Full Time: Fulham 0-2 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace kicked off their campaign in stylish fashion with a 2-0 win against a newly promoted Fulham. It was certainly an exciting game to watch as both clubs began on the front foot. Early chances fell for both sides but none failed to materialise.
Fulham looked as though they were going to take the lead early on but the Eagles absorbed their attacks to open the scoring via Jeffrey Schlupp. Aleksandar Mitrovic came close a couple of times but failed to find the back of the net. The Eagles scored once more with talisman Wilfried Zaha getting up and running for the campaign.
Palace were rigid and oraganised in defence as they resisted anything that came their way. Roy Hodgson will have a lot of positives to take from the game.
Crystal Palace Player Ratings
Wayne Hennessey (GK) – 6/10
Made a couple of important saves but looked fragile at times. Hennessey stopped Mitrovic from scoring on more than one occasion.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – 9/10
Palace’s right-back enjoyed a superb game in front of the away fans. Bissaka was everywhere, grabbing an assist for the second goal. He was also defensively diligent and committed.
James Tomkins (CB) – 8/10
Tomkins had a solid game at Craven Cottage. He was excellent in defence, winning almost everything that came into the box.
Mamadou Sakho (CB) – 6/10
Sakho was prone to a couple of silly errors but he came through it. He made a couple of vital interceptions as well.
Patrick Van Aanholt (LB) – 9/10
Van Aanholt once again proved his ability going forward, providing the assist for Schlupp’s goal. He also put in an excellent shift in defence.
Andros Townsend (RM) – 5/10
Townsend threatened early on, whipping in a number of crosses, but none produced anything. He had a mediocre game but looked dangerous at times.
Lika Milivojevic (CM) – 7/10
The Serbian was an able distributor in the middle of the park. His deliveries into the box were on spot as well.
James McArthur (CM) – 6/10
McArthur had a decent game, with the midfielder playing an important role in defending. His work rate was good and he brought a sense of stability in the midfield.
Jeffrey Schlupp (LM) – 9/10
The Ghana international scored his first-ever goal for the club and what a goal it was. Schlupp thumped his shot into the top corner in emphatic fashion. He looked lively throughout the game.
Christian Benteke (LF) – 8/10
Benteke looked showed a lot more threat than he did last season. The Belgian won a couple of headers in the box, coming close to scoring in the early stages.
Wilfried Zaha (RF) – 9/10
Once again, the Eagles’ talisman proved his worth in the team. Zaha was back to his tantalising best as he wriggled his way past the defenders. The Ivorian could have scored two or three if it were not for the scuppered chances.
Substitutes
Alexander Sorloth (ST) – 6/10
The Norwegian looked lively after coming on and he should be handed a start in the next game.
Cheikhou Kouyate (CDM) – 6/10
Kouyate almost scored a goal on his Palace debut but his effort was parried away by the Fulham goalkeeper.
Pape Souare (LB) – 4/10
The Senegalese international barely had the time to get himself into the game, coming on for Van Aanholt to shut down the match.