Crystal Palace secured their first Premier League points of the season with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win at Fulham on Saturday. The victory lifts the Eagles from 18th place after they started the campaign with two defeats.
Pierre Sage recorded his first win as Palace head coach in a match where his team twice trailed. Goals from Tyrick Mitchell and a late Ben Chilwell strike sealed the three points at Craven Cottage. The result leaves Palace six points behind early leaders Manchester City.
Fulham took an early lead through Josh King after 11 minutes, but Tyrick Mitchell equalised for Palace in the 35th minute. Fulham regained the advantage just before half-time through Cesar Palacios. Mitchell then scored his second of the game in the 54th minute to level matters once more.
The winning goal came from substitute Ben Chilwell with 13 minutes remaining. The former Chelsea defender, who recently rejoined the club, volleyed home after a rebound in the box. Palace manager Pierre Sage punched the air in celebration at the final whistle.
The starting lineups ahead of the match saw Adam Wharton retaining his place in midfield for Crystal Palace. Dean Henderson started in goal behind a back three of Jaydee Canvot, Axel Disasi and Chris Richards. The bench included returning defender Ben Chilwell, who would prove decisive.
For Fulham, Alvaro Arbeloa named a side featuring Timothy Castagne and Joachim Andersen in defence. The home team created numerous chances but failed to hold onto their leads. Palace's victory came despite missing several key players through injury, including Chadi Riad, Ismaïla Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Honest Ahanor.
The three points move Crystal Palace up from the relegation zone, though their exact position will depend on other results. Before this match, they sat 18th with zero points from two games, having scored just once while conceding six goals. Their next challenge is a home fixture against Ipswich Town on September 12th.
Ipswich currently occupy 13th position in the Premier League standings. Palace will hope to build momentum from this first victory as they prepare for that match at Selhurst Park. Fans can check the latest standings and upcoming fixtures on the club's official pages. The team's current injury situation is also detailed on the injuries page.
Pierre Sage told reporters after the match that he was pleased with his team's character. "The players showed great spirit to come back twice," the manager said. The victory provides welcome relief after heavy defeats to Everton and Manchester City in their opening fixtures.
