Sage and Arbeloa began their Saturday in much the same place. Winless, pointless, and starting to wonder if they had made a mistake in taking a long-term lease on a London flat.
Crystal Palace have now conceded two or more goals in nine consecutive league games for the first time ever. Crystal Palace full-back Tyrick Mitchell netted a brace for the first time in his club career, with his two goals marking the first time he had been on the scoresheet in the Premier League in 36 games.
The managers may have changed but the result stays the same. For the fourth successive trip to this part of west London, Crystal Palace returned to south London with all three points in the bag as Pierre Sage got his reign off the mark in dramatic style. Their hero was Ben Chilwell, the former England left-back who was signed on deadline day from Strasbourg – this time permanently after he spent the second half of 2024-25 on loan and helped Palace win the FA Cup – and who came off the bench to volley home the winner.It was a bitter blow for Fulham’s new manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who had seen his side lead twice through the impressive Josh King – showing his real potential in front of the watching England manager, Thomas Tuchel – and César Palacios before being pegged back twice by Tyrick Mitchell, the second in bizarre circumstances. They left the pitch to boos from some supporters and remain pointless in the league after three matches. Continue reading...
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