Brentford beat Fulham in West London derby

Bryan Mbuemo scored for the fourth game running as Brentford beat Fulham in the West London Derby to go fourth in the Championship.

The Bees came into the game knowing that a win would help them overtake their London rivals and breach the Championship play-off places in the process. Fulham on the other hand were hoping to avoid back-to-back defeats having lost to Sheffield Wednesday and Preston in their previous two fixtures.

In an eventful first half, the game started with Fulham dominating much of the possession but struggling to penetrate a Brentford team set on counter-attacking the Cottagers. The first chance of the game fell to Fulham’s Neeskens Kebano whose low driven shot struck the post. The visitors tested Brentford keeper David Raya again in the 14th minute after the Spanish goalkeeper’s poor clearance fell to Stefan Johansen but his effort went wide of the target.

The home side had their first chance at goal six minutes later. Sloppy passing from Fulham’s defence led to a Mathias Jensen effort which was comfortably held by Marek Rodak. The Bees picked up some momentum and took the lead in the 22nd minute. Said Benrahma’s chipped cross was slammed in by Bryan Mbuemo who made it four goals in as many games.

Brentford continued to dominate and nearly doubled their lead eight minutes later. Mbuemo went right through Fulham’s defence and pulled it back to Ollie Watkins whose effort slammed Rodak’s right post. Josh Dasilva’s effort from the rebound went wide from 20 yards.

The Bees kept the pressure going and nearly doubled their lead yet again. Pontus Jansson’s header from Jensen’s corner hit the top of the post and before being cleared away frantically by the Fulham defence.

Fulham came out of the blocks quicker in the second half. Cyrus Christie, Tom Cairney and Ivan Cavaleiro all had long-range efforts but none were really enough to test Raya. Brentford started to dominate and went close to scoring again. Jensen’s effort from the edge of the box hit the post and came out despite fooling the Bees supporters who had thought the ball had crossed the line.

The Whites’ best opportunity came eight minutes from time. Anthony Knockaert’s whipped cross was headed wide by Bobby Reid as Brentford survived for an important three points.

The result means Brentford climb to fourth and Fulham drop down to sixth.

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