Dembele double helps Fulham thrash Bristol City

Bristol City 1 Fulham 4

Moussa Dembele’s double helped Fulham cruise to victory thanks to a devastating first-half display.

Two Dembele strikes, a trademark Ross McCormack free-kick and Ryan Tunnicliffe’s classy finish saw the Cottagers brush aside Bristol City and score four for the second successive match.

Fulham only had six shots in the first half, just one more than their hosts.

But Dembele’s second-minute close-range shot following a great run and cross by James Husband set the tone for a ruthless display which ensured the points were secured by the interval.

Jonathan Kodija and Aden Flint were both off target with shots, as City – who have won just twice this season – responded to the early setback.

However, Dembele added his second on the counter-attack after an incisive move involving Tunnicliffe and Tom Cairney.

A stunning McCormack free-kick found the corner of the net to make it 3-0 and the fourth came from Tunnicliffe, who netted with an exquisite chipped finish from another Husband assist.

Fulham defended their lead with little trouble after the break although a fine piece of defending by Dan Burn was needed to prevent a goal.

At the other end, McCormack could have added to the lead.

And although Kodija’s injury-time shot from Simon Cox’s cross denied Fulham a clean sheet, the result sees Fulham move to within four points of a play-off place.