Aleksandar Mitrovic nets brace as Fulham draw with Crystal Palace

The visitors - without talisman Wilfried Zaha - took a first-half lead courtesy of Odsonne Edouard, but the contest was soon level when Mitrovic converted convincingly from the penalty spot.

The intimidating Serbian netted again after the half-time break from a Willian cross to put the Cottagers in front, but a late Palace rally led to defender Joel Ward grabbing his first Premier League goal since the 2018-19 season to force a share of the spoils.

Proceedings at Craven Cottage got off to a frantic start as Fulham looked to impress their home crowd for a final time this season, although the contest was soon paused due to a collision between Mitrovic and Joachim Andersen.

The Dane's stray elbow caught the Cottagers' talisman on the nose during an aerial duel - the Fulham faithful were relieved to see their forward continue after being patched-up and given a new shirt to don.

The opening 30 minutes saw little in terms of clear-cut chances, yet both teams were valiant in their battles - especially in the middle of the park - with the hosts and their visitors looking to end successful campaigns on a high.

Palace put themselves ahead after converting the first notable opportunity of the match, with Eberechi Eze driving with purpose on the counter following a Fulham corner - the 24-year-old slipped through Edouard, who thumped the ball past a helpless Bernd Leno into the Cottagers' net.

Roy Hodgson's men would not be able to take a lead into the half-time interval, however, after Tyrick Mitchell clumsily stumbled into Harry Wilson in the penalty area, giving the hosts a perfect opportunity to equalise.

Mitrovic stepped up to take the penalty kick and unsurprisingly made no mistake with his finish, blasting the ball into the top-left corner past Sam Johnstone to restore parity in the game.

Fulham did not allow the half-time break to kill the momentum gained from Mitrovic's penalty, with good play from Harrison Reed and Wilson on the right leading to a chance at the back post for the 28-year-old - somehow the Serbian turned his effort wide from close range.

It would not be long, however, until Mitrovic marked his return to Craven Cottage action with a second of the afternoon via a thunderous header, with Willian's free-kick delivery from the right finding Fulham's leading scorer.

Despite being unable to finish any higher than 11th this season, Palace began to pile on serious pressure in order to find an equaliser in West London and they were soon rewarded for their efforts.

Michael Olise delivered a tempting ball from the left which the Fulham backline failed to clear, allowing right-back Ward to poke home the leveller after his initial effort was saved by Leno.

Fulham's slim chances of finishing inside the top seven this season are no more after failing to earn maximum points in this one - Marco Silva's men travel to Manchester United on the final day knowing they will finish 10th in their maiden term back in the Premier League.

Palace still have the opportunity to achieve their highest finish in the top flight since the 2017-18 season, with Steve Cooper's Nottingham Forest the visitors at Selhurst Park next Sunday.