Premier League: Alex Iwobi denied as Everton suffer a home defeat to Fulham

Alex Iwobi vs Fulham. ( Photo Credit: IMAGO / PA Images)

Premier League: Alex Iwobi denied as Everton suffer a home defeat to Fulham

Joba Ogunwale 17:05 - 12.08.2023

Alex Iwobi would be disappointed to end up on the losing side after Fulham stunned Everton at Goodison Park in their Premier League opener.

Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi delivered an excellent shift, but it was not enough as Fulham edged out Everton 1-0 in their Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon. 

Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s second-half goal was what Marco Silva’s men needed to pick up the three points available in their first league game of the season. 

Everton vs Fulham: How it happened 

Everton started the game on the front foot, with Iwobi showing his quality in the Toffees’ attacking play. 

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The Nigeria international’s first real involvement in the game came in the early minutes of the game, setting up Abdoulaye Doucore with a brilliant crossfield pass. 

However, Doucore, who did brilliantly to control the pass and beat his marker, was denied by Bernd Leno in Fulham’s goal. 

Iwobi continued to apply himself and almost gave Everton the lead just after the 20th minute, but his shot was inches off target. 

Although Everton had the lesser share of the possession, the Toffees had the better chances, with ten shots, including five on target. 

Aside from the Doucore chance, The Toffees got close twice through Neal Maupay. However, the Frenchman was denied by Leno, who ensured Fulham went into the break level. 

Iwobi denied as Bobby De Cordova-Reid gives Fulham unlikely win

The second half resumed the same way the first ended, with Everton trying to find the opening goal. 

Iwobi was once again Everton’s biggest threat, pulling strings in the final third. The former Arsenal star went close to giving Everton the lead in the second half, but his effort was pushed away for a corner kick by Leno. 

The Nigerian midfielder tried to drag Everton into the game, setting up two key passes and firing three shots, including one on target. 

However, despite his best effort, it was Fulham who took the lead against the run of play through Bobby De Cordova-Reid. 

The Jamaican star tapped home from close range after Andreas Pereira’s sliding cross found him in the box. 

Everton did try to get back into the game, with Iwobi going close again. However, the Nigerian was denied again by Leno. 

It turned out to be the last real chance for Everton as Fulham held on for an opening day win at Goodison Park. 

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