Sheffield United 4 Fulham 5: Ryan Sessegnon the star in 'crazy' thriller
Ryan Sessegnon’s first senior hat-trick inspired Fulham to a stunning win, in a game rightly described as “crazy” by their manager Slavisa Jokanovic.
The 17-year-old was the star of the show in an extraordinary, wide-open contest that will stay in the memory of those present. Fulham led 3-2 at half-time, then looked like they had won the game by establishing a 5-2 lead with less than five minutes left. Sheffield United struck two late blows though to set up an incredible finish.
United arrived looking to go top of the table and with a streetwise reputation, but Sessegnon - who draws admiring glances from Premier League clubs - outsmarted them and stayed in the limelight. His manager knew what was coming in the post-match press conference.
Jokanovic said: “It’s always the same question - Ryan, Ryan, Ryan. He is growing up in the right direction.”
Fulham’s Sheyi Ojo, the 20-year-old on loan from Liverpool, deservedly scored their other two. It meant that the young talents upstaged a shrewd veteran - United’s 32-year-old Leon Clarke, who scored a hat-trick, taking his tally to eight in three matches.
The tone for the match, between two admirably attractive sides, was set early on when Clarke struck after goalkeeper David Button spilled. Fulham recovered when United defender Cameron Carter-Vickers made a blunder that Ojo pounced on before slotting in. Sessegnon then charged forward and curled home.
More drama arrived before the break. First, United levelled as Clarke evaded Tim Ream then fired in. Sessegnon refused to be out-done though, volleying in another.
In the second half, Fulham raced clear when Ojo squeezed the ball in, then Sessegnon struck his third. Samir Carruthers pulled one back though with a deflected effort, then Clarke set up a thrilling finale.
United manager Chris Wilder said: “If a team wins here, we have to make them go through the mill. Fulham deserved it.”
