West Ham United claimed its first away Premier League win since August when it held on for a 1-0 win over free-falling Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Jarrod Bowen helped coax a Tim Ream own goal and Lukasz Fabianski pretty much did the rest with three saves as the Irons held off a firm Fulham challenge.
WATCH FULHAM v WEST HAM FULL MATCH REPLAY STREAM - LINK
Once a surprise candidate for the top seven, Fulham’s only claimed eight of its 39 points since Jan. 15 and has lost four-straight Premier League matches. That point total is still 10th in the Premier League, ahead of Chelsea on goal differential.
Suspensions for Aleksandar Mitrovic and manager Marco Silva for tantrums in the FA Cup are clearly affecting the side, but Fulham fought deep into this match only to be denied by Fabianski’s rebound from a miserable midweek at Newcastle.
West Ham’s 30 points propel it all the way to 13th on the Premier League table, three points clear of the bottom three.
Fulham vs West Ham player ratings: Stars of the Show
Lukasz Fabianski: Three saves but near-complete control of his box in a total rebound from a terrible Wednesday.
Kurt Zouma an Angelo Ogbonna: Some big clearances on a day that stopping Fulham from getting to dangerous place was difficult, but thwarting those chances proved possible.
Tosin Adarabioyo: Has become a force for Fulham, and had a big day with nine clearances and six recoveries.
Willian: Don’t tell the Brazilian that he doesn’t have electricity any more; Willian flew down the left side and was credited with five created chances.
Resolute Irons stand firm for Moyes, who can put eyes on UECL
It was sloppy, it was cagey, and at times it was too open for anyone’s tastes, but David Moyes’ men made the most of a Fulham own goal and helped the Irons back into a table footing more appropriate of their season.
It’s a huge win if only because it improves the vibes ahead of a huge week. The Irons were always going to have to put in a fierce defensive effort next Sunday versus Arsenal, but now they can fire forward into the Conference League quarterfinal matches that sandwich Arsenal’s PL visit.
Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna’s days were made easier by committed showings from Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell out wide, while Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek showed themselves at near-peak form.
Now the Irons need to pick the right people to get a big win at Gent. Cause you want that, right, West Ham fans?
What’s next?
Fulham heads to Everton on Saturday, while West Ham prepares for a huge 8 days: Thursday at Gent in a Europa Conference League quarterfinal, Sunday vs Arsenal in the Premier League, then a return affair with Gent in London on April 20.
Harrison Reed own goal video: Bowen prods Fulham own goal
How to watch Fulham vs West Ham live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10am ET SaturdayTV Channel: PeacockOnline: Stream via Peacock Premium
Key storylines & in-form players to watch
Willian returns to the fold for Fulham, and the side is aching for difference makers to join Andreas Pereira and Manor Solomon as Mitrovic’s absence looms large.
West Ham needs to find the right mix in attack, too. Despite the alarming five goals conceded against Newcastle, the Irons should be more concerned about the fact that they’ve gone 365 minutes without a goal from a forward in the run of play. Center backs Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma are the goal scorers in that span.
Fulham team news, injuries, lineup options
OUT: Aleksandar Mitrovic (suspended), Layvin Kurzawa (knee), Neeskens Kebano (Achilles)
The teams are in! 📋#FULWHU pic.twitter.com/0cZNVTSuBh
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) April 8, 2023
West Ham team news, injuries, lineup options
OUT: Gianluca Scamacca (knee)
Our side to face Fulham ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/BPgjDxz1wo
— West Ham United (@WestHam) April 8, 2023
