Fulham achieved a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Brentford at Craven Cottage, marking a significant milestone in their Premier League campaign. The victory ensured the Hoops completed the double over their local rivals. It further expanded Fulham’s final points total to 54, a club record in the top-flight. Wilson would prove Fulham’s hero, netting the winner to clinch all three points.
The game turned out to be a thriller equipped with attacking talent from both sides. It was Jimenez who broke the deadlock for Fulham, nodding home with a thunderous header. He finished with his twelfth goal of the campaign, aided by Adama Traore’s low and measured cross. Brentford went from despair to euphoria as they drew level. Follow up it was Bryan Mbeumo who played a perfectly timed one-two with Yoane Wissa before calmly slotting the ball home into the bottom corner.
Match Highlights
Fulham’s initial advantage came from Jimenez in the first half, who exhibited his aerial ability to direct Traore’s inviting cross past Brentford’s goalkeeper Mark Flekken. That early lead energized the home crowd. They were happy to see their team’s resilience, as they forced the league’s top scoring opponent into a game they were completely uncomfortable in.
Brentford, not cowed by the disappointment, equalized right after half time. Mbeumo combined with Wissa with a clever one-two and then dribbled into the box to score. The goal not only invigorated Brentford, it turned the tide of momentum firmly in their favor. Wissa opened the scoring for Brentford with a superb individual effort to put the visitors ahead. He poked the ball home following Christian Norgaard’s flicked header that had gone through Fulham keeper Bernd Leno.
“It’s the Premier League, it’s the small bits that decide football matches. We deserved more. I will say that I’m a strong believer that if we play that game again then we would win it.” – Thomas Frank
Second Half Turnaround
Even having gone down, Fulham showed guts and fight. Fulham coach Marco Silva hailed his players’ resolve after turning it around, saying the unpredictable nature of derby day is what makes it special. It didn’t take long for the players to rally around each other, and Wilson quickly became the catalyst for Fulham’s revival.
With the clock ticking down, Fulham threw everything forward in search of a goal to force Extra-time. Wilson’s persistence was rewarded with his third goal against Brentford this season. That piece of brilliance all but clinched a historic comeback win, a potentially semifinal-clinching victory for his side. His late central strike helped Fulham earn all three points overall. This match win put them in a strong upper third position of the Premier League table.
Bernd Leno was the biggest reason why Fulham remained in the game, saving Mbeumo’s penalty with a strong right hand. The Brentford loanee tried to pounce his 20th goal of the season. Much to his dismay, Leno’s cat-like reflexes robbed him of that opportunity.
Future Implications
This victory holds great importance for each city’s club. However, now on 54 points, Fulham have secured their highest-ever points tally in the Premier League. Coach Thomas Frank lamented not coming away with more from the game. He pointed out areas for development as the squad looks ahead.
“It breaks the points tally (record) for our football club, something this club has never done… I’m never satisfied and I want to push more. I know it’s not silverware and we want to push in the competitions as much as we can.” – Thomas Frank
As for Tom Cairney, he is one of the players whose future at Fulham surely has to be called into question. His contract has not been renewed beyond this season. While admitting his surprise at the move, he reiterated in the strongest terms his intention to remain with the club long-term.
“Nothing is sorted yet. Next week is my final game for Fulham, hopefully it’s not.” – Tom Cairney
Leave a Reply