Crystal Palace were brilliant in a 2-0 London derby win at in-form Fulham on Saturday.
WATCH -– Full match replay
Oliver Glasner’s side were dominant and dangerous from start to finish and an own goal from Joachim Andersen just before half time made a big difference.
That allowed Palace to sit back and hit Fulham on the counter in the second half and that’s how they scored a brilliant second through Daniel Munoz’s blast.
With the win Palace move on to 33 points and they’re in the hunt for a top 10 finish. Fulham remain on 39 points and are in the thick of the scrap for European qualification.
Eagles eye another late-season surge
Oliver Glasner had a huge impact when he came in last season, as Palace won six of their last seven games to climb up the table and eventually finish 10th. And it looks like Palace are about to replicate another late surge to drag themselves up the table this season. With Mateta having a big summer with the French Olympic team and the likes of Eze, Wharton and Guehi all away with England right until the final of EURO 2024, there was a clear hangover for Palace at the start of this season. That is well in the rearview mirror now and Palace have won four Premier League away games in a row and five of their last eight as a top 10 finish isn’t out of the question. Couple that with Mateta, Eze and Sarr all looking sharp and in-sync and a favorable FA Cup last 16 draw and things are looking set for another strong finish to the season for Palace.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace player ratings (via FotMob.com)
What’s next?
Fulham head to Wolves on Tuesday on February 25, while Crystal Palace host Aston Villa on the same day.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace score: 0-2
Andersen OG 37', Munoz 66'
Munoz smashes home a stunner — Fulham 0-2 Crystal Palace
Well, that is it. Palace open up Fulham on the counter and Colombia right back Daniel Munoz is played in. He still had a lot to do but beats Bassey with a lovely shimmy and then fires home a beauty at the near post.
Wonderful save from Leno
Palace whip in a corner and Leno somehow saves Lacroix’s header from close range. Brilliant stop.
Mateta thinks he has doubled Palace’s lead
Stunning back heel assist from Eze to set up Mateta to finish. VAR is having a long looks at this one for offside. And the goal is disallowed. Mateta was just off.
Raul Jimenez goes close
A corner from the right is flicked towards goal by Raul Jimenez. His header takes a deflection and flies wide. Better start to the second half from Fulham.
Half time: Fulham 0-1 Crystal Palace
Marco Silva is not happy at all with this first half. Fulham have been well off the pace. Palace should be further ahead but that goal from a corner kick is the difference.
Palace take the lead! — Fulham 0-1 Crystal Palace
A corner is whipped in and Lacroix is at the near post. It looks like the ball flicked off Andersen and goes in. Palace lead. That has been coming.
Eze causing problems
Palace’s main man is pulling the strings and he turns and shoots on the edge of the box but it’s deflected over. Palace piling on the pressure.
Mateta goes close!
Palace’s forward almost finishes but Antonee Robinson does well to clear for a corner. Tight game so far.
Fulham lineup
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez
Crystal Palace lineup
Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Lerma, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta
Fulham team news, focus
Defensively Fulham are very settled and captain Antonee Robinson continues to have a fine season at left back. Jimenez and Traore were exceptional against Forest last weekend and Fulham love to press high and pin teams in when they’re on top.
OUT: Harry Wilson (foot), Kenny Tete (knee), Reiss Nelson (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Sasa Lukic (fatigue)
Crystal Palace team news, focus
We know that Mateta is a real handful and Eze and Sarr making runs off him is so dangerous. Palace will have to deal with plenty of crosses being whipped into the box and they’ll have to stop Iwobi and Smith Rowe making clever late runs into the box.
OUT: Cheick Doucoure (knee), Chadi Riad (knee), Joel Ward (calf)
Fulham vs Crystal Palace prediction
This feels like it will be a lot of fun and both teams are in a very comfortable position so will go for it. Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace preview
The Cottagers are in great form under Marco Silva and beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 at home last weekend and they should have won by more. Traore, Jimenez, Iwobi and Smith Rowe are all in fine form and Fulham are pushing hard for European qualification. They’re such a solid unit and their squad depth is enviable.
Crystal Palace lost 2-1 at home to Everton last weekend but Oliver Glasner’s side have been very consistent and have picked up some big wins in recent weeks. That has pushed them well away from the relegation zone and the Eagles know they need Mateta, Eze and Sarr to shine if they’re going to win games. Away from home they pose a real threat and are ruthless on the counter.
How to watch Fulham vs Crystal Palace live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday (February 22)
Venue: Craven Cottage — London
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Premier League on Peacock
