Bassey, Chukwueze inspire Fulham to dramatic victory over Burnley

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nigerian stars Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze delivered standout performances as Fulham battled to a dramatic 3–2 victory over Burnley in their Premier League clash on Saturday night.

Fulham struck early and showed attacking intent throughout a pulsating encounter, with Bassey and Chukwueze playing decisive roles in a win that was only secured after late Burnley pressure.

The visitors took the lead in the ninth minute when Emile Smith Rowe pounced on a loose ball from a corner to fire Fulham ahead.

Burnley responded with growing confidence and were rewarded in the 21st minute as Lesley Ugochukwu finished calmly from close range to level the contest.

Fulham, however, regained control midway through the first half through Bassey. The Super Eagles defender rose highest to meet Harry Wilson’s inviting cross, powering a header beyond the goalkeeper to restore Fulham’s advantage and underline his threat at both ends of the pitch.

Burnley pressed for another equaliser, creating several openings, but Bernd Leno’s assured goalkeeping ensured Fulham went into the break with a 2–1 lead.

The turning point arrived in the 58th minute, courtesy of Chukwueze’s vision and composure. The winger slipped a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Harry Wilson, who finished clinically to make it 3–1 and give Fulham breathing space.

Burnley refused to fold and intensified the pressure in the closing stages. Their persistence paid off in the 86th minute when Oliver Sonne finished from close range to reduce the deficit to 3–2, setting up a tense finale.

Despite sustained pressure and a flurry of late chances, Fulham held firm, with their defence absorbing Burnley’s final push to secure all three points at the final whistle.

The victory was a significant one for Fulham, with Bassey’s commanding display at the back and Chukwueze’s creative influence underlining Fulham’s growing attacking depth.