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Craven Cottage
Monday 24th 20:00
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Come on you Whites!!! ::scarf:: ::scarf:: ::scarf::
COYW!!!!
Have no idea how this will pan out. Equally nervous and optimistic
As discussed, Matchday Threads will now be moved here to the General Discussion Forum on Matchdays, then moved back to the Matchday Forum after a period of reflection.
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Not gonna lie, I'm excited for this!
Cheers,
Steve
Let's stuff these hedge fund money billionaire cheaters tonight...
Right, teams around us nearly all did well first up. We need to do the same.
Let's start off on the right foot. COYW!
Ffs
Oh for gods sake
Are you kidding me? ::angry::
oops
That was quick
Wow. The worst possible start for Arbeloa.
Well that bodes well..
You have to be kidding
Quote from: First State on August 24, 2026, 08:01:30 PMLet's start off on the right foot. COYW!
Loooooooooooool
WTF was that ball from Cuenca and then where was the midfield and defence
ARBELOA OUT :slap:
Only kidding, don't come for me
Not sure what Cuenca was doing there, bloody hell
Centre backs are playing so wide!!
Omg what a shocking start!
Letting a side score in first minute.ffs
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:03:39 PMNot sure what Cuenca was doing there, bloody hell
Palacios both at fault imo
Palacios vould've easily gotten the ball, but seemed tp let it gp through thinking a teammate would get to it and cuenca slip it looked like
Time to show what we're made of.
Not sure what the triangle of Berge, Bassey & Cuenca are doing so early but the shape isn't resembling anything like the Stuttgart game in terms of shape
So it looks like Chelsea are playing the way Arbeloa wants us to play! So all we have to do is copy them, and stop conceding goals.
Were going to get absolutely battered. Long day of work and thie, I cba.
At least we have 89 minutes to turn this around.
Has to be a red, bobb wouldve been through on goal
We can't defend too high up the pitch ... it doesn't work against the bigger teams
Piss poor start, shameful really to be caught out like that
Well Khan has seen first hand how undercooked we are in defence....
Quote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 08:06:57 PMHas to be a red, bobb wouldve been through on goal
seen em given - usually against us.
Quote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 08:05:17 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:03:39 PMNot sure what Cuenca was doing there, bloody hell
Palacios both at fault imo
Palacios vould've easily gotten the ball, but seemed tp let it gp through thinking a teammate would get to it and cuenca slip it looked like
Cuenca's ball out was the main issue for me, with the CB's very wide you can't do that surely
Are we the home side?
Commentators didn't even question if the foul on bobb should be a red. If it were the other way around they would've called for VAR immedietly
We look very open at the back and not very mobile.
Ball retention is shocking
That's more like it
I'd forgotten what an awul miserble sausage of a commentator Alan Smith is
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:12:11 PMI'd forgotten what an awul miserble sausage of a commentator Alan Smith is
A nobody pundit
Chelsea dirty as per.
Chelsea get "slightly fortunate" again
Dirty barstewards
We look good up front but desperately need the promised reinforcements in defence
We looked a bit panicked in all honesty, need to calm down a bit
GG is like a whippet streaking across the grass.
games settling now lets see how we look
Chelsea have a back 6 out of possession, that is grim
If we weren't 1 goal down i'd be happy with the way were playing
anyone else get worried when its played back to leno
This is not good...
could be a few goals in this
and not just to chelsea
Robinson rightly frustrated.
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:17:34 PMChelsea have a back 6 out of possession, that is grim
I guess with a £300m front three you can do
dear me what are the defenders thinking!!!
What the hell is going on....
Cuenca having an absolute mare
Palacios does seem a bit unaware of his surroundings at times
We find it sooo hard to break the Chelsea press. Consequently we persistently concede possession.
Cuenca will be back on the bench as soon as we sign a right footed CB
Wtf is the defence doing?
Quote from: One Martin Thomas on August 24, 2026, 08:20:05 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:17:34 PMChelsea have a back 6 out of possession, that is grim
I guess with a £300m front three you can do
Cheating the system same as man shi**y. Can't wait for them to get caught out for financial cheating again
Bring back Parkerball.
Quote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 08:20:42 PMPalacios does seem a bit unaware of his surroundings at times
Get the need to want to play his boys, but Kevin or Smith Rowe are better options on the left.
Some of Berge's and Iwobi's passing mistakes were atrocious and could have cost us the goal. They need to clean it up. Cuence also looks a lot less composed than he did last season.
I know this is kneejerk as he'll but we look relegation fodder. Reminds me of our first season in the Championship
Can't see this ending one Nil
Not much improvement on our corner kicks.
Berge had a shot!!
Christ we are so bad at defending.
Quote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 08:20:42 PMPalacios does seem a bit unaware of his surroundings at times
This isn't a leisurely paced friendly...
Yes Josh!
King!!!!!!!! :claping20hands:
Justice for King!
Atta boy!!! Well done kid!
The CB's need to narrow up, we're far too open when we lose the ball. Part of me thinks that we need Charles on for Iwobi to give some solidity in the middle. I get we're unbalanced today without an RCB but this is just tooooo open for now, it's odd because we didn't have theses issues last weekend with everything else being identical. Maybe nerves idk???
This is much better.
That was sublime.
Yeeeees
Justice!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS! Thank FECK for Chelsea's keeper being a complete braindead keeper
shocking keeping
take it!
::scarf::
i think chelsea are there for the taking
they look dangerous in attack but vulnerable if you go at them
Get in! Should never go in but if you dont buy a ticket...
Made up for last season when he was robbed....Coyw ::scarf::
The wonderboy's done it!!!
Sanchez looks worse than Leno!!
F off Chelsea filf ::scarf:: ::scarf:: ::scarf:: ::scarf:: ::scarf::
That was some poor goalkeeping...but I'll take it.
This will settle us down now
GET IN KING
Keeper error big time but JK has started so brightly
Get In, well done Josh
Bad goaltending, but we'll take it. ::scarf::
Need to stop messing about at the back
Ok it was poor keeping but King did hit it very sweetly indeed. So pleased for the lad.
MUCH BETTER!!
We're playing some really nice stuff right now!
We are the better side now
Iwobi still underhitting his passes and being generally inaccurate, need more from him
A lot better. Should be 2-1 up
How have we not scored there?
we are so much more adventurous in the final third than last year. this is exciting
Why does bobb have such an aversion to shooting?
Quote from: Twig on August 24, 2026, 08:27:37 PMOk it was poor keeping but King did hit it very sweetly indeed. So pleased for the lad.
I think he saw that the keeper wasn't positioned well and that's why he took the shot
What a right footed pass from Bassey.
What was nice there was that when Bassey released JK down the wing, three men ran into the box.
This is a new development for our football club, having men run into the box.
I like what we're doing up top - keep it going.
Sky commentators so anti- Fulham. I've switched over to GJ for an unbiased view!
On the negative, we're very open
However, on the positive I LOVE how these kids hassle and harry to get the ball back - King, Palacios, Bobb and Garcia have all turned the ball over high up the pitch.
Also Bassey definitely suits being on the front foot.
I think Garcia will need quite a few games to adjust to the pace of the PL. He is looking a little bewildered.
I wish someone would mark Joao Pedro
I'm sorry, but like I've said many times last season, Iwobi can't play as a midfielder in the PL. Let's buy a proper midfielder, please.
This is like Kloppball. Could be some high scoring games this season
Iwobi has not been great so far, lots of loose passes. Not sure CM really works for him.
Disappointed in Iwobi thus far, way too many stray passes and give aways.
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:28:46 PMIwobi still underhitting his passes and being generally inaccurate, need more from him
I'd take him off at HT and put Charles on
Berge needs to focus a bit. Too many giveaways from him today.
Quote from: Nero on August 24, 2026, 08:33:57 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:28:46 PMIwobi still underhitting his passes and being generally inaccurate, need more from him
I'd take him off at HT and put Charles on
Agreed - I can see why AA alledegly wants another of his possession masters from RM because we need to be more careful on the ball and he's just giving it away
We're going to concede so many goals this season. May score a bunch too at least.
iwobi is a very intelligent footballer, I think he juat needs a few games to adjust to our new style
On this basis the season might have some chaotic games.
Hoping against hope that we can nick something here but it does feel a little like if you give a front three of Palmer, Pedro and Rogers twenty chances, odds are they will score at least three...
Also that was filthy from Colwill. Unhappy that's not been picked up.
Entertaining, open game. But Chelsea have so much firepower, can't help but think we'll need to score twice if we're to win.
Quote from: hongkongfulham on August 24, 2026, 08:36:33 PMiwobi is a very intelligent footballer, I think he juat needs a few games to adjust to our new style
He struggled in the midfield under Marco too. I don't think time will help, a different position will.
Quote from: hongkongfulham on August 24, 2026, 08:36:33 PMiwobi is a very intelligent footballer, I think he juat needs a few games to adjust to our new style
He was like this last year though - too lackadaisical in possession in a position where you can't really be giving it away so freely. He's also not good at tackling at all and we need someone stronger there who can put a foot in
When did Richard Branson join the Chelsea staff?
Someone shoot please
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:35:02 PMQuote from: Nero on August 24, 2026, 08:33:57 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:28:46 PMIwobi still underhitting his passes and being generally inaccurate, need more from him
I'd take him off at HT and put Charles on
Agreed - I can see why AA alledegly wants another of his possession masters from RM because we need to be more careful on the ball and he's just giving it away
When TC is fit, I can see his super sub technicality and calmness being a huge asset this year in this team with these tactics.
Completely asleep again
Oh my god
Terrible defending there
Cuenca just plain shite
Colwill should be off
Central defence looks appalling
Defensively all over the shop
Our D looks awful.
Cuenca is having one of the worst halves I've ever seen, absolute donkey on ice
Yah we need a new keeper.
Poor marking in our own box.
Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:42:13 PMYah we need a new keeper.
How can you blame Leno there when Cuenca is beaten by absolutely nothing out of the ordinary
I don't think Leno had to go out of his goal there...
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:42:41 PMQuote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:42:13 PMYah we need a new keeper.
How can you blame Leno there when Cuenca is beaten by absolutely nothing out of the ordinary
Two wrongs don't make a right.
Both players got it wrong and it compounded the error
Berge so easily beaten there. He's such a slow coach. Just drifted passed him.
Cuenca absolutely dreadful. Oh dear oh dear.
Quote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 08:42:42 PMI don't think Leno had to go out of his goal there...
Maybe but once Cuenca does a foxtrot he had to do something
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:42:41 PMQuote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:42:13 PMYah we need a new keeper.
How can you blame Leno there when Cuenca is beaten by absolutely nothing out of the ordinary
You reckon he judged that well by charging out?
Not saying Cuenca did the right thing either.
Lots of blame to go around there. I just don't think we just don't have the personnel to play this way and a couple new additions aren't going to change that.
Quote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 08:43:17 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:42:41 PMQuote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:42:13 PMYah we need a new keeper.
How can you blame Leno there when Cuenca is beaten by absolutely nothing out of the ordinary
Two wrongs don't make a right.
Both players got it wrong and it compounded the error
If he doesn't close the ball down the bloke can just hammer it at goal from 8 yards out
No need for him to come out there, bloody woeful.
Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:42:13 PMYah we need a new keeper.
Leno had no fault here, he's had good saves thus far
It's only the first half of Arbeloa but god our defence is awful. It's such naive football
Keep defending like that and we'll be playing QPR next season. Unbelievable.
Cuenca hopeless and Leni goes walk about. Dreadful.
Leno good so far but had no need to come flying out at the near post.
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:44:08 PMQuote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 08:43:17 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 08:42:41 PMQuote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:42:13 PMYah we need a new keeper.
How can you blame Leno there when Cuenca is beaten by absolutely nothing out of the ordinary
Two wrongs don't make a right.
Both players got it wrong and it compounded the error
If he doesn't close the ball down the bloke can just hammer it at goal from 8 yards out
Yeah and potentially make the save. But he didn't get close in the end.
This is extremely worrying....
Khan needs to get his finger out and get some defensive reinforcements quickly...
Or we will be in the EFL next season.
Quote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 08:44:11 PMQuote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:42:13 PMYah we need a new keeper.
Leno had no fault here, he's had good saves thus far
He has had some awful distro, he has been average
Iwobi and Cuenca off Charles and LDF on, cant be any worse
This could get very bad very quickly. The defence looks hopeless.
Quote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 08:44:11 PMQuote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:42:13 PMYah we need a new keeper.
Leno had no fault here, he's had good saves thus far
I'd agree if he got anywhere near it and blocked the cross, but he didn't.
Honestly there is no defensive line. I've never seen such disorganisation
This could end up 1-4 or more tonight unless something changes
Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:46:39 PMQuote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 08:44:11 PMQuote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:42:13 PMYah we need a new keeper.
Leno had no fault here, he's had good saves thus far
I'd agree if he got anywhere near it and blocked the cross, but he didn't.
And he wouldn't have done on his line either
Damned if he did or didn't, he made a decision based 8n the defensive error in my opinion but that's all it is my opinion
It will be interesting to see if Arbeloa is more proactive than Silva was with his often too-late substitutions
Not sure what changes I'd make at HT. We don't really have much by way of defensive options?
Maybe Charles to try and steady the ship in the middle?
Quote from: KentFulham on August 24, 2026, 08:47:49 PMThis could end up 1-4 or more tonight unless something changes
Its not often we agree but thats my exact prediction too.
Quote from: FFC007 on August 24, 2026, 08:45:39 PMThis is extremely worrying....
Khan needs to get his finger out and get some defensive reinforcements quickly...
Or we will be in the EFL next season.
Agree we he does, maybe they will re visit the Rennes centre back
A lot better than anticipated tbh. Some lovely attacking patterns, players swapping positions, and a better variety in how we attack.
Josh King is playing like an England starter, even tho that goal was a massive blunder from Sanchez.
We do still look shaky in defence but I think the overall blueprint is promising indeed. Just need to build on this and get a couple of new players in.
At the same time, same can be said about Chelsea for large part. They look at times good going forward, some nice link up between Rogers, Pedro and Palmer. And not solid in defence. However, 3421 is tricky to pull off and just like Chelsea players are trying to settle into Xabis tactics, so are Fulham into AAs.
Quote from: KentFulham on August 24, 2026, 08:47:49 PMThis could end up 1-4 or more tonight unless something changes
Have faith 3-2 to Fulham ::scarf::
My worry is AA has us playing as if we had the quality of player Real Madrid enjoy...
Too many of our lads forcing or misplacing passes
Better tempo going forward than under Silva. Defensively, problems persist with lack of pace. Chelsea just gliding passed Cuenca and Berge who look like a pair of lampposts when Chelsea attack with pace.
The left side of the team is a mess. Palacios has no positional awareness or repoire with Robinson. They're both bombing forward with no cover leaving Cuenca on and island and he's been awful. Pretty naive.
Back four all over the place but the midfield isn't providing much protection either. If Iwobi has made a successful tackle I must have missed it.
Long season ahead
Leno should have done better for the 2nd goal, but he was decent otherwise
Our fullbacks did fine. Bassey was good, Cuenca terrible. One of the worst cb display I've seen in many years.
Berge and Iwobi both really poor. They kept giving the ball away in very dangerous positions. Just not good enough at all.
King has been our best player. Can't find a criticism for his performance.
Bobb was very good too, imo.
The two Real Madrid boys had some good moments, but looked lost for large parts of that half. Palacios one of the main culprits for the first goal as well, imo.
Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:48:48 PMNot sure what changes I'd make at HT. We don't really have much by way of defensive options?
Maybe Charles to try and steady the ship in the middle?
I'd remove iwobi from the middle. Either stick him on left wing and replace palacios with charles or replace him with charles in midfield.
Not overly impressed with Garcia yet. He is still getting to grips with how quickly Premier League defenders close him down. Hopefully he will adjust to that. However most of our problems are with the defence. Palmer is their main threat and needs to be man marked. Still it's not a bad performance so far against a very good team.
Quote from: Nero on August 24, 2026, 08:45:52 PMIwobi and Cuenca off Charles and LDF on, cant be any worse
I agree, but I'd add Kevin for Palacios.
The next goal is so very important, let's hope it's Fulham who score it.
My summary of the half:
We are shockingly terrible at defending. Possibly due to playing Bassey out of position. GET YOUR FINGER OUT TK AND SIGN A RCB.
Leno made some saves you'd expect him to make but he's still really shaky and he'd be someone I'd be looking to replace next season, if not this one.
On the positive side: Off the ball, I've never seen press as much as we have this half in all of the years of Marco.
King is going to be incredibly important for us this season.
We are making attempting some nice Spanish one-twos and some are working, some aren't but it's a nice change from the boring style that Marco had us play.
I think we all new with a new system and some new players this might be shaky. I think I saw more impetus going forward in that first half then our final 10 games last year combined. back line a major issue though. I imagine we are more used to being more set in to banks of 4 than transition
We're well in this game. Bossed most of the half. Of course, they break quick. But win, lose or draw, this looks better than i expected.
Midfield way too open, Iwobi keeps abandoning post, he's not a natural cm. Berge looks a little sluggish too, been disposessed a few times. Back five looking a bit jittery, though it has to be said Castagne is continuing his pre-season form of looking very bright going forward.
Going forward things are much more positive, getting lots of success down the right wing, King looks superb and some lovely little triangles on the right with Castagne and Bobb.
Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2026, 08:51:22 PMThe left side of the team is a mess. Palacios has no positional awareness or repoire with Robinson. They're both bombing forward with no cover leaving Cuenca on and island and he's been awful. Pretty naive.
Actually, I very much agree with this, our left side is so disjointed.
Quote from: rusty shackleford on August 24, 2026, 08:52:07 PMLong season ahead
I think we'll have games where we win 5-0 and overrun the opposition... Then sort of the opposite.
45 points and safe.
The left looks a problem, stick Iwobi out there for a bit and S.Charles on for me
Iwobi showing today he aint good enough for CM
Very worrying from Cuenca too, think a CB has to be the next signing
Well that was a very interesting half. I got Jokanović 18/19 vibes in parts today which is terrifying and other parts were very exciting stuff and attractive stuff - especially down the right hand side.
I think we definitely need some defensive reinforcements and I don't think we can play this system with our current midfield, I'm hoping Charles comes on next to Berge and helps provide some cover as they are getting through us to easily.
I also think we need another wide forward player, Bobb can play on either side by the looks of it and he looks good today - bringing someone in like Nwaneri would give us an extra edge. And on a final note, I'm not sure about Garcia yet, I think he has some ability but I need to see more of him.
Both the young Spanish lads look half a pace off premier league football right now. I have faith they will come good but looks naive to play them in the first game. Palacios in particular just doesn't look fast enough, once he beats a man they catch back up with him quickly.
I always thought palacios was a 10 not a left midfielder
CB's need to be more narrow, I get what AA wants to stretch the pitch but you lose the ball and it's basically a free chance on goal. Iwobi will be a bench option by October I reckon, we will get tighter at these things as we progress but that's the main thing in tightening the structure. We know that a right footed CB will bring more balance and that will improve things I think; Cuenca back to being a benchwarmer, doing himself no favours tonight. I would get Kevin on for Palacios andd Charles for Iwobi, tweak the system to get the CB's more narrow and sit another CM a bit deeper to protect us in transition. Otherwise I see plenty of positives, this was always going to be a baptism of fire and after the first 5 and their second goal, we controlled the game quite well I think
There is one obvious from the first half.
Cuenca is not a starting CB option at this level...in this style of play. Not fast enough and not good enough with the ball at his feet. We need two CB with pace..and a #6 that's also fleet of foot.
We're too open to have a slow CB.
I hope the second half isn't a cricket score....
The wide centre back philosophy will not work with these players. If Andersen does give away possession in future games in wide areas he will not have the pace to get back.
I don't think it's about replacements outright, it's just badly needed sample size for the likes of Palacios and GG. Both goals came from that left side and it's mainly because our system in transition is completely different than Marco's. Robinson is so far up that Cuenca and Berge are left exposed immediately. Pair that up with Iwobi and Palacios occupying the same space - they just get caught out. Happened on the first goal and one move by Palmer vs Berge, it happened again. I think Bassey was way too overaggressive to cut off a pass, abandoning the middle of the 18 yard box that would've cut out the slotted pass back to Rogers.
Overall, not unhappy with how we've played. Good fight, keep shooting on the shaky Sanchez, and we should get a good reward. I'd give the young Spaniards about 15 minutes before considering Muniz and ESR for those two, then later bringing in Kevin and Sess for Iwobi and Bobb eventually.
Just as an aside, i saw we have 3 games in 6 days, if there's fitness lacking in the squad we'll soon find out.
Quote from: KentFulham on August 24, 2026, 08:45:47 PMQuote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 08:44:11 PMQuote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:42:13 PMYah we need a new keeper.
Leno had no fault here, he's had good saves thus far
He has had some awful distro, he has been average
Looks like Leno is this season's scapegoat already. Even though he hasn't been at fault for either goal.
Cuenca and Berge are both easily by-passed. They don't suit this style where they are left isolated. Neither are mobile enough.
Quote from: Matt10 on August 24, 2026, 09:01:33 PMI think Bassey was way too overaggressive to cut off a pass, abandoning the middle of the 18 yard box that would've cut out the slotted pass back to Rogers.
Yeah, I have no idea what Calvin was thinking there. Just an absolute clusterf*ck between him, Cuenca and Leno.
Quote from: cookieg on August 24, 2026, 09:02:10 PMQuote from: KentFulham on August 24, 2026, 08:45:47 PMQuote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 08:44:11 PMQuote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 08:42:13 PMYah we need a new keeper.
Leno had no fault here, he's had good saves thus far
He has had some awful distro, he has been average
Looks like Leno is this season's scapegoat already. Even though he hasn't been at fault for either goal.
Last seasons Scapegoat is on the bench, that's why ::wink::
Swap the centre backs round. Tim's a better defender than Anton so will off him a bit more protection and bring Charles on for Iwobi.
Another terrible pass from Cuenca.
Robinson is getting turned inside out far too easily.
Oh sweet Jesus
Total rubbish
This is diabolical
We are going down
That defending is maybe the worst I've ever seen.
Please make some subs
Leno needs to do better. That should've been stopped.
Cuenca is dropping a 0/10 my word, yes Bassey is poor there but come on ffs there's one player to mark and you don't do anything
Not a howler, but a save Leno needs to make.
Awful, absolutely awful.
I think Arbeloa is going to be this season's scapegoat. If he makes it through the season. Completely naive set up tonight. People are going to realize quite quickly how good of a manager Silva was.
why didnt Cuecna keep following pakmer ffs
Have we made a massive mistake here with the manager?
Again, Leno should not be getting beaten from that angle.
On this basis AA is really gonna have to have some mentorship from Samuele Allardici...
Game over. Suicidal defending. Ok they have quality but we are defending like a league 2 side.
Palmer is back to his best but nobody is prepared to clatter him and make him think twice.
Genuinely you can't blame the manager for our CB's being so utterly braindead, Cuenca shouldn't be on the pitch for months after this
Seriously have they even spoken about defence in the pre-season?
Mustn't say anything critical of Leno, don't want to scapegoat him.
Quote from: Nero on August 24, 2026, 09:10:13 PMwhy didnt Cuecna keep following pakmer ffs
Because he is not good enough at this level
Quote from: Jules on August 24, 2026, 09:10:43 PMGame over. Suicidal defending. Ok they have quality but we are defending like a league 2 side.
Bromley's defence was better than this last season.
If you want wide centre backs then you can't have someone as slow as Berge to cover the middle ground.
Cuenca looks really really poor
Always out of position
This is the most relegation looking **** ive seen
Yessssssss
Get in!
Quote from: Fulham 1879 on August 24, 2026, 09:11:51 PMIf you want wide centre backs then you can't have someone as slow as Berge to cover the middle ground.
And if you want your fullback to bomb foward you can't have your left winger all over the place trying fancy flicks like he's on the training ground at La Castilla.
Cuenca made the first mistake but Leno should be saving that too.
Leno today is having a absolute stinker, what on earth he was doing for the second and then just now he's rushed out at the wrong time and been bailed out by the defence.
Never been on the new keeper bandwagon but after today I'm checking it's schedule.
Garcia!!! ::wine::
I think we all need to wind our necks in these first 5 games. It's not going to be fun. the next three fixtures will shape our season.
oooooh will you look at that
Yes!!! Super glad to see him net his first.
Thank God for Sanchez
Our LCB is crap but their keeper is worse, lol
Hahahaha what is their keeper doing
Come on!
Well that's 3-2, I have no idea what to make of this. If you have high blood pressure you might want to find a new team this year
Right get a CDM on to plug the holes and tell everyone else to just f*cking shoot on site
Yeeees
Absolutely woeful, the'll score 7-8 if we keep this defending up
mad game this. Two weak defences, two below par goalkeepers, and some really nice attacking football from both sides
Might see another couple of goals before this is over
Very pleased for Garcia, that should give him some confidence.
We've had nearly all the window to get defenders in,but once again we sit on our hands and get nowhere with targets.
DOF to blame.
Game on, hopefully that goal will trigger Garcia to fancy his chances of scoring another.
Have a feeling this is a bit like Ian Holloway's Blackpool in 09-10.
Plucky basketball games: great for the neutral, terrifying for the fan
Well Fulham will be first on my both teams to score accumulator every week.
Quote from: Coastwalker on August 24, 2026, 09:15:06 PMWe've had nearly all the window to get defenders in,but once again we sit on our hands and get nowhere with targets.
DOF to blame.
We've bid €30m for multiple players but clubs won't sell, a problem our rivals also have...
Maybe all the moaners will be quiet for a while.
Quote from: hongkongfulham on August 24, 2026, 09:13:36 PMI think we all need to wind our necks in these first 5 games. It's not going to be fun. the next three fixtures will shape our season.
oooooh will you look at that
Exactly this
Everyone knew the first 5 fixtures are gonna be hard, especially with a new coach and new starting striker. Having no RCB and a starting cb from last season missing also doesnt help of course.
Quote from: hongkongfulham on August 24, 2026, 09:13:36 PMI think we all need to wind our necks in these first 5 games. It's not going to be fun. the next three fixtures will shape our season.
oooooh will you look at that
I think it's been a lot of fun. So far.
King is developing into something very special.
Quote from: St Eve on August 24, 2026, 09:16:44 PMMaybe all the moaners will be quiet for a while.
Sorry mate, but a gifted goal doesnt mean we dont look like relegation fodder
Two keepers simultaneously playing poorly
We need a hybrid of Parkerball and Arbeball.
Bobb just will not shoot
Quote from: Sgt Fulham on August 24, 2026, 09:17:35 PMQuote from: St Eve on August 24, 2026, 09:16:44 PMMaybe all the moaners will be quiet for a while.
Sorry mate, but a gifted goal doesnt mean we dont look like relegation fodder
Personally I'm reserving judgement on the relegation fodder just now. We have something going forward, which usually those kind of teams don't.
Quote from: Sgt Fulham on August 24, 2026, 09:17:35 PMQuote from: St Eve on August 24, 2026, 09:16:44 PMMaybe all the moaners will be quiet for a while.
Sorry mate, but a gifted goal doesnt mean we dont look like relegation fodder
I don't think we look relegation fodder at all. I think we look like a team that hasn't fully adapted to some very d"unfamiliar tactics and doesn't have all the right personnel suited to those tactics. The former will gradually get sorted, we need to use this transfer window to at least partially plug a gap or two.
This has the feel of a crash bang wallop season....
Good to see Garcia putting himself about a bit
People talking about relegation already,absolute nonsense.
Come on lads get a grip.
We all remember what a relegation team looks like and this doesn't yet feel like something near that. Obviously a long race to run but we're seeing some teething issues with a new system and knowing we've got players coming back/in
Charles incoming
Oh god as long as Fernandez doesn't score.
Unearth a decent centre back and a hard tackling, high intensity, Palhinha type of player to replace Berge and this could be a very good team.
Quote from: FulhamKC on August 24, 2026, 09:21:27 PMBobb just will not shoot
Frustrating.
OK Shea...let's see what you've got.
Feel like kevin should come on now for palacios. His crossing could be really useful fodder for garcia and he wasn't too bad tracking back either last season
Bobb off Charles on
Iwobi knows he can make a tackle right?
Happily have one of our lads take a red to absolutely snap Enzo Fernandes
We can't lay a glove on Palmer. What a quality player he is.
King RW?
King and Charles,Royal equaliser on the cards. ::thumb::
Can't see how Charles for Bobb helps us get another goal.
Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 09:26:24 PMWe can't lay a glove on Palmer. What a quality player he is.
Easy for him when he's got Palacios & Iwobi trying to tackle him, I reckon half this board could evade that lol
Good swap - Charles for Bobb. Bobb isn't certified BR (Breeze Resistant) and there's quite breeze off the Thames tonight.
GG reminds me of a Spanish Andy Johnson.
Palacios is a bit slow. Like the ball on his feet..but he's not an attacking threat at this level (yet)
Kevin and Sess on
Palacios doesnt look like he has the pace for required for a winger. Put him in attacking mid or turn him into a centre mid, might even be better than iwobi there
So close....
Quote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 09:30:15 PMPalacios doesnt look like he has the pace for required for a winger. Put him in attacking mid or turn him into a centre mid, might even be better than iwobi there
tough first outing
King is going to be sold for £100m, kid has got it all
Quote from: LittleErn on August 24, 2026, 09:27:20 PMCan't see how Charles for Bobb helps us get another goal.
You dont have to swap like for like. King out on the wing and Charles in at cm brings us abother good passet. Bobb wasnt doing it for us to tonight, simple as that
Good to see Berge subbed. Awful today. Lot of Iwobi haters but he has played better than Berge.
F*** off reece james
Quote from: Fulham 1879 on August 24, 2026, 09:33:58 PMGood to see Berge subbed. Awful today. Lot of Iwobi haters but he has played better than Berge.
Honestly no - Iwobi keeps giving the ball away and just poor positionally
defo simulation. Don't like it!
Quote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 09:35:55 PMF*** off reece james
One of the most overrated players of all time
What on earth was James moaning about, it was a clear foul.
Now we know why Robinson isn't a striker
Too bad it war Robinson at the end of that. What was Sanchez doing btw?
How does a professional footballer miss that
Sanchez.... You're s*** ahhhhhhhh
What is James moaning about, he had a handful of his top and dragged him down . Good to see King stand up for himself as well.
How has he missed that?
If robinson had left that it would have been closer
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:35:56 PMQuote from: Fulham 1879 on August 24, 2026, 09:33:58 PMGood to see Berge subbed. Awful today. Lot of Iwobi haters but he has played better than Berge.
Honestly no - Iwobi keeps giving the ball away and just poor positionally
Looking a lot more ambitious without Parkerball on the pitch.
Big, big chance spurned .
He's a defender on his weak foot trying to volley the ball having sprinted 40 odd yards, not sure that's as easy as some of you think for someone not employed primarily to do that
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:38:41 PMHe's a defender on his weak foot trying to volley the ball having sprinted 40 odd yards, not sure that's as easy as some of you think for someone not employed primarily to do that
It nearly went out for a throw in my guy
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:38:41 PMHe's a defender on his weak foot trying to volley the ball having sprinted 40 odd yards, not sure that's as easy as some of you think for someone not employed primarily to do that
Cant blame him at all
Wpuld've been brilliant if he scored though
Most annoyingly is Iwobi being scared to pass the ball further than 10 yards for what should be basic passes at this level
Quote from: Sgt Fulham on August 24, 2026, 09:40:02 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:38:41 PMHe's a defender on his weak foot trying to volley the ball having sprinted 40 odd yards, not sure that's as easy as some of you think for someone not employed primarily to do that
It nearly went out for a throw in my guy
I mean it didn't did it
Garcia looks tired. Time for Muniz, imo
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:40:13 PMMost annoyingly is Iwobi being scared to pass the ball further than 10 yards for what should be basic passes at this level
Interestingly Garcia gets on his bike when Iwobi has the ball as if he's expecting a quarterback like pass.
Seems Iwobi isn't living up to his role / his instructions?
Quote from: Sgt Fulham on August 24, 2026, 09:37:10 PMHow does a professional footballer miss that
Same as any professional worker makes a mistake. It happens.
Muniz for Robinson.
All set up for Rodders to be the hero
Quote from: Sgt Fulham on August 24, 2026, 09:40:02 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:38:41 PMHe's a defender on his weak foot trying to volley the ball having sprinted 40 odd yards, not sure that's as easy as some of you think for someone not employed primarily to do that
It nearly went out for a throw in my guy
Way to exaggerate. You're even more negative than KentFulham
I think Arbeloa is much more positive with substutions than Silva. I'm encouraged
Sanchez makes Leno look like prime Yashin
if Robinson was good with his feet he wouldn't be playing for us because he is one of the best athletes in the game. Also I get the feeling Kevin wont come good as a bit part player, he needs to be trusted for an extended time
Muniz has had a bit of a make over!
Are we playing with two strikers? its been awhile since weve done that
I always moan about the Sky commentators but they've been bad again.
Great control from Sess
I see we still don't practice corners because we never beat the first man
Quote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 09:42:13 PMQuote from: Sgt Fulham on August 24, 2026, 09:40:02 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:38:41 PMHe's a defender on his weak foot trying to volley the ball having sprinted 40 odd yards, not sure that's as easy as some of you think for someone not employed primarily to do that
It nearly went out for a throw in my guy
Way to exaggerate. You're even more negative than KentFulham
Way to exaggerate. Ive been positive for a long time and get dog piled by the negative people. I call this performance what it is and I get dog piled by the rest. And people wonder why this forum is dying lol
All chelsea players are now defending the box
Charles looks miles better than Berge
Quote from: Sgt Fulham on August 24, 2026, 09:45:52 PMQuote from: AustrianGeezer on August 24, 2026, 09:42:13 PMQuote from: Sgt Fulham on August 24, 2026, 09:40:02 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:38:41 PMHe's a defender on his weak foot trying to volley the ball having sprinted 40 odd yards, not sure that's as easy as some of you think for someone not employed primarily to do that
It nearly went out for a throw in my guy
Way to exaggerate. You're even more negative than KentFulham
Way to exaggerate. Ive been positive for a long time and get dog piled by the negative people. I call this performance what it is and I get dog piled by the rest. And people wonder why this forum is dying lol
You guys are showing more fight than Berge in the tackle!
Back to the game: I'm a lot happier with this performance at minute 88 than at minute 48 - albeit I suspect this is going to be a valiant loss
@Sgt Fulham fair play. I've never really paid attention to you specifically, you've just caught my eye today. I'll keep an eye out for you and report back when the verdict is ready!
We are equally as frustrating as last year
Quote from: rusty shackleford on August 24, 2026, 09:48:48 PMWe are equally as frustrating as last year
I dunno we look to have more attacking intent.
Cuenca is such a wet wipe, got away with another one there because he's just not physically or mentally at it
Great stop from Leno there even though offside.
We definitely improved for the last 30, but shocking defending cost us big time and keeping
Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2026, 09:49:48 PMQuote from: rusty shackleford on August 24, 2026, 09:48:48 PMWe are equally as frustrating as last year
I dunno we look to have more attacking intent.
Maybe so but the usual bad decisions at the end are as frustrating. Kevin an Bobb the main culprits
Remember Ireola lost his first 6 games as Bournemouth manager
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:50:25 PMCuenca is such a wet wipe, got away with another one there because he's just not physically or mentally at it
To be fair he's had more good performances for us than bad.
Tonight he has been poor though. Doesn't have the pace for these tactics.
That said I dread to think how Andersen will look - that man constantly looks like he's running through cement.
GG looks like a nightmare to play against, a very pleasing signing.
Wondering if Iwobi has had his chips a bit though.
Plenty of reasons to be hopeful here. More assertive going forward at least.
Last 30 better. Still think we'll be fighting at the bottom but that could have been worse.
Need to get defenders in as a priority
I hope AA has twigged that Iwobi is crap as a PL CM and he doesn't play again, Cuenca will hopefully also be on the bench for the foreseeable. Rest of them did ok, can't understand any of the doom mongering for sure, we're just going to be a team that probably wins 14, draws a couplpe and loses 20 but that's ok for a team in transition and a manager finding his feet. As long as AA doesn't put up with players being crap and keep playing them like Silva did we'll be ok
Quote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 09:52:39 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:50:25 PMCuenca is such a wet wipe, got away with another one there because he's just not physically or mentally at it
That said I dread to think how Andersen will look - that man constantly looks like he's running through cement.
I feel pretty confident he'll look better than Cuenca.
Upgrade Berge and add a centre back and we'll be fine.
No complaints, beaten,but not by much. And we will get better. Lost, but good vibes. Battling spirit and some skill.
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 24, 2026, 09:47:27 PMCharles looks miles better than Berge
Agree. With him and King as the future of Fulham's midfield things look bright. I thought Josh was very good today.
On another day we sneak a point.
SIGN SOME PLAYERS
Never happy when we lose but there's something good there.
Lots of positives to take from that match.
Wish our passing didn't let us down so much.
Not a gaping chasm between the teams though.
Also worth noting that as much as Chelsea are a basket case, their front 3 is probably as good as it gets at this level so we won't have to deal with that too often
Good game, more control in defence could/would have been the difference!
So what have we learned today:
We are just so incredibly bad at defending. We desperately need another RCB - I mean this is not something that we just learned today, we should've known this ever since selling Diop and it should've BEEN OUR FIRST PRIORITY SIGNING.
GG already got his goal, hoping he gets double figures by Christmas.
King will be our first £100m player.
Arbeloa's subs and tactics are incredibly fluid, I don't know what to make of that and it confuses me.
Quote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:56:19 PMI hope AA has twigged that Iwobi is crap as a PL CM and he doesn't play again, Cuenca will hopefully also be on the bench for the foreseeable. Rest of them did ok, can't understand any of the doom mongering for sure, we're just going to be a team that probably wins 14, draws a couplpe and loses 20 but that's ok for a team in transition and a manager finding his feet. As long as AA doesn't put up with players being crap and keep playing them like Silva did we'll be ok
You really thought Iwobi was crap(piest) CM this game? 🤔
Quote from: Chi_FFC on August 24, 2026, 09:56:26 PMQuote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 09:52:39 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:50:25 PMCuenca is such a wet wipe, got away with another one there because he's just not physically or mentally at it
That said I dread to think how Andersen will look - that man constantly looks like he's running through cement.
I feel pretty confident he'll look better than Cuenca.
Well I hope so! His passing range might be handy... but does feel like his (lack of) recovery pace will be exposed - as per Cuenca this eve
Quote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 09:58:51 PMQuote from: Chi_FFC on August 24, 2026, 09:56:26 PMQuote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 09:52:39 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:50:25 PMCuenca is such a wet wipe, got away with another one there because he's just not physically or mentally at it
That said I dread to think how Andersen will look - that man constantly looks like he's running through cement.
I feel pretty confident he'll look better than Cuenca.
Well I hope so! His passing range might be handy... but does feel like his (lack of) recovery pace will be exposed - as per Cuenca this eve
Pace isn't everything. Intelligence and physicality matter, and Joa has more of both than Cuenca.
We obviously need a RCB, but also I think a GK as the top 2 priorities
Quote from: FinFFC on August 24, 2026, 09:58:13 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:56:19 PMI hope AA has twigged that Iwobi is crap as a PL CM and he doesn't play again, Cuenca will hopefully also be on the bench for the foreseeable. Rest of them did ok, can't understand any of the doom mongering for sure, we're just going to be a team that probably wins 14, draws a couplpe and loses 20 but that's ok for a team in transition and a manager finding his feet. As long as AA doesn't put up with players being crap and keep playing them like Silva did we'll be ok
You really thought Iwobi was crap(piest) CM this game? 🤔
Yes - didn't make a single tackle, constantly out of position because he never tracks runs and basically didn't make a pass beyond 5 yards
Iwobi's wayward passing costs us sooo many times it's rediculous!
I said it last season and he hasn't improved this - so far!
Was exciting........ Marco gave us stability, but I want to be entertained.
Players like Bobb & King were being utilised like they should be. And you feel like when Gonzalo gets a chance, he'll put it away. Not like Muniz. I liked the subs too, although Kevin frustrates me, tries too many tricks.
Need to remember it's a new style of play most of our players aren't used too, and we aren't going to playing against a front 3 like Chelsea's every week.
A couple more signings, strengthen up, a little more time, and we'll be winning 4-3, or losing 5-2 every weekend.......
I'm excited for it. We are either going to have a fantastic season, or an absolute disaster.
Either way, I'm strapped in, ready for it
I thought that Iwobi was terrible today. Palmer had him on toast no shame there when he is int that mood, but I don't recall him making a successful pass the whole game.
I got to admit that I was looking toward the pereformance today with a result being a bonus if it came. It didn't but it could have. We hung on at times and looked as though we could be blown away but it didn't happen and we took control for most of that second half.
It was decent and I do like the look of Garcia, he is going to rattle a few centre halves this season.
Only one game in but I am confident that we will be fine, and stronger still with a few more incomings.
Quote from: Chi_FFC on August 24, 2026, 10:00:40 PMQuote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 09:58:51 PMQuote from: Chi_FFC on August 24, 2026, 09:56:26 PMQuote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 09:52:39 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:50:25 PMCuenca is such a wet wipe, got away with another one there because he's just not physically or mentally at it
That said I dread to think how Andersen will look - that man constantly looks like he's running through cement.
I feel pretty confident he'll look better than Cuenca.
Well I hope so! His passing range might be handy... but does feel like his (lack of) recovery pace will be exposed - as per Cuenca this eve
Pace isn't everything. Intelligence and physicality matter, and Joa has more of both than Cuenca.
You're right, it's not. But it's a lot more important when you play a high line and encourage your midfield and full backs to press high, constantly leaving the two CBs exposed to the counter.
I think robinson's decline is there for all to see. We should sell him now though i notice all the interest in him has disappeared
Quote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 10:12:07 PMQuote from: Chi_FFC on August 24, 2026, 10:00:40 PMQuote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 09:58:51 PMQuote from: Chi_FFC on August 24, 2026, 09:56:26 PMQuote from: Bal_13 on August 24, 2026, 09:52:39 PMQuote from: Deeping_white on August 24, 2026, 09:50:25 PMCuenca is such a wet wipe, got away with another one there because he's just not physically or mentally at it
That said I dread to think how Andersen will look - that man constantly looks like he's running through cement.
I feel pretty confident he'll look better than Cuenca.
Well I hope so! His passing range might be handy... but does feel like his (lack of) recovery pace will be exposed - as per Cuenca this eve
Pace isn't everything. Intelligence and physicality matter, and Joa has more of both than Cuenca.
You're right, it's not. But it's a lot more important when you play a high line and encourage your midfield and full backs to press high, constantly leaving the two CBs exposed to the counter.
I'm well aware of that. Just saying that regardless of how we're playing I have more confidence in an Andersen than Cuenca.
Carragher and Neville both have us as down as potentially in trouble. Both think the bottom three will be the promoted clubsbut both us and Palace could drop into it.