Fulham manager Marco Silva has showered praise on Samuel Chukwueze after the winger stepped off the bench to inspire a 1–0 triumph over Sunderland.
Introduced in the 64th minute of a fiercely contested encounter, Chukwueze immediately transformed Fulham’s attacking rhythm. His direct running and sharp decision-making unsettled the Sunderland defence, which had held firm for most of the match.
The breakthrough came through his brilliance: Chukwueze carved open the opposition backline before supplying a precise assist for Raúl Jiménez, who tucked home the decisive goal.
The Nigerian international delivered an exceptional cameo, creating two clear-cut chances, completing every dribble he attempted, and winning all of his duels against a Sunderland side that had been enjoying a strong run of form.
Speaking afterwards, Silva hailed the former Villarreal star for bringing energy, quality, and intent at a crucial moment, noting that his introduction “changed the dynamic of the game.”
“We deserved the three points. We scored a late goal, but we should have scored much earlier in the game,” Silva told reporters after the game.
“Back on track. We needed that for our fans, for them. We created 3-4 clear chances in the first half. Nothing for them apart from Traore.
“We always had the possession well balanced, with good performance overall. Massive impact from ESR and Chukwueze.
“We are going to need Samuel [Chukwueze] from the start, but we will lose him to AFCON soon. Clean sheet, solid.”
Chukwueze’s display not only secured all three points for Fulham but also strengthened his push for more starting opportunities in the matches ahead.
