Dominant Fulham frustrated in goalless draw at Palace

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:09 am

Fulham lacked the cutting edge in front of goal in their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday and settled for a point at Selhurst Park in their quest to climb out of the Premier League's relegation zone.

The result meant that Scott Parker's 18th-placed side are unbeaten in five league matches and have 23 points from 26 games, which leaves them three points behind Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, but they were left to rue their missed opportunities.

Fulham dominated possession in the first half but failed to create chances before springing to life after the restart. Josh Maja produced a bullet header from substitute Ivan Cavaleiro's cross in the 68th minute but was denied by Vicente Guaita.

Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek went close twice while skipper Joachim Andersen also proved to be a threat up front but Fulham ultimately were short of the firepower needed to hand Palace a defeat on manager Roy Hodgson's 150th game in charge.

"Of course we wanted three points, but got one. I was very pleased defensively," Parker said postmatch.

"We saw that last game against Brighton that Palace are always in games. We nullified that very well. The missing part was the goal."

Fulham were unable to secure a much-needed win against Crystal Palace.
Photo by Glyn Kirk - Pool/Getty Images

Hodgson said he was satisfied with a point in a tough game where his players were under pressure.

"We're realists. I still think we can do more with the ball sometimes but that's dependent on the opposition as well," Hodgson added. "They don't give you a lot of time on the ball but the way we dug in is very commendable.

"I can't praise the players enough for the work-rate. We have got a lot of players to come back into the team. These players need a rest too."

Palace, who are 13th with 33 points, welcome Manchester United on Wednesday while Fulham face Tottenham Hotspur the following day.