Fulham made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League as they cruised past Brighton 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz did the damage in the first half as rthe former curled home after Muniz had bullied Brighton’s defense, then Wilson curled a wonderful cross into the box for Muniz to nod home his fifth goal in as many games.
Brighton improved in the second half and hit the post through Facundo Buonanotte but Fulham sub Adama Traore finished Brighton off on the break as Marco Silva’s side have now won three of their last four.
That run means Fulham are now on 35 points and are pushing for a top 10 finish, while Brighton are just four points ahead of Fulham as their alarming slump continues and now they face Roma in their Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday. Roberto De Zerbi was far from happy on the sidelines as the Seagulls have been so inconsistent and haven’t secured back-to-back wins since September.
Fulham have found their Mitrovic replacement
Rodrigo Muniz has taken a bit of time to warm up in the Premier League but the 22-year-old Brazilian forward now has five goals in his last five games for Fulham. The way he bullied Brighton’s defense to set up Harry Wilson’s opener and then nodded home Wilson’s cross to put Fulham 2-0 up in the first half made you rub your eyes slightly. ‘Is that Mitro!?’ It wasn’t but it could have been. And that is why Fulham have won three of their last four as they finally have a focal point to their attack. Raul Jimenez has filled the gap in brief spells this season but Muniz has been improving throughout the campaign and is more of a like for like fit for Fulham legend Mitrovic. The way Fulham play they need a targetman and Muniz is the man.
Fulham vs Brighton player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com you can see Fulham’s attacking trio of Muniz, Wilson and Iwobi had an incredible outing. They gave Brighton so many problems. Brighton improved in the second half with Baleba working so hard in midfield to get them back in the game.
What’s next?
Fulham head to Wolves on Saturday, March 9. Brighton travel to Roma on Thursday for their Europa League last 16 first leg, then host Nottingham Forest on Sunday, March 10.
How to watch Fulham vs Brighton live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10am ET Saturday (March 2)
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Online: Premier League on Peacock
Fulham vs Brighton live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Fulham vs Brighton final score: 3-0
Wilson 21', Muniz 32', Traore 90+1'
Adama Traore finishes on the break - Fulham 3-0 Brighton (91st minute)
Fulham catch Brighton the break as De-Cordova Reid wins it and plays in Traore who slots home. Game over.
Buonanotte hits the post
So close for Brighton as Facundo Buonanotte hits the post. Much better from the Seagulls in the second half.
Webster with an unbelievable block
Wilson is in again but Webster denies his shot with a last-ditch block. Fulham will get lots of chances on the break to finish this off.
Ferguson should score for Brighton
What a chance for Brighton as Lallana clips in Ferguson but the youngster dinks his shot wide. Has to score there. Brighton are well on top now and creating plenty of chances. Finally they’ve woken up.
Close to another for Wilson
Fulham continue to push forward and Wilson is in again but drags his shot across goal wide of the far post. Brighton are all over the place.
Half time: Fulham 2-0 Brighton
The Cottagers are heading for a third win in their last four with Wilson scoring an assisting Muniz and Brighton have hardly had a kick. Roberto De Zerbi does not look happy on the sidelines.
Lovely cross from Wilson and a great header from Muniz as Fulham are cruising - Fulham 2-0 Brighton (32nd minute)
Wilson curls a brilliant cross into the box and Muniz now has five goals in his last five games as he heads home calmly. The Cottagers love playing against Brighton. They’ve never lost to them in the Premier League. Doesn’t look like they will lose to them today either.
What a finish from Wilson! - Fulham 1-0 Brighton (21st minute)
Brilliant forward play from Rodrigo Muniz as he bullied Adam Webster and the ball dropped to Harry Wilson who curled into the far corner. Craven Cottage goes wild.
Fulham lineup
Leno; Castagne, Tosin, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Reed; Wilson, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz
Brighton lineup
Steele; Van Hecke, Dunk, Veltman; Lamptey, Webster, Baleba, Estupinan; Enciso, Lallana, Ferguson
Fulham focus, team news
Silva has a strong defensive unit and now there’s a real cutting edge in attack. Iwobi being back is huge.
OUT: Raul Jimenez (thigh), Palhinha (suspension)
Brighton focus, team news
Mitoma going down with an injury is a big blow, while Joao Pedro’s absence means Brighton have lost a bit of drive and creativity in attack.
OUT: Joao Pedro (hamstring), Solly March (knee), James Milner (thigh), Billy Gilmour (suspension), Jack Hinshelwood (ankle)
