Fulham supersub Wilson snatches victory from jaws of defeat against Brentford
On November 4, 2024, Harry Wilson of Fulham celebrates scoring the game-winning goal against Brentford at Craven Cottage in London, UK. — Image via Reuters
Nov. 5, London — In Monday’s West London derby, Fulham substitute Harry Wilson scored twice in the closing minutes to secure a 2-1 victory against Brentford at Craven Cottage. His second goal came in the seventh minute of stoppage time in their Premier League match.
After entering the game in the 82nd minute, Wilson’s acrobatic flick into the far top corner levelled the score two minutes into extra time. He then found the winner with a stooping effort that flew in off his shoulder, turning the game on its head.
Fulham moved up to ninth place on 15 points after the win.
After being pushed 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’s Kenny Tete, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey all tried their luck from distance midway through the second half but their efforts were straight at Mark Flekken, resulting in easy saves for the Brentford keeper.
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.
Adama Traore had attempted to equalise in the 92nd minute after Fulham had attempted 42 crosses into the area without success, but Wilson was not finished and five minutes later popped up to score by diverting the ball into the net off his shoulder to grab an unlikely winner and delight the home crowd. “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,” says Wilson, a midfielder for Wales who has only had six substitute appearances this season.“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,” he added. —
