Marc Guehi’s stunning late header against Fulham gave Crystal Palace a 2-1 victory over their London rivals, lifting them into fourth place in the Premier League.
The Eagles captain was at his best when he had less than five minutes of normal playing time at Craven Cottage, nodding the ball home before celebrating in front of a jubilant away section.
Oliver Glasner had played down talk of Palace finishing in the Champions League places before the game. He will likely face more questions regarding this matter in the future. After winning the FA Cup, winning the Community Shield and having an adventure in Europe, they secured a top-four spot in the Premier League in December. The Austrian is set to take Palace into unprecedented territory.
This goal capped off a fantastic derby. Palace held off an early onslaught of Fulham set-pieces and took the lead after 20 minutes when Eddie Nketiah, making his first start in the Premier League this season, seized the chance and fired a deft shot into the bottom corner.
Palace then had their penalty appeal rejected as Joachim Andersen caught Nathaniel Clyne on the edge of the box. According to officials, there was no foul. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher disagreed.
At the other end, Dean Henderson made a great save to deny Emile Smith Rowe, but he was unable to stop Harry Wilson’s superb equalizer. It was a great goal, with the Welshman curling the ball in with the outside of his left boot after some clever play between Alex Iwobi, Wilson and Raul Jimenez.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp. “I can’t defend that.”
The momentum was on Fulham and when Iwobi headed against the post in the second half, Palace were unable to prevent Smith Rowe from pouncing on the rebound, but VAR ruled Samuel Chukwueze slightly offside in the build-up and Fulham were denied a second goal. It wasn’t Smith Rowe’s day.
Home fans were once again provided with plenty of entertainment at Craven Cottage after a thrilling 5-4 clash with Man City here on Tuesday. But further developments awaited, and the Fulham faithful once again found themselves on the wrong end of a heated encounter.
Fulham have not recorded a top-flight win against Palace since January 2005. They will leave this game feeling like they had a chance to end their wait, but were unable to produce a decisive second goal. Instead, they remain in 15th place as their local rivals soar.
Glasner: I’m proud that we didn’t play in a draw.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner told Sky Sports:
“I’m really proud of the team and proud of our performance, especially the last 20-25 minutes, because we looked a little tired in the last game.
“We were a bit lucky when the opponent’s goal was called off just after half-time, but we felt the longer the game went on, the more likely we were to win the game.
“We created chances, we played and defended very well, we didn’t give anything to the opponent, but we were always a threat when we played up front.
“So far we have missed one or two chances, but then we decided the game with a great set piece. I’m proud of that, because the team didn’t want to hold on to a draw, we wanted to win, and I think that’s why we won in the end.”
Silva frustrated by offside decision: ‘Chukwueze’s claws are too big’
Fulham manager Marco Silva told Sky Sports:
“It’s a disappointing result. We didn’t deserve this result, that’s for sure. We knew it was going to be tough. Teams will come here every time to try to block themselves, go deep and organize in a 5-4-1 every time instead of trying to take the lead.”
“What we should have done differently was move the ball faster and we were too slow in possession at the back.
“Still, it’s a game we have to win until the end. But we can’t afford to concede a goal like that. We lost.”
On the goal being called off: “Of course, another goal was called off. Maybe Chukwueze’s (toe) nails are too big for the sport we play. Now, another call for us by VAR.”
Redknapp: Wharton’s masterclass in midfield
Jamie Redknapp of Sky Sports:
“I think Palace deserved the win. They had a little more know-how. Adam Wharton in midfield was fantastic. A masterclass, never giving away the ball. He understands very well where his team-mates are.”
“Then we have a captain who came up with some very important headers. I felt Palace were a little more dangerous. They had good shots into the box in wide areas.
“It was a big goal from Marc Gehi.”
Morrison: ‘Outstanding’ Mitchell should be in England squad
Sky Sports’ Clinton Morrison:
“Tyric Mitchell was outstanding. He had to do a lot on the left side because Nathaniel Cline wasn’t going to do it on the wing. He was great.”
“If Thomas Tuchel sees that, he has to be in the England squad. I’ll keep beating that drum. If he keeps performing like that, he’ll definitely have a chance.”







