In a thrilling Premier League clash at Craven Cottage on May 10, 2025, Everton delivered a devastating blow to Fulham’s European aspirations, coming from behind to secure a 3-1 victory. The Toffees, under the guidance of David Moyes, showcased resilience and clinical finishing in a second-half surge that left the home side reeling and their dreams of a Conference League spot hanging by a thread.
The match began with Fulham asserting early dominance, as Marco Silva’s side looked to capitalize on their home advantage. Their pressure paid off in the 17th minute when Raul Jimenez rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross, powering a header past Jordan Pickford to give the Cottagers a deserved lead. The hosts continued to press, with Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson causing problems for Everton’s backline, but a lack of precision in the final third kept the scoreline narrow. Everton, struggling to find rhythm, appeared second-best for much of the first half, with Moyes’ men unable to string together meaningful attacks. However, a stroke of fortune arrived in the third minute of stoppage time when a corner wasn’t cleared convincingly by Bernd Leno. Vitalii Mykolenko’s shot took a wicked deflection off Andreas Pereira, wrong-footing the Fulham goalkeeper and restoring parity at the break.
The second half saw a transformed Everton side, as Moyes’ tactical adjustments sparked a dramatic turnaround. The Toffees began to win key duels, with Michael Keane and Jarrad Branthwaite standing firm at the back. The game’s decisive moment came in the 70th minute when Keane, who had been immense throughout, climbed above the Fulham defense to head home a corner, putting Everton ahead. Just three minutes later, the visitors struck again. Beto, who had been a constant menace, latched onto a through ball and fired a low shot that Leno inexplicably let slip through his hands, sealing Everton’s third goal in a frantic spell. The Craven Cottage faithful were stunned, and despite a spirited response from Fulham, including a superb fingertip save by Pickford to deny Wilson, the hosts couldn’t find a way back.
Fulham’s misery was compounded in stoppage time when a potential lifeline was denied. Adama Traore’s cross struck Mykolenko’s arm, prompting a VAR review, but referee Michael Salisbury, after consulting the pitchside monitor, stuck with his initial decision to wave away the penalty appeals. The final whistle confirmed Everton’s first Premier League win since April 12 and only their second in 11 matches, lifting them to 13th in the table with 42 points. For Fulham, the defeat left them languishing in 11th with 51 points, four points adrift of eighth-placed Brentford and facing an uphill battle to secure European qualification.
Moyes praised his side’s character post-match, singling out Keane for his commanding performance and goal. “Michael was immense today, and that second half showed what we’re capable of when we click,” he said. Meanwhile, Silva cut a frustrated figure, lamenting his team’s collapse. “We controlled the first half, but those three minutes changed everything. We need to learn from this,” he admitted. The result also sparked debate among Fulham fans, with some questioning whether Silva’s tenure has reached its peak, especially amid rumors of a potential move to Saudi Arabia.