Fulham

Chris Wise
BBC Final Score reporter at Craven Cottage

Image source, Getty Images

It feels slightly cruel that Fulham did not finish in the top half of the Premier League table.

They flirted with the idea of European football for months, and 11th just does not feel like a justifiable ending given some of their performances.

What is interesting about Marco Silva's side is that they do not fall into the 'flat track bully' category. They have been as good - if not better - at getting points off top-half sides compared with games against those struggling. That should offer a lot of encouragement.

Clearly, consistency has been their nemesis in recent months. But Fulham are close to breaking through the next ceiling under Silva. He has shown that this season by leading the club to their record Premier League points tally.

But how does he turn them into a team that can become a more regular fixture among those jostling for Europe? As ever, it will probably come down to investment.

Silva's standing and respect as manager is strong enough now for him to openly call out what he feels he needs to get there. He said after the defeat by Manchester City on Sunday that he "wants to keep improving, but we have to have the same tools as the other clubs".

That is his less-than-subtle way of asking to be backed in the transfer market.

There is always a balance to be found with these situations, but I think most Fulham fans are realistic enough to recognise that if the club are to kick on again under Silva, he is going to need to spend this summer.

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's 10 final day Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea

• Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace

• Wolves 1-1 Brentford

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham manager Marco Silva has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day about the defeat by Manchester City: "It's definitely not the result to finish on a high at home. We had some moments, in terms of chances, that we did create. There were probably enough of those to get a different result, but City were more clinical.

"They were leading and the penalty killed our hopes really - we need to be more careful in that moment. We had two players ready to go in and have an impact [as substitutes] so unfortunately for us, it was a crucial moment."

On achieving a club record 54 points in the Premier League this season: "We have achieved something that nobody has achieved before. Up until the last stages, we were in decisive moments to fight for some of the European spots and arriving where we we did in the FA Cup [quarter-finals] shows it is a good season for the club.

"We improved from last season and that is the main thing."

On the futures of Tom Cairney and Kenny Tete: "Let's hope in the next few days you have some news."

On his own future: "That isn't really important. I have a contract [until 2026] and I have more important things to do in order to prepare the club to move forward.

"I'm talking about development and improvements, the club knows what that means. We cannot stand still at the level that we are at. If we want to keep improving, we have to have the same tools as the other clubs."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City have now won their past 15 league meetings against Fulham, the longest winning run one side has recorded over another in the history of England's top four tiers (overtaking Manchester City against Bournemouth - 14).

This was only the third game in Premier League history to see no English player in either starting XI, after Portsmouth v Arsenal in December 2009 and Arsenal v Chelsea in January 2019.

So the curtain has come down on Fulham's season with a defeat against Manchester City at Craven Cottage.

Marco Silva's side will have wanted a much better end to their season, having recorded 10 Premier League defeats since the turn of the year, but they were unable to find the all-important breakthrough.

How are you feeling after that performance and at the end of a long campaign?

Have your say on Fulham's performance and season here

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Fulham make four changes to the side that beat Brentford last Sunday, in the final Premier League game of the campaign.

Captain Tom Cairney comes into the side along with Harry Wilson, Andreas Pereira and Jorge Cuenca.

Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi, Sander Berge and Calvin Bassey drop to the bench.

Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson, Lukic, Cairney, Traore, Wilson, Pereira, Jimenez.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made two changes to the side that beat Bournemouth on Tuesday, knowing a point here should be enough for a Champions League spot.

The big news sees Jack Grealish left out completely, while Kevin de Bruyne is on the bench for his final appearance in a City shirt. Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is only a substitute too.

Nico Gonzalez replaces the suspended Mateo Kovacic, while Jeremy Doku is in for De Bruyne.

Man City XI: Ederson, Nunes, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Gonzalez, Gundogan, Silva, Marmoush, Doku, Haaland.

All 20 teams are in action on the final day of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Bournemouth v Leicester City

• Fulham v Man City

• Ipswich v West Ham

• Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Man Utd v Aston Villa

• Newcastle v Everton

• Nottingham Forest v Chelsea - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Southampton v Arsenal

• Tottenham v Brighton

• Wolves v Brentford - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

All kick-off times 16:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Manchester City were really good in their win over Bournemouth on Tuesday, and they did not let the disappointment of last weekend's FA Cup final defeat affect them. Omar Marmoush was excellent, they created lots of chances and defended strongly too.

City still made mistakes, though, and the stray passes that led to Mateo Kovacic being sent off and also gifted Bournemouth a late goal are the kind of simple errors you don't expect their players to make.

City will miss Kovacic here because he gives them legs in midfield and knits their play together so well. Without him, I have a sneaky feeling that this will not be a straightforward afternoon for them. The way the season has gone for Pep Guardiola's side, I would not put it past them to screw this up.

They only need a point to secure a top-five finish and maintain their ever-present record in the Champions League since 2011 but, with the way Fulham play, they are in for a tough time at Craven Cottage.

I still think City will find a way of winning, but me saying that is probably bad news for Pep Guardiola's side. I've found it impossible to predict Fulham all season and, whatever I say they will do, I am usually wrong.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

With the 2024-25 Premier League season coming to a close, we would love to hear what you think of this club page.

A huge thank you to those who have already submitted their responses and have interacted with the page in any capacity throughout the campaign.

We are continuously working to improve your experience and bring you the best possible content and coverage of your team.

It is your club and your voice.

So what do you like?

And what could be improved?

Send thoughts here

We asked you to pick your player of the season after our Fulham fan contributor narrowed it down to Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Rodrigo Muniz and Antonee Robinson.

Here are some of your comments on your selection, as well as some other names thrown into the ring:

Robert: Bassey has shown week in, week out that he has what it takes to be a top centre-back. Consistency is the key and he seems to have cut out the errors he was prone to in his first season. An all-round positive influence around the club - and, as fans, we love him for it.

Terry: Really hard to choose between these four, and so many others could have a shout at player of the season. It's been a real team effort this year, more than any other season under Marco Silva. Calvin has been the most consistent of our defensive shield. I'm not discounting Robinson's contribution, he's been superb, but Bassey has directly stopped so many goal attempts, and made so many crucial interceptions that without him, we would have been in the bottom half of the table for the majority of the season.

Anne: I would have gone for Harry Wilson. I know he's been used mainly as a substitute but when he comes of the bench, he lifts things and picks the team up. His goals and assists have proven his value to the team.

Peter: Ryan Sessegnon is still only 24 years old and it is great to see him getting back to his best. He has an unerring instinct to pop up in the penalty area at the right time and place and he has what Fulham lack - ruthlessness in front of goal. OK, limited appearances mean that this season perhaps he would have been lucky to make the shortlist, but watch out for him next season. It was not just a sentimental decision bringing him back to Craven Cottage. Sess can be a pivotal player for us once again.

David: Can't believe Bernd Leno isn't on the shortlist.

William: It's difficult to pick a single player of the season when it's a team game and with injuries to some that were doing well at the time having to drop down the pecking order, but one player that has been outstanding throughout this season is Leno. He has saved us a few times when things were going wrong and that's why I would pick him.

Don't forget to make your selection here

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City have won each of their past 17 meetings with Fulham in all competitions, the longest winning run in history one English league side has had against another.

Meanwhile, goals from Tom Cairney and Harry Wilson against Brentford last time out saw Fulham set a new Premier League for goals scored by substitutes in a single season (17). Those 17 goals have been worth 17 points to the Cottagers, more than any other side in the division this term.

Tyrese King
BBC Sport journalist

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester City (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news: "Nothing really different from the last game. No fresh news."

• On preparing for the final game of the season: "Clearly, we have been working this week just like all the other weeks before. This is the last game of the season, but we try to get the same level of concentration."

• He did concede there was a slightly different edge to the game: "It's a bit more emotional. It's good that we are playing at home and get the opportunity to strengthen the connection between players and fans."

• Silva summarised Fulham's season in a positive light: "We reached 54 points for our football club, and we are going to fight and to enjoy the game. To embrace the challenge with our fans of playing the last game of the season against a top side."

• Silva reveals that there have been "discussions" between the club and representatives of out-of-contract players Kenny Tete and Tom Cairney with the "hope we can have good news for us soon".

• He did anticipate Carlos Vinicius and Willian will be leaving in the summer: "It is going to be the last time that they are going to be involved. Probably for both, it could be their last game with the Fulham shirt."

• On facing Manchester City: "Even if it's not a perfect season for them – and that's not my words, all the City people, players and Pep – they have certain characteristics that it's not easy to play against. One of them is, of course, they have the capacity to take the ball from you. For longer periods they have the ball, and you have to be resilient and show the right organisation to control them well in some moments."

Follow all of Fulham's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Drew Heatley
Fan writer

We asked our Fulham fan contributor for their four candidates for player of the season and you can now select your top one.

Alex Iwobi

Iwobi has proven himself to be one of our most important players on and off the pitch. He has been a creative force on the left wing, finding his groove in what has been by far the most successful season of his career. And he is always at the heart of the celebrations and fun in the changing room.

Calvin Bassey

This has been Bassey's breakout season in English football. He had a tough first campaign in white, playing on his weaker left side of central defence, but he has found his rhythm next to Joachim Andersen and is showing the defensive dominance that won him a move from Rangers to Ajax three years ago.

Rodrigo Muniz

The shy and wiry 20-year-old who arrived from Brazil three years ago has developed into a strong, salsa-dancing, box-office Premier League striker with a deadly eye for goal. Goals at the Etihad, the Emirates and Anfield show he is not over-awed by anyone. The sky is the limit for one of the nicest guys in the game.

Antonee Robinson

It is little wonder the player known as 'Jedi' is attracting the attention of clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool. He has come so far in four years, adding defensive steel to his blistering pace on the left. His 10 assists and counting this term shows his impact. Hopefully he resists the dark side this summer.

Pick your 2024-25 Fulham player of the season from our shortlist here

And tell us why you're picking who you are, or why you'd have gone for another player not on the list, here

Find more from Drew Heatley at Fulhamish, external

Drew Heatley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

This weekend encapsulated the highs and lows of this season perfectly.

On Saturday, we had to watch as Crystal Palace lifted their first major trophy, wishing it were us. The Eagles beat us handily in the quarter-finals, despite us all believing it was our year.

Then on Sunday, we came from behind to complete the double over our close rivals, Brentford, severely denting their European ambitions in the process.

But despite our dramatic derby victory, I can't help feeling hollow.

Our win, though it takes us to 54 points, a record for us in the Premier League, did not boost our own European hopes much. It is still out of our hands, and it would take a mini miracle to finish in that coveted eighth spot.

That has been the problem this campaign. It has constantly proved a challenge to gauge whether it has been a success or not.

Marco Silva said before the Brentford game that it is "impossible" to call this season a failure. I disagree. Though I do not think it has been a failure, I can absolutely see why others might consider it one.

This has been one of the most open and unpredictable domestic seasons in history. Just 13 points separate third from 10th, and we were in that European mix for 90% of the campaign. To finish outside that - and possibly even in the bottom half - is a massive missed opportunity.

Nevertheless, we have been treated to some incredible moments. The double over Brentford; a last-minute winner at Stamford Bridge; a penalty shootout victory at Old Trafford; taking four points from champions Liverpool, just to name a few.

So, as the season draws to a close, perhaps perspective is needed. Real progress next year would be surpassing what we achieved this year – then maybe we will be the ones lifting silverware.

Find more from Drew Heatley at Fulhamish, external

Image source, PA Media

We asked for your thoughts after the Premier League game between Brentford and Fulham.

Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Nicholas: A strange game really. We were well on top in the first half and it should have been a more comfortable scoreline at half-time. But Fulham's substitutes made the difference and it is beyond annoying that they have done the double over us. Still, it's been a fantastic season and there is plenty to be optimistic about heading into next year.

Paul: While it's been a good season, points dropped from winning positions cost us, and you have to say some of Thomas Frank's substitutions over the course of the campaign have been very strange.

Fulham fans

James: Unbelievable performance! We completely deserved the three points after two great headers from Jimenez and Tom Cairney, and Harry Wilson finished it off with a wonderful strike. Also what a penalty save from Leno!

Terry: Great to see us really commit to every challenge, really commit to the win. It had to be Harry! He's a wizard, don't you know?

Will: What a beautiful win. Seemed as if all desire was gone from this team but they really showed up for this one. We wouldn't have got Europe anyway with the FA Cup result, so this is definitely a good end to the season.

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's five Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

Saturday 17th May

FA Cup final: Crystal Palace 1-0 Manchester City - 5 LIVE

Sunday 18th May

West Ham 1-2 Nottingham Forest - 5 LIVE

Brentford 2-3 Fulham – SPORTS EXTRA 2

Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle - 5 LIVE

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham captain Tom Cairney spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Sunday's victory against Brentford: "I've been through a lot here, through a lot with the fans. It was an incredible moment when I scored. It's a special bond.

On his contract situation, Cairney added: "Nothing is sorted yet. Next week is my final game for Fulham. Hopefully it's not. In football, sometimes things go to the last minute and hopefully it's not my final time at Craven Cottage next weekend."

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham had picked up only three points out of a possible 15 going into Sunday's west London derby with in-form Brentford, but they showed tremendous spirit after falling behind to set a new club-record Premier League points tally.

The combination play between Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez caused the home side all sorts of problems in an entertaining first half, in which the Mexican twice went close to opening the scoring before his 16th-minute header squirmed under goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa both scored their 19th Premier League goals of the season to hand the initiative back to Brentford, who would have gone into half-time 3-1 up had Mbeumo managed to beat goalkeeper Bernd Leno from the penalty spot in the 28th minute.

But Fulham responded brilliantly in the second half as Tom Cairney – whose contract is set to expire this summer – nodded in his second goal of the season to restore parity once more.

Marco Silva's side weren't done yet, though, as Harry Wilson – who scored twice in stoppage time to earn Fulham victory in the reverse fixture – curled a sumptuous strike into the corner two minutes later to complete the scoring.

European qualification may be out of the Cottagers' hands, but a top-half finish remains within their grasp.

Fulham had picked up only three points out of a possible 15 going into Sunday's west London derby with Brentford, but they showed tremendous spirit after falling behind to come away with all three points.

The combination play between Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez caused the home side all sorts of problems in an entertaining first half, in which the Mexican twice went close to opening the scoring before his 16th-minute header squirmed under goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa both scored their 19th Premier League goals of the season to hand the initiative back to Brentford, who would have gone into half-time 3-1 up had Mbeumo managed to beat Bernd Leno from the penalty spot in the 28th minute.

But Fulham responded brilliantly in the second half as Tom Cairney – whose contract is set to expire this summer – nodded in his second goal of the season to restore parity once more.

Marco Silva's side weren't done yet, though, as Harry Wilson – who scored twice in stoppage time to earn Fulham victory in the reverse fixture – curled a sumptuous strike into the corner two minutes later to complete the scoring.

European qualification is out of the Cottagers' hands, but a top-half finish remains within their grasp.