Alex Iwobi’s brilliance was on full display as his two goals helped Fulham secure a crucial 3-1 victory over Brighton, propelling Marco Silva’s side to sixth in the Premier League. The Alex Iwobi ’s first goal, a gift from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, set the tone early, while Alex iwobi second—a sublime curling finish—cemented his status as the match’s standout performer.
Marco Silva couldn’t hide his admiration for the versatile midfielder Alex iwobi. “It’s his best season in the Premier League so far,” Silva said. “I took Alex iwobi to Everton and didn’t hesitate to work with him again. From the first day of pre-season, I knew he’d make a big difference. He’s scoring more and taking responsibility—a fantastic player for us.”
Iwobi has now exceeded his goal involvements from last season, boasting five goals and three assists this campaign. With Arsenal visiting Craven Cottage next, Fulham’s rising confidence will face a stern test, though Silva remains cautious. “We are pleased but grounded. We’ll keep pushing as long as we can,” he added.
A Tale of Two Halves in West London
The rainy evening at Craven Cottage saw two tactically astute teams battling it out. Fulham’s three changes injected energy, while Brighton, missing Danny Welbeck due to injury, made four changes. Brighton’s interim manager Fabian Hurzeler, serving a touchline ban, coached from the stands—a first-time experience he described as far from ideal.
Brighton began dominantly but paid for a catastrophic mistake when Verbruggen’s misjudged pass fell straight to Iwobi, who calmly slotted into an empty net. Despite dominating possession, Brighton squandered opportunities, including a gilt-edged chance missed by Simon Adingra from six yards. Their lack of clinical finishing underscored Welbeck’s absence, as they struggled to convert possession into goals.
Brighton’s Fightback and Fulham’s Resilience
Brighton leveled early in the second half through a stunning strike from Carlos Baleba. A clever flick from Joao Pedro set up Baleba, who drilled a first-time effort into the bottom corner. The goal spurred both sides into action, with substitutions aimed at breaking the deadlock.
Fulham’s breakthrough came via a set piece, with Andreas Pereira’s corner forcing an own goal from Brighton’s Matt O’Riley. Pereira, recently under scrutiny for controversial comments about a failed transfer, made a decisive impact in his return to action.
Alex Iwobi Seals the Win in Style
As Brighton pushed for an equalizer, Iwobi showcased his class once again. In the dying moments, he received a pass from Antonee Robinson, spun away from his marker, and curled a magnificent shot into the bottom corner. The goal not only sealed Fulham’s victory but also highlighted Iwobi’s exceptional form this season.
Despite Brighton’s creativity, their defensive frailties were evident, with six errors leading to goals this season—second only to Southampton. Hurzeler lamented their lack of sharpness post-match, saying, “We created the best chances but conceded from mistakes. It’s not the result we deserved.”
Fulham’s win marks a significant step in their campaign, as they sit just a point behind fifth-placed Brighton. With Arsenal on the horizon, Iwobi and Fulham’s newfound momentum will be tested against a formidable opponent.
Brighton Miss Chance to Climb to Fourth in Premier League
Brighton missed the opportunity to move up to fourth in the Premier League table with a two-goal victory, which would have seen them leapfrog Manchester City.
The Seagulls were without manager Fabian Hurzeler, who watched from the media seats at the back of the main stand while serving a one-game suspension following his third yellow card of the season during last Friday’s 1-1 draw against Southampton.
The result provided a timely boost for Marco Silva’s Fulham ahead of a challenging run of fixtures against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea in their next four matches. However, Fulham may have to cope without on-loan winger Reiss Nelson, who suffered a left hamstring injury and was substituted immediately. Nelson would have been ineligible for Sunday’s match against his parent club Arsenal regardless.
