Crystal Palace beat Fulham 3-2 as Ben Chilwell strikes late winner at Craven Cottage

Match progression and Palace comeback

Crystal Palace came from behind twice on Saturday to claim a 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Fulham opened the scoring early in the first half when a deflected strike from teenage midfielder Josh King found the net, with England manager Thomas Tuchel watching on from the stands. Palace equalized in the 35th minute through left wing-back Tyrick Mitchell, who finished from a tight angle. Summer signing Cesar Palacios restored Fulham's advantage before the interval, scoring his first goal for the club following his arrival from Real Madrid. Mitchell levelled the contest for a second time in the 54th minute, pouncing after the home side failed to clear the initial danger inside the penalty area.

Chilwell decisive on Crystal Palace return

The decisive moment arrived shortly after Palace manager Pierre Sage made a tactical change on the left flank. In the 74th minute, Sage introduced Ben Chilwell in place of Mitchell. Chilwell, who previously helped Palace win the FA Cup in May during a loan spell from Chelsea, re-signed for the club on a free transfer from French side Strasbourg on transfer deadline day. Three minutes after entering the pitch, the 29-year-old defender latched onto a loose clearance from Fulham's defense and volleyed home the winning goal on his second Palace debut. The win was the first Premier League victory for Sage, who arrived from Lens in the summer to replace Oliver Glasner, following consecutive defeats against Everton and Manchester City. The result also marked Palace's fourth consecutive victory at Craven Cottage.

Arbeloa faces growing pressure after defensive errors

The result leaves Fulham with three defeats in their opening three Premier League fixtures under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Marco Silva following the Portuguese coach's departure for Benfica after five years in charge. Fulham had previously lost 1-0 away at Sunderland and 3-2 at home to Chelsea. Arbeloa's side generated 25 goal attempts against Palace and have scored four times in their three league games, but seven conceded goals have left them alongside Coventry City as the only teams without a point. Arbeloa addressed the team's defensive vulnerability following the match.

We conceded very easy goals. Crystal Palace didn't need to do so many things to score three goals.

Discontent at Craven Cottage and upcoming fixtures

Supporters at Craven Cottage booed Fulham off the pitch at full time as the team remained winless in league play, with their sole competitive victory of the campaign coming against AFC Wimbledon in the League Cup second round. Despite the discontent, Arbeloa expressed confidence in his players and praised their application during his post-match comments.

My players did everything - good attitude, they were brave, so many chances to score more goals.

Fulham now face a challenging run of fixtures before the international break, traveling to face Liverpool at Anfield before hosting Manchester United at Craven Cottage. Crystal Palace will look to build on their first three points when they host newly promoted Ipswich Town next Saturday.