Fulham sacked Championship play-off hopefuls Sunderland Wednesday night to book a place in the 5th round of the FA Cup where they tackle Leeds United.
Harry Wilson’s early goal put a much-changed Fulham side in control of the fourth-round replay, with the winger slotting his effort into the bottom corner with the outside of his boot after he was teed up by Carlos Vinícius.
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andreas Pereira combined for Fulham’s second goal just before the hour mark, when the Serbian striker did well to keep the ball in on the byline and touch it back for his fellow substitute to tap in.
Sunderland were given faint hope when Jack Clarke curled a superb strike into the far corner following a pass from Ajibola Alese.
But Layvin Kurzawa re-established Fulham’s two-goal lead, firing into the roof of the net following a knockdown from Shane Duffy.
With minutes to spare, substitute Jewison Bennette gave the hosts hope once again when he coolly lifted into the corner from close range, but the Black Cats fell short despite a valiant effort.
Throughout the match, Sunderland showed why they have aims of returning to the Premier League and are just two points off the Championship play-off places as they put Fulham under serious pressure.
Amad Diallo was a bright spark for the home side, with his low shot cleared off the line by Duffy after he chopped inside and rifled a strike towards goal.
Patrick Roberts’ effort deflected off Duffy and forced Marek Rodak into a smart save as Sunderland showed their attacking prowess despite missing striker Ross Stewart.
Wilson had two other opportunities for Fulham in the first half, but Anthony Patterson saved one effort following a fine solo run and he then placed his shot wide of the post after being sent through by captain Tom Cairney.
Fulham boss Marco Silva’s decision to bring on Mitrovic and Pereira increased the intensity from the visitors after the break and they showed the quality that has seen them climb to sixth in the top flight after 22 games.
