Manchester, March 1: Manchester United overturned an early setback and a wave of controversy to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford, climbing to third in the Premier League table in the process.
The visitors stunned the home crowd inside four minutes when Maxence Lacroix rose highest to give Palace the lead — the earliest goal United have conceded this season. For much of the first half, Oliver Glasner’s well-drilled side looked composed, organised and capable of completing a third straight win at Old Trafford.
The contest turned dramatically in the second half. Lacroix tugged at Matheus Cunha as the Brazilian surged towards goal. Though initial contact occurred outside the box, the defender’s continued hold carried into the penalty area. Referee Chris Kavanagh awarded a penalty after consulting the pitchside monitor and also dismissed Lacroix for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.Bruno Fernandes converted emphatically in the 57th minute before Benjamin Sesko — now enjoying a rich vein of form — headed home Fernandes’ cross eight minutes later to complete the turnaround. It was the Slovenian striker’s third goal in successive matches and his seventh in eight appearances.
Former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson kept Palace within touching distance with fine saves from Casemiro and Amad Diallo, but United held firm to extend Michael Carrick’s impressive interim run to six wins and a draw in seven matches. The result lifts them above Aston Villa into third — their highest position since 2023.
Palace, meanwhile, remain 14th but comfortably clear of the relegation zone, though the contentious decision will leave them aggrieved.
Fulham deepen Tottenham’s crisis
At Craven Cottage, Tottenham’s bleak 2026 continued as Fulham secured a deserved 2-1 victory, extending Spurs’ winless league run to 10 games.
Harry Wilson opened the scoring early, volleying home after a controversial build-up that saw Raul Jimenez appear to nudge Radu Dragusin. VAR upheld the decision, much to the frustration of new Spurs boss Igor Tudor.
Alex Iwobi doubled the advantage midway through the first half with a superb strike from distance. Fulham could have been further ahead before the break, but Spurs clawed one back through Richarlison’s header in the 66th minute.
Despite a late flurry, Tottenham failed to muster sustained pressure. They now sit 16th, just four points above the relegation zone, and remain the only Premier League side without a win this calendar year.
Fulham, by contrast, climb to ninth and remain firmly in contention for European qualification — a remarkable turnaround built largely on strong home form.
Brighton gain momentum as Forest falter
Brighton secured consecutive league wins for the first time since November with a lively 2-1 triumph over Nottingham Forest at the Amex Stadium.
In a breathless opening, Diego Gomez put the hosts ahead before Morgan Gibbs-White responded with a powerful equaliser. Danny Welbeck restored Brighton’s advantage within two minutes, calmly finishing to register his 10th league goal of the season.Brighton dominated thereafter, with Matz Sels producing several crucial saves to prevent further damage. Forest struggled to create clear opportunities, and substitute Taiwo Awoniyi squandered their best late chance with a header off target.
The win moves Brighton up to 11th, easing pressure on manager Fabian Hurzeler and creating daylight between themselves and the relegation zone. Forest, meanwhile, hover perilously close to danger and continue to search for attacking consistency under Vitor Pereira.
Title race tightens as Man City stay in touch
Elsewhere, Manchester City edged Leeds United 1-0 at Elland Road thanks to Antoine Semenyo’s first-half strike. The victory keeps City within touching distance of leaders Arsenal, ensuring the title race remains finely poised with 10 games remaining.From United’s resurgence and Tottenham’s alarming slide to Fulham’s European ambition and Brighton’s steady revival, the Premier League continues to deliver tension at both ends of the table.(Agencies)
