Wednesday Fulham Stuff (02/05/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
So That Happened: Liverpool 0 -Fulham 1

That's all there is to say. The match was on the calendar. Both clubs were required to show up with 11 starters and seven substitutes, and they would play for ninety minutes.

And they both did that. And they both looked like that's exactly all they had invested in it.

Which is fine. The time for stomping and yelling about league results passed long ago, and while finishing in the bottom half would be unsightly, does it really matter? In terms of prize money I guess, but considering the money Liverpool are going to have to throw around this summer, it won't make that much difference anyway.

Kenny did ring the changes, and you would have expected some to show more to enter the discussion for Saturday's lineup. But for the most part, they didn't, and the season's definition hinges on Saturday's result. But it has for a while now, probably even before the semifinal. So whatever.

Fine, bullets if you need them:

-Oh look, Fabio Aurelio is alive. So why wasn't he part of the rotation earlier in the season, when he might have saved Jose Enrique from wheezing?

-I know it won't be, but it would have been fine with me if that was Dirk Kuyt's last match as a Liverpool player. He'll get a run out in one of the last two fixtures. I'm terrified that he'll get a start Saturday, along with Jamie Carragher, because of past accomplishments. Yes, Dirk has provided effort out of his eyeballs and big goals at big times. But it's his position, either at support striker or wide in midfield, that needs a serious upgrade in class and skill. And Dirk doesn't have those any more, if he ever did. Liverpool need a truly gifted and lethal player in that position that basically is ahead of the midfield and either wide of or behind the strikers. Kuyt is not that.

-You can just repeat the same thing for Stewart Downing, minus all the good things.

-I know Jonjo Shelvey is only 20 or so, but I would like to see a least a hint of promise. So many not just misplaced passes, but passes that I couldn't figure out where they were intended in the first place.

-I fear that this performance could see Andy Carroll ruled out of the starting 11 for the Final, which is kind of a shame because he was one of the few who looked like he gave a flying. Worked tirelessly, and kind of had to create all of his chances on his own. Of course, he missed them. Still, some real service could have helped.

-Jay Spearing was also awful, and doesn't really belong in a two-man central midfield, which Liverpool switched to in the second half to accommodate Downing. Boy that worked a treat. But Spearing is still the only player of his type in the squad, and I can't imagine countering Chelsea without anything resembling a holding midfielder.

-I'm guessing Henderson's sub at halftime means he's starting on Saturday, and if that's with Gerrard and Spearing in a three-man midfield, I really wouldn't complain.

-We've screamed for Sebastien Coates to get more chances, and maybe we found out why tonight he didn't get them. Horrible with distribution, easily beaten for the goal and other times, and an odd defending policy of getting caught on a Fulham player's back, and then curling around him to make a tackle while facing his own goal. That can't possibly be proper. Oh, and he's slow.

-Hey look, Raheem Sterling. Probably won't see him again until he's loaned out somewhere next season.

Not that this changed anything, but with it the next one up, it's impossible to state how massive the Final is for Liverpool. If they don't win it, it would be hard to categorize this season as anything other than utter failure. Kenny's handling of his squad, his tactics, his constant like-for-like substitutions will come under even heavier scrutiny than they did before the League Cup Final and FA Cup Semifinal, where those triumphs relieved pressure for a bit.

If Liverpool win it, well, two trophies make a pretty hefty argument. No one will feel triumphant about the season as a whole, mind, but it could be argued that two pieces of silverware is a better jumping off point than where this season started, with at least the Europa League to come.

Considering all that's riding on it, have Liverpool had a more massive match to play since 2005? In Istanbul, a loss would have seen Liverpool out of Europe, with Steven Gerrard on his way to greener pastures (which he kind of tried to do anyway).

A loss now? Well, I don't even want to think about it.



http://www.anfieldasylum.com/2012/5/2/2992502/so-that-happened-liverpool-0-fulham-1?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham in three-way fight for Rodriguez
by DAN on MAY 2, 2012



The Daily Mail claims that Fulham are one of three Premier League sides in the race to sign Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez.

Newly-promoted Southampton have had an long-standing interest in the 22 year-old and Nigel Adkins had an offer of around £5.5m rebuffed by Burnley during the January transfer window. The Mail report suggests that Everton are the latest club to join the chase for Rodriguez, who has 21 goals in 42 appearances for Burnley this side, but the Championship are holding out for an offer of £8m, despite the fact that the striker’s contract expires next summer.

Rodriguez has been regularly linked to Fulham as a transfer target and scored the winner when Burnley knocked Roy Hodgson’s side out of the League Cup in September 2008. The Burnley-born striker, who has one cap for the England under-21 side, has also reportedly interested Newcastle and Bolton in recent months. Rodriguez himself said only yesterday that he was ignoring all the speculation and was happy to have returned to the first team in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bristol City after eight games on the sidelines with a groin injury:

I don’t think anything of the speculation. You hear things but I don’t really listen to them because there’s nothing I can do. I’m still a Burnley player, I’m still contracted, so I’ll look forward to a nice break over the summer, then working hard and getting myself fit. We’ll see what happens.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/fulham-in-three-way-fight-for-rodriguez/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham and Newcastle eye former Real Madrid striker Raul

Newcastle and Fulham are pondering a summer swoop for legendary striker Raul, according to reports in Spain.   

The former Real Madrid star wants a fresh challenge after a successful career in Spain and Germany.


Hot shot: Raul scored 48 goals in 98 games for Schalke

The 34-year-old will play his last game in the Bundesliga on Saturday after scoring 40 goals in 98 games in two seasons at Schalke. 

Raul has indicated he will not move to a major European league and Qatar appears to be his likely destination but that has not prevented Newcastle and Fulham from making contact with his representatives.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2138241/Fulham-Newcastle-chase-Real-Madrid-striker-Raul.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool v Fulham: Player ratings
by DAN on MAY 2, 2012



After Fulham’s thumping at Everton on Saturday, hands up who expected such a disciplined and yet adventurous display that would secure three surprise points? It can’t have been many of us. Billy McKinlay has already expressed his delight at the team’s response – and well he might – as there was little to quibble about all evening. This was a victory that married the work ethic of a Hodgson side with the commitment to expansive football that Martin Jol brought with him to Craven Cottage in the summer.

Schwarzer – 7: In truth, Schwarzer didn’t have an awful lot of shot-stopping to do last night. Liverpool mustered just five shots on target, all of which the Australian comfortably fielded, and usually his hairiest moment came from a cross which he failed to gather under pressure from Andy Carroll. Hangeland bailed his goalkeeper out on that occasion, but you couldn’t fault Schwarzer’s organisation of his defence. A great improvement after Saturday’s forgettable display at Goodison Park.

Kelly – 8: This has to rank alongside that night in Basel as one of Stephen Kelly’s finest displays in a Fulham shirt. The Irish full-back has had a terrific season, firmly establishing himself as Martin Jol’s first choice at right back. On his return from a troublesome wrist injury, Kelly made a real difference – solidifying the defensive unit on his return and offering some useful forward runs, something we hadn’t seen enough of in previous campaigns. He also kept both Dirk Kuyt, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson particularly quiet.

J.A. Riise – 7: The Norwegian’s significant improvement since signing from AS Roma in the summer continues. He may have had a slow start at Fulham but we are now starting to see the very best of Riise senior both in defence and attack. He shone on an emotional return to Anfield, both with some very committed challenges, and that all-action energy that saw him flying down the left wing throughout. Unlucky not to break his goalscoring duck for the Whites when Doni made a good reaction save at his near post, Riise was both diligent and disciplined in his defensive duties.

Hughes – 8: On his 200th start for Fulham, Hughes was restored to centre back alongside Brede Hangeland and he offered a 90-minute illustration of the reasons why that successful partnership shouldn’t be broken up any time soon. Hughes did well to keep the recalled Andy Carroll away from the six-yard area or positions from which he may threaten, used the ball effectively and read the game superbly. He’s a far better fit at centre back than in a full-back position, a role he occupied whilst Kelly was unavailable, and should finish this campaign alongside Hangeland.

Hangeland – 8: For someone who had a worryingly off-colour day at Everton on Saturday, Hangeland was utterly imperious last night. He contested high balls with Carroll as well as bringing the ball out of defence to great effect. His decision-making in the box has never been questioned but he made a splendid challenge on Maxi Rodriguez just after half-time when it seems certain that the Argentine would get a shot in on goal from close range. Both he and Hughes were absolutely immense.

Murphy – 7: To the surprise of nobody in particular, Fulham look an infinitely better side with their captain in it. Whether Murphy was rested or dropped against Everton with this fixture in mind doesn’t really matter, but Murphy’s dominant display in the middle of the park should underline his continuing importance to the club. Not only was he smart when on the ball, Murphy also dictated how Fulham would defend and break quickly once we had the possession. Whether his legs will carry him through for the duration of another full season at Craven Cottage remains to be seen, but Murphy’s integral to our side at the moment.

Dembele – 7: The Belgian continues to catch the eye from his new-found position as a central midfielder. I’ve had some concerns about whether he is most effective in that role or the ‘hole’ behind a lone striker – as he often manages to beat the opposition midfielders only for space to only fleetingly open up before the defence appears in front of him. But Dembele was disciplined enough to cut out the mazy dribbles for this difficult trip to Anfield and yet still showcase his ability to run at defenders, drawing free-kicks, and with his swift changes of both direction and pace, he’s a nightmare to try and nullify.

Duff – 7: Duff’s defensive tracking back makes him an integral part of this Fulham side even if his age might seem to count against him if we were crudely assessing Martin Jol’s attempt to build for the future. He didn’t get too much of an opportunity to run at the Liverpool full-backs last night, but used the ball intelligently and spread the play well. He also provided effective cover for his compatriot Kelly when the right back ventured forward and doubled up successfully on the Liverpool wide men.

Kacaniklic – 7: What a whirlwind few months for the young Swede. He’s gone from an impressive spell in the reserves, to a great start to his senior career whilst on loan at Reading and rivalling Kerim Frei for the title of Fulham’s most exciting youngster in an instant. It’s a real shame that his first goal for the club will likely be snatched away and marked down as Martin Skrtel own goal by the Dubious Goals Panel. Kacaniklic, who was obviously fired up to perform against the team for whom he made his name as an outstanding youth prospect, did brilliantly to get into the box and find space at the near post to convert Riise’s cross – and he wasn’t finished there. He was full of running, regularly taking on Liverpool defenders and arguably Fulham’s most lively outlet in the first half.

Dempsey – 7: Your usual all-action performance from the American. So dangerous with the ball at his feet he exploited the natural uncertainty in a Liverpool defence that hadn’t played together before. Nobody should underestimate the importance of him carrying the ball towards the centre backs before slipping in Riise down the left for the goal. He played a terrific pass in shortly afterwards that either Pogrebnyak or Kacaniklic and looked a real threat all night. Might have sealed the victory a little earlier when Kerim Frei played him through in the second half, but Doni anticipated excellently as he did when Dempsey latched onto a poor backheader in the closing minutes of the game.

Pogrebnyak – 6: The Russian had his second thankless task in four days – lining up as a lone striker on Merseyside again when Fulham weren’t expected to have too much of the ball. He didn’t have too many sights of goal, instead having to shield the ball from two tall centre halves with his back to goal for most of the evening. He did that well and might have got his reward after a quarter of an hour but for a splendid reaction save from Doni. Another whole-hearted performance as he worked hard to bring his team-mates into play throughout.

Subs:

Frei – 7: This was a superb substitution from McKinlay. With the game opening up and Kacaniklic fading slightly after his terrific first half, Frei’s pace and confidence was just what Fulham needed to carry an attacking threat. He wasted little time in laying down his marker, cutting inside and thundering a shot against the outside of the post from 20 yards. He’s willing to work back into defensive areas now – and chased back to make tackles effectively – as well as being an excellent out ball when the defence is stretched in the closing stages. Jol and company are using him intelligently, giving him brief tastes of the Premier League, to aid his already outstanding development.

Etuhu – 6: Little time to alter the complexion of the game as an 81st minute replacement for the tiring Pogrebnyak, but then his role was simply to solidify midfield and help Fulham see out a famous victory.

Baird – 6: Much more limited game time than at Goodison but sat in central midfield after Dembele limped off to provide a shield for the Fulham defence.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/05/liverpool-v-fulham-player-ratings/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool booed for first time at Anfield

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish questioned his side’s attitude, though he was also critical of his own decision making as Liverpool lost to Fulham at Anfield on Tuesday night.

The man who won three European Cups with the Merseysiders as a player left out nine first team regulars – including Luis Suarez, Stephen Gerrard and Craig Bellamy – ahead of Satruday’s Cup final clash with Chelsea.

Dalglish saw his side lose to a Martin Skirtel own goal after five minutes of what was at best a tepid performance:

“Their attitude was not right and if you get a bad attitude you are going to get a bad performance and that is what we got,” he said. “I think that is an accurate appraisal. I am culpable as well as I changed a lot of players to try to give everyone an opportunity to get in the frame for Saturday.”

Before the Fulham match, Dlaglish challenged his players to play for Cup final places but admitted he wasn’t happy with their performance:

“We cannot play at that tempo, we have to play at a quicker tempo than that. We deserved nothing.”

Fulham manager Martin Jol missed the Anfield clash with a chest infection and was expected to be in better spirits than after the 4-0 weekend hiding to Everton.  The Dutchman is expected to be back on the sideline by the weekend.



http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer_irish/liverpool-booed-for-first-time-at-anfield/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham coach surprised after ending Merseyside hoodoo

Billy McKinlay was surprised that the Whites had not beaten Liverpool and Everton away from home in the league

Fulham first team coach Billy McKinlay was delighted with the way his side responded from their defeat against Everton to beat Liverpool.

Martin Skrtel’s own goal was enough to give the Whites their ever first league win on Merseyside, albeit against a much changed Reds side.

“I wasn’t aware. I don’t worry about history or statistics too much,” McKinlay said.

“The response to Saturday’s poor performance was evident and they deserve the plaudits.

“I am delighted. Many things pleased me tonight: the performance, first and foremost, with the result a consequence of that.

“I couldn’t be more pleased. Everything which could go wrong went wrong on Saturday but tonight there were lots of pleasing things.”



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_coach_surprised_after_ending_merseyside_hoodoo_1_1365690?

[WhiteJC]

 
Riise's message to Reds fans

John Arne Riise described Liverpool supporters as the 'best fans in the world' after the warm reception they afforded the Norwegian upon his first return to Anfield on Tuesday night.

The 31-year-old may have helped Fulham to a 1-0 victory against the Reds, but the Kop were eager to show their appreciation for the seven years of service he gave to the club, which included 348 appearances and 31 goals between 2001 and 2008.

Reds fans chanted Riise's name as the teams prepared to get the second half underway, and the defender was left overwhelmed by the response he received.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I didn't know what to expect really, and then I came out and they started singing (my name).

"I got goose bumps down my back and I was really thankful and grateful for that kind of response.

"They proved they are the best fans in the world and they never forget what players do for the team and I am really thankful for it. It’s something I won't forget."

It was Riise's first appearance at Anfield since he left Liverpool to join AS Roma in the summer of 2008.

He admits it was a somewhat surreal appearance.

"It felt really good to be back at Anfield," said Riise. "I was excited all day and had been looking forward to the game all season. It was great to come back.

"I think the team performed well and on a personal level I think I had a good game, and I'm happy with the three points.

"I said to Brede Hangeland in the warm up that it felt so weird because I'd played so many games here, and now I was playing against Liverpool.

"It was a strange experience, but I enjoyed it and I’m really grateful for the response I got from the crowd.

"After seven years, they never forget what you've done here – and I am thankful for that."

Liverpool will now turn their attentions to Saturday's FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea at Wembley – and Riise admits he'll be cheering his former side on.

He said: "Of course I'll be watching. Seven years with one club - you don't just forget that.

"I'll be supporting Liverpool and hopefully they'll get a good win."



http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/riise-s-message-to-reds-fans?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool's FA Cup hopefuls handed harsh lesson by Fulham

Liverpool 0 Fulham 1: Kenny Dalglish had billed this game as an opportunity for his fringe players at Liverpool to stake a claim for a place in the FA Cup final. On this evidence most of this lot will be wearing suits come kick-off at Wembley.

Kenny Dalglish had billed this game as an opportunity for his fringe players at Liverpool to stake a claim for a place in the FA Cup final. On this evidence most of this lot will wearing suits come kick-off at Wembley.

Even by the standards of a season that has seen Liverpool win five times at Anfield, two fewer than when they were relegated in 1954, this was a nadir. Fulham had never won here in their history and the blank facts are that they should have done so by a rather greater margin than a single goal.

With Dalglish having made nine changes from the side that at Norwich last Saturday produced one of the most complete performances of Liverpool's season, this was a team of understudies. Their impact was so limited that it was hard to imagine Dalglish not turning back to his leading men at Wembley.

"I am culpable because I wanted to give everyone an opportunity to push their case forward," said the Liverpool manager. "But the performance and attitude were very poor. It was nothing like us. There were one or two positives but too many negatives.

"My message to this team was take some pride in yourselves. We got what we deserved which was absolutely nothing. We didn't approach the game properly and, if they needed a lesson, then there's a lesson."

The match before an FA Cup final is, admittedly, no kind of guide to how events on the grand stage will pan out. In 1988 Liverpool warmed up for a final they were to lose stunningly to Wimbledon by crushing Sheffield Wednesday 5-1 at Hillsborough. However, as a guide to the current side's strength in depth it was indisputable.

A few days before, Fulham had been disembowelled in the traditional manner at Everton – where they have never won a league fixture. Now, had Kerim Frei's shot not struck the outside of the post or Alexander Doni not saved superbly when Clint Dempsey was put through, the margin of victory might have been humbling.

Dempsey was at the heart of everything good that Fulham attempted and the American began by running at the dead centre of the Liverpool defence, before switching the ball to the left flank from where John Arne Riise delivered the kind of low, blisteringly hard cross that was his trademark here under Gérard Houllier.

It was probably meant for Alex Kacaniklic but struck Martin Skrtel on the chest and gave Doni no chance whatsoever. There was so little noise that it appeared at first as if the goal had been disallowed. For much of the time the evening resembled a reserve match and not a very good reserve match at that.

The mood at England's most atmospheric stadium was sullen. For the opening 20 minutes, Liverpool were jaw-droppingly incompetent. They sleepwalked through their opening moves, surrendered possession and, for good measure, put the ball in their own net.

Gradually, they hauled themselves back into the game through Dirk Kuyt, whose time at Anfield may be coming to a close, and Andy Carroll, who like Fernando Torres is ending the season a sight better than he started it. Nevertheless, apart from a shot from Kuyt that skimmed by the post and a clearance off the line from Brede Hangeland, there were few concrete chances.

These were two clubs that had diametrically opposite opinions of the new England manager. Those few Fulham fans who would have made the journey to Merseyside with their usual trepidation, chanted Roy Hodgson's name throughout. Anfield made no reply. But for two superbly executed cup runs and the magic of his name, the pressure on Dalglish would have been intolerable.

Man of the match Dempsey.

Match rating 6/10.

Referee L Probert (Wiltshire).

Attendance 40,106.



Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/liverpools-fa-cup-hopeful-handed-harsh-lesson-by-fulham-16152941.html?#ixzz1tivucAOJ

[WhiteJC]

 
Foundation Partnership

Fulham Football Club is partnering up with Macmillan Cancer Support to give men who are affected by cancer an exciting opportunity to enjoy football, find out more about Fulham Football Club and get to meet fellow fans, all who share an experience of cancer.

Fulham Football Club and Macmillan are keen to provide this opportunity for new groups of people affected by cancer to come together and to encourage men to increase their involvement with Macmillan.

What are you going to be doing?

You will be part of a group of nine men affected by cancer who will meet on Sunday 6th May to watch Fulham's final home game of the season against Sunderland at Craven Cottage.

A great atmosphere in a unique stadium, great company and hopefully great football will be provided, along with refreshments whilst experiencing a live Premier League match.

The group will meet four times after the big opening on Sunday 6th. May. After the first session at the match, we would like you as a group to let us know what activities you would like to do and what you would like to talk about at the following sessions. We would recommend that you attend all of the sessions so that you get the full benefit from this experience.

What do I need to do to get involved?

Spaces are limited so if you are interested, please email Sam Windridge at swindridge@fulhamfc.com before 4pm on Thursday the 3rd May. If we receive more than nine valid applicants by 4pm on Thursday the 3rd of May, we will select applicants randomly via a fair ballot system. Travel expenses will be reimbursed and refreshments will be offered.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/FoundationPartnership.aspx?#ixzz1tiw9VIpR

[WhiteJC]

 
Good end of season form must continue into 2012/13

As fine as our end of season form invariably has been over the past few years, there's always a somewhat sobering thought that there's a particularly minimal chance of it spilling over into the fortunes of the next campaign. It's a worrying phenomenon that, ultimately, stems back to the genetically inconsistent ways of this Fulham team that can defeat Queens Park Rangers 6-0 on one weekend and then get bewilderingly humbled the next at Stoke City.

And it's, unfortunately, a problem that has never been sought to be corrected - there's almost an acceptance now at Craven Cottage that however good the football at the end of the year, the story will be different come a fresh start. Mark Hughes, when taking charge of the club, named himself an "end of season manager", and, it seems his methodologies rubbed off rather quickly on the whole team.



That's all well and good, you say, because, eventually, form will take a sharp and welcome turn in the right direction and, in the end, we'll finish in a respectably high-to-mid-table position and everything will be just dandy. But why should we accept that as a given and just let it lie? Why can't we start a season in the same blistering way we can seemingly exit one?

Because, as this campaign has shown, we're not a difficult side to face in the August and September months. Under Martin Jol, in those two periods, we picked up four points and failed to record a victory - that only happened in October. And under Hughes, the story is no better to recall. We only, truly, witnessed a progressive and potent Fulham side by the time Christmas had gone. The turning point was, arguably, a 2-0 victory away at Stoke.

The most obvious reason to cite for this early season instability is the quick-fire change in management but it may well go deeper than that. Yes, the team having to adapt to two new styles - though Hughes basically adopted the mantra of Roy Hodgson anyway - would have had a detrimental effect but Jol had six competitive games to impose his mark on Fulham and still nothing authentically worked.

Perhaps there's still an underlying belief, lamentably imposed in the pre-Hodgson days, that we are a club that needs to consider Premier League safety above all else, putting any kind of flourish into the background. When that is achieved, we lose the pressure and we lose a mental attitude that seemingly drags us back for around half a season. You get the feeling, however, that it will be a hard mentality to break.

It can be done, though. There needs to be a realisation around SW6 that, yes, while we are not the most superior club in England and while relegation should, inevitably, always be a concern, we have a club and a manager and a chairman that are capable of really quite extraordinary things. Jol needs to relay that to the players and instil a sense of - not arrogance - but confidence before the season starts so that euphoria and expectation carried forward each season by the fans can be reciprocated on the pitch.

Undoubtedly, Jol's hand will be forced this summer, whether that be over Clint Dempsey, Moussa Dembele or both, but we will still have a team at Fulham that can compete in England's highest echelons from the very first day and relegation should be but a distant concern.

There's a sense, here, that Martin Jol has big ambitions for this side and I think there is one distinctive way to prove it next season: start well and take it forward. That way, we can all have a peaceful Christmas.



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2012/5/2/2993326/good-end-of-season-form-must-continue-into-2012-13?

[WhiteJC]

 
Winning Mentality

Fulham fielded three former Liverpool players for today’s victory at Anfield but while Danny Murphy and John Arne Riise secured hero status during their stints on Merseyside, Alex Kacaniklic moved to Fulham without having made a single appearance for the Reds.

The young winger showed his former employers what they were missing though with an energetic performance on Tuesday night, and he clearly enjoyed his evening at Anfield.

“It was good to be back because obviously I spent three years here,” Alex told fulhamfc.com. “The most important thing was that we won the game of course but it was good to be back playing here with Fulham.”

Kacaniklic was a constant threat to Liverpool’s backline, especially in the first half, and certainly played his part in the goal when Riise’s cross hit him before rebounding off Skrtel into the back of the net.

“I’m not sure if I can claim that as an assist because I didn’t know too much about it,” he admitted. “It was lucky it took a touch off the defender because it probably would never have gone in otherwise. It was an own goal but they all count!

“We won the game 1-0 and had to hold that lead for a long time so I thought it was a great team performance by us.”

Alex was unaware of Fulham’s winless record away to Liverpool until he was told after the game and so was naturally delighted to be part of the first Fulham side to ever come away with three points.

“I didn’t know that we hadn’t won at Anfield before so of course it is very special to be part of the first Fulham Team to do that,” Alex said. “That’s really something big.

“It is a great achievement because that puts us level on points with Liverpool but we already knew we were a good Team because we’ve got some really great players here so I’m not overly surprised that we won tonight.”

The Whites put in an organised and tidy display on Tuesday evening and Alex believes the determination they showed demonstrates that they still feel they have plenty to play for between now and the end of the 2011/12 campaign.

“The Team is desperate to get as many points as possible between now and the end of the season because we’ve got a winning mentality,” he explained. “Everyone here wants to win and we would never think that we don’t have anything to play for. We go into every match wanting to win and we did just that today.”



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/WinningMentality.aspx?#ixzz1tiwwllgv

[WhiteJC]

 
Reserves Face Villa

Fulham’s Development Squad challenge Aston Villa’s Reserve team at Motspur Park on Wednesday afternoon (KO 2pm) and fulhamfc.com can now confirm Ray Lewington's starting eleven.

Fulham XI:

Marcus Bettinelli, Alex Brister, Sean Kavanagh, Jack Grimmer, Dan Burn, Marcel Gecov, Ryan Williams, Alex Smith, Marcello Trotta, Ronny Minkwitz, Buomesca Tue Na Bangna

Subs: Grant Smith, Lasse Vigen Christensen, Joshua Pritchard, Tom Donegan, Corey Gameiro

Aston Villa XI:

Benji Siegrist, Mason Watkins-Clark, Enda Stevens, Samir Carruthers, Janoi Donacien, Derrick Williams, Joshua Barton, Jack Grealish, Michael Drennan, Graham Burke, Courtney Cameron

Subs: Jordan Graham, Calum Barrett, Malcolm Melvin, Charlie Ward, Daniel Devine

A match report will appear online at the final whistle but supporters can keep up to date with the action at Motspur Park on the Club’s official Twitter feed. This afternoon’s match will be played behind closed doors.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/ReservesFaceVilla.aspx?#ixzz1tix7ti88

[WhiteJC]

 
Kacaniklic wants more points
Former Sweden U19 international keen to build on Reds triumph


Alex Kacaniklic: Fulham winger helped them make history at Anfield with first win

Fulham youngster Alex Kacaniklic is urging his team-mates not to rest on their laurels after their historic 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield.

The Cottagers left the Reds' preparations for the FA Cup in disarray after they inflicted a fourth home defeat of the season on Kenny Dalglish's team on Wednesday evening.

It was the first time the west London outfit have ever won at Anfield and they are now level on points with the Carling Cup winners on 49 points.

"I didn't know that we hadn't won at Anfield before so of course it is very special to be part of the first Fulham team to do that," Kacaniklic told the club's official website.

"That's really something big. It is a great achievement because that puts us level on points with Liverpool, but we already knew we were a good team because we've got some really great players here, so I'm not overly surprised that we won."

Winning mentality

Kacaniklic, 20, spent three years at Liverpool but failed to break into the first team.

He left the club in 2010 as part of the deal that took Paul Konchesky to Anfield. However, he was a threat all evening for the Cottagers against his former employers and now wants a strong end to their campaign.

He added: "The team is desperate to get as many points as possible between now and the end of the season because we've got a winning mentality.

"Everyone here wants to win and we would never think that we don't have anything to play for. We go into every match wanting to win and we did just that."


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