Source: Telegraph
Fulham 0 Everton 2: Match report
Never can a 2-0 home defeat have been as rapturously received. Twelve months ago, Roy Hodgson was dancing on the pitch at Fratton Park, having seen his Fulham side miraculously avoid relegation thanks to a goal from Danny Murphy with just 14 minutes of the season remaining.
A year on, Europe awaits. The fact that seventh place and qualification for the Europa League was sealed despite a relatively comprehensive defeat to Everton matters little. Tottenham's loss at Liverpool ensured Fulham's season will start on July 30 as they enter the rebranded Uefa Cup.
The questions over reinforcements and whether the club can compete on more than one front can wait, as this was a day of celebration at Craven Cottage.
Everton also have other matters on their mind as they warmed up for next Saturday's FA Cup Final against Chelsea in some style. Leon Osman deserves the lions' share of the credit for his two well-taken goals at the end of each half, but the solidity of Joseph Yobo and Joleon Lescott in the centre of defence will also have pleased David Moyes, with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka on the horizon. Hodgson was adamant that defeat would not sour a campaign that has left him as a genuine contender for the Manager of the Year Award.
'I'm very proud,' Hodgson said. 'In a few weeks I'll have forgotten if we won or lost the last game – it's been a fantastic season, but the hard work begins now.'
Moyes was also satisfied, although hamstring injuries to both Steven Pienaar and Philip Neville may cause one or two sleepless nights; it was the price he paid for selecting a much stronger team than anticipated. 'I've always thought the rule was to win the next game and keep rolling on,' said Moyes by way of explanation for picking an almost full-strength team.
In Pienaar and Osman, Everton possessed the two most creative players on show. The diminutive pair combined to put Everton ahead on the stroke of half-time, as Osman collected Pienaar's through ball to round Mark Schwarzer and slot home from a narrow angle.
Fulham huffed and puffed yet, bar a chance wasted by Bobby Zamora, they rarely threatened. Osman put the game beyond doubt with two minutes left when his curling effort left Schwarzer helpless.
Both sets of fans were united in their appreciation at the final whistle. Everton have a chance to add to their vibrant history at Wembley next weekend; Fulham, having recorded their highest ever league finish, have already done so.
What a difference a year makes.
