Harry Wilson’s stoppage-time brace secures late victory for Fulham over Brentford | Premier League

Chaos. A moment of ingenuity to break Brentford’s resistance. Time was running out as Fulham, who had dominated from the first whistle, launched another attack, bringing on two substitutes together. Adama Traoré crossed and Harry Wilson, twisting his body at a ridiculous angle, fired a stunning volley, seemingly saving a point for Marco Silva’s side.

In truth it would have been a travesty if Brentford, who took the lead midway through the second half through a brutal Vitaly Janelt strike, had won this west London derby. Thomas Frank’s team had hardly played any football. They sat low and took every opportunity to have a little playful fun.

It was frustrating to watch and Fulham could have collapsed. Instead, they pressed on. Wilson’s equalizer sparked a wild finish. Brentford almost won it, only to miss a glorious chance to make it 2-1. Fulham took the lead at the other end and Antonee Robinson crossed to Wilson, whose brilliant header went past Mark Flekken to give Silva’s team their first win in four games and send Fulham into the top half.

It was hectic from the start, the tackles were thunderous and gaps were visible on both sides. Fulham were the first to threaten, Reiss Nelson forcing a smart save from Flekken, and there was nothing wrong with the quality of their football in the first 20 minutes. Nelson, who showed quick feet and elegant dribbling in his first league start since joining from Arsenal, was in an adventurous mood on the left and there was much to like about his combinations with Emile Smith Rowe, who was encouraged by how much space he had he found between the lines.

Brentford had to be narrower, more compact and quicker to eliminate Fulham’s goalkeeper. Much of the game took place down the left flank, overwhelming the overworked Mads Roerslev and further chances arose. Robinson found Smith Rowe, whose shot was blocked, and it is unlikely that Frank enjoyed the moment as Nelson, with the ball rolling under his feet, was allowed to slide straight through the middle and the danger only subsided when Nathan Collins shot at him Block the winger.

It was a reminder that Frank could trust his players not to roll over. Brentford had threatened sporadically, with Robinson having to make an important tackle on Bryan Mbeumo, but they were ready to intervene. Christian Nørgaard broke through in midfield, Flekken got the home fans on their feet by taking an eternity with each goal kick, and that wasn’t all that surprising when the hammer blow came in the 24th minute.

It came from Brentford that their physicality mattered. With a few tough tackles they won the ball in midfield and Nørgaard found Janelt. Fulham were exposed and Janelt didn’t hesitate. The connection was true as the midfielder punched the ball through with his left foot and watched it fly past Bernd Leno from 25 yards.

Brentford had something to hold on to. Fulham pushed for an equalizer, Robinson sending in a dangerous ball and Flekken parrying a header from Smith Rowe, but frustration grew. Janelt could have doubled the lead before the break, but his shot was deflected past the goal.

The question was whether Brentford, who lost a goal each at Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, could finally defend their lead away from home. Fulham were still pushing them back. Alex Iwobi shot wide at the start of the second half and Collins had two more big challenges to face Raul Jiménez.

Brentford defended well, Collins and Ethan Pinnock were a strong aerial duo and they looked for opportunities on the counterattack. Keane Lewis-Potter was encouraged to shoot after passing Kenny Tete but his attempt went wide.

There wasn’t much happening that was a problem for Fulham. Nelson left a deep cross for Robinson, who missed control. Someone had to take more responsibility. Jiménez was taken out of the game. Silva eventually turned to his bench and brought the unpredictable Traoré into play.

With Brentford putting numerous players behind the ball, it seemed like there was no way through. Wilson had other ideas. Craven Cottage couldn’t believe it. The celebrations were long and loud.