Chukwueze hits target as Fulham edge Brighton in dramatic comeback victory

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Samuel Chukwueze made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring the crucial equalizer as Fulham staged a stirring second-half revival to secure a 2-1 Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage.

The Nigerian winger, introduced in the 59th minute, latched onto a pinpoint long ball from defender Joachim Andersen in the 72nd minute.

Racing clear, Chukwueze calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, leveling the score at 1-1 after the visitors had taken an early lead.

Brighton had stunned the home crowd in the 28th minute when Yasin Ayari unleashed a spectacular strike from distance, curling the ball into the top left corner to give his side a deserved advantage following a bright opening period.

Fulham, however, grew into the contest after the interval. Chukwueze’s introduction alongside other changes from manager Marco Silva injected fresh energy, and his goal shifted the momentum decisively.

The equalizer came from what reports described as one of the longest-distance assists of the Premier League season so far, highlighting Andersen’s vision and Chukwueze’s intelligent run.

The drama peaked in stoppage time. After a foul on the edge of the box, Harry Wilson stepped up for a free-kick in the 92nd minute.

The Welsh midfielder delivered a superb, curling effort into the top left corner, leaving Verbruggen helpless and sending the Fulham faithful into raptures as the referee blew for full time shortly after.

The result lifts Fulham into seventh place in the table, level on points with Chelsea but having played an extra game in some cases, while Brighton’s winless run continues, raising questions over their consistency away from home.

Chukwueze, returning to action and making his mark, was praised for his sharpness and composure.