Fulham: the Premier League’s early-season surprise

Dimitar Berbatov (right) has thrived with Fulham, scoring three goals in the club's first nine games this season. Christopher Lee / Getty Images.

After nine weeks of the English Premier League season, one team’s position in the table is particularly surprising. Fulham moved up to 7^th place after a draw over Reading, and with 14 points are just three behind Tottenham for the final Champions League spot.
The Cottagers got unlucky in the 90^th minute against Reading, who tied the match at 3-3 and escaped with a draw. But Fulham have improved every game this season, building a team that can fight for a Champions League spot. Striker Dimitar Berbatov has enjoyed a renaissance since joining the team after an unsuccessful four-year stint with Manchester United.
The return of Mahamadou Diarra, combined with Berbatov’s arrival, have lifted the team. The Cottagers create plenty of scoring chances, and their strong start is likely to continue. Berbatov, who chose Fulham over Italian clubs Fiorentina and Juventus on the last day of the transfer period, finally found the appreciation he needs. Berbatov is a more philosophical player than a hard-running forward.

Fulham have outplayed their opponents with tactics and class. The Cottagers have scored 19 goals, third in the EPL behind league leaders and neighbors Chelsea and Manchester United. Berbatov and Bryan Ruiz work well together, and adding Chris Baird only makes the offense even stronger. The trio have been fundamental to producing a lot of shots (19 in the match against Reading). Fulham have been dangerous with long-range opportunities as well. If the strikers continue to perform at a high level, Fulham should be perceived as a threat to teams like Arsenal to compete for the coveted fourth place.
Fulham’s major weakness is their away form. In five games away from Craven Cottage, the West London club have just one win, two losses and two draws. Away from home, Fulham have been dispossessed too easily and the defense has been porous.
Fulham is sure to have a great season and will  improve from a midtable club if Berbatov keeps his positive attitude and stays in form. His teammates have praised him and look for him on the pitch. At home, they are impressive. Having many strikers can turn into a disadvantage if the players cannot adapt to each other’s game, but Fulham has not had to worry about this adjustment so far, with Baird acting as the central playmaker for the Cottagers’ frontmen.
Fulham will host Everton this weekend before and traveling to the Emirates Stadium for a showdown with Arsenal on Nov. 10.