Alex Iwobi’s first double in a year ensured Fulham secured their opening Premier League (PL) triumph in three attempts, overcoming a determined Brighton & Hove Albion side 3-1 at Craven Cottage to return to the upper half of the standings.
It took just four minutes for the home side to break the stalemate, capitalizing on the Seagulls carelessly losing possession in their own zone, with Iwobi intercepting Bart Verbruggen’s pass and firing into an open net. Soon after, Rodrigo Muniz headed wide from close range, before Bernd Leno came to the rescue at the opposite end, rushing across his line to superbly block Simon Adingra’s close-range strike.
Fabian Hürzeler’s squad began to find their rhythm, although they continued searching for that clinical touch in the attacking third. Observing from the stands, the manager was visibly frustrated as his team failed to create a chance from a series of corners, and they were nearly punished when Muniz rose highest in the area to connect with another cross, only to miss the target once more.
Harry Wilson then volleyed wide merely 10 seconds into the second half, as the Cottagers executed a slick restart routine. Moments later, Jan Paul van Hecke should have done much better for the away side with a header that sailed over the bar, but they didn’t have to wait long for the equalizer, as Carlos Baleba struck João Pedro’s inviting layoff into the far netting from 20 yards.
That should have turned the tide in Brighton’s direction, but Fulham – who have now netted in a club record-equalling 13 consecutive PL fixtures – had other plans. They appeared by far the more likely side to secure a decisive goal, finding particular joy down their left wing, though numerous deliveries were blocked. Ultimately, it took an own goal to restore Marco Silva’s team’s advantage, as Andreas Pereira’s corner ricocheted off Matt O’Riley’s back and into the net.
There was more to come from the hosts, as Iwobi sealed a well-earned win by weaving into space in the box and drilling a low shot past Verbruggen and into the far side. The outcome keeps the Cottagers unbeaten in nine meetings, while the visitors – who have now managed only one clean sheet in their last 12 matches – squandered the opportunity to climb back above Manchester City into the top four.
