The Tanner Report: Fulham 1 Reading 2

I have a wholly irrational view that my build up to a match somehow affects the result.

Thus on arrival at Victoria I learned the Circle and District lines were down and I would have to take a convoluted route to Parsons Green where I meet friends for lunch and this meant Fulham would not play well.

In fact we did not.

Our performance for the second Saturday running lacked zip and accuracy of pass and cross.

We got the ball forward quicker than under Scott Parker but, as often as not, the final cross was not telling.

Add to this Reading had the best player on the pitch in winger Ozia Ejaria who scored with aplomb both their goals.

Their keeper too Luke Southwood had a wonderful game, producing a point blank save in the dying minutes to give them all 3 points.

Fulham had their chances: Alex Mitrovic hit the bar but Bobby Decordova Reid was unable to convert as the ball fell in his path.

Fulham must hope that Fabio Carvalho can return soon as his creative spark and wondrous control and dribbling were sorely missed.  We need to find another way forward beyond Antonee Robinson’s overlapping runs.

Also Harrison Reed, who was injured again, protects the defence better than Seri.

The stats show that Fulham dominated possession and shots on goal but, as Gordon Davies said in his always perceptive programme column, the only stats that matter are the goals scored.

Bournemouth now lead the Championship but significantly the three top positions are occupied by teams demoted from the Premier last season.