The Tanner Report: Fulham 2 WBA 0
The relief was palpable.
Fulham’s first win in the Premier and out of the relegation zone: a defence which had only conceded 3 goals in 3 matches kept a clean sheet; new signing Joachim Andersen in central defence looked the business and, recovering quicker than expected from an ankle injury, played the 90 minutes.
This time the full backs were released to attack. Antonee Robinson was a constant threat on the left and and on the right Ola Aina consummated a solid performance with a brilliant strike for the second.
Alex Mitrovic may not have scored but worked like a Trojan assisting in both goals.
Tom Cairney in a more advanced role showed he is still the heartbeat of the team.
My man of the match was Zambo Anguissa, forever driving us forward from midfield – a Josh Onomah on steroids.
Of course we are by no means out of danger. This month we play West Ham away, Everton at home and Leicester away. Two points from these games would be satisfactory.
The stadium might be empty but each week we see that magnificent stand take shape.
With a pier and an attractive bend of the Thames the owner has maximised the appeal of the amenities and I imagine the residents – so anti the club in the past – will be the first to use the facilities.
It’s been a depressing week with the return to lockdown.
After 5 defeats in 7 games I normally receive pessimistic messages but last night’s crop was upbeat.
Above all I was happy for Scott Parker.
The cries for his dismissal were ludicrous. Two seasons ago we were relegated with 3 managers/head coaches in one season.
He clearly has the support of the group, is diligent and must be given time to bed in the new recruits.
Only 6 months ago he achieved what Sunderland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and Derby – all bigger clubs than Fulham – could not namely a return to the top tier.
