Everton Triumphs over Fulham: Goals from Vitaliy Mykolenko, Michael Keane, and Beto Shatter Cottagers' European Hopes under David Moyes' Leadership
The Comeback Kings Strike Again: Everton snatched a stunning 3-1 victory over Fulham, dealing a massive blow to the Cottagers' European qualification aspirations.
Raul Jimenez kickstarted the scoring for Fulham early on, but they failed to build on their lead, allowing Vitalii Mykolenko to level the scores just before halftime.
Michael Keane's towering header put Everton in front, and a mix-up between Bernd Leno and his defender gifted Beto a quickfire third goal late in the game.
With this win, Everton ended their lengthy 34-day wait for a victory since their 1-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle United's new club badge under scrutiny, while Tommy Fury's win dedicated to girlfriend Molly-Mae.
First-half dominance from Fulham went unrewarded, with ex-Everton winger Alex Iwobi creating several chances. One such opportunity saw Iwobi firing a curled effort that skewed past the post.
Despite giving away the early lead, Mykolenko atoned for his error, converting a deflected shot on the stroke of halftime.
Everton capitalized on Fulham's missed opportunities, scoring a second goal from a corner in the 70th minute through Michael Keane, who nodded in a Dwight McNeil delivery.
A third goal, minutes later, from Beto sealed the deal for Everton, leaving Craven Cottage in stunned silence.
The Scoring Sequence: It was a heady start for Fulham, with Raul Jimenez scoring the opening goal in the 17th minute. Everton responded, drawing level just before the break through Vitaliy Mykolenko. Jonjoe Kenny's men then took over, with Michael Keane and Beto scoring to secure a commanding 3-1 lead.
MATCH FACTS
FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Sessegnon (Godo 83), Bassey, Andersen, Tete, Pereira (Cairney 75), Berge (King 83), Iwobi, Smith Rowe (Traore 63), Wilson (Willian 75), Jimenez
Subs: Benda, Vinicius, Cuenca, Diop
Goals: Jimenez 17'
Booked: Berge
Manager: Marco Silva (Ban)
EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Keane, Young, Gueye (Coleman 90), Garner, Alcaraz (Iroegbunam 84), Doucoure (Ndiaye 61), Harrison (McNeil 61), Beto (Calvert-Lewin 90)
Subs: Virginia, Patterson, Chermiti, Broja
Goals: Mykolenko 45+3, Keane 70', Beto 73'
Manager: David Moyes
The game took an unfortunate turn for Fulham as Beto was played through and Fulham keeper Leno made a rare mistake, allowing the striker's side-foot shot to slip under him and into the net.
A late penalty appeal for handball was turned down by VAR, as Everton held on for a crucial three points.
The loss leaves Fulham's European dreams hanging by a thread, as they battle with Brighton and Brentford for a spot in the Europa Conference League. With several matches remaining in the season, the race to secure European qualification remains intense.
- Despite a strong first-half performance, Fulham's missed opportunities proved costly as Everton capitalized to lead by two goals in the second half, with Michael Keane and Beto scoring.
- Beto's goal, secured by an unfortunate mistake from Fulham keeper Bernd Leno, gave Everton a commanding 3-1 lead, leaving Craven Cottage in stunned silence.
- Fulham's European qualification aspirations took a massive blow with the loss to Everton, as they now find themselves in a tight race with Brighton and Brentford for a spot in the Europa Conference League.
- Everton's 3-1 victory over Fulham, coupled with their 1-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest, ended their 34-day wait for a win in the Premier League, boosting their chances in the European-leagues.
