Do 1–1 wins exist? Technically, no. In my book? Yes. Brighton away is the perfect example. A great away day, a good result, but what did we learn? Keep your eyes moving, you’ll soon find out.
Josh King: A Career Defining Performance
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Every time I talk about a Fulham match, Josh King is the headline act. Brighton away? No different. It’s not academy sentimentality or favouritism towards fan favourite, it’s the plain truth. Josh King is Fulham’s best number ten.
Receiving the ball on the half turn, King bridged the gap between the lower reaches of Fulham’s midfield and defence to the Whites’ final third attack. First half, Fulham looked the most fluid they have been since Forest at home, last February. Why, you ask? Josh King is the answer.
Despite understandably tiring late on, King’s half-turn drive forward to unleash Harry Wilson on 75 minutes shows what King’s all about. That wasn’t the most important moment of King’s performance, though…
In the first half, King had a career-defining moment. Carlos Baleba was instructed to kick lumps out of Josh. Samuel Barrett didn’t care. Did it deter JK? Absolutely not. King responded by bodying Baleba off the ball, springing a FFC attack. That shows what Josh is made of. Plenty of players have the talent, King combines it with the mental fortitude of someone destined to reach the top level. I have no doubt King will do just that.
My MOTM? Josh King.
Fulham’s Defensive Unit: Joachim Andersen & Calvin Bassey Star, Cuenca & Tete Solid
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Not only did Fulham not concede from open play, Silva’s side never really looked like doing so. That’s thanks to a collective back-four effort. I’ll open this segment up with the chief of Fulham’s defence…
Joachim Andersen looked every bit back to his pre-Wolves injury best. Andersen, marshalling a makeshift FFC back four, was clearly the vocal force he always is, but he backed his talk up with the in-possession composure he is renowned for, alongside a defensive nous that justifies his £30M transfer fee. The buzz cut has got Joe back to his best, a pre-requisite of this Fulham team reaching their potential. He wasn’t the retro green’s only defensive star, though…
Somebody do a welfare check on Yankuba Minteh, I think he’s stuck in Calvin Bassey’s pocket…
Calvin Bassey was my runner-up to Josh King’s man-of-the-match award. The Nigerian will no doubt feel gutted to lose out on my prestigious post-match christening. Sorry CBass, I’ll make it up to you. Keep reading, mate!
Not only did CBass pocket one of the top flight’s most electrifying wingers, he did it with ease. Bassey’s strength reigned supreme out of possession, his pace dictated the left side in possession. He marauded forward, combining well with King and countryman Iwobi. In future, would I rather deputise a defensively weak Ryan Sessegnon at full-back, or deputise a physically dominant Calvin Bassey at left-back? Today’s performance gives you your answer.
Not as eye-catching, but equally solid: Kenny Tete and Jorge Cuenca.
Tete continues his fantastic monotony of consistent 7/10 performances. Kaoru Mitoma was missing today. You can thank Kenny Tete for that. Cheers, Kenny!
Jorge Cuenca: assured in possession, physically present off it. Fulham have to stave off Spanish interest for Jorge, he impresses every time I see him. For another PL side, Cuenca could easily start. If Antonee Robinson’s injury issues persist, we may see lots more of Calvin out at left-back, and Cuenca inside – deservedly so.
Lack of Midfield Steel: A Summer Sticking Point
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In the second half, Brighton could turn defence into attack at ease. Fulham’s midfield duo were nowhere to be seen to screen the back four. If the midfield lack attacking output, you have to make up for that with defensive solidity. Although Sasa and Sander are individually terrific players – Sasa shined today, a lot more offensively pungent than his midfield partner (credit to the Serbian for soldiering through injury late on too) – I’m not sure they have the partnership to win a hotly contested, physical midfield battle. Something is missing.
As Harrison Reed’s playing time at Fulham decreases, Silva needs an out-and-out number six to combat a lack of midfield steel in games like today, where the opposition overload numbers centrally. Brighton’s lead-up to their penalty goal today shows why.
Tony, add a six to the shortlist!
Adama Traore: Not a Left Winger
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Short, sweet, simple: Adama Traore is not a left winger. Why? His sole game-breaking skill is utilising his physical gifts to get to the byline and whip a ball in before a back four can react. On the left, he dillies, he dallies. He’s unsure, uneasy, and out of position. He has no left foot, he faces the ball onto his right peg to whip it in, counteracting his very strengths as a player.
Adama Traore, left winger? No chance.
Fulham Need More Ideas Late On
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At points in the second half, especially when Josh King left the fray, Fulham looked lost in possession. There seemed to be no sense of attacking game plan, with Marco’s men struggling to string basic passes together late on. Fulham’s reliance on a wide man beating their full-back to create an opening, like Emile Smith Rowe’s shot did for the corner that preceded Rodrigo Muniz-led bedlam, instead of a thought-out move late on, will bite Fulham soon. Marco has to add more to his last-minute saloon attacking arsenal.
Rodrigo Muniz: Is This Goodbye?
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God, I hope not. A connection to a player I, and the wider fanbase, feel very few times in a lifetime. You can make all the arguments about a fee you like. Fulham cannot replace Muniz – not emotionally, not on the pitch. I could wax lyrical about Muniz all day, the striker he has become is something so far from the struggling young man we saw a few years ago. He’s come a long way, our Rodrigo. Brighton away exemplifies such development.
Muniz has learnt the art of being in the right place at the right time. A composed finish, under physical and mental pressure, Rodrigo’s last-gasp equaliser shows that RM really is a complete striker. This is Muniz’s season, he has his first goal of the season, early doors – a massive asset as a confidence striker. This will set him off on a tear, just where will that be?
I understand Atalanta’s interest, but I truly think Muniz is making the wrong decision leaving London for Bergamo. I get that the opportunity to be the sole striker to replace Mateo Retegui as a UCL number nine is exciting, but Silva’s developmental record with strikers is impeccable. Ivan Juric’s, however, not so much. In fact, the relegated Saints boss’s managerial record isn’t too impressive full stop. If Muniz wants to continue his upward trajectory, Fulham is the place for you.
Ladies, Gents, I’ll leave you with this. I’m sorry to say this, but I think Muniz is gone. His scarf-staring celebration felt like a statement. His one last look back at the away end, as we begged him to stay, felt meaningful. It was one last big moment, hoisting the club’s badge one last time, waving goodbye as a hero, not in disgrace. No matter what happens, Rodrigo – thank you for today, thank you for everything else. If this is it, it’s been a pleasure. Obrigado, Roddy?