Everton welcomed Marco Silva’s Fulham to Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon, with Sean Dyche’s side desperate to pick up three points in a bid to bolster their Premier League survival hopes.
EVE: Pickford; Mykolenko, Tarkowski, Keane, Godfrey; McNeil, Gueye, Garner, Iwobi; Maupay, Gray
FUL: Leno; Robinson, Ream, Adarabioyo, Tete; Palhinha, Reed; Willian, Pereira, Wilson; James
Fulham took the lead in 22nd minute as Harrison Reed reacted fastest to Harry Wilson’s curling effort that cannoned off the post.
The home side reacted well to this early set-back and grabbed a well earnt equaliser through Dwight McNeil who’s driving run resulted in a great finish into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box.
Everton’s momentum grew following the equaliser, and would have been disappointed to hear the half time whistle as they pushed for a second goal with Leno being called into action to deny Maupay. Demarai Gray also saw two quick fire efforts evade the target as the half concluded.
Despite the break Everton picked up where they left off and continued to look the more likely, but just six minutes into the second half Harry Wilson fired the ball into the top corner from the centre of the box to give Fulham their lead back against the run of play.
Despite starting the second half so well, the Wilson goal seemed to stun Everton and the visitors finally had control over the game and began to dictate the play.
It was the same old issues for Everton, with the Toffees unable to carve out the chances they needed to get back into the match, and propel themselves away from the drop zone.
Dan James who had been a thorn in Everton’s side all afternoon added a third for Fulham to ensure they left Merseyside with all three points. The Welshman used his pace to get in behind Everton and confidently slot the ball past the England goalkeeper in the 68th minute.
Everton turned to Ellis Simms off the bench, but the young striker couldn’t be the same hero he was at Stamford Bridge and Fulham managed to coast to the final whistle without much trouble at all.
The match leaves Everton 17th in the table only ahead of Nottingham Forest on goal difference, who have a game in hand tomorrow against Manchester United.
Fulham sit six points off the European positions with eight matches remaining, they will certainly hoping to put themselves in the conversation as the season reaches its climax.
