Manuel Lanzini came up with a moment of pure genius as he put West Ham United 2-0 up against Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.
It was a mixed day for West Ham in the hunt fo the fourth Champions League spot, as they saw rivals Arsenal concede a last minute winner and fellow rivals Tottenham Hotspur score a last minute winner.
David Moyes would have wanted to avoid needing any late dramatics as he team travelled to south London, and he would have been pleased with two early goals.
Michail Antonio continued his excellent form this season with the opener on 22 minutes, prodding home for a cross from Said Benrahma's cross.
However just three minutes later it was Lanzini who really lit up the match, with a moment of pure genius. First the Argentine collected the ball on the edge of the area, from Declan Rice's drive, knocked the ball past two defenders, flicked the ball up and smashed it home.
Palace had played well up until the two goals in quick succession, and then continued to play well, but worse was to come for Patrick Vieira's side.
On the stroke of half time, Luka Milivojevic was correctly adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area and, after a VAR delay, the penalty was given.
Up stepped Lanzini to make it 3-0, but it was his first of the match that will live long in the memory.
Featured Image Credit: Sky SportsTopics: West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Premier League
Ryan Sidle