Fulham came from behind to beat struggling Burnley 3-1 at Craven Cottage as Marco Silva’s side returned to winning ways to keep their hopes of playing European football alive next season.
There was an early VAR controversy when Burnley striker Jean Fleming saw his shot on goal hit Fulham defender Calvin Bassey’s hand from close range, but referee Chris Kavanagh waved off the visitors’ penalty appeal.
The on-field call was passed on to VAR’s Nicholas Hopton, who ruled that the ball hit the support arm of Bassey, who tried to block the shot in an attempt to disappoint Fleming, who also failed to beat Bernd Leno from five yards out as Burnley went all square on the break.
However, Fleming made up for that bad mistake by shooting ahead of the visitors on the hour mark when the Clarets sensed a chance to get close to safety, but Fulham responded immediately through Josh King, a 19-year-old Premier League debutant, although they also had some help from their fans in Burnley No. 1 Martin Dubravka.
Raul Jimenez scores from the penalty spot to seal Fulham’s victory over Burnley
And after Harry Wilson turned the game on its head with his hugely impressive 10th league goal of the season, substitute Raul Jimenez sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty, and Burnley defender Josh Laurent was also sent off.
The hard-fought victory moves the Cottage, who have failed to score or win in their last three games, to eighth place and aim to qualify for Europe next season.
Jean Fleming celebrates giving Burnley a second-half lead against Fulham
But Burnley’s latest defeat means Scott Parker’s side have won just one of their last 22 top-flight games and remain nine points from safety, with just seven games remaining before they complete an unlikely escape.
What the managers said…
Fulham manager Marco Silva:
“It’s really special for him (King). He’s worked very hard. He’s a great talent and a top young player.
“It was a great second half for him. He scored a goal and I hope it’s the first of many and I know that.”
“It was a very important win for us. It’s a big three points for a lot of reasons. It’s a must-win for us.”
Burnley manager Scott Parker:
“I think our overall performance, probably up to 60 minutes, was very good.
“Probably the decisive moment was obviously a little mistake on our part and they scored, a rare mistake unlike Martin (Dubravka), who made some saves today as well and has made saves all year.
“So, not criticizing it, but it was a bit of a shock. We didn’t manage to get over it, but they quickly scored again.
Jeanne Fleming hits the target with a diving header at Craven Cottage
“Obviously it’s a tough challenge for us (to keep winning), but we still have games to play. I just said, we don’t have a choice in what we do.
“Sometimes in life, when you don’t have a choice, it’s the best solution, and this year we definitely fell a little short.
“There’s one thing we don’t lack, and that’s everything I ask of them when they cross the line, which is to give it our all in a tough year for us.”
Fulham need to tie up Wilson, but it won’t be easy
Rich Morgan of Sky Sports:
It’s easy to see why Fulham fans are starting to worry about star man Harry Wilson’s future. Wilson’s recent Man of the Match performance helped his side turn things around against struggling Burnley.
The forward, already the hosts’ most dangerous attacking outlet, cut inside and smashed a low left-footed shot inside the near post as the Cottageers quickly went from behind to leading after half-time.
Harry Wilson celebrates with goal as Fulham lead 2-1 against Burnley
It was Wilson’s 10th Premier League goal in a hugely impressive season and his highest ever for a return to the top flight, with many of them also on the shortlist for this season’s goal and one that will be coveted this summer even if he chooses not to extend his stay in the capital.
The Wales international’s current contract expires at the end of the season, but manager Marco Silva reiterated after the match that there was “no news yet” regarding a new deal for the club’s arguably player of the season.
If this impasse continues, you can bet your money is on the line that there will be a line of suitors waiting to lure the 28-year-old away from the west London club where he has spent the past five years in grace.
