Martin Jol named a positive starting XI with new signing Pogrebnyak leading the line. The striker was supplemented by an array of attacking talent in the forms of Damien Duff, Clint Dempsey, Bryan Ruiz and Mousa Dembele. John Arne Riise returned at left-back while Aaron Hughes came in for Philippe Senderos after the Swiss international was ruled out with a groin injury picked up at the Etihad last week.

Fulham started the match brightly with Duff, Dembele and Murphy all showing some nice touches on the ball before Matthew Upson gave a glimpse of what the Whites could expect throughout the game with a hard challenge on our Captain. The tackle was a strong one, but fair.

Mousa Dembele was playing in a deeper role than usual and the Belgian was clearly enjoying being able to dictate the play.

Mark Schwarzer was forced into action for the first time after quarter of an hour but Glenn Whelan’s effort from range posed no threat to his goal.

A minute later Pogrebnyak announced himself to the Cottage faithful in the ideal manner. Riise’s shot fell to the Russian striker who lashed an unstoppable finish past Thomas Sorensen to open his account for the Whites on his debut.

Stoke attempted an instance response but all the Potters could muster was a skewed shot from Wilson Palacios and a Kenwyne Jones effort that went out for a Fulham throw-in.

Fulham doubled their lead just after the half hour mark after Clint Dempsey unleashed an absolute rocket from 30 yards out which cannoned off the underside of the crossbar before going in off Thomas Sorensen. Clint would love to claim that one but unfortunately it looks like it’ll go down as an own goal.

Fulham’s slick passing and neat touches were proving too much for Tony Pulis’ side who were struggling to keep the ball.

Four minutes before the break the Whites came close to a third through Murphy when he bent a free-kick narrowly past Sorensen’s left hand post after Dempsey had been cynically felled by Marc Wilson on the edge of the area.

Wilson was booked for his troubles and Palacios followed suit when he scythed Dempsey down in the middle of the park.

From the resulting free-kick Duff showed good skill in the area before arrowing in a right-footed strike. Fortunately for Stoke the effort was straight at Sorensen.

Both teams had brief spells of possession at the start of the second half but neither ‘keeper was really tested in the opening exchanges.

Just after the hour mark Martin Jol made his first change when Simon Davies replaced goal scorer Pogrebnyak who went off to a standing ovation. In addition to his goal, our new number 7 had held the ball up magnificently throughout.

Chances were becoming a rarity for both sides, with Peter Crouch speculatively volleying over on 75 minutes before Aaron Hughes did well to block substitute Ricardo Fuller’s effort.

From the resulting corner Stoke found a way back into the match as Ryan Shawcross’ flicked header at the near post floated over Mark Schwarzer and into the back of the net.

Crouch nearly brought the away side level moments later but hit over when well placed.

Martin Jol made his second change, replacing Danny Murphy with Dickson Etuhu to try and counter the physical threat posed by Stoke.

A mix-up in the Stoke defence in the 89^th minute put Dempsey through on goal, but the American was taken by surprise and the chance was gone.

Five minutes of added time were announced, much to the dismay of the home supporters but the Whites held on for a vital win which sees them leapfrog the Potters in the Premier League table after Clint Dempsey hit the post with the game’s last kick.

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