Match Report
Fulham (0) 2-2 (1) Crystal Palace
Premier League - MatchDay 38 at Craven Cottage
Sunday 11th May - KO: 15:00
Referee: Kevin Friend
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Fulham midfielder Chris David's injury-time stunner ensured Fulham signed off their 13-season presence in the Premier League with a highlight in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
The Dutch winger drove the ball on to the underside of the crossbar and into the net from 30 yards out with just seconds of the capital derby at Craven Cottage remaining.
Dwight Gayle had struck in each half to put the Eagles on the brink of victory as they wrapped up a campaign that seemed destined to end in relegation until Tony Pulis' arrival in November.
Instead it is Fulham who will be playing in the npower Championship next season with their destiny already sealed by last weekend's 4-1 rout at Stoke.
Apart from a high-quality goal by Cauley Woodrow within a determined 15-minute spell and David's wonderfully-struck equaliser, it was a dismal end to their top flight stay that underlined the reasons for their demise.
Fulham owner Shahid Khan confirmed his commitment to the club in the matchday programme, setting the target of an instant return to the Premier League.
Felix Magath was more cautious a page later, however, stressing in his manager's notes that climbing out of the Championship "may take some time".
Magath has the "complete faith" of Khan, but that backing was issued alongside a reminder that the German has "significant responsibility" and knows "my expectations are demanding".
There was no doubt who Khan blames for the club's relegation, however, after branding the contribution of some members of the squad as "simply unacceptable".
And Khan will have seen little at Craven Cottage to prompt him to reassess his opinion.
Woodrow showed tenacity to create an early chance, but having twisted and turned his way into a shooting position, his effort was cleared to safety.
Palace broke with greater purpose when given the opportunity and Tom Ince should have done better when he sprinted to the edge of the area.
Substitute David, on for the injured Alexander Kacaniklic, was making a good early impression as he teed up a tricky chance for Hugo Rodallega who just failed to reach the ball.
| Match Stats |
Fulham
|
Crystal Palace
|
| Goals |
(0) 2 |
2 (1) |
| |
| Scorers |
Woodrow 61 |
Gayle 28 |
| |
David 90 |
Gayle 83 |
| |
| Goal attempts |
15 |
15 |
| On target |
5 |
6 |
| Possession |
65.8% |
34.2% |
| Corners |
6 |
4 |
| Offsides |
1 |
1 |
| Passes |
493 |
250 |
| Pass Success |
84.8% |
72.4% |
| Crosses |
32 |
12 |
| Crosses Success |
15.6% |
16.7% |
| Tackles |
21 |
21 |
| Tackles Success |
81.0% |
76.2% |
| Saves |
4 |
3 |
| Fouls |
11 |
15 |
| Yellows |
3 |
1 |
| Reds |
0 |
0 |
| source: Sporting Life/Soccernet |
The action continued to escalate in Fulham's half, however, with keeper David Stockdale producing a fine save to deny Yannick Bolasie.
Palace made the breakthrough in the 28th minute when a long-range effort by Joel Ward that was bound for the arms of Stockdale, was cleverly poked home by Dwight Gayle.
Fulham ended the first half brightly with Fernando Amorebieta going close with a far-post header that was scooped aside by Wayne Hennessey, but Palace deservedly entered the interval ahead.
Somehow Rodallega managed to nod Amorebieta's wide from close range when he had the goal at his mercy and then David lofted a shot high over the crossbar.
The pendulum had swung and Fulham were now in full control, a fact underlined by Woodrow's 61st-minute equaliser.
Atoning for his earlier blunder, Rodallega somehow shielded the ball from a gang of defenders before sliding a superb pass to Woodrow who turned Ward inside out before driving home.
Steve Sidwell and Marouane Chamakh squared-up after tangling as they fell to the floor and the Moroccan was substituted seconds later.
Fulham's fightback failed to last, however, as Gayle curled a free-kick through a shambolic wall and beyond the grasp of Stockdale for his second.
But with seconds remaining, David intervened to deny Palace victory.
Fulham (4-4-2): Stockdale 7, Heitinga 6, Hangeland 6, Zverotic 6 (Dejagah 50' 5.5), Amorebieta 5.5, Sidwell 6, Kacaniklic 6 (David 23' 8), Richardson 6 (Tunnicliffe 79'), Parker 5.5, Rodallega 5.5, Woodrow 7.
Subs not used: Joronen, Kasami, Williams, Mitroglou.
Goals: Woodrow 61, David 90
Booked: Amorebieta, Parker, David.
Crystal Palace (4-4-1-1): Hennessey 7, Ward 6.5, Mariappa 6, Dann 6, Delaney 6, Bolasie 6.5, Ince 6.5 (Puncheon 74'), Jedinak 6.5 (Dikgacoi 59'), Ledley 6, Chamakh 6 (Murray 72'), Gayle 8.
Subs not used: Speroni, O'Keefe, Gabbidon, Jerome.
Goals: Gayle 28, Gayle 83
Booked: Chamakh, Gayle.
Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 24,447