After the joy of Monday, Fulham fans around the world have been thinking about Harry Wilson’s game-changing cameo. We were rewarded with our biggest London derby comeback, if not the greatest in our history, as we had anticipated an exuberant cheer from the Bees at the final whistle.
As Wilson was surrounded by his teammates, the normally calm Marco Silva bounded out of his box and pumped his fist at the crowd. The fact that former player Fabio Carvalho wasted a fantastic chance to give Brentford an unjustified three points made it all the more sweet. Limbs in the Hammersmith End were reminiscent of that epic Europa League semi-final clash against Hamburg 14 years ago. There was another tidal wave on the Thames.
Along with the players, Marco and his staff deserve the most praise because they are currently three points away from a Champions League berth. The chaos of Monday got me thinking about the last time players, whether in relegation dogfights or promotion pushes, took up the mantle to save Fulham. In honor of Harry’s valiant efforts, we reflect on four players who stood up for the Cottagers.
Neeskens Kebano
Although he only left last year, Neeskens Kebano was an imperative player at the club, involved in two promotion pushes, notably under Scott Parker in 2019/20. As the club struggled at the tail end of the season after back-to-back defeat to Leeds and Brentford, Kebano took our campaign by the scruff of the neck, scoring direct free-kicks in three consecutive games, demonstrating an artistry in technique that James Ward-Prowse would have applauded.
His free-kick against Cardiff in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals set us on our way and when the nerves jangled at the Cottage after Cardiff halved the deficit, a minute later Kebano buried a shot in the bottom corner to send Fulham to Wembley. Who can forget the comedic Neeskens Diaries? The fact that he had his very own YouTube series, so fans could get inside access to Motspur Park antics means he has to make this list.
