Crystal Palace secured a hard-fought 2-1 away victory against Fulham on Sunday, vaulting them into the Premier League’s top four, courtesy of a late, decisive header from defender Marc Guéhi.
The result means Oliver Glasner’s side has now beaten the Cottagers at Craven Cottage twice in quick succession, continuing a remarkable run of form that has some touting them as genuine European contenders.
Match Highlights
Palace took the lead midway through the first half. The imperious Adam Wharton was again the architect, setting up a move that culminated in Eddie Nketiah—making his first Premier League start of the season—slotting home with a crisp finish on 20 minutes.
However, Fulham roared back before the break thanks to a moment of breathtaking individual brilliance from Harry Wilson. The Welshman played a sharp one-two with Raúl Jiménez on the edge of the box before unleashing a sumptuous, outside-of-the-boot strike that nestled perfectly in the corner to level the scores at 1-1. The goal was widely described as a Goal of the Season contender, following Wilson’s similar effort against Tottenham last weekend.
The second half was a tense affair. Fulham thought they had taken the lead when Emile Smith Rowe netted, but the goal was correctly chalked off after Samuel Chukwueze was adjudged offside in the build-up.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, it was the visitors who found the breakthrough in the 87th minute. A clever corner delivery from Yéremy Pino was met with an emphatic, near-post header from Marc Guéhi, who beat Kenny Tete to the ball and sent the travelling support into raptures.
Managerial Takeaways and League Context
The win cements Palace’s position as one of the league’s most in-form sides, with manager Oliver Glasner praised for his shrewd performance management amidst a heavy fixture load. Guéhi, whose contract situation remains a talking point, sealed a victory that will fuel Champions League hopes for the Eagles’ supporters.
For Fulham manager Marco Silva, the story is one of frustration. Despite controlling possession (63%) and showing “pretty build-up play,” his side lacked the necessary incisiveness to break down a well-drilled Palace defence. Silva will be concerned that the lack of cutting edge could see them dragged into the relegation picture.
In wider Premier League news from the weekend’s action, Tyrick Mitchell’s consistent form for Palace has seen the left-back strongly touted for an England World Cup spot, while the positive impact of Matheus Fernandes provides a glimmer of hope for West Ham United.
