Aston Villa were aided in their survival efforts by a moment of quick-thinking from a former striker.
Jordan Ayew doubled Crystal Palace’s lead against Bournemouth in a match that ended 2-0.
Ayew’s tidy finish helped the Villa in a big way – with the Cherries stalling on their home return.
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And it’s also put the striker in the record books.
However, today’s effort was especially important – and not just because it has done Dean Smith a huge favour.
His goal against Bournemouth has made him the highest scoring Ghanaian international player in Premier League history.
It’s now twenty-five goals in total for Ayew, who has been a top-flight player (mostly) since arriving at Villa Park in 2015.
The latest score notches Ayew above his brother Andre – and former top scorer Anthony Yeboah.
His nine goals this season have pushed him towards the tally, as well as the seven he bagged during his time with the Villa.
It’s taken Ayew some time, but he’s not always been afforded the most comfortable environment to reach his best.
Now, it’s a whole lot different under Roy Hodgson this season, though – with Ayew on the verge of reaching a double-digit tally for the first time since his days at Lorient in Ligue 1.
While Villa will be be buoyed by Bournemouth’s failure to win – they’ve still got a job to do against Chelsea to make anything out of Ayew’s little gift.
