A season which just a few weeks ago offered so much could well pale into mediocrity – with the Seagulls now coming a cropper at Craven Cottage.
Albion’s best hope of European football next season may be to actually win the Europa League although, perhaps ironically, this would ensure Champions League and not Europa League football.
The Seagulls were undone by two first-half goals. The first came from Harry Wilson on 21 minutes followed 10 minutes later by an on-target Rodrigo Muniz.
Albion had first-half chances from Adam Lallana, who turned well but fired over, and Julio Enciso but his effort was also high and wide.
Most concerning for Albion was Evan Ferguson, once valued at over £100 million.
He had at least three gilt-edged chances, with only Bernd Leno to beat, but the young Irish striker fired wide or tamely at the keeper.
Ansu Fati and Facundo Buonanotte, both on as second-half substitutes, combined well to create Albion’s best chance but Buananotte’s effort hit the post.
As Albion searched desperately for a goal so Fulham broke forward and, in stoppage time, Adaman Traore grabbed a third.
Albion’s next match is away to AS Roma in the Europa League knockout stages before Nottingham Forest visit the Amex next Sunday in the Premier League.
