By BRIAN LEWIS
The Deuce is Back. And Clint Dempsey showed it with today’s brace against Chelsea, including a last-minute header to salvage Fulham’s thrilling 2-2 tie at Craven Cottage.
The U.S. forward/midfielder had put Fulham ahead just ten minutes into the game, and then salvaged the point in the waning seconds. He extended the Cottagers’ unbeaten run to nine straight matches, and showed that he’s back to his old big-game self.
After Fulham earned a last-ditch set-piece, Dempsey was the hungriest player in the box and rose up for Simon Davies’ corner, directing a header far-post. He immediately got booked for his post-goal celebration, but I’m guessing the Texan didn’t care.
Dempsey has started the last eight straight games, scoring in Fulham’s 3-0 win vs. Middlesbrough on Dec. 20 and proving dangerous on Boxing Day at Tottenham. What do you think of his resurgence? With DaMarcus Beasley struggling for playing time at Rangers, does this make Dempsey the best U.S. winger?