a likely transfer to Liverpool, helping Palace to a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa. The win ended Villa's 19-game unbeaten home league run and highlighted ongoing struggles for the West Midlands club, who remain the only team in the top five English divisions yet to score this season. Villa's first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was absent amid Manchester United's reported interest, with his replacement Marco Bizot having a difficult game, conceding a penalty and two further goals. Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring with a penalty after a Villa defender fouled Daichi Kamada, and Ismaila Sarr added a late third with a header. The result underscored the contrasting fortunes of the clubs, with Palace maintaining their dominance over Villa in recent encounters and boosting their confidence ahead of the UEFA Conference League. Fans praised Guehi's professionalism, acknowledging his contribution amid transfer speculation, while Villa face mounting pressure to address their scoring woes and potential player departures before the transfer deadline.