Marco Silva was pleased to register his 50th win as Fulham head coach after the Whites eventually saw off a spirited Sheffield United side at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

Bobby Decordova-Reid gave the Cottagers the lead eight minutes into the second half, but the Blades were buoyant when Antonee Robinson turned Yasir Lamouci’s cross into his own net. Substitute Tom Cairney put Fulham back in front when his long-range effort cannoned off the crossbar and into the net via an unfortunate Wes Foderingham before Willian sealed the three points in stoppage time.

Speaking to the press after this welcome victory, Silva said:

“It was a job well done. It was an important win for us. We analysed Sheffield United in some of their away games and they have been tough to beat – like at Tottenham. In the first half we created a good number of chances and didn’t score but the players kept believing in the plan. After we scored in the second half, we deserved the three points. I am much happier this afternoon because we are creating chances”.

The Fulham head coach felt the Blades’ lifeline came as a result of defensive naivety that needs to be stamped out.

“We have to learn. In the moment when Issa went down, it was an unlucky moment but we should have done much better in that situation. We didn’t let them create anything until that moment, but the reaction was good.”