Cairney Breaks Palace Hearts Late at Selhurst Park

Palace strike first but confidence stays fragile

Crystal Palace’s wait for a Premier League win continued as Fulham earned a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, extending the Eagles’ winless run to six matches. The hosts started nervously but managed to take the lead late in the first half through Jean-Philippe Mateta, offering brief relief to an anxious home crowd.

Palace had struggled badly for form coming into the match and that lack of confidence showed early. Fulham controlled possession without real urgency, while Palace relied on moments rather than sustained pressure. The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute when Nathaniel Clyne delivered an excellent cross and Mateta rose unchallenged to head home. It was his first goal from open play in two months and a rare moment of clinical finishing.

Fulham grow into the contest after the break

Fulham responded strongly in the second half and were unlucky not to level soon after the restart. Raúl Jiménez saw a powerful header crash against the post after meeting Antonee Robinson’s cross, a warning Palace failed to fully heed.

At the other end, Palace threatened from set pieces. Maxence Lacroix forced Bernd Leno into a fine save before seeing another header strike the crossbar moments later. Palace appeared close to securing a much-needed win, but their inability to control games has been a recurring issue this season.

Cairney delivers late Fulham rescue

As Palace dropped deeper, Fulham’s pressure increased. With ten minutes remaining, Tom Cairney found space on the edge of the box and produced a moment of real quality. The midfielder curled a superb left-footed strike beyond Dean Henderson, silencing Selhurst Park and swinging momentum fully toward the visitors.

Fulham almost completed the turnaround in stoppage time when Timothy Castagne was denied by an outstanding one-handed save from Henderson. Palace then survived a frantic finish as Joachim Andersen blazed over from close range.

Draw reflects two sides going different directions

The result leaves Palace still searching for confidence and consistency, while Fulham continue to look organised and resilient under Marco Silva. Palace move up to ninth, one place above Fulham, but the mood around Selhurst Park remains tense as pressure grows for a win.