London, 10th December 2023: Fulham delivered a dominant performance at Craven Cottage in premier league, crushing West Ham United by a resounding 5-0 scoreline. The Cottagers were clinical in front of goal and put on a masterclass in attacking football, leaving the Hammers shell-shocked and searching for answers.
Fulham started the game brightly, pressing high and dictating the tempo. Their early dominance was rewarded in the 25th minute when Aleksandar Mitrović headed home from a pinpoint cross by Harry Wilson. The Cottagers doubled their lead just before half-time when João Palhinha unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that found the bottom corner.
West Ham failed to mount any significant threat in the first half, and their frustration grew as Fulham continued to dominate after the break. The Cottagers extended their lead further in the 55th minute when Manor Solomon finished off a swift counter-attack with a composed finish.
The Hammers’ defense crumbled completely in the final twenty minutes as Fulham added two more goals. First, Harry Wilson curled in a stunning free-kick from the edge of the box, and then Vinicius Jr. tapped home from close range to complete the rout.
The 5-0 victory was a statement of intent from Fulham, who moved up to fifth place in the Premier League table. Marco Silva’s side was relentless in their attacking play and fully deserved their emphatic win.
West Ham, on the other hand, were simply outplayed on the day. David Moyes’ side looked disjointed and lacked any attacking spark. This heavy defeat raises serious questions about the Hammers’ form and their ability to compete at the top end of the table.
Key Statistics
- Fulham: Shots on target – 12, Corners – 6, Possession – 56%
- West Ham: Shots on target – 4, Corners – 2, Possession – 44%
Quotes
- Marco Silva (Fulham manager): “We were excellent today. We played with intensity, quality, and discipline. We created a lot of chances and deserved to win by a bigger margin.”
- David Moyes (West Ham manager): “We were second best all over the pitch. We need to learn from our mistakes and bounce back quickly.”
Aleksandar Mitrović: A Towering Figure in Fulham’s Domination
Aleksandar Mitrović was a colossus at Craven Cottage today, leading the line with power, precision, and a predatory instinct that proved too much for the West Ham defense. His towering header to open the scoring set the tone for a dominant Fulham performance, and his unwavering presence throughout the match was a constant source of threat for the Hammers.
Mitrović’s aerial prowess was on full display, winning countless duels and providing an outlet for Fulham’s long balls. His work rate was tireless, and he always looked to get involved in the build-up play, linking up well with his teammates and creating space for others.
But it was his clinical finishing that truly separated him from the rest. He converted his chance with aplomb, demonstrating his composure and ability to find the back of the net even under pressure. His presence gave Fulham a focal point in attack and allowed them to play with a directness that proved highly effective.
Beyond his performance, Mitrović’s leadership qualities were evident. He was a vocal presence on the pitch, constantly motivating his teammates and driving them forward. His passion and commitment were infectious, and they played a significant role in inspiring Fulham’s dominant display.
For his outstanding performance, Mitrović was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match award. His goals, work rate, and leadership were vital to Fulham’s victory, and he undoubtedly played a pivotal role in securing the three points.
Fulham vs. West Ham (10/12/2023) Highlights
First Half
- 22′: Fulham takes the lead! Aleksandar Mitrović rises highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Harry Wilson.
- 31′: Fulham doubles their advantage! João Palhinha unleashes a powerful shot from outside the box that finds the bottom corner.
- 45′: The Hammers go close to pulling one back, but Jarrod Bowen’s shot is tipped over the bar by Bernd Leno.
Second Half
- 55′: Fulham puts the game to bed! Manor Solomon finishes off a swift counter-attack with a composed finish.
- 75′: Harry Wilson’s moment of magic! He curls in a stunning free-kick from the edge of the box to make it 4-0.
- 89′: Fulham completes the rout! Vinicius Jr. taps home from close range after good work from Willian.
Additional Highlights
- A dominant display from Fulham: The Cottagers controlled the game from start to finish and rarely looked threatened.
- Solid defensive performance: Fulham’s backline was resolute and kept a clean sheet against a West Ham side boasting attacking talent.
- Mitrović’s heading prowess: The Serbian striker once again showcased his aerial ability with a clinical header to open the scoring.
- Wilson’s creativity: The Welshman was a constant threat on the right wing and provided two assists for Fulham’s goals.
- West Ham’s struggles: The Hammers were disappointing throughout and were never in the contest.
