Clint Dempsey Scores Twice In Fulham's Dominant 2-0 Victory Against Wigan

Until today's game against Wigan, Fulham had only one victory this season in the league. Fulham definitely took care of business today in a dominant performance at Craven Cottage. Clint Dempsey scored twice in the first half leading Fulham to the 2-0 victory against Wigan.

Before the game began Fulham fans were given great news. Danny Murphy and Simon Davies returned to the starting lineup for the Cottagers. Both players would make their presence felt in this match.

The first half began with the clubs feeling their way into the match. Fulham's first opportunity of the match came in the 10th minute. Fulham had a free kick which was taken by Simon Davies. His kick went to Brede Hangeland, and his header just went over the net.

In the 20th minute, Fulham would have another great scoring opportunity. Fulham had a free kick just outside of the box. Zoltan Gera had a strike just went over the net. It was a nice shot by Gera.

Fulham were really beginning to control the first half. The Cottagers hard work would pay off in the 30th minute. Carlos Salcido made a great run, and sent in a tremendous cross into the box. Clint Dempsey headed the ball past Al Habsi and Fulham were up 1-0.

Fulham's aggressive play would continue late in the first half. They would have a few chances to get a second goal. In the 42nd minute, Moussa Dembele sent a great pass to Gera. His shot just goes wide of the goal. In the 43rd minute, Salcido sent in an another great cross into the box. That pass led to a header by Dempsey which was saved, and got out to Gera, who also had a header that just went over the net.

Fulham were knocking at the door. They finally opened it in the closing minutes of the first half. In the 44th minute, Chris Baird just outside of the box on the right, sent in a great pass to Dempsey. He slammed the cross past Al Habsi to give Fulham a 2-0 lead. The half would end shortly afterwards.

The second half was completely dominated by Fulham. There really weren't too many chances in the second half. Fulham controlled the play. Mark Schwarzer barely worked up a sweat in this game. He was not really challenged all day by Wigan. The game ended with Fulham taking a convincing 2-0 victory against Wigan.

Today, Fulham really played a great game. Danny Murphy being back in the lineup made a huge difference in the midfield. He really controlled the play of the game with his passing. He wasn't the only Fulham player that stood out. Clint Dempsey was tremendous scoring 2 goals, and really tried hard to get the hat trick. Carlos Salcido and Chris Baird were very instrumental in creating scoring chances for other Fulham players. Both players sent great crosses which led to both goals by Dempsey.

However, this was a complete team effort by the Cottagers. I think they showed Wigan the kind of quality play they are capable of playing each and every week. Let's hope Fulham can put in this type of performance next week against Aston Villa.