Benfica 0-1 Fulham
Fulham 1-2 Sevilla
Hoffenheim 0-2 Fulham
A year ago the Whites made an encouraging start to their Premier season with a victory at Everton. Bobby DeCordova-Reid scored the only goal, assisted by Alexander Mitrovic.
More remarkable was the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates, Andreas Pereira capitalising on Bukayo Saka’s error and Joao Palhinha snatching a late equaliser. I am still trying to forget the first home match – a 3-0 drubbing by Brentford in which Tim Ream received a harsh red card.
Of those Fulham players mentioned above only Pereira is certain to represent the club in 2024/25. Mitro is long gone. Fortunately for England he failed to ignite in the European qualifier though it was fun later to see him bumping chests with Joachim Andersen.
Carlos Vinicius is still on loan to Galatasaray, having missed his initial chance to replace the Serb. Bobby DeCordova-Reid, so dependable as a utility man, was a more prolific scorer than some of the official strikers. We may see him at the Cottage in Leicester City’s colours later this month.
It was a privilege to have Palhinha in our team for two seasons. He would have been great in any era and though his vigorous tackles resulted in too many yellow cards; it was noticeable how the referees admired his precision and his lack of viciousness. He deserves his dream move to Bayern Munich.
Like Tosin and Marek Rodak, Tim Ream has finally left the Cottage. From his arrival nine years ago Tim has proved himself the ideal Championship defender, able to turn a match by a timely interception and a beautifully judged pass.
My blogs are crammed with examples, like these two from a long-forgotten Preston match; ‘Ream sent Ryan Sessegnon on an electrifying run down the touchline’ and at the close ‘Five additional minutes were needed and in the last of these the visiting keeper was tempted off his line by Tim Ream’s swirling centre. Maxwell’s uncharacteristic fumble allowed Denis Odoi a difficult chance that he did not waste’.
Apart from Scott Parker, every other Fulham manager saw the American as an asset in the Premier League too and Marco Silva honed his talents still further. Tim will export his wealth of experience to Charlotte FC in the States.
New arrivals
Newcomers this August include Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal, Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal and (haven’t we met?) Ryan Sessegnon from Spurs. Three games in nine days against notable European sides have given them some chance to assimilate. Sessegnon made a late appearance in the 1-0 victory over Benfica but it was Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno that impressed most.
Cuenca and reserve keeper Steven Benda featured in the starting line-up against Seville. Benda received an early warning about the first team defenders’ bad habit of losing focus; an unopposed Isaac Romera put Seville ahead. Smith Rowe came on in the second half and within seven minutes headed the equaliser. A great start but Romera scored again to ensure a Spanish victory.
The third game, against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim was enlivened by Iwobi, who created both goals. True, Oliver Baumann should have prevented Smith Rowe’s but it was still a cause to be cheerful. Not that we should get too excited. A year ago newbies Raoul Jimenez and Calvin Bassey both scored against the Germans and then took ages to open their account in the Premier League. Ream and Vinicius beat them to it.
Marco Silva has a talented and eager squad. Friday’s match at Manchester United should bring out the best in the players even if it reveals some frailties too.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
