Crystal Palace beat Fulham to reach EFL Cup quarter-finals

Crystal Palace advanced to the EFL Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on October 28, as Eddie Nketiah’s first-half goal eased pressure on manager Pierre Sage. Nketiah scored in the 37th minute, turning Oscar Mingueza’s cross past Benjamin Lecomte. Palace’s goal came against the run of play: Fulham had created several early chances and continued to control much of the match after the break, but did not score. Dean Henderson helped preserve the lead, including with a close-range save from Alex Iwobi and a stop against Gonzalo Garcia’s stoppage-time header. Palace had limited possession and few opportunities to attack, while Fulham’s Alvaro Arbeloa said his side had controlled the game and needed to improve its finishing and ball movement. The cup result offered Sage relief amid a difficult league run, but he emphasized that Palace needed points in the Premier League. The team was 17th after consecutive defeats, according to match coverage. Sage said Palace had fought better than they played and identified Tottenham as the next league opponent. The cup victory did not itself provide the league points he said the club needed. Palace’s supporters sang...