Manor Solomon stuns Brighton to keep Fulham’s European ambitions on track

Substitute Manor Solomon came back to haunt former boss Roberto De Zerbi as Fulham snatched a dramatic win over fellow high-fliers Brighton. The Israel international, who played under De Zerbi at Shakhtar Donetsk, struck two minutes from time after Brighton had dominated.

Solly March and Facundo Buonanotte had goals disallowed for the Seagulls, who failed to score in the top flight for the first time since October, despite registering 21 attempts.

Fulham, without striker Aleksandar Mitrovic due to a minor injury, struggled for a foothold in the game for most of the afternoon before the late twist boosted their hopes of European qualification. Loanee Solomon’s second goal in two matches moves them above Brighton into sixth spot, albeit they have played two games more.

De Zerbi, who berated the referee, Darren England, after the final whistle, had spoken candidly of his desire to bring continental football to Sussex on the back of taking 20 points from the last 30 available. His in-form side began with purpose and intent as they controlled proceedings with Evan Ferguson lashing over and March curling wide early on, while Joel Veltman’s powerful attempt at the end of a well-worked free-kick routine was blocked by Tim Ream.

Fulham offered almost nothing from an attacking perspective but continued to defend doggedly, although they often looked susceptible to being carved open. Bernd Leno had to be alert to smother the ball as Ferguson burst through on goal and was then well-positioned to stop Alexis Mac Allister’s stinging volley.

The pattern of play, with Brighton patiently probing as the visitors sat back, persisted into the second period. Lewis Dunk headed narrowly off target from a March corner before the hosts, who