Fulham stages dramatic comeback, secure draw in six-goal thriller
Rodrigo Muniz delivered a remarkable injury-time bicycle kick goal as Fulham staged a dramatic comeback from a two-goal deficit to thwart bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United’s crucial victory hopes.
In the third minute of the scheduled 14 minutes of stoppage time, Muniz connected with Adama Traore’s cross in an astonishing second-half turnaround at Bramall Lane.
Having squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Bournemouth in their previous outing, Sheffield United let slip another golden opportunity for victory, having led 3-1 as late as the 86th minute.
However, Fulham substitute Bobby de Cordova-Reid had an immediate impact, unleashing a powerful shot from 25 yards to set up a frenetic finale before Muniz sealed his eighth goal in as many games.
Sheffield United initially took the lead in the 58th minute through Ben Brereton Diaz, who capitalized on Tosin Adarabioyo’s defensive error, converting Oli McBurnie’s superb cross with a clinical finish.
Just four minutes later, Fulham leveled the score when Joao Palhinha, left unmarked, nodded in from Andreas Pereira’s corner from the right flank.
However, Chris Wilder’s side surged ahead with two quick-fire goals within a three-minute spell, seemingly seizing control of the game.
Brereton Diaz provided a pull-back for McBurnie to restore Sheffield United’s lead in the 68th minute, before doubling their advantage with a header from Gustavo Hamer’s delivery.
Although the hosts believed they had secured a fourth goal through McBurnie, it was disallowed by the video assistant referee (VAR) due to Vini Souza’s offside position, obstructing goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s view.
Had the goal stood, Sheffield United likely would have secured victory, but once again, they failed to maintain their advantage as Fulham fought back valiantly to salvage a point.
Both sides reflect on missed opportunity
The outcome leaves the Blades trailing Nottingham Forest in 17th and Luton in 18th by seven points, yet Wilder will once again rue a squandered opportunity.
With only 24 goals scored in their previous 28 league matches, Sheffield United seemed poised for one of their standout results of the season before the late dramatics unfolded.
Once more, defensive lapses proved detrimental. Palhinha found ample space for Fulham’s opener, while Wilder will undoubtedly be dissatisfied with the manner of the second goal conceded, prior to Muniz’s moment of brilliance.
In fact, Fulham came close to snatching a victory at the end, but Ivo Grbic thwarted Tom Cairney’s effort in the 16th minute of added time.
Sheffield United has now conceded a staggering 24 goals in their last five home matches across all competitions.
This outcome follows a string of dismal performances, including a 5-2 home defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round, consecutive 5-0 league losses to Aston Villa and Brighton, and a humiliating 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal.
Despite finishing 10th in the Premier League last season, Marco Silva’s Fulham currently sits in 12th place, still holding an outside chance of securing qualification for next season’s Europa Conference League.
As of now, finishing seventh would suffice for qualification. However, if Coventry City from the Championship or a mid-table Premier League side like Chelsea were to win the FA Cup, Fulham would need to secure a top-six finish.
Although Fulham trails seventh-placed West Ham by five points, they, like Sheffield United, will be left pondering how victory eluded them in this encounter.