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Stadium of Light
Saturday 29th 15:00Sunday 30th 14:00
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Just turned on Skysports+ and it tells me "you are watching Sunderland V Fulham. In fact nothing about them it's all about Chelsea V Brighton.
I always think we don't do that well in the North East, we do worse than we should.
Hoping for a draw, at least.... would be delighted with a win✌️
I hope we don't regret starting Iwobi over Charles. Aside from that, seems like Arbeloa's first choice team.
Our right flank worries me. No doubt Castagne will be bombing forward, and I Wonder if Andersen has the legs to defend the space that will open up especially with Berge on the same side.
Each team only has one Brit in the starting 11. I don't like that to be honest.
How can football in the UK hope to compete given that.
I'm probably in the minority but I am pleased to see Andersen back
At least we haven't conceded from the kick off.lol
Bit of a Kit Clash going in here.
The magenta (red ish) accent parts in our pale cyan blue ish away kit not great against Sunderland's kit.
Don't like our away kit at all, is it supposed to remind people of the ZX Spectrum ?
its a bit nothing, should be black, or that luminous yellow
Poor start....
I really can't stand these kits.
From the BBC:
'Must say that Fulham's away kit is a thing of beauty. Feel like some won't take to it but I think it's great.'
Yeah, looking a little shaky
Very open at the back again
Berge dropping to a back three makes me nervous...
What position is Palacios playing? Everywhere and nowhere.
can we change the kit at the half?
Not a lot to shout about so far.
I thought we were meant to be all about the high press?
Not seen any pressing so far.
That was really good from Palacios
Be nice to string a pass together and maybe see a man find some space
Nice from Cesar.
Palacios is everywhere, he's got free roam
Walham Green 2 up on Brighton after 12 mins. ::angry::
nice ball from bassey, but then it cycled right back to the defence
This "pass it out from the back" concept against a high press away from home is an accident waiting to happen
Not sure how Arbeloa was expecting this game to go but it's not going how he thought it would.
First twenty minutes akin to Parkerball...
Sideways and backwards stuff and no penetration.
We've been sloppy so far. Sunderland look way too comfortable.
I feel we're going to concede soon, at least against Chelsea we're were having a go, we are showing no attacking threat whatsoever
I will say Castagne has been pretty bad so far. I'm a big fan of his but he needs to liven up.
I think the midfield is still the biggest problem we have. Iwobi-Berge aren't good as a duo.
Iwobi twice in 4 mins loses the ball running into someone
about 3% of total possession so far in the game is down to the bottom of leno's boot. he is spending most of the time standing on the ball.
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 30, 2026, 02:21:58 PMI think the midfield is still the biggest problem we have. Iwobi-Berge aren't good as a duo.
Concur. I wouldn't be averse to selling Iwobi to help fund a replacement.
I agree, Iwobi has been terrible......
Wasted free kick too
Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 30, 2026, 02:23:17 PMQuote from: SerbianLad on August 30, 2026, 02:21:58 PMI think the midfield is still the biggest problem we have. Iwobi-Berge aren't good as a duo.
Concur. I wouldn't be averse to selling Iwobi to help fund a replacement.
I'd like to see how he playes further up the pitch in this system. I think the problem is his position and not his quality.
Good spell here...
That really was an awful free kick from Iwobi. Bloody dreadful.
King really should have buried that. Brilliant pass from Iwobi
Should have been 1-0 ::cry::
King!!!! So close
nice ball from iwobi - king unlucky
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 30, 2026, 02:24:33 PMQuote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 30, 2026, 02:23:17 PMQuote from: SerbianLad on August 30, 2026, 02:21:58 PMI think the midfield is still the biggest problem we have. Iwobi-Berge aren't good as a duo.
Concur. I wouldn't be averse to selling Iwobi to help fund a replacement.
I'd like to see how he playes further up the pitch in this system. I think the problem is his position and not his quality.
I did think about this but I'm happier playing our current wingers and 10. Could be that his value is also now only going to decline?
Never a foul. Both were holding each other with same amount of force and Brobbey fell down when he lost the duel.
there was nothing in that challenge from andersen - they were both doing the same thing
I still think an error at the back is coming...
Already teams have worked us out with our "build from the back approach" and have deployed the high press
Quote from: FFC007 on August 30, 2026, 02:29:05 PMI still think an error at the back is coming...
lets hope it is their error at their back
All seems a bit chaotic and rush and dash...
If we are going to persist playing everything through Leno I really hope we upgrade the keeper.
It seems very high risk at the back when most of the time Leno ends up kicking it up field
Usual irritating commentary on Sky that disputes every free kick given to Fulham
I would bring on Kevin for Bobb.
Potentially Charles for Berge or Iwobi?
I like Palacios. Maybe the Andreas replacement we so desperately needed
Bobb has done diddly squat so far...
Quote from: Milo on August 30, 2026, 02:31:18 PMI would bring on Kevin for Bobb.
Potentially Charles for Berge or Iwobi?
i dont think Berge is having a terrible game so far.
Where is this high press?? We are letting them pass around our box looking for openings
Unless I dreamt it.. I thought Arbeloa said we were going to be all about the high press.
Nice to see a club chairman actually attending a game
A clash of styles here that suits neither team. I expect to see Charles later in the game. We don't seem to have an outlet so far.
Andersen you melt...
Sunderland have some decent technical players.
Chelscum destroying Brighton now
Very poor from Bobb and ultimately cost us a yellow card at the other end.
Anderson you useless tw@t
Bobb off at half time.... Please.
Zepa on.
No class that lot:
'Pedro celebrates in front of the Brighton fans who used to sing his name.'
Berge is anonymous, zero impact player. Get Charles on at half time for him. Bobb replaced by Zepa. Let's go for it.
the ref tells the sunderland player to move the throw back, he stays still and throws in the direction the ref pointed - no problem.
What actually does Oscar Bobb bring to the table?
His pressing is awful, and he doesn't have the strength to be effective.
we're losing this game in the midfield - no control.
Quote from: FFC007 on August 30, 2026, 02:36:52 PMBobb off at half time.... Please.
Zepa on.
I haven't seen Bobb do anything really great since we signed him.
That'll make him score now.
They're in total control tbh. We're lucky they've been so wasteful with their passing.
I think Berge is fine. Bobb is non existent so far
Quote from: Milo on August 30, 2026, 02:29:13 PMAlready teams have worked us out with our "build from the back approach" and have deployed the high press
We played out front m the back under Silva so nothing new about this season.
Quote from: Coastwalker on August 30, 2026, 02:40:34 PMQuote from: FFC007 on August 30, 2026, 02:36:52 PMBobb off at half time.... Please.
Zepa on.
I haven't seen Bobb do anything really great since we signed him.
That'll make him score now.
except that you said 'that'll make him score now' - that undid all the magic
He had to take his man on and get a shot away a few mins ago . Thats what he is there to do
I'll take a 0-0 with the dross being served up this afternoon....
Far to slow for me
How is that not a foul throw? Their bloke is bending over when throwing the ball.
Why is Leno wasting soo much time!
This is frustrating ****... how the f*ck we cannot have any resemblance of game opening tactics? Guys standing still and then wishful balls whipped in panic upwards, after we have pssed it between the back four and keeper for a while...
Nice move wish king had berge's size with kings skill set
so king's wasnt a foul, but garcia's was?
looked like apush in the back
Well that was a pile of trash in the first half...
So poor....... Arbeloa will be wearing a fancy cardigan at the post game press conference and be talking about 'fine margins'
Certainly didn't play the ball . Game is there for the taking , seems very like the game up here last year
Quote from: DevonFFC on August 30, 2026, 02:36:14 PMAnderson you useless tw@t
Why are you saying that ?
If it's for that books then you are wrong he clearly made a good tackle and won the ball, the Sunderland player fell over after the ball had well gone.
Need more attacking threat, too much sideways and backwards passing.
Looks like the players arent pleased with the ref, about 4 of them stopped at half time to have words with him
2 of Iwobi/Palacios/Bobb off for Charles and Kevin at half time please. Until we, hopefully, get another midfielder, Charles-Berge should be our duo. Kevin on to have someone who's actually willing to go at players.
Hasn't been great,but Sunderland are the home side,so you'd expect pressure from them.
A poor game but I'm much happier with the defensive set up
Quote from: bahay18 on August 30, 2026, 02:47:28 PMCertainly didn't play the ball . Game is there for the taking , seems very like the game up here last year
If King had done that to the defender - ref would have given a foul!
Defensively well organised but we are so slow and wasteful on the ball. They are there for the taking if we can step this up a bit.
Agree with the earlier post, I'd like to see Kevin utilise the wide space.
Quote from: Nero on August 30, 2026, 02:46:24 PMlooked like apush in the back
Looked like a fair penalty shout to me.
Brentford 1 up at Leeds.
Massively miss Cairney in a game like this, haven't got anyone who can keep hold of the ball and play smart forward passes
Quote from: Coastwalker on August 30, 2026, 02:51:10 PMBrentford 1 up at Leeds.
I notice Wilson is on the bench. Do they not know how well he plays against them?
Quote from: Simunch on August 30, 2026, 02:50:32 PMQuote from: Nero on August 30, 2026, 02:46:24 PMlooked like apush in the back
Looked like a fair penalty shout to me.
Clutching at straws. Says it all about this performance.
Seems my optimism may have been a tad misplaced. ::tongue:: There must be changes on the way.
Personally I would bring ESR for Iwobi, he is very good at pressing.
Decent away performance so far, even if a very dull game.
Away to Sunderland in their first home game of the season is a big task, doing good so far, a couple of subs on and sneak the win.
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 30, 2026, 02:48:38 PM2 of Iwobi/Palacios/Bobb off for Charles and Kevin at half time please. Until we, hopefully, get another midfielder, Charles-Berge should be our duo. Kevin on to have someone who's actually willing to go at players.
Wasn't Palacios meant to be a CM?
That was 45 mins of total shite, terrible football, no energy and little to no excitement.
Sunderland didn't look good or likely to get a goal but carry on like that and they will inevitably get one
Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 30, 2026, 02:35:53 PMVery poor from Bobb and ultimately cost us a yellow card at the other end.
I keep hearing how great a footballer he is. At this level he's been meh whenever he's in the first team against premier league competition. Both he and Palacios look like they are being played in the wrong positions imo.
Happy that we currently have a point though.
I'm not a Bobb fan. Haven't been since we signed him.
Front 3 been non existent really . Not sure where Sky get a dominant first half from Sunderland from , I don't think you could find a more balanced uneventful 45 mins if you tried
HT thoughts:
Iwobi, still careless passes, easily taken off ball
Garcia, same as Iwobi, though he did put nice pass through to King
Bobb, had what I thought a great chance and just fluffed. 1 v 1 and loads of space on the right, at top of the box, could have just taken ball a bit wider and taken a shot
Needless yellow by Andersen
Way too much reliance on Leno to start play, passing back to him way too much, I get nervous seeing him on the ball
Defensive set up has been solid, not giving Sunderland many decent chances
Offense did have a couple half chances (King) but still looks sluggish, Garcia Palacios not impressive
That was a very poor half from both teams.
On the positive side:
-Our defence (including Berge) looks much better organised than against Chelsea.
On the negative side:
-We really should be able to create more chances against a relegation candidate. We move the ball around far too slowly and look clueless at times.
-Any concerns about Andersen's lack of pace are very much justified. Another half with Andersen on a yellow smells like a recipe for disaster.
I feel we are very lucky to be going into half time at 0-0, Sunderland didn't have any real clear cut chances, but I feel they should have.
Fingers crossed our team talk puts some fire up their arse's, we switch up tactics and we can come away with something......
Could be a tale of two halves....... 🤞🤞
Quote from: bahay18 on August 30, 2026, 02:54:55 PMFront 3 been non existent really . Not sure where Sky get a dominant first half from Sunderland from , I don't think you could find a more balanced uneventful 45 mins if you tried
I think they've definitely controlled the game. Dominant may be a slight exaggeration.
Quote from: Karlos on August 30, 2026, 02:53:25 PMQuote from: SerbianLad on August 30, 2026, 02:48:38 PM2 of Iwobi/Palacios/Bobb off for Charles and Kevin at half time please. Until we, hopefully, get another midfielder, Charles-Berge should be our duo. Kevin on to have someone who's actually willing to go at players.
Wasn't Palacios meant to be a CM?
Not sure what the plan was when we got him, but he definitely plays on the wing for us.
https://youtu.be/JA3JfsD6s4Y?is=x194NvhP3XVTwoGF
Bit of Dolly Parton In London concert, doing her Elvis impression , to Shake Everybody up 😍
How I wish Josh King didn't go down so easily.
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 30, 2026, 02:51:58 PMQuote from: Coastwalker on August 30, 2026, 02:51:10 PMBrentford 1 up at Leeds.
I notice Wilson is on the bench. Do they not know how well he plays against them?
to be fair - i think he came off the bench to score a brace in one of those games - maybe looking for that sort of magic
Quote from: WindyCity on August 30, 2026, 02:55:37 PMHT thoughts:
Iwobi, still careless passes, easily taken off ball
Garcia, same as Iwobi, though he did put nice pass through to King
Bobb, had what I thought a great chance and just fluffed. 1 v 1 and loads of space on the right, at top of the box, could have just taken ball a bit wider and taken a shot
Needless yellow by Andersen
Way too much reliance on Leno to start play, passing back to him way too much, I get nervous seeing him on the ball
Defensive set up has been solid, not giving Sunderland many decent chances
Offense did have a couple half chances (King) but still looks sluggish, Garcia Palacios not impressive
Anderson clearly got the ball, needless booking by the ref.
The game has been a bit dull up to this point, but I can accept it. In my view, the team appears to be performing better than they did under Silva. We're younger and applying more pressure, and I believe it will take some time for everything to come together.
Garcia seems to be more of a "sniffer" that will thrive on balls into a crowded box. He hasn't shown much in this game where we're not playing high up the pitch.
Look on the bright side,we're up to 13th in the league at this present time. ::wine::
Bobb, King, and Palacios are so unthreatening behind Garcia. Kevin and Smith-Rowe should be in the team.
Or Charles to the middle with Iwobi on a wing.
Bobb needs hooking... been hopeless.
And Bobb continues to depress.
Quote from: FFC007 on August 30, 2026, 03:06:48 PMBobb needs hooking... been hopeless.
So shocking :(
I think credit to Sunderland here, they've been good at winning the ball back. Frustrating to watch though.
Why did the ref allow their keeper to blatantly time waste there???
Kevin for Bobb please
Get Bobb off and put Zepa on
So 1 mins off the pitch for receiving treatment . Sunderland take 30 seconds to take a free kick , on you go lad .
Bobb makes the wrong decisions.
I used to be exited by the prospect of Bob and Kevin on the wings, but I don't think it would be very productive
Iwobi, Palacios and Bobb off for Charles, Kevin and ESR is what I would do. Move King to rw
Quote from: Trusty Steed on August 30, 2026, 03:08:25 PMBobb makes the wrong decisions.
I used to be exited by the prospect of Bob and Kevin on the wings, but I don't think it would be very productive
He's having a horrible game, but I still think he's a good player. Works hard, technically gifted, seems completely devoid of confidence though.
Really sloppy stuff....
This Sunderland play acting is getting ridiculous
Quote from: FFC007 on August 30, 2026, 03:10:49 PMReally sloppy stuff....
not just the players - the officiating isnt much better
Bobb has had a stinker, the left won't I'm not sure who it is there but often it's vacant.
Need to ring the changes before the game gets away from us
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 30, 2026, 03:11:42 PMThis Sunderland play acting is getting ridiculous
what is the ratio of calls for and against fulham, i wonder
Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 30, 2026, 03:10:37 PMQuote from: Trusty Steed on August 30, 2026, 03:08:25 PMBobb makes the wrong decisions.
I used to be exited by the prospect of Bob and Kevin on the wings, but I don't think it would be very productive
He's having a horrible game, but I still think he's a good player. Works hard, technically gifted, seems completely devoid of confidence though.
Why should he be devoid of confidence,did well at the World Cup.
Nice move
Scrappy game, fussy ref and the team that makes the big mistake will lose!
Good from Garcia.... Excellent from King.
That was a great attack. Garcia could have maybe done a bit better there
nice ball by berge! gonzolas should have had the poise he showed mid-week!
Nice. That should give Sunderland something to think about.
Bloody hell... Bobb did something... :claping20hands:
Looking better now.....
Quote from: akf on August 30, 2026, 03:12:18 PMQuote from: SerbianLad on August 30, 2026, 03:11:42 PMThis Sunderland play acting is getting ridiculous
what is the ratio of calls for and against fulham, i wonder
6 fouls by Sunderland, 11 by us.
If Sunderland had Anderson as their CB we'd be up 1-0.
It pays to have at least one fast CB.
Get Palacios off.
Bobb has been useless.
AA should start thinking about changes now. There are definitely a few candidates for coming off.
Bobb & Palacios the most disappointing!
Will Bobb ever make the right decision when attacking?
Think we need ESR, Kevin and Charles on for Iwobi, Palacios and Bobb
Salisbury, the ref, was the VAR who ruled out the king goal at Chelsea last season...
Useless.
Space opening up now
I'd just like to add my traditional criticism of the Sky commentators.
Palacios off for Kevin for me.
No one seems to be warming up....
Has palacios found his own player yet ?
Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 30, 2026, 03:19:07 PMI'd just like to add my traditional criticism of the Sky commentators.
Desperate for Timmy to be booked.
Palacios and Bobb off
Kevin and Zepa on please
Bobb looks better when he gets the ball in the channel and makes a pass forward. More like an old fashioned inside forward.
Palacios and Bobb both need hooking.
Possibly Iwobi off too.
Referee is an utter moron
i really am at a loss with this ref. Gonzalo is getting molested at every opportunity. Zero calls.
Sessegnon and Charles on ... Bobb and Castagne off.
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 30, 2026, 03:22:46 PMReferee is an utter moron
He has a long history of inexplicable decisions.
Shea and sess on for bobb and.. castagne
I don't see Bobb and Palacios as starting wide players. I don't.
Not sure why Castagne was hooked. He doesn't look too pleased!
Quote from: AnOldBrownie on August 30, 2026, 03:24:54 PMI don't see Bobb and Palacios as starting wide players. I don't.
Is that what they are meant to be!
Pull your shorts up Bassey!! :slap:
I hope Bassey's shorts don't fall down
Quote from: LittleErn on August 30, 2026, 03:25:41 PMNot sure why Castagne was hooked. He doesn't look too pleased!
Weird decision
Quote from: AnOldBrownie on August 30, 2026, 03:24:54 PMI don't see Bobb and Palacios as starting wide players. I don't.
Palacios definitely not. Bobb is at least positionally sound and aggressive defensively.
Someone please shut this commentator up.
Got really lucky there
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm
Sessegnon at right back?
What a miss
saved by the post
Massive let off. Wow.
Lucky boys
It's coming.... We are crap
Why is Sess playing RB
How on earth are we not 1-0 down
Let's punish them for that miss...... come on Fulham
Quote from: AnOldBrownie on August 30, 2026, 03:24:54 PMI don't see Bobb and Palacios as starting wide players. I don't.
I think Palacios is better suited to the CAM role, but we're stacked in that area with ESR and King too.
Sunderland are working very hard to keep us at bay, and just missed a real sitter..
We need to kick on.
Perhaps Arbeloa agrees with you, hence the RW signing we're attempting to make
We can't live with their physicality. It's been hard to watch at times.
Ses has never been good on the right
We are crying out for attacking impetus and we bring 2 defensive players on .
King the only player offering any threat
Quote from: Simply91 on August 30, 2026, 03:28:22 PMWhy is Sess playing RB
Too send a message to the board is my guess, 3rd game in charge and already resorting to these tactics 😂😂😂
Quote from: General on August 30, 2026, 03:28:43 PMQuote from: AnOldBrownie on August 30, 2026, 03:24:54 PMI don't see Bobb and Palacios as starting wide players. I don't.
I think Palacios is better suited to the CAM role, but we're stacked in that area with ESR and King too.
Sunderland are working very hard to keep us at bay, and just missed a real sitter..
We need to kick on.
Perhaps Arbeloa agrees with you, hence the RW signing we're attempting to make
Palacios is a total passenger. I don't understand Arbeloa's infatuation with him.
We are having more control of the midfield now but still look vulnerable to long passes over the top.
Quote from: bahay18 on August 30, 2026, 03:29:01 PMWe are crying out for attacking impetus and we bring 2 defensive players on .
I'd take a point at this stage.
Brighton have pulled 2 back
This will be a smash and grab if we win this....
Oh dear.... ::angry::
Quote from: bahay18 on August 30, 2026, 03:29:23 PMKing the only player offering any threat
he seemed to get energy from the subs
They did us like that 2 times now
Offside?
Quote from: FFC007 on August 30, 2026, 03:31:11 PMThis will be a smash and grab if we win this....
Big if!
Leno needs to go... FAST.
Leno again. He seems to have lost a yard and his mind hasn't caught up with that yet.
This is poor today
::angry:: ::angry:: ::angry:: ::angry::
Fkking Leno could have almost picked that up but he bottled it!
We must be the only team that can cross a ball and no one be in the box and then when the other team crosses we don't have anyone in the box
We really can't complain.
Leno you absolute clown...
And there it is, we offered nothing all game and lo and behold we concede.
We won't keep a clean sheet all season while Leno is in goal
Smith Rowe for Palacios.
Could be a long old season.
Leno is slow in everything he does.
I really love Leno but I'm thinking his position is now a priority to fix before the window closes.
Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 30, 2026, 03:33:51 PMQuote from: FFC007 on August 30, 2026, 03:33:26 PMSmith Rowe for Palacios.
76 minutes too late
ESR is hardly the messiah.
But yes, Palacios coming off was long overdue.
Andersen and Leno are washed up.
Is everyone watching the same game as me. How is everyone saying that's Leno's fault, he had no choice but to come, it was clearly Andersen's fault - twice actually, same thing happened a few minutes ago when they hit the post.
I could actually see us signing Sanchez from chelshit
Nothing more than we deserve.
Terrible performance.
I think blaming Leno for that when there was acres of space in behind our defenders is naive.
Anderson time and time again costing us posts.
Quote from: LC on August 30, 2026, 03:34:39 PMIs everyone watching the same game as me. How is everyone saying that's Leno's fault, he had no choice but to come, it was clearly Andersen's fault - twice actually, same thing happened a few minutes ago when they hit the post.
The issue is he should have been able to collect it or clear it, but he's slow in reflexes and decision making.
Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 30, 2026, 03:30:46 PMQuote from: General on August 30, 2026, 03:28:43 PMQuote from: AnOldBrownie on August 30, 2026, 03:24:54 PMI don't see Bobb and Palacios as starting wide players. I don't.
I think Palacios is better suited to the CAM role, but we're stacked in that area with ESR and King too.
Sunderland are working very hard to keep us at bay, and just missed a real sitter..
We need to kick on.
Perhaps Arbeloa agrees with you, hence the RW signing we're attempting to make
Palacios is a total passenger. I don't understand Arbeloa's infatuation with him.
A lot of the players have been passengers today.. let's not hone in on just Palacios. I've hardly noticed Iwobi.
Sunderland have worked their socks off for this and we just haven't looked very threatening
schoolboy defending. Weak as water.
Perhaps we are relegation fodder this season...
There are some very worrying signs. Those subs were inept .
No urgency or pace in our play
Opposite to the first couple of games
Think slowly people catching up to how Leno is a liability for us
Quote from: LC on August 30, 2026, 03:34:39 PMIs everyone watching the same game as me. How is everyone saying that's Leno's fault, he had no choice but to come, it was clearly Andersen's fault - twice actually, same thing happened a few minutes ago when they hit the post.
Slow off the mark and was beaten to it. Same as the other night.
Obviously it isn't entirely Leno's fault, I don't think that's the point.
Quote from: Chi_FFC on August 30, 2026, 03:35:38 PMQuote from: LC on August 30, 2026, 03:34:39 PMIs everyone watching the same game as me. How is everyone saying that's Leno's fault, he had no choice but to come, it was clearly Andersen's fault - twice actually, same thing happened a few minutes ago when they hit the post.
The issue is he should have been able to collect it or clear it, but he's slow in reflexes and decision making.
Absolutely not, he had a 50/50 to get it, same odds with any keeper. Andersen lost his man twice, first time they hit the post and second time they scored. Leno isn't the problem and is clearly being made the scapegoat goat. If you put another keeper in this team you have the exact same problem
Quote from: Coastwalker on August 30, 2026, 03:35:10 PMNothing more than we deserve.
Terrible performance.
Not really - it's worse than that!
Im not really sure what our plan is when we have the ball.
If we're going to play as open as the manager supposedly wants us to we're going to need a GK who can bail us out when we get caught out, because that is going to happen no matter who is in defense, and Leno just isn't that guy.
Kevin on... Berge off.
Quote from: LC on August 30, 2026, 03:37:21 PMQuote from: Chi_FFC on August 30, 2026, 03:35:38 PMQuote from: LC on August 30, 2026, 03:34:39 PMIs everyone watching the same game as me. How is everyone saying that's Leno's fault, he had no choice but to come, it was clearly Andersen's fault - twice actually, same thing happened a few minutes ago when they hit the post.
The issue is he should have been able to collect it or clear it, but he's slow in reflexes and decision making.
Absolutely not, he had a 50/50 to get it
Because he's so damn slow. Majority of GK's in PL deal with that.
Quote from: FFC007 on August 30, 2026, 03:36:31 PMPerhaps we are relegation fodder this season...
Perhaps? Defo on this performance.
it as if we dont want to score. ball in the 18, but meh, will leave it for someone else to have an idea
Quote from: LC on August 30, 2026, 03:37:21 PMQuote from: Chi_FFC on August 30, 2026, 03:35:38 PMQuote from: LC on August 30, 2026, 03:34:39 PMIs everyone watching the same game as me. How is everyone saying that's Leno's fault, he had no choice but to come, it was clearly Andersen's fault - twice actually, same thing happened a few minutes ago when they hit the post.
The issue is he should have been able to collect it or clear it, but he's slow in reflexes and decision making.
Absolutely not, he had a 50/50 to get it, same odds with any keeper. Andersen lost his man twice, first time they hit the post and second time they scored. Leno isn't the problem and is clearly being made the scapegoat goat. If you put another keeper in this team you have the exact same problem
Wait... you're claiming that every keeper irrespective of speed of decision making and pace has a 50/50 chance there?
???
Leeds level
Kevin needs more game time this season. I'm convinced he is one of if not our best players and we need him to find form. He won't if he only gets 5 or 10 mins here and there.
We haven't apparently had a shot on target and only a handful of shots all game. Need to take a lot more to score
The real issue is the final 3rd where we aim passes and crosses to where no Fulham players are and lose it
Come on, let's put something together.
Quote from: General on August 30, 2026, 03:41:52 PMWe haven't apparently had a shot on target and only a handful of shots all game. Need to take a lot more to score
About 5 touches in the box there and nobody wants to take a shot 🙄
Agreed it was andersen's lack of pace and poor positioning to play him on side
Also think Leno should be doing better.... Again.
That's 3 already Leno should have done better with.
Im also starting to think a change is a must.
King should have taken it first time there
This is better but would be surprised if we equalise
Quote from: Willham on August 30, 2026, 03:43:18 PMAgreed it was andersen's lack of pace and poor positioning to play him on side
Also think Leno should be doing better.... Again.
That's 3 already Leno should have done better with.
Im also starting to think a change is a must.
Leno has been poor since last season.
For gods sake get it forward! All this fannying around at the back.
I was optimistic about today.
However I have been left wondering what Arbeloa's style of play is? I thought he was all about the attacking press? Haven't seen any pressing today. It reminds me of Jokanovic football and we all know how that sadly turned out at this level - as admirable as it was.
Could be a long old season.
Quote from: General on August 30, 2026, 03:41:52 PMWe haven't apparently had a shot on target and only a handful of shots all game. Need to take a lot more to score
No shots on target in any game unforgivable 😡
One decent cross please!
Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 30, 2026, 03:40:03 PMQuote from: LC on August 30, 2026, 03:37:21 PMQuote from: Chi_FFC on August 30, 2026, 03:35:38 PMQuote from: LC on August 30, 2026, 03:34:39 PMIs everyone watching the same game as me. How is everyone saying that's Leno's fault, he had no choice but to come, it was clearly Andersen's fault - twice actually, same thing happened a few minutes ago when they hit the post.
The issue is he should have been able to collect it or clear it, but he's slow in reflexes and decision making.
Absolutely not, he had a 50/50 to get it, same odds with any keeper. Andersen lost his man twice, first time they hit the post and second time they scored. Leno isn't the problem and is clearly being made the scapegoat goat. If you put another keeper in this team you have the exact same problem
Wait... you're claiming that every keeper irrespective of speed of decision making and pace has a 50/50 chance there?
???
Watching the buildup to the goal it was like he was in slow motion. When the cross was hit my first reaction was to relax a bit because I was like, that will be dealt with, but then waiting for Bernd to move....
Wake up call for AA
TBF Sunderland have defended well. Tackled and blocked well. Worked hard. Anything less than three points would be very unfair for them.
Awful performance. Going to be a long season
was the keeper out of the box when he dropped the ball?
High press? More like no press......
Attacking play? Not a single shot on Target
Hopefully the recruitment team might wake up now
Do something ffs, bring Muniz on and have two up front, its so labourous atm
Quote from: Rj Fulham on August 30, 2026, 03:48:38 PMDo something ffs, bring Muniz on and have two up front, its so labourous atm
We can't make more subs
If you don't take a shot, you won't score
We could play for another 20 mins and still not score
Soft teams go down and we look very soft.
Quote from: Trusty Steed on August 30, 2026, 03:48:35 PMHigh press? More like no press......
Attacking play? Not a single shot on Target
Exactly! He made it very clear the attacking press was what this season would be about. "Double sessions" and hard work etc etc. Everyone running hard and putting pressure on their defence.
What rubbish!
No foul on King?
what was that on king?!
How on earth is that not a foul on King?
Salisbury is a joke. Refs in this league are farcical.
Such a lacklustre performance!
Same as we had back end of last year, we need something more, for certain. We relied on a bit of brilliance for 40% of our goals last year and haven't replaced it.
Very disappointing, overall I felt we were lucky against Chelsea. Needs sorting quickly!
Quote from: Sgt Fulham on August 30, 2026, 03:49:46 PMSoft teams go down and we look very soft.
Yeah bullied all afternoon. Worrying.
Twice now, in injury time two brainless fouls.
Problem with these young signings from different leagues, is they aren't used to the physical demands, 18yr old lads getting smashed around by 30 year old men from 'up't' North'.
AA seems to just chuck them straight in
One thing we already knew was that Sunderland are good at defending.
Still does excuse our lack of goal attempts.
frustrating game!
We got nothing from this referee, who ignored far too many fouls but we also got nothing from our team.
Sunderland will struggle this year and we've struggled against them. So that's our barometer. Desperate improvement needed
It will be tough to determine who the best player on our team is following this game.
Well that was a depressing watch.
Probably, should have been a bit more injury tme. But if they'd given us 40 mins, we wouldn't have scored.
Poor in every department!
The opposition really weren't that good and we embarrassed ourselves with that performance!
This will be a long season and by the standard of our play today result in relegation
Not been impressed with Sunderland at all, yet we've been worse. This is the kind of poor performance that destroys confidence and a lot of that pressure will fall on AA.
Weak up front and defensively.
You'd think without a shot on target, that would mean you'd be pretty defensively sound.... Not good enough Fulham...
Quote from: LPNCanadian on August 30, 2026, 03:52:49 PMIt will be tough to determine who the best player on our team is following this game.
King by some distance, again.
Quote from: Chi_FFC on August 30, 2026, 03:38:22 PMIf we're going to play as open as the manager supposedly wants us to we're going to need a GK who can bail us out when we get caught out, because that is going to happen no matter who is in defense, and Leno just isn't that guy.
Disagree.
Sunderland have TWO CBs that wouldn't get caught out like Anderson. We got beaten at the back...just like we did with Cuenca last week.
Our style of play is going to have opportunities for the CB to get beat with pace. The solution to that is having both CBs with pace. There is no other solution because the keeper is going to get hung out.
Starting Palacios and Bobb as wide players is not a smart idea.
I laughed when the pundits said we were relegation candidates. I'm not laughing now!
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 30, 2026, 03:49:39 PMQuote from: Rj Fulham on August 30, 2026, 03:48:38 PMDo something ffs, bring Muniz on and have two up front, its so labourous atm
We can't make more subs
Then that is horrible sub management, Castagne sub was pointless
It's early days but we looked weak today. No goal threat from us, and slow in possession. Poor goal to concede as well. Lots of work to do for us.
Very disappointing performance. Leno was really poor, made the error for the goal and throughout his passing was atrocious, so many times he held on to the ball for ages then played a long pass and surrendered possession. Andersen also pretty poor.
We offered very little in the final third apart from King.
Their rcb Mukiele was superb, exactly what we need in that position, good signing for them.
Aside from zero shot on target, the worrying aspect is the lack of physicality in this team.
I didn't see any intense pressing today either, which I thought was fundamental to AA's style of play!
I've noticed that we tend to start off quite weak after halftime. In my view, this was one of our strengths under Silva, and it's now the second game where we've struggled after the 45-minute mark.
Quote from: LittleErn on August 30, 2026, 03:55:19 PMI laughed when the pundits said we were relegation candidates. I'm not laughing now!
Sounds like Bob Monkhouse: 'They laughed when I said I wanted to be a comedian. They're not laughing now!'
Quote from: AnOldBrownie on August 30, 2026, 03:55:12 PMQuote from: Chi_FFC on August 30, 2026, 03:38:22 PMIf we're going to play as open as the manager supposedly wants us to we're going to need a GK who can bail us out when we get caught out, because that is going to happen no matter who is in defense, and Leno just isn't that guy.
Disagree.
Sunderland have TWO CBs that wouldn't get caught out like Anderson. We got beaten at the back...just like we did with Cuenca last week.
Our style of play is going to have opportunities for the CB to get beat with pace. The solution to that is having both CBs with pace. There is no other solution because the keeper is going to get hung out.
Starting Palacios and Bobb as wide players is not a smart idea.
It's cute that you think all we need are CB's with pace. Hell, Bassey has pace and we've already regularly seen that hasn't stopped him from being burned/caught out.
Quote from: Rambler on August 30, 2026, 03:52:26 PMSunderland will struggle this year and we've struggled against them. So that's our barometer. Desperate improvement needed
I remember folks on here saying Sunderland would struggle last season.
I heard Areola (GK) from West Ham, has fallen out with the Nuno, and it playing.
He was fantastic on loan for us (albeit a good few years ago, and we did get relegated).
Might be worth a shout...... (Just in case the Fulham board are reading this ::wink:: )
They say that the Sunderland goalie is good but we did not find that out. Perhaps next time.
Quote from: Trusty Steed on August 30, 2026, 04:00:52 PMI heard Areola (GK) from West Ham, has fallen out with the Nuno, and it playing.
He was fantastic on loan for us (albeit a good few years ago, and we did get relegated).
Might be worth a shout...... (Just in case the Fulham board are reading this ::wink:: )
No thanks to Areola, look at what happened with the return of Anderson
Game was crying out for Muniz. Sunderland were physical and Fulham had nothing equal to that up front. Arbeloa brought on the wrong subs and never called on the big man after he just ended his goal drought mid-week. Nil shots on target tells it all.
It was worrying on every level. The lacklustre performance , the bizarre subs and the fact Sunderland are poor and we failed to get a shot on target . All the problems highlighted in pre season by pretty much everyone ( slow back line , no physicality) coming home to roost
Quote from: Lordedmundo on August 30, 2026, 03:56:12 PMAside from zero shot on target, the worrying aspect is the lack of physicality in this team.
No opposition player is going to get muscled off the ball by Bobb or King for that matter. But the latter warrants his place on the team sheet. Bobb's Breeze Resistance rating declines with every match.
MoTM can only be our travelling fans.
A truly awful performance against a bang average Sunderland side. Where was the energy of Monday evening. We know we're short at RCB and both Andersen and Leno should be doing better for the goal. I don't understand why Castagne was hooked and neither did he judging by the look on his face. Bobb on the other hand should have been hooked earlier. Not many positives. New recruits needed asap.
Offensively: not a single shot on goal.
Defensively: Andersen is a massive liability.
I don't agree Sunderland were poor? They didn't create many chances but took the one that counted.
We've played too loose against a team with a deadly forward line, over-corrected and been too timid against a not especially good Sunderland. This can be turned around.
Andersen's a problem. His booking was the result of being too slow. His failure to challenge, to create any sort of difficulty for Isidor for the goal - he's either too slow or voluntarily putting himself out of the game because he's on a yellow.
Quote from: Nick Bateman on August 30, 2026, 04:02:26 PMGame was crying out for Muniz. Sunderland were physical and Fulham had nothing equal to that up front. Arbeloa brought on the wrong subs and never called on the big man after he just ended his goal drought mid-week. Nil shots on target tells it all.
Yes he scored against Wimbledon.
And the way he's performed of late,that's about his level.
Quote from: SP on August 30, 2026, 04:04:37 PMI don't agree Sunderland were poor? They didn't create many chances but took the one that counted.
He should have scored two...both the same way. He was the type of attacking sub we needed...but we got ESR and Kevin to try and chase a point.
The best chances we had were when Garcia and King got in behind their defense...but guess what? Their defense was good at recovery.
Well, speaking of signing small (Spanish) players. This is what they will face.
Sunderland outmuscled us, especially their defence against our attack. In a game like this, where we cant seem to be able to turn up the tempo, creativity will be absolutely key. And we lacked that today. Iwobi, Berge, Palacios, Bobb all struggled to create today. Dont think Iwobi serves any purpose in a double pivot, we need a ball carrier and someone breaking the lines. Iwobi just recycled the ball and didnt so enough defensively
Garcia did resonable well today given how we struggled to create, but it was obvious that he had a hard time against Mukiele and the rest of that physical backline
And of course, what we all had already realised before today: Andersen struggling in a backline like this. Outpaced by Isidor, had to take a yellow by fouling Angulo just to not risk getting into a foot race against him.
Fulhams motm is King. Everyone else disappointing today to be quite frank
Starting to get worried about Bobb. Constantly letting us down, has some obvious quality but not clicking quite yet. Robinson also quite poor.
Not sure why we where crossing the ball high into the box late seeing as we barely have anyone higher than 6 feet in that forward line.
Looking forward getting 3, maybe 4 new players into the side.
And that performance Ladies and Gents showed us why so many pundits see us as relegation fodder.
From start to finish we were to slow moving the ball , made sloppy mistakes and generally got out muscled all over the pitch.
I fear it's gonna be a very frustrating season.
Was more "offense" with Parkerball.
Quote from: Trusty Steed on August 30, 2026, 04:00:52 PMI heard Areola (GK) from West Ham, has fallen out with the Nuno, and it playing.
He was fantastic on loan for us (albeit a good few years ago, and we did get relegated).
Might be worth a shout...... (Just in case the Fulham board are reading this ::wink:: )
Anderson was good for us when originally on loan, but looks a shadow of himself since he joined us again..
Quote from: Chi_FFC on August 30, 2026, 03:57:58 PMQuote from: AnOldBrownie on August 30, 2026, 03:55:12 PMQuote from: Chi_FFC on August 30, 2026, 03:38:22 PMIf we're going to play as open as the manager supposedly wants us to we're going to need a GK who can bail us out when we get caught out, because that is going to happen no matter who is in defense, and Leno just isn't that guy.
Disagree.
Sunderland have TWO CBs that wouldn't get caught out like Anderson. We got beaten at the back...just like we did with Cuenca last week.
Our style of play is going to have opportunities for the CB to get beat with pace. The solution to that is having both CBs with pace. There is no other solution because the keeper is going to get hung out.
Starting Palacios and Bobb as wide players is not a smart idea.
It's cute that you think all we need are CB's with pace. Hell, Bassey has pace and we've already regularly seen that hasn't stopped him from being burned/caught out.
Can't run quickly with your shorts around your ankles!
No middle ground for this team the way there setup under this system. Quite evident today that we won't be winning any physical battle's anytime soon.
I suppose the question in the back of a lot of fans mind is can Arbeloa adapt or will he adapt? Just don't see how in this league we can expose two central defenders who are not the quickest. Midfield is unbalanced and personally think he will need to play either two holding or two with legs if he continues current style of play.
First six pointer of the season now next week ????
Quote from: Luka on August 30, 2026, 04:12:50 PMAnd that performance Ladies and Gents showed us why so many pundits see us as relegation fodder.
From start to finish we were to slow moving the ball , made sloppy mistakes and generally got out muscled all over the pitch.
I fear it's gonna be a very frustrating season.
Yep,the Pundits could be spot on.
Saying we aren't physical enough and yet the ref obviously thought we were too physical!
Mostly due to the makems going down at the slightest of touch, I grant you!
Early days but a draw later puts us in the bottom 4. Work starts now. What really concerns me we have too many kids. What was the old phrase...you never win anything with kids.
Struggled to beat their pressure mostly, attacking press mostly non existent & an inability to play a decent pass to a player in a horrible shirt.
King is the only one who came out of that game with any credit. Can find no reason for Palacios remaining on the pitch for so long given how ineffective he was. We thought Silva was bad with Subs but Blowers seems just as bad.
There is clearly a reason why Palacios was only £8m.
Next to Andersen,he is maybe the slowest in the team.
Looks like he's sprinting in timberlands!
We need some muscle and speed bought in to strengthen the spine of this team.
I think we should be getting more milage out of Kevin as well, given the money we spent on him. Does Arbeloa not rate him or something?
Palacios looked out of his depth very early on and was on a yellow. Should have been swapped out at HT for ESR and Iwobi off for Charles at HT too. I was amazed the personnel didn't change at that time. It was clear Xhaka was running the show and we needed the midfield strengthened.
So Palace who we always lose to at home next. Triffic.
Bobb and Leno should be out for the next game.
Give Zepa a chance....
Quote from: FFC007 on August 30, 2026, 04:36:18 PMBobb and Leno should be out for the next game.
Give Zepa a chance....
I'm not seeing anything from Bobb that tells me he is a first choice pick for a starting eleven. Apart from the odd sparkling dribble it's just tip tap with no end result.
I am struggling to offer any positives after that woefully lacklustre performance. And now I have early concerns that we may have brought in the wrong manager. His use of so many lightweights, his proclaimed high octane pressing and attacking style that wasn't and some utterly bizarre substitutions. I know it's early days and hopefully he will learn but if he persists in signing lightweight players I fear we will go down. I don't care how skilful players are, without a strong spine a team will always struggle in the Prem.
Quote from: Twig on August 30, 2026, 04:48:01 PMI am struggling to offer any positives after that woefully lacklustre performance. And now I have early concerns that we may have brought in the wrong manager. His use of so many lightweights, his proclaimed high octane pressing and attacking style that wasn't and some utterly bizarre substitutions. I know it's early days and hopefully he will learn but if he persists in signing lightweight players I fear we will go down. I don't care how skilful players are, without a strong spine a team will always struggle in the Prem.
Funny thing is Lukic could probably have done a job today.
Ipswich look streets ahead of us , much stronger .
If Arbeloa sticks with palacios it will be his undoing . Both games he should have been off at half time . No where near it .