A dramatic late header from defender Marc Guéhi secured a vital three points for Crystal Palace, as they came from behind to defeat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Saturday. The 87th-minute winner sent the travelling Eagles fans into raptures and lifted Oliver Glasner's team into the Premier League's top four.
Glasner's Gritty Side Defy the Odds Again
Despite being without the influential defender Daniel Muñoz due to a swollen knee, Palace displayed characteristic resilience under Austrian manager Oliver Glasner. The victory marked a third win over Marco Silva's Fulham in a matter of weeks, following two previous successes earlier in the year. Glasner, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the club's summer transfer business, once again proved his tactical acumen.
The match began with Fulham applying early pressure. Emile Smith Rowe was denied an opening goal only by a brilliant block from the heroic Marc Guéhi. Palace weathered the storm and grew into the game, with the imperious Adam Wharton pulling the strings in midfield. It was Wharton who was the architect for the opening goal, finding Tyrick Mitchell on the left, whose play eventually set up Eddie Nketiah. The striker, making his first Premier League start of the campaign, finished crisply past Bernd Leno.
Wilson's Wonder Strike Meets Guéhi's Decisive Response
Fulham found a spectacular equaliser before half-time. Harry Wilson, fresh from a stunning goal against Tottenham, combined with Raúl Jiménez on the edge of the box before curling a sumptuous effort past Dean Henderson with the outside of his left boot. The goal was a moment of pure quality that seemed to shift momentum.
The second half saw Fulham push for a winner, with Smith Rowe having a goal disallowed for offside after Calvin Bassey had struck the post. As the clock ticked down, Palace won a corner. Guéhi, whose contract expires at the end of the season, rose highest at the near post, beating Kenny Tete to power home a header that sparked wild celebrations among the away support.
Top-Four Dreams Alive for Resurgent Palace
This victory, Palace's 24th match of the season, is a significant statement of intent. Moving into the Champions League places will have supporters dreaming of what might be possible under Glasner's remarkable leadership. For Fulham, it was a frustrating afternoon where promising spells, including a midweek comeback against Manchester City, ultimately yielded no points. The result leaves Marco Silva still searching for an answer to Glasner's Palace, while the south Londoners continue their impressive ascent.
