Fulham 1-1 Leicester City: 3 things we learned

Ranieri may just save Fulham

Claudio Ranieri will probably save Fulham from relegation. He has the charisma to attract quality in January’s window, when the transfer market opens again. Many believe he is wise enough tactically to correct the Cottagers’ defence – as witnessed in his reunion with the Foxes. Criticism of the Fulham defence in all forms rightly emerged this term. Leakey is an understatement.

Fulham can certainly benefit from Ranieri’s retro brand of football. Reverting to 4-4-1-1, changing shape during games to suit his team and stifle opponents. Along with putting plenty of crosses in from wingmen for Aleksandar Mitrovic; as well as breaking-fast. And the Serbian will play on the last defender’s shoulder; with a more quality backer than Okazaki in Andre Schurrle. All the while, employing sufficiently what is at the Roman’s disposal.

Upcoming matches for the Cottagers include: Manchester United, West Ham, Newcastle United, Wolves and Huddersfield Town. At a guess, Fulham will manage a decent 8 points from these five games. Giving the gaffer over a 50 per cent win rate for Christmas, ideally.

After the final whistle blew versus Leicester City, Ranieri spoke of his feelings of the surreal occasion:

"“It was a very emotional match this evening for me, when both the fans, the Leicester fans and the Fulham fans, were signing my name at the beginning and the end of the match,” – Claudio Ranieri (Via: Leicester Mercury)"

Unfortunately, the Telegraph claims multiple sources close to the 67-year-old as saying there is negativity, as some of us experience in former workplaces or certain colleagues:

"“He is a Premier League champion, and nothing will ever soil his place in footballing folklore, but there is no question he departed Leicester under a cloud which has yet to fully disperse. “The awkward truth is that the resentment Ranieri feels towards certain people at the club was clearly evident when he returned last month to pay his tribute to late chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. “There is no question that his sadness was sincere and heartfelt, but multiple sources have told Telegraph Sport that on that day he was allegedly aloof and rude. One has even said his behaviour was “embarrassing”, because of the atmosphere he created.” – John Percy (Telegraph)"

Tinkerman to the rescue

This writer is an admirer of the Italian. He appears likeable, affable and sincere. Especially when calling his squad at Leicester his “boys”; in addition to stating the same about his former and current players. Despite any I’ll feeling in either direction, can FoL please wish the ex-City boss good luck with his Fulham adventure.

Saturday sees the Premier League return for another round of fixtures. Tottenham Hotspur travel to the East Midlands to face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.