Lecomte Shines as Fulham Edge Wycombe in Nervy Carabao Cup

Published: 29 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Fulham survived a nerve-wracking Carabao Cup tie against League One side Wycombe Wanderers, progressing on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The 5-4 shootout victory, sealed by Benjamin Lecomte’s crucial saves and Issa Diop’s decisive spot-kick, ensured Marco Silva’s side avoided an embarrassing exit. Yet, despite the win, there were few positives for the Premier League outfit, who continue to struggle with form and injuries.

The match, played at Adams Park, began inauspiciously for the Cottagers. Within the opening four minutes, a lapse in concentration allowed Cauley Woodrow, on loan from Luton, to fire a well-struck shot past Lecomte from 20 yards. The early goal was a reminder of the fragility of Fulham’s defensive organization, a concern that had been mounting over recent weeks amid a string of Premier League defeats. Silva’s side, already languishing near the relegation zone, needed to respond swiftly to avoid further denting morale.

Fulham’s attempts to regain control were sporadic in the first half. Adama Traoré, unpredictable yet occasionally dangerous, delivered a series of crosses from the right, but Raul Jiménez, the team’s main striker, struggled to convert them into clear-cut opportunities, including one header that went straight at Wycombe’s goalkeeper Will Norris. Tom Cairney and Timothy Castagne had chances go narrowly wide, while teenager Josh King began to emerge as a creative spark in the middle of the park. Yet the team’s lack of cohesion and sluggish movement hindered a concerted response.

The frustrations of supporters in the away section grew throughout the first 45 minutes. Traoré faced criticism for his tendency to avoid physical challenges, and midfield battles saw Harrison Reed and Cairney repeatedly muscled off the ball. The early dominance of Wycombe, though brief, added to the tension and reminded Fulham fans that their side’s confidence remains fragile despite the quality on paper.

Half-time offered a temporary respite. Silva made tactical adjustments, introducing Ryan Sessegnon at left-back and encouraging a more fluid, attacking approach. The changes bore fruit quickly. In the opening minutes of the second half, Kevin, the young Brazilian winger, generated a corner from the left. His delivery to the near post was met by Josh King, who instinctively flicked the ball into the net, reminiscent of Gianfranco Zola’s famous backheeled goal for Chelsea against Norwich in 2002. King’s finish provided the leveller Fulham desperately needed and injected renewed energy into the side.

Silva praised King’s performance, highlighting both his humility and burgeoning talent. “He’s a lovely boy but he’s a massive talent as well,” Silva said. “Every single day he is looking to learn and improve. I’m very pleased with him.” The goal not only drew Fulham level but also shifted momentum, allowing the Cottagers to assert more control over the game.

Despite the equalizer, Fulham’s attacking play continued to lack consistency. Sessegnon’s introduction brought added dynamism on the left, while King’s continued clever movement posed problems for Wycombe’s defense. Kevin and Cairney both had attempts tipped over, and Fulham frequently tested Norris, yet the breakthrough to claim victory in regulation time remained elusive. The departure of Raul Jiménez due to a muscle injury compounded the situation, leaving the side light in attack with Rodrigo Muniz already sidelined.

As the match edged closer to full time, the inevitability of penalties loomed. Wycombe, ranked 17th in League One, showed resilience and determination throughout, refusing to simply capitulate to the superior opposition. Their defensive organization, combined with opportunistic attacking, ensured Fulham could not settle into a rhythm, highlighting the difficulties faced by Silva’s team in maintaining composure under pressure.

The shootout was a tense affair, with both sides exchanging successful and missed attempts. Benjamin Lecomte emerged as the hero for Fulham, making crucial saves from Ewan Henderson, Fred Onyedinma, and Donnell McNeilly. His calm, authoritative presence in goal proved decisive, reflecting his experience and composure under high-pressure situations. With the shootout poised on a knife-edge, Issa Diop stepped up to take Fulham’s sudden-death penalty, striking emphatically past Norris to secure a 5-4 win.

While progression to the quarter-finals provides a temporary reprieve, the underlying issues for Fulham remain concerning. Marco Silva faces mounting challenges in the Premier League, with four consecutive league defeats leaving the side dangerously close to the relegation zone. The squad’s lack of depth, exacerbated by injuries to key players such as Jiménez and Muniz, has left the manager with limited options. There are growing questions about the team’s summer transfer business, with the current roster struggling to cope with the demands of Premier League football alongside cup competitions.

For Wycombe, the result, though disappointing, does not diminish the quality of their cup campaign. Overcoming Manchester United in a previous round demonstrated their ability to compete against superior opposition, and their tenacity at Adams Park earned plaudits from fans and pundits alike. Despite exiting the Carabao Cup, the experience gained from facing Premier League opposition will serve the squad well, providing lessons in defensive organization and game management against top-tier teams.

Individual performances for Fulham highlighted both promise and concern. Josh King’s first senior goal underscored his potential as a key creative force. Kevin’s work on the flanks showed glimpses of skill and energy, while Sessegnon’s impact from the bench emphasized the importance of tactical adjustments. Yet, the team’s inability to dominate possession, convert chances efficiently, and maintain defensive solidity will remain a concern for Silva ahead of critical league fixtures.

Marco Silva, reflecting on the match, emphasized the need for continued resilience and fan support. “We aim really high in this competition,” he said. “It was an obligation to be in the next round. We have to keep working. The players have to be positive in this moment. Confidence is not something that we can buy. We need the fans with the team as well. They need to make the Cottage next Saturday a fortress. We need them to push us.” His words underline the precarious position Fulham find themselves in, where morale, momentum, and home support will be crucial to navigating the remainder of the season.

In conclusion, Fulham’s victory over Wycombe, while relieving in terms of Carabao Cup progression, offers limited reassurance regarding the team’s broader struggles. The win was shaped by Lecomte’s heroics in goal, King’s breakthrough, and strategic substitutions that allowed the side to claw back parity. However, defensive lapses, injury concerns, and inconsistent attacking play serve as reminders of the challenges facing Marco Silva and his squad as they continue their Premier League campaign. For Wycombe, the performance reflected character and determination, providing a platform for future growth despite the exit. Ultimately, Fulham advance to the quarter-finals, but the narrow escape and reliance on penalties highlight the pressing need for improvement ahead of vital league fixtures.