At the London Stadium, Fulham found a cup night to extend the lift they had begun at Anfield. Álvaro Arbeloa’s side, still recovering from a difficult opening to the league season, beat second-tier West Ham United 3-2 to reach the League Cup last 16, with César Palacios shaping the away victory through a goal and an assist.
Fulham’s cup route continues
- Fulham arrived in east London after Saturday’s unexpected 0-0 draw away to Liverpool, their first encouraging result after defeats in each of their opening three league fixtures.
- Arbeloa selected Rodrigo Muñiz in place of Gonzalo García, and the Brazilian forward put Fulham ahead with a header from Palacios’ left-footed delivery.
- West Ham responded through Callum Wilson, but Palacios restored the visitors’ advantage soon afterwards. Running through alone against goalkeeper Finlay Herrick, the former Real Madrid player finished neatly with his right foot.
- Pablo brought West Ham level before half-time, leaving the tie open despite Fulham having enjoyed long spells of control.
- The decisive moment came in the 78th minute. West Ham lost possession in their own half and Oscar Bobb drove forward to settle the contest with an individual goal.
Palacios’ contribution gave Fulham a 3-2 win and another reason to look beyond their uneven league start. The club remains hopeful of making a significant run in the competition.
Last-16 line-up takes shape
Fulham join Newcastle United, Bradford City, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Sunderland, Arsenal, Liverpool, Brentford and Peterborough among the teams already through.
The draw for the next round will be held on Wednesday after Manchester United face Brighton & Hove Albion.
