Would a corner rule change work?published at 11:18 BST 13 May
11:18 BST 13 May
Media caption,
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.
In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.
Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".
You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating:"Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"
Gossip: Silva could swap Fulham for Forestpublished at 08:09 BST 13 May
08:09 BST 13 May
Despite helping Nottingham Forest avoid relegation, manager Vitor Pereira could be replaced by Fulham boss Marco Silva this summer. (Teamtalk), external
Silva's legacy 'one of stability and missed expectations'published at 08:02 BST 12 May
08:02 BST 12 May
Drew Heatley Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Expectation is a funny thing.
Five years ago, we were relegated from the Premier League in 18th place, with the then-lowest points total from a side in that position during the 21st Century.
Fast-forward to 2026 and a loss at home to Bournemouth saw us effectively miss out on European football. Yet the feeling among the fanbase is as low as it was in 2021.
We feel like this side, led by arguably our second-greatest manager of this century, is more than capable of qualifying for Europe, but zooming out, perhaps that expectation was misguided.
In reality, nothing has changed during these five years. Fulham's recruitment strategy remains the same; play a game of chicken with other clubs in the hope of saving a million or two come deadline day. The fees we pay for players have largely stayed flat – even the style of football we play is not a million miles away to the pre-Marco Silva era.
So, why the heightened expectations?
The truth is, we rarely – if ever – looked likely to qualify for any of the European competitions up for grabs. Our season has lacked any forward thrust.
An unbeaten run of six games, during which we won four, was our best of the season and took us from 15th to 10th, when really, we have done little to show we do not belong in the bottom half, winning just five more games since that run ended in January.
With the season effectively over, I would not be surprised if Silva finally announces his future this week – and I expect him to depart.
His legacy will be one of stability and consequently missed expectations. Five years ago, the former would have been more than enough. But as we watch our contemporaries like Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford evolve and progress, rightly or wrongly we expect more.
It remains to be seen whether it will take a new manager or a change in club strategy to satiate us.
Rob: Deja vu in May. Not good enough. We are slow when we attack, very pedestrian. Joachim Andersen very silly in his sending-off, we might have got something. The fiasco over whether Marco Silva will stay or go is affecting performance and causing negativity with the support.
Mick: Another dire performance. So negative and it's becoming desperate to watch. They all seemed scared to shoot and the 60% possession is mostly passing around in their own defence. They gave up weeks ago and the fans know it. Being booed off at the end was well justified.
Perry: Does Fulham not want Marco Silva or does Marco Silva not want Fulham? With two games left I can't help but feel the uncertainty has affected our chances of a European push…
Rob: Joachim Andersen cost us that game. After the Bournemouth red card we were playing really well then it went off the rails. Two meaningless games coming up and a summer of uncertainty awaits with Marco Silva, Harry Wilson etc.
Bournemouth fans
Paul: A strange one, with both sides (rightly) reduced to 10 men before the break. Rayan was the difference-maker again but huge credit has to go to Andoni Iraola for terrific game-management. Check your passports Cherries fans - we're heading to Europe!
Richard: Spirited, gutsy, energy-sapping resilience from Andoni Iraola's well-coached Bournemouth team. Amazing atmosphere and a truly wonderful connection between the players and the non-stop singing Bournemouth fans. Hats off to Rayan. Just when you think it isn't going to get any better...
Tony: Maybe not as much free-flowing passing as we've seen in recent games, but a good gritty performance that withstood Fulham's attempt to crank up the pressure in the last 20 mins. Should probably have put the result beyond a Fulham recovery earlier in the game.
Malcolm: What a crazy but interesting game. Both red cards were the right call by VAR which made the second half wide open with plenty of spaces to exploit. We seemed to have adapted quicker than Fulham but it remained a decent watch. A wonderful strike from Rayan settled it but Djordje Petrovic had another excellent game leaving us unbeaten in 16, wow!! Passports please?
Analysis: Europe hopes all but extinguishedpublished at 20:32 BST 9 May
20:32 BST 9 May
Gary Rose BBC Sport journalist
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
Fulham manager Marco Silva had acknowledged before this game that they had to win every match in their pursuit of European football for next season.
Their fixtures will have given them reason to be optimistic, with home games against the Cherries and Newcastle, as well as an away fixture at relegated Wolves.
They shaded things when both teams had a full complement of players on the pitch - with Joachim Andersen striking the crossbar - but following the two dismissals they rarely looked like taking three points.
Sixth is now out of reach for Fulham but as things stand seventh will secure a place in the Conference League next term.
That does seem unlikely for Silva's side though, as they will need to win both their remaining games and hope for favourable results elsewhere to finish in that position.
Fulham 0-1 Bournemouth: What Silva saidpublished at 19:49 BST 9 May
19:49 BST 9 May
Media caption,
Fulham boss Marco Silva told BBC Sport: "Completely undeserved result for us.
"At 11 v11 we were the best team, on the front foot, some good connections.
"We needed better decisions. We had a massive chance with Rodrigo Muniz completely alone in the six-yard box - the header has to at least find the target because it's a big chance for us to get what we deserve at that time.
"The red card completely changed the dynamic of the game. They were completely behind us, even if the result was not showing that. After that, the game changed completely.
"I didn't see any image that shows it should be a clear red card. I've seen many replays. The VAR has different images that I was not able to see from my analysis guys. We knew in football, when you're in front, and there is a red card for the other team, you have to be more careful and mature. With the experience we have, we have to control the moments.
"Second half, we tried to adjust things at half-time - there was more space for both sides. The front players have to take players on. We were not at the top of our game at the second half."
Did you know?
Fulham have lost five of their last six Premier League games in the month of May (won one), failing to score in four of these matches.
Fulham vs Bournemouth was the second time both teams have received a first half red card in a Premier League game this season after Manchester United against Chelsea in September. It's the first time this has happened more than once in a top-flight campaign since 2001-02 (Everton v Bolton Wanderers in April 2002 and Charlton Athletic v Leicester City in September 2001).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Bournemouth" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Brentford", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Fulham v Bournemouthpublished at 11:04 BST 9 May
11:04 BST 9 May
It's probably good news for Marco Silva's side that I am backing Bournemouth here. I've really struggled with my Fulham predictions this season - although in fairness they are not the only team I keep getting wrong.
Fulham have got a decent home record but Bournemouth are on such a good run and have now gone 15 league games unbeaten.
The Cherries won the reverse fixture in October thanks to a late comeback and I can see them nicking this one too.
Fulham v Bournemouth: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:08 BST 8 May
19:08 BST 8 May
Bournemouth take their 15-game unbeaten streak to west London, where they face Fulham on Saturday (15:00 BST).
Since Fulham beat Spurs on 1 March to record three wins in a row in all competitions, the goals have dried up for the Cottagers, whose dreams of Europe are now also in danger of evaporating.
Their eight matches since then have yielded just four goals, with three coming in one match against strugglers Burnley.
Fulham had only failed to score in five of their first 28 league games this season but have now not found the net in five of their last seven.
However, they did win the two games in that run in which they did score and are now aiming to win three consecutive home league games for the first time since December 2023.
Fulham could do with Raul Jimenez finding his shooting boots again – the Mexican has scored just once in his past 11 matches for club and country.
But Jimenez does have a good record against Bournemouth, hitting five goals in his six Premier League starts against them.
Their current form certainly measures up to the cream of the continent, with their 15-game unbeaten run the longest of any side in Europe's top five leagues.
Bournemouth conceded an average of three goals in their first nine Premier League away games this season but have conceded just six times in their last eight on the road, an average of 0.8 per game.
The Cherries have done a brilliant rebuilding job under Andoni Iraola this season – they lost four of their first-choice defenders in the summer, with leading striker Antoine Semenyo joining Manchester City in the January transfer window.
Teenager Junior Kroupi is one of the replacements who has really caught the eye, so much so that he himself is now being linked with a move away, with the likes of City, Arsenal and Barcelona reportedly tracking him.
The 19-year-old French forward has scored four goals in his last five matches, taking his tally to 12 Premier League goals this season, and putting him in the company of some famous names who were also prolific at the top level before turning 20.
Silva on injury blows, 'fortress' Craven Cottage and Bournemouthpublished at 15:23 BST 8 May
15:23 BST 8 May
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth at Craven Cottage (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Ryan Sessegnon and Alex Iwobi are unavailable and a late decision will be made on Sander Berge, who is "trying his best" to recover from illness.
Raul Jimenez hasn't trained for the full week because of the same illness but remains in contention.
Kevin is "maybe not in his best physical condition" but he is back after injury and is available for section.
Silva said losing Sessegnon and Iwobi is "a big, big blow for our left-hand side" but they have "solutions" and their focus has to be on bouncing back from the defeat at Arsenal.
He said their performance at the Emirates was "not good enough" but he's happy to have seen a "good response from the players" in training this week.
He described Saturday's game as "massive" and wants his side to be "resilient, ruthless and clinical".
More on the Cherries: "We recognise the quality they have and the resilience they've been showing. The respect is there, but we know if we reach our best level then we are capable of winning the game. It is up to us to break their organisation."
He described Fulham's home form this season as "very, very good" and called Craven Cottage their "fortress" as it has "become a really difficult place for any team to come".
Silva leaves Fulham waiting amid Chelsea interestpublished at 09:41 BST 8 May
09:41 BST 8 May
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Fulham are in the dark over Marco Silva's future at Craven Cottage but remain keen to keep him, with a three‑year offer understood to still be on the table.
The 48‑year‑old is known to be among several candidates under consideration for the vacant head coach role at Chelsea despite having been offered a new deal in November.
Silva says he continues to need time to weigh up his decision as the Blues consider a list of options, which is understood to include former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
Those who know Silva personally say he has ambitions to manage at the highest level, although he has also shown loyalty by rejecting multiple approaches from Saudi clubs.
It has left Fulham in the dark over the situation, but the club are understood to have contingency plans in place and have sounded out a number of alternative options.
However, their preferred outcome would be to retain Silva, who is understood to have a positive relationship with the club's ownership.
It leaves Fulham facing uncertainty, but also the prospect of a more favourable position than rivals Bournemouth, who know Andoni Iraola will leave at the end of the season, as the sides meet on Sunday while competing for European qualification.
Against that backdrop, Silva gave his most candid interview yet in his native Portuguese to DAZN last week, saying: "The club has been clear with us about its intention for us to stay here for more years."
He added that his focus remains on Fulham's final three matches as they seek to qualify for Europe, and that he would reflect on the season before making a final decision on his future.
When asked, Silva also did not rule out a return to Portuguese football, with Benfica coach Jose Mourinho linked with the vacant managerial role at Real Madrid.
What will be enough for Europe?published at 09:16 BST 8 May
09:16 BST 8 May
Image source, Getty Images
Success in Europe for Aston Villa and Crystal Palace has a knock-on impact on what Premier League finish may be required to qualify for continental competition next season.
A host of clubs can still dream of a European adventure but the picture is ever changing.
'We look content to play a bit-part role in our own storyline'published at 08:53 BST 5 May
08:53 BST 5 May
Drew Heatley Fan writer
Fulham were never going to play a starring role in determining the destination of the Premier League trophy on Saturday - our record in north London could tell you that.
But what is concerning is that we look content to play a bit-part role in our own storyline: the race for Europe.
We do not have the momentum of Bournemouth - 15 games unbeaten and destined for the top six. Or of Brighton, who have won four of their past six despite a surprise loss at the weekend.
Our form in our past six reads two wins, two draws, and two losses. And that sums up our season. It has been good in places, bad in others and often indifferent. And that is why, ultimately, we look destined to finish outside the European places.
Playing Arsenal away was never going to determine the fate of our season, but Fulham's task is a tough one now: collect seven points from a possible nine to surpass our record points total of 54 and finish in the top eight.
It starts against in-form Bournemouth on Saturday. The Cherries have not lost since the first game of 2026, but we must hand them that L to have any chance of giving our own story a happy ending.
There are chapters left in this tale - and plenty of players with narratives yet to conclude. Harry Wilson, so often the man behind our best moments this season, could play a key role.
Then there is Rodrigo Muniz, a man who has struggled since his early season injury, but who turned down a multi-million pound approach in the summer to lead us to the next level.
It might even be Antonee Robinson, who has endured the toughest season of his life, the nadir of which was at the Emirates on Saturday. Could he begin his redemption arc against the Cherries?
One thing is for sure, we need that main character energy in these next three games. The season depends on it.
Sixth will earn a Europa League place at the very least, with some of the contenders having never qualified for Europe before.
However, both elements needed for sixth place to become a Champions League spot seem quite plausible.
Aston Villa would need to finish in fifth, exactly where they currently reside, and win the Europa League. They trail Nottingham Forest 1-0 after the semi-final first leg, but they are at home for Thursday's return leg.
This scenario will only play out if Villa finish fifth - and not in the top four or below fifth - because of a quirk in Uefa's rules.
The Premier League landed a fifth Champions League place because of the English teams' performances in Europe - something called the European Performance Spot (EPS).
So if Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth, that EPS spot would be passed down to the team in sixth, who would qualify for the Champions League.
However if Villa finish in the top four, winning the Europa League would make no difference to any other English team and the sixth-placed finisher would qualify for the Europa League.
With Aston Villa six points clear in fifth, sixth place appears to be the highest any of the other teams could finish.
At the moment, Bournemouth are on 52 points - one point clear of Brentford, who are one point above Brighton.
The Cherries and the Bees have never played in European competition before, while the Seagulls' only Uefa campaign was in the 2023-24 Europa League.
Chelsea are four points behind Bournemouth, but they have a game in hand against Forest.
Fulham are level on points with Chelsea. Everton, who have a game in hand against Manchester City, and Sunderland are on 47 points - so they are just about in the race.
Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Leeds could still mathematically - but not so realistically - qualify for the Champions League.
Samuel: The season has been great. Arguably 100% worthy of being Premier League winners. The Gunners are one of the best teams in Europe this season. They just need to focus on winning the remaining games and forget what Manchester City do.
Richard: The first half was pure pace and power. Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield gave a superb performance, but Viktor Gyokeres was absolutely uncontrollable. His runs and one-touch passing were what we paid the fee for. In the second half, it was about control and not conceding. More of the same from now to the end of the season, please.
James: Much better performance from the team, who have looked extremely nervous over the past few months. It was good to see Lewis-Skelly get a run out. Mikel Arteta has not rotated the squad enough for the past few seasons, and it shows when the subs come on and put in a great performance. He needs to trust the other players more, especially the youngsters who play without fear. All we can do is keep winning and hope City drop points or score fewer goals.
Andy: It's simple. Having some of your best players fit means you play better - something I've not been able to say for a while.
Fulham fans
Chris: A bitter pill to swallow. Poor first half but glad it wasn't 6-0. Missing Iwobi, Sessegnon and Kevin - they would have made an impact and created chances. Diop should have started. Tough game done, but we need to win the next three.
Phil: Inept, incompetent, hopeless! When your centre-forward is roasted and left sitting on his backside in the left-back position, it shows we're all over the place! Goal one - sloppy passing let the Gunners get their rhythm and there was no looking back for them. I hope we don't get a European place. It could be embarrassing! Oh, to be a Fulham supporter!
Brian: Men against boys. The first-half performance gives a good reason for Marco Silva to move on. The team has gone as far as it can.
Michael: We are nothing more than a mid-table side. I can't understand how some of us feel Fulham can be anything more. Too many mistakes in midfield, poor defence and nothing up front. Arsenal are nothing special, but they're far too much for us.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham: What Silva saidpublished at 20:27 BST 2 May
20:27 BST 2 May
Media caption,
Fulham 'not at the level' - Silva
Fulham manager Marco Silva, speaking to BBC Match of the Day about Fulham's fitness problems: "That's the easiest excuse, but we started with 11. As a whole, we should have done much better, and if you don't do the basics well you're not going to be able to compete.
"You have to go through these type of difficult spells in a football match, but the other things have to be there – the basic way to defend and defend your box. We have to be much stronger in the way we defended. We were not at that level this afternoon.
"I can't mention one part of the first half because they started on the front foot. We wanted to be a bit more aggressive in our press and match their intensity. It was not possible. Overall in the first-half, we were not at our level.
"Of course, we're going to be stronger if we have all players available. Unfortunately for us, we're losing decisive players at a key time of the season."
Did you know?
Fulham have lost five of their last eight Premier League away games (W1 D2) and have failed to score in four consecutive matches on the road in the competition for the first time since a run of seven between January and April 2010.
The Cottagers have lost their first away London derby in the Premier League since August 2025, with today's defeat ending a run of four London derbies unbeaten on the road (W2 D2), whilst today was the first time they lost an away match in London by 3+ goals since January 2019 - also against Arsenal (1-4).
