Well last night was satisfying, wasn’t it? A ridiculous goal-scoring performance from Fulham has sent our goal difference into overdrive and, coupled with Bournemouth’s first defeat of the season, means that the gap at the top is down to two points. The Marco Silva transformation of this Fulham side is breath-taking and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
We have known for a while that this team has the attacking talent to blow teams away. In truth, this talent has existed for a number of seasons, but wasn’t at all utilised under Scott Parker. Silva has most of the same ingredients, Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz aside, but it’s what he has done with them that has made the difference. A number of our players are in the form of their lives. Mitro is obviously in that bracket with 19 – NINETEEN- goals after 16 games so far this season. That is simply outrageous. He also has five assists so has been involved in 24 goals for Fulham so far. That’s more than 18 whole teams have scored in this league which shows you just how well he is playing this season. You get the impression that Mitrovic feels that he has a point to prove after his isolation last year so watch out for our game against Parker’s Bournemouth in a months’ time.
But there are other players who seem to have raised their game under Silva. Neeskens Kebano has transformed himself and looks dangerous every match. Tim Ream has been exceptional, as has Tosin aside from his horror tackle on Saturday. While this team is scoring goals for fun, we shouldn’t forget that we also have the second best defensive record in the league with just 14 conceded. We haven’t conceded a goal since QPR pinched one back at Craven Cottage on the 16th October. That’s four clean sheets on the bounce for Marek Rodak, which leads me nicely to my next point. Silva, isn’t afraid of making a change when he needs to. Paulo Gazzaniga had looked ropey so Silva made the change and brought Rodak back. We conceded 13 in the 11 games with Gazza, but have only conceded once in the five since Rodak has been brought back in.
It was also nice to see the goals spread about a bit last night. Scoring seven with Mitro only getting one must have been disappointing for the big fella! His assist for Harry Wilson’s first goal last night was outstanding and shows once again that his all around play right now is sensational. Kebano chipped in with two very smart finishes, but the most popular goalscorer of the night was clearly our young Brazilian, Rodrigo Muniz. If you were there last night, you’ll have seen just how thrilled the whole team was for him. Patting him on the head, hugging him, having a dance with him – it was lovely to see. He is clearly loved in the dressing room and can surely be the perfect understudy to our big Serbian. I noticed after his first goal that he ran to Silva for an embrace before the game was restarted which was also nice to see. And while Mitro never likes coming off the pitch, he came straight over to him after the final whistle with his own congratulations. This is a happy squad right now, riding on the wave of Marco Silva.
We obviously have to try and keep our heads on. We have seen that this team is still capable of a wobble, but we should also allow ourselves to enjoy what we are getting to witness right now. This is the best I have seen us play in years, and I’m loving every minute of it. Roll on Peterborough.
#COYW
Great piece from Lydia, this. Sensational performance, even with Blackburn going down to ten man. I’m really enjoying watching a side that is committed to attacking the opposition.
Muniz’s header at the end isn’t getting enough praise for me. That was incredible – and will send his confidence skyrocketing.
Muniz has a goal every 42 mins. Mitro has a goal every 73 mins.
A great team performance all round we have to keep the performances going now and not sit back thinking we are already promoted well done lads and Marco.
To be honest I’m happy that Carvalho has not played any part in this fixture. I think he is very selfish not agreeing to sign a new term. Being still so young he could easily extend his stay by a couple of years with a contract that includes a sensible buy out clause. Sessegnon is a good example, if he stayed he surely would have had a better showcase than not even making the bench at Tottenham.
a wonderful team performance. Hector played well. We did not miss Toshin. Kebano and Wilson both had excellent games. Do not change a winning team. Also a very sensible use of the substitutes last night. Gave Cairney more game time and Muniz scoring two goals ( the second a beauty) must have done his confidence a lot. I would have used Stansfield as a sub he wants to play for the club unlike Carvalho who needs taking down a peg or two by being left out
I agree no changes for our match against Peterborough after such a fantastic performance last night. We do not know what injuries and tiredness will happen during the international break. I would leave Cavalho out of the squad for this match to make a point and also give Stansfield a chance as a late substitute