Marco Silva’s men fight off late pressure to secure a place in the fifth round against Leeds United.

Fulham kept their FA Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Sunderland, progressing to the fifth round where they’ll face a Leeds United side without a manager.

The match began with an early breakthrough for Fulham, as Harry Wilson converted a well-crafted goal following a defensive error from Sunderland’s Patrick Roberts. Wilson’s strike, assisted by Carlos Vinícius, put the visitors in front after just eight minutes.

Marco Silva, serving a touchline ban after accumulating a yellow card in Fulham’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea, watched from the stands as his side looked to double their lead. However, after Wilson’s early chances were denied, Sunderland grew into the game.

Amad Diallo, on loan from Manchester United, was particularly influential, testing goalkeeper Marek Rodak with a dipping shot before Sunderland increased the pressure. Jack Clarke and Aji Alese were both involved in an attempt to pull Sunderland back into the match, with Clarke’s cross setting up a fine finish for Alese, bringing the Black Cats within one goal.

Fulham responded swiftly with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andreas Pereira coming off the bench to provide the necessary spark. Mitrovic assisted Pereira for Fulham’s second goal, restoring their lead at 2-1.

However, Sunderland weren’t ready to concede, and after a mix-up in the Fulham defence, Jewison Bennette pounced on a mistake to score a late goal, reducing the deficit to 3-2. But despite the frantic final moments, Sunderland couldn’t find the equaliser, and Fulham held on to secure the victory.

This thrilling encounter ends Sunderland’s FA Cup run, but their performance across both matches was commendable, with the Championship side pushing Fulham all the way.