Famous Victory

The last time Fulham beat Chelsea, they had George Best in the side. Congratulations to Chris Coleman for believing that it could be done again, and for persuading his players to believe it too. And make no mistake, if the home side had been awarded the 5th minute penalty they deserved, if Pembridge’s shot had hit the inner side of the post rather than the outer and if Collins John had beaten Cech when clean through, it could have been more clear-cut.

Coleman, who has been under pressure following disappointing results lately, got his tactics exactly right – especially in deploying Steed Malbranque to shadow Claude Makelele, whom he had identified as not only a brilliant defender but the principal source of Chelsea’s attacking play. Judging by the extent to which the Champions resorted to the aerial bombardment, it must have worked like a charm. And in the later stages of the game, when the home side were obliged to soak up immense Chelsea pressure to hang on grimly to the lead Luis Boa Morte’s first half goal had given them, they did so heroically and with composure – none more so than young Liam Rosenior, son of Leroy.

This victory will do much to allay fears of Fulham slipping into the relegation dogfight. And it might even help to persuade the board that they have the right manager.