Fulham centre back Tim Ream feels that the Whites ‘are in a very good position’ having taken seven points from their first five games.
The American centre back is looking forward to Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace, where he followed scoring his first Premier League goal by confirming a contract extension after a 3-0 win at Selhurst Park on Boxing Day. Ream told FFCTV that Marco Silva’s side have taken confidence from eventually being able to break down a stubborn Luton Town outfit at Craven Cottage last weekend.
“You can look at it from an outsider’s perspective and say it was a boring, slow game and we felt that as players. It is difficult when teams change their system a little bit – for us it was having to be patient. Credit to Luton. They came with a game plan and they stuck to it for pretty much the entire match. You really felt there was only going to be one goal in it. Thankfully, Vini comes on and tucks away a rebound – in the right place at the right time as most strikers need to be.We said if we take a chance earlier on and put one away, then it’s a completely different game. We have to find ways to win games, come away with three points and a clean sheet – which is always a nice little bonus and move on to Palace.
Ream is content with Fulham’s start to the season, especially considering the calibre of the opposition the Cottagers have already faced and some of the decisions that haven’t gone their way.
“I think last year we were at eight points after five games so we are not far off where we were last year and with who we’ve played I don’t think we can complain. Maybe some of the decisions that aren’t under our control we can complain about, but coming away with seven points – I think we’re in a very good position going forward and puts us in a great place.”
The 35 year-old, who captained the United States in his home town of St. Louis during the international break, has fond memories of Fulham’s last visit to Selhurst Park.
“A first Premier League goal for myself was a good memory and having the contract announcement right after that was a pretty whirlwind six hours. Both teams have had relatively good starts and happy to be in the positions we are in. Roy’s obviously a very good manager, he’s been around for a long time for a reason. He came here last season and they played very well – kept things did – and that’s the way we expect the game to go. It is going to be about who takes their chances. We’re looking forward to it: all these games are difficult and we’re working hard on the training pitch to try and get one over on them this weekend.”
