Crystal Palace marked their fist game in the new year with a 1-1 draw against London rivals Fulham at Selhurst Park on Thursday, SportPremi Reports.
The Eagles won the reverse fixture 2-1 few weeks ago and looked on the way to another victory when Jean-Philippe Mateta put them ahead in the first half.
However, Tom Cairney leveled for Fulham with 10 minutes to go in the clash as both sides settled for a share of the spoils.
Read this: Oliver Glasner reacts to Crystal Palace draw against Fulham
The Eagles are ninth on the standings with 27 points, same as the Cottagers with goal dofference separating both teams.
First half: Mateta puts Palace ahead
Crystal Palace won the reverse fixture 2-1 in early December and welcomed Fulham to Selhurst Park, hoping to complete the double.
Fulham remained without the Nigerian trio of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze due to international commitments at the 2025 African Cup of Nations, while Christantus Uche started on the bench for Palace.
The game started evenly, but the home side had the first real chance as Bernd Leno tipped over a dipping cross from Lacroix.
The German goalkeeper saved again from Guehi, but could do nothing about Palace’s next effort through which they took the lead.
Clyne beat Robinson with pace on the flanks, before crossing for Mateta who headed home from close range.
The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Crystal Palace, with much to play for in the second 45 minutes.
Second half: Cairney snatches late equalizer for Fulham
Fulham started the half in search of an equalizer and almost grabbed one through Raul Jimenez, although the striker’s header struck the crossbar
Crystal Palace then struck the crossbar as well through an effort from Lacroix, before Fulham grabbed an equalizer with about 10 minutes to play.
Tom Cairney fired in a curling finish past Henderson after he was set up brilliantly by Lukic to make the scoreline 1-1.
Uche came in as the home side tried to snatch a winner, but it was Fulham’s Castagne who almost grabbed a late winner although Henderson produced a remarkable save to prevent the goal.
The match ended 1-1 in an entertaining affair as Crystal Palace’s winless run continued.
Players Ratings
Crystal Palace Players Ratings
- Henderson – 7.5/10
- Lerma – 6.5/10
- Lacroix – 7.1/10
- Guehi – 7.1/10
- Clyne – 7.9/10
- Wharton – 6.8/10
- Hughes – 7.2/10
- Mitchell – 7.6/10
- Devenny – 6.4/10
- Pino – 6.3/10
- Mateta – 7.5/10
Substitutes
- Canvot – 6.4/10
- Uche – N/A
- Esse – N/A
Fulham Players Ratings
- Leno – 7.2/10
- Robinson – 7.6/10
- Cuenca – 7.1/10
- Andersen – 7.5/10
- Tete – 5.8/10
- Berge – 6.8/10
- Lukic – 7.6/10
- Kevin – 7.5/10
- Smith Rowe – 7.2/10
- Wilson – 6.1/10
- Jimenez – 7.4/10
Substitutes
- Castagne – 6.5/10
- Cairney – 7.7/10
- Reed – N/A
- Traore – N/A
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Palace 40% – 60% Fulham
Total Shots: Palace 11 – 17 Fulham
Shots on target: Palace 2 – 5 Fulham
Pass Accuracy: Palace 77% – 86% Fulham
Corners: Palace 6 – 3 Fulham
What next?
Crystal Palace are up against Newcastle United in their next league match on Sunday, while Fulham and defending champions Liverpool also clash on the same day.
