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Fulham’s yo-yo years are over
Fulham’s last three Premier League campaigns had all ended in relegation, but they’ve emphatically ended that streak, breaking records along the way.
All the way back on the opening day, one could sense that this Fulham team was going to be different, as they played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
In fact, throughout the entire season, the Whites were very consistent, never dropping into the bottom half from mid-August onwards.
Ultimately, Fulham finished tenth, their best top-division finish since 2012, only ending up higher than that on four occasions in their entire 144 year history.
The highlight of the season, without doubt, came in January as they beat West London rivals Chelsea 2-1, with Carlos Vinícius the match winner.
Before this, Fulham hadn’t beaten Chelsea for 17 years, a sequence of 21 meetings, losing each of the last six.
Overall, having won 15 games, their highest in a top division campaign since 1959/60, this was certainly a season to remember for the Cottagers.
Can Marco Silva’s side kick on?
The price of success for clubs of Fulham’s size is that their best players will be sought after.
João Palhinha in particular will be in demand, with numerous wealthier clubs hoping to lure him away.
The Portuguese international led the Premier League for tackles this season; his total of 147 was almost 50 more than second on the list Moisés Caicedo.
As a result, Palhinha equalled the record for most yellow cards in a single season, accumulating 14.
Saša Lukić did arrive from Tornio in January but, if he is to be Palhinha’s replacement, the Serbian has a huge void to fill.
Further forward, Fulham aren’t likely to keep hold of Manor Solomon, while will Willian extend his stay for another season?
Despite serving an eight-game ban in April and May, Aleksandar Mitrović still managed to score 15 goals this season and, whatever happens, he’ll remain their talisman.
