Fulham 2 Middlesbrough 1
Fulham maintained their fine start to the season with our fourth victory, last night over a Boro side from the Premiership and unbeaten since March. As is the way with the League Cup, both sides played scratch sides but Boro’s looking the stronger than the youthful Fulham one who had Adirian aged 17 in midfield and eight others under 21. Boro took the lead from a header from David Nugent which keeper Joronen might have come for and dominated the first half. The second half was another story with new boy Jezebed popularly known as Sofabed and Ryan Tunnicliffe increasingly influential . The equaliser came when Start turned in Malone’s cross and the game went to extra time. Christensen knocked in the winner after fine wing work by Edun.
Coach Slavisa Jokatovic has gone very public over the interference of moneyball guru Craig Kline but assured everybody he is not leaving. He is rightfully concerned that our best start since the first full season of Chris Coleman in 2002 could falter through lack of player depth. . We have signed Sigatrsson who scored against England in the Euros. Speaking to an experienced ex Premier manger I know well he stated statistics were certainly a part of player acquisition but not the part. If for examople Stearman and Ream who played last night were bought last season on that principle . the stats couldn’t predict that both players lost form on arriving at Fulham. A few years ago Mark Hughes signed a Mexican left back with a fine reputation , he suffered a burglary and could not settle. Frank Quedrue another left back built an impressive reputation at Boro but never did it for us. Conversely Ivan was saying Chris Hughton signed Kayal from Celtic for£300,000 a pittance these days because he had injury problems. He is in Ivan’s view the best midfielder in the Championship.
Still we must complain in a start where we are still unbeaten and by all accounts were unlucky to draw at Leeds. Only last Saturday’s performance was unsatisfactory. Much was invested in Fulham’s Academy. Some clubs don’t bother with one as the modern manager is not around long enough to wait for 16 years olds to develop. For supporters the next Johhny Haynes, George Cohen , Les Barrett , Srevie Earle, Yony Gale, Sean Davis and now Christensen, Grimmer, de la Torre ,Kavanagh , Woodrow all of whom who played last night is a wonderful expectation. …stats or no stats.
