Everton produced a remarkable second-half comeback to beat Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage, effectively ending the hosts&rsquo; faint hopes of qualifying for European competition next season.
Fulham started strong, taking the lead in the 17th minute when Raul Jimenez headed home from Emile Smith Rowe&rsquo;s cross. The home side dominated the first half and nearly doubled their advantage through Harry Wilson, but his low shot was saved by Jordan Pickford.
Despite Fulham&rsquo;s early control, Everton found an equaliser just before halftime. Vitalii Mykolenko&rsquo;s effort from the edge of the box took a heavy deflection off Andreas Pereira, leaving goalkeeper Bernd Leno wrong-footed as the ball rolled in.
The second half saw a shift in momentum. In the 70th minute, substitute Dwight McNeil delivered a dangerous corner that Michael Keane headed into the net. Following a lengthy VAR review for offside, the goal was confirmed.
Just moments later, Everton struck again. Beto&rsquo;s low drive slipped through Leno&rsquo;s gloves to make it 3-1, marking his eighth Premier League goal of the season.
Fulham pressed hard in the closing stages and were denied a late penalty after a VAR review for a potential handball by Mykolenko. Referee Darren England reviewed the incident but stood by his initial decision.
With this defeat, Fulham drop to 11th place, trailing eighth-placed Brentford by four points with only two matches left &mdash; an away game at Brentford followed by a home clash with Manchester City.
Everton, now up to 13th, received a crucial morale boost ahead of their final fixture at Goodison Park next week against Southampton.
After the match, Fulham manager Marco Silva dismissed rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia, affirming his commitment to the club.

Everton Stun Fulham, End Hosts’ Hopes of Europe

Three unanswered goals from Everton crush Fulham’s European hopes as late VAR drama adds to a frustrating evening for the hosts

Everton Stun Fulham with Dramatic Second-Half Comeback at Craven Cottage

Three unanswered goals from Everton crush Fulham’s European hopes as late VAR drama adds to a frustrating evening for the hosts

May 11, 2025 | 09:25 IST