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Fulham’s Championship promotion bid took a heavy blow at the Coventry Building Society Arena after they were soundly beaten 4-1 by a clinical second-half Coventry City display.
A low key opening 45 minutes saw Fulham take the lead in the 18th minute when Kyle McFadzean put through his own net under pressure from Aleksandr Mitrovic.
However, Coventry found another gear after the break and equalised within two minutes of the restart – a calamitous mix-up between Josh Onomah and Tim Ream allowing Viktor Gyokeres to pass the ball into an empty net.
Four minutes later Fulham were behind as Matt Godden scored from the penalty spot after Antonee Robinson’s lazy swing of a leg on the Coventry forward.
Fulham tried to rally but failed to muster anything of real quality while at the other end were continually susceptible to Coventry’s attacking threat.
Coventry then made it 3-1 after 58 minutes, as Fankaty Dabo and Callum O’Hare combined before Ian Maatsen fired home a rocket from just outside the penalty box.
And the final nail in Cottagers coffin came as Gyokeres one again capitalised on some sloppy play to add a fourth, leaving Fulham dazed and confused.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
The mix-up between Josh Onomah and Tim Ream immediately after half-time set the tone for the rest of the match with Fulham never recovering.
Moan of the Match
Fulham’s response to Coventry’s equaliser was woeful and the collapse in team spirit is a worrying sign for head coach Marco Silva.
Talking Point
There’s lots to think about for Marco Silva and Fulham after their second-half capitulation – namely, are they really promotion contenders?
Man of the Match
Ian Maatsen – the Coventry left wing-back scored a cracker of a goal and gave Denis Odoi problems throughout.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Gavin Ward (Surrey) – got a lot of stick in the first-half from Coventry fans but paid them back with interest after awarding a soft penalty for minimal contact on Matt Godden by Antonee Robinson.
Atmosphere
On a day when the impact the late Jimmy Hill had on both clubs, Coventry’s fans were lively from the first whistle and only grew louder as their side began to dominate.
Verdict
A disastrous way to round-off this set of fixtures before next week’s international break. Fulham will need to sharpen up all over the pitch if they are to harbour genuine promotion hopes.
