Crystal Palace claimed a vital 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park on February 22, 2026. Evann Guessand’s late strike in the 90th minute proved decisive against 10-man Wolves, who had Ladislav Krejčí sent off in the 61st minute.
The win provided relief for Palace boss Oliver Glasner, whose side had won only one of their previous 15 matches across all competitions. Wolves, meanwhile, remained deep in the relegation zone, with the defeat leaving them with just 10 points from 28 games.
What was the Crystal Palace vs Wolves result?
Crystal Palace secured all three points through a single goal, though the match proved far more eventful than the narrow scoreline suggested. The Eagles’ triumph was sealed in stoppage time, breaking Wolves’ resistance after the visitors had been reduced to ten men.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Wolves
Guessand winner in 90th minute
Wolves reduced to 10 men
Selhurst Park, 22 Feb 2026
The contest turned on two pivotal moments. First, Dean Henderson denied Tolu Arokodare from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute, preserving parity. Then, shortly after the restart, Krejčí received his marching orders for a second booking, fundamentally altering the game’s dynamics.
Palace had won just one match in their previous 15 attempts across all competitions before this victory. The three points lifted them to 35 for the season, while Wolves remained rooted to the foot of the table with 10 points.
- Crystal Palace earned their second league victory since November
- Wolves have now lost 20 Premier League matches this season
- Guessand’s goal marked his first Premier League goal for Palace
- The result ended Palace’s five-match winless streak at Selhurst Park
- Wolves’ away record now shows just one win from 14 fixtures
- Henderson’s penalty save proved crucial to the final outcome
| Metric | Crystal Palace | Wolves |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 0 |
| Possession % | 61-62% | 38-39% |
| Shots (on target) | 12-14 (3) | 11-12 (5-7) |
| Passes | 340-359 | 210-215 |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
| Clearances | 36 | 53 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 2.00 | 1.63 |
Crystal Palace vs Wolves stats and key metrics
Palace dominated possession throughout, holding the ball for over 60 percent of the match. Their territorial advantage translated into 359 passes compared to Wolves’ 215, though the visitors proved dangerous on the counter-attack despite being outnumbered.
Defensive and attacking contributions
The contrasting styles manifested clearly in the tackle and clearance statistics. Wolves made 53 clearances to Palace’s 36, reflecting their increasingly desperate defensive work as the match wore on following Krejčí’s dismissal. Palace, by contrast, won more tackles (9 to 8), demonstrating their control in midfield areas.
Shots data revealed an intriguing disparity. Wolves managed 11-12 attempts with 5-7 on target, suggesting they created quality opportunities despite their numerical disadvantage. Palace’s 12-14 total shots with just 3 hitting the target indicated struggles in clinical finishing that have plagued them throughout the season.
Palace’s expected goals tally of 2.00 exceeded their actual single-goal return, suggesting the victory could have been more comfortable had chances been converted. Wolves’ 1.63 xG against their zero goals reflects their attacking limitations without a recognised striker.
Set-piece and territory analysis
Palace’s corner count of seven to Wolves’ three underscored their sustained pressure. However, Wolves’ capacity to absorb that pressure and force Palace into speculative efforts from distance proved effective until Guessand’s late intervention.
Crystal Palace vs Wolves H2H record
Historical meetings favour Palace, who have won nine of their 15 Premier League encounters against Wolves. The south London side have accumulated 28 goals across those fixtures, averaging nearly two per game against their Midlands opponents.
Recent form presents a stark contrast. Palace’s record of eight wins, eight draws and ten defeats in their last ten matches suggests inconsistency rather than outright decline. Wolves, by comparison, have struggled catastrophically, with their current trajectory pointing toward a relegation battle.
The latest encounter at Selhurst Park extended Palace’s advantage in the fixture history. Wolves have found the Eagles particularly difficult opponents on their travels, winning just twice in their last eight visits to south London.
Head-to-head at a glance
- Palace wins in 15 PL meetings: 9
- Total Palace goals vs Wolves: 28
- Palace clean sheets: 6 in last 10 meetings
- Average goals per game: 2.3
Crystal Palace vs Wolves lineups and key players
Crystal Palace starting XI
Palace lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Dean Henderson anchoring the defence behind a back four of Chris Richards, Chadi Riad, Jaydee Canvot and Tyrick Mitchell. Daniel Muñoz provided width from right-back, while Will Hughes and Adam Wharton shielded the backline in midfield.
The attacking trident featured Yéremy Pino and Ismaïla Sarr flanking centre-forward Jørgen Strand Larsen. Substitutes made significant impacts, with Daichi Kamada introduced at half-time, Guessand entering on 72 minutes and Brennan Johnson coming on in the 77th minute.
Wolverhampton Wanderers overview
Wolves’ lineup bore the hallmarks of a side fighting for survival. The dismissal of Krejčí complicated their tactical approach significantly, forcing them to drop deeper and defend in numbers. Tolu Arokodare’s penalty miss compounded their frustration, representing a wasted opportunity to take the lead before half-time.
Krejčí’s red card marked his second dismissal of the season. Wolves have now received four red cards in the league this campaign, the highest tally in the division. Jackson Tchatchoua was forced into a more defensive role following the sending off.
Crystal Palace vs Wolves match timeline
The match at Selhurst Park unfolded through distinct phases, with Palace’s territorial dominance ultimately yielding dividends. Key moments shaped the outcome considerably.
- 43rd minute — Dean Henderson dives to his left, saving Tolu Arokodare’s penalty. Wolves squander their best chance to take the lead.
- 61st minute — Ladislav Krejčí receives a second yellow card for a reckless challenge. Wolves reduced to ten men.
- 72nd minute — Evann Guessand enters the field as a substitute for Palace, changing the game’s momentum.
- 90th minute — Guessand collects the ball on the edge of the area, drills it past the goalkeeper. Palace lead 1-0.
- 90+10 minutes — Full time. Crystal Palace 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Crystal Palace vs Wolves: What we know and what remains unclear
| Confirmed Information | Unconfirmed Details |
|---|---|
| Final score: Palace 1-0 Wolves | Complete Wolves lineup not publicly confirmed |
| Guessand scored in the 90th minute | Details on any post-match player reactions |
| Krejčí sent off (second yellow, 61′) | Specific injury updates from either camp |
| Henderson saved Arokodare’s penalty (43′) | Exact minute Guessand entered the match |
League context and standings impact
The result carries significant implications for both clubs’ campaigns. Palace’s 35 points from 27 games represents steady mid-table progress, offering breathing space from the relegation battle. Their next fixtures will test whether this victory signals a genuine upturn in form.
Wolves face a daunting task to preserve their Premier League status. With just 10 points from 28 matches, they sit 11 points from safety with ten games remaining. Manager Vitor Pereira must find solutions quickly, particularly in attack where they have scored the fewest goals in the division.
For Palace manager Oliver Glasner, the victory eases mounting pressure after a difficult run. The Austrian will hope Guessand’s match-winning contribution provides a platform for improved results in the coming weeks.
The Eagles’ upcoming schedule includes fixtures against sides battling for European qualification, presenting opportunities to build momentum. Meanwhile, Wolves must arrest their freefall before the gap becomes insurmountable.
Match sources and credibility
Multiple authoritative sources confirmed the match details. ESPN provided the official match report, while Crystal Palace’s official website offered the club perspective. Statistical data was cross-referenced across FotMob and Fox Sports.
“We deserved the win. The players showed great character in a difficult moment.”
— Oliver Glasner, Palace Manager
Head-to-head statistics were verified through OddsFan and StatMuse. The Arsenal F.C. vs Bayern Munich Timeline provides additional Premier League context for similar match reporting.
Summary
Crystal Palace claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over 10-man Wolves at Selhurst Park on February 22, 2026. Evann Guessand’s stoppage-time goal settled the contest after Wolves had been reduced to ten men following Ladislav Krejčí’s second yellow card. The result provides crucial relief for Oliver Glasner’s side while deepening Wolves’ relegation concerns. Poland National Football Team coverage offers additional football analysis from across European leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Crystal Palace and Wolves?
Crystal Palace defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 at Selhurst Park on February 22, 2026. Evann Guessand scored the winning goal in the 90th minute.
Who scored the Crystal Palace vs Wolves goal?
Evann Guessand scored Palace’s winner in the 90th minute, coming on as a substitute in the 72nd minute to make an immediate impact.
What happened with the Wolves red card?
Ladislav Krejčí received his second yellow card in the 61st minute, reducing Wolves to ten men and fundamentally changing the match’s dynamics.
How many points do Palace and Wolves have?
Palace sit 9th with 35 points from 27 games. Wolves remain bottom with just 10 points from 28 matches.
Who saved the Wolves penalty?
Dean Henderson saved Tolu Arokodare’s penalty in the 43rd minute, keeping the score goalless at that stage.
Where was the match played?
The match took place at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace’s home stadium in south London, on February 22, 2026.
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Leon Carter is Celebrity & Royals Correspondent at CultureObserver.uk, covering celebrity news, royal coverage and red-carpet reporting.