Eddie Johnson has the potential to energize a struggling Fulham side as he becomes the newest American to put on a Cottagers uniform.
As previously reported by my colleague, Eddie Johnson of the Kansas City Wizards is in final stages of a move to Fulham FC. Sources say that he could be playing there as early as this weekend. Fulham, currently 19 of 20 in the Premier League, is walking a dangerous path towards relegation. But, will the injection of Eddie Johnson combined with Bryan McBride returning from his devastating injury be enough to get the team back on track?
The odds against Johnson are staggering; he is going to face competition tougher than anything he has ever seen, higher stakes and an unfamiliar culture and climate. Despite their lack-luster performances, Fulham has a strong following here in the United States due to its American players. And while most of the EPL has written Fulham off as a team that will be relegated, for many fans there is still hope. Sitting in next to last place with 15 points, Fulham’s situation is not as bad as it could be. Struggling Bolton and Birmingham, 15th and 16th place respectively, are just a few points ahead in the overall standings. With several teams still relatively close in points, Eddie Johnson will be arriving at a pivotal point in Fulham's season.
Comparisons (premature ones at best) are already popping up—will Eddie Johnson save Fulham as Carlos Tevez did for West Ham United last season? Can he recreate some of the magic that fellow American’s Bryan McBride or Clint Dempsey has? After all, it was Clint Dempsey’s goal against Liverpool in May of last year season that saved Fulham from relegation in 2007. Will lightning strike twice? Eddie Johnson has proved that he can score goals in both the MLS with the US National team. Now he must prove himself once more.
Coming off a devastating lost to West Ham, Fulham gets no easy breaks. They travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal this Saturday.
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