‘Clearly’: Fulham boss delivers verdict on Sunderland win and what his team got right

Fulham manager Marco Silva shared his thoughts on his team’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland, insisting his side fully deserved the win and praising their organisation in dealing with the Black Cats’ set-piece strength.

Raul Jimenez struck late to secure all three points at Craven Cottage, capping off a match in which Fulham consistently created the better opportunities.

Silva said he was impressed with the control and composure his team showed throughout the contest.

“Tough as we expected,” Silva said. “No matter who you play, games are always like this. Sunderland are a solid side, and it became difficult because we hadn’t scored earlier. In the first half, we created clear, clear chances.

In the second half, not as many, but still one or two good ones. I don’t remember them having a real chance.

We controlled them very well. We won because we deserved to win; we didn’t lose concentration. It was a good performance.”

Silva added that the win was an important response after a below-par away performance in their previous match.

“We definitely deserved the three points. It was a strong performance from us. We scored a great goal, though we should have scored much earlier.

This result gets us back on track after a display that wasn’t at the level we expect. We started the match aggressively. When a team sits deep in a 5-4-1, you must find ways to finish your actions—and we did that.

“We controlled almost every moment of the game. They didn’t create any real chances, and we handled their set pieces very well.

We know they’re dangerous in transitions and from long throws, but we managed everything and kept our balance on the pitch.”

Marco Silva praises super-sub Samuel Chukwueze

Silva also singled out substitute Samuel Chukwueze, who made a major impact after coming on and provided the assist for Jimenez’s winner.

“Massive impact,” Silva said. “On the right and on the left. Sometimes we try him on the left as well. He had a huge influence today. We’re seeing small glimpses of what he can do.

We’ll need him to provide this level of impact—ideally from the start of matches. He makes good decisions, he’s creative, and he can change the game.”