Its only one game ,I know. But I tell you what, I cant remember many Fulham sides in the last 50 years going to a team like Everton,being so solid,and totally dominating from start to finish.
If the starting line-up came out 3 weeks ago without Anguissa and Robinson in it most of us would probably have thought that we were considerably weakend. In fact the changes ; playing4231 with Tete and Aina at full back ,and Lemina and Reed as our 2 holding midfielders we suddenly looked really balanced with quality in defense but also going forward from wide areas. Of course the addition of Maja made a huge difference,particularly with his movement in the box,and general sharpness. I dont think Mitro would have been in those positions. Maja looks to have the ability to be in the right place at the right time.Long may it continue.
You mention that Lemina and Reed were playing as holding midfielders (which is true) but one of the big improvements I saw is that both of them (in particular Reed) were willing to go forward and complement the attack a bit more.
We've been sorely missing that level of play in midfield
Agreed, but that was also part of the better balance. With better defensive full backs they could go. reed didnt have to cover Robinson all the time. Tete and Aina covered him instead.
It was a performance that any team in the Premier League could be proud of, such was our control of the game. Areola had a couple of limp shots from distance, but otherwise was untroubled.
There are many on this forum who constantly knock our team, and yes, the odds are still on us being relegated this season. But credit where credit is due, and we generally got it last night from the pundits. And look at our last two performances. West Ham were fifth .. we outplayed them. Yes. we lacked quality finishing that would have seen us win pretty comfortably. Everton 7th .. well MaCmanaman said if you were told one of the teams was chasing a Champions' League spot and the other fighting relegation, you would confuse the teams. He could not believe that with the quality we have, that we are in our current predicament.
Yes, Everton weren't at their best and missing Calvert-Lewin (but chose not to start Josh King) but we didn't allow them to play. There were numerous occasions when our tenacity, work-rate, and above all the shape of our team squashed early on their attempts to play. Richarlison, who is a very good footballer, had 4 touches in the first half, not because he wasn't trying, but because we were so good.
I'm sure even the critics enjoyed the moment of yesterday's game, and it revives the hopes of another great escape. COYW!
Quote from: colinwhite on February 15, 2021, 07:36:42 AM
Agreed, but that was also part of the better balance. With better defensive full backs they could go. reed didnt have to cover Robinson all the time. Tete and Aina covered him instead.
I agree Colin.
I think the reverting back to the 4 at the back system allows Reed & Lemina that additional bit of freedom, good call.
Morning after. —————- I'm still smiling.
Reed was absolutely brilliant, one of the best CM performances I've seen in a Fulham shirt ever.
Quote from: PaulJ123 on February 15, 2021, 08:32:45 AM
Reed was absolutely brilliant, one of the best CM performances I've seen in a Fulham shirt ever.
+1