Bedlam. A moment of brilliance to break Brentford's stubborn defense. As time was winding down, Fulham, who had controlled the game from the outset, launched one final assault. Adama Traoré delivered a pinpoint cross, and Harry Wilson, twisting his body at an improbable angle, executed a stunning flicked volley to salvage a point for Marco Silva's team.
In reality, it would have been unjust if Brentford, leading thanks to a powerful strike from Vitaly Janelt midway through the second half, had emerged victorious in this west London derby. Thomas Frank's team had hardly showcased any footballing prowess. They defended deep and seized every chance to engage in gamesmanship.
It was a frustrating spectacle, and Fulham could have easily lost their composure. Instead, they persisted. Wilson's equalizer ignited a frantic finale. Brentford nearly snatched victory, only to squander a golden opportunity for a 2-1 lead. Fulham retaliated swiftly, with Antonee Robinson crossing for Wilson, whose superb header sailed past Mark Flekken, securing Silva's team their first win in four matches and propelling Fulham into the top half of the table.
The match was intense from the kickoff, with fierce tackles and gaps evident at both ends. Fulham were the first to threaten, with Reiss Nelson forcing a sharp save from Flekken. The quality of their play in the opening 20 minutes was undeniable. Nelson, making his first league start since joining from Arsenal, was in high spirits on the left flank, combining effectively with Emile Smith Rowe, who capitalized on the space he found between the lines.
Brentford needed to tighten up, become more compact, and react quicker to Fulham's creative players. Most of the action was concentrated on the left, overwhelming Mads Roerslev, and more chances materialized. Robinson found Smith Rowe, whose shot was blocked, and it was unlikely that Frank would have appreciated the moment when Nelson, dribbling effortlessly, was permitted to glide through the center, the threat only abating when Nathan Collins intervened.
That was a reminder that Frank could rely on his players not to capitulate. Brentford had sporadically threatened, with Robinson making a crucial tackle on Bryan Mbeumo, but they were prepared to dig deep. Christian Nørgaard was active in midfield, Flekken irked the home crowd by taking his time with every goalkick, and it was no surprise when Brentford struck in the 24th minute.
It was Brentford's physicality that paid off. They won possession in midfield through a series of robust challenges, and Nørgaard found Janelt. Fulham were vulnerable, and Janelt seized the moment, striking the ball with his left foot from 25 yards, sending it soaring past Bernd Leno.
Brentford now had something to defend. Fulham pressed for an equalizer, with Robinson delivering a dangerous cross and Flekken saving a header from Smith Rowe, but their frustration was mounting. Janelt could have extended the lead before halftime, but his shot was deflected wide.
The question was whether Brentford, who had lost leads against Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham, could finally hold onto a lead away from home. Fulham continued to push them back. Alex Iwobi shot wide early in the second half, and Collins had to make two more significant challenges on Raul Jiménez.
Brentford were defending resolutely, with Collins and Ethan Pinnock forming a formidable duo in the air, and they were seeking counter-attacking opportunities. Keane Lewis-Potter was encouraged to shoot after evading Kenny Tete, but his effort went over.
The game was becoming stagnant, a concern for Fulham. Nelson delivered a deep cross for Robinson, who mishandled it. Someone needed to take charge. Jiménez was being tightly marked. Silva eventually turned to his bench, introducing the unpredictable Traoré.
With Brentford massing defenders, it seemed there would be no breakthrough. Wilson had other plans. Craven Cottage erupted in disbelief. The celebrations were prolonged and deafening.
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