Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Dec 8: Crystal Palace continued their sensational Premier League run on Sunday, climbing to fourth place with a dramatic 2-1 win over Fulham, while Brighton struck in stoppage-time to hold West Ham to a 1-1 draw in a crucial relegation battle.
At Craven Cottage, Palace secured their fourth win in six league games thanks to Marc Guehi’s 87th-minute header, which sealed victory after Fulham had equalised through Harry Wilson in the first half. Palace had opened the scoring in the 20th minute as Eddie Nketiah converted Adam Wharton’s clever through ball. A potential comeback for Fulham was denied when Emile Smith Rowe’s close-range goal was ruled out for offside, allowing Guehi to clinch the win from a corner.
Manager Oliver Glasner praised his side’s determination: “It makes me proud because the team did not want to defend the draw, we wanted to win and that’s why we got it.” The win moves Palace above Chelsea and Everton, reinforcing their push for a Champions League spot while also maintaining momentum in the UEFA Conference League.
Meanwhile, at the Amex Stadium, West Ham looked set to escape the relegation zone after Jarrod Bowen gave them a 73rd-minute lead. But Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time strike rescued a point for Brighton, keeping the Seagulls in the hunt for Europe and leaving West Ham in 18th place. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo expressed frustration at VAR: “It’s hard to take. Everybody saw it. We cannot understand how they gave the goal.”
Despite the late disappointment, West Ham’s improved form — one defeat in six matches — continues to offer hope for survival.