Chilwell seals Crystal Palace comeback win over Fulham on return to club

Ben Chilwell marked his return to Crystal Palace with a decisive late winner as the visitors overturned a deficit to beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Saturday, handing new manager Pierre Sage his first victory in charge.

Chilwell, a deadline-day signing from Strasbourg who spent half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Selhurst Park from Chelsea, had been on the pitch for just three minutes when he converted a loose ball to complete the turnaround.

Fulham had taken the lead through Josh King in the 11th minute, with Oscar Bobb’s cutback reaching the forward after it evaded Adam Wharton’s outstretched toe. The shot took a deflection off Jaydee Canvot to beat Dean Henderson at an awkward angle.

Tyrick Mitchell levelled for Palace before half-time, latching onto a pass from Yeremy Pino and firing inside the near post after holding off Joachim Andersen. Fulham restored their advantage almost immediately when Cesar Palacios followed up his own backheel to score his first Premier League goal in the 42nd minute, after King’s low cross caused initial problems for Henderson.

Mitchell drew Palace level again nine minutes into the second half. His run down the left created the opening, and though Gonzalo Garcia got in the way of the initial ball, the clearance bounced kindly for Mitchell, whose next touch trickled over the line.

Henderson made sharp saves to deny both Palacios and Bobb as Fulham sought to retake the lead, but the game turned when Anan Khalaili was brought down by Leno after being played through on goal. Chilwell collected the loose ball and finished to send the travelling support into celebration.

The result is a significant early boost for Sage, who arrived at Selhurst Park this summer overseeing 11 new additions to the squad. Axel Disasi and Khalaili were among the newcomers to feature, with the latter catching the eye defensively before his involvement in the winning goal. For Fulham, the defeat extends a difficult run of form and raises early questions about their defensive resilience at Craven Cottage.