In an intense west London derby at Craven Cottage, Fulham narrowly avoided defeat against Brentford thanks to a stoppage-time brace by Wales international Harry Wilson. Wilson’s late heroics came after a defensive lapse had initially put Fulham at risk.

Nigeria internationals Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi made their tenth consecutive Premier League start for the Cottagers, playing the full match. Fulham dominated early on, creating several clear chances in the first fifteen minutes, but Raúl Jiménez, Reiss Nelson, and Emile Smith Rowe failed to capitalize on these opportunities.

Brentford punished Fulham for their missed chances midway through the first half when Vitaly Janelt scored with a powerful long-range shot after Bassey miscontrolled the ball, creating space for Janelt’s strike from roughly 25 yards out that soared past goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Just before halftime, Janelt nearly scored again, but a slight deflection from Bassey prevented a second goal. Liverpool legend Michael Owen, commenting on Premier League Productions, noted that Bassey’s initial poor touch had opened up the opportunity for Janelt’s strike. Owen remarked, “Nobody was closing him down, and of course, as I said, Bassey probably made the poor touch to start with to give the ball away.”

This season, Fulham have conceded more goals from outside the box than any other Premier League team, with long-range shots becoming a particular defensive vulnerability.