It’s not so sexy but Fulham up to sixth
SLAVISA JOKANOVIC’S Fulham pride themselves on being the Championship’s great entertainers, but at this late stage of the season it does not matter how the wins come.
this was a far from vintage performance against 10-man Aston Villa but there will not be any complaints as goals from ryan Sessegnon, Sone Aluko and neeskens Kebano moved them back into the play-off places.
it was not as straightforward as the scoreline might suggest, and when Jack grealish scored a screamer just after half-time it looked as though Villa might make light of Jonathan Kodjia’s senseless red card.
the Villa striker kicked ryan Fredericks in the ribs while he was on the ground, apparently in response to the Fulham defender catching him with a boot.
Villa manager Steve Bruce was furious at fourth official Michael Salisbury, who made the decision after referee David Coote asked for help.
‘he’s missed the first kick and that has provoked him,’ said Bruce. ‘he has to send off their player as well. it’s a poor decision and it spoils the occasion, spoils the match.’
Fulham had taken the lead a few minutes earlier, when 16-year-old sensation Sessegnon forced the ball home at the second attempt after his initial effort from Fredericks’ cross hit the bar.
But mid-table Villa rallied with 10 men and grealish curled home a lovely shot not long after the break.
‘Jack has got to stick with it and be a better professional and stop making headlines for the wrong reasons,’ said Bruce.
Eventually, Fulham’s class showed and Aluko restored their lead when his shot from Floyd Ayite’s cross went in with the aid of a deflection.
Substitute neeskens Kebano gave the home side breathing space late on, drilling a low shot into the far corner.
Fulham’s third consecutive 3-1 victory moves them to sixth, with a little assistance from Wolves, who beat Leeds 1-0.
Jokanovic said: ‘i start to believe, and our supporters too, that we can finish in the top six and fight for the Premier League. We need to focus and concentrate.’