In terms of performance and results, Marco Silva’s Fulham are basking in the sun.
If any cloud hovered over Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat of Hull City it was the injury to club captain Tim Ream. The American, who has marshalled the defence with his usual zest and skill, fell awkwardly in the 22nd minute and could not continue.
As Tim made slow and painful progress towards the changing room his comrades took the lead. This opener gave many reasons for celebration because it came from a corner (hardly one of our strongpoints) delivered by Jean-Michael Seri, who is finally justifying his price tag, and deftly headed home by Aleksandar Mitrovic, his first goal at the Cottage since July 2020. Seri then laid on a chance for Ivan Cavaleiro, which was wasted.
With the Whites’ dominance it was no surprise that in the 33rd minute Fabio Carvalho expertly guided Antonee Robinson’s centre past the Hull keeper Matt Ingram. Meanwhile the defence, with Alfie Mawson capably replacing Ream, allowed the visitors very few chances. In four matches our new goalkeeper has rarely been tested.
First half lead
The afternoon weather proved fickle – but Fulham’s standards never dropped, even when Kenny Tete and Carvalho also suffered injury. The only disturbing defluxion was the shower of yellow cards issued by the referee Tim Robinson. Perhaps he was already weary of ‘keeping the play going’ and shared Jurgen Klopp’s view that overindulgence of body contact encouraged strongarm tactics. As Klopp put it ‘Watch wrestling if you like those things’.
Once again, the first half lead was sufficient to ensure victory. This is rather hard on us Hammersmith Enders, still waiting to see a goal scored at our end of the pitch. At least the second period provided plenty of entertainment and Mitro should really have scored from yet another Antonee Robinson cross. The fans showed their appreciation of Jean-Michael and Antonee by placing them first and second in the rankings for Man of the Match.
Guest of honour John Key
Saturday’s guest of honour was John Key, our former winger who played alongside Haynes, Mullery and the other heroes of the 1960s. He is slightly older than I am and, standing outside Craven Cottage some six decades ago, I was mistaken for him though there were few similarities beyond the colour of our hair.
As a teenager John was seen as the likely replacement for the veteran Arthur Stevens only for Fulham to sign the brilliant Scottish forward Graham Leggat.
In April 1960, with Haynes and Leggat on international duty and a spate of injuries within the club, Fulham fielded a forward line of five reserves including John Key. As Leggat was happy to play anywhere in the forward line, John staked a successful claim for a first team place.
On the 26 September 1960 the redheaded winger played in the first ever League Cup match.
That innovation was boycotted by the major clubs so Fulham were one of the strongest sides remaining but they tamely lost to Bristol Rovers. The competition, now the Carabao Cup, has often seemed superfluous but it does offer fringe players and emerging talent the opportunity to show what they have to offer.
Fulham’s team on Tuesday night at Birmingham included Michael Hector and Denis Odoi as well as unfamiliar names like Jay Stansfield and Adrian Pajaziti. Jay’s superb 26th minute strike ensured victory and Antonee Robinson came off the bench to score a second in the closing moments.
It has been a very good month for Fulham FC and the new head coach Marco Silva.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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