Captain Cairney the hero as Fulham secure Premier League return

Anna Woodberry 7 years ago 3k |

Reading time: minutes

Cairney was Fulham's hero at Wembley. FulhamFC

Tom Cairney's first-half strike was the difference as Fulham overcame Aston Villa at Wembley to secure their return to England's top division.

The winning goal came in the 23rd minute after some great link-up play between the skipper and 18-year-old Ryan Sessegnon.

A lofting ball was brought down by Sessegnon who turned effortlessly before splitting open Villa's defence with a pin-point straight through ball.

The pass sat up perfectly for Cairney to strike low, out-of-reach of opposing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and into the bottom left corner.

However, the 'Cottagers' were lucky not to go down to ten men when Ryan Fredericks escaped punishment for a stamp on Villa's Jack Grealish.

The incident happened right in front of Villa manager Steve Bruce, who was left incensed when referee Anthony Taylor didn't even blow for a foul.

Fulham's luck ran out in the second half though. Denis Odoi picked up a second yellow card for a wild challenge and was rightfully sent for an early bath.

Despite Villa's onslaught, they couldn't find the necessary breakthrough as Fulham breathed a sigh-of-relief when the final whistle rang out at Wembley.

The win means the 'Cottagers' secure their return to the Premier League for the first time since being relegated in 2014.

However, they now face a battle to keep stars, such as Cairney and Sessegnon, at the club as they look to avoid going straight back down next year.