The Tanner Report: Fulham 2 Leicester 1
Fulham made hard work of defeating Leicester in a game they largely dominated. On the market Jaoa Pahlinha, a tower of force as an enforcer, left for Bayern and tricky winger Willian also departed.
The most exciting signing was Emile Smith Rowe. Two years ago, when he broke into the Arsenal team, he looked the real deal but injuries and Arteta preferring Martinelli and Trossard deprived him of matches.
There was no doubting his talent and he can join up with ex-Gunners Alex Iwobi and Betnd Leno.
He opened his Premier account after a fine run and finish.
It was in fact Alex Iwobi who scored the winner after a brilliant pass from Fulham’s finest player Antonee Robinson.
Leicester equalised when Faes headed home from a corner. It took some time and VAR to confirm the goal and I agree with the general view that VAR ruins the theatre of football: it gives too much power to referees and it remains unclear as to when when and if you can celebrate a goal.
The table is taking a familiar look with Manchester City leading and Arsenal and Liverpool occupying the top four. No disrespect intended to Ivan Conway, nor to how magnificently Brighton are run, but I cannot see them staying in the top four.
Fulham are tenth and I can see us staying mid-table. Aside from Emile Smith Rowe we have Joachim Andersen back and Ryan Sessegnon as well as Cuença from Villarreal and Berge from Burnley so the squad is probably an improvement upon last season’s. Fulham now travel in the League Cup to Birmingham and will no doubt field their new signings and reserves. They then play Ipswich, who have no points, but no doubt are hoping to correct this at Portman Road.
One interesting Brighton signing is Matt O’Riley from Celtic for £30m.
I remember him as an outstanding product of the Fulham Academy, but Scott Parker let him go to Wimbledon Dons who then transferred him to Celtic for £1.5 million.
