Fulham continued their good run to claim a 1-0 win against Cardiff City which all but confirmed the Bluebirds’ relegation.
Even though Fulham’s relegation is confirmed, Cardiff’s fate currently hangs in the balance. The Bluebirds were three points adrift of safety, and they had a chance to make up the gap on Brighton. But Fulham had different ideas, and they won their third straight game to beat Cardiff.
Ryan Babel got the only goal in the second half, a stunning effort from outside the box. He latched on to Cyrus Christie’s pass and placed a powerful curling shot into the top corner. Cardiff did have chances to snatch a draw, and Junior Hoilett hit the bar in the dying stages.
Clinical Fulham dominate the game
The pattern of the game was constant, as Fulham were the side who dominated the ball. They had a whopping 73% possession in the game. Fulham completed 623 passes in the game, compared to just 220 from Cardiff. The Bluebirds did not press, and Fulham circulated the ball efficiently.
Despite their dominance on the ball, they failed to carve out many chances. Fulham had just two efforts on target and managed to score with one of them. It was a clinical display from the home side, something we have not seen from them this season. The likes of Tom Cairney and Calum Chambers played well, helping to maintain possession.
Cardiff fail to seize the advantage in vital tie
Simply put, this game was a huge one for Cardiff. They were three points behind Brighton going into the tie, and Neil Warnock had the opportunity to put the pressure on the Seagulls. Three points would have been a huge boost, but Cardiff failed to seize the game as they would have wanted.
Warnock’s team selection was doubtful, and he admitted later on that it might have hindered his side’s chances of winning the game. Cardiff failed to assert themselves on the game, and Fulham looked the better side for large parts of the contest. The combative Harry Arter was missed in midfield.
Next week Cardiff will play Crystal Palace at home. If they play similarly in front of their fans, relegation could be confirmed as soon as next week. Warnock will want a better response from his players, otherwise, his debut Premier League season would have a sore ending.
Sergio Rico stars to deny Cardiff
Despite Fulham’s possession dominance, Cardiff had 8 shots on goal in the game. They concentrated on set pieces, and Fulham goalkeeper Sergio Rico had to be alert to the danger. He impressed, and it allowed his side to keep their third clean sheet in a row.
Fulham have conceded 76 goals this season, a tally which is the worst in the division. Their defence has been atrocious at times. The lack of organisation has been obvious, and changing personnel has severely affected their backline.
But they have improved of late. Rico made eight saves in the game, and some of them were impressive. He was a key performer as Fulham kept up their impressive run.
Too little too late for Fulham and Scott Parker
Fulham were relegated three weeks ago when Watford inflicted a 4-1 defeat upon them. That game mathematically confirmed the drop for the London side. It was inevitable, and Fulham had been resigned to dropping out for quite some time now. Despite having no motivation, the side has responded brilliantly.
They have won three consecutive Premier League games, compared to the four they had won before that in the season. Fulham and Everton were dispatched impressively and Fulham kept a clean sheet in both the games. Another clean sheet was in store for Cardiff, and interim boss Scott Parker must be delighted.
Parker has made a case for getting the job permanently by this run. The fans would have wished for these performances earlier in the season, as both Slavisa Jokanovic and Claudio Ranieri failed to impress. Parker looks favourite to be Fulham manager next season, and hopefully, he can replicate this form.
The Championship is beckoning for both sides
Both these sides were promoted this season, but a swift return to the Championship seems likely. Fulham spent a lot in the summer, but most of it did not materialise into points. A lot of it was wayward, and the signings failed to impress. Jokanovic was unable to implement his philosophy in the Premier League, and he was a bit too naive at times.
Cardiff were favourites before the season started to go out, and with good reason. They spent very little in the transfer window. Neil Warnock’s side is limited in nature, and they have stuck to their plan admirably. In the end, the lack of quality has shown, and despite their grit and determination that will prove to be the major factor.
Cardiff still have a fighting chance to stay up, but it is highly improbable. Wolves have impressed upon their promotion, but Fulham and Cardiff will delve into the lower division again. The experience could make them stronger, but for now, they will have to bid goodbye to the Premier League in all likelihood.
