ISAAN KHAN: Aleksandar Mitrovic was bloodied but unbowed in Fulham's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace... the Serbian striker's performances have seen the Cottagers thrive in the Premier League this season
- The Serbian was handed an eight-match ban after being sent off against United
- But Mitrovic's bounce back since returning to action has been impressively swift
- Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace: Joel Ward bundles home late equaliser for Eagles
He re-appeared with a gauze wedged into a nostril, blood wiped away and a new shirt that bore no name or number.
Aleksandar Mitrovic had been cracked in 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 on his first start in two months after an eight-game ban.
As Fulham’s top scorer with 15 goals, he had been truly missed. Team-mate Willian said: ‘He’s an important player. He’s a player who scores goals, a target for us.
‘We always try to find him in any situation — set pieces as well. When he doesn’t play, we miss some aspects.’
![Aleksandar Mitrovic has been irrepressible for Fulham this season and bounced straight back after serving his eight-match ban](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/05/21/21/71243485-0-image-a-1_1684700375283.jpg)
Aleksandar Mitrovic has been irrepressible for Fulham this season and bounced straight back after serving his eight-match ban
![The Serbia international suffered a bad nose bleed but found his way back into action at pace](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/05/21/21/71243483-0-image-a-2_1684700381279.jpg)
The Serbia international suffered a bad nose bleed but found his way back into action at pace
![The Cottagers are just a point away from matching their greatest-ever top-flight points total](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/05/21/21/71243519-0-image-m-4_1684700517684.jpg)
The Cottagers are just a point away from matching their greatest-ever top-flight points total
In Mitrovic’s absence, Fulham found a way to adapt. Carlos Vinicius and Andreas Pereira chipped in with four goals each; there’s a real backbone within this side which has ensured that they will finish the season in the top half.
Such a prediction would have been foolish back in August, with many marking Fulham as relegation candidates. Instead, they are breaking records — their 54 Premier League goals this season surpassing their previous best of 52.
If they can take the same fighting spirit into next season, with Mitrovic in tow Marco Silva’s men will again be on the right footing.
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