Everton Storm Back to Beat Fulham 2-1 as Leno Own Goal Completes Dramatic Comeback at Craven Cottage

Everton completed a remarkable comeback to defeat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Saturday, with goalkeeper Bernd Leno's 83rd-minute own goal proving decisive in a pulsating Premier League encounter. The Toffees fell behind early but showed tremendous character to fight back and secure three vital points in their quest for mid-table security.

Fulham took the lead in the 18th minute through fortuitous circumstances when Vitaliy Mykolenko inadvertently turned the ball into his own net following a scramble in the Everton penalty area. Michael Keane's attempted clearance ricocheted off the Ukrainian defender and past Jordan Pickford, giving the hosts an early advantage. Fulham looked comfortable in possession and threatened to extend their lead before halftime, with Raúl Jiménez and Andreas Pereira both testing Pickford from distance.

The visitors found their equalizer in the 75th minute when Mykolenko atoned for his earlier misfortune by setting up Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who finished clinically past Leno. The goal injected fresh energy into Sean Dyche's side, and they immediately pressed for a winner. Everton's persistence paid dividends eight minutes from time when Leno punched a corner kick into his own net under pressure from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, handing the visitors a dramatic victory.

The comeback win extends Everton's unbeaten streak to five matches across all competitions, a run that has lifted them clear of the relegation conversation that plagued their early-season form. Dyche's pragmatic approach has brought stability and resilience to the Toffees, who have earned 11 points from their last five Premier League fixtures. The manager praised his team's mental fortitude after the match, emphasizing their ability to respond to adversity.

For Fulham, the defeat represents a frustrating missed opportunity to climb into the top half of the table. Marco Silva's side controlled large portions of the match but failed to capitalize on their dominance, continuing a pattern of dropped points from winning positions. The Cottagers have now won just one of their last six league fixtures, with their European qualification hopes fading as the season progresses.

Everton's resurgence has been built on defensive organization and set-piece efficiency, with Saturday's winner coming from their 12th goal from dead-ball situations this campaign. The Toffees travel to Leicester City next weekend seeking to extend their positive run, while Fulham host Brighton in what has become a crucial period for both clubs' season objectives.