Alex Iwobi is optimistic that Fulham can secure qualification for European football at the end of the season after their 3-1 win over Sunderland on Sunday.
The Cottagers delivered a statement performance as they moved into the top half of the standings, edging closer to an European spot.
Despite their slow start to the season when they struggled in the first few matches of the campaign, the West London club are now 10th after recording their 11th league win of the season.
Mexican striker Raul Jimenez opened the scoring with a brilliant header from an Iwobi corner kick, giving Fulham the lead at the Stadium of Light.
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey was then involved in the buildup to the second goal. After a tussle in the box, he was brought down by Brian Brobbey and the referee awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review.
Jimenez stepped up and scored Fulham’s and his second of the game, while also maintaining his perfect record from the penalty spot in the Premier League having scored all 13 of his attempts from 12 yards.
Enzo Le Fee briefly brought Sunderland back into the game after scoring from the penalty, but Iwobi had the final say, scoring with a clean finish into the net after he was set up by Harry Wilson, as Fulham sealed a 3-1 win.
Iwobi speaks on Fulham’s continental chances
Speaking after the match, Iwobi remained coy on Fulham’s chances of finishing the season in an European spot and says they must approach their remaining games one at a time.
“We knew it was going to be difficult; the pitch wasn’t great, Iwobi said.
“We knew if we wanted to climb up the table, we had to get these points away from home. They have been very good at home, so it’s great to get the result we wanted.
“We take it step by step. Onto the next game; we got the three points, which was the aim. We take it game by game—to use that cliché—and see where we end up at the end of the season.”
The Nigerian midfielder also expressed delight over his goal, which was his third so far this season.
“When H (Harry Wilson) was on the ball, it was just me and Oscar running up the pitch. We’ve been working on this in training – in transition. He found me, I saw where the goalkeeper was positioned, and the only place to finish was over his foot. Credit to H, and to us for getting the three points”, Iwobi concluded.
Fulham return to action next Sunday, when they host Tottenham Hotspur in a London derby, hoping for a win to inch closer to their objective of qualifying for Europe.
