The Tanner Report: Barnsley 1 Fulham 3
Fulham are now in the play-off positions but we seasoned Cottage watchers whose glass is half empty still have concerns. True we have on our last 3 games but victory against Middlesbrough was undeserved and in the other two – versus Ipswich and Barnsley – Fulham were trailing until a red card for the opposition changed the course of the game. Then there is Tom Cairney who may well be off to West Ham. We are not playing that well and still lack a focal point up front to convert chances created. Once again on Saturday at Barnsley Fonte dropped too deep to be effective.
On the plus side Matt Target from Southampton made a classy debut. Coach SJ likes his fullbacks to bomb forward which Target did and he has a sweet left foot too. Another Wayne Bridge? Seventeen year old Ryan Sessegnon scored his twelfth of the season, confirming he is the best finisher in the club. Kevin McDonald did the heavy lifting in midfield but Norwood and Johansen, who never seem to fuse, will be disappointed with their performances.
It’s all going to turn in the next few months on games against Aston Villa, Wolves and Derby. Given Fulham have never won a play-off game we need to take thees points of them to strive for the second position and automatic promotion.
