Stoke almost threw away a 3-0 half-time lead against Fulham but eventually clung on to end a run of six Premier League matches without victory.
The Cottagers were stunned as Tuncay Sanli nodded in a close-range header from a 12th-minute corner and the Potters then scored twice within three minutes of each other just after the half-hour through Abdoulaye Faye and Mamady Sidibe.
Damien Duff pulled one back in the 61st minute before a stunning Clint Dempsey volley five minutes from time set up a rousing finale.
The win was Stoke’s first in the league since November 22, while Fulham have now gone nine away matches without victory.
It was also the first time Stoke had scored three in the Premier League since August 23, 2008 – their second game back in the top flight.
Sanli Goal
Abdoulaye Faye Goal
Mamady Sidibe Goal
Damien Duff Goal
Clint Dempsey Goal