Fulham fell to a 1-2 defeat against a ruthless Crystal Palace outfit on Saturday afternoon at Craven Cottage.

An early Jaïro Riedewald strike gave the hosts a lead heading into the break before Wilfried Zaha put the match beyond reach with twenty minutes to go. Deep in to six minutes of added time Tom Cairney thundered one in to the top corner to pull one back. A glimmer of an opening, proved nothing more than a consolation.

Scott Parker made one change from the side that was denied all three points at Bramall Lane last weekend. Mario Lemina, returning from injury, replaced Ivan Cavaleiro.

The light drizzle that been passing across Craven Cottage in the build-up to the match had subsided by the time the referee got the match under way, a gentle breeze whipping up from the river.

After a confident opening from Fulham, Crystal Palace took the lead on their first attack forward. A lofted ball over the back line found Wilfried Zaha. The Ivorian fired a strong effort on target which Alphonse Areola did well to parry clear. Regaining possession and spotting a smart run from Riedewald, Zaha slipped a picture perfect ball into his path and the Dutchman smashed home at the near post. A gut punch after some nice stuff early on.

Ademola Lookman came close to pulling the score-line level in the 14th minute when his shot from a tight angle was parried on to the post by Vicente Guaita after some quick build-up.

The light drizzle evolved into a persistent lashing rain and Fulham kept probing for an equaliser and in the 24th minute the post denied Lookman once more. Antonee Robinson, a constant outlet down the left wing fizzed a first time pass into the feet of Lookman who lashed a vicious left-footed effort off the base of the post. An excellent shot across the face of the goal. With the ball sitting invitingly in the box Mitro prodded a shot over the bar.

Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace