Louis Saha scored two first-half goals in three minutes to lead Fulham to a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth on Monday, moving the London side into fifth place in the Premier League.
Portsmouth dominated the first 30 minutes and came close on a header by Dejan Stefanovic and a close-in shot from Yakubu Ayegbini that was stopped by Fulham’s Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van de Sar in goal.
Then Saha struck in the 30th when he scored Fulham’s 100th goal in the Premier League. Three minutes later he got his eighth goal of the season with a close-in header.
Portsmouth’s Patrik Berger was sent off in the 82nd on a red card after disputing a call before a small crowd of 15 600.
Fulham improved to 21 points for fifth place. Arsenal lead the Premier League with 33 points followed by Chelsea (32), Manchester United (31) and Charlton (22).
Portsmouth has only 15 points and is winless in away games this season in the Premier League. — Sapa-AP