Pardew knew nothing about Iheanacho prior to late victor

Norwich City beat Bournemouth 3-1 and promoted Watford sank Swansea City 1-0, Odion Ighalo’s second-half strike securing their first league win of the season.

After beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the last round of Premier League fixtures, Pardew’s side will take on table toppers City at Selhurst Park on Saturday and the Eagles boss is eager to keep his players firmly grounded as they prepare for their next big test.

“I said before the game it would be a very tough game“, Pellegrini told reporters.

Pellegrini was planning on making the substitution before since Bony had only been with the team just a few days, but he told him he was okay.

With 20 minutes remaining Jason Puncheon had an excellent chance to take the lead for Palace, when he met Souare’s cross from the left.

“He is a very important player for us. He needs maybe to be included in the movements of our squad for more time, but if we need him at this moment he can play without problems”. He’s one of the reasons I didn’t bring another striker in when we sold Edin Dzeko.

Iheanacho has been promised chances this season – and his late victor against Palace was the flawless way to force himself into Pellegrini’s plans.

Pardew overstepped into Pellegrini’s technical area to protest a Yaya Toure’s rash challenge on James McArthur and the Chilean lost control grabbing his counterpart before a touchline a row ensued.

It’s first-place vs. second-place on Saturday when Manchester City heads to Selhurst Park to face off against Crystal Palace (Watch live, 10 a.m. ET on NBCSN and online via Live Extra).

However, they had the pluck to push their men forward when Chelsea were looking for a victor and found one through Joel Ward, who scored his second of the season, with his first coming at home against Arsenal.

Star striker Aguero picked up a knee injury as a result of Dann’s challenge and was substituted for £54m new boy Kevin De Bruyne.

“The fans went insane when I scored, so it was a great thing”. It was a great performance from us and obviously at the end to suffer that type of goal was really hurting.

“I don’t think there is a better manager than me to come to Chelsea and to do my job”.

The 18-year-old was more alert to pounce on a rebound to score the winning goal.

There are 33 matches and another eight months of the season to negotiate but Manchester City will have the Premier League title wrapped up long before May if they continue as they have started. We were eight points behind past year and, in January, were level.

The teams last played in April this year and Crystal Palace won the game 2 – 1.