The Premier League schedule for Saturday was majorly limited due to the FA Cup semi-finals. In fact, just three games took place. However, two of those games could have big implications on the bottom of the table. Here is what happened in those big games:
Burnley pick up a big win at Bournemouth
Burnley recorded a 3-1 victory at Bournemouth to create some extra breathing space from the teams in the relegation zone.
It looked like it would be a tough day for the visitors when the home side opened the scoring on four minutes. Jefferson Lerma headed on a Ryan Fraser free-kick and Burnley forward Ashley Barnes headed past his own goalkeeper from close-range with Nathan Ake in close proximity.
However, that was as good as it got for the home side, as the Clarets were level on 18 minutes. Chris Wood tapped home after a poor error from Cherries goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
Sean Dyche’s team took the lead just two minutes later. Chris Mepham scuffed a Dwight McNeil cross straight to Clarets midfielder Ashley Westwood, who fired home a powerful effort from the edge of the Bournemouth area.
Burnley continued to control proceedings and Ashley Barnes saw an effort on goal deflect just wide of goal early in the second period. The striker did get on the scoresheet on 56 minutes, though.
Begovic was once again at fault, spilling Charlie Taylor’s cross, with the striker scoring from the rebound. The home side struggled for a response. The visitors did go close through Ben Mee and Barnes to adding to their goal tally, though. The Cherries only real attempt on goal of the second half came in stoppage-time, as Callum Wilson fired well over the bar when well positioned.
The win could prove to be a massive one for the Clarets, as Dyche’s team are now eight points clear of the relegation zone, just two points shy of the 13th placed home side.
Late Milivojevic penalty gives Palace win at Newcastle
Palace’s Jeffrey Schlupp flashed an effort wide of goal before Salomon Rondon had a goal correctly ruled out for offside. The visiting goalkeeper Vicente Guaita parried a powerful effort from Matt Ritchie.
The visitors saw a from James Tomkins disallowed for offside, with James McArthur beyond the last Newcastle defender. Home centre-back Florian Lejeune headed straight at Palace goalkeeper Guaita.
Eagles substitute Christian Benteke was handed a good opportunity after good play from winger Andros Townsend. Roy Hodgson’s side did find the target on 81 minutes. Wilfried Zaha cut in from the right before DeAndre Yedlin felled the winger in the penalty area. Referee Stuart Attwell has little hesitation in pointing to the spot. Midfielder Luka Milivojevic stepped up and sent Martin Dubravka the wrong way.
Newcastle failed to respond and Palace moved up to 12th in the table, 11 points clear of the relegation zone. The Magpies are seven points clear of the drop, having played an extra game than 18th place Cardiff. Rafa Benitez’s team still has work to do, but they are outsiders to suffer relegation this season.
Saturday’s other Premier League result
Huddersfield 1-4 Leicester
Who recorded the result of the day in Saturday’s Premier League action?
