The Tanner Report: Nottingham Forest 0 Fulham 1
Many years ago, after George Best had once again gone AWOL, I went to Stamford Bridge to see Manchester United in his absence beat Chelsea 2-1.
A lad called Alan Gowling within a exceptionally thin face and a gangling stride scored a brace.
That proved his golden career moment as he never really established himself in the team.
Fast forward another 20 years and – after cleaning Jimmy Hill’s windows – he and I discussed the 7-0 Arsenal victory at Standard Liege achieved without their star striker Ian Wright.
I bring back those memories in the context of Fulham’s professional victory at Nottingham Forest last night as it was achieved without our two stars Alex Mitrovic and Tom Cairney.
It must follow that in the absence of the stars, the group try harder.
Further the midfield set-up sans Cairney of Harrison Reed, Harry Arter and Josh Onomah worked very well.
In Mitrovic’s absence the last two have supplied the goals (and full back Cyrus Christie).
Dennis Odoi had an outstanding game at right back and Antony Knockaert must be mentioned in despatches. He came on as sub and made two crucial interventions in our penalty box when we were under the cosh.
Head Coach Scott Parker has a quandary now as to who to drop for the Cardiff game on Friday. Arter may have an injury but it would be tough to drop any of the three that played so well.
If WBA lose tonight to Derby the gap is 4 points between automatic and play-off for WBA and Fulham, who have the better goal difference, and a trip to the Hawthorns on Tuesday.
Fulham’s last two games are against Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan – where there are murky goings on with an unknown owner putting the club into administration within 8 weeks of takeover and big bet on relegation in the Philippines. Another west London club Brentford have won five on the bounce and are dangerous.
Finally, as this piece began down Memory Lane, a word on Nottingham Forest. They must be the only club who have won the European Cup twice not to be in the top tier. What a demise.
Manager Sabri Lamouchi, formerly of Rennes, looks set to bring a revival in the same way as Marcel Bielsa has invigorated Leeds.
Many a French manager could not cut it across the Channel but Lamouchi seems one that will.
