The Tanner Report: Fulham 2 Sunderland 1

After yet another sterile first half in which Sunderland deservedly took the lead, we rallied with a goal just before half-time and then scored a winner from a header from the prolific Mitrovic. So we are now in second place with Cardiff at Hull today. Both Matt Targett and Tom Cairney came off injured which as worrying for our play-off chances as is the key stat that in 6 games we are yet to win a play-off match. So we pray that the Cardiff who are stuttering come unstuck at Hull.

Sunderland are of course managed by Chris Coleman, his number two is Kit Symons, both of whom have managed Fulham.

The Fulham connection does not end there as like Sunderland they were demoted as bottom club for 2 successive seasons. The third club to do so Wolves are promoted as champions this season.

Coach Slavisa Jokatovic is never shy in imaginative substitutions. Many of us felt that Abou Kamara should be given more game time. He is raw but his pace and power often troubles the opposition.

When Targett came off, I was so delighted  he came on and he made a lively and significant  contribution to the ultimate victory.

We have too many fast or skillful forwards that the power of Kamara, even if he has not the best of first touches or judgment, is a welcome and necessary alternative. As the game was moved at short notice to Friday from the Saturday, I had other immutable commitments and watched the game on SKY.

The coverage was Sunderland-centric with ex-black cat Michael Gray as one of the analysts. Why could they not have had ex-Cottagers Tony Gale or Leroy Rosenior to counterbalance?

Danny Higginbotham gave an excellent tactical overview. He made the point that those that counter Fulham by congesting their defence and play narrow are caught out by the pace of Fulham’s fullbacks in the space on the wings.

This was spot on as Ryan Fredericks at overlapping right  had a tremendous game.

I spoke to a Fulham supporter in the week who did not rate him. Personally I would have him as contender for player of the year.

So our winning run extends to 23 games – that is half the season-but as pleasing is our passing fluid game with even our central defenders comfortable on the all and willing and able to play out of defence.