Fulham manager Marco Silva hailed a “well-deserved” victory after Fulham claimed a dramatic 3-2 win away at Burnley, ending a 74-year wait for three points at Turf Moor.
Speaking after the final whistle, the boss reflected on a performance that mixed clinical attacking play with moments that will serve as learning points for his side, as Fulham made it back-to-back away wins.
“I believe that it was a deserved win for us,” Marco said. “There were many chances for both teams. Some of the chances that we gave away came from unforced mistakes from ourselves. In some moments, we needed better communication, better leadership. Let’s hope in the future it won’t happen again."
Fulham made a strong start and took the lead inside ten minutes through Emile Smith Rowe, and Silva was pleased with the way his players imposed themselves early on. Burnley briefly equalised before Calvin Bassey restored the lead, and in-form Harry Wilson added a third in the second-half.
“We started very well, which was important for us. The execution from the players was brilliant in that corner for Emile’s goal.
“They equalised in a moment where our back line should be much more narrow, more compact. But we were clinical in the first-half, the way we scored the goals, and another good execution from Harry Wilson, the way he kept the ball to assist for Calvin."
“Second-half we had two or three moments where we should have scored to make it 3-1. We scored a very good goal in a fast attack from us, and it was clear that every time we were able to connect passes between ourselves, we were able to create chances.”
“When I was told about the record of Fulham in this match here from 1951, I was a little bit in shock,” he admitted. “We spoke before the match about it, that this evening we have to stop it. The players, they did it.”
Wilson's two assists and goal made him a standout performer, with Silva full of praise for a player he knows well.
“Clearly in my opinion, he’s in the best moment of his career so far. Both assists were top and his goal was a top, top level. Off the ball, he’s working very hard to help the team. What a night from him – decisive again.”
There was also a welcome return for Antonee Robinson, making his first appearance since September.
“I didn’t have any doubts,” Silva said. “He’s a great athlete, we know what he’s capable of and he showed that. He’s a very important player for us.”
Summing up the evening, the gaffer said: “In some moments, some great moments of football. In other moments, not so well. But we won the game, and it was very important to get the three points. Let’s move on.”