Oliver Glasner: Crystal Palace in ‘survival mode’ as fatigue hampers performance

Crystal Palace are battling fatigue and “survival mode” football, according to head coach Oliver Glasner, after being held to a 1–1 draw by Fulham at Selhurst Park.

Palace appeared on course to secure their first home victory in two months when Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring with a header. However, Fulham responded late on as Tom Cairney struck from 20 yards in the 80th minute to level the score. In stoppage time, Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson made a crucial one-handed save from Timothy Castagne to deny Fulham a dramatic winner.

Fatigue takes its toll

Glasner highlighted the toll that Palace’s congested fixture schedule is taking on his side. The Eagles have already played eight more games than Fulham this season and remain winless in their last six outings.

“It is always important to stay humble and respect every single point,” Glasner said. “With all the circumstances, we played well when the mind and legs were fresh, but in the end, it was a question of time before we conceded.

“We are a little bit in survival mode. We have to accept that. We have never played a team with less rest than us. Even Fulham had one day more — we played on Sunday, they played on Saturday.

“Next, we play Newcastle on Sunday. We have two days to rest, they have four, and you can see the physical difference. I am not complaining, just stating the reality. Right now, it is not possible to perform at our top level.”

Potential boost with Brennan Johnson

Glasner could soon welcome the arrival of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham, who was not included in Spurs’ squad for their New Year’s Day match against Brentford. Palace’s £35 million offer for the Wales international was accepted earlier this week.

“Please respect this, because for me it is a matter of respect not to talk about players under contract at another club,” Glasner said. “I wouldn’t like someone talking about my player — even if he wasn’t in the squad for us — so it is a matter of respect not to discuss a deal until it is finally done. I cannot confirm a deal, but as soon as it is, you will know about it.”

Fulham boss frustrated by temporary numerical disadvantage

Fulham manager Marco Silva expressed frustration after Mateta scored while his side was temporarily reduced to 10 men following Jorge Cuenca’s apparent head injury.

“We should not have been playing with 10 men,” Silva said. “It doesn’t make any sense. It is a normal reaction to go down, but Cuenca stood up quickly. The game should have been 11 against 11.

“If it is a concussion, the medical staff can intervene, but not every time. The referees, with the experience they have, should manage the game differently. Today, there was no reason for Cuenca to be out at that moment.”