The Tanner Report: Arsenal 2 Fulham 2
I clean the windows of a successful Fulham-supporting economist who, like many of that ilk, does like his projections and predictions.
However football is not an exact science.
After Brentford beat (and beat up) Fulham last week few gave us any chance at the Emirates against high-flying Arsenal.
Yet it was Fulham who took the lead after 53 seconds when Andreas Pereira converted a misplaced pass by Saka. We held on till half time.
When the Gunners scored twice in the second half we feared a repeat of the 2-1 defeat last season.
However the wonderful Joao Pahlinha eqaulised to end up honours even. After their best performance of the season Fulham had earned a highly creditable draw against one of the best teams in the country.
After only 3 games it is a bit early to draw meaningful conclusions but our midtable position of 11th feels right.
Occupying the relegations berths are Everton, Luton and Burnley and I identified these teams as well as Sheffield Utd, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth as inferior to Fulham.
We are in that group of Crystal Palace , Brentford, andWest Ham who should both be safe but unlikely to achieve a top 6 finish.
Ths Mitro position has been resolved to everyone’s delight.
Fulham have banked a sizeable amount alleged to be north of £50 million; Mitro has more money than he could dream; Fulham can move on and seek a replacement.
Finding a 15-20 goal striker is not easy and there are more failures than successes.
The main cause for concern is discipline.
Calvin Bassey was red-carded, as was Tim Ream last week.
Marco Silva was yellow-carded again making it 3 in 3 games.
For the second successive week we conceded a penalty.
In the week we play Spurs in the League Cup but Fulham fans will be less worried about this result than retaining Pahlinha in the final week of the transfer window.
