Manchester United 3-2 Fulham
Benjamin Sesko delivered a dramatic late winner deep into added time as Manchester United claimed a thrilling 3-2 triumph against Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, reports BritPanorama.
The Slovenian striker’s clinical finish secured Michael Carrick’s third successive victory since taking charge, propelling the Red Devils back into the Premier League’s top four. Carrick’s achievement stands in stark contrast to predecessor Ruben Amorim, who required 36 league matches to string together three consecutive wins during his tenure.
Home supporters serenaded their former midfielder as United completed a remarkable comeback in a match that swung dramatically in its closing stages. The opening goal arrived following a contentious passage of play, with referee John Brooks initially pointing to the spot for Jorge Cuenca’s challenge on Matheus Cunha. VAR official James Bell intervened, determining the decisive contact occurred outside the penalty area.
From the resulting set piece, Bruno Fernandes delivered a floated ball to the far post where Casemiro rose to head United in front. The Brazilian midfielder then turned creator eleven minutes into the second period, threading a precise pass through Fulham’s backline for Cunha to fire home emphatically.
Extended VAR reviews, including a disallowed Cuenca goal, contributed to nine minutes of stoppage time being signalled. Both sets of supporters voiced their frustration with the VAR system during the lengthy delays, prompting an irritated response from Fulham manager Marco Silva.
With five minutes remaining, Harry Maguire brought down Raul Jimenez in the box, and the Mexican striker took his time before dispatching a superb penalty into the roof of the net. Kevin then appeared to have rescued a point for the visitors with a ferocious effort that flew into the top corner.
Yet the extended stoppage time gave United one final opportunity, and Sesko seized it brilliantly, controlling Fernandes’ delivery before turning and drilling an unstoppable shot into the top corner as Fulham’s defenders failed to close him down.
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace secured a point from their Premier League encounter at Nottingham Forest, with the match finishing 1-1 following a dramatic first half.
Morgan Gibbs-White had given the hosts the advantage, controlling the ball on his chest before slotting home from close range with impressive composure. The contest’s pivotal moment came just before the interval when Neco Williams received a straight red card for blocking Jefferson Lerma’s header with his hand.
Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr converted the resulting spot-kick to level proceedings. The draw lifts Palace to 14th in the table, though their winless streak now extends to a dozen matches across all competitions.
Forest sit three points behind in 17th position, maintaining a six-point cushion above the drop zone. Sean Dyche’s side might feel aggrieved not to have claimed all three points, with Gibbs-White and Ola Aina both spurning chances to restore their lead despite being a man down.
Aston Villa 0-1 Brentford
Brentford produced a remarkable triumph at Villa Park despite being reduced to ten men, dealing a significant blow to Aston Villa’s Premier League title challenge.
Kevin Schade received his marching orders for planting his studs into Matty Cash’s midriff, an incident that appeared to hand the hosts complete control of proceedings. Yet Dango Ouattara had other ideas, rifling a superb effort into the top corner just moments after his teammate’s dismissal.
Keith Andrews’ side demonstrated tremendous resilience to secure a thoroughly deserved victory. The defeat leaves Villa languishing seven points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, firmly in third position.
Tammy Abraham, making his return to the side, believed he had restored parity three minutes after the interval when he converted following Caoimhin Kelleher’s save from Jadon Sancho’s effort. However, a four-minute VAR examination determined the ball had crossed the touchline before Villa’s attack materialised, denying the striker his equaliser.
This weekend’s Premier League action encapsulated the unpredictable nature of football—where fortunes can change in an instant and the line between triumph and disaster is razor-thin. As clubs seek to solidify their positions, every match becomes a testament to the resilience of players and the unwavering passion of supporters. In this ever-competitive landscape, the beautiful game continues to captivate and enthrall.
