A Counterblast To The Murphy/Etuhu Knockers

[White Noise]

http://hammyend.com/?p=6883

We won it from midfield

by Dan on April 10, 2010

I've been a little taken aback by some of the criticism of Danny Murphy in the wake of win over Wolfsburg. Yes, he played a couple of poor passes that were picked off by the opposition in dangerous area but the Fulham skipper and Dickson Etuhu ran the game from a central area.

He played a couple of blinding balls through to Bobby Zamora and, even when we were pushed a bit deeper, Murphy was always available to receive and recycle possession. The stats from that evening are also worth a look. Murphy made 102 passes in that game: an extraordinary amount. Next came Chris Baird (99) and Paul Konchesky (88), showing that Wolfsburg completely failed to shut down our full-backs followed by the excellent Dickson Etuhu (74). All our other midfielders, plus Zamora, made more than 60 passes too. Murphy's approaching a thousand successful Premier League passes this season – as this link shows.

That's before we even take into account Murphy's powers of leadership. He was immense on Thursday night and has even clarified the issue of his captain's armband, which Clive Tyldesley said he'd discarded in disgust:

    I've read and been told that the throwing of the armband was to do with some annoyance at myself or someone else, which is completely untrue. The simple fact is that the armband I have to wear in Europe is ridiculously huge and I have to tape it on my arm.

    But the tape had come off and the armband wouldn't stay on. So instead of throwing it in the middle of the pitch, I waited until I was near one of the goals and just threw it behind.

    I take very seriously my role as captain and would never be so disrespectful to my team-mates or the supporters to be throwing the armband in disgust or anger. I certainly wouldn't want anyone thinking it was disrespectful.

[Lighthouse]

The point about our central two is that they have been less then great this year. Against Wolfsburg Etuhu had his best and most composed game since he game to Fulham. Murphy did make a few poor passes in awkward and potenially dangerous areas. But like a Keeper who makes 200 saves, he only needs to make one mistake for it to be highlighted.

Although I didn't read any criticism of either player.This game was one of the few that I found it impossible to be negative about anybody. Easily the best performance away from home for years.

[Tktd]

I find it ridiculous, that people are willing to criticise the central pairing we've had this year, when it's proving to be one of the best in europe!...  :dft005:  Everyone and I mean everyone in the squad has played an integral part to our success and whilst our defence and attack has been top notch without anyone in the middle they'd struggle.

Etuhu admittedly does have some games where he seems to be on another pitch but some of the tackles he ade against Wolfsburg were perfect and really impressive, last minute ditch tackles which not only stopped the opposition (german champions) but managed to get the ball to one of his own team.

I can't really understand why people are also being so critical of some players already considering where we've come from in the last 15 years, let alone 2 and a half, and the fact that we not only got in the Quarters of the F.A cup, but also into the semi finals of the Europa League - We're living a dream, i've seen grown men, who've supported Fulham their entire lives crying because of what we've achieved this season! - Come on, keep your heads in the right place, and your feet on the ground... I'd hate it if we ended up being an arrogant and unrealistic club - they're two things we're not and it makes us who we are, i'd hate to see that change!

[NogoodBoyo]

Well said Hammy & TK!  I'm all for moaning about the moaners.  They need to sit back and enjoy life a bit more.
Nogood "never happier than when completely miserable, isit" Boyo

[GoldCoastWhite]

The point about our central two is that they have been less then great this year. Against Wolfsburg Etuhu had his best and most composed game since he game to Fulham. Murphy did make a few poor passes in awkward and potenially dangerous areas. But like a Keeper who makes 200 saves, he only needs to make one mistake for it to be highlighted.

Although I didn't read any criticism of either player.This game was one of the few that I found it impossible to be negative about anybody. Easily the best performance away from home for years.

Congratulations on reaching 4 figures and "legend" status Flasher !

[CorkedHat]

The point about our central two is that they have been less then great this year. Against Wolfsburg Etuhu had his best and most composed game since he game to Fulham. Murphy did make a few poor passes in awkward and potenially dangerous areas. But like a Keeper who makes 200 saves, he only needs to make one mistake for it to be highlighted.

Although I didn't read any criticism of either player.This game was one of the few that I found it impossible to be negative about anybody. Easily the best performance away from home for years.

Congratulations on reaching 4 figures and "legend" status Flasher !

Bloody Hell - if he's a Legend there's hope for us all  :004: