Crystal Palace put frustrating recent results behind them with a confident 1-2 victory over Fulham, enjoying a characteristic performance that saw them defend with aplomb and attack with ruthless impact.
Summary
- Roy Hodgson makes three changes to the side which kicked-off against Brighton & Hove Albion, handing Nathaniel Clyne his first start since returning
- After a quiet first few minutes, the Eagles take an early lead when Wilfried Zaha feeds Jairo Riedewald excellently in the box
- Fulham hit the post twice as Zaha troubles the hosts
- Michy Batshuayi's goal is ruled out for offside
- Half-time: Fulham 1-0 Crystal Palace
- The second-half begins much like the first
- Palace add a second through Zaha after two fine passes by Andros Townsend and Michy Batshuayi
- Tyrick Mitchell and Batshuayi enjoy shots on target, but goalkeeper Alphonse Areola denies both
- Aboubakar Kamara is sent off for a foul on Eberechi Eze
- Zaha hits the back of the net but is also ruled out for offside
- Tom Cairney nets an eye catching late consolation goal
- Full-time: Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace
Throughout a steady, uneventful start, Crystal Palace sat back in the face of Fulham’s seemingly urgent possession.