Crystal Palace 2-3 Burnley: Clarets Complete Stunning First-Half Comeback

A sensational first-half turnaround saw Burnley recover from 2-0 down to defeat Crystal Palace 3-2 at Selhurst Park in one of the Premier League’s most dramatic games of the season.

Crystal Palace’s £43 million signing Jørgen Strand-Larsen struck twice inside 32 minutes to give the hosts what looked like a commanding lead. However, Burnley responded with three goals in seven remarkable minutes before half-time through Hannibal Mejbri, Jaidan Anthony and a Jefferson Lerma own goal sparking boos from the Palace faithful at the interval.

The victory ends Burnley’s 15-match winless league run, stretching back to October 2025, and breathes life into their survival hopes.

Strand-Larsen Strikes Early

The match began with Palace firmly in control. The Eagles dominated possession and pinned Burnley back, and it felt only a matter of time before the breakthrough arrived.

It came in the 17th minute. Adam Wharton produced a delicate chipped through ball that Strand-Larsen expertly lifted over Martin Dúbravka. The Norwegian doubled his tally 15 minutes later, meeting Jefferson Lerma’s pinpoint cross with a diving header to make it 2-0.

Strand-Larsen’s brace meant he has now scored more goals in two games for Palace than he managed during the first half of the season at Wolves.

At that stage, it looked like routine business for the hosts.

Seven Minutes of Chaos Before Half-Time

Burnley found a lifeline in the 40th minute. Marcus Edwards cut the ball back to Hannibal Mejbri, who swept a stunning effort into the top-right corner from the edge of the box only his second goal for the Clarets and his first since April 2025.

That goal shifted momentum instantly.

Four minutes later, Burnley were level. Lesley Ugochukwu won possession in midfield and released Jaidan Anthony, who finished clinically at the near post to make it 2-2. Anthony now leads Burnley’s scoring charts with five league goals this season.

But Scott Parker’s side were not done.

Just before the break, Bashir Humphreys’ header took a cruel deflection off Jefferson Lerma and looped into the Palace net, completing an astonishing turnaround. From 2-0 up to 3-2 down in seven minutes, Selhurst Park was stunned.

Burnley Hold Firm

The second half was defined by Palace pressure and Burnley resilience.

Crystal Palace pushed relentlessly for an equaliser but found Burnley’s defensive line disciplined and determined. Despite limited attacking ventures from the visitors after the restart, their defensive organisation proved decisive.

Daichi Kamada, making his first start since December, came closest when Daniel Muñoz’s cross found him in space, but his header drifted into the side netting.

In stoppage time, Ismaïla Sarr had the final opportunity. His powerful volley looked destined for the net, but Dúbravka produced a brilliant save to preserve Burnley’s lead and seal a crucial three points.

What It Means

Crystal Palace remain 13th, now just eight points above the relegation zone.

Burnley climb to 18 points, narrowing the gap to safety to nine points. After ending their long winless streak in such dramatic fashion, Scott Parker’s men will believe survival is still possible.

They couldn’t… could they?