The Joe Bryan show – Fulham left back stars with a double at Wembley

It took extra time at Wembley, but Fulham have returned to the Premier League.

Fulham beat Brentford 2-1 with two late goals from an unlikely source. Left back Joe Bryan fooled Brentford keeper Daniel Raya and rounded of a great move to send Fulham back to the promise land at the first time of asking.

It was a cagey opening 10 minutes, Josh Onomah in the white of Fulham did break forward and test the Brentford keeper, but David Raya made a smart save down low. Brentford though held the ball well and looked to get Bryan Mbuemo and Said Benrahma on the ball.

Fulham fashioned the first big chance, patiently playing the ball around the Brentford box before that man Onomah shot across goal forcing another save by Raya, who unknowingly deflected the rebound wide too.

Harrison Reed forced Martin Atkinson into a decision on half an hour as he made a slightly over zealous challenge, but the Premier League referee decided a yellow was enough.

Fulham controlled the majority of the first half, Ollie Watkins proved an isolated figure as he tirelessly chased the ball down. But Fulham were comfortable, confident and patient in possession.

The second half started as the first ended, Fulham comfortable on the ball and making Brentford work for their posession. Neeskens Kebano rippled the side netting on 47 minutes after Bobby Reid won a free kick on the edge of the box, but failed to break the deadlock.

Credit – @SkyBetChamp

The hour mark had come and gone and the game was as tight as you can imagine. Mbuemo made way for Brentford as Emiliano Marcondes was tasked with bringing some spark into the game.

Emiliano changed the game in a positive light for Brentford, the change by Thomas Frank helped free up the space for the powerful running of Josh Da Silva.

Just before the second half drinks break, or tactical break for Frank, Tom Cairney was put in the book for a wild challenge on Benrahma, with Emiliano firing the ball high over the net.

The final 10 minutes approached and both managers rolled the dice to get the game won in 90 minutes. Scott Parker opted for Anthony Knockaert in place of Kebano, whilst Brentford replaced Da Silva with Sergio Canos.

Fulham finally bring on their main man Aleksandar Mitrovic for Bobby Reid in the 92nd minute. The Serb has suffered from hamstring issues over the course of the play offs.

Extra Time

Extra time began as more of the same, both teams looking to build patiently with neither able to penetrate their opponents. But the game opened up as time wore on and legs became weary.

Fulham broke from a Brentford attack and won a free kick outside the box, Joe Bryan stepped up to take it and whip a ball into the box.

But the fullback saw an opportunity to decieve Raya in goal and expertly guided the ball into the back of the net. Raya caught out as he scrambled across goal to make the save but it was too little, too late. Fulham took the lead and Parker and his coaching staff were jubilant.

Brentford piled the ball forward in hope of a late equaliser to take the game to the lottery that is penalties, but like the previous 100+ minutes, their forward line was lackluster and toothless.

Fulham confirmed their place in the Premier League on 118 minutes, when Joe Bryan again put the ball past Raya. The full back showed his athleticism and stamina making a darting run from deep, playing a fabulous one two with Mitrovic before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net for 2-0.

Dalsgaard managed a goal in 34th minute but was just a mere consolation for Brentford

Martin Atkinson blew the final whistle as Fulham were jubilant, whilst Brentford player sank to their knees. The Bee’s have endured a fantastic season, to sign off their time at Griffin Park, but their new stadium will not be a Premier League stadia.

Craven Cottage meanwhile, will host Premier League football once again.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt