Fulham’s European prospects suffered a major blow as quickfire goals from Michael Keane and Beto propelled Everton to a 3-1 comeback win at Craven Cottage.

Marco Silva’s team started brightly on Saturday yet failed to build on Raul Jimenez’s 17th-minute opener.

Buoyed by Vitalii Mykolenko’s fortuitous 48th-minute equaliser, and a wonderful save from Jordan Pickford, Everton mounted a second-half fightback – Keane heading home in the 70th minute before Beto’s strike snuck under Bernd Leno’s gloves.

Fulham wanted a spot-kick deep in stoppage time when Mykolenko handled from Adama Traore’s cross, but referee Darren England confirmed the onfield decision of no penalty following a VAR review.

While Everton are up into 13th, Fulham remain 11th, but victories for Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion mean the Cottagers dropped off the pace in the battle for European qualification.

How the match unfolded

Fulham were rewarded for a dominant start when Emile Smith Rowe lifted a delicate cross from the byline into the centre of the area, where Jimenez outjumped Mykolenko and powerfully headed home.

Harry Wilson went close on two occasions and Alex Iwobi ballooned a shot over when found in a promising position, and Fulham were made to pay for that profligacy on the stroke of half-time.

Carlos Alcaraz forced a corner after robbing possession in Fulham’s box, and with the hosts failing to clear their lines, Mykolenko’s shot deflected in off Andreas Pereira.

The lively Wilson looked set to put Fulham back in front with an audacious lob, but the backtracking Pickford made a brilliant stop to tip it wide.

Pickford’s work proved extra fruitful when substitute Dwight McNeil swung in a deep corner from which Keane headed home, with the goal confirmed after a VAR review.

Everton had their third three minutes later – Alcaraz’s pass found Beto, whose attempt squirmed through Leno’s grasp – with that late penalty shout all Fulham were able to manage in response.

Fulham’s fatal blow?

Fulham’s form has taken a dip at just the wrong time, and it is now four defeats from their last five Premier League matches.

They started with purpose, penning Everton back inside their own penalty area and showing plenty of attacking intent, and earning their reward as Jimenez found the net with his first top-flight goal since March.

They had the opportunities to add to their tally, but former Everton playmaker Iwobi spurned a decent opening, and Wilson was denied by Pickford, who got down low to keep out a driven attempt from the Wales international before the break before pulling off that sensational stop in the second half.

That profligacy proved costly, though poor work at the back also played its part – Keane was given a free run to meet McNeil’s corner at the back post and Leno should have done a lot better with his attempt to save Beto’s finish.

Fulham are now four points adrift of eighth place, which should be enough to secure European football next season should Manchester City win the FA Cup.

They now travel to local rivals Brentford in a huge clash next week, needing a win to keep any slim European ambitions alive.

Everton claim another memorable road win ahead of Goodison farewell

Despite David Moyes taking Everton out of relegation trouble, the Toffees went into Saturday’s match on the back of just one win in 10 league games, with that victory coming away at Nottingham Forest in April.

Indeed, their recent poor form was summed up by squandering a two-goal advantage against already relegated Ipswich Town at home last time out.

Everton did not start well, spending large swathes of the first half without the ball, and were made to pay when static defending in the six-yard box resulted in them going behind.

Yet a scarcely deserved equaliser at the end of the half through a big slice of good luck provided the foundations for a memorable turnaround.

The second-half was a much more well-rounded, disciplined showing, and while substitute McNeil made a big impact and Keane marked his first league start under Moyes with a goal, Alcaraz stood out as a constant livewire, creating an opening of his own nature in the first half after strong pressing from the front, while he also set up Beto for Everton’s third.

Everton will now prepare for one of the most emotional matches in their history as they host Southampton in what will be their match at Goodison Park.

Club reports

Fulham report | Everton report