Ayew’s late VAR-assisted goal gives Palace derby win over Hammers

Jordan Ayew (photo: Getty Images)

Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew’s dramatic late winner helped secure a 2-1 victory at West Ham United. 

The Ghana international’s strike in the 87th minute was initially ruled out by the linesman for offside.

But a check by the video assistant referee overruled the officials on the pitch and he claimed his third goal of the season.

Sebastien Haller had put the Hammers ahead after well-worked passing move on 54 minutes.

Palace drew level from the penalty spot on 63 minutes after Declan Rice handled Cheikhou Kouyate’s cross in the area.

Patrick van Aanholt – in the absence of the suspended Luka Milivojevic – fired the spotkick into the bottom left corner.

Then three minutes from time came the drama. Substitute Andros Townsend’s delivery was knocked down by Martin Kelly and Ayew swept into the net.

The linesman had flagged for offside, but a lengthy VAR check overturned the decision as it showed the attacker was marginally onside.

It was Palace’s first win at the London Stadium and it propels them up to fourth in the Premier League.

West Ham: Roberto, Cresswell (Zabaleta 84), Ogbonna, Diop, Fredericks, Noble, Rice, Yarmolenko (Wilshere 78), Anderson, Lanzini (Fornals 68), Haller.

Not used: Martin, Balbuena, Snodgrass, Ajeti.

Palace: Guaita, Ward, Cahill, Kelly, Van Aanholt, Schlupp, McArthur, McCarthy (Townsend 81), Kouyate, Zaha, Ayew (Benteke 90).

Not used: Hennessey, Tomkins, Dann, Camarasa, Meyer.