Wilson's late brace gives Fulham comeback win over Brentford

Updated: Nov 4, 2024, 05:58 pm

A late double by Fulham substitute Harry Wilson snatched a 2-1 win over Brentford at Craven Cottage in the West London derby on Monday, with the winner coming in the seventh minute of stoppage time in their Premier League clash.

After being pinned back from the kick-off, Brentford took the lead with their first shot on target as Vitaly Janelt picked up the ball well outside the box and flashed a shot across goalkeeper Bernd Leno and into the net in the 24th minute.

That goal came against the run of play and the Bees immediately returned to their defensive shape while Fulham's onslaught continued as they peppered the box with crosses but continued to struggle in terms of getting efforts on target.

Fulham continued to dominate, peppering the Brentford box with crosses, but it took until the second minute of added time for them to convert one as Wilson cleverly flicked the ball over Brentford keeper Mark Flekken and into the net.

Fulham players celebrate after scoring a goal against Brentford in the Premier League.
Fulham players celebrate after scoring a goal against Brentford in the Premier League.
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With the home fans' frustration rising, the introduction of Wilson for Reiss Nelson in the 82nd minute by coach Marco Silva did not appear to bear any of the hallmarks of a tactical master-stroke but it quickly proved to be an inspired decision.

With Fulham having launched 42 crosses into the area without success, Adama Traore fired in yet another more in hope than expectation and Wilson met it with an acrobatic flick over Flekken and into the net to equalise in the 92nd minute.

The 27-year-old was not done, though, and five minutes later he popped up to score off his shoulder and grab an unlikely winnerthat sent the home fans into raptures. The win took Fulham up to ninth on 15 points, with Brentford 12th on 13.

Wales midfielder Wilson has been limited to six substitute appearances this term so his late heroics were a welcome boost.

"It was an amazing feeling to come on and get the two goals to win the game. We deserved it, we kept them pinned in throughout," Wilson told Sky Sports. "The first one I just helped it on to the back post and the second one was more lucky -- I was trying to head it into the other corner but it hit my shoulder and went in.

"The atmosphere was great all night and that was up there with the best I've heard it."