Late Guehi header against Fulham lifts Crystal Palace into Premier League top four | OneFootball

Crystal Palace climbed to fourth place in the Premier League after Marc Guehi scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory at Fulham today.

The centre-back met a near-post corner with three minutes left to secure a result that keeps Oliver Glasner’s side firmly in the race for European qualification.

Eddie Nketiah, making his first league start of the season, put Palace ahead midway through the first half with a composed finish after a neat move down the left.

Harry Wilson responded shortly before half-time with a superb strike using the outside of his boot to level for Fulham.

Wilson had already threatened to continue his recent run of spectacular goals, and his equaliser reflected Fulham’s brighter spell late in the half.

Emile Smith Rowe came close for the hosts, but Dean Henderson produced a strong save to preserve parity.

Nathaniel Clyne then spurned a clear chance for Palace when he failed to make contact inside the box during a rare foray forward.

Fulham thought they had turned the match on its head in the second half when Smith Rowe finished after Calvin Bassey’s header hit the post.

VAR ruled the effort out after Samuel Chukwueze was adjudged marginally offside in the build-up.

Palace remained composed despite facing fatigue concerns from a demanding fixture schedule that has included European commitments.

Jean Philippe Mateta dragged a shot wide shortly after the restart as Palace pressed for a winner.

Glasner made changes with a quarter of an hour left to freshen his attack. Marco Silva responded by introducing record signing Kevin in search of extra firepower.

However, Fulham struggled to convert possession into clear chances as Palace’s defence continued to hold firm.

Guehi, whose future remains uncertain with several clubs monitoring his contract situation, then delivered the decisive goal.

The defender outmuscled Kenny Tete at the near post and headed in before celebrating with the travelling supporters.

Fulham were left to reflect on a second defeat in the week that leaves them hovering just above the relegation battle.

By contrast, Palace have developed a defensive resilience that continues to provide a foundation for results even when they are not at full strength.

Guehi’s late intervention provided another example of a team that has learned how to find a way through tight matches.