AMSTERDAM – A pair of American defenders helped their clubs to Championship wins on Wednesday night, with Eric Lichaj and table toppers Notingham Forest remaining unbeaten by topping visiting Fulham 5-3.
With Cottagers midfielder Emerson Hyndman watching from the away dugout, Lichaj worked 56 minutes left back before departing as part of a tactical switch. The US international's biggest contribution came when he rescued Forest netminder Karl Darlow with a goal-saving clearance off the line as the home side protected a one-goal lead in the 42nd minute.
Lichaj also passed the ball extremely well on the night. The Illinois native nearly notched an assist when Reds striker Britt Assombalonga nodded his cross just wide near halftime.
The result gives Lichaj & Co. a one-point advantage over second place Norwich City through seven rounds.
Elsewhere, Zak Whitbread shined brightly in his first league start of the season for Derby County, a 3-2 triumph at Blackburn.
In addition to driving the Rams forward all night with a varied passing game, the center back posted game-highs with 15 clearances and two blocked shots. With the game tied in the 37th minute, Whitbread executed a goalline clearance of his own.
Now unbeaten in four, Derby leapfrogged seven teams into seventh place.
