Everton managed to find the net twice within just three minutes, which dashed Fulham’s hopes for European qualification, securing a 3-1 win at Craven Cottage.
Raul Jimenez started off strong with an early goal for Fulham, but they couldn’t build on that advantage. Vitalii Mykolenko is currently in the early phase of a suspension. Michael Keane equalized for Everton with a header, and a subsequent error from Bernando Reno led to Beto scoring just two minutes later. That weekend, both Brighton and Brentford, competing with Fulham for a conference league spot, also earned three points. This win marked David Moyes’ team’s first victory since they edged past Nottingham Forest 1-0 on April 12th.
After Fulham’s crucial goal in their comeback against Southampton two weeks prior, Emile Smith Rowe, brimming with confidence, set up the home side’s opener 17 minutes into the game. He expertly wove his way left before sending a cross into the penalty area, finding striker Jimenez, who leapt to direct his header into the bottom corner.
Fulham dominated the first half, yet manager Marco Silva, watching from the sidelines, would have hoped his players learned from past matches by converting more chances to avoid a late disappointment. Alex Iwobi, a former Everton player, was central to Fulham’s best opportunities. A notable moment came in the 39th minute when he attempted a curling shot from the edge of the box, only to see it drift wide of the post, leaving Jordan Pickford relieved.
After Jimenez’s opening goal, Mykolenko sought redemption for his earlier mistake, leveling the score before halftime. The ball swung to the left back at the edge of the box, and his initial shot took a deflection off Andreas Pereira, making its way past Reno and into the net.
Everton posed a significant threat on set pieces due to their height advantage, which played a crucial role as they took the lead with a second goal from a corner in the 70th minute. Substitute Dwight McNeil’s delivery found defender Keane at the back post, and he nodded in what would be his final goal for Everton, as his contract is ending this summer.
After a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside, the goal was confirmed, but moments later, the visitors struck again to stun Craven Cottage. Beto was played in, and a mistake from Fulham’s keeper Reno allowed the striker’s side-footed effort to slip through him and into the net.
Fulham was denied a late penalty for a handball during added time, and Everton held on for the full three points.
