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Fulham gave their hopes of survival a huge boost, as Ademola Lookman’s goal earned her side a 1-0 win over relegation rivals Sheffield United.
After a lackluster first half, Lookman lashed out at Scott Parker’s side on three points in the 61st minute, deepening Sheffield United’s plight in the process.
The victory sees Fulham move to three safety points. Parker’s men now have 17th-place Newcastle, who face Manchester United on Sunday night, firmly in their sights.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United’s status in the Premier League is hanging by a thread as Chris Wilder’s team remains 14 points behind safety, rooted at the bottom of the table.
How the Fulham revival continued
Fulham dominated possession during a cautious first half in what was billed as a must-have match for both sides.
Despite the dominance of the home team, they struggled to create a clear royal opening and failed to really test Aaron Ramsdale in the Sheffield United goal.
Harrison Reed had a shot from distance, which went straight to Ramsdale, and the goalkeeper also called into action to deny Lookman from range.
At the other end, the Blades, despite being defensively solid, struggled to put a glove on Fulham as they entered the interval without a touch in the Fulham penalty area.
More urgency was expected from both sides with crucial points at stake in the race for survival, and, early in the second half, Ruben Loftus-Cheek came close to giving the home side the lead, but his goal shot was cleared from the line by George Baldock.
The stalemate was finally broken in the 61st minute when a long pass from Joachim Andersen launched Lookman into the penalty area. The 23-year-old cut inside Ethan Ampadu before firing a low shot through Ramsdale and into the back of the net.
The goal duped Sheffield United and, less than five minutes later, they had their first shot on goal, with Alphonse Areola denying Enda Stevens with his legs.
And the Blades got a big penalty cry in the final stages when Areola threw himself at Jayden Bogle’s feet. The goalkeeper did manage to touch the ball, but it collided with Bogle. No penalties were imposed as Fulham clung to a crucial victory.
Souness: Areola challenge ‘one round’
3:40
Graeme Souness was spectacularly scathing in his opinion of referees in the Premier League after seeing Alphonse Areola’s challenge of Jayden Bogle with impunity, which the expert called “an assault.”
What the managers said …
Fulham manager Scott parker: “We set a challenge for the guys tonight not to be swallowed up. Caring for ourselves and putting on a performance where we show our quality. I think we did it. We showed our quality.
“Like all these games, it took a moment to win the game and it came from Ademola and found the net.
“I’m very proud of this team because it’s a great moment. Not just this game, but this week. It’s been huge. We all understand what we have to do. We need results rather than performances, but I felt like we got both tonight.
“We need to rest now; we’ve had a tough week. We’ll get back to it on Monday ready to keep pushing. It’s a tough league. We understand. All we have to do is focus on ourselves. That’s all we’ve done this season. When We had our little slump, we focused on ourselves. We are a young team that is growing fast. I have a lot of faith in this team. “
On staying awake: “That is the goal. We have been in this position for a while. We feel comfortable where we are, we know the projections we are in. Let’s try to rack up some wins and put pressure on the other teams.” That is the main focus. “
3:47
Scott Parker says he is very proud of his players after scoring seven points out of a possible nine following a 1-0 win over relegation rivals Sheffield United.
Head of Sheffield United Chris Wilder: “There wasn’t much to it, and he settled on a bit of quality. We had chances to get back into the game and we didn’t take them. And then we had a ridiculous decision from the VAR.
“I thought it was a reckless challenge from the Fulham goalkeeper. It’s a penalty. To be honest, I’m more thankful that there wasn’t an injury because it was a reckless challenge. Yes, I did hold on a bit, but it was a penalty throughout the whole game. day. I have no doubt. I’m watching a completely different game. Still images and looking at it in slow motion, how does VAR not see that? I don’t care if he’s being brave or whatever. A ridiculous challenge, another good margin it has cost us.
“These are great experiences that we are all going through. This is a difficult position for all of us. There is always something to play for. I will not accept relegation until it happens. And even then, I still will not accept it.” .
“I can’t fool everyone by saying we’re going to have a miraculous recovery. I won’t allow it [to happen] to our followers. It seems that next season we will be in the Championship. “
5:55
Chris Wilder was very disappointed that his team did not receive a penalty for Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’s ‘reckless’ challenge to Jayden Bogle in their 1-0 loss at Craven Cottage.
Man of the Match – Ademola Lookman
Lookman celebrates Fulham’s goal against Sheffield United
Ademola Lookman was once again Fulham’s hero, scoring what could prove to be a crucial goal in her team’s bid for survival.
He has now been directly involved in more Premier League goals than any other Fulham player this season (four goals and three assists).
The striker, on loan from RB Leipzig, has also scored four goals in 22 Premier League appearances this season; In 2017-18 alone (five in 11 Bundesliga appearances) he has scored more in a top flight campaign.
Opta Statistics – Home Amenities for Fulham …
Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Fulham (right) escapes from John Lundstram of Sheffield United
- Fulham posted their second win in 14 Premier League home games (2 wins, 4 losses, 8 losses) and the first since defeating West Brom in November.
- Parker’s team has won two of their last three Premier League matches (D1), as many as they had won in their previous 24 in the competition (W2 D9 L13).
- Sheffield United only won two of their 28 Premier League matches in London (D8 L18), winning at Chelsea in October 1992 (2-1) and Crystal Palace in February 2020 (1-0).
- The Blades have kept fewer clean sheets than any other Premier League team this season (1).
Whats Next?
Fulham will travel to Crystal Palace next Sunday at noon, before Sheffield United host Liverpool, also next Sunday, the start is at 19:15.
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