The Tanner Report: Hull 0 Fulham 1
This was another grounded-out win which kept Fulham on top of the Championship and 11 points clear of third place Blackburn.
The only goal separating the sides was scored by Alex Mitrovic, a glancing header from a cross from right back Neco Williams – a loan signing from Liverpool – who had an excellent game.
It was Mitro’ s 31st of the season, equalling Ivan Toney’s record, and it surely will not be long before Mitro holds the record outright.
Mitro only scored 2 goals last season in the Premiership for Fulham.
I always ask myself the question after one of his goals – would it have been scored against a Premier defence?
Yesterday, for example, a Premier defence might have let a central defender attack the cross and keeper stay on his line.
Nonetheless 31 goals by February is quite a haul.
The last two promotions – of 2017-18 and 2019-20 – were achieved via the play-offs.
Both produced dramatic finals, against Aston Villa and Brentford, but this season automatic promotion is more likely.
This means recruitment can be more measured as there is more time.
Brentford is a club with a sound recruitment policy and look like staying up though their second season, like Sheffield United’s, could well be more problematic.
I am happy for owner Shahid Khan who has made a huge investment in the new Riverside stand and generally in Fulham.
Should promotion be achieved it’s going to be filled and his ambitions fulfilled.
Head Coach Marco Silva has been impressive throughout.
He has managed the resources of his squad superbly.
Senior players like Neeskens Kebano and Tim Ream are regulars, youngsters Fabio Carvalho is wanted by Liverpool from whom Fulham acquired another exciting youngster Harry Wilson and he has on the bench Jean Michel Seri, Harrison Reed, Bobby Decordova Reid and Michael Hector.
The football has been stylish and attractive with goals a-plenty, seven scored against Blackburn and Reading.
Fulham fans are notorious for complaining but there are very few negatives at the moment.
