The Tanner Report: Norwich 0 Fulham 2
Fulham had a comfortable enough win over Norwich but the seven point gap to overhaul Cardiff for an automatic place seems too much. Still, we can only win our games and it’s 17 matches since we lost one. Norwich in mid-table had little to play for. They threatened on occasion but their decision making in the final third was poor. In the second half two goals from midfielders Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney assured the points. Unlike the QPR game a two goal lead was not conceded.
Once it is clear that Fulham cannot catch Cardiff and the play-off position is assured then Iexpect coach Slavisa Jokatovic to rotate and rest the squad. One of the idiocies of the play-off system is the lack of any advantage to the team that finishes third. Indeed it can be a problem as happened three seasons ago with Brighton when they finished 15 points ahead of sixth place Sheffield Wednesday but still lost to them in the play-off match. We have a poor record in the play-offs and over two legs anything can and does happen. Last season Reading did a number on us. This time I would be fearful of Tony Pulis’s Middlesbrough in the first play-off games or Aston Villa at the final at Wembley.
Most independent analysts would say that Fulham’s free-flowing passing game would enhance the Premier League and every supporter enjoys their visit to Craven Cottage but we are not there yet.
