Premier League GW22 - Fulham vs Everton

Fulham vs Everton | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Fulham hosted Everton in a Premier League match that was highly anticipated and promised to display attacking skill at Craven Cottage. Both clubs were focused on winning crucial points: Fulham wanted to build on their strong home performance, while Everton wanted to get back after losing in the FA Cup.

Fulham:

Having won four of their past five Premier League games at home, Fulham will be looking to build on their recent strong home performance. With a victory today, the Cottagers might move up to 12th position in the Premier League standings, and they'll probably be depending on Raul Jimenez to lead the assault. The Mexican forward has five goals in the Premier League versus Everton, more than any other club. In their last four games, Fulham has not prevailed, but three of those games were in cup competitions.

Everton:

Everton travels to the nation's capital to play Fulham under Marco Silva. The Toffees have won three of their four games in the city this season, so far, thanks to London's kindness (1L). Despite losing 10 points early in the season, Sean Dyche's team is still fighting above the relegation zone, and if things go their way, a win could put them four points above the drop. The only teams in the Premier League with more road victories than Everton this season are Liverpool and Manchester City, who are currently atop the standings with five each. The Merseyside team will be looking to recover from their FA Cup elimination at the hands of Luton Town over the weekend.

Line ups:

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Antonee Robinson, Issa Diop, Tosin Adarabioyo, Timothy Castagne; Tom Cairney, Joao Palhinha; Willian, Andreas Pereira, Bobby De Cordova-Reid; Raul Jimenez.

FULHAM SUBS: Marek Rodak, Kenny Tete, Harrison Reed, Tim Ream, Rodrigo Muniz, Sasa Lukic, Carlos Vinicius, Tyrese Francois, Kristian Sekularac.

EVERTON (4-4-1-1): Jordan Pickford; Vitalii Mykolenko, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, Ben Godfrey; Arnaut Danjuma, Dwight McNeil, James Garner, Ashley Young; Jack Harrison; Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

EVERTON SUBS: Nathan Patterson, Michael Keane, Joao Virginia, Beto, Youssef Chermiti, Andy Lonergan, Mackenzie Hunt, Lewis Dobbin, Jenson Metcalfe.

Craven Cottage Stadium | Picture Credits: Lineup For

First Half: Drama and Near-Misses

There was a lot of back-and-forth activity in the first half. Everton, unflappable after a recent cup setback, took on Fulham, a team keen to move up the Premier League standings. Robinson parried a dangerous shot off the line, while Tarkowski of Everton went agonisingly close to scoring after Leno's save.

The score remained at 0-0 as both teams headed back to their dressing rooms as the halftime siren went off. The tension increased when the referee decided not to call a penalty for what appeared to be a handball by Robinson. Jimenez lost an opportunity from close range, but Fulham also had their chances.

Second Half: Keeper Brilliance and Missed Chances

The fierce struggle carried well into the second half. Even though Fulham had the better of the possession, Everton's defence held firm. The game remained tied thanks to some outstanding saves from goalkeepers Pickford and Leno.

Fulham was given a chance by Muniz's perseverance, and Pereira's break created an opportunity for Muniz. After his shot rebounded off Mykolenko, Fulham was awarded a corner. Castagne's forceful header struck the crossbar, trapping Pickford in place.

Tosin's rocketing header, which seemed destined for the net, was found by Willian's accurate throw. But Pickford made an incredible save to tip the ball over the bar and preserve Everton's chances.

When Branthwaite went down hurt, Everton had a moment of concern. The youthful centre back played again after receiving treatment, displaying fortitude in the face of agony.

Fans were glued to their seats as the game ended in an exciting 0-0 draw. Both sides failed to break the tie in spite of 46 total shots. A variety of opportunities throughout the match, along with Beto's late miss for Fulham, kept fans guessing until the very end.

Clean Sheets and Missed Opportunities

Everton and Fulham both had brilliant and tenacious moments, but the goalkeepers were the real stars. Thanks to their heroics, Pickford and Leno made sure their clubs had a clean sheet. Next, Fulham goes to Burnley in an attempt to build on their recent home success, while Everton plays Tottenham at Goodison Park. Despite ending in a goalless draw, the match is remembered for its excitement and wasted opportunities. Until we meet again, bye!

Both teams struggled to score in the first half | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Both teams had to settle for a goalless draw, as both team' s goalkeepers were just too good | Picture Credits: Premier League Website