Fulham made the absolute most of their scant scoring chances to beat Brighton 3-1 at Craven Cottage and move back into the European places on Thursday.
WATCH — Fulham vs Brighton full match replay
Marco Silva and the Cottagers (22 points) sit 6th in the Premier League table after 14 games, one point behind Brighton and just four back of four-time defending champions Manchester City in 4th. These are heady times for Fulham, led once again by another star performance from Alex Iwobi, who has 4 goals and 2 assists in his last 6 PL appearances after scoring twice against the Seagulls.
Alex Iwobi sparking Fulham’s red-hot form
These are heady times for Fulham, led once again by another star performance from Alex Iwobi, who has 4 goals and 2 assists in his last 6 PL appearances after scoring twice against the Seagulls. He thrives at the hard press and quick counter game that Fulham play, especially when the opposing goalkeeper leaves his goal open and passes the ball right to Iwobi. But it’s one of those plays you have to be in the right place at the right time to make, and Iwobi is there in large part because he’s a willing defender. He’s a fine enough attacking player, but he’s in the team for his work rate and intelligence first and foremost. Richarlison had his best season (13 goals) at Everton during Silva’s only full campaign (2018-19) for many of the same reasons.
Player ratings - Fulham vs Brighton
What’s next?
- Fulham vs Arsenal — Sunday (9 am ET)
- Leicester vs Brighton — Sunday (9 am ET)
Fulham vs Brighton live updates - by Andy Edwards
Fulham vs Brighton final score: 3-1
Goalscorers: Alex Iwobi (4', 87'), Carlos Baleba (56'), Matt O’Riley (79' - OG)
GOAL! Fulham 3-1 Brighton: Alex Iwobi turns, bags Cottagers third goal, all three points (87')
GOAL! Fulham 2-1 Brighton: Andreas Pereira’s corner hits Matt O’Riley in the back and goes in (79')
GOAL! Fulham 1-1 Brighton: Carlos Baleba strikes with precision from outside the box (56')
A word of appreciation for the deftly cushioned pass by Joao Pedro for the assist. A brilliant goal on all parts.
GOAL! Fulham 1-0 Brighton: Alex Iwobi pounces on Bart Verbruggen’s ill-advised pass (4')
Fulham starting lineup
Leno - Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson - Berge, Iwobi, Smith Rowe - Wilson, Nelson, Muniz
Brighton starting lineup
Verbruggen - Igor, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan - O’Riley, Baleba, Wieffer - Adingra, Mitoma, Pedro
How to watch Fulham vs Brighton live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 2:30pm ET, Thursday (December 5)
Venue: Craven Cottage — London
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Watch live on Peacock
The Cottagers were disappointed not to win away at Tottenham as they drew 1-1 but spurned several glorious chances. Marco Silva’s side had Tom Cairney sent off late in the second half just after the sub had curled home a beautiful equalizer, but even with 10 players they looked the more likely to win it in stoppage time. Fulham are a lot of fun to watch this season and in Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Nelson and Jimenez they have a group of attackers who slot together so well. Fulham sit on 19 points, four behind Brighton.
Brighton are right up there in the top four hunt but Fabian Hurzeler’s side were disappointed to draw at home against bottom club Southampton on Friday. The 1-1 draw was a game of two halves as Brighton could have been 3-0 up at half time but then put in a subdued second half display to drop two points. Still, the Seagulls are having a fine start to the season and another European push is well and truly on.
Fulham team news, focus
The hosts have a few injury issues to deal with as Diop will likely continue at center back. Both Cairney and Lukic are suspended in midfield but Andreas Pereira did not feature at Tottenham. Marco Silva did not directly address questions about Pereira’s future at the club, and the Brazilian midfielder has released a statement saying comments in a recent interview which said he wanted to leave Fulham for Marseille had been misconstrued. In attack Raul Jimenez had so many chances against Tottenham but couldn’t finish, as Smith Rowe, Iwobi and Nelson were excellent and full backs Robinson and Tete provide so much attacking ability out wide.
OUT: Harrison Reed (knee), Joachim Andersen (calf), Tom Cairney (suspension), Sasa Lukic (suspension), Jorge Cuenca (knock) | QUESTIONABLE: Ryan Sessegnon (other)
Brighton team news, focus
The Seagulls started with the quartet of Mitoma, Welbeck, Pedro and Rutter up top against Southampton but it only clicked in spells. Minteh could come in to start, while Lewis Dunk should be available to start after easing himself back in after returning from injury. Adingra and Ferguson could also come in as Hurzeler can now mix up his attacking options with some big players back fit.
OUT: Solly March (knee), James Milner (thigh), Adam Webster (hamstring), Joel Veltman (muscle) | QUESTIONABLE: Jack Hinshelwood (knee), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Brajan Gruda (illness)
Fulham vs Brighton prediction
This feels like it has the potential to be a really fun one with plenty of goals. Both teams go for it and I think it ends even. Fulham 2-2 Brighton.
