The Tanner Report: Fulham 1 Chelsea 2

Fulham fans were much heartened by this performance. For long periods we took the game to Chelsea though I always felt- as happened – that if we did score Chelsea would speedily do the same.

We conceded our normal 2 goals, making it 69 in total. However there were encouraging performances from Joe Bryan, Tom Cairney, Ryan Sessegnon in the second half, Tim Ream and Sergio Rico.

You felt that a weight was lifted of their shoulders and the team knew what to do on the pitch, exemplified by a set piece corner where Callum Chambers found space at the far post which had been worked out on the training ground.

Much as it pains me to say it Chelsea are a very good side.

Keeper Kepa after his antics in the Caribou Cup for which he was dropped produced two death-defying reflex saves.

Ryan Sessegnon’s injury time “equaliser” was ruled out for offside but the replay showed this was correct.

Scott Parker finds himself in a tricky position.

At the end of the season, once relegated, Fulham could lose 7 loanees plus Mitrovic and Sessegnon so – for forward planning – he should select those who can potentially take us back from the promotion side, but against that – to get the job – he needs results and for that he must chooses the likes of Schurrle and Chambers, my man of the match.

Whoever is appointed, one hopes for an overhaul of a recruitment policy that was little short of disastrous and the new man is not expected to buy into a strategy that cost relegation as well as £100 million plus.