Serbian Mitrovic scored his fifth Premier League goal of season
Saturday 22 September 2018 18:21, UK
We take a closer look at Aleksandar Mitrovic's record goal haul in 2018 - and his game-changing impact against Watford...
Aleksandar Mitrovic was the main man for Fulham once again on Saturday, flicking in a close-range finish to earn a point against Watford and extend his remarkable 2018 scoring streak.
The Serbian was perfectly placed to divert Luciano Vietto's cross home 12 minutes from time and earn Fulham a hard-fought point against a Watford side who had outplayed the hosts at Craven Cottage throughout much of the first half.
Man of the match Mitrovic, who was described as a "leader" by his boss and compatriot Slavisa Jokanovic this week, could even have snatched all three points had his header not hit the bar in the final moments.
There's no question he's in great form right now, with his effort against Watford taking him to five Premier League goals for the season - joint-top of the golden boot standings - and a total of seven in his last six games for club and country.
Mitrovic certainly looks at home in south west London - and the 17 league goals he's scored since initially joining Fulham on loan in January is the most of any player in England's top four tiers.
Mitrovic made that move permanent in the summer and is thriving at Fulham in a way he rarely did at former club Newcastle - who have one goal fewer than their old striker this season.
"I play in a team who plays for me," said Mitrovic, when asked after the match why he's found such fine form at Fulham. "So many players around me are always looking for me and try to give me assists.
"We are playing attacking football, a lot of crosses, a lot of chances created and I'm always in the box, around the box and close to the goal where I feel comfortable. I'm really enjoying my time here."
So many players around me are always looking for me and try to give me assists. I'm really enjoying my time here.
Mitrovic certainly had plenty of service in the second half on Saturday and was responsible for eight of Fulham's 12 attempts after the break, and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp credits the front man with transforming Fulham's approach in the second 45 minutes.
"It felt today that one individual brought his team back into the game," said Redknapp. "One man wanted to wrestle the domination that Watford had first half.
"He started to batter the centre-backs of Watford. Every time the ball went up to him he got hold of it, made it stick, brought people into play and I thought he was the difference.
"Newcastle will be looking at him now thinking 'maybe we should have preserved with him' - what a talent he is. He's got so much ability. When clubs are looking for a top striker, Mitrovic ticks all the boxes. You can go direct into him, he can play with his feet - he ticks every box. At £23million, he's an absolute bargain."
Mitrovic has been making the difference for Fulham with his goals and approach throughout the calendar year - and the Cottagers will hope that game-changing form continues.
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