Key Highlights
- Fulham’s Tom Cairney scores late equaliser against Crystal Palace.
- Cairney’s goal extends Fulham’s unbeaten run in the league to four matches.
- Premier League table: Crystal Palace remain ninth, while Fulham continue without a win.
Match Overview and Key Moments
The latest clash at Selhurst Park between Crystal Palace and Fulham ended in a 1-1 draw, with Tom Cairney’s late equaliser salvaging a point for the Cottagers. Despite dominating the early exchanges, Palace found themselves trailing as Jean-Philippe Mateta headed them into an unexpected lead.
However, Palace’s struggles became evident after halftime, with Fulham’s resilience paying off in the 60th minute when Cairney showed incredible skill to curl a shot past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. This goal not only levelled the score but also secured Fulham a valuable point that extends their unbeaten run in the league to four games.
Post-Match Analysis and Team Performances
Premier League manager Oliver Glasner acknowledged the challenges his team faced, saying, “We are in survival mode right now. As long as the legs did what we wanted them to do, we were OK. I have huge appreciation for the players – I can see their effort.” The Austrian manager highlighted the squad’s short numbers and the players’ commitment despite the demanding schedule.
Fulham’s Marco Silva was pleased with his team’s performance, stating, “We are so close to a fourth win in a row. Defeat at home to Palace on 7 December left Fulham in 15th – four points above the relegation zone.” Silva emphasized the importance of their recent improvements and the potential impact of upcoming fixtures against defending champions Liverpool and Chelsea.
Key Player Performances
In terms of individual performances, Tom Cairney was named Man of the Match with an average rating of 7.36. Other notable players included:
- Marc Guehi – Average rating: 6.97
- Jean-Philippe Mateta – Average rating: 6.80
- Daniel Henderson – Average rating: 6.57
- Alex Wharton – Average rating: 6.26
- Javi Lerma – Average rating: 6.08
The match, which saw both teams have their fair share of chances, ended with Fulham’s goal coming in stoppage time, while Palace struggled to find the back of the net despite hanging on until the final whistle.
In conclusion, the match between Crystal Palace and Fulham showcased the resilience and determination required in the Premier League. While both teams displayed their strengths, Cairney’s late equaliser ensured that Fulham continue their unbeaten streak, while Crystal Palace remain without a league win for six matches.
