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Fulham logo
Premier League
May 11, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Crystal Palace logo

2-2

Woodrow (61'), David (90')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Gayle (28', 84')

Match Analysis: Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace

Sports Mole brings you analysis as Fulham grab a last-minute equaliser to draw 2-2 against Crystal Palace on their final day in the Premier League.

Fulham went into their final-day clash against Crystal Palace knowing that Championship football was already waiting for them next season, while Tony Pulis and his men visited Craven Cottage knowing that they were already safe from the drop.

The visitors took a 1-0 lead into half time thanks to Dwight Gayle, but Fulham were back on level terms when Cauley Woodrow equalised in the 61st minute.

Gayle scored again with seven minutes left to play, but Fulham closed their Premier League account with a standout equaliser from Chris David in the dying seconds of injury time.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at the action in closer detail.

Match statistics

Fulham
Shots: 15
On target: 5
Possession: 66%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 11

Crystal Palace
Shots: 15
On target: 6
Possession: 34%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 15

Was the result fair?

A draw was probably the fairest outcome from this encounter. Fulham were the more dominant side and wasted a number of good chances, while Palace seemed prepared to sit back and hit the hosts on the counter. Gayle's brace may have been deserving of match-winning acclaim, but David's last-gasp equaliser was of impeccable class and could easily justify the result on its own. It really was outstanding.

Fulham's performance

It's rather surprising Fulham were able to lift themselves for this encounter having been relegated last weekend. Felix Magath's side dominated possession and moved the ball cleverly across the pitch at points. However, they suffered from the same perennial problem which has burdened them all season: clumsiness. The hosts were far too relaxed in defence when they conceded the opener, while Hugo Rodallega was guilty of missing two great chances in front of goal.

Crystal Palace's performance

Palace will go away quite happy with a point, however Pulis will be angry that they were unable to see out the victory having scored their second so late on in the game. There were moments of brilliance from both Tom Ince and Yannick Bolasie, while Gayle was clinical. His free kick for the second goal was one of the best this season and could have quite easily won the game.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Dwight Gayle: Gayle showed his ability all afternoon, especially with a number of clever runs and a willingness to draw defenders from their positions. The striker showed great awareness to prod home from close range for his opener, while his second was a world-class free kick that could have won his side the match, had it not been for another standout effort in the dying seconds.

Biggest gaffe

Rodallega missed an easy chance to equalise in the first period when he was left unmarked in the box; as the ball came across, the striker was unable to decide whether to go with his head, chest or feet before making a horrible mess of the opportunity.

Referee performance

Kevin Friend was rather relaxed in his approach to cards in this match, which made for an open contest from start to finish. The referee could have quite easily sent off Marouane Chamakh in the first half after a number of niggly challenges, but he kept his cards in his pocket and used his words wisely.

What next?

Fulham: Fulham were condemned to relegation last weekend, but David's goal was a sweeter note to end on. The club have a promising youth system and will no doubt be banging on the door for Premier League football again come the end of next season.

Crystal Palace: Palace ensured safety weeks ago and they'll now be looking to the summer in order to strength their squad for next season. The board will be looking to get confirmation from Pulis that he wishes to remain at the club, with the manager surely becoming a hot ticket given the miracles he has worked since taking over at Selhurst Park.

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Tony Pulis manager of Crystal Palace gives instructions from the touchline during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at Boleyn Ground on April 19, 2014
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