Palace had to settle for a point against Fulham in a fiery Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park – here are five things we loved from our latest outing…
How good was it to see Roy Hodgson back in the dugout at Selhurst Park after missing last weekend’s encounter against Aston Villa?
“It’s nice to be back myself,” Hodgson said before the game. “It was a strange situation to find myself listening to the game on the radio when I was intending to be there but all’s well that ends well, and here I am today!”
A hero of both sets of fans, he received a whopping reception – but it’s fair to say he would have preferred a winning goal!
After taking to the grass for the first time since his arrival from Flamengo this summer, Matheus França was at Selhurst Park to meet fans for the first time.
The 19-year-old was in the Fanzone before kick-off signing autographs for supporters, before heading into the ground to support his teammates during the game.
Can he bring some Brazilian brilliance to south London?
What a performance from Palace’s defensive unit – from the whole team in defence, for that matter.
Man of the Match Sam Johnstone made crucial saves from Andreas Pereira, Raul Jiménez and Willian to preserve Palace’s clean sheet, their first since the opening day victory against Sheffield United.
With two trips to Manchester United to come this week, Hodgson will hope that same defensive nous will be on show in the north west.
Another crucial return: Marc Guéhi. The England international was injured while earning yet another cap against Scotland at Hampden Park, missing the trip to Villa Park last weekend.
But back in front of the crowd at Selhurst Park – and reunited with defensive partner Joachim Andersen – Guéhi demonstrated his composure once again, not only making crucial defensive interventions but aiding Palace’s build-up into midfield.
He could even be spotted marauding forwards himself…
Another influential performance in midfield from Palace’s No. 19.
Completing 93% of passes, making nine ball recoveries, two interceptions and three clearances, he was aggressive out of possession and calm in it, aiding Cheick Doucouré in dominating the midfield against a confident Fulham side.
More of the same this weekend, Hughsey!
