Callum Wilson scored twice to help Bournemouth continue their fast start to the Premier League season – and inflict another damaging defeat on Fulham.
In an open game at Craven Cottage, the visitors opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Wilson was clumsily fouled by Timothy Fosu-Mensah early on.
The hosts had chances throughout but were never as clinical as the visitors – a fact highlighted when the Cherries turned defence to attack before David Brooks’ composed finish for their second.
Fulham’s Kevin McDonald was sent off for a second bookable offence late on, and Wilson scored his second and Bournemouth’s third to wrap up victory and condemn the Cottagers to their fourth straight defeat, having conceded 15 goals along the way.
Weary sections of the home support met the full-time whistle with jeers and the defeat means the Cottagers’ remain 18th and in the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s men stay sixth and have closed the gap on Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham – the teams above them – to one point.
The home side did have their moments, but mustered just a single effort on target, which came when Andre Schurrle stung the palms of Asmir Begovic from outside the box after Bournemouth’s opener.
Aboubakar Kamara and Denis Odoi went wide with headed efforts as Fulham tried to find a way back, but when Wilson set Fraser away to set up the second goal, it was effectively game over.
Moments later, a sloppy pass from Odoi saw goalscorer Brooks intercept before McDonald brought him down to earn a second yellow from referee Andre Marriner.
Kamara, who often cut a frustrated figure, could have joined McDonald when he kicked the ball away when on a yellow, but he was given a reprieve.
However, it was little help to Fulham’s cause. Bournemouth completed the victory when Fraser fed Wilson in space before the Englishman struck his fifth goal of the season.
–
Source: BBC
