Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who could be decisive in Matchweek 27.
Manor Solomon (FUL)
When Arsenal play Fulham at Craven Cottage this Sunday they would be well advised to close down Solomon’s space whenever he is in shooting range.
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The winger has been in scintillating form in recent weeks, scoring in five successive matches in all competitions, three times as a second-half substitute.
In Premier League action, the 23-year-old has been incredibly clinical.
Scoring four times from just five shots, Solomon boasts a shot conversion rate of 80 per cent.
Solomon's goal at Brighton
Another Manor moment. 🤩#BHAFUL pic.twitter.com/ewPOAgqPAd
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) February 18, 2023
Remarkably, his minutes per goal ratio is the best of all players to have scored at least four Premier League goals this season.
His scoring rate of a goal every 50.5 minutes even usurps that of the 27-goal Erling Haaland.
Best mins/goal ratios in 2022/23
| Player | Mins/goal |
|---|---|
| Manor Solomon | 50.0 |
| Erling Haaland | 75.1 |
| Roberto Firmino | 126.0 |
| Harry Kane | 129.2 |
| Rodrigo | 130.6 |
*Min four goals
Solomon forces Silva reshuffle
Solomon’s outstanding return from a knee injury sustained in the opening week of the season has prompted a tactical tweak from Fulham boss Marco Silva.
Willian has starred on the left side of Fulham’s 4-2-3-1 for most of this season, but the Brazilian has been moved to the opposite flank to accommodate Solomon.
The Israeli is at his best cutting in from the left, and did so when scoring two sumptuous near-identical curling efforts against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league and Leeds United in the FA Cup.
Solomon goal v Wolves
Manor magic from all angles. ✨#FFC pic.twitter.com/6a9vXOaeOZ
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) February 27, 2023
While he hugs the touchline a little more often than the Brazilian, Solomon’s willingness to drive infield makes him compatible with Fulham’s adventurous left-back Antonee Robinson, who likes to fly around the outside.
If Solomon, signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer, starts against Arsenal, his battle with Ben White will make for an interesting watch.
William Saliba on White’s inside must close any gaps that open up when Solomon dribbles inside.
A tidy dribbler
Solomon’s excellent and varied finishing - two right-foot goals, one with his left foot and a header - have caught the eye most, but he has also impressed with his dribbling skills.
He attempts 5.35 dribbles per 90 minutes, completing 2.67 on average. This ranks him among the Premier League’s best dribblers.
Best dribblers in 2022/23
| Player | Completed dribbles/90 |
|---|---|
| Allan Saint-Maximin | 4.8 |
| Hamed Traore | 3.8 |
| Kamaldeen Sulemana | 3.7 |
| Adama Traore | 3.5 |
| Said Benrahma | 2.9 |
| Kaoru Mitoma | 2.7 |
| Manor Solomon | 2.7 |
*Min 200 minutes
Solomon is quick, skilful and bursting with confidence in and around the box, so Arsenal will need to be wary of the threat he poses in this London derby.
His return to full fitness has provided Fulham with an exciting new forward option.
Also in this series
Part 1: Can Lokonga withstand pressure from Man City midfield?
Part 2: Why AFC Bournemouth must fear resurgent Salah
Part 3: Can Guimaraes get the edge over Neves?