West Brom remain the only unbeaten side in the Championship after coming from behind to rescue a point at Craven Cottage.
Semi Ajayi’s first goal for the club 10 minutes from time cancelled out Anthony Knockaert’s opener in an entertaining game likely to contain two of the top six sides come the end of the season.
Fulham were the superior side in the first half creating several good chances. Tom Cairney hit the crossbar after being played through one on one and Sam Johnstone stood up to his critics by making a sharp reaction stop, tipping over Harrison Reed’s close range header.
Albion had a couple of half chances of their own, both falling to Charlie Austin who will be disappointed he didn’t manage to get his volley on target from 12 yards out.
Albion continued to be put under pressure in the second half and it was no surprise when Knockaert put the hosts ahead. The winger, who had been kept quiet all game after another impressive and mature display from Nathan Ferguson, drifted to the left and looked to play a cross towards the back post which dipped over Sam Johnstone and into the corner of the net. Only Knockaert will be able to tell you whether he meant it or not!
Albion toiled away but it was only the introduction of Albion’s three substitutes that sparked them into life. Kyle Edwards, Filip Krovinovic and, later on, Hal Robson-Kanu were all introduced to excellent effect. Edwards, handed the captain’s armband after replacing Jake Livermore, was showing pace and trickery down the left and Krovinovic was putting a few neat passes together giving the Baggies the possession they had lacked for much of the game.
The Baggies managed to force their equaliser when Marcus Bettinelli, under pressure from Austin, could only palm a Matheus Pereira corner into the path of Semi Ajayi to nod into the bottom corner from close range.
Albion continued to press but couldn’t find a winner, Darnell Furlong coming closest with another chance from a corner but unfortunately the full back’s near post header flew wide.
It is now the sixth time in seven games that Albion have fallen behind in games this season and, whilst earning points from losing positions is a great trait to have, Slaven Bilic will want his side to begin starting games as they finish them if they are to keep up their excellent start to the season.