Fulham are beaten at Goodison again

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Everton 4 Fulham 1

Fulham slipped to a fifth consecutive away defeat as a late collapse saw them hammered by Everton despite a much-improved second-half performance.

The Whites had never won in 25 previous league games at Goodison Park and did not look like changing that dismal record after a tame opening 45 minutes saw them trail to Leon Osman’s goal.

Rene Meulensteen’s side improved beyond all recognition after the break and wasted a number of chances before Dimitar Berbatov levelled from the spot.

But Seamus Coleman’s close-range finish, Gareth Barry’s late header and an injury-time strike by Kevin Mirallas earned an emphatic victory and left Fulham in 19th place in the Premier League.

The Whites, who impressed in beating Aston Villa last week, started well enough but the home team seized control after 10 minutes.

Phil Jagielka headed a great chance wide and, with the pressure building, Everton took the lead following a slick passing move which ended with Osman running on to Steven Pienaar’s pass and tucking the ball home.

On-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku almost added a second and Everton had several opportunities to double their lead.

Fulham finally began to threaten with the half-time whistle approaching when Giorgios Karagounis bobbled a shot effort wide.

And they had three decent chances to level after the interval.

First Tim Howard made a fine reaction save to keep out Scott Parker’s strike.

Alex Kacaniklic then blazed a shot over on the rebound when it looked far easier to score, and Berbatov headed into the side netting after good work by Sascha Riether.

Berbatov did level from the spot after Barry fouled Kacaniklic in the area and the impetus seemed to be with Fulham.

But another well constructed Everton attack resulted in Coleman slotting home with 17 minutes remaining.

Barry then made amends for conceding the penalty by nodding in the game-clinching goal and substitute Mirallas sealed victory with a fine strike from the edge of the box.

Fulham: Stekelenburg, Riether, Riise, Senderos, Hughes; Karagounis (Bent 78), Sidwell, Parker; Dejagah (Duff 83), Kacaniklic (Kasami 69); Berbatov.
Subs not used: Stockdale, Ruiz, Richardson, Zverotic, Bent.

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