Burnley 0-1 Crystal Palace Player Ratings: Munoz Rated 8.5/10 as His Header Secures Narrow 1-0 Victory

It was a tense and cagey affair at Turf Moor, but ultimately Crystal Palace left with all three points. They secured a hard-fought 1-0 win in a classic Premier League battle. The match was decided by a single, decisive moment of quality just before the halftime whistle.

Burnley will be absolutely kicking themselves after this one. They created opportunities, especially in the second half, but a frustrating lack of clinical finishing cost them dearly. From our perspective, this was a perfectly executed away performance from the Eagles, a real smash-and-grab victory.

The story of the match was Crystal Palace's defensive resilience. They were organized, disciplined, and threw bodies on the line to protect their lead. Burnley huffed and they puffed, but they simply could not blow the Palace house down, leaving the home fans frustrated.

Here are Burnley Vs Crystal Palace Player Ratings

Burnley Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace

Here are Burnley Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace

Goalkeeper

Martin Dúbravka - 6.5: We felt there was very little he could do about the goal; it was a powerful header from point-blank range. He made two important saves inside the box, including a key stop to deny Mateta in the first half. His distribution was decent enough, but he never looked entirely commanding when coming for crosses.

Defenders

Kyle Walker - 6.0: It was a difficult afternoon for the fullback. He lost possession a staggering 27 times, which really stalled Burnley's momentum on the right flank. He only won two of his five duels and seemed a step behind the play. Not his best day by any stretch of the imagination.

Quilindschy Hartman - 6.5: He offered a decent outlet on the left, whipping in seven crosses and even creating a great chance for Flemming. Defensively, he was part of a unit that was breached, and he lost three of his five duels. It was a performance of mixed effectiveness; he showed intent going forward but was less convincing at the back.

Maxime Estève - 7.5: From our perspective, he was Burnley's best player on the day. A monumental performance at the back, recording an incredible 14 clearances. He was composed, strong in the tackle, and won all seven of his duels. A truly commanding display that deserved more.

Hjalmar Ekdal - 7.0: Formed a formidable partnership with Estève. He was just as busy, making 12 clearances and winning three crucial tackles. He read the game intelligently, stepping in with interceptions when needed. It’s a real shame their combined efforts weren't rewarded with a clean sheet.

Midfielders

Jaidon Anthony - 6.0: He started brightly and forced a brilliant save from Henderson with a stinging shot. After that, his influence completely waned, and it was no surprise to see him substituted before the hour mark. He lost five duels and gave the ball away too easily at times. A bright spark that quickly faded.

Florentino - 6.5: A solid if unspectacular outing in the middle of the park. He kept things ticking over with an 86% pass accuracy and created one chance. He was tidy and broke up play occasionally before being taken off. Did his job without pulling up any trees.

Loum Tchaouna - 5.0: He was almost completely anonymous in the first half. With only 16 touches, he failed to make any impact on the game whatsoever. Being hooked at halftime says it all. A really disappointing performance where he just couldn't get involved.

Josh Cullen - 6.5: The captain put in his usual industrious shift. He was everywhere, recovering the ball nine times and winning six of his ten duels. However, his work in possession was less effective, and he couldn't provide the creative spark Burnley needed to unlock the Palace defense.

Forwards

Lyle Foster - 5.0: What stood out to us was his wastefulness in front of goal. He missed a genuine big chance that could have changed the game. He only won one of his 11 duels and looked completely isolated. For your main striker to have three shots and none on target is simply not good enough.

Zian Flemming - 6.0: He had Burnley's best chance of the first half, a powerful header that was well saved. He worked hard off the ball but struggled to find space against a resolute defense. Was substituted as Burnley chased an equalizer, which felt like the right call.

Substitutes

Jacob Bruun Larsen - 6.0: Brought on at halftime and added a little more directness. Had a shot saved but couldn't find the breakthrough.

Marcus Edwards - 6.5: Looked lively and created a great chance for Foster. Probably should have been brought on earlier.

Hannibal Mejbri - 6.0: Injected some energy and aggression, but it was too little, too late.

Lesley Ugochukwu - N/A: Not enough time to make a significant impact.

Armando Broja - N/A: Came on late and had a header blocked in stoppage time.

Manager

S. Parker - 5.5: His team setup was defensively sound for large parts, but they looked completely devoid of ideas in attack. The failure to convert chances will be a major source of frustration. His substitutions brought energy but failed to alter the outcome. A tough day at the office where his game plan was undone by a single moment.

Crystal Palace Player Ratings vs Burnley

Here are Crystal Palace Player Ratings vs Burnley

Goalkeeper

Dean Henderson - 7.5: He was a key reason Palace won this game. Made a fantastic save to deny Jaidon Anthony early on and also stopped Zian Flemming's header. He claimed high balls with confidence and commanded his box well. His performance gave his defenders immense confidence.

Defenders

Maxence Lacroix - 7.5: An absolute giant at the back. He was dominant in the air, winning five aerial duels, and made a crucial 10 clearances to relieve pressure. He was physically imposing and gave the Burnley forwards no room to breathe. A rock-solid defensive display.

Marc Guéhi - 8.5: Our Man of the Match. This was a true captain's performance. Defensively, he was flawless, winning 100% of his duels and making 10 clearances. He then produced a moment of magic at the other end, delivering a perfect cross for the winning goal. An immense, game-defining performance.

Chris Richards - 8.0: Completed the impenetrable back-three. He was outstanding, making a crucial clearance off the line and contributing with seven clearances and three interceptions. He was positionally perfect and showed great composure under pressure. A top-tier defensive effort.

Midfielders

Daniel Muñoz - 8.5: The hero of the day. He showed great desire to get on the end of the cross and score the winning goal with a superb header. Beyond his goal, he was defensively diligent, making six clearances and recovering the ball five times. An all-action, match-winning display.

Tyrick Mitchell - 6.5: A solid and reliable performance on the left flank. He contributed at both ends of the pitch without being spectacular. He won half of his duels and put in a couple of crosses. A disciplined and steady game.

Jefferson Lerma - 7.5: A classic performance from the midfield enforcer. He was a nightmare for Burnley, winning an incredible eight of his 11 duels and making nine ball recoveries. He broke up play relentlessly and completely dominated the midfield battle. His tenacity was vital for the win.

Adam Wharton - 6.5: A composed display from the young midfielder. He kept possession moving with smart, simple passes and helped control the tempo for Palace. He didn't offer a huge attacking threat but played his role in a winning side perfectly before being substituted.

Forwards

Yéremy Pino - 6.0: He showed plenty of effort and willingness to run the channels, but his final product was lacking. He was caught offside twice, which halted promising attacks. A hard-working but ultimately frustrating performance before he was taken off.

Jean-Philippe Mateta - 6.5: He was a real handful for the Burnley defenders with his physicality. He held the ball up effectively and had two shots on target, but he will be disappointed to have missed a big chance. His presence created space for others. A tireless shift up front.

Daichi Kamada - 7.0: A touch of class in the Palace attack. He was intelligent with his movement and passing, creating a chance and linking play neatly. He always looked to make things happen and was a constant thorn in Burnley's side. A very clever player.

Substitutes

Eddie Nketiah - 6.0: Came on to offer fresh legs and stretch the defense late on.

Justin Devenny - 6.0: Helped shore things up and see out the narrow victory.

Will Hughes - 6.0: Added some experience and grit to the midfield in the final stages.

Jaydee Canvot - N/A: On for only a few minutes at the end.

Manager

O. Glasner - 7.5: He got his tactics spot on. The decision to play a back three made his team incredibly difficult to break down. They were disciplined, organized, and clinical when their one big chance arrived. A textbook away performance that he will be absolutely thrilled with.

Sportsdunia's player of the match Munoz