Match Report: Marc Guehi scores late winner as Crystal Palace beat Fulham | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Clinch Crucial Victory Against Fulham

Crystal Palace produced another late show in the Premier League, leaving Fulham frustrated at Craven Cottage after a tightly balanced contest that swung on fine details and one towering header. This clash between two London rivals showcased sharp transitions, smart movement and moments of individual brilliance that shaped a 2-1 victory in favour of Palace.

Palace Precision in Key Moments

Oliver Glasner’s side have become increasingly adept at managing Premier League matches with patience and clarity. Eddie Nketiah gave Palace an early foothold, striking confidently after 20 minutes from an Adam Wharton assist. Fulham responded through Harry Wilson, who delivered a superb curling finish seven minutes before the interval following neat link play with Raul Jiménez.

The flow of the game in the second half reflected Fulham’s determination to reclaim momentum after their exhausting nine-goal encounter with Manchester City earlier in the week. Yet Palace’s intelligent defensive structure prevented Marco Silva’s team from generating the same level of incision, even when they pushed bodies forward.

Fulham Frustrations and Fine Margins

Fulham briefly believed they had secured a decisive late moment of their own. Emile Smith Rowe followed in after Alex Iwobi’s header struck the bar, only for celebrations to fade when Samuel Chukwueze was ruled narrowly offside in the build-up. It summed up a week in which Fulham battled hard but found the margins drifting against them.

The Cottagers remain four points clear of the drop zone, however continued focus in both penalty areas is essential as fixtures tighten. Bright sequences in possession, particularly through Iwobi and Wilson, offered encouragement but lacked the consistent final touch required at this level.

Guehi’s Leadership Defines Palace Surge

As the match edged toward a draw, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi rose to meet a late corner and powered a header beyond Bernd Leno with three minutes of normal time left. His recent form has been central to Palace’s upward trajectory and his involvement in back to back goals for the first time since 2021 underscores his growing influence.

Photo: IMAGO

Palace now sit inside the Premier League’s top four, a testament to their improved balance under Glasner and their capacity to strike at decisive stages of matches. With confidence flowing, they continue to look increasingly resilient away from home.

Looking Ahead for Both Clubs

Fulham must regroup quickly, aiming to convert promising passages into sustained pressure and goals. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, appear well positioned to maintain their early season push, blending discipline with timely attacking contributions across the pitch.