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Well that was three points i didn't think we would get. Fulham in good form, our injury list climbing and the three nil defeat to Newcastle all pointed to an away victory. How wrong can you be!
The early loss of Bellegarde and later the loss of Neto, who pulled up holding his other hamstring, made a home win look more difficult. However, some tweaks to the formation, helped us to go in at half time at 0-0. Fulham had the better chances, hitting the bar when a goal looked easier. Santiago Bueno slotted seamlessly into the backline for the injured Dawson and is starting to look like a very good player. he makes things look easy, so calm on the ball. He could be the mainstay of our defence in the years to come.
Wolves started the second half in a different gear, putting Fulham under pressure and looking the most likely to score, but who was going to take the opportunity with our top two goal scorers injured? Step up the diminutive Ait Nouri. A neat pull back by Toti saw the forementioned rifle the ball into the roof of the net, to be met by rapturous applause. We had the game by the scruff of the neck, with Doyle, Lamina and Gomez snapping everything up in midfield and splaying passes to each side of the pitch.
Gomez is fast becoming the heartbeat of the midfield, his strength in the tackle and close control led to the second goal if a little fortuitous. Semedo's shot appeared to be going wide when it hit Tom Cairney before the back of the net. Fulham made several substitutions and the introduction of Adam Traore bought a generous round of applause from the Wolves fans. It wasn't long before a traditional Adama run and shot was saved by Sa. Eight minutes of extra time saw Fulham cast caution to the wind and Lemina should have sown it up when Sarabia may have been the better option. Sa was bought into action and made several saves before the Londoners sneaked one in the 98th minute.
As Norton says, Ait Nouri was probably MOTM but Gomez and the amazing Mario must have pushed him close. If players have to be sold in the summer we must keep Gomez no matter what we are offered, he just bleeds gold and Black.
As I had some time to spare after the final whistle I wandered around to the main entrance where the two Fulham coaches were waiting. Tom Cairney was stood outside the barriers talking, and was quite happy to pose for pictures and sign autographs for our supporters, credit to him. Rayan Ait Nouri came out with his hood up and again posed and signed, I was surprised how small and light framed he is. Gomez also emerged and is another who is not very tall. I did get a nod for Mr Hobbs as he passed by, he does need some praise for the squad he is putting together. A final word for our number 63,Nathan Fraser who did not look out of place on his first start.
All eyes on Coventry now.
