Joao Palhinha – Fulham’s standout summer signing – ends their 2022 on a winning note

Fulham’s last match of 2022 was a chance to, once again, marvel at the quality of Joao Palhinha.

The Portuguese midfielder headed a late winner in yesterday’s 2-1 victory over Southampton, the west London club scabbing the three points in a display that was anything but fluid.

Six points over the festive period lifted Marco Silva’s side to seventh in the Premier League standings, a position that even the most optimistic of supporters would not have dreamed of before a ball was kicked in August.

It’s hard to argue that Palhinha has been the Whites’ standout signing of the previous transfer window. He is a runaway leader for tackles in the league with 75 – 17 ahead of Leeds’ Tyler Adams. And he has also chipped in with three goals, all of them victories.

Fulham had 62 per cent possession against the Saints but only two shots on target, both ending up in Gavin Bazunu’s net.

The hosts’ lack of composure on the ball or fluency to their play, unsettled by Southampton’s energy and press, was underlined by the fact both their goals came from corner kicks.

Andreas Pereira’s shot deflected off James Ward-Prowse for the opener and then the Brazilian’s corner was flicked on by Kenny Tete for Palhinha to convert at the back post from close range.

“It was our moment to have a late goal to decide the game,” said Silva. “Even if we didn’t perform at our best level we deserved it. That’s another good thing, even if not performing at our best, you are able to win matches. That is important.

“Tom Cairney made an impact again in the game, he brought a calmness to our team that we needed. We tried until the last minute to win the game.

“We finish on a high, an amazing 2022. For us as a club, it has been really special year. For our fans first of all. For sure they enjoyed watching Fulham last season, and keeping the same this season even if we have a different challenge, different targets.

“We deserved the three points even if it wasn’t our best performance. Southampton respected us, low-middle block every time. Five at the back, four midfielders. Waiting for mistakes, like their first big chance. We were the team that wanted to win.”