The Tanner Report: Fulham 2 Nottingham Forest 0
More than a few Cottager eyebrows were raised when Marco Silva signed 34 year old Willian.
He had in fact played for Shaktar Donetsk against Fulham 13 years ago in our successful Europa League campaign under Roy Hodgson.
He had 7 seasons at Chelsea and was particularly effective in midfield with Eden Hazard.
He moved to Arsenal, which did not work out well, and then the Brazilian team Corinthians.
He has not lost his pace nor footwork but, at 34, there was little prospect of a further sale. It turned out to be an inspired signing.
Yesterday he brought the ball down in the Nottingham Forest box, made an angle and – on his weaker left foot – shot past 5 Forest players and the keeper to score in the only possible place in the top left hand corner of the net.
Fulham have now amassed more points at this stage than ever before in the top flight and are on course for our best position and a European competition place.
We are beginning to attract praiseworthy articles, one of which in the Telegraph yesterday, said that Fulham’s recruitment was in accordance with agreed criteria and metrics.
These may have changed as – in the last two brief seasons in the Premiership – Fulham would not have signed a 34 year old.
Another 35 year old – skipper Tim Ream – is having his best season ever at the heart of the Fulham defence.
All this reflects what a fine coach Marco Silva is and how Fulham – like Brentford and Brighton – have got their recruitment right and why Chelsea,who have not, are below all three.
