Andreas Pereira struck in either half to end Fulham’s two-match losing run and damage West Ham’s hopes of qualifying for European football through the Premier League at London Stadium.
Playmaker Pereira capitalised on Konstantinos Mavropanos’ miscued clearance to open the scoring after nine minutes and added a second by sweeping in from Alex Iwobi’s cross with 18 minutes remaining.
The Hammers, who also lost the first leg of their Uefa Europa League quarter-final 2-0 at Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, have now won one of their last six top-flight matches.
David Moyes’ side missed out on a victory which would have sent them sixth, while Fulham are 12th after their third away win of the season.
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Two defeats in four days have hindered West Ham’s ambitions in Europe, putting them on the brink of a Europa League exit and denting their chances of finishing in the top eight of the Premier League.
Vladimir Coufal’s determined run almost drew them level during the first half, his shot parried by Bernd Leno before Michail Antonio sent the rebound over the crossbar.
West Ham v Fulham: Pereira produces
While West Ham looked jaded by their exertions against a Leverkusen side unbeaten all season, Fulham took advantage with an assured performance lit up by Pereira’s goals.
Marco Silva’s side could have had a second before the Brazil midfielder converted again, winger Willian’s drive going close.
There was a worrying, lengthy delay at the end of the match when 19-year-old West Ham substitute George Earthy was treated for a head injury and taken off on a stretcher.
An Andreas Pereira brace sinks the Hammers ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/6xlYZaeP8I
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 14, 2024
West Ham are eighth, two points behind Newcastle and Manchester United, both of whom have a game in hand.
They are four points above Chelsea, who have three matches in hand, and Brighton & Hove Albion, who have one more to play.
Fulham are next in action when they host Liverpool next Sunday (4.30pm BST). West Ham are at home to Leverkusen on Thursday (8pm) and visit Crystal Palace three days later (3pm).