A dramatic late header from defender Marc Guéhi secured a vital three points for Crystal Palace, as they came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage. The 87th-minute winner sent the travelling Eagles fans into raptures and propelled Oliver Glasner's team into the Premier League's top four.
Glasner's Gritty Side Defy the Odds Again
The victory marks another tactical triumph for Austrian manager Oliver Glasner over his Fulham counterpart Marco Silva. This was Palace's third win against the Cottagers in the space of just a few months, a run that began during their successful FA Cup campaign last season.
Glasner had expressed frustration with the club's summer transfer business and was forced to make changes for this London derby. Influential defender Daniel Muñoz was ruled out with a swollen knee, handing a rare start to 34-year-old Nathaniel Clyne. Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah was given his first Premier League start of the season, replacing the injured Ismaïla Sarr.
Fulham, fresh from a spirited comeback against Manchester City in midweek, started brightly. They were denied an early lead only by a brilliant goal-line block from the heroic Guéhi, who thwarted Emile Smith Rowe. Palace weathered the early storm and began to impose themselves on the game.
Wilson Wonder Goal Cancels Out Nketiah Opener
The breakthrough came from the visitors' new attacking threat. The imperious Adam Wharton found Tyrick Mitchell on the left, and the move eventually culminated in Eddie Nketiah firing a crisp finish past Bernd Leno to open the scoring on his full league debut for the club.
Fulham responded with pressure of their own, with Dean Henderson producing a superb save to deny Smith Rowe. However, they found their equaliser in spectacular fashion just before the interval. Harry Wilson, fresh from scoring a goal-of-the-season contender against Tottenham, combined beautifully with Raúl Jiménez before curling a sumptuous effort into the net with the outside of his left boot.
The second half saw Fulham believe they had taken the lead through Smith Rowe, only for the effort to be correctly ruled out for offside against Samuel Chukwueze in the build-up. As the clock ticked down, both managers made changes, with Glasner mindful of a hectic December schedule.
Guéhi The Unlikely Hero in Dramatic Finale
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Palace won a corner in the 87th minute. The delivery was met by Marc Guéhi, who powered a near-post header past Leno, sparking wild celebrations amongst the away support. The goal was particularly poignant given the England defender is expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The result is a significant statement from Crystal Palace under Glasner. Defying injury issues and a lack of squad depth, they displayed a resilience and tactical nous that has become their hallmark. Moving into the Champions League places, however temporarily, will have fans dreaming of what might be possible. For Fulham and Marco Silva, it was a familiar and frustrating story against a team that has now become their bogey side.
