Ben Chilwell marked his Crystal Palace return with a dramatic late winner as Fulham suffered another damaging Premier League defeat at Craven Cottage.
The England international needed just three minutes after coming off the bench to settle a five-goal thriller and hand Pierre Sage his first league victory as Palace manager.
Chilwell, who spent six months on loan at Palace last season, joined permanently from Strasbourg for £8.6 million on transfer deadline day.
His first touch for his new club proved decisive as he punished another defensive mistake to complete Palace’s comeback.
Fulham surrender lead twice
Fulham looked in control early on when Josh King opened the scoring in the 11th minute.
The 19-year-old produced an excellent finish from the right side before turning provider shortly before half-time, although his cross took a deflection off Jaydee Canvot and found the net to put Fulham 2-1 ahead.
However, Palace refused to collapse and Tyrick Mitchell became an unlikely hero for the visitors.
The left-back levelled the game by beating Bernd Leno at his near post before scoring again in the 54th minute.
His second goal came after Gonzalo Garcia failed to clear the danger properly, allowing Mitchell to somehow force the ball over the line.
Fulham’s defensive problems continued late in the match.
Chilwell completes Palace comeback
Chilwell was introduced in the 74th minute and wasted almost no time making an impact.
The former Chelsea defender reacted quickest after Joachim Andersen failed to deal with another dangerous situation, smashing the ball home to put Palace ahead for the first time.
The goal completed a remarkable comeback for Sage’s side and left Fulham facing another defeat at the start of Alvaro Arbeloa’s reign.
Fulham remain without a point from their opening matches, increasing pressure on the former Real Madrid boss.
Despite King’s outstanding display, Fulham’s supporters made their feelings clear at the final whistle, with loud boos greeting the home side as they left the pitch.
England manager Thomas Tuchel was also in attendance to watch Adam Wharton and King, but Palace’s two left-backs may have provided an unexpected talking point.
Neither Chilwell nor Mitchell is expected to feature in England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, but both made strong statements at Craven Cottage.
