ISAAN KHAN: Aleksandar Mitrovic bloodied but not bowed in Fulham’s 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace… Serbian striker’s performances see Cottagers progress in Premier League this season
He reappeared with gauze over his nostrils, wiped off the blood and a new shirt with no name or number on it.
Aleksandar Mitrovic was smashed on the nose by Joachim Andersen’s arm after three minutes at Craven Cottage.
Once back on the pitch, it was business as usual – a goal in either half in his first start in two months after an eight-game ban.
As Fulham’s top scorer with 15 goals, he is sorely missed. Teammate Willian said: ‘He is an important player. He is a player who scores goals, a target for us.
‘We always try to find him in any situation — set piece too. When he doesn’t play, we miss certain aspects.’
Aleksandar Mitrovic has been unstoppable for Fulham this season and has bounced back straight from his eight-match ban
The Serbia international suffered a nasty nosebleed but was back in action quickly
In Mitrovic’s absence, Fulham found a way to adapt. Carlos Vinicius and Andreas Pereira scored four goals each; there is a real spine within this side that has ensured they finish the season in the top half.
Such a prediction would have been foolish in August, with many marking Fulham as relegation candidates. Instead, they broke records – their 54 Premier League goals this season surpassed their previous best of 52.
If they can carry that same fighting spirit into next season, with Mitrovic Marco Silva’s men will be on the right footing again.
The Cottagers are just one point away from matching their highest points total in the top flight
