Muñoz Header Lifts Crystal Palace to Victory Over Struggling Burnley

Palace End Losing Streak with Crucial Win

Daniel Munoz’s first-half header was enough for Crystal Palace to leave Turf Moor with a 1-0 win as Burnley slumped to a fifth straight Premier League loss. The match, played on 3rd December 2025, proved crucial for both sides as they navigate contrasting campaigns in the Premier League.

Match-Defining Moment

Munoz turned in Marc Guehi’s cross moments before half-time, a rare moment of quality in a poor game, as Palace rebounded from back-to-back defeats against Strasbourg and Manchester United. The Colombian right-back demonstrated excellent positioning at the far post to secure his fourth goal of the season, providing the Eagles with a much-needed boost after recent setbacks.

Tactical Battle at Turf Moor

Burnley had the vast majority of the early possession but desperately little of it was in the Palace half as Glasner’s side looked happy to wait for their opportunities on the break against the shot-shy hosts. Crystal Palace’s defensive organisation proved decisive, with Crystal Palace attempted just three shots — all three on target, demonstrating clinical efficiency in front of goal.

The second half saw Burnley push for an equaliser, with substitute Jacob Bruun Larsen hitting the crossbar late in the match, but Palace’s defence held firm to secure all three points.

League Implications

Daniel Muñoz’s well-improvised header on the stroke of half-time, and a defensively diligent display, was enough to see Palace edge past Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor and climb up to fifth in the Premier League table. The victory represents a significant achievement for Oliver Glasner’s side, who are now firmly in contention for European qualification.

For Burnley, the defeat extends their worrying form, keeping them in the relegation zone. However, Scott Parker’s Clarets have now lost four in a row and are in the relegation zone, but are only one point from safety, meaning survival remains within reach if they can turn their fortunes around during the festive period.