Opening day results at QPR and Fulham could not have been at a sharper contrast.
Fulham fans looking at the Premier League table online this morning might want to take a screen grab and press print because it is one they will want to look back on and savour.
Not only did they destroy Norwich City 5-0 at Craven Cottage, but rivals QPR were humbled by the same 5-0 scoreline at home to Swansea.
The same QPR who have been spending freely this summer and harbour ambitions of not only a top 10 finish, but finishing above Fulham.
The same QPR who are managed by former Fulham boss Mark Hughes and boast their former strike force of Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora, so seeing their rivals humiliated at home made the weekend twice as good for fans of Martin Jol’s side.
But it was more the positives on display in Fulham’s own demolition of a weak Norwich side which will have cheered supporters.
Bryan Ruiz was excellent, looking like the player fans thought they were getting when the club signed him, Mladen Petric continued his excellent pre-season form with a brace and set up another, and looks a superb signing.
Youngster Alex Kacaniklic scored his first ever Premier League goal, and the defence and goalkeeper kept a clean sheet. It really was an afternoon in the sunshine to remember at for those at Craven Cottage.
Moussa Dembele pulled the strings in midfield, and Danny Murphy was barely missed. The only footnote of discontent on the day belongs with Clint Dempsey, who had declared himself unavailable as he attempts to make a move away from the club.
Even this was turned to a positive by Fulham’s excellent display. Dempsey watching on may have given his stance another thought, and if he doesn’t get the move he wants, then he will at least know that the club is in great shape if he is welcomed back into the fold.
And then if Fulham to consider, add Dempsey into the current mix, and who knows what they can achieve this season? Even without him, there should be very few limits to their ambition.
image: © nicksarebi
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