Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was satisfied as his side claimed a vital point at home against Fulham on New Year’s Day, SportPremi reports.
The Eagles had lost all their last three matches in all competitions and were winless in five, but will be content with getting a point in a clash they could have lost.
They are 10th on the standings with 27 points, although they are only three points behind fifth-placed Chelsea ahead of this weekend’s round of matches.
Palace and Fulham play out dramatic draw in New Year’s Day clash
Nigerian international Christantus Uche was left on the bench by Glasner once again despite his impressive displays in recent outings.
Fulham, on the other hand, played in the absence of their Nigerian contingent, who were still on international duties at the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
The hosts grabbed the lead in the first half as Jean-Philippe Mateta headed into the net after great work in the buildup by Nathaniel Clyne.
Raul Jimenez struck the crossbar with a header in the second half as Fulham chased an equalizer, but it was substitute Tom Cairney who grabbed the goal with only 10 minutes to play.
The midfielder scored a stunning curler past Henderson to level the scores after great play from Sasa Lukic to set him up.
The game ended 1-1, but it was Crystal Palace who were more happy with the valuable point gained.
What Glasner said after Palace’s draw
Reacting to his side’s draw against Fulham, Glasner expressed satisfaction with the result and believes they will improve in the coming matches.
“For us, it’s a good point. There was a big save at the end from Dean Henderson and it’s not a surprise for me that we are a little bit in survival mode.
“As long as we are fresh, it’s OK how we play and then the pressure increased and we couldn’t release ourselves from the [Fulham’s] pressure. Then it was a question of time to concede the equaliser”, the Austrian stated.
“Now, we have another three games in the next nine days and I don’t expect players to come back. It’s not for us to stick together and make the best and get the most points.
“It’s important after three defeats to get this point at home to start breaking this downward spiral. It’s credit to the players, I could see they wanted more but they couldn’t. We have to protect them and that’s why it’s a good point today.
“It’s not a lack of confidence, we can see the legs are getting fatigued, the mind is getting a little bit fatigued and we know this, but there is no other opportunity”, the Palace boss added.
“I know every single one will give his best so three more games, then we have a little bit to rest. Hopefully, then, one, two or three players are coming back and we have one or two additions to the squad, then it makes it easier to give players a little bit more rest.
“At the moment, it’s not brilliant football but it’s really to go game-by-game and point-by-point”, Glasner concluded.
Crystal Palace will hope to end their winless run when they head to St James’ Park on Sunday to face Newcastle United.
