Fulham 1–2 Crystal Palace — Full Match Analysis
On 7 December 2025, Fulham hosted Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage in a Premier League fixture that ended 1–2 in favour of Palace.
Key Events & Goals
- In the 20th minute, Eddie Nketiah put Crystal Palace ahead with a right-footed finish inside the box, assisted by Adam Wharton.
- Fulham drew level in the 38th minute when Harry Wilson struck a left-footed shot from the edge of the box into the bottom left corner, after a one-two with Raúl Jiménez.
- The match-winner came in the 87th minute when Marc Guéhi rose to head in a corner delivered by Yéremy Pino, sending Palace back in front.
- Fulham appeared to have regained the lead later, but a goal by Emile Smith Rowe was overturned by VAR for offside.
Statistical Overview
| Statistic | Fulham | Crystal Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 62.5 % | 37.5 % |
| Shot Attempts | 11 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 5 |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
| Saves | 3 | 3 |
What the Numbers Tell Us
From a purely statistical standpoint, the match looked like it would favour Fulham. They dominated possession — controlling the ball for 62.5 % of the match — and created the same number of shot attempts (11) as Crystal Palace. Their volume of opportunities (11 shots, 6 corners) suggests they had the bulk of play, territory, and pressure.
Yet, while both teams managed a similar overall shot count, Palace edged them on efficiency: 5 shots on target compared with Fulham’s 4. That difference, though small in raw numbers, proved decisive, especially given the timing of Palace’s second goal deep in the 87th minute.
Tactical Observations & Phases of the Game
Palace’s Fast Start & Clinical Finishing
Palace struck first through Nketiah after just 20 minutes, showing intent early on — taking advantage of a well-timed pass from Wharton and exploiting space centrally. Their early goal allowed them to absorb pressure while staying compact.
Fulham’s Control & Equaliser
Upon conceding, Fulham grew into the game. Their sustained possession eventually paid off: Wilson’s strike in the 38th minute demonstrated execution in transition — linking play with Jiménez before cutting inside and finishing cleanly. That was representative of Fulham’s broader dominance in build-up play.
Late Drama — Set-Piece That Decided It
As Fulham pressed for a winner in the closing stages, Palace remained dangerous on the break and set-pieces. The winning header from Guéhi in the 87th minute came from a corner, illustrating that despite fewer chances overall, Palace maximised their moments. Their defensive structure held firm when it mattered most.
Context & Implications
This result lifts Crystal Palace further up the league standings — into the top four. Meanwhile, for Fulham, the defeat highlights a recurring issue: dominance in possession and attempts, but a frequent inability to convert dominance into wins when under pressure late in matches.
From Palace’s perspective, it is a demonstration of effective game management, tactical discipline and sharp finishing — a hallmark of sides that aim for stability in mid-top half of the table. For Fulham, the loss will be regrettable: they arguably had enough chances to win or at least draw, but lacked final ruthlessness.
Conclusion
In sum, the 1–2 result underscores a recurring theme in modern football: possession and shots-volume do not guarantee victory. Efficiency, timing, and defensive resilience — especially in set-piece situations — can turn the tide. Palace showed these traits in spades, while Fulham were left to rue missed opportunities. As we reflect on this match, the statistics tell a deeper story than the final scoreline alone.