London: Peter Crouch scored a quick equaliser for Stoke in a forgettable 1-1 Premier League draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The stalemate at Selhurst Park maintained Stoke’s unbeaten run against London clubs this season after wins against Arsenal, Tottenham and draws with Queens Park Rangers and West Ham.
For Stoke, the only switch from their 3-2 defeat of Arsenal last weekend was forced on boss Mark Hughes with injured Marc Muniesa replaced by Marc Wilson in defence.
Palace manager Neil Warnock fielded the same side that held Spurs to a goalless draw last weekend.
The frosty handshake between the two managers — Warnock admitted this week they “don’t send Christmas cards” — at the start set the tone for an uninspiring contest.
Palace took an 11th minute lead when Yannick Bolasia sent in a cross from the left to the centre of the box for James McArthur to head over the keeper and into the top right corner.
Seconds later Crouch had Stoke back on level terms.
Bojan Krkic charged down the right before knocking the ball back for Jon Walters.
He was unsuccessful with his attempt, but Crouch, who like Bojan was on the scoresheet last weekend, struck home on his 600th league appearance.
Towards the end of the first half Palace had appeals for a penalty turned down after Wilfried Zaha’s shot appeared to hit Erik Pieters’ arm.
Hughes was forced into an unscripted change of personnel shortly after the restart with Marko Arnautovic coming on for the injured Bojan.
Only smart work from Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic denied McArthur his second.
Palace then had injury problems of their own, with Jason Puncheon coming on for Zaha, and with 10 minutes left, Dwight Gayle coming on for Marouane Chamakh.
The game petered out to leave Palace one point off the relegation zone, with Stoke in mid-table.
