Tom Cairney came off the bench to score a fine goal to secure a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace’s festive rot extended into the new year, extending the Eagles’ winless run to five games.
Oliver Glasner’s side, who have suffered three defeats by the end of 2025, may have been thinking of his New Year’s resolution to ensure Palace realize their chances when Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring.
The France international ended a run of eight games without a goal from open play when he headed home Nathaniel Clyne’s cross. However, Sander Berge and Fulham captain Kenny, who came on as a second-half substitute, scored his first goal of the season, scoring from the edge of the box.
A cautious start for both sides ensured the second-lateest finish in a match in the Premier League this season with 23 minutes on the clock. Both sides were unchanged for the clash, which probably contributed to the slow start.
But Fulham looked more likely in the early exchanges. The visitors came closest when Raul Jimenez fired home from a Fulham chance, while Dean Henderson also blocked Harry Wilson’s vicious shot.
But the home side took the lead eight minutes later when Marc Guehi was able to stop Bernd Leno.
Fulham continued to chase and went even closer in the second period when Jimenez’s header bounced off the uprights. But Cairney soon became the fifth-oldest Fulham scorer at 34 years and 346 days after making his debut, before setting off to celebrate with his shirt off in the 3°C cold.
Fulham were almost all three points but Henderson reacted from point-blank range to deny Jimenez in added time.
With Fulham and Palace still sitting ninth and 10th in points, a result that does little for either side, Glasner will be hoping that the reportedly imminent departure of Brennan Johnson can be completed quickly so he can provide some inspiration to his falling team.
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Jean-Philippe Mateta puts Crystal Palace ahead against Fulham!
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Tom Cairney levels Fulham against Crystal Palace!
