Oliver Glasner Praises Crystal Palace's Team Spirit After Late Victory Over Fulham

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Crystal Palace secured a dramatic victory over Fulham with Marc Guehi's decisive header in the 87th minute. The match at Craven Cottage seemed destined for a draw after Harry Wilson equalised Eddie Nketiah's early goal. Nketiah had capitalised on Adam Wharton's pass to score in the 20th minute, but Wilson's skilful strike levelled the game just before halftime.

Emilie Smith Rowe thought he had given Fulham the lead when he tapped in a rebound from Alex Iwobi's header, which hit the bar. However, it was ruled offside, paving the way for Guehi's late winner. "For me, it was a huge performance," said Palace manager Oliver Glasner to BBC Match of the Day. He praised his team's determination and felt they deserved the win despite some luck with disallowed goals.

Guehi's goal marked Palace's latest away win since November 2022, when Michael Olise scored against West Ham. This victory continued their impressive away form under Glasner, with only Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City collecting more points on the road since his appointment in March 2024. Palace has accumulated 52 points from 33 away games during this period.

Nketiah's Optimism

Eddie Nketiah expressed optimism about Palace's future, saying to Sky Sports that "the sky is the limit" if they maintain their current form. He praised Wharton's assist for his goal and highlighted the team's confidence and camaraderie. Nketiah emphasised enjoying their win while focusing on their upcoming match on Thursday.

Fulham suffered their seventh defeat in ten league matches under Marco Silva, equalling their worst run between March and May 2023. Silva expressed disappointment to BBC Match of the Day, stating that patience and quicker ball movement were needed. He lamented missed opportunities and believed they conceded an avoidable goal.

Glasner acknowledged areas for improvement despite the win, stressing self-criticism and performance analysis as crucial for growth. He commended his players' refusal to settle for a draw and their ability to score and defend effectively in tight Premier League matches. This team effort fills him with pride as they continue to progress.

Palace’s victory not only boosts morale but also highlights their resilience under Glasner’s leadership. Their ability to secure wins in challenging situations reflects their growing confidence and potential in the league. As they prepare for future matches, maintaining this momentum will be key to achieving further success.