Fulham are back in the Premier League after two goals in extra time from Joe Bryan
The desperate battle for the last place in the Premier League in the year that Covid threatened to destroy the game, and it all came down to a glorious trick free-kick from Joe Bryan that went in one way while everyone bar the Fulham full-back was looking in the other direction.
There were two extra-time goals from Bryan that launched Fulham back into the Premier League at the expense of Brentford, here to disrupt the Championship but just one win short of the promised land. Spoiler alert: this was a terrible game, but it came alive when Bryan deceived the Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and possibly everyone else in Wembley bar his manager with a disguised free-kick that crept in at the near post in extra-time of the play-off final.
A great moment for Bryan who added a second at the end of the game - he had only scored one all season before this - just before Brentford’s Henrik Dalsgaard claimed his side’s only goal when it was all too late. This was a triumph for Scott Parker, the young Fulham manager who led England as captain at Wembley in 2012 and has always seemed destined to be a coach. Now he finds himself catapulted into the big league and from the midpoint of next month is up against the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, and his old team-mate Frank Lampard.
Afterwards, there was a stoic determination from the Fulham manager not to allow the emotion to carry him away as his players collectively lost it with champagne and trophy. Ever since he juggled a football as the child prodigy on the McDonalds advert there has been something very serious about Parker when it came to football and really – what a career. As a player and as a manager he has been an overachiever and although he was in situ when Fulham were relegated from the Premier League one year earlier, now he has earned his place.
There will be no glorious end to the 73-year top-flight absence of Fulham’s west London rivals Brentford who must say goodbye to Griffin Park next season and move into their new home without a place in the Premier League. Brentford came so close but they were undone by some remarkable quick thinking by Bryan and a perfect execution.
It had, all told, been a dreadful game when at the end of the first period of extra-time, Bryan sized up a free-kick in the left channel at around 40 yards out. His body-shape and the pattern of the players lining up on the edge of the box suggested another cross – and that was at least what Brentford goalkeeper Raya expected. Instead, Bryan aimed for Raya’s right post and bent his left-foot shot inside it just before the goalkeeper could rush across to make the save.
David Raya will not want to see this again!
Joe Bryan catches him out from 35 yards!
Is this the goal that sends #FFC to the Premier League?
Watch #BREFUL in the #EFLPlayOffs live on Sky Sports Football or follow it here: https://t.co/7a05Gc4Yb1 pic.twitter.com/H8CBACKiwc— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 4, 2020
Bryan would later say that it had all been practised and that Parker had called him over in the moments that preceded the free-kick to tell him that Raya was too far off his line. It was hard to argue with that. Bryan’s second goal came after a breakaway and an exchange with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham’s big-earning, Championship top-goalscoring striker who had started the game on the bench. The Serb came on at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, still not fully recovered from a hamstring injury.
Bryan’s second meant that the best of the west had been decided – the two sides from west London locked together in an exhausting Championship play-off final that may be remembered for little else other than the full-back’s first goal. The great threat that has been posed by Brentford this season, especially from Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma just never materialised. This inventive, breakout Championship side who had come out of lockdown at an electrifying pace just did not play to their potential.
On both sides there were precious few chances and two managers who were unwilling to take many risks in the game that was worth as much as £160 million for Brentford and just £30 million less for Fulham, the last ride out of the Covid-afflicted Championship. By the end of the regulation 90 minutes the statistics demonstrated the cautiousness of the two sides: just two attempts on target each.
It had been a long season, 368 days since the gruelling Championship had first begun, and it showed in everything these two sides did. Both sides played a solid midfield base and directed attacks wide. Michael Hector and Tim Ream were particularly strong in the centre of the Fulham defence. As for Brentford, Thomas Frank’s team – the Championship’s top goalscorers - looked sluggish and after the stronger start found themselves under pressure once again.
The only notable moment of the first half was a wild challenge by the Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed just before the half hour. The 25-year-old on loan from Southampton undoubtedly caught the Dane Christian Norgaard on the ankle and there was a strong case to be made that the force was excessive. Without recourse to a video assistant there was more than a suggestion that referee Martin Atkinson decided to play this one safe and reached for the yellow instead of the red.
Neither manager quite trusted themselves to commit much to the few attacks that they launched. Bryan Mbeumo did not go much past the hour until he was replaced. Bobby Decordova-Reid had one fleeting chance from a Neeskens Kebano cross that came from Fulham’s best move of the first half. Later Watkins would have a powerful hit saved by the Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak.
There was an unwillingness from either side to commit players forward and even the introduction of Mitrovic was a straight swap for Decordova-Reid. The quality of the Wembley pitch also seemed to have an effect on the standard of the action and there was not much that was typical of the average Championship game when risks are taken and mistakes made.
For Fulham there was a strong bench and Parker also called upon another play-off veteran in Anthony Knockaert in the closing stages of the 90 minutes. They went on to extra-time with everything at stake and the future of their respective clubs on the line. Then came Bryan’s free-kick, the game’s one true moment of creativity, and his second to seal the win. The header from Dalsgaard just came too late and Brentford could not turn it around – their ninth play-off campaign, none of which have yielded a promotion.
09:39 PMThat's all from us this evening
That's all from us this evening
More reaction across Telegraph Sport.
09:32 PMWhat a night to do it!
2 - Joe Bryan has scored a brace for the first time in his professional career; indeed, he had only scored twice in his first 77 appearances for Fulham in all competitions before tonight. Occasion. #EFLPlayOffs #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/HDc0AOi1Zh
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 4, 2020
09:29 PMJoe Bryan deserves all the plaudits he gets
We salute you, Sir Joseph Bryan. 🤩#FULFORCE pic.twitter.com/onYX1AGjoN
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 4, 2020
09:27 PMWhat a special night for Scott Parker!
What a night to do it!
2 - Joe Bryan has scored a brace for the first time in his professional career; indeed, he had only scored twice in his first 77 appearances for Fulham in all competitions before tonight. Occasion. #EFLPlayOffs #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/HDc0AOi1Zh
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 4, 2020
09:29 PMJoe Bryan deserves all the plaudits he gets
We salute you, Sir Joseph Bryan. 🤩#FULFORCE pic.twitter.com/onYX1AGjoN
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 4, 2020
09:27 PMWhat a special night for Scott Parker!
Joe Bryan deserves all the plaudits he gets
We salute you, Sir Joseph Bryan. 🤩#FULFORCE pic.twitter.com/onYX1AGjoN
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 4, 2020
09:27 PMWhat a special night for Scott Parker!
What a special night for Scott Parker!
His first full season as a manager, and he has led Fulham back to the promised land!
Here comes the trophy lift!
09:24 PMFulham deserved to win tonight
Fulham deserved to win tonight
They were the better side. Brentford, who have been superb since the restart, just could not quite get it together tonight.
Fulham are back after just one year away!
09:23 PMPlay-off final experts!
2 - Fulham are only the second side to win promotion to the @premierleague through the play-offs twice in the space of three seasons, after Leicester City were promoted via this method in both 1993-94 and 1995-96. Repeat. #EFLPlayOffs #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/EDMuQYNuX0
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 4, 2020
09:22 PMJoe Bryan is the hero!
Play-off final experts!
2 - Fulham are only the second side to win promotion to the @premierleague through the play-offs twice in the space of three seasons, after Leicester City were promoted via this method in both 1993-94 and 1995-96. Repeat. #EFLPlayOffs #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/EDMuQYNuX0
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 4, 2020
09:22 PMJoe Bryan is the hero!
Joe Bryan is the hero!
Two superb goals in extra time for the left back. What a night for him!
09:20 PMFULL TIME: Brentford 1 Fulham 2
FULL TIME: Brentford 1 Fulham 2
FULHAM ARE BACK IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE!
09:19 PMGOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! DALSGAARD Brentford 1 Fulham 2
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! DALSGAARD Brentford 1 Fulham 2
Dalsgaard finds space in the box and heads into the corner! Is there enough time for another?
09:18 PMET 30+3 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 2
ET 30+3 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 2
The free kicks fall to the floor in the box and is scrambled away. Fulham counter and should score. Knockaert breaks forward but his pass goes straight to Raya instead of his teammate.
09:17 PMET 30+2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 2
ET 30+2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 2
Four minutes of added time! Brentford attack again. Cavaleiro stops the attack abruptly, earning a booking.
09:15 PMET 30 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 2
ET 30 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 2
Brentford come again. A cross is dinked into the box but Dalsgaard heads it over the bar.
09:13 PMGOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! BRYAN Brentford 0 Fulham 2
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! BRYAN Brentford 0 Fulham 2
Fulham are there! Bryan breaks forward into the box, beautiful one-two and he slides it past the keeper with his right foot! Brilliant goal.
09:12 PMET 27 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
ET 27 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
Rodak is down with cramp, it is that time of the match. Not sure the keeper was the best player to go down with it, but oh well.
Pinnock shoots from the edge of the box, but the attempt is very gentle and easily claimed.
09:09 PMET 24 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
ET 24 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
Canos is fouled on the edge of the box in very dangerous position. 25 yards out, to the left hand side.
Benrahma stands over it. He fires it into the wall. Poor attempt in all honesty. Brentford come again, Norgaard fires in a dangerous low ball but Rodak beats Watkins to the ball.
09:07 PMET 22 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
ET 22 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
Brentford attack, Fulham counter - and repeat. Watkins finds some space down the left but Christie does well to intercept the ball and put it out.
09:06 PMET 20 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
ET 20 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
Emiliano shoots from 40 yards, well wide. What was he thinking, still over 10 minutes to go!
Odoi off for Christie, LeMarchand on for Onomah. Fulham are going to a back five.
09:04 PMET 18 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
ET 18 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
Fulham are understandably sitting deep, allowing Brentford to attack.
Knockaert is then unleashed down the left, he gets in behind but his low cross is intercepted by Raya.
09:02 PMHere is the remarkable goal!
David Raya will not want to see this again!
Joe Bryan catches him out from 35 yards!
Is this the goal that sends #FFC to the Premier League?
Watch #BREFUL in the #EFLPlayOffs live on Sky Sports Football or follow it here: https://t.co/7a05Gc4Yb1 pic.twitter.com/H8CBACKiwc
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 4, 2020
09:01 PMET 16 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
Here is the remarkable goal!
David Raya will not want to see this again!
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 4, 2020
Joe Bryan catches him out from 35 yards!
Is this the goal that sends #FFC to the Premier League?
Watch #BREFUL in the #EFLPlayOffs live on Sky Sports Football or follow it here: https://t.co/7a05Gc4Yb1 pic.twitter.com/H8CBACKiwc
09:01 PMET 16 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
ET 16 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
Fulham are 15 minutes away from the Premier League!
Cavaleiro on for Fulham, Dervisoglu for Brentford.
08:58 PMET HALF TIME: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
ET HALF TIME: Brentford 0 Fulham 1
What a goal, what a moment. Such a bold choice. Can Brentford fight their way back!
08:56 PMGOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL! BRYAN Brentford 0 Fulham 1
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL! BRYAN Brentford 0 Fulham 1
What a goal! Bryan, from 40 yards out, has curled in a free kick! Raya was expecting a cross, and was stood on the right hand side of the goal. Bryan decides to shoot and finds the left hand corner! I've never seen anything like it!
Poor from Raya, inspired from Bryan.
08:55 PMET 13 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
ET 13 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Shock! Mitrovic is booked for pushing his marker to the ground. The free kick will still be taken.
08:54 PMET 13 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
ET 13 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Dalsgaard sends in a long throws-in. The ball is claimed and set long. Raya is caught 40 yards off his line, his clearance falls to Onomah who has fouled as he is about to shoot. Yellow for Norgaard. A very, very good yellow from a Brentford point of view.
08:52 PMET 12 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
ET 12 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Knockaert is now booked, giving away a free kick on the edge of the box. Benrahma stands over it.
His cross is headed away by Bryan for a throw-in.
08:51 PMET 10 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
ET 10 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
The game has opened up in extra time, both sides determined not to let this chance slip by. Kamara sends a low cross out for a goal kick.
08:49 PMET 8 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
ET 8 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Hector is booked for a challenge on Norgaard - not a great attempt that!
08:48 PMET 7 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
ET 7 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Scott Parker is pacing furiously up and down the sideline, his hair still immaculate despite the situation.
Brentford break into Fulham's box, a low cross is met in the middle but the shot is blocked. Fulham counter but Raya is off his line to snuff out any chance. Better from Brentford.
08:45 PMET 5 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
ET 5 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Fulham send it forward, more in hope than expectation. Nothing comes off it. It was a low quality second half, it might just take one moment of magic.
Another ball forward draws out Raya to clear. His clearance falls to Kamara who fires from long range, comfortable save.
08:42 PMET 2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
ET 2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Huge chance! A low cross come into Watkins in the box, Hector just gets his foot in the way and it goes wide for a goal kick.
08:40 PMHere we go - extra time!
Here we go - extra time!
Can Mitrovic make the difference?
08:36 PMFULL TIME: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
FULL TIME: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Fulham lump the ball forward and that's that. We are heading to extra time!
08:34 PM90+2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
90+2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Hector fouls Watkins, chance for a ball to be put into the box here. Benrahma puts far too much on it and it goes straight out for a goal kick. Poor delivery.
Mitrovic is on for De Cordova-Reid.
08:32 PM90 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
90 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
We are headed to added time, and quite possibly extra time!
Three added minutes.
08:31 PM89 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
89 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Watkins and Canos link up nicely. They then lose the ball and Fulham counter. Knockaert goes in behind and is brought down by Jensen who is shown a yellow.
Brentford survive, a good tactical foul in the end.
08:29 PM86 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
86 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Onomah spins away from Pinnock, spinning and hitting a half-volley from outside the box. It goes over the bar, decent strike but no danger of going in.
08:26 PM84 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
84 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
The ball falls to Dalsgaard on the edge of the Fulham box but his shot is over the bar. Canos on for Dasilva.
At the other end Kamara has a chance, he breaks down the left, cuts onto his right but he doesn't pull the trigger. He looks for a pass instead and Knockaert is offside. Shame.
08:23 PM81 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
81 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Free kick to Brentford. A poor ball in is hacked clear. And here comes Knockaert for Kebano - who has been industrious this evening.
No Mitrovic yet, although he has warmed up.
08:21 PM79 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
79 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Here we go. Ten minutes away from the Premier League, can someone can be the hero? Who wants the ball?
Benrahma drives forward but loses it, Kamara carries it back up the pitch for Fulham. No clear cut chances are coming for either side.
08:19 PM77 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
77 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Pinnock drives forward. Brentford are now keeping the ball, patiently attacking as a side in unison.
They are camped in Fulham's half. Brentford then lose it, allowing Fulham to counter. Kebano sends in a cross but it is claimed by Raya.
08:16 PM74 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
74 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Kamara does well down the right, he holds up play before finding Reed in the middle. He sends his shot very high though. Speculative from the 30 plus yards out.
Cairney gives away another foul, minutes after being booked. No second booking is given.
08:14 PM72 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
72 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Watkins finds space on the edge of the box, he fires a shot but it is straight at Rodak who tips it over the bar. The corner is easily dealt with.
That was Watkins only chance so far.
08:12 PM70 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
70 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Thomas Frank very animated at the break, as expected. Fulham still the better side so far.
Can someone find a goal?
08:10 PM68 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
68 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
The second corner is much flatter, and it hits Hector in the six-yard box. The ball is cleared. Benrahma brings it back and he is chopped down by Cairney, who is booked. Free kick 25 yards out.
Emiliano puts it into the empty stands. DRINKS BREAK
08:08 PM66 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
66 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Kebano breaks forward but a lack of support forces him to turn back.
Brentford win it, send the ball long and Benrahma draws a corner. Pinnock heads it back across goal but Bryan gets their first, nodding it behind for another.
08:05 PM63 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
63 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Kamara finds space down the left, but Jansson gets across well, putting the ball out for a throw-in.
Fulham win a corner. Bryan puts in a cracking ball but Hector's header goes out for a goal kick.
08:03 PM61 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
61 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Brentford build nicely, but Mbeumo miscontrols it. And he's off, Emiliano on for Mbeumo. Not his best night despite an excellent season.
08:01 PM59 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
59 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Odoi crosses in, the ball falls to De Cordova-Reid but he hammers the half-volley high and wide. Not an easy chance, but a chance.
08:00 PM57 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
57 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Brentford are starting to look dangerous, counter opportunities are starting to emerge. Changes coming.
07:57 PM55 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
55 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Mbeumo fouls Kamara. Fulham loses the ball, Brentford counter. Mbeumo breaks into the box, he finds Dasilva but the chance is lost.
Neither sides are being clinical here, the wrong option was taken yet again.
07:55 PM53 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
53 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Fulham are on top, just as they were in the first half - but no goals to show for it.
Benrahma breaks into the box after beating two defenders. He fires at goal but it is blocked - appeals for hand ball are ignored. That was better from the Bees. Benrahma has been too deep, too often this match.
07:53 PM51 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
51 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Dasilva goes down but no free kick awarded. Correct decision, no contact from Bryan. Goal kick.
Fulham then play out from deep, the ball finds its way to Kebano but Jansson wins the ball and clears it away.
07:51 PM49 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
49 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Kebano curls it toward goal but can only find the side netting. Surprised he missed given his recent form... decent effort in fairness.
Fulham attack again but Onomah is tackled as he bursts forward.
07:49 PM47 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
47 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
One half away from the Premier League, time for these two sides to empty their tanks. There is no tomorrow.
Kebano breaks down the right, finds De Cordova-Reid in the middle who is fouled. Kebano stands over it.
07:47 PMThe second half is underway
The second half is underway
Brentford get us restarted.
07:44 PMWho will seize control of the match?
Who will seize control of the match?
Onomah was star of the show in the first half. Brentford's BMW were kept quiet for the most part.
07:40 PMAn accurate summary...
A half of few chances, the better coming Fulham's way but it's still all square
🐝 0-0 ⚪#BREFUL #BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/VoYJUY7voq
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 4, 2020
07:33 PMThe half-time analysis we all need
Wembley update: Thomas Frank rocking the touchline look that says, free-thinking CEO of a chain of sustainable yoga retreats. Scott Parker playing it safer: no-nonsense deputy head (P.E.). 0-0
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) August 4, 2020
07:32 PMHALF TIME: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
An accurate summary...
A half of few chances, the better coming Fulham's way but it's still all square
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 4, 2020
🐝 0-0 ⚪#BREFUL #BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/VoYJUY7voq
07:33 PMThe half-time analysis we all need
Wembley update: Thomas Frank rocking the touchline look that says, free-thinking CEO of a chain of sustainable yoga retreats. Scott Parker playing it safer: no-nonsense deputy head (P.E.). 0-0
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) August 4, 2020
07:32 PMHALF TIME: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
The half-time analysis we all need
Wembley update: Thomas Frank rocking the touchline look that says, free-thinking CEO of a chain of sustainable yoga retreats. Scott Parker playing it safer: no-nonsense deputy head (P.E.). 0-0
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) August 4, 2020
07:32 PMHALF TIME: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
HALF TIME: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
One minute of added time.
Fulham have been the better side, but both teams ran out of steam a touch towards the end of the half.
Big team talk required by Thomas Frank.
07:30 PM45 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
45 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Hector whips in a cross, but it is deflected into the hands of Raya. Ream looks to switch the play to the right but his ball to Kebano has too much on it.
07:28 PM43 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
43 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
The game has become a touch scrappy, after a very intense opening half hour.
Onomah takes too long on the ball, a chance of a counter is ended as he is dispossessed.
07:25 PM40 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
40 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Jansson lumps it forward towards Watkins but Hector beats him to it.
Odoi has a chance to roll the ball into the box, instead he cuts inside and shoots. Poor option. Fulham keep finding space.
07:23 PM38 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
38 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Fulham continue their dominance, forcing Brentford to defend deep. This is not what Thomas Frank would have wanted. They need to keep some possession.
07:20 PM35 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
35 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
A header towards goal is challenged by Watkins as Rodak goes to catch it. Clear foul.
At the other end, Kebano does well to bring the ball down in the box, but nothing comes of it.
07:18 PM33 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
33 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Fulham spread the ball around neatly. Hector then offers a poor pass which Watkins almost intercepts. He is looking sharp tonight.
07:15 PM31 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
31 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
The free kick in is dealt with, despite Jansson's best efforts to get there.
07:14 PM28 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
28 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Will there be any tactical tweaks after the drinks break?
Benrahma picks the ball up deep, plays it Dasilva but his ball to Watkins is intercepted.
Reed is booked for an challenge on Norgaard - that was at least a yellow! The ball was in between the players and Reed dived in, catching Norgaard nastily.
07:11 PMOnomah has been very impressive so far
Onomah has been very impressive so far
Fulham have been on top so far, but Brentford have had their moments too!
07:10 PM25 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
25 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Henry whips in a dangerous cross, Mbeumo meets it but his header loops to Rodak who collects with ease.
The Bees come again, a wicked ball is put into the box and Hector heads it behind for a corner. Important intervention! Mbeumo was lurking behind him.
The corner is put straight out. DRINKS BREAK
07:08 PM23 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
23 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
The corner is rolled short to Kebano, his cross earns another corner. Bryan will take the second attempt.
The ball is headed away. Brentford counter, Mbeumo is found in space on the right but he plays the ball back, allowing his side to move up the pitch as one.
07:05 PM20 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
20 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Fulham are looking really dangerous now. Brentford need to get their foot on the ball, slow the game down and build.
Odoi bursts forward. He rolls the ball to De Cordova-Reid who fires a speculative shot from range. It is deflected out for a corner.
07:02 PM18 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
18 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Fulham come close! Cairney plays a deft pass to Onomah in the box who fires a shot low to the left of Raya, the keeper pushes it back into the box and Brentford scramble it clear. Good save!
07:01 PM16 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
16 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Watkins is caught offside trying to get in behind. Brentford win back the ball and Benrahma tries to find Henry down the left but overcooks his pass.
07:00 PM15 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
15 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
The corner is headed away - Fulham have come back into this nicely, starting to settle after a nervous start.
06:58 PM13 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
13 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Fulham attack down the right, Odoi fires in a low cross which finds its way to Onomah but a loose touch sees the chance vanish. Onomah has been lively so far, getting in good positions and breaking forward with purpose.
Kebano wins a corner.
06:55 PM10 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
10 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Chance for Fulham! Raya takes a poor touch and Fulham pinch it off the goal keeper in the box. Onomah looks for a pass which is intercepted - he should have pulled the trigger, despite the tight angle!
06:53 PM9 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
9 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Mbeumo fires the free kick into the wall, not a great effort. Brentford have started the match brightly here, playing with confidence. Fulham looks a tad more nervy.
06:52 PM7 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
7 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Benrahma gets his first touch, nutmegging a defender, of course. A ball over the top finds Watkins who does well to stop the ball rolling out for a goal kick.
Brentford hold the play up, allowing support to arrive. Brentford attack again, a long ball falls to Benrahma who is tripped by Hector. Free kick in a dangerous position.
06:49 PM4 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
4 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Brentford spread the ball around the back nicely. Fulham then pinch the ball in midfield through the impressive Reed.
Fulham break forward and Onomah unleashes a strike from distance, he catches it nicely, forcing a solid save.
06:47 PM2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0
Fulham send the ball down the left, looking for Kamara but the balls rolls out of play.
De Cordova-Reid is on the left, Kamara down the middle in the opening minutes. Although that could change.
06:45 PMHere we go!
Here we go!
Fulham get us underway.
06:44 PMWho is your money on?
Who is your money on?
These two sides are so well matched!
06:41 PMThe players are out onto the pitch!
The players are out onto the pitch!
Still so odd to see Wembley empty for these huge occasions...
06:39 PMSaïd Benrahma has proven his class this season. Can he do it on the biggest stage?
Saïd Benrahma has proven his class this season. Can he do it on the biggest stage?
Saïd Benrahma has been directly involved in all three of Brentford's goals against Fulham in the Championship this season (one goal and two assists) – indeed, no player had a hand in more league goals against Fulham than Benrahma during the regular season.
He certainly likes playing against Fulham...
06:35 PMJust 10 minutes until kick-off!
Just 10 minutes until kick-off!
Brentford just one match away from ending a 73 year absence from the top flight. Few nerves around now...
06:29 PMThomas Frank ahead of kick-off
Thomas Frank ahead of kick-off
On how the players are feeling: "Calm, full of energy, who can't wait to start the game."
And his final message to the players:
"Be cool, be brave, be us, be Brentford. Lets attack."
Not bad words those...
06:22 PMNine Fulham players in the squad tonight were there two years ago, that experience can only help them
2 - Tonight is Fulham's second Championship play-off final in the last three seasons, beating Aston Villa 1-0 at Wembley in 2018 thanks to a Tom Cairney winner. Memories. #EFLPlayOffs #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/Nb8MkA4tXu
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 4, 2020
06:16 PMBrentford are prolific in front of goal
Nine Fulham players in the squad tonight were there two years ago, that experience can only help them
2 - Tonight is Fulham's second Championship play-off final in the last three seasons, beating Aston Villa 1-0 at Wembley in 2018 thanks to a Tom Cairney winner. Memories. #EFLPlayOffs #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/Nb8MkA4tXu
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 4, 2020
06:16 PMBrentford are prolific in front of goal
Brentford are prolific in front of goal
The Bees scored 80 goals during the regular season, three more than both Leeds and West Brom (and 16 more than Fulham).
That has largely been down to an aggressive playing style and the attacking quality possessed by Saïd Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins. A phenomenal front three. All of them could end up playing in the Premier League next season, will it be for Brentford is the big question.
06:10 PMDo not read this stat Brentford fans...
4 - Brentford are competing in their fourth play-off final and first since 2013 when in League One (1-2 defeat by Yeovil). Indeed, the Bees have lost each of their previous three play-off final matches. Hurdle. #EFLPlayOffs #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/5PucDGCray
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 4, 2020
06:06 PMNeeskens Kebano has been a man in form. Can he do it again today?
Do not read this stat Brentford fans...
4 - Brentford are competing in their fourth play-off final and first since 2013 when in League One (1-2 defeat by Yeovil). Indeed, the Bees have lost each of their previous three play-off final matches. Hurdle. #EFLPlayOffs #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/5PucDGCray
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 4, 2020
06:06 PMNeeskens Kebano has been a man in form. Can he do it again today?
Neeskens Kebano has been a man in form. Can he do it again today?
Kebano has scored five goals and at least once each in his last four appearances for Fulham, netting as many as he had over his previous 57 games in all competitions for the club.
Brentford do not want to concede a free kick in a dangerous area this evening.
06:00 PMTeam news round-up
Team news round-up
Fulham top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic is only named on the bench.
The Serbia international missed the two-legged semi-final with Cardiff due to a hamstring injury and - despite boss Scott Parker insisting the striker was fully fit - he is only listed among the substitutes.
Denis Odoi and Aboubakar Kamara are recalled for Fulham from the side that lost 2-1 at Craven Cottage last Thursday with Cyrus Christie and Anthony Knockaert on the bench.
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank makes just the one change from the team that saw off Swansea at Griffin Park with Josh Dasilva called into the starting XI in place of Emiliano Marcondes.
05:57 PMMore on Mitrovic's ommission
More on Mitrovic's ommission
Yes, Mitrovic has been injured. Yes, Mitrovic is a bit of a loose cannon. But given the inescapable importance of this match, it is a brave move from Scott Parker. 26 goals so far this campaign...
No Knockaert in the starting line-up either.
05:49 PMMitrovic is on the bench! Interesting move from Scott Parker
4⃣0⃣ games, 2⃣6⃣ goals
Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has won the @SkyBet Championship Golden Boot award for the 2019/20 season.
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 27, 2020
05:47 PMTeam news is in! Josh Dasilva returns for Brentford
🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨@joshdasilva_ comes back into the starting XI
Teams presented by @EcoWorldLondon
#BrentfordFC #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/pfPwGjBleP
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 4, 2020
Your Fulham at Wembley.
It’s in the hands of this XI today! 🤲#EFLPlayOffs pic.twitter.com/KNVPBYfLZx
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 4, 2020
05:39 PMTwo London teams in action tonight...
Mitrovic is on the bench! Interesting move from Scott Parker
4⃣0⃣ games, 2⃣6⃣ goals
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 27, 2020
Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has won the @SkyBet Championship Golden Boot award for the 2019/20 season.
05:47 PMTeam news is in! Josh Dasilva returns for Brentford
🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨@joshdasilva_ comes back into the starting XI
Teams presented by @EcoWorldLondon
#BrentfordFC #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/pfPwGjBleP
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 4, 2020
Your Fulham at Wembley.
It’s in the hands of this XI today! 🤲#EFLPlayOffs pic.twitter.com/KNVPBYfLZx
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 4, 2020
05:39 PMTwo London teams in action tonight...
Team news is in! Josh Dasilva returns for Brentford
🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨@joshdasilva_ comes back into the starting XI
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 4, 2020
Teams presented by @EcoWorldLondon
#BrentfordFC #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/pfPwGjBleP
Your Fulham at Wembley.
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 4, 2020
It’s in the hands of this XI today! 🤲#EFLPlayOffs pic.twitter.com/KNVPBYfLZx
05:39 PMTwo London teams in action tonight...
Two London teams in action tonight...
This will be just the second ever all London tie to grace the Championship play-off final, after Crystal Palace against West Ham in 2004 – the Eagles running out 1-0 winners thanks to a Neil Shipperley goal.
I suspect there may be more than one goal scored this evening.
05:33 PMFulham have arrived!
Wembley business meeting: high importance ❗️
Status: arrived! #FULFORCE | #EFLPlayOffs pic.twitter.com/1zb5uveQJx
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 4, 2020
05:31 PMA reminder of how well matched these two sides were over the course of the regular season
05:18 PMHere are Thomas Frank's thoughts ahead of the match
🗣 "Focus on what you can do something about not on all the other bits"
Thomas' message to the players ahead of tonight#BrentfordFC #BREFUL
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 4, 2020
03:06 PMGood evening, here is a preview of tonight's huge fixture
Fulham have arrived!
Wembley business meeting: high importance ❗️
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 4, 2020
Status: arrived! #FULFORCE | #EFLPlayOffs pic.twitter.com/1zb5uveQJx
05:31 PMA reminder of how well matched these two sides were over the course of the regular season
05:18 PMHere are Thomas Frank's thoughts ahead of the match
🗣 "Focus on what you can do something about not on all the other bits"
Thomas' message to the players ahead of tonight#BrentfordFC #BREFUL
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 4, 2020
03:06 PMGood evening, here is a preview of tonight's huge fixture
A reminder of how well matched these two sides were over the course of the regular season
05:18 PMHere are Thomas Frank's thoughts ahead of the match
🗣 "Focus on what you can do something about not on all the other bits"
Thomas' message to the players ahead of tonight#BrentfordFC #BREFUL
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 4, 2020
03:06 PMGood evening, here is a preview of tonight's huge fixture
Here are Thomas Frank's thoughts ahead of the match
🗣 "Focus on what you can do something about not on all the other bits"
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 4, 2020
Thomas' message to the players ahead of tonight#BrentfordFC #BREFUL
03:06 PMGood evening, here is a preview of tonight's huge fixture
Good evening, here is a preview of tonight's huge fixture
Ahead of the play-off final, the richest game in football, Brentford manager Thomas Frank reiterated that his side have nothing to lose.
“We have everything to win and nothing to lose. We are in the Championship now and we will still be in the Championship next season if we lose. We can only win. It is important to know that. When we are done with the game, there will be no regrets whatsoever. No regrets.”
A good mind-set for Brentford, but it is simply not true. They have been outside the top-flight of English football for 73 years. A return to the Premier League is everything.
For Fulham, their absence has not been anywhere near as long. They were victorious in the 2018 play-off final, beating Aston Villa 1-0 at Wembley. In fact captain Tom Cairney and hot-headed striker Aleksandar Mitrovic were among nine players in the Fulham squad who played that day.
The experience of coming out on top in the match which leads to the promised land - and around £160 million pounds - could benefit Scott Parker’s side.
He was bullish in the week stating: “This game has been our focus for a year, it hasn’t just snuck up on us.
“Our aim was to get promoted, we could have gone up by finishing in the top two, if not we will go via Wembley. We knew that goal, we knew where this journey was going to put us. We have had laser focus. To get here is an achievement but this group of players started this journey on day one, they knew what was expected.
“I fully believe in what we are doing, I fully believe in my squad to get a result. That’s exactly how I see it panning out. We have shown this season when we’ve needed to get a result, we have done that. We have stood up when we’ve had to.”
However, they face a Brentford side who were in superb form following football’s restart. The attacking quality possessed by Saïd Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins is frightening.
After 46 games, these two sides finished on the same amount of points. It is sure to be a close one this evening.