- Fulham dominated the match with second-half goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traoré, extending Leicester’s losing streak to seven games
- Leicester remains 19th in the table with just 14 points, while Fulham climbed to ninth, reducing their gap to the top five to four points
- Fulham manager Marco Silva praised his team’s response to their midweek loss, lauding his team’s improved second-half performance
Super Eagles star Calvin Bassey marked a significant milestone in his Premier League career on Saturday evening as Fulham secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
The Nigerian international, who reached 50 Premier League appearances, played a pivotal role in the win, which pushed Leicester closer to the relegation zone.
Bassey, a graduate of Leicester City's academy, joined Fulham from Ajax Amsterdam in the summer of 2023. His Premier League debut came against Brentford in August 2023, and since then, the versatile defender has become a key figure for Marco Silva's side.
The first half at the King Power Stadium ended goalless, despite Fulham dominating possession and recording nine shots to Leicester's four.
Bassey came close to breaking the deadlock before halftime when Harry Wilson set him up, but his effort narrowly missed the target. Leicester, on the other hand, squandered golden opportunities through Jordan Ayew and Victor Kristiansen, failing to capitalise on their chances.
In the 48th minute, Emile Smith Rowe opened the scoring with a stunning diving header, finishing off a well-orchestrated build-up by the visitors.
The early goal was a boost for the second half, and Fulham capitalised on the momentum. Adama Traoré doubled the lead in the 68th minute, expertly converting a back-post cross to seal the victory.
Fulham manager Marco Silva praised his team’s performance in his post-match press conference.
He commended the squad’s response to their midweek loss against West Ham, emphasising the importance of the clean sheet and the team’s ability to control the game,
“A well-deserved three points for us, the opening goal was crucial and gave us the confidence to dominate.”
The defeat extended Leicester’s losing streak to seven consecutive Premier League matches, leaving them 19th in the table with just 14 points. Fulham, meanwhile, climbed to ninth place, reducing the gap to the top five to four points.
Despite the difficult result for Leicester, Silva expressed sympathy for under-fire manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, acknowledging the pressures of the job,
“We all know what our job means. If you ask me if I have sympathy, of course I have. Ruud I think doesn't need it because he's a professional that knows the job really well.
“He's here to take decisions like I'm here to take decisions as well. He took a decision that he wanted and he expected it to be the best for the team in that moment, that's it.”
As Fulham celebrated their victory and Bassey his milestone, the team will look to build on this momentum in their pursuit of higher league ambitions.
Iwobi shines as Fulham extend unbeaten streak to 9 matches, celebrates with Nigerian delicacy
Previously, TheRadar reported that Premier League side Fulham delivered a resounding 4-1 victory over Watford at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night, January 9, to secure their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Nigerian international Alex Iwobi was at the heart of the action, as he displayed his creativity with several final third passes in midfield before being substituted in the 66th minute.
Post-match, Iwobi shared a glimpse of his celebratory mood by posting a video of himself preparing to enjoy fufu and egusi soup while singing a popular gospel song.
