Fulham 1-3 Everton
at Craven Cottage

Everton beat a valiant Fulham in a pulsating game at Craven Cottage. Fulham dominated the first half but astute substitutions from Roberto Martinez proved decisive.

After this defeat it’s hard to imagine Fulham will not be plying their trade in the Championship next season. Everton will now be hoping to steal the fourth Champions League spot.

In his attempt to save Fulham from the drop, Felix Magath has looked to academy players to change the Cottagers’ fortunes. 17-year-old Mousa Dembélé was given his full debut and he inspired Fulham in the first half.

From kick-off Fulham hustled and harried Everton. Tim Howard’s outstretched leg stopped Kieran Richardson’s effort finding the net.

Just before half-time Dembélé had a glorious opportunity, but headed straight at Howard with the goal at his mercy.

Fulham were made to rue their missed chances at the start of the second-half.

A corner from the right side of the goal saw Everton substitute Steven Naismith volley from the edge of the area. The shot was flicked on by Gareth Barry and seemed to be going wide until goalkeeper

David Stockdale diverted the ball into his own net.

Fulham were forced to push forward and left spaces at the back. Naismith found Leighton Baines who should have done better than shoot wide. Stockdale then made a fabulous right-footed save from Romelu Lukaku.

Then it was Everton who were left to rue their chances as Magath made a great tactical switch of his own.

Fulham substitute Ashkan Dejagah equalised with a wonder strike in the 71st minute, cutting in from the left and smashing the ball into the net from 25 yards.

Howard was then forced into action again, spectacularly saving a John Heitinga header and Pajtim Kasami’s follow-up. Fulham were again left to rue the misses.

Everton’s substitutes combined to put the game to bed. Aiden McGeady defence-splitting pass found fellow bench warmer Kevin Mirallas who struck the ball past Stockdale. Then with five minutes on the clock Naismith scored a third to put the nail in Fulham’s coffin. It was Everton’s fifth win in a row.

After the game, Naismith admitted that Everton were far from their best. He said: Today we were probably a bit lethargic in the first half but it shows the quality we’ve got amongst us.”