Crystal Palace and Fulham shared the spoils in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park to kick off the New Year, a result that highlighted both sides' resilience amid challenging circumstances.
Mateta Ends Goal Drought to Spark Palace
After a quiet start to the match, the deadlock was broken in the 39th minute by Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French striker, who had managed just one goal in his previous eight outings while managing a knee issue, powered home a close-range header. The chance was created by veteran full-back Nathaniel Clyne, who rolled back the years to beat Antonee Robinson and deliver a superb cross.
The goal came amid some controversy, as Fulham defender Jorge Cuenca had been forced off the pitch by referee Tony Harrington after going down injured moments before the move developed. Mateta's finish ignited a previously cumbersome Palace performance, with Clyne, Yeremy Pino, and Will Hughes all going close before the interval.
Manager Oliver Glasner expressed his relief at his striker finding the net again. 'It was important for him and us that JP scored,' Glasner stated. 'Every striker can struggle, it's completely normal. The only one who doesn't is Haaland but I always trust JP. He's always hard-working, even if he's not at his best levels, and he got rewarded today.'
Fulham's Fighting Spirit Secures Point
Despite falling behind, a Fulham side missing key players due to the Africa Cup of Nations and injury showed impressive mettle to fight back. After Raul Jimenez struck the post, substitute Tom Cairney curled in a superb 80th-minute equaliser to silence the home crowd.
Marco Silva's men could even have snatched all three points in a dramatic finale. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced a stunning injury-time save to deny Timothy Castagne, before Joachim Andersen blazed the rebound over from close range. Silva praised his team's ambition, saying, 'The reaction was very good even before the goal and it was a great finish from Tom. I’m very pleased with the ambition we showed at the end of the game, pushing to win, and we probably deserved more.'
The Cottagers' squad depth is being severely tested, with Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze at AFCON and Josh King injured. Yet, they have now taken seven points from three games since the trio departed for international duty.
Record Signing Johnson Set to Boost Eagles
Amid the on-pitch battle, significant off-field news dominated the pre-match talk. Crystal Palace have agreed a club-record £35 million fee to sign winger Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur.
The move is seen as a major statement of ambition and addresses a clear need for more cutting edge in the final third. With Ismaila Sarr at AFCON, Eddie Nketiah injured, and young players like Justin Devenny still developing, the creative burden has fallen heavily on Yeremy Pino. Johnson's pace, incisiveness, and proven goal threat in the Premier League are expected to provide a crucial boost to an attack that has often laboured during a hectic schedule.
The Welsh international's energy will also be welcome for a Palace side that appeared to tire in the latter stages against Fulham, a recurring theme this season.
The draw leaves both teams in mid-table contemplation as the January transfer window opens. For Palace, Mateta's return to scoring and the imminent arrival of Johnson offer optimism. For Fulham, their ability to grind out results despite a lengthy absentee list is a testament to the spirit fostered by Marco Silva.
