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Match Analysis: West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Fulham

Match Analysis: West Brom 1-2 Fulham
© PA Photos
Sports Mole takes a closer look at Fulham's 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns this afternoon.

Fulham have put space between themselves and the relegation zone thanks to a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns this afternoon.

No away team had won this fixture in Premier League history before today, but goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Alexander Kacaniklic helped the Cottagers to amend that particular record.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look to see if the result was fair.

Match statistics

West Brom
Shots: 18
On Target: 4
Possession: 45%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 14

Fulham
Shots: 10
On Target: 3
Possession: 55%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 9

Was the result fair?

Yes. West Brom didn't turn up for the first half and deservedly went in behind. They came out a different team early in the second and got the equaliser, but Fulham regained control after going back ahead. The Baggies huffed and puffed but never really looked like scoring.

West Brom's performance

5/10. It was a flat performance from Steve Clarke's men. They looked half asleep in the first period, while Fulham were right up for it. Romelu Lukaku worked hard up front and was the only man who looked like doing anything for them. That proved to be the case, as he levelled the scores three minutes after half time with a poacher's effort after being set up by Billy Jones. The Baggies looked in control at that point, but they reverted to the same mistakes they were making in the first half when Alexander Kacaniklic scored against the run of play. The introduction of Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie gave the Baggies a fresh look up front, but neither man could really affect the game.

Fulham's performance

7/10. The Cottagers started brightly, but didn't really create a lot. They dominated possession and were first to every ball, leading to groans of frustration from the home supporters. They were caught cold after the break and the travelling support must have feared the worst when Lukaku equalised shortly after half time. However, they got their noses back in front and looked quite comfortable in defending that lead. Fulham looked dangerous on the break as West Brom committed more men forward as they searched for an equaliser, but that killer third goal eluded them.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Dimitar Berbatov: It was a typical performance from the Bulgarian, who seems to float on the edge of play before getting involved where it really matters. Another goal to his tally, as well.

Referee's performance

Mike Dean had very little to do today. He let the game flow and there was rarely cause for a stoppage.

What's next?

West Brom: The Baggies travel to the Madejski Stadium to face Reading on Saturday.

Fulham: The Cottagers host Wigan Athletic, also on Saturday.

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Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov celebrates the first PL goal of 2013, following his goal against West Brom on January 1, 2013
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