Muñoz seals another masterful away day win for Crystal Palace at Fulham

Another missed opportunity for Fulham to cement themselves as contenders for European qualification needs to be placed in perspective given that this disappointment came against opponents who have mastered the art of playing away from home. Few sides will relish hosting Crystal Palace at the moment. Not only are Oliver Glasner’s side unbeaten on their travels in the Premier League since October, they are also on a run of five consecutive 2-0 away wins in all competitions after seeing off Fulham with an own-goal from Joachim Andersen and a fine strike from Daniel Muñoz.

The frustration with Fulham is that they tend to be at their least inspired in games they are expected to dominate. Is something holding them back? Is it a mental block? How else to explain their inability to build on last weekend’s impressive victory over Nottingham Forest?.

Perhaps it had something to do with Palace’s expertise on the road. They pose awkward tactical questions with their 3-4-2-1 system and are skilled in stifling opponents. It was telling that Fulham had plenty of the ball during an angry, anxious first half but did not create anything of note. Adama Traoré had little joy zooming down the right flank and although Palace were pushed back for long spells there were few moments when their outstanding back three of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guéhi were pulled out of position.

Fulham soon began to look unsure of themselves. Palace were more incisive, going close when Jean-Philippe Mateta shot wide in the third minute. It was a sign of Fulham’s discomfort that they were soon reduced to complaining about a series of aggravating calls by the referee, Robert Jones. Palace, playing an assured and methodical style in possession, had them rattled. They threatened again through Eberechi Eze, who drew two smart saves from Bernd Leno after letting fly from long range.

Eze was in delightful form after returning from injury. Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma also impressed in midfield and it was not a surprise when Palace went ahead in the 37th minute. Lacroix darted to the near post in an attempt to meet Hughes’ corner and the ball went in off the unwitting Andersen, who was unable to adjust after being given a little shove by Ismaïla Sarr.

Fulham’s fans were still grumbling about the non-award of a foul moments before the corner. In truth, though, it was easy to tell where this was heading long before Palace’s opener. Sign up to Football Daily. Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football.

after newsletter promotion. There was no change after half-time. There was one glimmer for Fulham when Raúl Jiménez broke through, only for Lacroix to deny the forward with a superb challenge. Palace were quicker and smarter. They did not feel sorry for themselves when Mateta was deemed offside after latching on to a sublime back-heel from Eze and fired past Leno.

Palace simply attacked again. Mateta picked up possession in his own half, dribbled beyond weak challenges from the Fulham substitutes, Andreas Pereira and Tom Cairney, and found Muñoz in space on the right. Faced by Calvin Bassey, the wing-back twisted left and right before catching Leno out with a powerful shot from a tight angle.