Sunday Fulham Stuff - 21/05/23...

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Results

Saturday
Spurs	1-3	Brentford
Bournemouth	0-1	Man Utd
Fulham	2-2	Palace
Liverpool	1-1	Villa
Wolves	1-1	Everton
Forest	1-0	Arsenal

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Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace

Joel Ward's goal was his first for Crystal Palace since a 3-1 defeat against Manchester United in February 2019

Joel Ward's late equaliser earned Crystal Palace a battling point against Fulham in a mid-table clash at Craven Cottage.

Defender Ward scrambled the ball home from close range at the second attempt with eight minutes remaining for his first Premier League goal in more than four years.

Fulham had been heading for victory thanks to two goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was making his first start since returning from his eight-match ban for pushing a referee.

The Serbian scored a penalty in first-half stoppage time to cancel out Odsonne Edouard's opener, before heading home Willian's free-kick after the break.

Willian could have extended the home side's lead, but his fizzing effort from distance was well tipped over by Sam Johnstone.

The draw extends Fulham's unbeaten run to three matches and leaves them 10th in the table. Crystal Palace have moved above Chelsea into 11th, although the Eagles have played two games more than their London rivals.

Hodgson's Palace strike late
There was a distinct end-of-season feel about the match at kick-off on a warm spring day on the banks of the River Thames, with both teams having little more than pride to play for.

That Palace are safe in mid-table is testament to the job done by Roy Hodgson, who has now lost just two of his nine games in charge to steer the Eagles away from danger.

The former England boss only signed a short-term deal until the end of the season, but would not be drawn on whether he will extend his stay ay Selhurst Park.

"I shall worry about that when the time comes," the 75-year-old told BBC Match of the Day. "At the moment, I am just looking forward to ending the season in a good way and being grateful for the enjoyment I've had in these last two months."

Palace offered little attacking threat early on, choosing to sit deep and hit on the counter - which proved devastatingly effective for the opener.

The lively Eberechi Eze drove the ball through to Edouard, who got in behind the Fulham backline and thumped the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Mitrovic's double then looked to have taken the game away from the visitors, who were restricted to efforts from distance from Eze and Edouard, before they levelled late from a set piece.

A free-kick from the left cannoned off a Fulham defender and fell to Ward, whose initial effort was saved by Bernd Leno before he forced the ball home for his first goal since February 2019.

Mitrovic proves his worth
Mitrovic has now scored three goals in around 115 minutes since returning after his lengthy ban, including one as a substitute against Southampton last weekend.

This Saturday, he was involved in nearly all of Fulham's good play in a match that only sporadically burst to life.

The Cottagers had an early shout for a penalty turned down when Mitrovic tangled with Tyrick Mitchell in the area, but the same Palace defender brought down Harry Wilson seconds before the break, which allowed the former Newcastle striker to level from the spot.

He should have put Fulham ahead seconds after the restart when he dragged wide from 12 yards, but made no mistake when he met WIllian's near-post free-kick and sent a bullet header beyond Johnstone.

"I said the eight games [suspension] was exaggerated if you compare to other things that happened this season, but that's our opinion and we respect all decisions," Fulham boss Marco Silva told Match of the Day.

"Everyone knows how we missed a top goalscorer like him. He's a very important player but our group handled the situation well."

Despite the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser, Fulham can reflect on a hugely satisfying first season back in the top flight, the first time they have avoided an immediate return to the Championship since 2002.

"It has been a brilliant season for this football club," added Silva. "All the predictions said we would be first to go down. The way we started the season, we showed that was not going to happen.

"Now we have to look forward and analyse the season and see what we need to keep improving."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65579918

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Fulham 2-2 Palace

Fulham drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace on the last home game of the 2022/23 season on Saturday afternoon.

Palace drew first blood through Odsonne Edouard, before back-to-back goals from Mitro put us into the lead but a Joel Ward leveller late on prevented us from taking home all three points on the day.

Marco made one change from the side that beat Southampton last weekend, with none other than Aleksandar Mitrović coming in for an in-form Carlos Vinicius.

It was a subdued start to the game, with neither side creating many chances. Tosin took a shot at goal in the 15th minute from distance that skewed wide, much to Marco Silva's dismay.

Mitro was brought down again later on and smartly took the free-kick quickly into the path of Harry Wilson, who cut the ball back to Tom Cairney, before he fed it out wide to Willian but the chance eventually fell to nothing.

In the 33rd minute, Palace broke the deadlock through Odsonne Edouard, who was played through by Eberechi Eze on the counter-attack, for the forward to strike the ball viciously, leaving Bernd Leno with little that he could do to stop it.

There was a chance for Fulham on the stroke of half-time, with Harrison Reed and Willian standing over a free-kick on the right-hand edge of the box but the ball whipped into the box was blocked by Will Hughes.

With seconds left of the half to play, Harry Wilson was taken down in the box by Tyrik Mitchell and the referee didn't hesitate in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Mitro, who fired the ball into the back of the net to score his first goal back at the Cottage since the end of October, which saw us go in level at the break.

30 seconds into the second-half and Mitro had an excellent chance to put us ahead, when Wilson put a ball back into the area, which met an unmarked Mitro, who only had to tap it home at the back post but it went just wide. Mitro stood in disbelief for a number of seconds afterwards.

It didn't matter though because in the 60th minute, he headed in an excellently placed free-kick from Willian, whipped in from the right-hand side, to help us lead for the first time in the game.

Willian almost scored a spectacular effort of his own 6 minutes later, cutting in on off the left, as he likes to do, before curling one towards goal but Sam Johnstone did excellently to push it over the crossbar.

The game fell quite flat following the goal, but in the 84th minute, Palace drew the game level once more when a free-kick ricocheted off of Antonee Robinson and into the path of Joel Ward, who put the ball into the back of net from close range.

The game ended shortly after, with the points shared on the afternoon between the two London sides.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/may/20/Fulham-2-2-Palace/

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Fulham denied by late Crystal Palace equaliser

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice but Joel Ward's late equaliser meant Fulham had to settle for a point against Roy Hodgson's Palace.

With one match of the season remaining, the draw moved Fulham to 52 points – one short of the club's highest-ever Premier League total under former Whites boss Hodgson in 2009.

Hodgson, who remains a popular figure at Craven Cottage, has presided over a sharp upturn in Palace's fortunes since returning to the south London club for a second spell in charge.

And the visitors took the lead after a slick first-half counter-attack brilliantly led by former QPR star Ebere Eze, who set up Odsonne Edouard to score.

Mitrovic equalised just before half-time with a penalty after Harry Wilson was fouled by Tyrick Mitchell.

Mitrovic missed an open goal soon after the interval after being teed up by Harrison Reed, but the striker made amends by heading home from Willian's free-kick.

But Fulham were punished for some poor defending at a free-kick with seven minutes remaining.

They failed to clear Michael Olise's low delivery and Ward netted at the second attempt after his first effort was saved by Bernd Leno.
Fulham: Leno; Tete, Tosin, Diop, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha, Cairney (Solomon 80); Wilson (De Cordova-Reid 80), Mitrovic, Willian.
Subs not used: Rodak, Duffy, Kebano, Cedric, Lukic, Vinicius, Harris.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-v-crystal-palace-fc-report-200523

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Mitrovic loves it back in the limelight, but Eagles earn a draw by cancelling out Serb's double

Fulham (1) 2 Mitrovic pen 45, 62

Crystal Palace (1) 2 Edouard 35, Ward 83



Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice on his return to the Cottage – well of course he did – but Fulham had to settle for a share of the spoils.

A late goal from Eagles skipper Joel Ward – his first for four years – rescued a point for the visitors.

Having netted as a sub in last week's win at Southampton on his return following the eight-game ban, Mitrovic followed up with his 14th and 15th goals of the season. 

Not too bad for a player who can't cut it in the Premier League.

He has been missed. There is no guarantee that Fulham would have made European qualification had he not missed those games, but it might have been closer.

He played a part in earning – and then converting – a penalty in first-half stoppage time to cancel out a goal from Odsonne Edouard before powering in a bullet header at the near-post from Willian's free-kick from near the right touchline.

The Serb was not flawless by any means. There was rustiness evident in a missed open goal at the start of the second half when Harrison Reed set up a chance on a plate with a ball in from the right that Mitrovic rolled wide.

But the striker clearly loved being in the thick of it again – lapping up the adulation of home fans, who kept chanting 'Mitro's on fire' to the tune of 'Freed from Desire'.

And we knew almost straight away he would have a big say in the afternoon's proceedings when he took a painful blow to the nose in a duel with former team-mate Joachim Andersen. 

The clash looked accidental, but it was like tugging the tail of a lion for Palace, bringing inevitable consequences for them.

It's fair to say the overall mood felt celebratory rather than visceral for a London derby at the outset.

After two previous disasters on their return to the top flight, this has been a joyous adventure for Fulham by comparison – full of great team performances and fine individual feats.

As well as Mitrovic being back after serving his long suspension for the ref shove at Old Trafford, Roy Hodgson was in the opposition dug out. Both received acclaim and chants of appreciation from the Hammersmith End.



All parts of the home areas were a sea of black and white flags – a handout to help spectators turn Craven Cottage into a Thameside river party barge.

The Eagles too have ended the season in serene mood after the freefall which did for Patrick Vieira was quickly consigned to distant memory by the steadying hand of 'Uncle Roy.'

A scrappy start perhaps hinted at more modest motivations for mid-tabled outfits following an unusually long season. But there was enough to enjoy by the end.

Mitrovic's homecoming was soon greeted by a crack on the nose which drew lots of blood. 

The striker had to change his shirt, such was the splash of colour not in keeping with the black and white theme of the day.

Not much else happened in the opening half hour, but then, from a rapid break out of defence following a Fulham corner, Ebe Eze strode forward down the left and picked out the perfectly timed run of Edouard and the striker finished superbly – drilling a left shoot shot high past Bernd Leno.

Palace missed the injured Wilf Zaha but had spirit in the final stages to make up for the loss of some of their creativity.

Fulham struggled to get their act together at first, but drew level on the stroke of half time – Mitrovic blasting in from the spot, having enticed the award with a pass to Harry Wilson which panicked Tyrick Mitchell into a trip.

After Mitrovic had scored again on the hour, the Whites visibly grew in confidence and glorious curling effort from Willian from outside the box needed Sam Johnstone's stretching fingertips to deny the Brazilian a classy goal.

The Eagles came close to an equaliser when Issa Diop lunged to intercept a cross and almost turned the ball into his own net but got back on level terms moments later.

Michael Olise's free-kick ricocheted back off Antonee Robinson for Ward to prod home at the second attempt. Olise very nearly won it too, but a draw was about fair.

Whites: (4-2-3-1) Leno – Tete, Tosin, Diop, Robinson – Reed, Palhinha – Wilson (Decordova-Reid 80), Cairney (Solomon 80), Willian – Mitrovic. Subs not used: Rodak, Duffy, Kebano, Cedric Soares, Lukic, Vinicius, Harris

Eagles: (4-2-3-1) Johnstone – Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell – Doucoure, Hughes – Olise, Eze, Ajew – Edouard (Mateta 80). Subs not used: Sambi Lokonga, Clyne, McArthur, Richards, Ahamada, Adamarola, Whitworth, Riedewald

Attendance: 24,356



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/mitrovic-loves-it-back-in-the-limelight-but-eagles-earn-a-draw-by-cancelling-out-serb-s-double

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Aleksandar Mitrovic nets brace as Fulham draw with Crystal Palace

Aleksandar Mitrovic marked his return to action at Craven Cottage with a brilliant brace as Fulham drew with Crystal Palace to round off their home campaign in the Premier League.

The visitors - without talisman Wilfried Zaha - took a first-half lead courtesy of Odsonne Edouard, but the contest was soon level when Mitrovic converted convincingly from the penalty spot.

The intimidating Serbian netted again after the half-time break from a Willian cross to put the Cottagers in front, but a late Palace rally led to defender Joel Ward grabbing his first Premier League goal since the 2018-19 season to force a share of the spoils.

Proceedings at Craven Cottage got off to a frantic start as Fulham looked to impress their home crowd for a final time this season, although the contest was soon paused due to a collision between Mitrovic and Joachim Andersen.

The Dane's stray elbow caught the Cottagers' talisman on the nose during an aerial duel - the Fulham faithful were relieved to see their forward continue after being patched-up and given a new shirt to don.

The opening 30 minutes saw little in terms of clear-cut chances, yet both teams were valiant in their battles - especially in the middle of the park - with the hosts and their visitors looking to end successful campaigns on a high.

Palace put themselves ahead after converting the first notable opportunity of the match, with Eberechi Eze driving with purpose on the counter following a Fulham corner - the 24-year-old slipped through Edouard, who thumped the ball past a helpless Bernd Leno into the Cottagers' net.

Roy Hodgson's men would not be able to take a lead into the half-time interval, however, after Tyrick Mitchell clumsily stumbled into Harry Wilson in the penalty area, giving the hosts a perfect opportunity to equalise.

Mitrovic stepped up to take the penalty kick and unsurprisingly made no mistake with his finish, blasting the ball into the top-left corner past Sam Johnstone to restore parity in the game.

Fulham did not allow the half-time break to kill the momentum gained from Mitrovic's penalty, with good play from Harrison Reed and Wilson on the right leading to a chance at the back post for the 28-year-old - somehow the Serbian turned his effort wide from close range.

It would not be long, however, until Mitrovic marked his return to Craven Cottage action with a second of the afternoon via a thunderous header, with Willian's free-kick delivery from the right finding Fulham's leading scorer.

Despite being unable to finish any higher than 11th this season, Palace began to pile on serious pressure in order to find an equaliser in West London and they were soon rewarded for their efforts.

Michael Olise delivered a tempting ball from the left which the Fulham backline failed to clear, allowing right-back Ward to poke home the leveller after his initial effort was saved by Leno.

Fulham's slim chances of finishing inside the top seven this season are no more after failing to earn maximum points in this one - Marco Silva's men travel to Manchester United on the final day knowing they will finish 10th in their maiden term back in the Premier League.

Palace still have the opportunity to achieve their highest finish in the top flight since the 2017-18 season, with Steve Cooper's Nottingham Forest the visitors at Selhurst Park next Sunday.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/mitrovic-nets-brace-as-fulham-draw-with-crystal-palace_514338.html

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Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace: Mitrovic scores a brace as the Roy Hodgson derby ends level



Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a goal in either half as Fulham drew 2-2 at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Odsonne Edouard opened the scoring for the Eagles in the first half but Aleksandar Mitrovic's spot kick in stoppage time ensured the sides were level at the break.

The Serbian striker, who had returned to the Cottagers' starting line-up for the first time since his eight-match ban, then looked to have ignited a comeback win when he fired in his 14th of the season.

The hosts, however, were denied a final home victory of the campaign when Joel Ward levelled from his own rebound to send the Eagles back to Selhurst Park with a point.

Roy Hodgson was without the services of Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha, who is out of contract at the end of this season and might have played his last game as an Eagle after aggravating an injury last time out.

Palace defender Joachim Andersen collided with Mitrovic soon after kick-off, leading to a bloody nose for the Cottager who was deemed fit to continue after swapping for a blank shirt.

Kenny Tete lifted a cross well above the woodwork and his side failed to make anything of two free-kicks, both from dangerous positions, as the first period ticked past its halfway point.

Palace remained in search of their first shot after Joao Palhinha's well-timed tackle broke up Eberechi Eze's threatening run, while Issa Diop's clearance ended a scramble from Jordan Ayew's cross at the back post.

Though Fulham seemed likelier to break the deadlock it was the visitors who took the lead on 34 minutes.

Eze's lovely through ball to Edouard, starting in place of the injured Zaha, set up the opener, the Frenchman clipping the underside of the crossbar as he finished.

Palace looked to be taking the 1-0 lead into the break before Tyrick Mitchell was punished for fouling Harry Wilson late in three minutes of added time and the referee pointed to the spot.

Mitrovic stepped up and gave Sam Johnstone no chance as he fired in the equaliser to ensure it was all to play for after the break.

He somehow missed making it two to start the second half, collecting Harrison Reed's cross at the left post but sent his effort from six yards out wide before Willian saw a shot picked out of the air by the Palace keeper.

The Eagles had not registered a second shot by the time Fulham took the lead through Mitrovic, ensuring the hosts finally made the most of a set piece when he nodded Willian's free-kick past Johnstone's right post.

It took a fine save from the Eagles keeper to ensure his side did not fall further behind when he just managed to tip Willian's curled effort over the bar.

Everything looked to be going Fulham's way until Palace won a free-kick. Olise's initial delivery bounced around the box before landing at the feet of Joel Ward.

Leno stopped the initial effort, but the Palace skipper was alert to his own rebound and equalised with a left-footed effort to seal the result.



https://www.football365.com/news/match-report-fulham-2-2-crystal-palace-mitrovic-double

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Fulham and Crystal Palace enjoy late-season freedom as Aleksandar Mitrovic nets brace in thrilling draw

Well, this was fitting. Fulham and Crystal Palace can both be proud as their seasons approach the end, and an entertaining 2-2 draw offered just the sort of sunny Saturday afternoon release both sets of supporters were hoping for in this London derby.

There was a time when Fulham were hunting a European place in the league this season. At the same time, Palace couldn't stop losing under Patrick Vieira and were staring fearfully at the drop. In both cases no longer. Fulham are tenth, Palace 11th, and neither were quite good enough to win nor quite bad enough to lose here at Craven Cottage.

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored against Southampton off the bench last weekend, but this was his first start in nine games following his eight-match ban for shoving referee Chris Kavanagh. In so many ways here at Craven Cottage, he was back with a bang.

Welcome back to the Premier League, said Joachim Andersen, as he cynically elbowed the Serb in the third minute, causing a bloodied nose. Andersen avoided punishment, but Mitrovic was soon wearing a nose bud that left him looking like a tooth had grown in the wrong place.

It took just five minutes for chants of "There's only one Roy Hodgson" to break out from Fulham fans in the Hammersmith End. He's working wonders back at Palace now, but once upon a time he was guiding Fulham to a Europa League final.

Few people at this Hodgson derby will have had anything less than the utmost respect for the 75-year-old. Who knows, he may well be back again next season.

So much at Palace is up in the air ahead of next season. Hodgson still at the club? Possibly, possibly not. Wilfried Zaha still at the club? Possibly, possibly not. It makes planning meaningfully for the long-term incredibly difficult — yet it seems Palace have made peace with the unknowns and simply decided to enjoy themselves at the season's end. Survival is confirmed, and Eberechi Eze has decided to enjoy it.

From a Fulham corner, Eze carried the ball, cut past Tom Cairney with a gorgeous turn that opened play up, and slipped Odsonne Edouard in to hammer into the top corner past Bernd Leno. A breakneck counter with a net-breaker to finish it off.

In the final minute of half, Harry Wilson somewhat manufactured a penalty for himself by falling over Tyrick Mitchell's admittedly outstretched leg. As Mitrovic stepped up, you could sense the nerves among the Fulham faithful but not-so-hopeful. Mitrovic had missed half of his six spot-kicks so far this season, but duly battered the ball high into the net.

And it appeared this match may prove to be all about the Serb when he produced a simply stunning bullet header from Willian's free-kick to put the home side in front after the interval. Just as stunning was Sam Johnstone's finger-tip save moments later to deny Willian a trademark curling goal.

There was more to come in this afternoon of fun in the sun, though. Hodgson's side clambered back level through their least likely source — captain Joel Ward scoring his first goal since February 2019. The right-back, at the second attempt, stabbed past Leno from a Michael Olise free-kick.

With both sides left with nothing to play for at this stage of the season, a draw felt apt. And on the balance of play, it also felt fair.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-vs-crystal-palace-premier-league-result-2023-mitrovic-b1082552.html

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Hodgson reveals secret to earning Fulham point

Roy Hodgson says Palace's ability to adapt to a more physical encounter helped them earn a point against Fulham as they came from behind at Craven Cottage.

"It is crucial in a game of football," Hodgson said in his post-match press conference. "It is about winning matches, and players will always like to win matches in a way that suits their style and play.

"In the game last week we had the ball for virtually all the time, and we played some quite interesting football and put together some passing moves.

"That was one week; this was different. It was a more physical game, because Fulham are a more physical team with strong and powerful players. You have to learn to cope with that and show resilience to make sure you don't crumble in those moments.

"We believe that if we can keep going, even though we are not playing the football we dreamt of playing, we can stay in it.

"As the game wears on, there are moments it becomes easier for us to play the football we want to play. That was very much the case in the last 20 minutes when we got the equaliser."

Hodgson praised Ebere Eze and Michael Olise's ability to grow into the game, despite a dogged Fulham rearguard action.

"[Eze] has been playing exceptionally well, but I wouldn't regard today's performance as one of his exceptional ones," the manager said. "He is an exceptional player.

"Him and Michael Olise, the whole of the first-half, were below what we expect from them but the great thing was that they came back into the game. They kept fighting and they came back into the game.

"It is a very important lesson for two very talented boys to learn: it is not always going to be like last week when we had comfortable possession and flowing moves.

"Sometimes you have got to find another part of the game. I was very pleased with Ebere Eze and Michael Olise, with what they did, and by the end of the game they were in the ascendency."



https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/first-team/roy-hodgson-post-match-reaction-fulham-crystal-palace/

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Fulham v Crystal Palace player ratings

Fulham drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage. Here's how we rated the Whites players.

Bernd Leno: 6
Didn't have a great deal to do but could do little about both Palace goals. Almost kept out the equaliser before Joel Ward followed up his save from a melee in the box with his first goal for over four years.

Kenny Tete: 6
Caught out for the Palace opener when Ebere Eze's sumptuous pass found the onrushing Odsonne Edouard.

Tosin Adarabioyo: 6
Made some crucial interceptions but could have done more to prevent both goals. Did deliver one superb pass with the outside of his right foot in the first half to set up an attack.

Issa Diop: 6
Made one fine tackle to deny a certain Palace goal midway through the second half and had a good battle with the physical Jordan Ayew and Edouard. Like Tosin, could have been better for both goals.

Antonee Robinson: 6
A mixed display from left-back. Had some good moments going forward but defensively he was tested by the movement and pace of the Palace attack.

Harrison Reed: 7
The pick of Fulham's midfield trio. An energetic presence and used the ball well including a perfect cross into the path of Aleksandar Mitrovic that the big striker uncharacteristically side-footed wide from close range.

Joao Palhinha: 6
Has his hands full trying to contain the roving Eze on what a rare off-day for the Portuguese midfielder given his high standards this season.

Tom Cairney: 6
Caught out terribly for the Palace goal when Eze's outrageous drop of the shoulder left him trailing in his wake as he sauntered forward to set up Edouard's venomous strike. That aside, was neat and tidy in Fulham's three-man midfield.

Willian: 8
Showed just why Marco Silva sees his re-signing as a priority in the summer with a sparkling display. Fulham's most lively player set up their second goal and was excellent throughout.

Aleksandar Mitrovic: 8
His return to the starting line-up began with a broken nose from the arm of former team-mate Joachim Andersen before equalising from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time. Should have scored a second just after the restart when he shot wide from close range before heading home his side's second just after the hour mark.

Harry Wilson: 5
Won the penalty on the stroke of half-time, somewhat fortuitously when he appeared to run into Tyrick Mitchell. Quiet otherwise and replaced 10 minutes from time by Bobby De Cordova-Reid.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid: 6
Introduced late in the game and didn't really have the chance the make an impression, as was Manor Solomon.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-2005-23-fulham-v-crystal-palace-ratings

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Hodgson moved by 'incredible' reception from fans at Fulham

 Roy Hodgson admitted he was humbled by the reception he received from Fulham and Crystal Palace supporters at Craven Cottage in Saturday's 2-2 draw.

Hodgson is still revered by Fulham fans after guiding the club to their highest Premier League finish, in 2009, and to the Europa League final 12 months later.

His stock is also sky high in the eyes of Palace fans after guiding them to mid-table security after they looked in grave danger of relegation when he came out of retirement to replace Patrick Vieira in March for  second spell as Eagles boss.

Hodgson was greeted with cheers from the home supporters when he got off the Palace team coach and when the sides came out for the match.

He then had the rare experience of both sets of fans singing his name – something the 74-year-old said he had never experienced before in his long career.

"That was incredible and I am humbled by it really," Hodgson said.

"I can't express how grateful I am for both sets of fans and how they treated me today when they cheered my name.

"I have had a wonderful time at both clubs. It's really nice for two sets of fans to recognise that and it was an accolade you can only dream of and it will be a big day in memory, whatever happens in the future.

"It's not something many managers get."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/hodgson-moved-by-incredible-reception-from-fans-at-fulham

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Fulham and Crystal Palace Battle in Thrilling 2-2 Draw

Thrilling Encounter at Craven Cottage: Fulham and Crystal Palace Split Points
Match Summary: Ward Rescues Palace in a Battle of Goals
In a mid-table Premier League clash tinged with end-of-season fervour, Crystal Palace displayed their fighting spirit to snatch a late draw against Fulham. Joel Ward, the unlikely hero, emerged from the battle lines to scramble home a crucial equaliser in the dying stages of the game, earning a hard-fought point for the Eagles.

Fulham vs Crystal Palace: A Tale of Two Halves
Ward's crucial strike marked his first Premier League goal in over four years, but it wasn't the only surprise of the day. Aleksandar Mitrovic, returning from an eight-match suspension, demonstrated his formidable striking prowess with a commanding brace for Fulham.

Mitrovic's imposing presence and clinical finishing were evident from the outset, cancelling out Odsonne Edouard's early strike with a well-taken penalty on the cusp of half-time. The Serbian forward then put Fulham ahead after the break, nodding home a tantalising Willian free-kick to momentarily silence the visiting Crystal Palace fans.

Willian came close to extending Fulham's lead, but a scorching long-range attempt was expertly tipped over by Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. The pulsating game showcased the intensity and thrill synonymous with Premier League football.

Hodgson's Eagles Show Their Resilience
Despite being down, Palace, marshalled by the experienced Roy Hodgson, refused to back down. Their counter-attacking approach led to the opening goal and continued to pose a threat throughout the match. The resilience of the Eagles was rewarded when Ward, seizing on a rebound from a free-kick, forced the ball over the line for the equaliser, displaying the kind of determination that has steered Palace clear of the relegation quagmire.

This enthralling 2-2 draw between Fulham and Crystal Palace encapsulates the drama and excitement that make the Premier League one of the world's most compelling football competitions. With neither team willing to back down, this fixture offered a taste of the skill, determination, and resilience that define English football at its best.



http://eplindex.com/88323/fulham-and-crystal-palace-battle-in-thrilling-2-2-draw.html

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Boss Silva hails Fulham for 'great season'

 Fulham boss Marco Silva hailed his players for a "great season" back in the Premier League.

Silva's side concluded their home campaign with a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, where Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice in his first start since his eight-game ban.

With one match of the season remaining, the draw moved Fulham to 52 points – one short of the club's highest-ever Premier League total – and they are guaranteed a top-half finish.

"It is not a decent season, it is a great season," Silva said.

"Everyone predicted for us to be the first team to go down but this group of players have been unbelievable.

"Everything they have tried and done every single day to learn to improve and that for me, has been the main thing. I have to congratulate them."

Meanwhile, Palace's former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson said he was "humbled" by the reception he received from fans on his return to Craven Cottage.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/boss-silva-hails-fulham-for-great-season

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Marco Silva hits out at Aleksandr Mitrovic ban after thrilling Fulham draw

Pressure-free London derby thrills in west London

Marco Silva admitted Aleksandar Mitrovic's two goals against Crystal Palace exposed what Fulham were missing during his eight-game ban, but described the length of that punishment as "completely exaggerated."

Fulham drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace in their final home game of the season, with Mitrovic scoring both of the Cottagers' goals. Palace scored through Odsonne Edouard and then sealed a draw late on thanks to captain Joel Ward's scrappy equaliser.

Having scored on his return against Southampton off the bench last weekend, Mitrovic made his first start for Fulham since his eight-match ban for shoving referee Chris Kavanagh in Fulham's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United in March.

"He doesn't need to score any more goals for us to be sure about [his quality]", said Silva. "Of course he was a big, big miss for us. We, as a group and our players, ended up looking the best way we could in that situation. We did it as best we could. But obviously we are stronger with Mitro and everyone knows.

"He was out for eight games — completely exaggerated in my opinion, if you compare it with everything that has happened this season. We respect the decision, but it was clearly exaggerated. It took from ourselves our top goalscorer."

Reflecting on the draw with Palace, Silva said: "We did start really well the game, that is true — on the front foot and pushed them back. They were compact.

"When we make some mistakes like we did first half, we start to create doubts in ourselves. We reacted, equalised before half-time, and the second half was flat. In some moments that match was too flat for a Premier League match."

Fulham could reach a record points total of 55 for a Premier League season if they beat United at Old Trafford next weekend, and Silva is proud of his side's season. Fulham, at the beginning of the campaign, had been tipped by many pundits to be relegation contenders, but started strongly and were threatening to qualify for Europe in the first half of the season.

"Very, very good — the season has been brilliant. This group is players have been unbelievable. Next week we can go up the league more.

"I know this football club very well. This group has been incredible in all aspects of football. The togetherness, the friendship inside, the work-rate for most of the season as well."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-aleksandr-mitrovic-fulham-fc-premier-league-2023-b1082563.html

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Aleksandar Mitrovic bounces back from ban and gives Fulham a headache

Serbia centre-forward scores twice on his return in the draw with Crystal Palace and raises questions over Fulham's ability to keep him


Aleksandar Mitrovic buries his second Credit: REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Aleksandar Mitrovic's two-goal return to Fulham might yet prove a mixed blessing for Marco Silva. The Serbia striker was in the starting line-up for the first time following his lengthy ban and scored his 13th and 14th league goals of the season – a timely reminder for those in the market for a proven Premier League striker this summer.

Fulham's season at Craven Cottage ended as they would have hoped: sun beating off the Thames, flip-flops on and not a hint of relegation worry.

It is not a feeling they are accustomed to with the last two Premier League campaigns ending in a quick return to the Championship but this has been an historic season for the Cottagers.

They have won 15 times in the league this season, a club record and still have a chance to beat their best ever points tally in the Premier League with one game left to play.

"No one expected for us to be where we are now," said Marco Silva. "Everyone said we would be the first club to be relegated. The season has been brilliant, the players have been unbelievable."

It was all very uplifting, all very end-of-season. Former Fulham favourite Roy Hodgson was in the opposite dugout and received a warm reception but Wilfried Zaha was absent with a hamstring injury and may have played his last game for Palace with the Ivorian's contract soon to run out.

A lively first half was lacking in any clear chances before Palace took the lead 11 minutes before half time. It came from a Fulham corner which was cleared to Eberechi Eze. He countered swiftly and picked out the run of Odsonne Edouard who finished with aplomb into the top corner.

Fulham were level on the stroke of half-time, Mitrovic scoring from the penalty spot after Tyrick Mitchell had bundled over Harry Wilson.

Mitrovic should have added a second within moments of the restart after Harrison Reed squared the ball to him and he scuffed it wide of the near post.

It seemed inevitable that 'Mitro' would eventually score again and he did with a thunderous header at the near post from Willian's free kick.

Willian, one of Fulham's excellent signings this season, almost got in on the act. The Brazilian cut inside and curled a brilliant shot towards the top corner where it was saved at full-stretch by Sam Johnstone.

But the Eagles claimed a late point with Joel Ward bundling in from close range after the ball dropped to him from Michael Olise's dangerous free kick. For both clubs, the hard work had been done long before this game and both will toast a successful season.

"Towards the end of the game we were playing the sort of football that we want to play and I was very pleased with the way we dug in and came back," summarised Roy Hodgson.



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/05/20/fulham-vs-crystal-palace/

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Player ratings: Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace

George Rossiter is back with the ratings for the penultimate time this season.

Fulham and Crystal Palace played out an entertaining draw in our last home game of the season as Roy Hodgson continued his run of positive results against the team he once took to a European final. Two palace goals either side of a Mitrovic double left Fulham frustrated not to take all three points, as the Whites head to Old Trafford on the final day of the season next Sunday.

Bernd Leno
After half an hour with little to do, it was important that Leno was alert to stop a goal-line scramble sneaking past his goal-line, and he was. However, I'm sure he'll be irritated at the ease at which Edouard found the net via the German's front post not long after. It's a shame that his original save from Joel Ward will be forgotten after the right-back followed in to take advantage of the rebound. 6.5/10

Kenny Tete
A fairly solid performance for most of the game. Link-up play down the right was spot on, even if his creativity wasn't on show as much as normal. Like with recent games, a sign of how good Tete is comes down to recognising the lack of joy our opposition had down their left hand side, even if you don't notice his quality at first glance. His challenge on Eze that lead to the free kick that Ward scored from was unlike Tete in its clumsiness, but he's got plenty of credit in the bank. 7/10

Tosin
Started the game really strongly. He read so many of Joachim Andersen's trademark long diagonal passes perfectly, heading away each and every one. His own passing ability was on show too, with a gorgeous defence splitting pass to Wilson in the first half. As the game went on, he looked more and more panicked and defensively shaky, leading to his yellow card late in the game. 6.5/10

Issa Diop
I know it's something that's being repeatedly said here at the moment, but going into the 2023/24 season, I really can't see Marco utilizing Diop at left centre back if it's not necessary. This game followed a trend of games where Diop deserves praise for being solid defensively, but also it needs to be commented on just how uncomfortable he looks in that position, exemplified by his near own goal just minutes before Palace did actually equalise. 6.5/10

Antonee Robinson
Solid, steady game from Antonee Robinson. On reflection, you can make similar judgements to Tete's performances in the way that Palace had a wonderful threat on Jedi's side in the form of Michael Olise, yet the French winger had such little joy against our American full-back. He was unfortunate that the ball cannoned off of him for Palace's equaliser too. 7/10

Joao Palhinha
What I've noticed in recent weeks is even when Palhinha isn't at his best, he still has this incredible ability to turn defence into attack within seconds in a way not many Fulham players ever have been able to do. He also showed an incredible turn of pace on many times today when chasing down and challenging the likes of Ebere Eze, a trait we've not often seen this year. 7/10

Harrison Reed
A really gritty and aggressive performance in all the right ways. Don't get me wrong, before Marco came, Harrison was a brilliant midfielder. But like so many of this squad, there's so much more to his game now. Stronger in the tackle, more alert in the attacking third and more involved in attacking link-up play. While the outsiders may not see it, we know that he's as important a cog as anyone in this side. 7.5/10

Tom Cairney
It was really impressive how many quality attacking positions TC was getting into in the advanced left channels, finding plenty of gaps in between Palace's defence and midfield. He seems to have very quickly developed a really good relationship with Willian, with the two combining on multiple occasions. His final ball wasn't always perfect but that was a feature of most of the team in this game. 7/10

Harry Wilson
While he maybe had the quieter game of our two wingers, Wilson still certainly made an impact. In the first half especially, he made Mitchell look like a Sunday league full back on many occasions, including when he skipped past him to win a penalty on the brink of half time. He continues to link well down the right with Tete and Reed and hopefully this form continues into 23/24. 7/10

Willian
Similarly to the abilities of Palhinha, it's so incredibly rare to see a player glide so gracefully across the Cottage turf. He's not even slowing down in his mid-thirties, which is incredible. While for the second week in a row his delivery was generally poor, it meant nothing when the Brazilian's cross found the head of Mitrovic for his and Fulham's second. 7.5/10

Aleksandar Mitrovic
Mitro's making up for lost time, that's for sure. A brilliantly taken penalty and a strong header beyond Sam Johnstone means he's up to a personal record of 14 Premier League goals for the season. His ball into Wilson in the lead up to the penalty decision was as sublime as the two goals themselves. You'd put a lot of money on him scoring plenty more over the next eight or so months, wouldn't you Mr Toney... 8.5/10 – Man of the match

Substitutes
Manor Solomon (80' for Harry Wilson) and Bobby De Cordova-Reid (80' for Tom Cairney)

Both struggled to get on the ball as Crystal Palace took the game to Fulham and looked the side more likely to find a winner late on. 6/10 for both



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-05-20-player-ratings-fulham-2-2-crystal-palace/

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Ward pinches a point for Palace
Fulham will need to win at Manchester United on the final day of the season to set a new club record top flight points tally. What better way for Aleksandar Mitrovic to make amends for his moment of madness that saw the Serbian striker suspended for eight games and the Whites' FA Cup dreams to go up in smoke? Fulham's talismanic number nine grabbed two goals this afternoon to continue his red hot return to action following his header at Southampton last weekend, but Marco Silva was late rueing late defensive generosity that gifted an equaliser to Joel Ward.

Palace were predatory in front of goal having taken the lead late in the first half against run of play through Odsonne Edouard, who scored with their first shot ten minutes before the break. An emotional Roy Hodgson waxed lyrical about the reception given to him by the Craven Cottage crowd afterwards but the veteran Palace boss shouldn't have been surprised – he is a bona fide legend at Fulham after rescuing Fulham from almost certain relegation, recording the club's highest ever finish and then surpassing all that by guiding a well-drilled outfit all the way to the Europa League final.

Hodgson's latest survival act saw Palace whisked from a fiercely-contested relegation battle with the minimum of fuss, meaning that a side who hadn't won in twelve matches when he replaced Patrick Vieira at Selhurst Park didn't need to worry about the consequences of this very watchable London derby at his old stomping ground. The visitors remained without Wilfred Zaha, who hamstring injury is likely to rule him out until the summer, but did have former Fulham centre back Joachim Andersen in their ranks. His early clash with Mitrovic forced the Cottage hero into a change of shirt after inflicting a bloody nose.

That didn't stop Fulham from making the early running. Kenny Tete drilled a shot over from distance but the hosts were uncharacteristically wasteful from a host of set plays despite enjoying more of the ball. Palace took twenty minutes to put together a move that took them towards the opposition penalty area only for Joao Palhinha to put paid to that attack with a typically crunching challenge on Ebere Eze. Even though some alert defending from Issa Diop prevented Jordan Ayew from stealing in at the far post, it was still a surprise when the visitors hit the front – breaking at pace from a Fulham corner with Eze released Edouard behind the Fulham rearguard before the former Celtic striker leathered a powerful shot past Bernd Leno.

Fulham continued to pour forward but looked destined to go in a goal down at the interval, until an ill-judged intervention from Tyrick Mitchell saw the Palace full back bring down Harry Wilson in the penalty area. His team-mates pleaded a pretty poor case to Bobby Madeley, meaning that there was a long wait before the spot kick could be taken. Even if Mitrovic's penalty record is now a little iffy, there was no doubt who would be taking it. His effort probably contained plenty of pent up anger – and it left Sam Johnstone with no chance.

Mitrovic somehow squandered a simple chance to put Fulham ahead at the start of the second half when he casually stabbed wide having been picked out by Harrison Reed six yards from goal. Johnstone then fielded a hopeful shot from Willian, but Palace were unable to keep the home side at bay for too long. It was that man Mitrovic again who punished poor marking to power a header past Johnstone from an inch-perfect Willian free-kick. Johnstone kept Palace in the contest when he displayed awesome agility to turn over a Willian effort that appeared set to nestle in the top corner and Fulham ultimately paid the price for a drop in intensity after Marco Silva had taken off the influential Tom Cairney, who was keeping things ticking off in his usual classy manner.

Referee Madeley awarded Palace a generous free-kick when Eze tumbled over having been shadowed by Tete. Michael Olise's delivery caused chaos in the Fulham area. Leno managed to repel an initial effort from Ward, but the Palace skipper was alive to the rebound and bundled in an equaliser to prove that Palace have assumed that quintessential Hodgson quality of never quite knowing when they are beaten.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Diop; Palhinha, Reed, Palhinha; Wilson (Decordova-Reid 80), Willian, Cairney (Solomon 80); Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Rodak, Duffy, Cedric Soares, Lukic, Harris, Kebano, Vinicius.

BOOKED: Adarabioyo, Palhinha, A. Robinson.

GOALS: Mitrovic (pen 45+5, 61).

CRYSTAL PALACE (4-2-3-1): Johnstone; Ward, Mitchell, Andersen, Guehi; Doucoure, Hughes; Olise, J. Ayew, Eze; Edouard (Mateta 80). Subs (not used): Whitworth, Clyne, Richards, Adaramola, Ahmada, Lokonga, McArthur, Riedewald.

GOALS: Edoaurd (34), Ward (83).

REFEREE: Josh Smith (Peterborough).

ATTENDANCE: 24,356



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/05/ward-pinches-a-point-for-palace/

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Silva disappointed by Fulham's failure to hold on
Marco Silva bemoaned Fulham's failure to hold onto the lead given to them by Aleksandar Mitrovic's double as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace in their final home game of the season this afternoon.

The Whites came from behind to lead 2-1 after Mitrovic, making his first home appearance in two and a half months, rattled in a first half penalty and then powered home a header from Willian's free-kick. But sloppy defending gifted Joel Ward an equaliser that allowed the Eagles to leave with a point and Silva was less than impressed with his side surrendering a winning position.

The Fulham head coach told the BBC after the final whistle:

    "It was a disappointing result of course. The way we started the game on the front foot clear and commanding the game and took the game for our side – first 20 minutes we did it really well. Of course we didn't create many chances during that period but we did it well and when we pushed them back they were well organised.

    I think we command really well the game. Of course at this level when we concede a goal like we did first goal after a corner for us is a bit disappointing, frustration for us because at this level you can't cannot concede that."

Silva also saluted the returning Mitrovic's character and criticised the eight-game suspension his talismanic striker received for his confrontation with Chris Kavanagh at Old Trafford.

    "It was an incident that he learned from. The moment I said that he is going to come again stronger and I'm sure about it. I have to repeat again that it was completely exaggerated the eight games he got if you comepare with the others things that happened this season."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/05/silva-disappointed-by-fulhams-failure-to-hold-on/

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Hodgson humbled by 'incredible' Craven Cottage ovation
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson admitted to being 'humbled' by the warmth of the reception he received at Craven Cottage this afternoon as the Eagles drew with his old club Fulham.

Hodgson made a surprise return to Selhurst Park in March to succeed Patrick Vieira and steered the Eagles to safety with five wins. He remains a hugely popular figure at Fulham having pulled off the Great Escape when all hope seemed lost in 2008 by winning the Whites' last three games including a nerve-shredding final day victory at Portsmouth. Hodgson that guided the Cottagers to their highest ever top flight finish of seventh and the final of the Europa League in 2010.

He told his post-match press conference after a thrilling 2-2 draw that he was emotional after being cheered off the pitch by both the home and away fans:

    "That was incredible. I'm humbled by that, really. I can't express how grateful I am. Both sets of fans treating me so well today and both cheering my name, because I had a wonderful time at both clubs. It was a wonderful time here at Fulham and it's been a wonderful time at Palace, two spells now.

    So it's really nice to see two sets of fans recognising that and giving you the sort of accolade that you could only dream or hope to get, so it's going to be a big day in my memory I think, whatever happens, to have come here today, to have gone away with a well-earned point and to have both sets of fans cheering my name as I came off the field. That's something not many managers get and I consider myself honoured and flattered that it's happening to me."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/05/hodgson-humbled-by-incredible-craven-cottage-ovation/

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Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace: Player ratings
Bernd Leno: The rating might seem a little low and harsh on our excellent German goalkeeper after an exceptional season, but he will probably feel he could have done better with both of Palace's goals. Leno helped bail out his errant centre halves just after the half hour, but it felt a little too easy for Odsonne Edouard to fire high into the net against the run of play ten minutes before the break. Leno made a magnificent stop to deny Joel Ward from a poorly defended free-kick but couldn't keep out the follow up. 6

Kenny Tete: The Dutch full back did well to prevent Palace from getting too much success along the left flank until the visitors broke away from a Fulham corner to open the scoring. He wasn't as influential in attack as he has been this season with some of his deliveries lacking their usual accuracy, but Tete wasn't alone in that. He crashed an early shot high into the Hammersmith End and a man who holds himself to such high standards might still be berating himself for the challenge on Ebere Eze that led to the second goal. 6

Antonee Robinson: A tricky afternoon for the American full back against the excellent Michael Olise, who was nullified for much of the afternoon but Robinson was troubled by the clever movement of Eze and others across the Palace forward line. He lacked a telling ball despite getting into some promising positions in the final third and a luckless afternoon ended with the ball bouncing off him and back into the path of Joel Ward to give the Palace skipper the chance to bundle in that late leveller. 6

Tosin Adarabioyo: Tosin began this game imperiously, nodding away a number of switches of play from his former team-mate Joachim Andersen and pinging a few raking passes of his own, especially to the left flank. One searching ball found Harry Wilson in space but it was almost as if the shock of going behind impacted upon the confidence of the big man. Adarabioyo struggled in the second half first against Edouard, Olise and Eze before Mateta made his physical presence felt. Was booked for a clumsy challenge as Fulham let that lead slip. 6

Issa Diop: One of the big problems for Marco Silva to solve this summer will be finding a naturally left-sided centre back given just how inconvenienced Issa Diop looks when he lines up there. He made a couple of poor passing errors in the first half as well as getting himself in a muddle in front of his own goal shortly before Edouard powered Palace ahead. There was one worrying moment when he lost his footing and presented the ball to the former Celtic forward and he nearly put through his own net during a tricky end to this absorbing contest. 6

Joao Palhinha: The Portuguese high prince of tackling was at his most combative again today, lifting Fulham's levels importantly with a number of fierce challenges after the Whites had gone behind. Frankie highlighted Palhinha's uncanny ability to stick out a leg and win the ball from incredible positions earlier in the season – and he is still doing that now. Twice in the first half he also turned defence into a promising break with a perceptive pass, which is an asset that will really suit Silva's enterprising style. Joao's cult hero status can only have increased by the fact that the midfielder waited until the Hammersmith End had finished serenading him with the song he loves before leaving the pitch after the lap of appreciation. 7

Harrison Reed: Another all-action display from the man Tony Khan fetched from down south in his Ford Fiesta. He was determined in the tackle, which was much-needed against an abrasive Palace outfit, and showcased the playmaking skills that Silva has added to his game to great effect when things weren't really working for the Whites. Reed battled hard against Doucoure and Hughes in the engine room and embarked on a number of energy-sapping shuttle runs into the channels to offer an attacking option. 7

Harry Wilson: This wasn't one of the Welsh winger's most effective displays in a strong end to the season but he still managed to tempt Tyrick Mitchell into a crazy lunge deep into stoppage time to win the penalty that got Fulham back to parity. Wilson generally had the beating of the highly-rated Palace youngster but couldn't translate that into the sort of deliveries that Mitrovic thrives upon. 6

Willian: What more is there to say about our brilliant Brazilian veteran? He strolls through matches rather like a vintage Rolls Royce but full backs seem powerless to prevent him from cutting inside and surging away from them. Only an outstanding save from Sam Johnstone denied him a trademark goal from distance that probably would have put Silva's side out of sight. Watching Willian strut his stuff on the Cottage turf is a real joy – and hopefully we'll have more magic moments to look forward to next season. 7

Tom Cairney: The importance of the captain, whose effectiveness at highest level was questioned by plenty before the start of the season, was illustrated by the way Fulham lost control of this contest when he was substituted with ten minutes left. Cairney helps the Whites keep possession far more easily when he is in the team and any worry that his legs might not stand the demands of slotting into the number 10 role in a Silva system are definitely unfounded. His clever passing and movement make him difficult for the opposition to pick up and Cairney has also added tenacity in the tackle since his last stint in the Premier League. 8

Aleksandar Mitrovic: The Serbian striker said this week that he will always wonder what might have been without his suspension. He has quickly got himself back on the goalscoring trail with two goals this afternoon following his fine header at Southampton. I don't mind admitting I was nervous when he stood on the penalty spot preparing to take another spot-kick after his recent failures from twelve yards. I shouldn't have been concerned – the penalty was almost as emphatic as the trademark header from Willian's second half free-kick. He should have had a hat-trick having missed a sitter at the start of the second half, but it is brilliant to see the main man back in action again. 9

Substitutes:

Bobby Decordova-Reid: Struggled to get up to the pace of proceedings having been handed ten minutes at the end of what had become a very open derby. 6

Manor Solomon: The Israeli international had very little opportunity to influence proceedings in the final ten minutes with Fulham largely on the back foot. 6



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