Cairney Stunner Rescues Fulham as Palace’s Wait for a Win Goes On
So, let me talk you through what happened at Selhurst Park, because this was one of those Premier League games that quietly built tension and then exploded late on. Crystal Palace and Fulham shared the points in a 1–1 draw, but the story was really about Fulham’s persistence and a moment of pure quality from Tom Cairney.
Palace actually started this match looking like the sharper side. Despite a packed December schedule and visible signs of fatigue creeping into their season, the home team controlled long spells of the first half. The breakthrough eventually arrived just before the interval. A teasing cross from Nathaniel Clyne was floated in from the right, and Jean-Philippe Mateta rose above everyone to power a header into the net. It felt deserved at the time, and Selhurst Park responded with relief as much as joy, because Palace badly needed something positive.
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After the break, though, the momentum slowly began to shift. Fulham started to enjoy more of the ball, and Palace were increasingly pushed back. Chances were created, and pressure was applied. Raul Jimenez came agonisingly close when his header bounced up and struck the post, which felt like a warning sign that Palace failed to fully heed.
The equaliser, when it came, was worth waiting for. Tom Cairney had only been on the pitch for around 12 minutes, but his impact was immediate. The ball was worked to him on the edge of the area, and with calm confidence, a curling shot was guided into the corner. It was one of those goals where the quality is obvious the moment the ball leaves the foot, and it completely changed the mood of the game.
From there, Fulham actually looked the more likely winners. In stoppage time, Palace were hanging on. Dean Henderson had to produce a fine save to deny Timothy Castagne, and Joachim Andersen somehow blazed over from close range when a golden opportunity presented itself. Had those chances been taken, Palace would have been left empty-handed.
In the end, the draw extended Palace’s frustrating winless run, while Fulham’s unbeaten streak continued. Both teams now sit level on points in mid-table, separated only by goal difference. For Palace, the result felt like another missed opportunity. For Fulham, it felt like proof of resilience, belief, and the value of experienced players stepping up at the right moment. And once again, Tom Cairney reminded everyone that he has a moment of magic ready whenever he’s called upon.
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