The August Review: Fulham

With a two-week break from the Championship for internationals, this is a good time to review how all 24 teams have looked in their first five league games. Here’s our assessment of Fulham.

What we said pre-season

“Playing purposeful possession football, Fulham create chances at will. Swift wide men stretch play, creating space for a Tom Cairney-inspired midfield with the perfect blend of dynamism and guile. If the Cottagers stabilize at the back and replace Chris Martin’s hold-up play, they could take some stopping. 1st“

Have they surprised us so far?

They’ve not yet hit the heights we saw them hit last season, especially from an attacking perspective, with only four goals in five games. Some of that can be attributed to Cairney’s fitness struggles and the delayed arrival of Rui Fonte, a much-needed Martin replacement. Both started in a controlled 2-0 win at Ipswich on Saturday, the former man-of-the-match and the latter getting his first goal. Confidence in the camp should be boosted after that elusive first victory.

The positives

David Button was key to preserving points against Norwich and Reading, also keeping clean sheets at Leeds and Ipswich. The goalkeeper position had been a concern for the Cottagers a month ago, but Button has had a good start and is well-protected by centre-back Tim Ream. Neeskens Kebano has also found some impressive early season form with his inside runs from the left.

The negatives

There is evidence to suggest that they miss all-action left-back Scott Malone, now departed for Huddersfield. Although just as good going forward, Ryan Sessegnon can get caught defensively against powerful players and the other left-back brought in, Rafa Soares, is currently sidelined. There are also question marks about whether the team is capable of mixing things up when the opposition have their possession-based 4-3-3 system sussed out.

Late business?

They have been linked with a move for Brentford’s Jota, who could spice up their attack, but any move would involve Sone Aluko going in the other direction. If Slavisa Jokanovic wants to dabble with three-at-the-back, as he did at Watford, he may move for Club Brugge utility man Bjorn Engels.

The Football Lab’s Grade

Results need to improve, but after some tough early games and one or two fitness issues, we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. D