Fulham beat Burnley 3-1 to push Clarets closer to Premier League drop

Fulham fought back to secure a 3-1 Premier League victory over Burnley at Craven Cottage, pushing Scott Parker’s struggling side closer to relegation.

The visitors had initially taken the lead through Zian Flemming’s ninth goal of the campaign.

However, a costly error by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka gifted 19-year-old Josh King his first top-flight goal to level the match.

Harry Wilson then fired the hosts ahead with a low strike before a late penalty from Raul Jimenez sealed the three points.

The stoppage-time spot-kick was awarded following a foul by Josh Laurent, who was subsequently shown a red card.

Parker laments defining mistake

Burnley manager Parker admitted that the uncharacteristic error from his veteran Slovakian goalkeeper completely changed the momentum of the game.

“Probably the defining moment is obviously a slight mistake on our behalf and obviously they score,” said Parker.

“A rare mistake that is unlike Martin – he’s pulled off some saves today as well and he’s pulled off saves throughout this year.”

“So, not to be critical of that, but it was a bit of a blow.”

“We didn’t manage to weather that and they scored again quickly.”

Clarets face mounting survival task

The damaging defeat leaves the Lancashire outfit languishing nine points adrift of safety with only seven matches remaining to preserve their top-tier status.

This represents a bitter blow for their 43-year-old manager, who previously guided the Cottagers to promotion in 2020 before suffering relegation the following year.

“Clearly it’s a tough challenge for us, a tough, tough challenge, but there are still games to play,” Parker added.

“At times this year we’ve fallen a little bit short, clearly.”

“But there’s one thing that we’ve not fallen short on – full commitment in what has been a tough, tough year for us.”

Silva praises young talent King

On the opposite bench, Fulham boss Marco Silva was left delighted after his team maintained their push for European qualification.

The Portuguese tactician reserved special praise for teenage striker King, who finally opened his account after having an earlier effort controversially disallowed by VAR in August.

“It’s something really special for him,” Silva remarked.

“He’s been working very hard, he’s a big talent and a top young player.”

“It was a very important win for us, a massive three points for many reasons.”