I’m going to have to write this up properly tomorrow, but here’s somewhere to discuss the game should you wish.
Ten days ago we were getting nervous. Points weren’t coming, goals weren’t happening, other teams were winning. Three games and five points later the world seems a slightly better place. Tonight Fulham strolled to a nice, calm victory over Wigan Athletic, a 2-0 win that stood out for its very ordinariness.
The goals were Andy Johnson’s first and second in a Fulham shirt. For the opener Zamora did well to tee up Konchesky down the left, Konchesky fired in a terrific cross, low and hard and right into Johnson’s path, and the striker could hardly miss from a yard out. Made and scored by bald men.
The second was also pleasing. Bullard, who sadly had another half-off night, took a quick free kick that sliced the Wigan defence apart and Johnson turned the ball back past the hurtling Kirkland for 2-0. It rolled gently into the net like a Steve Davis red into the corner pocket. Job done.
Johnson could have had a hat-trick but – when clean through – bobbled his second touch straight to Kirkland. Johnson, understandably, appeared to have got a bit excited. No matter, two goals is a decent statement of intent, and those of us who had begun to query his usefulness were reminded that patience is a virtue and match fitness takes time. Here’s hoping he can build on this at Everton on Saturday.
The game also saw a welcome return to form for Bobby Zamora, who, in the first half at least, seemed to be enjoying himself in a role just a little deeper than Johnson’s. Zamora regularly stepped back from the front line to demand possession, playing an integral role in some impressive buildup play. His work for the first goal was very tidy. Simon Davies was something like his old self too, and Zoltan Gera again looked lively, hitting the post in the second half. The Gera radar, if not fully calibrated, is perhaps not far off. He could yet be our top scorer.
For all the excitement up front (it’s not every day we score twice), this game was about the quiet men at the back. Danny Murphy was a delight to watch, hovering just in front of the back four, strolling around then lurching into action to nip the ball away, or head the ball away, or to generally be a nuisance. In possession he kept things simple and quietly ran the game from deep. He may well be our most underappreciated player.
A title that Aaron Hughes might claim too. He and Hangeland neutralised the powerful Zaki and Hesky combination without bother, a terrific performance against very good opponents. These two are a proper partnership now, but also fine players in their own right. It doesn’t hurt having the excellent Mark Schwarzer behind them, but the latter had little to do tonight.
A final word for Chris Baird, whose late introduction as a defensive midfielder raised a few eyebrows but was an encouraging success. Baird has played in this position for Northern Ireland, and today – with the game safe – got the nod ahead of fellow sub Leon Andreasen. And he did a good job, winning several tackles and looking quite effective in his positioning and awareness. He also sought out all available teammates for a hand-shake at the final whistle, which somehow seemed like a nice thing to do. Hopefully his rehabilitation as a first team footballer will continue in the weeks ahead.
