21 November 2053 — Craven Cottage has seen its share of false dawns, but the 2053/54 season feels different. After decades of mid-table flirtation and the odd relegation skirmish, Fulham now sit 2nd in the Premier League with over a quarter of the season played. Whisper it… but something is stirring in west London.
🧱 Built from the Back
Manager Ezekiel Finley has fashioned a defensive unit that’s both composed and combative. Mathias, the £15m Brazilian signing from Fortaleza, has impressed in goal, averaging 6.92 across 12 appearances. The back line features the under-the-radar excellence of Louis Kerremans (7.10) and the versatility of Agustín Arias, who’s quietly turned in some of the best numbers in the squad.
Despite losing Wilson to injury, Fulham’s shape has remained intact thanks to the aggressive screening work of Mike Bradley and Arias in the 4-2-4 DM Wide system. The stats back it: just 7 goals conceded in the first 11 matches.
⚡ Firepower Up Top
Fulham aren’t just grinding out results — they’re entertaining. Romanian forward Ştefan Sătmăreanu has lit up the division with 7 goals and 3 assists in just 11 league games, earning a 7.28 average rating. Alongside him, Jimmy Clark has bagged 6 goals of his own, forming one of the league’s most effective partnerships.
There’s creativity on the flanks too. Santiago Marino and Perry Mitchell-Grant are tireless outlets in Fulham’s wide-forward setup, and with depth from the likes of Kwame Boateng (7.04) and Thomaz, Finley’s side is capable of breaking teams in transition.
📊 The Run So Far
Since the opening day, Fulham have recorded 8 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat in the league. Highlights include a statement 1–0 away win over Manchester City, a 3–0 dismantling of Crystal Palace, and a 2–1 comeback against Rotherham sealed by a 90th-minute Clark winner.
They’ve also marched into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, smashing Middlesbrough 6–2 and edging past Burnley on penalties after a 90+5 equaliser by Thomaz.
💰 Quiet, Smart Business
The summer dealings were modest but sharp: Dorian Idiart (£22m), Kerremans (£18.5m), and Mathias (£15m) have all walked straight into the XI. The board kept things tidy, balancing £56m of investment with £36.5m recouped — including the sale of Cleriston to Palace for £32m.
📅 What’s Next?
A true test awaits in December: Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Leicester are all on the calendar. This run will show if Fulham are genuine title contenders or simply early-season overachievers.
But whatever happens, Fulham have shaken off their reputation as perennial underachievers. A club that once bounced between divisions is now demanding to be taken seriously. The Cottage faithful are dreaming, and for the first time in a long time, they might not be dreaming in vain.