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The Tanner Report : Fulham 0 West Ham 2

If Fulham carry on conceding 2 goals a game relegation is assured. To win a match we would have to score 3 but that is hard if not impossible.

Usually we concede in the first quarter of a game after an error – normally it’s Seri losing possession or Dennis Odoi not doing the necessary.

Yesterday it was Odoi who launched a challenge impetuously into the skilful Felipe, who then broke free, pulled it back for Robert Snodgrass to score with a well-directed shot from outside the box.

It was Fulham who should have been ahead at that stage but one-on-one Abou Kamara muffed his lines, the ball was trapped under him, only permitting a near post stab which the keeper Fabianski saved.

Later on he mistimed a run to the near a post so when he arrived the ball was almost behind him.

Alex Mitrovic too might have directed his header better. So there were our three good chances, all scorned.

West Ham’s second goal from Antonio occurred from a situation we have seen many times.

Our left full back, normally Cyrus Christie but this time Joe Bryan, is marooned up the pitch, Schurrle won’t cover and the striker has all the space in the world and no pressure to execute.

In the second half West Ham controlled the game and ran it out 2-0, unlike us taking 2 out of their 3 chances. This is their fourth win on the trot and they are a capable side.

It’s not all doom and gloom at the Cottage. It’s still tight at the bottom with Huddersfield and Cardiff losing. Of the top seven teams, we have played six of them away and go to Arsenal on New Year’s Day.

Older fans like me know that Fulham invariably put a winning run together in the the New Year. However, somehow or other, those defensive errors must be eliminated.

One option might be to switch to a flat back four or, if the fullbacks are to overlap, play three at the back. Another is to acquire a centre back who knows his premier business and Gary Cahill springs to mind.

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About Alan Tanner

After a distinguished military service in the Catering Corps, Alan Tanner did well in mufti with his chamois as a window cleaner. Sadly he had to retire after falling from the fifth floor of Danny Murphy's mock Tudor home. He spends his retirement watching and writing about his beloved Fulham whom he has supported for over 50 years. The Alan Tanner Report is sponsored by Tanner Crystal Clear Ltd, Window Cleaners to the Gentry. More Posts