Tom Cairney’s late equalizer canceled out Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener to ensure a 1-1 draw between Crystal Palace and Fulham in an entertaining London derby.
Crystal Palace and Fulham opened the new year with a lively 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park. Jean-Philippe Mateta gave the hosts the lead in the 39th minute, heading home a precise cross from Nathaniel Clyne.
Palace dominated large stretches of the match and missed several golden opportunities to double their advantage, including a frantic goalmouth scramble where Maxence Lacroix’s effort was blocked and Marc Guehi fired over the crossbar.
Fulham remained a threat on the counter-attack and finally found an equalizer in the 80th minute through substitute Tom Cairney.
After a persistent build-up involving Antonee Robinson, Cairney struck a low drive from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.
The visitors nearly snatched a victory in stoppage time, but Dean Henderson produced a superb save from Timothy Castagne before Joachim Andersen missed a point-blank chance against his former club.
The result leaves both London clubs level on 27 points in the Premier League table. While Fulham manager Marco Silva will be pleased with his side’s resilience, Palace boss Oliver Glasner faces mounting pressure following a six-game winless run.
To revitalize their campaign, Palace are reportedly nearing a deal for Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson to provide “fresh impetus in attack” as injuries and international absences continue to deplete their squad.