Crystal Palace Secure 2-0 Victory Over Fulham in Clinical Display
Crystal Palace Secure 2-0 Victory Over Fulham in Clinical Display
Date: February 22, 2025
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, Crystal Palace delivered an efficient 2-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Goals from Eberechi Eze and Odsonne Édouard sealed the win as Palace executed a disciplined performance to strengthen their position in the mid-table.
Pre-Match Context
Fulham’s Perspective
Fulham entered the match in 12th place, looking to bounce back after a 0-1 defeat to Brentford in their last outing. Marco Silva’s side had struggled for consistency and needed a win to push themselves further into the top half of the table.
Crystal Palace’s Perspective
Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, sat 10th in the league standings and were aiming to extend their unbeaten run to three matches. After a 1-1 draw against Wolves, Palace saw this fixture as an opportunity to secure a vital away win.
Team Formations and Lineups
Fulham’s Formation: 4-2-3-1
Marco Silva set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing ball retention and attacking width.
Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
- Defenders: Kenny Tete (RB), Issa Diop (CB), Calvin Bassey (CB), Antonee Robinson (LB)
- Midfielders: João Palhinha (CDM), Harrison Reed (CDM)
- Attacking Midfielders: Bobby De Cordova-Reid (RW), Andreas Pereira (CAM), Willian (LW)
- Forward: Rodrigo Muniz (ST)
Fulham relied on Andreas Pereira’s creativity in the attacking midfield role, while Muniz led the line.
Crystal Palace’s Formation: 4-3-3
Oliver Glasner fielded an attacking 4-3-3, looking to exploit Fulham’s defensive gaps with quick transitions.
Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone
- Defenders: Joel Ward (RB), Joachim Andersen (CB), Marc Guéhi (CB), Tyrick Mitchell (LB)
- Midfielders: Jefferson Lerma (CM), Cheick Doucouré (CDM), Eberechi Eze (CM)
- Forwards: Michael Olise (RW), Odsonne Édouard (ST), Jordan Ayew (LW)
Palace’s attack revolved around Eze and Olise’s playmaking, with Édouard leading the attack.
First Half Analysis
Fulham controlled possession in the early exchanges but struggled to break through Palace’s well-organized defense. The visitors, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counterattack.
32nd Minute – Eberechi Eze Strikes First
After a quick break, Michael Olise picked out Eze on the edge of the box, and the midfielder curled a superb strike past Bernd Leno to give Palace a 1-0 lead.
Fulham responded with more attacking intent, but their efforts were limited to long-range shots, none of which troubled Sam Johnstone.
Second Half Adjustments
Marco Silva made early substitutions, bringing on Alex Iwobi and Carlos Vinícius to add more attacking options. However, Palace remained compact and difficult to break down.
65th Minute – Édouard Doubles the Lead
Palace struck again when Jordan Ayew delivered a low cross into the box, and Odsonne Édouard reacted quickest to poke the ball home, making it 2-0.
Fulham increased their pressure in the final 15 minutes, but Palace’s defense, led by Marc Guéhi and Joachim Andersen, held firm to see out the win.
Post-Match Reflections
Eberechi Eze on His Goal:
"We knew it would be tough, but we took our chances well. It was a great performance from the team."
Oliver Glasner’s Verdict:
"Defensively, we were solid. We took our chances, and that made the difference. It was a very disciplined performance."
Marco Silva’s Reaction:
"We lacked the sharpness in the final third. Palace defended well, but we should have done more with the possession we had."
Statistical Analysis
| Statistic | Fulham | Crystal Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 61% | 39% |
| Total Shots | 13 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 5 |
| Pass Accuracy | 86% | 78% |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
Fulham controlled possession but lacked cutting edge, while Palace were clinical with their chances and defended effectively.
What This Means for Both Teams
Fulham’s Perspective:
- Slips to 13th place, needing improvement in attack.
- Defensive frailties continue to cost them.
- Must regain confidence ahead of their next fixture.
Crystal Palace’s Perspective:
- Moves up to 9th place, showing improved consistency.
- Eze and Édouard in top form, key to their attacking success.
- Defensive solidity a major factor in securing points.
Conclusion
Crystal Palace’s 2-0 victory over Fulham was a result of clinical finishing and solid defensive organization. Eze’s moment of brilliance and Édouard’s goal sealed the win, while Fulham will need to work on their attacking efficiency. With both teams pushing for strong finishes, the remainder of the season will be crucial in defining their campaigns.