A record scorer in a team that has scored goals for fun since August.
Captain Cairney opened the scoring as Fulham ran riotCredit: REX FEATURESKenny Tete added a second with his weaker foot as the Cottagers got back on winning formCredit: ALAMYFabio Carvalho capped off potentially his last home appearance as a Fulham player with a goalCredit: REX FEATURES
And as Aleksandar Mitrovic was chaired off Craven Cottage after Fulham sealed the Championship crown with a magnificent seven, the belief around this corner of South West London was that this time they will make a genuine impression on the Prem.
Admittedly, Fulham’s yoyo run in recent years will have some fans wondering if they REALLY want another term of Prem toil.
But maybe this side can go up and stay there.
They certainly will have a chance if Mitrovic can match even half his tally for this campaign – especially with Welsh wizard Harry Wilson here to stay.
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Aleksandar Mitrovic grabbed his 42nd Championship goal of a stunning seasonCredit: GETTYBobby Decordova-Reid added a fifthCredit: REX FEATURESSeri came off the bench to score his first of the seasonCredit: REX FEATURESFulham’s stats against Luton
“Now we HAVE to celebrate what we have done.
“I know we have another game on Saturday, a game that is important for many other clubs as well.
“But this is a moment for them to celebrate what they have done, the things they have achieved.”
This was less a contest than an exhibition, and Luton boss Nathan Jones has a massive job to make his side believe they can now bounce back by beating reading on Saturday to clinch a play-off slot and a chance for that £200m Prem bounty.
By contrast, Fulham are deservedly back in the big-time – and long before the end it was a question of just how many they would score.
You had to feel for Luton keeper Matt Ingram, making his debut after his emergency loan arrival from Hull and thrown straight into a defensive debacle.
Mitrovic added a record breaking 43rd in added timeCredit: GETTYMarco Silva will be hoping his side can stay up in the top flight next seasonCredit: REX FEATURESThere was a party atmosphere inside Craven CottageCredit: REX FEATURES
Ingram was left horribly exposed as stunning strikes from Tom Cairney – Fulham’s 100th of the season – and Kenny Tete had the game won by half-time.
And what followed after the break was a demolition, orchestrated by Wilson and Fabio Carvalho – who will be on Liverpool’s books next term – and completed by Serbian wrecking ball Mitro.
Carvalho claimed the third, steering gloriously into the bottom corner after a lovely move involving Mitrovic and Wilson.
Then Mitrovic went level with Guy Whittingham’s 1992-93 second tier record for Portsmouth, bulldozing through from a Wilson pass to poke home.
Bobby de Cordova Reid, fed by carvalho, got number five, before substitute Jean Micheal Seri teased home past the groping Ingram from 30 yards.
Fulham’s big hitters performedCredit: REX FEATURESThe big win puts Luton’s play-off place at risk, with their goal difference now inferior to MillwallCredit: REX FEATURESLuton will have to hold their nerve on the final day of the seasonCredit: REX FEATURES
And Mitrovic, fittingly, had the final word, after Wilson burst from deep to find him in the inside left channel.
Cue the celebrations, a good-natured pitch invasion and the lifting of the trophy. And those hopes that August will not be the start of another battle for survival.
Mitrovic whipped his shirt off after netting the seventhCredit: REUTERS‘Please keep off the pitch’ was ignored as jubilant fans invaded the pitchCredit: REUTERSCairney lifted the Championship trophyCredit: REUTERSThe trophy lift took place in front of Fulham’s fans at Craven CottageSilva has successfully guided Fulham back to the top flightCredit: REUTERS
