Fulham returned to winning ways in Premier League action as Marco Silva's side sealed a 2-0 win on the road at Leicester City.

Following a midweek loss at West Ham United, which ended an eight-game unbeaten run in the league, the visitors stayed composed here as second-half goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore proved enough to seal a crucial victory for the Cottagers.

The hosts had the better of a lacklustre first half at the King Power Stadium, but failed to press home their advantage and were punished after the break, with Smith Rowe bravely heading home early on in the second period.

Fulham once again showed their clinical edge as Traore volleyed home from close range in the 68th minute to end Leicester's chances of a revival.

A seventh successive Premier League defeat keeps Leicester inside the relegation zone, in 19th place in the table, two points from safety, as Fulham move on up to ninth.

Data Debrief: Traore offers Silva extra option

Much of the post-match praise will focus on the scorer of the first goal, as Smith Rowe netted his first Fulham goal in almost two months of Premier League action, but the impact of Traore off the bench cannot be understated.

Smith Rowe's strike took a bite out of Leicester's confidence, but Traore's ruthlessness settled the game, despite the Spanish international not commanding a regular starting role in Silva's plans this season.

The coolness of his finish, to drift into the box at the right moment underlined his impact as more than just a speedster out wide, and it is not the first time he has stepped up in a tight game for Fulham this season.

His only other Premier League goal in the campaign secured a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town, and stretching back into the 2023-24 season, his last three Premier League goals have all come away from home against newly promoted opposition, after also netting at Luton Town in May 2024.

A mix of pace and power in the final third makes him a potent option for Silva to bring on late in games, and five touches inside the opposition box at Leicester – despite only playing half the game – was only bettered by Harry Wilson. 

It will give the manager food for thought for next weekend's clash with Manchester United.