Fulham Five Finals Push For Europe After Brentford Draw

Bernd Leno says Fulham are treating their remaining Premier League fixtures as "five more finals" after a goalless draw at Brentford that keeps European hopes alive. The goalkeeper’s late save from Dango Ouattara preserved a point, with Fulham failing to hit the target once despite 10 attempts in a tense London derby.

Fulham struggled to create clear chances at Gtech Community Stadium and did not register a single shot on goal. It was the first time Marco Silva’s team finished a Premier League away match without a shot on target since April 2023, when Fulham lost against Aston Villa.

Across this Premier League season, Fulham have found life harder away from Craven Cottage. Only 16 of Fulham’s 45 points have come on their travels, from 17 away games that brought four wins, four draws and nine defeats. That 35.6% share is higher than only Wolves, who collect fewer points on the road.

Leno accepted Fulham were not at their best but felt the draw could prove important once the season ends. "These moments right at the end of the game are always the best," Leno told TNT Sports when asked about the save. "I wasn't sure at first if I'd kept it out, but then my team-mates came up to me. I thought we deserved the point. We've got five more finals. Maybe this point can decisive at the end. Next week, we've got another big game [Aston Villa], and we look forward to it."

Fulham’s wider away run highlights the concern. Fulham have won only one of the last eight Premier League matches away from home, drawing three and losing four. That inconsistent form raises pressure ahead of the meeting with Aston Villa, with every point now vital in the bid for a European place.

Brentford created the better chances according to expected goals data, finishing with an xG of 1.36 compared to Fulham’s 0.74. The Bees forced Leno into key saves, including the late stop from Ouattara, and generally looked more threatening in advanced areas despite also failing to score.

Andrews felt Brentford did enough to deserve a win over Premier League rivals Fulham. "I think if any team was likely to win it, it was going to be us," said Andrews. "I'm very happy with the performance levels. Of course there were parts were we lacked quality at times, a ruthless edge that would have made the difference. The intent of the players was outstanding. We were playing against a good team, and like I said, overall I'm happy with how we played and approached the game."

Brentford’s draw added to a unique sequence across all competitions. Andrews’ side have now drawn six consecutive matches, the longest run of stalemates in the club’s history. The record includes four home league games this season against London opponents, all ending level.

That London derby record is mixed for Brentford. Brentford are one of three teams yet to lose a home London Premier League derby this season, along with Arsenal and Chelsea. However, Brentford are also one of two clubs still waiting for a home derby victory, with West Ham the other side in that group.

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The stalemate leaves both Premier League sides still chasing clear targets. Fulham remain focused on a European spot, needing stronger away results across the final five games. Brentford extend a long drawing streak but continue a solid home record in London derbies, suggesting both camps see reasons for optimism and concern.