Manchester United 2-1 Fulham
When the fixtures for Fulham's return to the Premier League were published almost a year ago we wondered how crucial the final match of the season, a visit to Old Trafford, would prove to be.
In the event it only mattered to United, who wanted to finish in third place, and even they must have been distracted by thoughts of the imminent FA Cup Final. Fulham were already secure in the tenth spot; nevertheless they put on yet another good performance.
For the opening half hour the visitors looked the better side. After Bernd Leno had punched away Marcus Rashford's long range free kick Fulham stormed into the lead. When Willian took a corner on the left Kenny Tete evaded Rashford to claim his first goal of the season. It was a perfect header with the assistance of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joao Palhinha, who engaged the attention of the United defenders.
Six minutes later Willian caused further panic, prompting Casemiro to bring down Tom Cairney in the area. We expected Mitro to follow up his success from the previous week, but he lacked focus this time. David de Gea, who scarcely specialises in saving penalties, had no problem with the Serb's underpowered effort.
United come to life
United came to life and the match turned their way. After some near misses a sloppy pass from Palhinha allowed Bruno Fernandes and Fred to penetrate Fulham's defence and supplyi Sancho with a simple equaliser not long before the interval.
The second half was less eventful though both sides had their chances as the intensity dropped. In the 55th minute a long pass from Fred split the Fulham defence and permitted Bruno Fernandes to score the winner. Mitro and Joao Palhinha collected their customary yellow cards and substitutes Harrison Reed, Carlos Vinicius, Manor Solomon and Dan James all tried to make their mark but the season was over before the final whistle.
United had completed an unusual triple over the Londoners, defeating them at the Cottage just before the World Cup break, in the FA Cup prior to the March international break and in the last League match before the Cup Final.
Comfortable season
This has been a comfortable season for the Londoners thanks to those excellent newcomers Palhinha, Willian, Andreas Pereira and Bernd Leno and to the masterful way in which Marco Silva has raised to Premier League standard the men who served the club so well in the Championship.
The football has proved both entertaining and productive and the team's away record has been quite exceptional. A run of victories after the World Cup break and a similar sequence in February encouraged dreams of Europe but then the impetus faded. In the last 14 games of the programme Fulham averaged a point a match by beating the four teams at the bottom of the table.
With a total of 52 points Marco Silva has equalled the achievement of Martin Jol (who took the club to 9th place in 2011-12) and Chris Coleman (also 9th in 2003-04). But Roy Hodgson still holds the record – 53 points in 2008-09 (7th position and entry to Europe).
Next year perhaps – with a different penalty-taker.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
Want to read more news stories like this? Subscribe to our weekly e-news bulletin.
