Fulham boss says pressure is on Cardiff in race for promotion

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic insists automatic promotion would be “a big surprise” despite defeating in-form Aston Villa to secure their seventh home win in a row.

Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite struck in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

However, Cardiff – whose win lifted them into second spot – remain six points ahead of the Whites and Jokanovic said that was a big advantage.

“For us, it will be a big surprise if we finish in the top two,” Jokanovic said.

“For them [Cardiff], it can be a little bit different.

“We’re going to try chasing them without any pressure. All the pressure is on the teams in front of us.

“If I had six points more than the teams below me, I will be under pressure to not make mistakes.”

Jokanovic again praised Sessegnon after the highly-rated 17-year-old scored his 12th goal of a remarkably productive season, only his second in professional football.

“He is really talented. He tries to push himself, he’s never satisfied,” the Whites boss said.

“He played fantastically at 16, is at 17 and probably will play better at 18.

“He is an important player in my team. But there is still space for him to improve.”