Fulham denied by late Wolves equaliser

Fulham 1 Wolves 1

Romain Saiss’ first Premier League goal denied struggling Fulham what would have been only their third victory of the season.

The Whites were leading through substitute Ryan Sessegnon’s second-half strike and six minutes from registering a vital win in their survival bid.

But Moroccan international Saiss had other ideas to snatch a 1-1 draw for the visitors and leave Claudio Ranieri’s side, who started the day in bottom spot, still deep in trouble.

Only three sides in Premier League history have avoided relegation having been bottom of the table on Christmas Day, and Fulham will have to improve at both ends of the pitch if they want to become the fourth.

The first chances fell to Wolves, when Adama Traore cut inside on his right foot but blazed his shot high over the crossbar, before Raul Jimenez’s attempted overhead kick also flew over.

But Fulham were the more threatening side in the first half with captain Aleksandar Mitrovic at his most menacing.

Mitrovic had an early shot blocked by Ryan Bennett before heading wide from a corner and planting another header straight at Wolves keeper Rui Patricio.

Cyrus Christie then played a clever one-two with Aboubakar Kamara and drilled the ball across the face of goal with Mitrovic inches from getting a touch at the far post.

Wolves were still a danger on the break, though, and Fulham keeper Sergio Rico had to be alert at his near post to keep out a fierce volley from Jimenez.

Both sides had reasonable claims for penalties, Wolves when Dennis Odoi handled a cross and Fulham after Andre Schurrle lifted the ball on to the arm of Bennett.

Five minutes before half-time Mitrovic should have found the net after he turned Conor Coady and Willy Boly inside out, but the striker’s finish was weak and Patricio was able to save.

Early in the second half Jonny Otto broke down the left and crossed for Jimenez, but his header was dealt with by Rico.

Sessegnon almost teed up Kamara but Boly just got a foot to the ball before the striker could convert a low cross.

The youngster made his mark soon after, pouncing at the far post through a crowd of players after Patricio punched Alfie Mawson’s header straight to him.

However, Wolves hauled themselves level with six minutes remaining, Saiss tapping home after Helder Costa had attempted to convert Ivan Cavaleiro’s cross.

There was still time for Mitrovic to win it as he prodded the ball past the onrushing Patricio, but Coady got back to clear off the line.