Meulensteen Reinvigorates Fulham

Of all the recent managerial sackings, the least controversial was the dismissal of Martin Jol. Fulham were in rapid decline and the board had to act before they slipped into the Championship.

Former Manchester United assistant manager René Meulensteen took over and in three games he’s had an instant impact.

Fulham Key Metrics (per game)

Under Jol, Fulham were allowing a league high 20 shots per game, whilst registering only 8.2 of their own.

René Meulensteen’s methods have had an immediate impact, albeit from a very small sample size. Fulham now carry a genuine attacking threat averaging 18 shots per game, whilst their defence has improved slightly, allowing 16.7 shots per game.

There is still plenty of work to be done but crucially Fulham are now in credit when it comes to shots per game (+1.3) whereas before they were being outgunned by 11.8 shots.

Fulham sit precariously in 19th spot in the Premier League but that was Martin Jol’s doing; their performances under Meulensteen suggest they sit in a false position.

In the coming weeks look out for the bookmakers undervaluing Fulham’s chances, starting with a home game at Man City this weekend where they look big at 5/2 (BetVictor) to avoid defeat.