A brilliant brace from surprise hero Joe Bryan proved the difference this evening, as Fulham got the better of Brentford in the Championship playoff final.
Scott Parker’s men went head-to-head with the Bees at Wembley a short time ago, in the final fixture of the season’s English football calendar.
The importance of the matchup of course could not be emphasised enough ahead of kick-off, with the victors set to book their spot in the Premier League for the 2020/21 campaign.
Fulham were seeking out an immediate return to the top-tier of English football, on the back of their relegation last year.
Brentford, on the other hand, were eyeing up a first-ever Premier League berth.
And, when all was said and done in the English capital, it was Fulham who got the job done.
A cagey, uninspired opening 90 minutes, during which both sides struggled to carve out meaningful opportunities, eventually saw this evening’s clash forced into extra-time.
And it was from here that an unexpected match-winner stepped forward.
After Fulham were awarded a free-kick in what appeared a relatively unthreatening position with 105 minutes on the clock, Joe Bryan stepped up to bend a wonderful effort around the Brentford wall and in, catching David Raya completely off guard.
Is this the goal that sends #FFC back to the Premier League?
Joe Bryan catches Raya out from 35 yards! pic.twitter.com/YIFHCG8kxC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 4, 2020
And, incredibly, with 3 minutes to go in extra-time, Bryan was back at it again, slotting home on the back of a neat one-two with Aleksandar Mitrovic to all but ensure victory.
Brentford, to their credit, continued to battle hard, and did manage to pull one back courtesy of Henrik Dalsgaard’s header.
But the Bees’ solitary goal proved the last kick of the game, with Thomas Frank’s men now facing another season of hard work in their hopes of finally securing a historic Premier League spot.
For Fulham, though, it is of course time to celebrate.
The post-match scenes at Wembley saw Scott Parker reduced to tears, with match-winner Bryan deservedly showered in praise.
A season back in the big time now awaits the Londoners, with the added bonus of a £135 million cash injection also no doubt a welcome arrival at Craven Cottage:
Championship play-off winner will earn additional revenue worth £135m for #ffc (nb residual parachute) or £160m for #BrentfordFC over next 3 seasons, according to Deloitte. Figure could rise to £265m over a 5-year period if club survives 1st season in PL. High stakes at Wembley.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 3, 2020
Man City announce Ferran Torres signing/Citizens to profit if Man United sign Sancho
Chelsea willing to listen to offers for up to 10 first-team players – Sky
This article was edited by Josh Barker.
Molde FK vs SK Brann live streaming: Watch Eliteserien online
KV Oostende vs K Beerschot VA live streaming: Watch Belgium First Division A online
Oud-Heverlee Leuven vs KAS Eupen live streaming: Watch Belgium First Division A online
Melbourne City FC vs Adelaide United FC live streaming: Watch A-League online
Brisbane Roar FC vs Sydney FC live streaming: Watch A-League online
Major concern at Atletico Madrid as two members of Champions League travelling party test positive f…
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks out over Man United’s goalkeeping situation
Martinez confirms he will only stay at Arsenal if he gets ‘more games’
Torreira the latest Arsenal star tipped as potential makeweight in Thomas Partey deal
‘My heartfelt thanks’ – Willian confirms Chelsea departure as Arsenal switch inche…
101 Great Goals is a global, football media news publisher devoted to producing content for a digital generation over web, social and mobile platforms.
The 101 Great Goals website is constantly updated with live streaming information and football betting tips, as well as football (soccer) news, video and social media updates by the hour. Every single day of the week.
We pride ourselves at 101 Great Goals on sourcing the best ways for football fans to watch upcoming matches. Our intention is to inform on forthcoming matches, both how to view and also provide a level playing field when football betting.
We cover some of the biggest teams in the world, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Tottenham. 101 Great Goals is also active on social media, including Facebook and Twitter.
All odds quoted are correct at time of publishing and subject to change.