Staff Reporter.
West Ham continued their flawless start to 2021 with another impressive win to move into the top four of the Premier League.
Crystal Palace took an early lead through their returning talisman Wilfried Zaha, but David Moyes’ side were soon back on terms through Tomas Soucek and from there on in dominated.
The free-scoring Soucek added another and Michail Antonio will feel he should have had a hat-trick of his own, twice hitting the post and seeing Vicente Guaita make a wonderful reflex save to keep him out.
Craig Dawson did add the third with a routine header from a corner as Roy Hodgson’s side continued their own run of form – the mirror image of West Ham’s resurgence.
Michy Batshuayi’s late strike for the hosts took some of the shine off the scoreline for West Ham but in truth they were rarely troubled.
Three points made it six wins in a row in all competitions for the visitors, but Palace – still a healthy 11 points clear of danger – have now won one in 10.
Meanwhile Raphinha scored one goal and assisted another as Leeds completed the double over Newcastle to put more pressure on Toon boss Steve Bruce.
But they came out on top in a game against a Newcastle side who looked bereft of confidence in the first half and battled hard in the second, but who have now taken just two points from the last available 27.