Adama Traore powers Wolves over slumping Fulham

Sports Desk, Apr 9 (EFE).- Adama Traore scored in stoppage time Friday to give Wolverhampton a 0-1 victory against Fulham, who remain mired in the Premier League drop zone after four straight defeats.

The Spanish international’s first goal in five months could not have come at a better time for Wolves, whose last win was on Feb. 19.

The result lifts Wolverhampton to 12th place on 38 points, the same as Crystal Palace but ahead on goal difference.

Fulham, with 26 points from 32 matches, stay in the 18th spot and will be 6 points from safety if Newcastle United beat Burnley on Saturday.

The contest made for an uninspiring spectacle. Willian Jose headed wide on a good chance for Wolves in the 2nd minute and Fulham’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek likewise missed in the 28th.

Jose appeared to have put the visitors ahead in first-half stoppage time, but the goal was disallowed after the referee concluded that Daniel Podence – who provided an assist – was offside.

Television replays cast doubt on the decision and Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo vented his unhappiness as the teams headed to the dressing rooms for the break.

Wolverhampton goalkeeper Rui Patricio made stops against Aleksandar Mitrovic and Antonee Robinson in the second half, while Fulham’s Alphonse Areola came up with a pair of solid saves late in regulation before conceding the goal to Traore in the 92nd minute.

Fulham, who have been in the bottom three since October, enjoyed a run of good results in January and February before hitting the wall in March.

“The way the game ended up was a real blow and at this moment in time there’s a lot of hurt,” coach Scott Parker said after the final whistle, though he went on to emphasize that the team was not giving up.

“There’s a spirit of endeavor and resilience about us and as long as you’ve got that you’ve got a chance. I have a group of players who can lift themselves off the canvas and I’m sure they will,” he said. EFE jjl/dr