During the international break, supporters reflected on the club's history and paid tribute to the pioneers of football at the Cottage 140 years ago, as well as the black players who later joined the Fulham family. However, the focus has now returned to the club's present, concerning situation. For a significant portion of Saturday's match at Ipswich, the Londoners appeared likely to at least secure a draw, a prospect ultimately destroyed in added time.
Despite the welcome return of Ryan Sessegnon to the starting line-up, the first half showed little improvement in the team's overall play. After a scrappy opening, with only brief flashes from Josh King for the visitors and Jacob Greaves and Leif Davis for Ipswich, the home side increased their tempo. They created the first real excitement when Julio Enciso shot just wide, and Jaden Philogene, prompted by Sasa Lukic, drove the ball directly at goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
In response, David Affengruber and Sessegnon both had headers off target. Generally, Ryan was occupied by the lively Daizen Maeda. Sander Berge came closest to an opener; his first effort was blocked by Lukic, and the second, set up by Oscar Bobb, drew a good save from Christian Walton.
The international matches had confirmed Bobb's quality, and the desire is to see more of it in the Premier League. He had a better game than Gonzalo Garcia, whose first-half performance included only one inaccurate shot, with only Philogene's and Berge's strikes being on target.
Last season, Fulham often required Marco Silva's half-time team talk to instil more commitment, though this was not always effective. Perhaps Alvaro Arbeloa's words had a similar impact. Ten minutes into the second period, Bobb played Josh King through, but instead of shooting, he passed to Garcia, whose kick was blocked by Issa Diop. VAR rejected claims of handball as the defender pointed to his chest.
Two minutes later, Sessegnon demonstrated how to penetrate a crowded defence with a superb long-range strike after Diop had made another clearance. This goal brought the game to life, with Fulham appearing set for victory. However, Bobb's squandering of two chances to extend the lead may have encouraged a home fightback. VAR again dismissed penalty appeals when Sessegnon tackled Maeda, and Leno found himself unexpectedly busy.
With just two minutes of normal time remaining, Abdoul Ouatarra equalised with a shot that matched Sessegnon's in quality. This would still have earned Fulham a point, but apprehension grew when five additional minutes were announced. True to form, a set piece allowed Dara O' Shea to head the winner. Substitute Kevin attempted to salvage a point, but goalkeeper Walton thwarted him. The Brazilian possesses a powerful shot, and if he capitalised more on his opportunities, he would likely receive more playing time.
The Whites have conceded a late goal in almost every Premier League match this season. Arbeloa's post-match comments tend to articulate problems, such as 'We need to control the game much better,' rather than offering solutions. The phrase 'Keep trying' offers little reassurance when the team is propping up the table.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and, unless specifically stated, are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
