They went seven points clear of the relegation zone after Marc Pugh and Benik Afobe goals.

There was late drama at Old Trafford, where new Southampton signing Charlie Austin scored with just three minutes left to secure a 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester United.

Everton 1 Crystal Palace 1: Romelu Lukaku’s 50th goal in Everton blue rescued a point for Roberto Martinez’s side as both clubs continued their chase for European football in this most unpredictable of Premier League seasons.

Jose Mourinho refused to comment on Chelsea’s pursuit of John Stones after admitting the Premier League champions had practised their defending this week.

Alan Pardew has never been slow to offer reminders when he has done something well, and considering Crystal Palace’s transformation from relegation-threatened to top half of the table this year, backed up by the most impressive transfer dealings of any side outside of the top six excepting Stoke, that knowing grin has widened.

Manchester United’s victory at Crystal Palace may have been unconvincing, but Louis van Gaal’s men will not mind after edging closer to a Champions League return.

Manager Louis van Gaal brought in Phil Jones and Luke Shaw as Manchester United looked to halt their losing streak in the late Barclays Premier League kick-off at Crystal Palace.

Scotland 1 Northern Ireland 0: A late header by substitute Christophe Berra gave Scotland a narrow but deserved 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in their Vauxhall International Challenge match at Hampden Park.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes trial by television is a positive development for the Barclays Premier League.  

“Mile Jedinak will serve a four match suspension with immediate effect after he admitted an FA charge of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video."

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman accepts his side must regain a ruthless edge in attack but insists all is not yet lost in their bid to secure European football.

All the team news from around the grounds ahead of Week 24 in the Premier League.

Australia 2 South Korea 1 (after extra-time)

All the team news from around the grounds ahead of Week 23 in the Premier League - more to follow as it comes in.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew could be on the verge of bringing a tumultuous four-year reign on Tyneside to an end and agreeing terms to take over as the new manager of Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace 1 Southampton 3

As we approach the halfway point of the Premier League season we reflect on the ups and downs, successes and failures of the last five months.

Tottenham’s poor home form made a worrying return as they stumbled to a 0-0 draw against relegation-threatened Crystal Palace.

Swansea 1 Crystal Palace 1

Manchester United made it three wins in a row for the first time in almost a year as Louis van Gaal’s men put Hull City to the sword with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford.

Brendan Rodgers knows his position as Liverpool boss could start to come under scrutiny if their current poor form continues.

Crystal Palace 3 Liverpool 1

Crystal Palace 3 Liverpool 1

Crystal Palace 1 Sunderland 3

Premier League

West Bromwich Albion 2 Crystal Palace 2

Southampton, 8-0 winners over Sunderland last weekend, climb to second in the Premier League, three points behind the Blues, with a 1-0 win over Stoke at St Mary’s Stadium today.

Crystal Palace 1 Chelsea 2

Jose Mourinho believes his unbeaten Chelsea side would be champions elect in any other championship than the Premier League after their scintillating start to the season.

Ronald Koeman’s dream start as Southampton boss hit new heights as his side soared to their biggest league win against hapless Sunderland at St Mary’s.

Crystal Palace 0 Leicester 0

Wayne Rooney was sent off in the second half as Manchester United were forced to cling on for a priceless Barclays Premier League win over West Ham at Old Trafford.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has admitted his side are heading into a make-or-break week as they bid to get their season back on track.

Premier League

Everton 2 Crystal Palace 3

Crystal Palace 0 Burnley 0

Holland will on Monday meet Chile in a play-off for top spot in Group B after World Cup holders Spain crashed out of the tournament.

WORLD CUP GROUP B:

Australia 2 Holland 3

Ger McCarthy offers up an alternative Premier League XI comprising of unsung heroes who have impressed for their individual clubs this season.

Crystal Palace 3 Liverpool 3

West Ham United 0 Crystal Palace 1

Cardiff’s hopes of striding closer to Barclays Premier League survival suffered a setback as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were held to a dramatic 1-1 draw at home to Stoke.