Carlos Vinicius scores first goal of Premier League season as Fulham edge past Luton

Carlos Vinicius scored from close range to earn Fulham their first home win of the Premier League season, extending luckless Luton’s losing run to four games. 

The Brazilian pounced midway through the second half after Luton keeper Thomas Kaminski spilled Willian’s cross into the danger zone, firing home just three minutes after coming on as a substitute.

The visitors had set out their stall to defend deep and hit their hosts on the counter attack, and they almost struck straight away when Tahith Chong raced half the length of the pitch before firing straight at Bernd Leno. 

Fulham should have taken the lead minutes later, but Andreas Pereira’s in-swinging corner was headed over the bar by Kenny Tete at the front post. The Dutchman’s frustration was clear for all to see as he raced back to his right-back berth. 

Town broke away once again and when Carlton Morris passed to Issa Kabore, the Manchester City loanee had time to look up and cross deep into the Fulham penalty area. The Whites defenders failed to clear their lines, and Morris should have capitalised on this hesitancy, but the forward could only scuff a left-footed volley wide. 

Luton were growing in confidence with debutant Albert Sambi Lokonga adding guile and tenacity to the midfield. In the 27th minute he passed out wide to Kabore who broke forward down the right flank, crossing perfectly for Jacob Brown whose free header from six yards crashed against the post. 

Brown, who was making his first Premier League start, worked tirelessly both in and out of possession, and the former Stoke striker won a free kick in a promising position when he was upended by Issa Diop. Lokonga’s resultant set piece was chipped towards the back post, but attention quickly turned to Morris, who had been felled by Harrison Reed, only for referee Michael Salisbury to wave away the penalty appeal.

While it would have been generous to award Luton a spot kick on this occasion, Luton can consider themselves harshly treated by Salisbury, whose baffling and inconsistent display was epitomised by decisions to book Kaminski for time wasting and Chong for diving. In contrast, Fulham were awarded a soft free kick moments before half time, with Harry Wilson whipping inches wide of the post.

Kabore continued to cause Fulham problems at the beginning of the second half, passing into Brown whose drilled cross was volleyed towards goal by Amari’i Bell. Leno scurried along his goal line and was grateful to grab the ball as Luton were left to rue another missed opportunity.

Fulham enjoyed 77.8% possession throughout the game, the most they have had in a Premier League game since 2003/04, but they were unable to fashion another opportunity until Timothy Castagne’s cross was headed onto the roof of the net by Joao Palhinha. It seemed Luton, who had conceded nine goals in their opening three league games, had found a formula to nullify their opponents.

But Town were undone once again when Willian dribbled down the left flank and crossed from the byline. Town defender Reece Burke stretched as if to head the ball behind, and this movement seemingly distracted Kaminski, who moved late to dive and collect the cross, but could only palm into the path of Vinicius who slammed into the net.

Town players were once again left questioning the officials, who had failed to spot Alex Iwobi controlling the ball with his hand in the lead up to the goal. VAR did not ask Salisbury to review the incident. 

With Luton now chasing the game, Fulham sought to expose the gaps in their defence, and almost doubled their lead when Pereira passed to Willian, but the Brazilian’s shot was deflected behind by Kabore.

 

After Palhinha’s long-range effort flew inches wide of the top right corner, Town manager Rob Edwards decided to introduce Alfie Doughty, Chiedozie Ogbene and Elijah Adebayo, deploying them as the front three in a 4-3-3 formation. 

Ogbene and Adebayo worked together to give the onrushing Kabore a sight of goal, however Castagne stood firm to block his shot and concede a corner. 

Town fans sensed one final chance would arrive in the closing minutes. Kaminski punted all the way through to Adebayo who laid off for the tireless Kabore. His cross was perfectly delivered to Tom Lockyer, with the Town captain sent up to play as a centre-forward as the clock ticked into stoppage time, but he could only glance his header across the box and away from goal. 

As the referee blew full-time on a hard-earned Fulham victory, Town’s players and staff trudged across the pitch in disappointment. For the first time this season, it seemed Rob Edwards’ men truly believed they had done enough to win. 

With this latest result Luton became the first promoted team to lose each of their first for Premier League games since Swindon in 1993-94. While the Hatters seem to be creeping closer to an elusive victory, they must quickly turn performances into points if they are to avoid a humiliating season.