The Tanner Report: Fulham 3 Brentford 2

Fulham were slightly fortunate to win this feisty, lively West London derby – Brentford having two goals disallowed.

Fulham came out of the blocks the quicker with midfielder Andreas Pereira outstanding and third choice Jay Stansfield acquitting himself on the right, Manor Salomon and Neeskens Kebano both being injured.

A loopy shot from Stansfield was parried and Bobby Decordova-Reid hit it home.

Joao Palhinha increased the lead with a firm header from a corner.

From a Brentford corner, in what was clearly a training ground manoeuvre, Christian Norgaard volleyed to pull one back.

Brentford dominated the second half.

There seemed little wrong with Ivan Toney’s strike to equalise by it was chalked off by VAR for offside.

It was Toney then who equalised with a low cross.

Fulham came back with a late winner when Alex Mitrovic headed home Mbubu’ s cross.

So Fulham have 5 points and are unbeaten.

Mitrovic has silenced the critics with 3 goals.

In the next few weeks we play Arsenal and Spurs away sandwiched by Brighton coming to the Cottage

It’s early days but the start and adaptation to the greater demands of the Premier are encouraging.

Recruitment and introduction to first team football have been better managed.

Bournemouth have spent too little and Nottingham Forest too much.

I have a feeling that Wolves will be the mid-table side to be relegated.

With a massive midwinter break for the World Cup in Qatar a positive start is vital.