Fulham suffer third straight defeat as Crystal Palace complete dramatic comeback

Fulham surrendered a first-half lead to lose 3-2 at home to Crystal Palace, with the result extending their winless start under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa and prompting boos from the home supporters.

The defeat was Fulham’s third in as many Premier League matches this season. They remain without a victory since Arbeloa took charge, while Crystal Palace left with their first three points of the campaign after turning the game around in the second half.

Fulham appeared to be on course for a positive result after making the stronger start at Craven Cottage. Joshua King put the hosts in front in the 11th minute, giving the home side an early advantage in front of their own fans.

Crystal Palace responded before half-time. Tyrick Mitchell levelled in the 35th minute with a powerful left-footed strike, putting the visitors back into contention after Fulham had controlled the opening stages.

The hosts regained the lead only seven minutes later. Cesar Palacios restored Fulham’s advantage, and the home side went into the interval 2-1 ahead.

However, Crystal Palace emerged for the second half with greater attacking intent and quickly put Fulham under pressure. Mitchell completed his brace in the 54th minute, bringing Palace level for a second time and changing the momentum of the contest.

Fulham were unable to regain control as the visitors continued to threaten. Ben Chilwell then scored Crystal Palace’s third goal in the 77th minute, completing the turnaround and securing all three points for the away side.

The final whistle was met by a negative reaction from Fulham supporters, who expressed their frustration with the team’s poor results by directing boos at the players. The latest loss leaves Arbeloa still waiting for his first Premier League win as Fulham manager.

For much of the match, Fulham had looked capable of ending that difficult run. King’s early goal gave them the ideal start, and Palacios’ reply to Mitchell’s first equaliser ensured they held a one-goal lead at half-time.

But Palace’s stronger second-half approach exposed Fulham’s inability to protect their advantage. Mitchell’s second goal restored parity before Chilwell’s effort completed a dramatic comeback.

The result means Fulham’s difficult opening to the Premier League season continues, while Crystal Palace can celebrate a victory secured from a losing position. The home side’s next priority will be to halt a run of three successive defeats and ease the growing pressure surrounding Arbeloa.