It was a hard-fought match played between Brentford and Fulham as the two vied to win the Championship Playoffs final. Both the teams started on a positive note and looked to make early inroads. However, as the game progressed, the pace and precision in both sides’ attack seemed to die down. The game went into extra time as both Fulham and Brentford were unable to get any goal during the 90 minutes of play.
It was Joe Bryan whose clever free-kick opened the scoring for the Cottagers in the 105th minute. The left-back curled one from long range past the Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, who was standing out of position. He doubled his tally with another goal in the 118th minute to put the ball in the net after meeting a pinpoint pass from Aleksandar Mitrovic to end all hopes of promotion for Brentford. Thomas Frank’s men pulled one back in the 123rd minute of the match, but it was too little too less for them.
It was enough for the Cottagers to win the crucial clash, which ensured that they will be playing in the top flight next season.
Here is how Scott Parker’s men are rated from their win over the Bees in the Championship Playoffs final.
Marek Rodak 6
He had a rather quiet night in the Fulham goal and had to make a few regulation saves. Played his part well to guard the goal and ended the game on the winning side.
Denis Odoi 7
Replaced Cyrus Christie as the right-back as Scott Parker looked to go in with experience for the final. Had a good game as he defended well and went up the field on occasions to initiate the attack.
Michael Hector 6.5
Did a fantastic job as he guarded the goal against Brentford attack. Looked a little bit on the back foot in the second half. Earned a yellow card in the 98th minute.
Tim Ream 7
Had a fairly good game alongside Hector. Made some very important blocks and challenged the opposition forwards well to win back the ball.
Joe Bryan 9
Definitely the Man of the Match. Showed absolute precision while scoring both the goals and sealed a brilliant victory for the Cottagers to lead them to the Premier League.
Tom Cairney 7
It was a good performance from the captain as he made important interceptions and passed the ball well throughout the match.
Harrison Reed 7
Played good link up with the forwards and fed them with crucial through balls. Held the ball well in the midfield.
Josh Onomah 7.5
Kept getting into good positions to make the opposition defenders work hard. Had a few shots on goal as well.
Neeskens Kebano 6.5
Showed good composure in front of the goal in the first half, but lost it later.
Bobby Reid 7
Played good linkup with Aboubakar Kamara and had an impact on the game with his skills on the ball.
Aboubakar Kamara 8
Good game for the striker as he made Raya work on a few occasions, His physical presence caused woes for the opposition defenders as well.
Substitutes
Anthony Knockaert 7
Had a fairly good game after replacing Kebano in the 81st minute.
Aleksandar Mitrovic 8
Came on late to make a big impact. Provided the assist for Bryan’s second goal.
Ivan Cavaleiro 5
Did not have enough time to show his skills. Was booked at the end of the match.
Maxime Le Marchand 5
Did well in his limited time on the pitch.
Cyrus Christie NA
Did not get much time on the pitch.
