Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 05/08/20...

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Results

Play-off Final
Brentford	1-2	Fulham

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Brentford 1-2 Fulham

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya was caught out by Joe Bryan's 40-yard free-kick

Fulham beat Brentford in the Championship play-off final to secure an immediate return to the Premier League thanks to two extra-time goals from Joe Bryan.

The left-back caught Bees goalkeeper David Raya off guard from 40 yards in the 105th minute of the game at Wembley, with the Spaniard expecting a cross and then unable to scamper back and save Bryan's skidding low effort.

With the Bees pouring forward in search of an equaliser, Bryan burst forward and combined with Aleksandar Mitrovic before stabbing past Raya to make the game safe with three minutes remaining.

Henrik Dalsgaard pulled a goal back with a header from eight yards out in the fourth minute of added time, but it was too late for the Bees to spark a comeback.

The goals from Bryan were two rare moments of quality and quick-thinking in an otherwise cagey encounter between the two west London rivals, which finished goalless after 90 minutes.

Scott Parker celebrated wildly at full-time after leading Fulham to promotion in his first full season as manager.

The 39-year-old was unable to save them from top-flight relegation after replacing Claudio Ranieri in February 2019, but they can now prepare for a 15th campaign in the Premier League.

Parker was unable to call on top scorer Mitrovic, returning from injury, from the start - but the Serbia international showed composure to tee-up Bryan for the crucial second goal with a slick one-two inside the box.

Ivan Cavaleiro almost made it 3-0 for Fulham in the closing stages when he was denied by Raya, and Dalsgaard's header came far too late to set up a Bees comeback.

Bryan had only scored one goal this season for the Whites heading into the game, but proved to be the hero as his strikes secured a promotion which could be worth £135m to Fulham over the next three years.

Fulham show resolve to win

Parker has transformed Fulham's fortunes following their relegation last summer - as the Whites suffered 27 defeats and conceded 81 goals over the course of the 2018-19 league campaign.

They were among the favourites for automatic promotion pre-season, but were unable to overhaul Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion as they stuttered at certain points of a campaign halted for three months by the coronavirus crisis.

Mitrovic missed both legs of their semi-final win against Cardiff through injury, and the Championship's golden boot winner was only fit enough for a place on the bench.


Fulham captain Tom Cairney lifted the trophy at an empty Wembley

Parker's side had the better chances over the course of the first 90 minutes, with Raya twice saving from Josh Onomah in the first half.

However, midfielder Harrison Reed was fortunate to only see yellow for a crunching challenge on Christian Norgaard before the break.

Neeskens Kebano sent a free-kick into the side-netting soon after the restart and Bobby Decordova-Reid stabbed an effort wide from 12 yards out.

Meanwhile, Marek Rodak's only save of note came in the second half when the Slovakian tipped over a fierce effort from Brentford's Ollie Watkins.

Bees create unwanted history
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank will be left wondering where things went wrong, as his side spurned another chance to win promotion to the top flight.

Brentford needed four points from their final two games of the season against Stoke and Barnsley to go up automatically but lost both matches to finish third.

His prolific forward line of Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Watkins had netted 59 goals between them in 2019-20, but were unable to produce clear-cut openings against a stubborn Fulham backline.

The Bees have assembled a young and attacking squad via a recruitment model largely based on analytics, but Frank will now face a battle to hang on to Watkins and Benrahma, who will certainly be the subject of transfer interest from Premier League clubs.

It is Brentford's fourth play-off final defeat, and they have now failed to win promotion in nine play-off campaigns - setting a new English Football League record.

Their exile from the top flight will stretch into a 74th year as the Bees move into their new 17,500-capacity stadium at Lionel Road ahead of the start of next season.

'Struggling psychologically a year ago'
Former England midfielder Parker said he was proud that players involved in last season's disastrous Premier League campaign had bounced back.

"We've done what we've done tonight, but there's still improvement, and that's what makes me so proud and happy," he added.

"For all of the good players and everything you see, what makes me so happy I see a group of players who only a year ago were struggling psychologically, didn't have a mindset or mentality.

"I've driven this team every single day and what makes me proud is I stood on the touchline tonight and seen a team that represents what I've been saying over the last 12 months."

Brentford boss Frank was also full of praise for his side.

"First I would like to say congratulations to Fulham, Scott Parker, his coaching staff and everyone involved," the Dane said.

"Of course it's tough when you lose a final like this in a very tight game but I'm extremely proud of my players.

"We have gone from a mid-table club to a team who, in the league table, was the third-best team.

"We are very fine margins away from the Premier League, which is an incredible achievement from us."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53603848

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Brentford 1-2 Fulam

Fulham returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Brentford in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final.

Fulham returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Brentford in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final.

Josh Onomah and Ollie Watkins drew good saves from their opposition goalkeepers in normal time, but most of the action was saved for the additional 30 minutes.

Joe Bryan was the hero for the Whites, pearling in a stunning free-kick before slotting home a striker's finish to put his side in control.

Henrik Dalsgaard pulled one back for the Bees at the death, but they didn't have enough time to threaten a comeback, and so the bragging rights – and promotion – belonged to Fulham.

Scott Parker made two changes to the side that started the Second Leg against Cardiff City four days earlier. Denis Odoi and Aboubakar Kamara came in for Cyrus Christie and Anthony Knockaert, with Neeskens Kebano and Aleksandar Mitrović deemed fit enough for a start, and spot on the bench, respectively.

On a mild but slightly breezy July evening. David Raya was the first goalkeeper to have his palms warmed when he got done to keep out Josh Onomah's powerful 25 yard strike four minutes in.

The Brentford defence was then under intense pressure in the 10th minute when Kamara's fast press scared Raya into passing straight to Bobby De Cordova-Reid, but we were eventually crowded out when he tried to feed Onomah for a shot.

The Whites had started superbly and fashioned another chance on 17 minutes when Tom Cairney played a reverse pass to Onomah who angled a shot towards the far post. Raya, though, showed fine agility to get down and palm it away.

The Bees' first sniff of goal came just before the drinks break. First, Bryan Mbeumo sent in a looping header which was comfortable for Marek Rodák, before the same man was almost presented with a tap-in from Mathias Jensen's in-swinging cross, only for Michael Hector to make a vital last gasp intervention.

Many of the Fulham staff were on their feet celebrating within three minutes of the restart when it looked as though Kebano had curled in yet another free-kick. It was a very similar angle to his effort in Cardiff, but the net was rippling due to the ball hitting it from the wrong side of the post.

A half chance came De Cordova-Reid's way shortly before the half mark when Kebano's cross diverted his way, but he had to take the shot quickly and could only volley wide.

Ollie Watkins had been anonymous all game, but the Championship's second top scorer went close in the 71st minute with a driving strike from the edge of the box. Rodák watched it all the way, though, and was able to parry over the bar with relative ease.

Good chances were at a premium for a while after that, although Harrison Reed and Onomah did both send efforts over from range.

Parker had an attacking bench at his disposal, and introduced Knockaert and Mitrović before normal time was up.

A great chance came Watkins' way a minute into extra-time when Brentford substitute Sergi Canos bent a dangerous ball towards the six yard box, but Michael Hector did well to put him off and he screwed it wide.

Kamara then drew a save from Raya with a firm strike from distance after the goalkeeper had shanked a clearance straight to him.

Right at the end of the first half of extra-time, Bryan put his side in front in scandalous fashion. Raya left his goal gaping expecting the left-back to swing his free-kick in, and Bryan tried his luck from 40 yards – a gamble which paid phenomenal dividends as it crept inside the near post.

The remainder of the tie was as nervy as you would expect, until Bryan popped up to calm the nerves, playing a one-two with Mitrović before sliding in a cool as you like finish.

Dalsgaard did head in a consolation at the death, but that was all it was, as Fulham confirmed their place back in the Premier League.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2019_2020/play-offs/final/brentford

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Scott Parker

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Fulham promoted to Premier League after winning Championship play-off final

Brentford 1-2 Fulham: Two goals from left-back Joe Bryan in extra-time sealed the Cottagers' return to the big time at the first time of asking

Fulham – and particularly Joe Bryan – just have that greater Premier League quality. That was the real story of this play-off final, that sees Brentford beaten 2-1, and their "dream" for this campaign destroyed. Reality hit.

Fulham, with one of the most expensive squads in the Championship, now also have that last Premier League place. That was after a poor final that often felt like it was going on as long as Brentford's 77 years outside the top tier. They will have to wait another season, their story for this campaign ending in disappointment.

It has always been a much more engaging story than Fulham's, because of their size, but that's where there's a bit of a narrative twist, too.

The key moment came from a piece of ingenious thinking Brentford would be proud of, but also the type of long-range shot their analytics approach wouldn't usually encourage.

Aleksandar Mitrovic picked a fight, Bryan picked his spot.

The latter's free-kick was one of the few moments of class in the game, as he caught David Raya and everyone else out, taking advantage of the distraction from Mitrovic's chaos.


Bryan was the hero in extra-time (Action Images via Reuters)

Bryan then secured it with a surging run late on, rendering Dalsgaard late goal irrelevant. It just wasn't enough for Brentford. They didn't give enough on the night.

There were long spells when it was difficult not to wonder whether Brentford had put the majority of their remaining energy for the season into the semi-final second leg, and their last game at Griffin Park. Fulham just had much more impetus from the off. The first 20 minutes saw Brentford struggle to get the ball away from their area, and encounter real difficulty with Josh Onomah. True to form, he had Fulham's first long-range shot – by now a staple of this team – after just three minutes.

The only problem was that was pretty much it for the first half, from either side.

Fulham deserved credit for their energy, but the inability to do much with it illustrated one of the problems with this side, and a general paucity of ideas in attack.

Brentford being penned back meant Pontus Jansson was starved of the ball, which was a reason for their inability to play and the game's general lack of quality. It was little surprise that the only real moment of ingenuity in the first half came when he finally got on the ball just outside the box, and played in a tantalising inviting cross that Michael Hector did well to get his head to.

Whatever about Brentford's lack of charge, though, it wasn't the first time that this final has failed to take off. It actually happens more times than not.

Perhaps that's the inevitable consequence of endlessly describing this game as the most lucrative in football, and all the pressure that brings. That was something Henrik Dalsgaard referenced on the eve of the game.

It brings restraint, rather than release; safety rather than expression. There's so much on the table.

It also meant a lot of the players spent time on the ground. Games like this are always going to be tough, with a lot of fouls.

As a consequence, two of the biggest moments of the "third quarter" were long-range free-kicks. Neeskens Kebano put one into the side netting, that the Fulham contingent here initially thought was in. Emiliano Marcondes blazed the other well over – and no one thought that was in.


Fulham are back in the Premier League after just one year away (Getty Images)

A later Said Benrahma free-kick that pitifully drifted out seemed to sum up the 90 minutes.

Brentford did begin to find a few angles in extra-time, having got out of Fulham's boxy midfield to try and work their way into the box.

Fulham were meanwhile still largely trying their luck from distance.

It ended up working.

Bryan's strike just displayed an elevation of thinking and quality, amid so much drudgery. It probably helped that the moments leading up to it saw substitute Mitrovic – of course – get into a confrontation with Marcondes. There was just that sense of distraction, and it's hard not to think it played on Raya's mind as he slightly moved towards the right, and that area of the box.

With all attention there, and everyone waiting for the ball to be put there, Bryan brilliantly put it into the corner. Raya – previously so solid – was left scrambling across. He couldn't get there.

Bryan put him past it again minutes later, as it felt like all the game's action had been reserved for the final minutes.

It all meant Fulham reserved their place in the Premier League.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/brentford-vs-fulham-result-championship-playoff-final-score-a9654301.html

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Fulham reach Premier League with dramatic extra-time win over Brentford

Championship Play-Off final, Wembley - Brentford 1 (Dalsgaard 120+4') Fulham 2 (Bryan 105', 118')

Fulham will be playing Premier League football next season after defeating Brentford 2-1 after extra-time in the Championship play-off final thanks to a Joe Bryan brace.

On the stroke of the interval in extra-time, Bryan saw goalkeeper David Raya was off his line and beat him from a deep free-kick where a cross was expected, instead firing past the scrambling goalkeeper at the near post to decide the richest game in football.

Bryan, the hero of the match for Fulham, added a second even deeper in extra-time to cap off a dramatic win - and promotion for Scott Parker's club - with a late consolation from Henrik Dalsgaard proving irrelevant.

The two teams ended the regular season on the same number of points and there was little to separate them in a cagey first half where flowing football wasn't coming from either side, but Fulham were marginally on top and had the better chances.

YOU ARE A KINGGGGGG!!!!

[0-2] #EFLPlayOffs pic.twitter.com/F8BPxYka4Z

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 4, 2020

Josh Onomah produced a couple of smart saves from David Raya - once from 30 yards out, once from eight - while the Brentford goalkeeper was also lucky to escape without conceding when he gave the ball away inside his own penalty area.

The Bees picked things up after the break and got forward in numbers more often, but chances remained hard to come by and Fulham had the better ones, with Bobby Decordova-Reid squandering a close-range opportunity.

Brentford's best opening came when Ollie Watkins was afforded time to shoot from the edge of the box, but his well-struck effort was too close to the goalkeeper.

Extra-time was needed and Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Championship's top scorer this season, was on the pitch for it, having only been fit enough for a place on the bench.

Getting booked for a needless confrontation was his first contribution of note, but with Bryan's first goal the next kick of the game he may claim it contributed to Raya's misjudgement.

Mitrovic then teed up Bryan for the second, which came after Fulham opted against trying to keep the ball in the corner, and tat two-goal cushion proved vital.

TALKING POINT
Fulham bounce back at the first attempt. The Cottagers needed only one season to get back into the Premier League, and that's a feather in Scott Parker's cap. After a scattergun approach to recruitment blew up in Fulham's faces last season, Parker had a tough job at hand - and that's before you factor in his inexperience. The club brought in some players with impressive records at this level, but he still had to bed them in and turn around a side in a downward spiral. Fulham have been fairly consistent all season - a four-game winless stretch was their worst - and ultimately got the job done. It wasn't the prettiest, but they were assured at Wembley and had the aura of a big brother compared to Brentford's stage fright. Whether their current formula can be replicated successfully in the Premier League remains to be seen, and having only five weeks to plan the for new season certainly leaves them at a disadvantage, but tonight is about basking in the glory.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Joe Bryan (Fulham). It has to be. His first goal was clever and a well-struck shot in its own right. The second was taken brilliantly and a fine reward for Fulham not just sending the ball into the corner. Add in that he kept the dangerous Bryan Mbeumo very quiet, it was a fine all-round performance. In a game generally lacking real quality, Bryan stepped up.

KEY MOMENTS
10' - LUCKY GOALKEEPER! Massive let-off for Raya! He takes a loose touch and then gives the ball away inside his own box, but neither Decordova-Reid or Kabano can get a shot away and the Bees scramble clear.

17' - SAVE! Cairney finds Onomah in the Brentford box and he in turn funds room to shoot, but Raya makes an excellent save to deny him.

29' - YELLOW CARD! Reed and Norgaard go for a 50-50 and the on-loan Southampton man wins some of the ball before catching Norgaard on the follow-through. There was a hint of studs, but his foot was fairly low and the referee opts for a yellow card. No VAR here, so we can get on the game, but Reed is perhaps a bit fortunate.

58' - CHANCE! Decordova-Reid squanders the best chance of the game yet! Following nice build-up play, a cross from the right gets past the first line of defence and falls to Decordova-Reid, who hits it on the swivel but slices narrowly wide.

71' - SAVE! Watkins is fond in space on the edge of the box and has time to steady himself and then shoot. Watkins hits it well, but it's too close to Rodak who tips over.

92' - CHANCE! Watkins makes a good run to the near post and Canos finds him with a low cross, but Watkins can't make a clean connection as Hector slides in.

105' - GOAL! Brentford 0-1 Fulham (Bryan). Quick thinking from Bryan, but the goalie has had a shocker! With a free-kick near the halfway line, Raya expects it to be sent into the mixer, but Bryan sees he is off his line and fires goalwards instead, beating Raya at the near post.

118' - GOAL! Brentford 0-2 Fulham (Bryan). He's done it again! Rather than take the ball into the corner, Fulham look to keep possession. Bryan charges forward, gets the ball, plays a one-two with Mitrovic to go through on goal and then dinks the ball past Raya to double the lead!

120+4' - GOAL! Brentford 1-2 Fulham (Dalsgaard). Late hope? Brentford send a free-kick into the box and Dalsgaard turns it in after a scramble.

PLAYER RATINGS
Brentford: Raya 5, Dalsgaard 6, Jansson 6, Pinnock 7, Henry 7, Norgaard 5, Jensen 5, Dasilva 5, Mbeumo 5, Benrahma 5, Watkins 5. Subs: Canos 6, Marcondes 5, Dervisoglu 5, Fosu 5.

Fulham: Rodak 6, Odoi 6, Hector 7, Ream 6, Bryan 9, Cairney 6, Reed 8, Kebano 6, Decordova-Reid 6, Onomah 8, Kamara 6. Subs: Knockaert 6, Cavaleiro 6, Mitrovic 6, Christie 6, Le Marchand 6.

KEY STATS

    Bryan had only scored two goals for Fulham in 77 games before tonight.
    Brentford have now failed to get promoted in each of their nine play-off appearances.
    Fulham were winless in their last five meetings with the Bees.
    None of the Brentford's squad had played in a Championship play-off final before - nine of Fulham's had.



https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/championship/2019-2020/_sto7826151/story.shtml

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Fulham promoted to Premier League as Joe Bryan stars in 2-1 Championship play-off final win vs Brentford

Fulham sealed promotion to the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Brentford in what is regarded as the most lucrative game in world football at Wembley on Tuesday night.

After an incredible 368 days after the 2019-20 Championship season commenced, two exquisite extra-time goals from Joe Bryan sealed the win for Fulham, who return to England's top flight having been relegated just last year.

While Fulham entered the game as the more experienced of the two, having won the play-off final against Aston Villa just two years years ago, it was Brentford who came out on top in the Championship, securing two victories over the Cottagers with an aggregate score of 3-0.

Scott Parker made two changes to his Fulham side that beat Cardiff in the semi-final, with Denis Odoi and Aboubakar Kamara coming in, with a still not fully fit Aleksandar Mitrovic on the bench. Meanwhile, Thomas Frank made just the one change after their Swansea win, Josh Dasilva drafted into the team.

It was Fulham who started the brighter, with Josh Onomah - full of confidence after his phenomenal semi-final solo effort against Swansea - forcing a save out of a diving David Raya.


(PA)

But they should perhaps have found themselves a man down at the break, after Harrison Reed was shown just a yellow card following a lunging challenge on Brentford's Christian Norgaard.

With just 45 minutes at an empty Wembley Stadium to decide their Premier League fate, both sides emerged with an increased impetus to attack. But it wasn't until the 70th minute that Brentford's star striker Ollie Watkins got a sniff at goal, his rising 20-yard effort tipped over the bar by Rodak.

The two sides were forced into an additional 30 minutes, the match extending into extra time after the London duo proved inseparable in the first 90.

You got the feeling a moment of magic would be needed to prevent penalties, and that's exactly what happened. Bryan stood over a free-kick on the left, with Raya expecting nothing other than a cross. The full-back improvised, however, his curling effort beating the 'keeper at his near post to send Fulham into wild jubilation.


(Action Images via Reuters)

Brentford proceeded to attack with everything they had, desperate to return to England's top flight for the first time since 1947.

But Fulham put the game beyond doubt with just three minutes remaining - and it was Bryan once more. He burst forward from defence, played an exquisite one-two with substitute Mitrovic before sliding past Raya from six yards out.


(Action Images via Reuters)

Henrik Dalsgaard clawed a goal back for Brentford in the dying seconds, but it was nothing more than a consolation goal, with the full-time whistle coming seconds later.

For Brentford, their wait for a Premier League return - which spans all the way back to 1947 - continues. For Parker, on the other hand, he - and his Fulham side - are back in the big league.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/championship-playoff-final-result-2020-brentford-vs-fulham-premier-league-promotion-a4516561.html

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Gary Lineker reacts as Fulham seal Premier League promotion after winning the Championship play-offs



Fulham are back in the English Premier League after winning the Championship play-offs final at the expense of Brentford.

Joe Bryan was the hero of the night, scoring twice with his two shots on target in both halves of extra time to hand Scott Parker's side a crucial 2-1 victory.

Fulham were the better side from start to finish and at both ends of the pitch, but they couldn't find a way to score with their best finisher on the bench.

Aleksandar Mitrovic was thrown into action towards the end of normal time, but it was a defender that delivered the goods.

BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker is happy to have Fulham back in the EPL, reacting thus on Twitter after they sealed an immediate return to the English top-flight.

Congratulations to @FulhamFC on winning promotion. Great to have you back on @BBCMOTD. 👏🏻👏🏻

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 4, 2020

Fulham got relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season, but they proved that they deserve to be playing alongside the big boys, clinching a place in the playoffs, beating Cardiff City in the semi-finals and pipping their bitter city rivals to the last promotion berth.

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya was caught out by Bryan's 40-yard free-kick right at the end of the first 15 minutes of extra time.

The left-back combined with Mitrovic to put his second goal past Raya to make the game safe with three minutes remaining, and while Henrik Dalsgaard pulled a goal back in the fourth minute of added time, it was too late for Brentford to spark a comeback, and they will now hope to hold on to their best players ahead of another season in the Championship.



https://sportslens.com/gary-lineker-reacts-as-fulham-seal-premier-league-promotion-after-winning-the-championship-play-offs/307057/

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Brentford 1-2 Fulham: 'Genius' Joe Bryan fires Cottagers to the Premier League as Bees' 'BMW' backfires

Fulham sealed an immediate return to the Premier League with a 2-1 Championship playoff final win over London rivals Brentford.

After an attritional 90 minutes, the game went into extra-time and was eventually decided by some genius from Fulham left-back Joe Bryan, who first scored brilliantly from 40 yards out before sealing the game with a low finish under David Raya in the second half of extra-time.

Brentford pull a late goal back at the death through Henrik Dalsgaard but it was too little too late as the Bees didn't live up to the attacking flair which has defined their 2019/20 campaign.

So, what did we learn from the match?

1. Quick-thinking from Bryan fires Fulham back to the big-time
After 104 minutes of cagey football where neither side was willing to overcommit, you increasingly felt this game was going to need something special and, well, special doesn't even do justice to what Bryan pulled off.

With half time in extra time looming, Raya raced off his line to clear a long Fulham ball, but was only able to divert it into the path of Josh Onomah. With the Brentford 'keeper backpedalling, midfielder Christian Norgaard took one for the team to stop the former Tottenham man lobbing the ball into the back of the net.

The free-kick was set up, Brentford's defensive line picked their spot and Raya stood centrally, just on the edge of his six-yard box ready to come and claim what was sure to be a Bryan cross. One problem, though, the Fulham left-back had spotted Raya out of position and decided to try his luck.

Bryan unleashed a wonderfully accurate shot from about 40 yards out, swinging it around the Brentford wall and inside the scrambling Raya's near post.

Was it a goalkeeping error? Sure, but to take anything away from the quick-thinking, or indeed execution, of Bryan's strike would be incredibly unfair. It was a moment of pure genius, backed up by another slick finish in the second half of extra time.

Bryan has just written himself into Fulham folklore!

2. Brentford's 'BMW' breaks down at the worst time
No side scored more goals than Brentford (80) during the Championship regular season, while the Bees bagged another three during their playoff semi-final second leg against Swansea City. Much of their impressive attacking output has been thanks to the efforts of their 'BMW' front three of Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins, who have netted 59 goals between them.

Much of the optimism from Brentford supporters heading into Tuesday's match would have been surrounding those three but on the day, they just couldn't get going.

All too often, the dangerous trio found themselves far too detached, with huge swathes of grass separating one from the other. Perhaps this was due to the size of the Wembley pitch but either way, it robbed the Bees of much of the attacking impetus which has defined them during 2019/20.


Brentford's passing network vs Fulham prior to Mbeumo's substitution

Mbeumo touched the ball just 29 times before he was withdrawn on the hour mark, while Watkins only managed 26 touches himself during normal time. Benrahma was the most active of the trio but, as can be seen in his heatmap from normal time below, it was often in areas away from the Fulham box where he could be easily funnelled into safe areas.



3. War of attrition
Given the attacking talent on display for both sides, you'd have been forgiven for predicting this particular Championship playoff final to be a high-scoring, end-to-end affair. However, these high-stakes games are often quite cagey encounters, with neither side quite willing to show their hand and leave themselves open to counter-attacks and that is exactly how it panned out this time.

Rather than in the 18-yard boxes, this match was almost entirely fought out in midfield in what was a quite old-fashioned display of attritional battles for possession by those in the middle third of the pitch.

In fact, between the two sides, no fewer than 57 tackles were made in normal time alone, 33 for Brentford and 24 for Fulham — that was extended to 59 by the end of extra-time. As eye-catching as that number is, it did make for a hard-to-watch playoff final desperately short of goal-mouth action until the final minutes.

2020 Championship playoff final top tacklers:
    Christian Norgaard (8)
    Mathias Jensen (7)
    Tom Cairney (6)
    Said Benrahma (5)

4. More playoff misery for Brentford
Is there a professional football club on the planet that hates playoffs more than Brentford? If you know of one, feel free to get in touch!

With their loss to London rivals Fulham on Tuesday, the Bees have now fallen to defeat in all nine of their playoff campaigns in club history to date, while this was the sixth time Brentford have lost at Wembley, setting them clear of Shrewsbury (5) with the worst record of any side at the national stadium.

Any playoff final defeat hurts, especially when you've suffered on this stage as much as Brentford have, but considering the club could have sealed a first-ever appearance in the Premier League to sign off from Griffin Park in style, and land themselves approximately £160m in revenue — according to Deloitte — this will feel like a particularly low point for supporters and staff alike.

5. Redemption for Onomah
Two years ago, Josh Onomah felt the sting of a playoff final defeat when he lined up for the Aston Villa side which was put to the sword by none other than Fulham. On Tuedsay, he found himself on the winning side, this time turning out for the Cottagers and, in all honesty, providing one of the few bright sparks in what was a game largely short on action.

As can be seen from his passes received and movements network, Onomah pushed forward far in advance of his midfield partners, looking to pick the ball up in the right half-space to combine with Fulham's forward line. The 23-year-old completed a match-high five dribbles and proved to be something of a menace, standing out among a pitch full of players unwilling to take risks.


Josh Onomah's passes received and movements network vs Brentford

There was great expectation surrounding Onomah as a youngster and now, having taken the long road to the top, he will get a deserved chance to prove himself in the Premier League.



https://www.squawka.com/en/brentford-fulham-championship-playoff-final-analysis-joe-bryan/

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Joe Bryan the perfect symbol of Scott Parker's Fulham transformation

In a season of transformation, rebuilding and vindication, few could have epitomised Scott Parker's work at Fulham than Joe Bryan.

The full-back sent Fulham back to the Premier League at the first time of asking with a nerve-defying moment of genius before transforming into a rampaging winger deep into extra time at Wembley after a season of struggle in west London.

David Raya may forever rue his mistake under the arch, but it took a moment of pure inspiration and near perfect execution from Bryan to find the gap and whip home his free-kick from almost 40 yards.

The full-back, signed from Bristol City as part of Fulham's £100million spending spree after they won this contest two years ago, has not quite hit the heights expected of him in a white shirt, but will forever be written into Fulham folklore after a season of rebuilding in west London.

Bryan had two goals in 77 Fulham appearances before tonight; some way to double your tally.

Parker was first appointed Fulham manager in February last year, the club in free fall and heading straight back to the Championship. He could not prevent that slide, but the transformation since has been remarkable.

The former Fulham captain has often spoken about overhauling the mentality not just of the squad but the entire club, healing the significant wounds of that relegation, something that has shone through across this play-off campaign.

The confidence has been ingrained chiefly through Parker's style and plan, which has grown and developed all season and saw them through here. Brentford had gone into the contest as favourites, but all the talk of how dangerous Thomas Frank's forward line would be belied quite how canny Parker's Fulham could be.

The plan was clear: press high and fast off the ball and take your time on it, taking the sting out of the Bees famed front three.

Denis Odoi, brought in ahead of Cyrus Christie, sat a touch deeper to counter the threat of Said Benrahma, Harrison Reed - lucky to avoid a red card for his first half challenge on Christian Norgaard - was dominant in midfield, allowing Josh Onomah to push forward and trouble the Bees back line.

Without Mitrovic until injury time before the additional half hour, Parker's side had to be patient going forward, and boy were they patient here.

Despite dominating the game there was very little bite about their play with the Championship top scorer absent, but their plan had the Bees muzzled, even in the rare moments that Frank's side looked the more purposeful.

As they had done in the semi-final, second leg against Cardiff, Fulham had to battle here as the game became stretched, Tom Cairney, Anthony Knockaert and Michael Hector adding to Reed's booking with some strong challenges.

At the core of things, they continued to play their way - Parker's way - and that came to the fore with Bryan's second to seal the top flight return, quick passing scything through the Bees.

Their rearguard too put in the hard work early on, and the late lapse for Brentford's goal will be quickly forgotten.

Many will point to the money spent over the years, the quality of their squad, and striker, marking them out as promotion contenders before a ball was kicked.

But Parker inherited a club in a mess, with little experience of how to go about correcting things. He has built the club in his image, across this strangest and longest of season that - of course - would end with extra time at Wembley.


(Action Images via Reuters)

This was not the game or night many expected from these two expansive, attractive sides. Parker will not care a jot, this was a night of vindication for more than a year's work.




https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-joe-bryan-perfect-symbol-of-scott-parker-transformation-a4516636.html

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Knife of Bryan: Fulham win richest game in sport to return to EPL

London: Fulham made an immediate return to the Premier League as two extra-time goals from full-back Joe Bryan gave them a 2-1 win over Brentford in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.

Bryan opened the scoring near the end of the first period of extra time when he spotted Brentford goalkeeper David Raya out of position and anticipating a cross from his deep free-kick before cleverly driving the ball into the bottom corner.

The Spanish keeper was slow to react, once Bryan had opted to shoot, but the lead was a deserved one for Scott Parker's side, who had the better of what had been a cagey 90 minutes.

Bryan made sure of the victory with a second goal three minutes from the end of the second period of extra time, clipping home from close range after a burst forward down the left and quick exchange with substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Henrik Dalsgaard pulled a goal back for Brentford in the final seconds but there was no time for a recovery by the Bees, who were searching for a place in the top flight for the first time since 1947.

"I'm not the hero," said Bryan, as his teammates celebrated their swift return back to the Premier League a year after relegation - an achievement worth around 135 million pounds ($245 million) over three years for the west London club thanks to the increased TV revenue and other financial perks. The play-off final is considered to be the richest single game in sport.

"Every single one of them boys, players, staff, supporters, everything's been with us all season, it's been absolutely unbelievable. We've been written off, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten times. I think I even read somewhere that we were supposed to be scared of them, but we took it to them we scored twice, they made it hard for us," added Bryan.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank was left ruing the "fine margins" as his team fell at the final hurdle again, failing to win promotion in a play-off for the ninth time.

"Of course, it's tough to take. I think we've had a top season in many ways. I'm extremely proud of this club, I'm extremely proud of the players, the staff," Frank told Sky Sports.

"We managed to score the most goals (80) and have the second-fewest conceded goals (38)... but in football, it's the fine margins, and the fine margins were maybe not with us in some ways this season.

"Definitely not in the final - you need that in the final, in a tight, tight final, the two teams cancelled each other out, you needed that bit of brilliance from Bryan, that was the difference between two good teams."



https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/fulham-back-in-epl-after-knife-of-bryan-breaks-brentford-hearts-20200805-p55im4.html

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Fulham seal promotion back to the Premier League after Joe Bryan's brace sinks Brentford in Championship play-off final

Fulham have sealed an immediate return to the Premier League after Joe Bryan's extra-time double fired the Whites to a 2-1 win over Brentford in the Championship play-off final.

After a goalless 90 minutes at Wembley, left-back Bryan's ambitious long-range free-kick caught out scrambling Bees keeper David Raya at his near post, and the defender then followed up with a smart finish to seal the win with minutes to go.

Henrik Daalsgard's header in the final minute clawed back some hope for Brentford, making it 2-1, but it wasn't to be enough on the night.

It was a tightly-contested final at Wembley, with big chances few and far between, but, it was Scott Parker's side that bounced straight back to England's top flight.

Fulham spent just one season away from the Premier League after coming up via the 2018 play-offs.

The west London club's stay was short-lived, as they were sent back down to the Championship after one year, in what was a dismal campaign.

Fulham now join Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion as the three teams promoted to the Premier League, with Norwich City, Bournemouth and Watford going the other way.

Brentford will feel aggrieved having had two chances in the final week to seal the second automatic promotion spot, losing to Stoke City and Barnsley.

It was a cagey first half at Wembley, with Fulham enjoying the majority of the possession.

Brentford keeper David Raya made two good saves from Josh Onomah in the first period to keep the score at 0-0.

Harrison Reed gave referee Martin Atkinson a decision to make when he flew into a studs-up challenge on Christian Norgaard, but got away with just a yellow.

In the second half, Neeskens Kebano came close to scoring another one of his trademark free-kicks, but it wasn't to be this time as his effort hit the side-netting.

Bobby Decordova-Reid let a good chance pass him by as he swivelled to hit a shot which sailed past Raya's post.

Brentford's dangerous striker Ollie Watkins let rip at Fulham's goal on the 70-minute mark, but Marek Rodak tipped it over the bar.



Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/04/fulham-seal-promotion-premier-league-beating-brentford-championship-play-off-final-13084410/?ito=newsnow-feed?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

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What Fulham need to do now after returning to the Premier League

Fulham are back in the Premier League having defeated London rivals Brentford 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.

Here, we look at the state of play at Craven Cottage ahead of another step up to English football's top tier.

How much did Fulham's promotion cost?
Fulham had little choice but to plan their Championship campaign around a clutch of astute loan deals, having been relegated despite spending £100million for their abortive 2018/19 Premier League campaign. Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert commanded sizeable fees for their loan arrivals - but the Whites have since completed permanent deals for the two forwards.

Michael Hector's move from Chelsea was understood to have reached £5million, but beyond that Scott Parker's transfer dealings were more a question of recovery that outlay.

Cavaleiro's permanent switch from Wolves is understood to have reached £15million including the loan fee, while deals for Knockaert and Bobby Decordova Reid are in the region of a combined £16million. The bulk of that cost has been spread onto the new season however, and promotion to the Premier League doubtless eases the financial burden.

What will Fulham need to add to be competitive at Premier League level?
Goals from midfield - in fact goals from anyone other than Aleksandar Mitrovic. Fulham's Serbia hitman was the only Whites man to notch double figures in the Championship.

Winger Neeskens Kebano ended up fifth on the club's goals list, despite only breaking a 35-match barren run dating back to December 2017 on July 18. Fulham could do with an extra creative hand in the centre of the pitch too. But Premier League-level goals and assists are the two chief assets being chased by every side in England's top tier.

What kind of buying power will boss Scott Parker have now?
Fulham will surely have learned from their last foray into the Premier League, that when it comes to recruitment, there can definitely be too much too soon.

The Whites spent £100million on seven recruits for the 2018/19 top-flight campaign, only to tumble straight back to the Championship. The hurried assembly of that squad left new faces and old hands struggling to gel, so much so that big-money recruits like Jean Michael Seri and Andre Franck Anguissa entirely bombed out.

Mitrovic was able to provide 11 Premier League goals and lay on three assists, but beyond that Fulham's recruits never fully fired. So while Fulham will have solid backing from owner Shahid Khan, the Whites will certainly be eyeing evolution not revolution this time around.



https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/what-fulham-need-to-do-now-after-returning-to-the-premier-league-39424240.html

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Fulham promoted: The key men who led the Cottagers back into the Premier League

Scott Parker has led Fulham back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Here the PA news agency takes a look at the key men behind the Whites' promotion from the Sky Bet Championship.

Aleksandar Mitrovic
The Serbian put to bed rumours about his future in the summer when he signed a new five-year contract and has again scored regularly in the second tier. Mitrovic found the net in five of his first six league games and has hit the 20-goal mark in the Championship this season. A hat-trick against Luton in October helped him win Player of the Month, but controversy has followed too for the striker, who was banned for three games for an elbow on Ben White.

Michael Hector
Hector's availability since January has transformed the Whites defence. After his move to Craven Cottage was announced in September, the ex-Chelsea man had to wait until the start of 2020 to make his debut, but immediately shored up Fulham at the back. Parker saw his side keep three consecutive clean sheets after the Jamaican was introduced into the team and they have been much more solid during the second half of the season.

Harrison Reed
A summer loan signing from Southampton, Reed did not make his full debut until the end of August but has quickly endeared himself to the Fulham fans with a number of whole-hearted displays. The 25-year-old has proved to be a dominant figure in the centre of the pitch, with his energy and braveness on the ball similar to that of his manager during his playing days. A calf injury disrupted his campaign, but his return to fitness since football's resumption has been crucial.

Marek Rodak
The Slovakia international had to wait until October to make his first league start of the season and was then sent off in the following match at Middlesbrough. His manager still had faith in him though, and Rodak was back in the line-up after suspension and has proved a calming presence for the Fulham defence and kept over 10 clean sheets.

Tom Cairney
Fulham's captain has not always been at his best this term, but his quality has shone through at crucial times like with the equaliser at Bristol City before football was suspended. The Scottish ace enjoyed a strong start to the campaign and while his performances have tailed off, he has remained a key component for boss Parker in controlling the midfield battle.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/championship-promotion-race/feature/fulham-promoted-the-key-men-who-led-the-cottagers-back-into-the-premier-league_409103.html

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Fulham beats Brentford to secure return to Premier League

LONDON (AP) - Fulham secured an instant return to the Premier League on Tuesday after one season away by beating west London rival Brentford 2-1 in the Championship playoff final.

Joe Bryan scored twice in extra time at Wembley to give Fulham the win in what is widely called the most lucrative game in football. Fulham will receive at least 135 million pounds ($176 million) over three years after securing promotion, a year after being relegated from the world's richest football league.

Fulham owner Shahid Khan failed with a bid to buy Wembley a year ago, and his team had to celebrate in an empty stadium on Tuesday due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bryan broke the deadlock after catching goalkeeper David Raya by surprise with a free kick from nearly 35 yards in the 105th minute as both teams expected a cross into the box.

"The goalkeeper comes ridiculously far off his line," Bryan said.

The left back netted again in the 117th minute after playing a one-two with Aleksandar Mitrovic to clinch promotion in Scott Parker's first full season in charge of Fulham.


Fulham's Joe Bryan is congratulated by goalkeeper Marek Rodak after he scores his second goal during the English Championship Play Off soccer final between Fulham and Brentford, at Wembley Stadium, in London, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)

Brentford, which boasted a 59-goal strike force in Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins, was kept in check in the most important match of the season.

Henrik Dalsgaard's header in the third minute of stoppage time was too late for Brentford, which was trying to return to the top division after a 73-year absence.


Fulham's Joe Bryan, third left, celebrates scoring his team's first goal of the game with his teammates during the English Championship Play Off soccer final between Fulham and Brentford, at Wembley Stadium, in London, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)


Brentford goalkeeper David Raya Martin, left, misses the ball from Fulham's Joe Bryan for the opening goal during the English Championship Play Off soccer final between Fulham and Brentford, at Wembley Stadium, in London, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)


Brentford's Josh Dasilva, in air and Fulham's Joe Bryan battle for the ball , during the English Championship Play Off soccer final between Fulham and Brentford, at Wembley Stadium, in London, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)


Brentford's Josh Dasilva, left, and Fulham's Bobby Decordova-Reid vie for the ball, during the English Championship Play Off soccer final between Fulham and Brentford, at Wembley Stadium, in London, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)


Fulham's Bobby Decordova-Reid shoots during the English Championship Play Off soccer final between Fulham and Brentford, at Wembley Stadium, in London, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-8593577/Fulham-beats-Brentford-secure-return-Premier-League.html

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Fulham in Premier League after Joe Bryan sinks Brentford in extra time

Scott Parker hared down the touchline, his tie flinging every which way, as Fulham's substitutes conga-ed down the stands to join the celebrations after Joe Bryan's second goal sealed an immediate return to the Premier League. But in truth Bryan's exquisitely taken first strike, approaching half-time in extra time, was the match-winner. In some ways it was audacious, in others incredible, but whatever it was, it was the goal that set them on their way.

It came towards the end of a marathon, and sometimes excruciating, contest but after almost 105 minutes of action, Bryan's invention pulled apart west-London neighbours separated by four miles of the Thames. It is a moment Bryan and Fulham will want to relive in the coming weeks but a goal David Raya, the Brentford goalkeeper, would rather never see again. Not that he can afford to wallow in it, with the new season only five weeks away.

Raya was caught cold by Bryan's craft, fooled from more than 35 yards, with Bryan raising his right hand as if to indicate to his swarm of teammates to attack the 18-yard box. But Bryan had other ideas and his quick thinking saw him deliciously bend the ball into the corner of the net with the goal gaping. The flight of the free-kick bounced inside the six-yard box and cannoned in. His second was equally sweet, calmly slotting underneath Raya after a neat give-and-go with the substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic, who moonlighted as a cheerleader until being introduced on the brink of extra time.

The Brentford captain, Pontus Jansson, stood hands on hips, forlornly watching the celebrations unfold before trudging down the tunnel, head bowed. Tom Cairney lifted the winners' trophy aloft before helping give Parker the bumps. This was not a bad way to cap his first full season in management. Christian Nørgaard could not bear to look, instead poking a ball around the 18-yard box as Fulham turned up the volume, buoyed by floorfiller anthems, serenading their talisman, Mitrovic, in a huddle. "Mitro's on fire," they roared.

For Brentford, this was a galling defeat at the end of an extraordinary season – their last at Griffin Park – but, ultimately, they fluffed their lines on the biggest stage, their enthralling forwards and high-octane style absent. Ollie Watkins stung the palms of Marek Rodak but the Fulham goalkeeper was not truly troubled, with Raya the busier throughout. But, perhaps understandably given the magnitude of the prize on offer, victory worth £130m to Fulham. It was hardly the most colourful encounter in an eerily quiet arena, typified by the sound of Faryl Smith's pre-recorded national anthem.

It was a tentative and painstaking game comprising few clear chances, until Bryan's goal stirred Fulham to life and punctured Brentford's belief of returning to the top flight for the first time in 73 years. Their miserable play-off record continues: they have failed to gain promotion in any of their nine play-off campaigns. Given the season started 367 days ago, it was no surprise both teams appeared jaded, with Brentford notably a shadow of their free-flowing and fearless selves.


Joe Bryan (left) and Bobby Decordova-Reid hold the trophy with the Fulham manager, Scott Parker. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Brentford survived a few hairy moments to take the game to extra time, with Raya smartly denying Josh Onomah, one of six players in the Fulham starting 11 with experience of playing in a play-off final. The captain, Cairney, scored the winner on Fulham's previous visit to Wembley, when they prevailed against Aston Villa in this fixture in 2018.

Parker was reluctant to trumpet the importance of such nous but acknowledged it was a worthless tool in isolation. On the night Fulham's knowhow seemed to make a difference as they controlled large spells, forcing Brentford to feed off scraps.

Fulham did not have it all their own way through and had Michael Hector to thank for another crucial intervention in the opening throes of a cagey encounter. The defender expertly glanced a dangerous Mathias Jensen cross out for a corner to prevent Bryan Mbeumo tapping in at the back post. Hector has made a habit of saving Fulham at the last, having made a preposterous goal-saving clearance at Cardiff en route to victory in the semi-final first leg.

They were also fortunate Harrison Reed escaped with only a yellow card despite a crude studs-showing challenge on Christian Nørgaard. It was a poor tackle, which surely would have resulted in a stronger punishment had VAR technology been in use as Thomas Frank, the Brentford manager, had advocated.

With three minutes of extra time remaining, Fulham all but extinguished Brentford's hopes, with Bryan completing a wonderful give-and-go with Mitrovic, who arrived as a substitute at the end of normal time. Brentford did pull a goal back through Henrik Dalsgaard but it was Fulham who went berserk at the final whistle, with players wheeling in delirium, while Mitrovic was quick to console Raya.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/aug/04/brentford-fulham-championship-play-off-final-match-report

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Bryan's double puts Fulham back in the Premier League

Two goals from the left-back in playoff final win over Brentford gives the Cottagers an immediate return to top flight

Fulham will return to the Premier League for the 2020/21 season after two goals from Joe Bryan sealed a 2-1 Championship playoff final victory over Brentford.

In a tense match at Wembley Stadium, the contest ended 0-0 after 90 minutes.

But Fulham took control just before the end of the first half of extra-time, with Bryan's deft free-kick that deceived Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.

And the left-back made sure that Fulham will play top-flight football again next season when he slotted in after a one-two with substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic in the 117th minute.

Brentford defender Henrik Dalsgaard scored in extra-time stoppage time but it came too late for the Bees.

It is a first-time return to the Premier League for the Cottagers, having been relegated in 2018/19.

They join Championship winners Leeds United and runners-up West Bromwich Albion as the other promoted sides.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1748369

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Fulham promoted: Five things for Scott Parker to address after Premier League return

Here, the PA news agency looks at five key tasks for the Cottagers ahead of the new season.

Get more from Mitro
Aleksandar Mitrovic's 26 goals have fired Fulham back to the top flight, but the Serbia international needs to prove he can cut it with the best. He found the net just 11 times in the 2018/19 campaign, when the Cottagers finished 19th in the Premier League.

Ease the burden
Midfielder Tom Cairney was Fulham's next highest goalscorer with eight. Boss Scott Parker needs another striker to both give support to Mitrovic and ease some of the pressure on him. A proven Premier League forward will be a priority.

Keep it clean
Fulham's calamitous defending was the chief reason they were relegated last time around. They managed only four clean sheets all season, and three of those came after they had been consigned to the drop. Goalkeeper Marek Rodak and defender Michael Hector helped shore things up this season and a few more shut-outs are a must.

Learn from mistakes
A scattergun transfer policy following promotion last time around cost Fulham £100million and somehow left them with a far worse team. Jean Michael Seri and Andre Anguissa were among the expensive flops which proved throwing money around does not always pay dividends. Shrewder recruitment is needed this time around.

Take a stand
Craven Cottage will have only three sides with work ongoing to develop the Riverside stand, which will be ready in time for the season after next. Owner Shahid Khan says it will be a "game changer" and will be desperate for Fulham to be a Premier League club when it opens.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/feature/fulham-promoted-five-things-for-scott-parker-to-address-after-premier-league-return_409109.html

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Brentford 1-2 Fulham, Championship Play-Off Final: report, ratings and verdict

Fulham are heading back to the Premier League after a 2-1 win over a below-par Brentford in what was a largely uneventful Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley.

The Cottagers showed their quality early on, dominating possession and engineering an excellent Josh Onomah chance which David Raya did well to deny on 17 minutes.

At the other end, Bryan Mbuemo would have had a tap in but for Michael Hector's last ditch touch to deny the forward which proved to be the last clear chance in a nervy opening period.

Neeskans Kebano's brilliant free-kick effort early in the second-half rippled the side netting as Fulham's tactical masterclass stifled the usual free-flowing Brentford attack.

However, Brentford's Ollie Watkins did get a rare glimpse of goal with the forward trying to smash an effort in from outside the box only for Fulham keeper Marek Rodak equal to it.

The final 20 minutes saw nothing between the sides as the game inevitably meandered towards Extra Time.

During the additional period, Watkins had a half chance from a Sergi Canos cross which Michael Hector smuggled it out for a goal-kick before the deadlock was eventually broken in the 105th minute.

Some quick thinking from Joe Bryan saw his 40-yard free-kick sail past a stranded Raya before the full-back played a lovely one-two with Aleksandr Mitrovic for his second.

Henrik Dalsgaard managed to halve the deficit in the 34th minute of Extra Time but it was too little, too late as it is Fulham, not Brentford, that book their place in the Premier League.

Key Points

Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below...
Key Moment

Joe Bryan's brilliant free-kick came out of the blue with the game appearing to be heading to penalties.
Moan of the Match

The game simply had no life – it was a big tactical battle, but really could've used some fan energy to help open the game up.
Talking Point

Brentford will now have to go again next year but how much of this squad will remain intact for next season?
Man of the Match

Joe Bryan – the biggest moment of the season, and he stepped up to the plate and delivered twice for the Cottagers.
Tweet of the Match

WE. ARE. @premierleague! 😍#EFLPlayOffs pic.twitter.com/eGnXdPzF3O

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 4, 2020

Referee Watch

Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire) – did a good job overall although might have missed a handball in the box from Michael Hector.
Atmosphere

If any match needed the fans, it was this one. Having that 12th man at Wembley adds to the spectacle of a game dubbed 'the biggest in football'.
Verdict

It was not a good game of football, but Fulham boss Scott Parker provided a tactical masterclass over an already lacklustre Brentford side.



https://londonfootballscene.co.uk/2020/08/04/brentford-1-2-fulham-championship-play-off-final-report-ratings-and-verdict/