Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace
The home game against Crystal Palace brought together two of the Whites’ three most successful managers of the 21st century – Marco Silva and Roy Hodgson.
Just when it seemed that Fulham had achieved the double over Palace a Michael Olise centre rebounded off Antonee Robinson and Joel Ward, thus played onside, beat Bernd Leno at the second attempt. The draw was a fair result, and each set of fans cheered their heroes before combining to sing the praises of Roy Hodgson.
The Whites’ first ever manager was Harry Bradshaw (1904-1909), who was generously funded to build a strong team. His successors right up to Micky Adams (1996-97) struggled to do likewise on a much more limited budget. Adams is remembered for lifting the club from the depths of the Football League and he received a well merited ovation on a recent visit to the Cottage.
How is it that Hodgson, Silva and Jean Tigana have enjoyed more success at Fulham than the host of other managers this century?
When Palace’s Steve Parish reappointed the 75-year-old Hodgson this was one of his reasons: “He’s just excellent in making sure that everyone understands why he’s making the decisions he’s making, and he keeps everyone onside.”
Such confidence is infectious. Marco Silva inspires it in his players and in the club’s supporters. Long may it continue.
Match recap
Palace elected to play towards Putney so home fans at the Hammersmith End were hoping for a close view of an early goal especially as Aleksandar Mitrovic was in the starting line-up.
Soon after kickoff, Mitro suffered a nasty blow to his face from the elbow of his former team-mate Joachim Andersen. The Serb was able to carry on, but he needed a new jersey.
The Whites knew that their close rivals Brentford had grabbed a stunning victory over Tottenham, but this did not provide enough of a stimulus. The first half hour was quite mundane with neither goalkeeper much involved. Players on both teams courted fouls and referee Joshua Smith was soon in trouble with the home fans especially when he refused Mitrovic’s appeal for a penalty after a clash with Tyrick Mitchell.
In the 34th minute, Palace went ahead when, prompted by Joel Ward, Eberichi Eze caught Fulham off guard and put Odsonne Edouard through to score.
The visitors preserved the lead till just before the interval when Harry Wilson turned in the box and fell over Mitchell. The referee deemed it a penalty and we watched with admiration as the new calm Mitrovic waited patiently before sending the ball well beyond Sam Johnstone’s reach.
The Serb joked afterwards that his extended suspension had allowed ample time to practise penalties. Anyway, the Hammersmith End had witnessed the longed-for goal.
After the interval, the game was much livelier though the standard of football still disappointed. Having squandered one good chance, Mitrovic scored with a glorious header from Willian’s free kick. Johnstone then prevented the Brazilian from adding a third goal.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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