Wolves on verge of seventh-placed finish with win over Fulham

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:23 am

A Leander Dendoncker volley gave Wolves a 1-0 victory over Fulham at Molineux on Saturday to put them on the verge of a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League.

The victory takes Wolves four points clear of Everton in eighth in the standings. If ninth-placed Leicester City do not beat Manchester City on Monday, the top-flight newcomers will be assured of their highest finish in the Premier League era.

Already-relegated Fulham came into the contest having won their last three games, and frustrated their opponents early on.

Dendoncker came closest to scoring in the first half, but saw his header came out off the crossbar.

Wolves improved after the break and Dendoncker's cushioned volley broke the deadlock with 15 minutes remaining.

A brilliant save from Sergio Rico denied Diogo Jota a second, but Wolves saw out the victory to move a step closer to qualifying for European competition.

Leander Dendoncker scored the only goal for Wolves against Fulham.
Barrington Coombs/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images

Manchester City have already qualified for the Champions League next season so if they triumph in the FA Cup final later this month, the Europa League place usually awarded to the winners will go to the seventh-placed team in the league.

"We have enjoyed every minute of it this year, it has been a fantastic season for us," Wolves captain Conor Coady said. "It's incredible, this time last year we dreamed of playing in the Premier League and we have lived our dream."

Fulham's fate had already been sealed, but their recent improvement has put caretaker manager Scott Parker in the frame for the job on a permanent basis.

"I think I've said for a long time that Scott has done an incredible job," Fulham captain Tom Cairney said. "In my eyes he is the right man for the job."

Fulham handed a debut to Harvey Elliott, who became the Premier League's youngest ever player.