‘Confidence from this result can help us’ – Sage delighted after first Palace win

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage believes his side can gain a lot of “confidence” after coming from behind to defeat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage in the Premier League.

After falling behind to Josh King’s 11th-minute finish, Tyrick Mitchell levelled the scoreline midway through the first half. Cesar Palacios then scored his first league goal for the Cottagers before Mitchell drew the Eagles level once again as his left-footed finish beat Bernd Leno in the 54th minute.

It was Mitchell’s replacement, Ben Chilwell, who wrapped up the three points 13 minutes from time following good work from Daichi Kamada.

The result sees Sage win his first league contest as Palace boss, with the visitors registering 10 shots against Fulham.

Impressively, it was also the first time since April 2022 that Palace have won after trailing at half-time away from home in the Premier League (24 games without a win after trailing at half time).

Speaking to the BBC after the game, Sage said, “The fans give us their best whenever they are with us. We need points, and the strength the fans give us is important. The result is positive but I am aware of the game, but sometimes it is like this, you have to take the points.

“We didn’t play as we expected, I’m happy but disappointed for the other team and the coach because they had opportunities [to win] too.”

However, the former Lens boss was not happy with his side’s defensive attitude. “I am not happy with the way we defended, we have a lot of things to move. The confidence from this result can help us. It’s like with a car, when you put petrol inside you can drive,” said Sage.

Palace’s steely determination to record an impressive comeback victory was highlighted by full-back Mitchell.

Mitchell attempted three shots in this game, the highest total for an Eagles player in the Premier League this season. Furthermore, 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.

“It was a tough game, they were 2-1 up and we had a lot to do, but I’m happy I could contribute and get the win,” said Mitchell.

“That was the first time [I’ve been on a hat-trick], it felt weird but I’ve been trying to get into those positions more the past couple of seasons.

“The first goal Eddie [Nketiah] passed it to me and I heard him scream ‘shoot’. Second one was right place, right time, a fluke goal.”

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 5, 2026

Meanwhile, for Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, the Cottagers have lost all three of their Premier League games this season.

It is the third time Fulham having lost their opening three league contests, also doing so in 1951-52 and 2020-21, ultimately suffering relegation on both those occasions.

Arbeloa will be hoping history does not repeat itself, and was very upbeat after the match. Speaking to the BBC, the former Real Madrid manager said, “I think we didn’t deserve to lose this game.

“I think my players did everything, good attitude, they were brave, so many chances to score more goals. They [Crystal Palace] took their chances, in the end football is about that.

“We were really unlucky in this goal [second Palace goal], we had many chances also we were very unlucky. Good effort from Gonzalo [Garcia], that’s the spirit I want from my players, the striker making a sprint to try and save a goal.

“With that spirit and character, if we play in this way, the victories will come.”

Fulham attempted 25 shots against Palace, their highest total in a single match in the Premier League since the start of last season. They mustered an expected goals (xG) of 3.13, much higher than the Eagles’ xG of 1.97.

“We did many good things to win the game, it was similar against Chelsea but we lose. For the players it’s a difficult situation, difficult moment, but I am very proud of them,” said Arbeloa.

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