Palace’s Late Winner Raises Big Questions in a Surging Season
So, let me walk you through what turned into a pretty dramatic and meaningful afternoon at Craven Cottage, where Crystal Palace edged Fulham 2-1 in a match that felt like so much more than a routine league fixture. It was one of those games where every twist seemed to say something bigger about where Palace are headed—and whether they can actually sustain this remarkable season.
The match itself swung back and forth. Palace had to withstand an early wave of Fulham pressure, but once they settled, Eddie Nketiah struck first. On his 50th appearance for the club and his first Premier League start of the season, he buried a low finish to give Palace the lead. It was taken calmly and confidently, the kind of goal that quietly shifts momentum.
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Fulham answered with what might end up being one of the goals of the season. Harry Wilson bent in a spectacular trivela equaliser—outside of the left boot, curling beautifully into the far corner. You simply can’t defend that. For a moment, Fulham looked like they might ride the wave. They even had the ball in the net again through Emile Smith Rowe, only for VAR to intervene and chalk it off because Samuel Chukwueze was just marginally offside in the buildup. And when we say marginal, we’re talking toenail territory.
As the match edged into its final minutes, it felt like either team could steal it. Palace had been denied a penalty earlier that many felt should have been given, but they didn’t dwell on it. Instead, they pushed. And with under five minutes left, Marc Guehi rose above everyone on a corner and powered in a brilliant header. The away end absolutely exploded. It wasn’t just a late winner; it was a statement.
And that’s where the bigger picture really comes in. Palace are now fourth in the Premier League. Fourth. In December. They’ve already won an FA Cup, a Community Shield, and played in Europe under Oliver Glasner. His impact has been massive, and some pundits are already calling him the best manager in the club’s history.
But behind the celebrations sit some lingering concerns. Glasner’s contract runs out at the end of the season. Key players like Guehi and Adam Wharton are attracting attention from bigger clubs. The manager has been openly frustrated by the lack of summer investment, especially with the squad stretched by Premier League, European, and domestic commitments.
So yes, Palace fans are enjoying a dream season—but they’re also wondering whether this dream can be sustained. For now, though, a gritty derby win, a soaring league position, and a squad playing with real conviction will do just fine.
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