Convincing opening day victory for Hodgson's Palace

An eagerly-anticipated affair after Fulham's Deadline Day heroics which saw the 'Cottagers' bring in not one, not two, not three, not four but five new signings, the game had an exciting flow about it as both sides had goalmouth action throughout the first half. 

Mitrovic and Benteke both came close for either side on several occassions, until Ghanaian Jeffrey Schlupp finally broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute after a neat passing exchange between Patrick Van Aanholt and Andros Townsend. The latter found Schlupp with a through-ball, which the winger took in his stride before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the roof of the net to make the scoreline 1-0. 

After half-time, the game seemed to edge more and more in Palace's favour, though Mitrovic saw another header saved by Palace keeper Hennessey, who was impressive in today's encounter. 

Zaha doubled the scoreline just before the 80-minute mark as Wan-Bissaka carried the ball forward and played through the rapid Zaha. Fulham goalkeeper and new signing Fabri seemed to find himself in no man's land as the Ivorian rounded him with ease before slotting into an empty goal. 

The game finished 2-0 and sees Crystal Palace take a Champions League spot into Round 2. The 'Eagles' will face Liverpool on Monday 20th August as they hope to continue their winning start to the season. 

 

11 de agosto de 2018