Silva: Fulham 'have to be more ruthless' after late Bournemouth equaliser

The Cottagers, who were twice pegged back by the Cherries, appeared on course for victory at 2-1 up heading into the 89th minute.

Harry Wilson's header had restored the hosts' advantage after Evanilson cancelled out Raul Jimenez's opener, but Dango Ouattara's finish ensured the spoils were shared.

Fulham have now dropped a league-high 19 points from winning positions this season, and Silva felt his side deserved more from the entertaining contest.

"Yes, definitely," Silva told the club's official website when asked if he was frustrated by the result. "A really tough one to take in a difficult game.

"The first half was difficult for us, and we were not able to have the possession that we like to have normally. It was a set-piece that made the difference, a great one as well.

"After we made it 2-1, we started to control the game. It felt like it was much closer to 3-1 than 2-2, but when the game gets towards the end, we have to be more ruthless.

"It's another situation for us to learn from, but there are many positives from the game we can take. Performance-wise, we deserve more points, definitely."

The comeback kings at it again

— AFC Bournemouth(@afcbournemouth) December 29, 2024

Ouattara's equaliser was the 10th goal Bournemouth have scored in the final five minutes of Premier League matches this term, three more than any other side.

The point moved the Cherries to within five points of the Champions League places, though fourth-placed Chelsea have the luxury of a game in hand.

Andoni Iraola saluted the character demonstrated by his players to extend their unbeaten streak to seven games.

"We normally finish the games strongly," he told BBC Sport. "We always value the subs and what they give us energy-wise.

"Today, I'm very proud of the players because we were in a very difficult situation. I'm happy that we scored at the end.

"If anyone deserved to win today, it was more Bournemouth than Fulham.

"I think we played very well in the first half. When you concede at the end after performing very well, it's always difficult. You feel like you're going to miss a big opportunity.