Alexander Mitrovic buries his second goal. Photo: REUTERS/Hannah McKay. A return to Fulham could prove to be a mixed blessing for Marco Silva. The Serbian striker made his first start after a lengthy suspension and scored his 13th and 14th league goals of the season — a timely reminder for those looking for a tried-and-true Premier League striker this summer.
Fulham's season at Craven Cottage ended the way they hoped it would, with the sun beating down the Thames, flip flops and no relegation anxiety.
It's not the feeling they've gotten used to in their last two matches. The Premier League campaigns ended with a quick return to the Championship, but it was a historic season for the Cottagers.
They have won 15 times in the league this season, a club record, and they still have a chance to break their best record in the Premier League with one game left.
“No one expected us to be where we are now,” said Marco Silva. “Everyone said that we would be the first club to be relegated. The season was brilliant, the players were incredible.”
It was all very uplifting, it was all at the very end of the season. Former Fulham favorite Roy Hodgson was in the dugout opposite and received a warm welcome, but Wilfried Zaha was out with a hamstring injury and may have played his last match for Palace as the Ivorian's contract is about to expire.
Fulham and Palace fans gave a warm welcome to Roy Hodgson. Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images
There were no clear chances in a busy first half before Palace took the lead 11 minutes before half-time. This was due to Fulham's corner being cleared at Eberechi Eze. He quickly counterattacked and caught a shot from Odsonne Édouard who finished in the top nine with aplomb.
Fulham equalized at half-time, with Mitrovic scoring from the penalty spot after Tyreke Mitchell scored. Harry Wilson.
Mitrovic had to add a second after the restart after Harrison Reed gave him a square and he shot wide of the near post.
It seemed inevitable that Mitro would end up ended up scoring again, and he did it. with a thunderous header into the near post from Willian's free-kick.
Willian, one of Fulham's great players this season, almost got into the game. The Brazilian slammed into the center and landed a brilliant shot into the top corner, where Sam Johnston deflected it at full stretch.
But the Eagles earned a late shot when Joel Ward scored from close range after the ball. fell on him after a dangerous free-kick from Michael Olize. Both clubs have worked hard well ahead of this game and both will toast a successful season.
“Towards the end of the game we played the kind of football we want to play and I was very pleased with how we dug in and came back,” Roy Hodgson summed up.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace 2022-23 line-ups
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