Many Fulham fans have been doubting their latest young manager Scott Parker’s credibility in bringing total commitment from his players this season.
With undoubtedly the best squad in the Championship, the results have been at best, erratic at times. Home defeats by Reading, Hull and Bristol City and the failure by dropping valuable points to bottom side Luton, have been the difference in clinging onto a play-off spot, rather than challenging Leeds and West Brom for the title.
Since the arrival of Michael Hector in the back line, Fulham have started to look more solid defensively. Two league victories without conceding, and against in form sides Hull City and Middlesbro, and a good win against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, may be the turning point of this campaign.
At last Scott Parker has made a few changes in the side. Some forced, some not. In came McDonald in midfield. This was a great decision. He has been inspirational since his return, and what a great bit of news that Khan has managed to get him to sign a new contract. Ream and Hector have formed a much better understanding as a central defensive partnership. Odoi has played a big part at right back and was unlucky to have his excellent header disallowed for offside against Boro.
Knockaert has rediscovered his touch and was superb in the victory. The first 30 minutes was a masterclass of possession football at its best. If Mitro had been playing, we would have probably been at least three up by half time, as Onomah missed twice and Cavaleiro failed to convert a fairly
simple chance.
Boro could not get near our players with McDonald, Cairney and Odoi combining well down the right and playing constant cross field passes out wide to the left for Cavaleiro, with the brilliant work-rate of Knockaert running all over the field. With the defence looking strong, a safe goalie in Rodak and a midfield totally dominating procedures, all it lacked was the final touch to put the match out of Boro’s sight before the break.
As Fulham supporters have learnt over the years, if we don’t finish off the opposition early on, we tend to struggle when the tide turns, and we have to soak up the pressure. Normally we fold and allow the other team back in. This is the difference. Parker has made some good changes and now has the players available to step in when needed. He has allowed Rodak to kick long when necessary and make quicker breaks rather than too much side and backward defensive passing. With Bobby Reid in our side, he gives the team so many options when attacking, and puts in a good shift each time.
Let us hope and pray that this really is the turning point of the season, as Parker gains experience and continues his motivation that his players seemed to be lacking.
We can still achieve automatic promotion, let’s show them how!
Can Fulham Still Achieve Automatic Promotion This Season?
Yes!
No!
Undecided!
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