Beto scored Everton's third with his eighth Premier League goal of the season

Everton fight back to dent Fulham’s European hopes 1-3

Everton dealt a hammer blow to Fulham’s hopes of qualifying for Europe by coming from behind to win at Craven Cottage.

Striker Beto and defender Michael Keane found the back of the net within three minutes of one another to give the Toffees their second win in 11 Premier League matches.

Fulham, seeking to keep pace with Brentford and Brighton in pursuit of a European spot, took a 17th-minute lead when Mexico striker Raul Jimenez headed in Emile Smith Rowe’s cross.

Marco Silva’s side dominated the opening half, coming close to doubling their lead through Harry Wilson’s low effort which was well saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

But Everton went into the break level after Vitalii Mykolenko’s tame effort from the edge of the box took a deflection off Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira and wrong-footed goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The visitors took the lead against the run of play when Keane headed in a 70th-minute corner from substitute Dwight McNeil, with the goal confirmed after surviving a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check for offside.

Everton scored a third 22 seconds after the restart when Leno allowed Beto’s left-footed effort to squirm under his palm for the striker’s eighth league goal of the season.

Fulham were denied a spot-kick in the 11th minute of injury time when referee Darren England, who was sent to the pitchside monitor to review a handball against Mykolenko, stuck with his on-field decision of no penalty.

The defeat left the Cottagers in 11th and four points behind eighth-placed Brentford, while Everton climbed to 13th.

Fulham’s poor run comes at worst time

Fulham boss Silva was forced to address speculation over his future this week following reports he could leave Craven Cottage for a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.

“Of course, there are always rumours, but what I can say to you right now is that my future is at Fulham Football Club next season,” he said.

The Portuguese knew that, realistically, his side would need to win all three of their remaining matches to claim a European spot.

But Fulham’s drop in form has come at the worst possible time.

A month ago the Cottagers were outsiders for a Champions League spot.

But four defeats in their last five matches have left Fulham’s hopes of finishing in the top half looking slim.

Silva’s side travel to high-flying Brentford next week, before finishing their campaign against Manchester City at home.

They will likely need to win both matches and hope for results to go their way elsewhere to qualify for Europe.

Should Silva keep his word and stay in west London for a fifth season, he will undoubtedly be looking to add more firepower to his squad this summer.

Jimenez scored his 13th goal in all competitions with a powerful header for the Cottagers’ opener, but Fulham lacked the clinical touch needed to score a second which would have changed the complexion of the match before Everton’s fightback.

Toffees have momentum before Goodison farewell

For all the superb work that David Moyes has done since rejoining Everton, the Toffees’ season was in danger of fading out before their farewell game at Goodison Park.

The Scot guided the club to safety with a brilliant run in January and February. But they travelled to Craven Cottage with just one win in their last 10 matches.

Momentum in football is difficult to find and easy to lose, particularly when the goal of the campaign – surviving relegation – has been achieved.

But supporters are preparing for a day to remember against Southampton next week, when 39,000 fans will want a send-off befitting Goodison Park.

Moyes certainly understands the importance of ensuring Everton bow out with a win.

“I have just said to the players we have the biggest game of the season next week, and we are all ready for it,” he said.

Everton were well below-par in the first half and played like a team with little left to prove in their campaign.

Fulham had chances to score an all-important second before Everton’s equaliser, and a defeat on the road would have put even more pressure on the visit of Southampton.

But the comeback, inspired by the introduction of McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye from the bench, gives Everton the feel-good factor again as they look to leave their historic home ground on a high.