Fulham’s wait for a home win over Crystal Palace continues, with January 2005 still the last time the Cottagers beat the Eagles at Craven Cottage. On Saturday, Palace secured a 2-1 victory to move into the Premier League top four, marking their fourth consecutive away league win.

Despite missing several key players, Palace showed early on that absences wouldn’t slow them down. Jean-Philippe Mateta signaled the danger with a quick move down the inside-left channel, forcing Fulham keeper Bernd Leno into a sharp save.

Fulham failed to heed the warning, and Eddie Nketiah — deputising for the injured Ismaïla Sarr — made them pay. Picking up a precise pass from Adam Wharton, Nketiah unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the area to put Palace ahead.

The hosts’ response was limited. Emile Smith-Rowe’s effort required a smart stop from Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, but just before halftime, Harry Wilson doubled Palace’s advantage. After a slick combination with Raul Jimenez, Wilson curled an outside-of-the-foot finish into the far corner, leaving Henderson with no chance.

The second half kicked off with high intensity from both sides. Kenny Tete nearly pulled one back for Fulham with a left-footed strike over the bar, while Mateta’s effort on the opposite end drifted wide.

Fulham appeared poised for a comeback when Alex Iwobi’s header from Samuel Chukwueze’s dangerous delivery struck the post. Smith-Rowe tapped in the rebound, only for the goal to be ruled out for Chukwueze being offside in the build-up.

Both managers reacted with substitutions: Fulham added attackers in search of momentum, while Palace opted for defensive changes. However, the adjustments didn’t provide the spark Fulham hoped for.

In the final minutes, Palace had two clear chances to seal the game, but it was captain Marc Guehi who ultimately made the difference. Rising at the near post, he met Yeremy Pino’s corner with a decisive header, continuing a remarkable run in which the away side has won each of the last four head-to-head meetings.

Palace’s win cements their place in the top four and extends their impressive away form, while Fulham remain in search of a breakthrough at Craven Cottage.