Fulham’s resilience leads to a jubilant January

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It has quite simply been a splendid month for Fulham Football Club, a feat few would have predicted it at the outset of the new year. 

As January commenced, the transfer rumours swirling above Craven Cottage dominated the headlines. Slavisa Jokanovic was unsettled, Ryan Sessegnon looked set to leave for a top team and captain Tom Cairney seemed to be on his way out as well. 

Yet, from an atmosphere of off-the-pitch dysfunction emerged the most in-form team in England. The Whites took the month by storm, winning all four of their league matches by a combined score of 14-2. It was the ultimate statement of intent: Fulham were on the up, and everyone knew it. 

Each of the four victories showcased a different aspect of the squad, with every winning performance a testament to the strength of the Cottagers. 

The new year began with a 4-1 comeback victory over Ipswich Town at the Cottage, a match in which Fulham started poorly and were behind at the half.

However, after a dollop of good fortune, which saw the Tractor Boys went down to ten men after a moment of madness, Fulham turned up the gas and blew Ipswich away in the span of seven minutes. The purple patch brought four goals, two for Sessegnon and two for Aboubakar Kamara- the previously maligned French striker who finally seems to be hitting top form. 

After a brief set back defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup, Fulham faced undoubtedly their toughest match of the month. Away on Teesside to a formidable Middlesbrough, newly managed by Tony Pulis.

This was no easy assignment and nd it showed during the vast majority of the match, as Fulham were outplayed and outmuscled. The Whites massively rode their luck, but when it mattered, they stepped up and stole the three points through Oliver Norwood’s late penalty.

It was the ultimate smash and grab, a feat only bettered a fortnight later at Oakwell. 

Still riding the high of Boro victory, Fulham hosted Burton Albion and taught them a footballing lesson. From minute one until the very end, Fulham bossed the game, dominating possession, shots, and chances en route to a commanding 6-0 victory.

Rui Fonte ended his months-long goal drought with a brace, Lucas Piazon marked his return to the side with a goal, and the sensational Sessegnon bagged a double. The play-off places were in touching distance. 

Fulham finally reached the hallowed sixth position thanks to another scrappy, yet utterly rewarding, away victory. Down 1-0 again, the Whites received the benefit of a silly sending off, but played with less quality than was evident against Ipswich. Nevertheless, Fulham found a way to win, with Kevin McDonald bundling home the scrappiest of scrappy goals in stoppage time. 

The constant theme of the January renaissance was that no matter what, Fulham found a way to win. From home thrashings to undeserved away wins, the Cottagers did what it took to get the three points.

It was a side of Fulham that had been rarely seen this season, or for many of the past five years. The Cottages have been, for so long, the club at the hands of crushing late goals, unfortunate refereeing decisions, and missed penalties. 

Now the Whites are winning matches in the dying minutes, benefiting from red cards, and slotting home spot-kicks with ease. This is a new Fulham. A Fulham that screams confidence, class, and composure. 

It is this newfound swagger that very well may prove the difference between last year’s failure and this year’s potential success. Fulham are hitting their stride and winning at every opportunity and in every situation. This is a team capable of not only the top-six, but even automatic promotion. 

To make the month even more impressive, the run of form has coincided with drama over arguably Fulham’s most internal player, Tom Cairney.

Linked with West Ham over the weekend and struggling with a persistent knee injury, Cairney has featured sparingly in January, but Fulham have kept rolling regardless. This depth is also a key factor in a possible improvement on 2017’s play-off heartbreak. 

Add in to the mix the deadliest finisher in the Championship (17-year-old Ryan Sessegnon), the strongest central midfielder in the league (Kevin McDonald), and a goalkeeper whose very presence signals a dramatic uptick in form (Marcus Bettinelli), Fulham are a side to fear.

With a remarkable January in the books, the Whites are the team to beat in the Championship. Roll on February.