Fulham earned a dramatic 2-1 victory over Brentford on Monday night, thanks to a brace from substitute Harry Wilson in the dying moments of the game. The match saw Fulham attempt a record-breaking 43 crosses, including 31 from open play, but it was Wilson's late brilliance that saved the day for Marco Silva's side.
Fulham dominated possession and territory throughout the game, but their relentless crossing, often aimed at a Brentford defence featuring towering centre-backs Ethan Pinnock and Nathan Collins, proved largely ineffective. This was a game where Brentford seemed to relish the challenge of clearing crosses, with Collins, Pinnock, and full-backs Mads Roerslev and Sepp van den Berg making a combined total of 27 clearances.
Brentford took the lead in the 29th minute through Vitaly Janelt, who struck a stunning shot from 25 yards that flew past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The goal was a reminder of the danger Brentford pose, even when they are on the back foot.
Despite the early goal, Fulham continued to attack, with their numerous crosses causing problems for Brentford's defence. However, they struggled to find a way past the resolute Bees, with only three of their first 27 crosses reaching a teammate.
In the 91st minute, with Brentford clinging on to their lead, Fulham finally broke through. Adama Traoré's cross deflected off Wilson's shin, looping over Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken into the far corner. The goal was a bizarre one, but it gave Fulham a lifeline and breathed life into a game that was threatening to become a snoozefest.
Just five minutes later, Wilson struck again, this time with a header that deflected off his shoulder and wrong-footed Flekken. The goal, which came in the 96th minute, secured a remarkable comeback victory for Fulham and condemned Brentford to a fourth consecutive away defeat in which they had scored the first goal.
Wilson's late heroics were made possible by Silva's decision to move him inside to exploit the spaces created by Fulham's relentless crossing. The Welshman's two goals were a testament to his ability to take advantage of opportunities, even when they come in unconventional ways.
The Crosses: A Statistical Anomaly
The sheer number of crosses attempted by Fulham is a testament to their attacking style and the belief that they could unlock Brentford's defence through aerial play. However, it is also a reflection of their inability to create clear-cut chances from open play.
Fulham’s 43 crosses were more than any other Premier League side has attempted in a single game this season. The fact that Fulham had only three crosses reach a teammate in their first 27 attempts, reveals how ineffective their strategy was, at least in the early stages of the game. However, their persistence paid off, as they eventually found a way to create opportunities.
A Tale of Two Teams
The victory for Fulham is a testament to their resilience and the quality of their squad. They have proven they can win games even when they don't play at their best, but ultimately, their reliance on crosses is a tactic that is unlikely to sustain them over the course of a long season.
Brentford, meanwhile, will be disappointed with their inability to hold on to their lead, especially after a dominant first-half performance. Their inability to create chances away from home is a growing concern, and they will need to find a way to improve their attacking output if they are to achieve their goals this season.
Where Does Fulham Go From Here?
Silva has built a team that is capable of challenging for a top-half finish in the Premier League. Fulham's attack-minded style of play is a joy to watch, and they have a squad full of talented players, including the likes of Carlos Vinicius, Andreas Pereira, and the returning Alex Iwobi. However, their reliance on crosses may limit their potential.
Fulham fans will be hoping for more consistent performances from their team, and if Wilson continues his goalscoring form, they will be in good shape to achieve their goals this season.
