Alex Iwobi Secures Fulham’s Victory Over Leicester with Late Goal

Alex Iwobi’s decisive goal in the 70th minute led Fulham to a 2-1 win over Leicester City in their inaugural Premier League home match of the season.

The Nigerian winger fired a shot through the legs of Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen to restore Fulham’s lead after Wout Faes had equalized for the Foxes just before halftime.

Fulham, who had been dominant throughout the game, initially took the lead when Emile Smith Rowe, the club’s record signing, scored. Smith Rowe, who joined Fulham from Arsenal for £34 million earlier this month, made an immediate impact at Craven Cottage. He received a pass from Adama Traore on the left, cut inside, and placed his shot into the far corner of the net.

“I can’t be happier,” Smith Rowe said after the match. “To play my first game at Craven Cottage and get the three points, I’m really happy.”

Leicester’s Faes equalized about 20 minutes later, but his goal was initially disallowed by referee Darren Bond, who judged Jamie Vardy to be offside and interfering with Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno. However, after reviewing the play via the video assistant referee, Bond reversed his decision, acknowledging that Leno had been pushed by Vardy.

Following Iwobi’s goal, Leicester struggled to maintain possession and failed to capitalize on their late chances. Wilfred Ndidi came closest to equalizing but saw his shot blocked by Leno in the dying moments of injury time.

This win marks Fulham’s first victory of the season, having lost their opening match against Manchester United with a late goal sealing their defeat. Despite a promising start at Old Trafford, Fulham’s frustration was evident, and a draw would have been equally disappointing given their constant pressure on Leicester’s goal, managing 18 shots during the game.

Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva, had previously mentioned the need for an additional forward, and Smith Rowe displayed a striker’s instinct with his composed finish. Iwobi also exhibited sharpness, waiting for Hermansen’s movement before taking his shot.

Regarding Smith Rowe’s hefty transfer fee, Silva commented, “It’s not best to focus on whether he is the club record signing or not. We recognize his quality, and I am confident he will continue to be crucial, as he was today, and even more so in the future.”

Fulham has been active in the transfer market, spending over £50 million to acquire Sander Berge and Joachim Andersen. Both new signings were warmly welcomed by the fans, though neither was included in the matchday squad.

Leicester, meanwhile, struggled on both ends of the pitch. Compared to their 1-1 draw against Tottenham, Steve Cooper’s side was overpowered by Fulham. Unlike Tottenham, Fulham managed to contain Jamie Vardy, who was ineffective throughout the match with only 12 touches and no shots before being substituted in the 71st minute.

At the defensive end, Leicester was fortunate not to concede more. Hermansen made several crucial saves in the first half to deny Traore, Iwobi, and Rodrigo Muniz. Leicester center-back Jannik Vestergaard nearly scored an own goal early in the second half when his defensive header looped over Hermansen and onto the roof of the net. Faes also had a risky moment when his flick in his own box gave Fulham possession, but Muniz failed to take advantage and missed the target.

Fulham’s victory over Leicester showcases their ability to bounce back and assert their dominance at home, while Leicester will need to address their shortcomings as the season progresses.