In a dramatic Sunday of Premier League football, Crystal Palace continued their remarkable ascent by climbing into the coveted top four, while Brighton & Hove Albion broke West Ham United's hearts with a last-gasp equaliser.
Palace's Late Show Seals Dramatic Victory
Crystal Palace secured a stunning 2-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, a win defined by resilience and a dramatic late goal. The Eagles took the lead in the 20th minute when a precise through ball from Adam Wharton found Eddie Nketiah, who finished coolly past goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Fulham responded before halftime, with Harry Wilson producing a moment of magic in the 38th minute, curling a stunning effort from outside the box with the outside of his boot. The home side thought they had completed the turnaround when Emile Smith Rowe found the net, but the goal was chalked off after a VAR review spotted a marginal offside against Samuel Chukwueze in the build-up.
Palace made the most of that reprieve. In the 87th minute, defender Marc Guehi rose highest to power home a decisive header from a corner, sending the travelling fans into raptures and sealing all three points.
Glasner's Men Eye Champions League Dream
The victory marks Crystal Palace's fourth win in their last six league matches, a run of form that has seen them leapfrog Chelsea and Everton into fourth place in the table. Under manager Oliver Glasner, the south London club is mounting a genuine and surprising challenge for a Champions League qualification spot.
"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," Glasner said, praising his team's belief. This surge adds to a period of incredible success for Palace, which includes last season's shock FA Cup win over Manchester City and a Community Shield victory against Liverpool earlier this term.
Brighton's Stoppage-Time Strike Stuns West Ham
Meanwhile, at the Amex Stadium, the drama unfolded deep into added time. West Ham, desperate for points to escape the relegation zone, took the lead in the 73rd minute through a goal from Jarrod Bowen. They appeared to be seconds away from climbing out of the bottom three.
However, Brighton's Georginio Rutter had other ideas. In a chaotic scramble during stoppage time, he managed to poke the ball home to secure a 1-1 draw for the Seagulls. The goal was checked by VAR but ultimately stood, leaving West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo furious and his team stuck in 18th place.
"It’s hard to take," a frustrated Nuno stated. "Everybody saw it. We cannot understand how they gave the goal." Despite the bitter disappointment, West Ham can take some solace from an improved run of form, having suffered just one defeat in their last six matches, which keeps their survival hopes alive.
