New Year’s frustration for Fulham

Fulham 2-2 Ipswich

Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth

Chelsea 1-2 Fulham

Fulham 0-0 Southampton

Both those who have supported Fulham for decades and those quite new to the club have struggled to understand why the team that won at Anfield and Stamford Bridge could not overcome Southampton or Ipswich Town at the Cottage.

Admittedly the Tractor Boys (as their fans still call them) had also shocked Chelsea and they came determined to upset Fulham. Early forays by Calvin Bassey and Town's Rory Delap seemed to presage an exciting game but the home side reverted to their old fondness for possession football in midfield. The ball would go forwards, backwards and sideways before ending in touch. Ipswich did not interfere.

Emotions were stirred when Harry Wilson had a clear sight of goal and Leif Davis clattered him down – a clear foul but did it merit a red card as Marco Silva inevitably fulminated? The officials demurred. Once again I felt the need for a 'sin bin' so that Ipswich would deservedly have been a man short for the next twenty minutes. The free kick came to nothing.

The visitors seized their chance when Nathan Broadhead's centre flummoxed the Fulham defence. Antonee Robinson headed against his own bar and Sammie Szmodics converted the rebound. Robinson and Alex Iwobi were not making their usual impact though Alex and Raul Jimenez did fashion a chance for Wilson that he squandered.

The second half proved more eventful with Iwobi and Emile Smith Howe both wasting opportunities for an equaliser and Bernd Leno denying Broadhead. Referee Darren Bond drew more derision when he dallied over awarding Fulham a penalty after Sam Morsy tripped Wilson.

Jimenez waited patiently to slide the ball past Christian Walton but home supporters' glee was almost immediately choked when Delap was similarly fouled by Timothy Castagne and the Ipswich striker scored from the spot.

In the 91st minute shortly after Jack Clarke hit the post a third penalty gave the home side a welcome reprieve, Jimenez tumbling under a challenge. The record-breaking Mexican added to his impressive tally of Premier League goals.

At last Fulham seemed to be playing to win and they might have done so with the final kick of the game but substitute Rodrigo Muniz could not beat Walton. In truth neither side deserved three points.

Honours even with Bournemouth

The club's final fixture of 2024 had brought Bournemouth to Craven Cottage. With both sides on unbeaten runs and both noted for playing attractive football the first half proved rather a letdown. The visitors had the edge with the lively David Brooks and Evanilson probing the home defence.

Once again Bernd Leno kept his team in the match. Then Referee Rob Jones disallowed James Hill's effort because of a shirt-tug on Joachim Andersen.

Despite Bournemouth's superiority Fulham stole the lead just before the interval with their first corner of the match. Andreas Pereira's delivery and Raul Jimenez's header displayed the artistry and precision that these two gifted players could employ more often.

Bournemouth's response included a wild lunge on Antonee Robinson by Ryan Christie. Mr Jones produced a yellow card, a judgment that received the backing of VAR and much of the media. I saw it as a reckless foul that could have done great damage.

The second half saw both teams raise their game though Fulham's defence looked naïve at times. It was far too easy for Hill to tee up the ball for Evanilson's equaliser. Silva delayed his substitutions till the 68th minute and they achieved less than usual though Tom Cairney effected some canny touches.

He started the move that, assisted by Robinson and Iwobi, led to Harry Wilson's late headed goal (it's becoming something of a tradition). Unfortunately Bournemouth also adhere to this code and a wayward pass by Issa Diop allowed Dango Ouattara an 89th minute equaliser. This was so unfortunate for Diop, who had played a significant role in the unbeaten run.

At the close Bernd Leno came over to the Hammersmith End to speak to his young fans and hand out mementos. He is a wonderful inspiration.

Derby joy at Stamford Bridge

Back in 1979 Fulham FC celebrated its centenary though its foundation date is far from certain. There is no doubt however that on the 27th October 1979 the club won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge with goals from Gordon Davies and John Beck.

Any supporters who missed that victory needed to wait until Boxing Day 2024 for a repeat performance. Once again they had cause to thank Marco Silva for slaying yet another shibboleth that had defeated his predecessors.

The initial stages of the Bank Holiday match looked ominous. Silva had regrouped his players to cope with Chelsea's strike force but in the 16th minute Cole Palmer ghosted past Sasa Lukic and Andreas Pereira to slip the ball into the corner of the net. The confident striker later commented:

'In the first half we played well and controlled the game and had quite a few chances.'

Of course Fulham also had chances. Pereira and Jimenez squandered theirs but Bassey raced through the Blues' defence in a manner so electrifying that one commentator mistook him for Alex Iwobi. Palmer was correct in as much as the home side retained the lead and could have gone further ahead just before the interval when a close-range header from Marc Cucurella needed a magnificent save from Bernd Leno.

Early in the second period the Whites' keeper was again kept busy but after Levi Colwill had a goal disallowed for offside Fulham grabbed control. Adama Traore created a marvellous opening for Robinson, who dallied and allowed Robert Sanchez to block him, after which Muniz replaced Jimenez and tested the keeper with a firm header.

As Chelsea wilted Robinson sent Iwobi racing down the left, brushing away Pedro Neto's illicit challenge. His centre was met by Timothy Castagne, and Harry Wilson calmly helped the ball over the line. Neto stayed on the turf long enough to avoid a yellow card for simulation. It took no time at all for VAR to dismiss his claim for a foul by Iwobi.

Eight minutes remained and the officials added a few more, which enabled Wilson and Lukic to set up Muniz for a stunning winner. Leno made one last magnificent save from Christopher Nkunku to seal a victory that will be savoured for years.

Dreary draw with Saints

Matches played immediately before Christmas are proverbially disappointing and Southampton's visit to the Cottage lived down to expectation. On current form Fulham should have beaten the Saints, who were bottom of the League having gained just one point away from home. At least the Whites did not lose. That would have been a real embarrassment as it took 62 minutes for any Southampton player to venture a shot at goal.

Reiss Nelson's injury and Andreas Pereira's suspension prompted Silva to try an attack force of Rodrigo Muniz, Alex Iwobi, Harry Wilson and young Josh King. The first three were not at their best – we had to wait till Boxing Day for that – but Josh impressed the fans with his energy, confidence and creativity. The BBC rated him Fulham's star player.

Somehow Match of the Day 2 editors managed to find three worthwhile incidents from the first half – a trio of Fulham attempts to score, two of them from Iwobi. The club's own highlights show added a further shot by the Nigerian – well off target.

The second period produced the one moment of true quality. Harry Wilson's corner was returned by Adama Traore on the other flank and the Welshman's volley induced a stupefying save by Aaron Ramsdale. Traore had his own opportunity to score in the closing moments but he somehow missed. His visible dismay was worse than if he had forgotten to buy a Christmas present for a special someone.

After the final whistle a relieved Ramsdale clapped without irony the Hammersmith Enders who had teased him throughout the second half. At last the Saints had something to celebrate.