The Top Flight
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English Premier League: Four Talking Points From West Ham vs. Fulham

By Shanith de Mel

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: The players shake hands following the final whistle during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Fulham FC at the London Stadium on February 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: The players shake hands following the final whistle during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Fulham FC at the London Stadium on February 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Ryan Babel of Fulham gives instructions during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Fulham FC at London Stadium on February 22, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

As usually goal-shy Fulham raced out of the blocks at the London Stadium, one could see the impact new man Ryan Babel was having on his teammates.

The former Liverpool and Besiktas winger, tall and athletic, is a legitimate goal threat alongside burly Mitrovic, and whilst he wasted a golden opportunity 50 seconds in, he quickly made amends with a well-taken finish at the near post.

Whilst this early dominance fizzled out by halftime, it is impacts like this that Fulham desperately requires from Babel, Mitrovic and fellow January signings Havard Nordtveit and Lazar Markovic to survive. The latter two failed to impress, however, alongside crucial members such as captain and talisman Tom Cairney and wunderkind Ryan Sessegnon. For their own sake, these players must give their absolute best to the cause.

Key performances are required from those in attack and defence in particular for even a shot at survival. Ranieri will be hoping Babel’s enthusiasm and positivity will rub off on his downbeat teammates.

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