SAMUEL Chukwueze made a strong case for a first Fulham start by setting up Raul Jimenez for the only goal just when it seemed the Cottagers’ dominance would yield only a draw against Sunderland at Craven Cottage last weekend.
Chukwueze, 26, who is on a season-long loan from AC Milan, replaced the ineffective £34million record signing Kevin in the 64th minute before crossing for Jimenez who beat Black Cats goalkeeper Robin Roefs to the ball six minutes from time.
Fulham boss Marco Silva praised the Nigerian winger’s “massive impact”. He added: “On the right and the left. We try to play him on the left sometimes. He had a massive impact. We are seeing small spells for him. We are going to need him to have this type of impact, if possible, from the start of the match. He makes good decisions, and he is creative.”
All four of Fulham’s league wins this season have come at home. They have lost their last five away from home and travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
While Silva is pleased with their performances at Craven Cottage, he knows they have to improve on their travels.
He said: “It’s crucial for us. It’s about consistency. Home form has been really good. Third clean sheet at home, and we must try to replicate that on the road. It’s something new for us this season. Last three seasons, we have been similar home and away. Let’s hope soon we can have good results away from home.”
Midfielder Alex Iwobi echoed his boss’s thoughts. He said: “Our home form has been really good. They’re a tough side and they’ve been doing really well but we have belief that we can perform against anyone.”
“We don’t fear anyone in the league. We give our respect to Sunderland. But now it’s all about consistency for us to go and get the results we need.”
