Willian's Penalties Seal the Deal
In a nail-biting Premier League encounter, Fulham clinched a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage, marking their first win in five games.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, punctuated by two decisive penalties from Fulham's Brazilian star, Willian, and a milestone goal by Alex Iwobi.
Fulham's lineup, with an average age of 30 years and 36 days, was the oldest in the Premier League this season. Manager Marco Silva made strategic changes, bringing in Harrison Reed and Tom Cairney, which proved pivotal in their gameplay.
The game kicked off with Fulham taking an early lead. In just seven minutes, Iwobi, with a deft flick from Antonee Robinson’s assist, netted his first Premier League goal for Fulham. This early goal set the tone for what was to come.
Wolves responded with vigor. Matheus Cunha, known for his knack for scoring away from home, equalized in the 22nd minute with a powerful header, setting off celebrations among the visiting fans. However, Fulham’s resilience shone through. They regained the lead in the second half when Willian converted a penalty following Nelson Semedo’s foul on Cairney.
The match's intensity escalated as Wolves were awarded a penalty, which Hwang Hee-chan converted, bringing the score to 2-2. Hwang’s effort was commendable, but it was Willian who stole the show. In a dramatic turn during stoppage time, Fulham was awarded another penalty. Willian, with his impeccable record, scored, bringing his tally to seven successful Premier League penalties.
Despite Hwang’s late attempt to equalize for Wolves, Fulham held on to secure their third home win of the season. This victory brought Fulham level with Wolves, with both teams now standing at 15 points from 13 matches.
The match was a historical one, marking only the second time in Premier League history that three second-half penalties were scored in a single game. Fulham's ability to score the opening goal proved crucial, continuing their streak of victories at Craven Cottage when scoring first.
This game also highlighted individual milestones. Iwobi’s goal against Wolves was his fourth, the most he’s scored against any team in the competition. Hwang, on the other hand, joined an elite group of Wolves players, becoming the seventh to reach 15 goals in the Premier League.
In a match that had everything - drama, suspense, and a showcase of penalty prowess - Fulham emerged victorious, a testament to their determination and tactical acumen under pressure.
