Fulham 3 Bournemouth 1
Bournemouth were the form team in the Premier League not so long ago. As they travelled to Craven Cottage to face Fulham that impressive run seemed an eternity ago as they looked to try get back into their stride in the capital.
Andoni Iraola’s side had not won since a Boxing Day victory over The Cottagers at the Vitality Stadium. Fulham’s deadline day signing Armando Broja was on the bench for the game after his visa finally came through to clear him to play.
The Cherries had proved somewhat of a bogey team for Marco Silva’s side of late with Fulham having won only one of the last thirteen games against them. The West London outfit were hoping they could change that form.
Ream did well to intercept a pass as the visitors came forward. Pereira found Muniz on the edge of the box who looked to cross. It seemed Cook had it all under control until he slipped in the box, presenting De Cordova-Reid with the chance to slot the ball home.
Credit: @FulhamFC
Craven Cottage erupted as they saw their team take a fifth minute lead in the game. They almost doubled their lead as Willian bared down on goal. He looked to slot the ball in the far corner but Neto got down well to make a great save.
The Bournemouth keeper was called into action again as his side struggled to keep The Cottagers at bay. As it dropped to Castagne in the box, Neto had to make a point-blank save to keep Iraola’s side in this game early on.
Finally the visitors started to work the Fulham defensive line. As the ball was crossed to the back post, Sinisterra controlled it before shifting it onto his right foot and shooting. Leno made an elaborate save as he punched the ball clear.
As the hosts came forward once again, Willian clipped a ball into the back post and De-Cordova Reid headed it across goal. Muniz reacted the quickest as he beat both defender and keeper to the ball to poke home and double the lead for Fulham.
The Cherries started the second half on the front foot and Christie tried a shot which deflected behind. As the corner came in, Solanke headed it down for Senesi to control and strike into the back of the net. Suddenly, Iraola’s side were back in this game.
Just as Bournemouth could see a way back, Cairney broke forward for The Cottagers. Unable to progress, he laid the ball off to Willian who clipped a sublime cross into the back for Muniz to drill home on the volley.
Credit: @FulhamFC
They do say that you are at your most vulnerable after you have just scored and The Cherries were proving the adage right. Fulham were back in control of the game and it was nothing more than they had deserved on this performance.
Bournemouth huffed and puffed with Solanke trying an overhead kick from the edge of the box. It deflected off Diop and landed on the roof of the net with Leno well beaten. It summed up the luck of the visitors in West London.
Solanke was coming into the game more and he recycled a deep cross to find Semenyo late on. He met the ball on the half volley and almost sent it out of the stadium. It was not to be The Cherries’ day and Fulham took all three points to take them ten points clear of the relegation zone.
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