A season opener with rustiness abounding was heading Brighton’s way. Then came echoes of last season, when 22 points were conceded from winning positions. Once Matt O’Riley had slotted a penalty after Sander Berge’s ill-judged challenge, Fulham had to wait for the 95th minute for a genuine chance. Volleyed wide by an aghast Kenny Tete it would not be the last, Rodrigo Muniz smashing in a Harry Wilson corner to equalise.
The ball had been allowed to travel to the second-half sub on the back post. Muniz, one of many strikers linked with Newcastle, and this week linked with Atalanta and Champions League football, chested down to crash home. The delighted away fans implored the Brazilian to stay. “He’s very strong,” said Marco Silva, the Fulham manager. “Rodrigo created something with the fans that is not easy to do.”