Crystal Palace has defended their Premier League title for another season with a comfortable victory over Sheffield United, already relegated.
Christian Benteke scored in the 67th minute to claim his fourth goal in 10 games for the Palace and had a chance to improve that goal.
The 30-year-old Belgian striker has an empty head held by Aaron Ramsdale before the shootout in the second half.
Captain John Egan squandered Sheffield United’s excellent chance to equalize. Just after half-time, he was cutting a corner from six yards out.
But Ebere Eze came forward late to turn second and secured the first win in five games. By putting them far behind Fulham below third.
The match was a fine play for the 22-year-old England midfielder. Who breathed a sigh of relief at Egan in the opening minute before putting on Benteke. Shot by George Baldock and passed through Ramsdale in the Blades net.
Jeffrey Schlupp’s cross then selected Benteke, who has a contract this summer. But he directed the free hedge closest to Ramsdale.
Benteke hit the post again after snatching John Fleck. And his substitute Jordan Ayew came close to scoring twice.
And the Blades have provided little to answer. Their tragic season draws to a close with two unwanted records: many defeats and very few goals scored in a Premier League campaign.
The fascinating Eze also demonstrates his power.
Sheffield United is already preparing for a return to the Championship. And, after earning their ninth consecutive season in the top flight.
However, the Crystal Palace is also set to rebuild this summer.
Manager Roy Hodgson and part of the team for the day at Bramall Lane have either lost their contract. At the end of the season, or returned to their parents’ club.
It remains to be seen whether Hodgson, 73, will extend his long-term management role. Or whether Palace will look for someone else.
But whoever is in charge of Selhurst Park next season. They can rely on the services of two promising young Englishmen.
The Eagles have signed Eze and Tyrick Mitchell, 21, on long-term contracts. And could become pillars for the Palace in the coming years.
Used in the attacking midfield role, Eze continued his exciting first season as he moved away from £ 19.5m from the QPR Championship side.
He was always a threat to his speed and calmed on the ball. He set the opener and snatched Chris Basham before firing in the first half.
In the first half, Eze again found Wilfried Zaha, shot and blocked by Egan, and blew forward to win. Eze broke left and cut inside, fainting past a few defenders before hitting a gun in the lower corner.
Mitchell, meanwhile, was comfortable on the left-back but faced comfort in Sander Berge. After making his first game since December, which could get given a penalty.
Palace now needs to win three of their last four games to reach 50 points for the first time in the Premier League campaign.
Suppose Eze and Mitchell continue to improve. The Eagles will hopefully be a challenge to finish the semi-finals in the next round.
