The Tanner Report: Fulham 3 Aston Villa 1

With four successive wins following the victory over Aston Villa Fulham are in the play-off berths. Rather like a well-timed run in a horse race, we were stuck in the mid group but when we challenged in the last few lengths we hit the leaders with momentum. One of the features of this run is that we have not conceded more than one goal in any of these matches. Tim Ream, a defender I denigrated, is quick, composed, reads the game and combines well with Tomas Kalas. The other improvement is Marcus Bettinelli in goal, a better shot saver and distributor than David Button. With 3 more games we are not home and hosed. Of these 3 games two are away to Huddersfield next week and Sheffield Wednesday. Having anticipated that these might be proverbial six pointers it is now possible that they are meaningless as whatever the result the home side will be in the play offs.

The most praise is due to Slavisa Jokanovic who has not only turned around our fortunes but has created an attractive style of football. We are the top scorers in the Championship, create sweeping passing movements and in Aluko, Ayite, Kebano and Cairney we have exciting player on the ball. There is pace throughout the side with fullbacks Ryan Fredericks and Scott Malone bombing down the wings. Villa reduced to 10 men put up stiff resistance and did get on equal terms but 2 goals saw us home.

I congratuled Ivan on Brighton’s promotion. They have been consistent throughout with not one bad run, winning when they had to and 4 players, Baldock, Murray, Hemed and Knockaert, the Championship player of the season all contributing goals in double figures. There could easily be a reaction after missing out last season but Chris Hughton is a superb manager. Lets hope we watch Fulham v Brighton next season …in the Premier. 6 more consecutive wins would ensure that.