Fulham eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup for the sixth successive season with a comfortable 4-1 win over Championship outfit Watford at a chilly Craven Cottage this evening.

Marco Silva made seven changes to the side that snatched a stoppage-time draw with Ipswich Town on Sunday, but the eleven he picked to face the side he left controversially in 2018 was much stronger than expected. Ryan Sessegnon delivered an energetic cameo at left back, Joachim Andersen rifled his first goal since returning from Crystal Palace, Rodrigo Muniz limped off at half time with an injury sustained shortly after he gave the Whites the lead and Andreas Pereira cracked an effort against the crossbar having been handed the captaincy as the Londoners attempt to ward off interest in the Brazilian international’s services during January.

The Premier League side were on top from the outset, with Watford forced into containing tactics as Tom Cleverley’s charges battled to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat. Alex Iwobi could have given the hosts the perfect start but he failed to turn home a cross from Adama Traore at the far post before forcing a fine fingertip save from Watford captain Jonathan Bond as he curled a strike towards the bottom corner from just outside the box.

The Hornets threatened sporadically in the first half, with Edo Kayembe skewing a shot wide from a promising position and Tom Ince dispossessed by Andersen as he was about to pull the trigger. But Fulham continued to enjoy the vast majority of the possession and played most of their football deep into Watford territory. It was no surprise when the recalled Muniz conjured up a fabulous first-time finish to fire Traore’s terrific cross into the far corner beyond the reach of Bond. The lead could have quickly doubled with Sessegnon seeing a short blocked before Timothy Castagne’s follow-up was deflected into the side netting.

Iwobi then lined up a long-ranger but Ryan Porteous blocked that bravely – and Watford soon swept upfield to score a stunning equaliser. Rocco Vata spun sharply on the halfway line and carried the ball into a shooting position as Sasa Lukic backed off. The former Celtic midfielder curled a majestic effort into the top corner to spark delirious scenes amongst the raucous travelling fans in the Putney End – and the goal certainly galvanised Cleverley’s well-drilled side.

An inquest began amongst the Fulham back five, which might well have continued into the half-time interval. Silva sent on Jimenez to replace an injured Muniz and the hosts began the second period with renewed intensity. Sessegnon might have restored their lead when he latched onto a deliciously disguised pass from Iwobi, but his shot was blocked behind by Porteous.

Fulham’s second goal arrived from the penalty spot in contentious circumstances as Traore tumbled under a challenge from Antonio Tikvic – with the Hornets defending insisting the offence occurred outside the box. Referee Matt Donohue was unmoved and Jimenez scored his third spot-kick in the space of five days with a modicum of fuss. The Mexican then superbly set up a glorious chance for Emile Smith Rowe, whose tame four yard finish was blocked by the body of Bond.

Silva’s side appeared rampant now and a third came from a Pereira corner. Andersen found himself free in the penalty area and hit his first sound against the body of a Watford defender, before hammering home a powerful volley. Jorge Cuenca headed just wide from a deeper corner and Pereira powered an effort against the far post before Fulham, enlivened by the introduction of Martial Godo and Josh King, made sure of their safe passage into the fourth round.

Godo was the creator – surging down the left flank before spotting the run of Castagne as he hit the byline. The Belgian defender’s dart to the near post allowed him to guide a header past Bond at the near post and the home side could easily have added further goals as they finished the evening in some style. Silky skills from Sessegnon set up King, who slalomed his way into space but the eighteen year-old midfielder’s finish ended up in the side netting.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Benda; Castagne, R. Sessegnon, Andersen (Diop 66), Cuenca; Lukic (Reed 77), Pereira; Traore, Iwobi (Godo 66), Smith Rowe (King 66); Muniz (Jimenez 45). Subs (not used): Leno, Bassey, Cairney, Wilson.

BOOKED: Cuenca.

GOALS: Muniz (26), Jimenez (pen 49), Andersen (65), Castagne (85).

WATFORD (5-4-1): Bond; Andrews, Larouci, Tikvic, Ogbonna, Porteous; Ince (Baah 67), Vata (Chakevadatze 67), Kayembe, Dwimoh (Louza 31); Doumbia (Nabizaba 89). Subs (not used): Morris, Sierralta, Roberts, Sissoko, Bayo.

BOOKED: Kayembe.

GOAL: Vata (33).

REFEREE: Matt Donohue (Lancashire).

ATTENDANCE: 15,981.