Football

Wolves finally ended their Premier League winless streak on Saturday, defeating fellow strugglers Southampton 2-0 at Molineux. The victory was a much-needed boost for Wolves boss Gary O'Neil, who had been under immense pressure after a dismal run of 13 games without a win.Pablo Sarabia gave Wolves the perfect start, scoring the club's fastest-ever Premier League goal just 55 seconds into the match. Matheus Cunha doubled the lead early in the second half with a stunning strike, securing a vital three points for Wolves. The win lifted Wolves out of the relegation zone, while Southampton dropped to the bottom of the table.Fulham continued their impressive form with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Emile Smith-Rowe opened the scoring for Fulham in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on an error from Maxence Lacroix. Daichi Kamada's red card for a reckless challenge on Kenny Tete further hampered Palace's hopes of a comeback.Harry Wilson came off the bench to score twice in stoppage time, securing a 2-1 win for Fulham over Brentford on Monday. The Welsh international also played a crucial role in Fulham's victory over Crystal Palace, scoring the winning goal seven minutes from time.Brentford twice came from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-2 at the Brentford Community Stadium. Evanilson and Justin Kluivert gave Bournemouth the lead on two occasions, but Yoane Wissa equalized both times for Brentford. Mikkel Damsgaard also scored for the Bees, while Wissa completed the comeback with his seventh goal in eight league appearances this season.West Ham and Everton played out a disappointing 0-0 draw at the London Stadium. The result did little to appease the discontent among both fanbases, with West Ham fans booing at full-time. However, the point did move Everton four points clear of the relegation zone.

Fulham's Harry Wilson emerged as the hero on Monday night, scoring two dramatic stoppage-time goals to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory over Brentford in a pulsating west London derby.The Bees had taken the lead against the run of play in the first half through Vitaly Janelt's thunderous strike. Fulham dominated possession and created numerous chances, but they were unable to find a breakthrough until the dying moments.With time running out, substitute Wilson flicked home an equalizer from Adama Traore's cross. Moments later, the Welshman struck again, this time with a fortuitous header that wrong-footed Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken."It was an amazing feeling to come on and get the two goals to win the game," said Wilson. "We deserved it, we kept them pinned in throughout."The victory lifts Fulham to ninth in the Premier League standings, just three points off the top four. Brentford, who had been eyeing a top-half finish, remain in 12th place.Fulham started the match brightly, with Reiss Nelson testing Flekken early on. However, Brentford gradually grew into the game and took the lead through Janelt's stunning strike.Fulham continued to press for an equalizer, but they were frustrated by Brentford's resolute defense. Emile Smith Rowe missed a golden opportunity to level the scores just before halftime.After the break, Fulham continued to dominate possession, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances. It took until the 25th attempt on goal for the Cottagers to finally beat Flekken, with Wilson's inventive effort looping over the Dutch goalkeeper.Moments later, Wilson completed the comeback with a fortunate header that flew into the top corner."They both went in but not how I would have wanted!" Wilson admitted. "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."Fulham's late show was a testament to their never-say-die attitude. The Cottagers have now won three of their last four Premier League matches and will be looking to continue their momentum when they face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

Manchester United's Premier League campaign got off to a winning start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday. Despite a lackluster first-half performance, the Red Devils secured the three points thanks to a late goal from substitute Joshua Zirkzee.The home crowd was in high spirits before kickoff, with four new signings being unveiled on the pitch and new faces in the United boardroom. However, United struggled to break down a resolute Fulham defense in the opening 45 minutes. Captain Bruno Fernandes came closest to scoring, but his efforts were denied by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.Frustrations grew after the break as United continued to misfire in attack. However, Dutch substitute Zirkzee arrived right on cue three minutes from time to earn United victory. The 21-year-old striker, who joined from Bayern Munich this summer, pounced on a loose ball in the Fulham area and fired home from close range."To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn't be better," Zirkzee told Sky Sports. "I've been told (scoring at the Stretford End) is one of the best feelings at Man United. I'm so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It's an amazing feeling."The victory was a much-needed boost for United, who have not won a Premier League title since 2013. Manager Erik ten Hag will be pleased with the result, but he will know that his team still has much to improve on."We defended and pressed very well," Ten Hag said. "We created a lot of chances and we should have scored earlier. That is the only criticism of the team - kill in the box."Fulham manager Marco Silva was disappointed to take nothing from the match. "It is really tough for us to lose this game the way we lost," he said. "We started really well, but after 20 minutes United reacted well. We adjusted at halftime and the second half was much better."

Manchester City's relentless pursuit of a fourth consecutive Premier League title gained momentum with a resounding 4-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday. The triumph propelled City two points clear at the summit, intensifying the pressure on Arsenal, who face a daunting trip to Manchester United on Sunday.Josko Gvardiol, the Croatian defender, continued his remarkable scoring form, opening the scoring for City with a composed finish on his weaker right foot. Pep Guardiola's side dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances until Phil Foden netted his 25th goal of the season on the hour mark.Gvardiol then doubled his tally with a close-range finish from Bernardo Silva's cross, marking his fifth goal in his last seven appearances. The £77 million signing from RB Leipzig could have etched his name in Premier League history with a hat-trick when City were awarded a penalty in stoppage time. However, he selflessly allowed Julian Alvarez to take the spot-kick, who duly converted to complete the rout.Meanwhile, Burnley's Premier League fate was sealed with a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur. Jacob Bruun Larsen had given the Clarets a shock lead, but Spurs rallied to secure a crucial victory that keeps their Champions League hopes alive. Pedro Porro and Micky Van de Ven scored the goals that condemned Burnley to relegation.Luton Town's return to the Championship was confirmed after a 3-1 loss at West Ham United. Albert Sambi Lokonga's early header had given Luton hope, but second-half strikes from James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek, and George Earthy extinguished their Premier League dreams.The gulf between the Premier League and the Championship was further exposed as all three promoted clubs face relegation. Forest can confirm Luton's fate by avoiding defeat at home to Chelsea later on Saturday.Newcastle United missed the chance to strengthen their grip on European qualification after being held 1-1 by Brighton. Sean Longstaff canceled out Joel Veltman's opener, but Newcastle remain just three points clear of Chelsea and Manchester United, who have a game in hand.Crystal Palace's impressive form under Oliver Glasner continued with a 3-1 win at Wolves. Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Eberechi Eze were on target for the Eagles, who climbed to 12th in the standings.Abdoulaye Doucoure scored the only goal as Everton edged out Sheffield United 1-0, while Yoane Wissa's 95th-minute winner snatched a 2-1 victory for Brentford at Bournemouth.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has emphasized the importance of adapting to different pitch conditions as his team prepares to face Fulham on Saturday. City, aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title, are known for their possession-based passing game that thrives on the pristine surfaces of their Etihad Stadium home.However, Guardiola believes that his side can benefit from slower pitches, as evidenced by their victory at Nottingham Forest last month. He expects a similar challenge at Craven Cottage, where Fulham's pitch is typically longer and drier."We have to adapt like with Nottingham, try to fight back with three points," Guardiola said. "Yesterday, we trained part of the session with a dry, high (grass) to feel it, to adapt."Guardiola compared the situation to tennis, highlighting the different speeds and techniques required on different surfaces. "The passes must be stronger, faster, quicker. The control must attack the ball more," he explained.City head to London trailing Arsenal by a point but with a game in hand. The Gunners face Manchester United on Sunday before concluding their campaign against Everton. City play their game in hand at Tottenham in midweek and then face West Ham in their final league match.Guardiola is confident that his team can overcome any challenges they face, including the potential for a slower pitch at Fulham. "Here we are, one week left to give all we have," he said. "I don't know about the grass, last season it was so, so high and dry. We have to adapt."

Arsenal's Premier League title hopes hang precariously as they approach the final stretch of the season. With just two matches remaining, the Gunners cling to a one-point lead over Manchester City, who have a crucial game in hand.Arsenal's fate could be determined this weekend when City visit Fulham. The London side has never beaten City in 21 previous encounters, casting doubt on Arsenal's chances of a slip-up from their rivals.Meanwhile, Arsenal face a daunting trip to Manchester United, who are desperate to secure European football next season. However, United's recent form has been dismal, and Arsenal will be confident of securing a victory.Another key battle this weekend is the race for European qualification. Newcastle and Chelsea are both in contention for a Europa League or UEFA Conference League spot. Newcastle, currently in sixth place, host Brighton and have won five of their last seven league games.Chelsea, under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, have also found form in recent weeks. They travel to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, knowing that a win will keep their European hopes alive.Forest, despite a four-point penalty for breaching financial rules, are on the brink of securing Premier League safety. They need only match Luton's result against West Ham to avoid the drop.

Liverpool's relentless pursuit of the Premier League title continued with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over a resilient Fulham side at Anfield. The Reds dominated the opening exchanges, but Fulham's resolute defense and Liverpool's profligacy kept the scoreline level.In the third minute, Diogo Jota nearly broke the deadlock with a close-range effort that was miraculously cleared off the line. Alexander-Arnold's pinpoint cross found Luis Diaz moments later, but his header narrowly missed the target.Liverpool's dominance continued, with Jota and Alexander-Arnold creating further chances that went begging. However, Fulham gradually gained a foothold in the match and began to threaten the Liverpool goal.In the 27th minute, Liverpool's persistence paid off when Alexander-Arnold curled a stunning free-kick over the Fulham wall and into the top corner. The goal was a testament to Alexander-Arnold's exceptional set-piece delivery.Fulham responded with a spirited fightback, and in the 47th minute, Timothy Castagne equalized with a well-taken goal. The goal was a reminder of Fulham's resilience and their ability to cause problems for even the top teams.The second half began with Liverpool regaining control of the match. In the 53rd minute, Ryan Gravenberch restored Liverpool's lead with a powerful strike from outside the box.Liverpool continued to press for a third goal, and in the 72nd minute, Jota sealed the victory with a clinical finish after being played through by a superb pass. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision.Despite Fulham's late rally, Liverpool held on for a crucial victory that keeps their title hopes alive. The Reds are now level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table, with Manchester City just one point behind.