Everton teeter above relegation spots after Fulham defeat
With just goal difference separating Everton and the relegation zone coming into the contest, the Merseyside club knew the importance of a positive result, as they look to avoid a first relegation since 1951.
In desperate need of points, the visit of former boss Marco Silva and an out-of-form Fulham side seemed like the ideal opportunity for the hosts to distance themselves from the bottom-three, with the Cottagers losing each of their last five matches across all competitions.
True to form, it was Everton who edged a closely-fought opening 15 minutes, with Demarai Gray seeing the hosts’ best opportunity superbly thwarted by Bernd Leno.
Despite a slow start, Fulham gradually gained a foothold in the contest, and after missed opportunities for Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira, the Cottagers broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, when Harrison Reed reacted fastest inside the box to fire a rebound beyond Jordan Pickford.
Undeterred by the setback, Everton went in pursuit of an immediate response, but wasteful finishing from Neal Maupay and James Tarkowski continued to frustrate the home faithful.
Intent on making amends for their profligacy in front of goal, Everton found a deserved leveller before HT, as Dwight McNeil controlled a neat pass from James Garner, before drilling a pinpoint finish into the bottom corner.
The visitors emerged after the restart eager to regain control of proceedings, and were duly rewarded within six minutes, as a deft touch from Willian set up Wilson, who confidently swept home to restore Fulham’s lead.
Armed with the momentum, the Cottagers looked to press home their advantage going into the final half-hour, and Daniel James netted a third for the West London side, pouncing on a loose ball inside the six-yard box to finish beyond Pickford.
Faced with a daunting two-goal deficit, Everton pushed for a late comeback, however the Fulham rearguard held firm during the closing stages to secure a richly-deserved three points.
The result leaves the Toffees 17th, sitting precariously above the relegation zone on goal difference, with Nottingham Forest and Leicester both having a game in hand. As for Fulham, a first league victory since mid-February consolidates their place in the top-ten.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Harry Wilson (Fulham)
