Mitrovic puts Fulham up into second

Slavisa Jokanovic warned rivals Cardiff City that it is their turn to feel the pressure after Aleksandar Mitrovic headed Fulham’s winner to help his team leapfrog Cardiff into the automatic promotion spots.

They are two points clear of the Welsh club, whose game in hand is today at Hull City. The pressure on Fulham was visible here and they were helped by the officials. Having trailed 1-0 to already-relegated Sunderland, Fulham were lucky to not concede a penalty when Ovie Ejaria went down – and the home side counter-attacked to equalise. Mitrovic was also lucky to escape an offside decision when he scored.

“We have taken pressure off our backs,” said Jokanovic, who added that he did not intend to watch Cardiff’s game. The winning goal by Mitrovic, on loan from Newcastle United, ensured Sunderland will finish the season bottom.

The visitors, led by former Fulham manager Chris Coleman, were competitive and Joel Asoro snatched the lead, on his 19th birthday, as he turned Matt Targett and scored with a low, 25-yard shot.

After Sunderland were denied a spot-kick, when Ejaria appeared to be tripped by Tim Ream, the momentum swung. Fulham’s Ryan Fredericks crossed, the ball was palmed out by Jason Steele, and Lucas Piazon slotted in.

Jokanovic’s men showed more character in the second half and broke through when Stefan Johansen’s free-kick teed up Mitrovic.

“I was bitterly disappointed with the officials, but not our lads,” said Coleman. “Fulham don’t need any help but they got it.”