Friends of Fulham

Watching the game is hard for Fulham Fans not to think the game is rigged.  Once again, Chris Kavanaugh was in charge, and once again, controversy surrounded the game. 

Bassey is penalized for throwing a player to the ground, yet VAR doesn't look at the fact that the player runs into Bassey from behind, trying to throw Bassey off balance.  Then, when Bassy is the one being pushed in the back, throwing him off balance, no foul is called.  The game is most definitely rigged when things are not called both ways. 

Luckily, ESR made an instant impact and got the important equalizer. 

So, who was your FoF MOTM and why? 

Lost away to Brighton and home to Utd last season. Improving.

I picked Iwobi, looked decent today.

Seeing as United's goal shouldn't have counted, I take the positives from this one.

Why is there always some drama vs Yanited? My MOTM was Sess, but in saying that Iwobi got the assist.

I've no idea what Marco was doing messing around with the formation and the starting lineup. We didn't really look likely to score until ESR came on.

Giving it to Leno. Some sharp saves.

Their goal should never have stood.

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:28:17 PMWhy is there always some drama vs Yanited?

Usually because the officials are corrupt in their favour, and today was no different.

Kavanagh is MOTM (for Manchester United)

Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2025, 06:29:23 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:28:17 PMWhy is there always some drama vs Yanited?

Usually because the officials are corrupt in their favour, and today was no different.

They get a pen when Bassey shoves them but we don't get a foul when they do the same to us

Good all round performance,just give the nod to Andersen.

I thought we were excellent in the second half, we were controlling play in their half. Should have had a second!

I went with Tete as MOTM because of his two-way play with ESR just behind.

MOTM Sess but he was taken off.

Castagna RW was baffling and a wasted 45 minutes.

Game there for the taking had Silva made the right choices from the start.

Berge's decision making was spot on but Tete was just impeccable throughout. What a player we have.

I find it encouraging that there's a good spread of nominations.

The more I think about the game, the happier I am (apart from the cheating by the officials).

We have a good squad. Sess was awesome today. 

Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2025, 06:36:53 PMI find it encouraging that there's a good spread of nominations.

The more I think about the game, the happier I am (apart from the cheating by the officials).

Early yet but this might be the closest MOTM

I went for Sess despite him being subbed (which was a bit of a mystery to me).

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:37:43 PMWe have a good squad. Sess was awesome today. 

We do but imagine if we had brought in new players that improved us early, we could've been at least 2 points better off.

However, as it is. The results are a lot better than I expected. I was expected zero points from the first three matches.

Leno kept us in it.

Quote from: Twig on August 24, 2025, 06:40:53 PMI went for Sess despite him being subbed (which was a bit of a mystery to me).

Just back from injury and possibly tiring. Robinson did look rusty though.

Iwobi hardly stopped running. Motm.

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:43:53 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:37:43 PMWe have a good squad. Sess was awesome today. 

We do but imagine if we had brought in new players that improved us early, we could've been at least 2 points better off.

However, as it is. The results are a lot better than I expected. I was expected zero points from the first three matches.

I still don't understand this sentiment. Who is getting benched for the new players? Who in the current squad do you feel isn't good enough and needs to be replaced?

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:45:23 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:43:53 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:37:43 PMWe have a good squad. Sess was awesome today. 

We do but imagine if we had brought in new players that improved us early, we could've been at least 2 points better off.

However, as it is. The results are a lot better than I expected. I was expected zero points from the first three matches.

I still don't understand this sentiment. Who is getting benched for the new players? Who in the current squad do you feel isn't good enough and needs to be replaced?

Before today's game: Iwobi.

Berge and Lukic solid again with Lukic more central as we loaded the midfield , we broke up Man U's rhythm and slowed them down . Had some chances with overlaps but some loose passing stopped out momentum several times . Overall undefeated start to the season despite a Manager seething over a so far unproductive transfer window but to be fair to the Team today who put in a solid effort,  where would new players fit in - looks like Pereira has gone missing, so who knows , at least a backup left back to release Sess to play on the wing

Quote from: OZ-WHITE on August 24, 2025, 06:48:33 PMBerge and Lukic solid again with Lukic more central as we loaded the midfield , we broke up Man U's rhythm and slowed them down . Had some chances with overlaps but some loose passing stopped out momentum several times . Overall undefeated start to the season despite a Manager seething over a so far unproductive transfer window but to be fair to the Team today who put in a solid effort,  where would new players fit in - looks like Pereira has gone missing, so who knows , at least a backup left back to release Sess to play on the wing

Would be nice if Lukic or Berge could take a shot every now and then. A couple of times when they had a clear sight at goal from outside the box and decided to pass it sideways. Looking at the Garner goal reminded me of how rare it is for our midfielders to take a shot on from a distance.

Pereira has to be off unless he was injured. If he wasn't and can't make the bench ahead of Cairney and Reed we should sell him in any case.

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:45:23 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:43:53 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:37:43 PMWe have a good squad. Sess was awesome today. 

We do but imagine if we had brought in new players that improved us early, we could've been at least 2 points better off.

However, as it is. The results are a lot better than I expected. I was expected zero points from the first three matches.

I still don't understand this sentiment. Who is getting benched for the new players? Who in the current squad do you feel isn't good enough and needs to be replaced?

I don't think Berge did all that well. Some good interceptions but also some sloppy passing and he seems hopeless at defensive headers. We need someone to put some fire under Lukic and Berge.

Hell of a lot of good performances today. Went for Iwobi mainly because of the improvement over recent months (since Christmas actually). All much of a muchness (7's & 8's)

Mid table performance from a mid table team.

Silva and the team keeping up appearances.

Time for the board to invest a bit to let us kick on.

ESR obviously got the crucial goal but I thought Sess had the best overall game so he's my MOTM. I was surprised to see him go off but it's great to see Robinson back who will be a big help to us. 

I think it's clear now, if ever it was in doubt, that Sess must play further up the pitch.

 ::scarf::
I went for LENO too ...
He made some great stops and was wrong-footed with the goal ...
I like that he is doing well this season so far
COYW

Thought we killed Utd's momentum, both in the game and in the season. It's clear that their new front three are pretty mid-quality, and there's no midfield or wide play to supply them. The optimism they took out of the last game and carried into the first 15 minutes disappeared, as we worked them out and largely held them off. Penalty was dodgy. Their goal equally dodgy and perhaps 1-2 of the times Kenny got free at the end might have resulted in a better ball and a winner. ESR broke late into the box at least twice, scored once, and that's really what we want from him. When he's "bad" it's because he's trying to play Iwobi's role and they get in each other's way and are too far from goal. When he's more progressive he's good to have. Wilson was adequate coming on, nearly managed to get his left free for a trademark shot on one occasion. We'll see Adama as a sub in the Chelsea game I imagine, as that'll be a game where we have much less possession.

Absolutely fine start to the season. Optimistically, I could see us going unbeaten for a good number of games, although with a lot of draws.

Quote from: Fulham Tup North on August 24, 2025, 07:03:35 PM::scarf::
I went for LENO too ...
He made some great stops and was wrong-footed with the goal ...
I like that he is doing well this season so far
COYW

me too  ::thumb::

I think we looked better today than against Brighton. We moved the ball around a lot more but we seemed to refuse to take any shots outside the box, and instead limited us to taking our chances from inside the six years box. Frustrating.

Raúl still looked poor coming on but Wilson and ESR (ofc) looked lively. It gets more complicated for Silva now as it will be harder to keep ESR out of the starting XI, whilst King still shows encouraging signs

We are a decent, solid side but we really need to get 2-3 more attacking minded and creative players in to kick on.

United on the other hand, deary me. Chucking another 200 mil on that side and they struggle at the cottage. They are limited to playing with a formation that enhances the weaknesses of Bruno and Casemiro, and putting a lot of responsibility on two very average wingbacks. They struggled to transport the ball up the pitch so they just started hoofing it.

Sesko doesnt look like he has settled into the side tactically at all, which is something of a pattern we see with Amorim now. Dont think he is at United come xmas tbh

Sasa for me

As I mentioned earlier at halftime, Fulham were physically stronger, taller and more powerful than the team from Manchester and you have to be. Both in open play and at set pieces.
We were intimidating them and beating them up, and by doing so we softened them up.
As usual Sky and their presenters and commentary stuffed with ex manure having their usual love in with the Manx.
Also once again the referee was their best player.
Nevertheless despite that they still could not beat us.

Quote from: McBrideOfFrankenstein on August 24, 2025, 06:33:14 PMI thought we were excellent in the second half, we were controlling play in their half. Should have had a second!

I went with Tete as MOTM because of his two-way play with ESR just behind.

Same. I've always been of the opinion that both him and Castagne are of very similar quality, but today Tete's composure, ability and just all around presence was immense. Castagne had a very good game as well though. I think everyone came out of this well, and i was very pessimistic going in.

Leno
Tete
Lukic
Sess

...

Quote from: wback100 on August 24, 2025, 07:05:20 PMIt's clear that their new front three are pretty mid-quality

I rate Cunha and Mbuemo very highly and I think both will start scoring. Bigger problems are their woeful midfield outside of Bruno, comical keepers, and shallow defensive bench.

I thought Sess had a very good game and made an impact whilst he was on the pitch.
But many others also did, there were many men of the match all through the team.
They all had their moments and most punched their weight.
A good alround fighting team performance to warm the heart, which deservedly won us a point and should have been three.
Today had to be good for morale and confidence for the players.
Something to build on and unbeaten home and away.

Quote from: perry geyton on August 24, 2025, 07:28:26 PMSasa for me

Ditto Lukic always in the thick of it.  If only he (and many others) would have a shot.

Quote from: McBrideOfFrankenstein on August 24, 2025, 07:49:38 PM

Quote from: wback100 on August 24, 2025, 07:05:20 PMIt's clear that their new front three are pretty mid-quality

I rate Cunha and Mbuemo very highly and I think both will start scoring. Bigger problems are their woeful midfield outside of Bruno, comical keepers, and shallow defensive bench.

Cunha and Mbuemo did well I thought. I thought Bruno was terrible, especially after the penalty miss.

They have very weak wingbacks for a system that is reliant on them.

Overall a good performance from most of our players against 12 men.

Sess had a fantastic game and was my MOTM, but it could easily have been Leno, Bassey, Tete or Lukic. They all had a really good game.

Great to see ESR get a goal.

Castagne our weakest link today.

Andersen's lack of pace is cause for concern IMO.

King's decision making was poor at times, but he's still learning and showed glimpses of pure class!

Has Robinson lost a bit of pace? I hope not...

Mbuemo Was kept pretty quiet and so Castagne (spelling) was not as out of position as feared.
Difficult to choose mom, but I grave it to Leno with Tete very close second.

Quote from: S.F.Sorrow on August 24, 2025, 07:53:18 PMHas Robinson lost a bit of pace? I hope not...

It was his first game coming back from being out injured all summer. Some rust is to be expected.

Quote from: S.F.Sorrow on August 24, 2025, 07:53:18 PMOverall a good performance from most of our players against 12 men.

Sess had a fantastic game and was my MOTM, but it could easily have been Leno, Bassey, Tete or Lukic. They all had a really good game.

Great to see ESR get a goal.

Castagne our weakest link today.

Andersen's lack of pace is cause for concern IMO.

King's decision making was poor at times, but he's still learning and showed glimpses of pure class!

Has Robinson lost a bit of pace? I hope not...

Didn't he have a foot race against Mbeumo or Cunha and he won it?

Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on August 24, 2025, 07:31:06 PMAs I mentioned early at halftime, Fulham were physically stronger, taller and more powerful than the team from Manchester and you have to be. Both in open play and at set pieces.
We were intimidating them and beating them up, and by doing so we softened them up.
As usual Sky and their presenters and commentary stuffed with ex manure having their usual love in with the Manx.
Also once again the referee was their best player.
Nevertheless despite that they still could not beat us.



Eventually Gary Neville did admit that United's goal was lucky both for the push and the deflection off Muniz. The rest of the game was a running analysis of their performance and moves.Their goalie is a nightmare.

Someone tell Berge to drive into the box when he has the ball at his feet, 20-yards from goal and a gaping hole in their back line. Frustrating but consistent in not doing that.

Think a point was probably a fair result - we could easily have been 0-1 down in the opening minutes,

Very enjoyable to see the penalty from Fernandes go over the bar.

I don't think anybody performed poorly (any Castagne criticism here is unnecessarily harsh in my view).

When the equalizer went in, we still kept playing for a victory.

Laughable that despite spending the Earth on bringing in a completely new attack, they had to bring on Harry Maguire late on to try and get a goal!

Still undefeated - not setting the world alight but we looked decent for the most part and I don't think anybody performed poorly (any Castagne criticism extremely harsh in my view), which bodes well. Just hope we can get suitable reinforcements in that will make the difference between a satisfactory season and really good one before the window 'slams' shut.

Castagne did his job defensively which is the main thing. He just offers less than other options going forward, especially in the middle third.

Lukic for sure

Quote from: legana on August 24, 2025, 08:24:45 PMThink a point was probably a fair result - we could easily have been 0-1 down in the opening minutes,

Very enjoyable to see the penalty from Fernandes go over the bar.

I don't think anybody performed poorly (any Castagne criticism here is unnecessarily harsh in my view).

When the equalizer went in, we still kept playing for a victory.

Laughable that despite spending the Earth on bringing in a completely new attack, they had to bring on Harry Maguire late on to try and get a goal!

Still undefeated - not setting the world alight but we looked decent for the most part and I don't think anybody performed poorly (any Castagne criticism extremely harsh in my view), which bodes well. Just hope we can get suitable reinforcements in that will make the difference between a satisfactory season and really good one before the window 'slams' shut.

Don't think anyone is criticising Castagne, he played very well. The criticism is for Marco playing this formation and playing Castagne.

Quote from: ffc73 on August 24, 2025, 08:21:05 PMSomeone tell Berge to drive into the box when he has the ball at his feet, 20-yards from goal and a gaping hole in their back line. Frustrating but consistent in not doing that.

Berge never pushes forward with the ball, let alone attempts to score. Some might say he has limited attacking potential, but I think he has absolutely no offensive skills—just a pure defender.

Tate - the top player in both matches

I went for Lukić.  Work rate, deliveries and breaking up Utd's play. His yellow was a good one to take.  Very honourable mentions for Tete, Anderson, Leno and Iwobi. Other good performances too.  I thought Wilson and Smith-Rowe looked very lively.  Many negative comments on Silva's team set up but I thought it worked very well after the first 10 minutes.

So far, two points better than last year; who needs new signings!

King Kenny then Leno and Sess

I would say Iwobi for me

Lukic MOM all day long

Tete for me all day and twice on Sunday's

Easily Lukic for me

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:45:23 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:43:53 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:37:43 PMWe have a good squad. Sess was awesome today. 

We do but imagine if we had brought in new players that improved us early, we could've been at least 2 points better off.

However, as it is. The results are a lot better than I expected. I was expected zero points from the first three matches.

I still don't understand this sentiment. Who is getting benched for the new players? Who in the current squad do you feel isn't good enough and needs to be replaced?

It's not about replacing people -
 it's about having alternatives for different approaches to different opponents. It's also about being able to cover positions when international duty comes in and when the physical needs of a long Prem season take their toll.

Thought all played well so no criticism from me. Leno Bassy King and Sess were very good but my MOTM went to Lukic. ::wine:: Nil points to the Ref.

Quote from: LittleErn on August 24, 2025, 09:15:19 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:45:23 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:43:53 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:37:43 PMWe have a good squad. Sess was awesome today. 

We do but imagine if we had brought in new players that improved us early, we could've been at least 2 points better off.

However, as it is. The results are a lot better than I expected. I was expected zero points from the first three matches.

I still don't understand this sentiment. Who is getting benched for the new players? Who in the current squad do you feel isn't good enough and needs to be replaced?

It's not about replacing people -
 it's about having alternatives for different approaches to different opponents. It's also about being able to cover positions when international duty comes in and when the physical needs of a long Prem season take their toll.

I understand that, I'm not an idiot. But if new players are coming in, some current players will have to be left out. Today neither Diop or Periera were in the squad. Who would you suggest also gets left out of the game day squad to accommodate new arrivals? And how do you think that will impact squad morale over the course of a season?

I understand the need to augment the team in certain areas, but this is collective freak-out about lack of transfers is completely over the top.

So it's " over the top " to be concerned if the manager thinks there is a plan in place and it isn't delivered. Ever managed a multi million £  company with expectations and plans / estimates in place ?

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 09:43:30 PM

Quote from: LittleErn on August 24, 2025, 09:15:19 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:45:23 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:43:53 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:37:43 PMWe have a good squad. Sess was awesome today. 

We do but imagine if we had brought in new players that improved us early, we could've been at least 2 points better off.

However, as it is. The results are a lot better than I expected. I was expected zero points from the first three matches.

I still don't understand this sentiment. Who is getting benched for the new players? Who in the current squad do you feel isn't good enough and needs to be replaced?

It's not about replacing people -
 it's about having alternatives for different approaches to different opponents. It's also about being able to cover positions when international duty comes in and when the physical needs of a long Prem season take their toll.

I understand that, I'm not an idiot. But if new players are coming in, some current players will have to be left out. Today neither Diop or Periera were in the squad. Who would you suggest also gets left out of the game day squad to accommodate new arrivals? And how do you think that will impact squad morale over the course of a season?

I understand the need to augment the team in certain areas, but this is collective freak-out about lack of transfers is completely over the top.

So why are you acting like people are ridiculous for wanting it.? I'm sure it hurt Rodak's feelings when we replaced him with Leno or Reed and Cairney when we brought in Palhinha. Pereira and Lukic, but I thought it was a football club and not a 5 a side in the park.

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 08:35:23 PM

Quote from: legana on August 24, 2025, 08:24:45 PMThink a point was probably a fair result - we could easily have been 0-1 down in the opening minutes,

Very enjoyable to see the penalty from Fernandes go over the bar.

I don't think anybody performed poorly (any Castagne criticism here is unnecessarily harsh in my view).

When the equalizer went in, we still kept playing for a victory.

Laughable that despite spending the Earth on bringing in a completely new attack, they had to bring on Harry Maguire late on to try and get a goal!

Still undefeated - not setting the world alight but we looked decent for the most part and I don't think anybody performed poorly (any Castagne criticism extremely harsh in my view), which bodes well. Just hope we can get suitable reinforcements in that will make the difference between a satisfactory season and really good one before the window 'slams' shut.

Don't think anyone is criticising Castagne, he played very well. The criticism is for Marco playing this formation and playing Castagne.

Yeah a strange one. Not sure where the "threat" was coming from on that side to double up with the fullbacks. Seemed like the ideal situation for Adama be out there running at Shaw and Dorgu.

Quote from: Tabby on August 24, 2025, 09:52:14 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 09:43:30 PM

Quote from: LittleErn on August 24, 2025, 09:15:19 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:45:23 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:43:53 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:37:43 PMWe have a good squad. Sess was awesome today. 

We do but imagine if we had brought in new players that improved us early, we could've been at least 2 points better off.

However, as it is. The results are a lot better than I expected. I was expected zero points from the first three matches.

I still don't understand this sentiment. Who is getting benched for the new players? Who in the current squad do you feel isn't good enough and needs to be replaced?

It's not about replacing people -
 it's about having alternatives for different approaches to different opponents. It's also about being able to cover positions when international duty comes in and when the physical needs of a long Prem season take their toll.

I understand that, I'm not an idiot. But if new players are coming in, some current players will have to be left out. Today neither Diop or Periera were in the squad. Who would you suggest also gets left out of the game day squad to accommodate new arrivals? And how do you think that will impact squad morale over the course of a season?

I understand the need to augment the team in certain areas, but this is collective freak-out about lack of transfers is completely over the top.

So why are you acting like people are ridiculous for wanting it.? I'm sure it hurt Rodak's feelings when we replaced him with Leno or Reed and Cairney when we brought in Palhinha. Pereira and Lukic, but I thought it was a football club and not a 5 a side in the park.

I think the whole woe is me we're going to get relegated is overly dramatic. Of course Marco is going to be upset if we don't spend as much as possible. That's his job and his prerogative. But we have a good team in place and I think we should be excited for the season instead of moaning about how much money isn't being spent. The club has spent a lot on players over the past few seasons. I think fans are too wrapped up in the whole hype around transfer season and get more excited about the potential of new unknown players than they do the actual very good players that are already on the team in every position. Like I said on another post, last year Liverpool barely spent a penny and won the league.

Sessegnon for me.  He has to be found a place on the pitch, such is the dynamism he brings.

Iwobi was very clever in spotting what went wrong in the first few minutes and fixing it.

Tete, ESR and Lukic had good games.

Berge had one of his perfect strangers games where progressive passes just aren't happening.  ManU were there to be sliced open and he couldn't / wouldn't.

Fun to see Fernandes have a shocker.  De Ligt was very good for the opposition.

Quote from: Carborundum on August 24, 2025, 10:30:11 PMSessegnon for me.  He has to be found a place on the pitch, such is the dynamism he brings.

Iwobi was very clever in spotting what went wrong in the first few minutes and fixing it.

Tete, ESR and Lukic had good games.

Berge had one of his perfect strangers games where progressive passes just aren't happening.  ManU were there to be sliced open and he couldn't / wouldn't.

Fun to see Fernandes have a shocker.  De Ligt was very good for the opposition.

As well as Sess did i thought we were far better when Robinson came on.

ESR for me - much more direct this season and a proper forwards finish.
Leno a close second.
No one had a mare, although Raul looked off the pace and Muniz unconvincing.

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 10:00:47 PMLike I said on another post, last year Liverpool barely spent a penny and won the league.

We're not going to win the league though. We're not going to win anything except 15th

good team performance but I thought we looked most dangerous with Iwobi driving forward
 

Iwobi for me but almost bottled it at the end letting Maguire coast by him on their final two corners.

Quote from: Angus Telford on August 24, 2025, 11:47:12 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 10:00:47 PMLike I said on another post, last year Liverpool barely spent a penny and won the league.

We're not going to win the league though. We're not going to win anything except 15th

Bet ya half a crown we finish higher than that Angus.

Lukic....ran his socks off and did all the dirty stuff. His corners are also way better than Andreas.

I don't often give credit to Fernandes but he didn't have any gripe with the ref for bumping into him thus putting him off taking the penalty. I expected a right blast on this costing them the game and severely damaged his coxyx  (may be spelt incorrectly)   

Quote from: Tabby on August 24, 2025, 07:55:49 PM

Quote from: S.F.Sorrow on August 24, 2025, 07:53:18 PMHas Robinson lost a bit of pace? I hope not...

It was his first game coming back from being out injured all summer. Some rust is to be expected.

I didn't see any rust. He was at his best when he beat Mbeumo in a foot race near the end when a break was on.

Quote from: Whitestone on August 25, 2025, 09:28:22 AM

Quote from: Tabby on August 24, 2025, 07:55:49 PM

Quote from: S.F.Sorrow on August 24, 2025, 07:53:18 PMHas Robinson lost a bit of pace? I hope not...

It was his first game coming back from being out injured all summer. Some rust is to be expected.

I didn't see any rust. He was at his best when he beat Mbeumo in a foot race near the end when a break was on.

He managed to stay ahead of Mbuemo in a foot race where he had a head start and put it out for a throw. Last season he would have been comfortable to outrun Mbuemo and keep control of the ball. Some bad control and sloppy passes as well. He is still a good LB when not at the top of his game but the bar for Robinson is high.

MotM - the magnificent fast moving defensive colossus called Bassey's Backside.
Not even Mbeumo (who terrorised the Arsenal defence last week) could get past it  :claping20hands:

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 07:59:42 PM

Quote from: S.F.Sorrow on August 24, 2025, 07:53:18 PMOverall a good performance from most of our players against 12 men.

Sess had a fantastic game and was my MOTM, but it could easily have been Leno, Bassey, Tete or Lukic. They all had a really good game.

Great to see ESR get a goal.

Castagne our weakest link today.

Andersen's lack of pace is cause for concern IMO.

King's decision making was poor at times, but he's still learning and showed glimpses of pure class!

Has Robinson lost a bit of pace? I hope not...

Didn't he have a foot race against Mbeumo or Cunha and he won it?

That's probably the incident that got me worried. He won it, but only just barely. Not nearly as convincingly as I would have expected from him in the past. Maybe I was just imagining things, or maybe he still needs some time to regain full match fitness.

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:45:23 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:43:53 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:37:43 PMWe have a good squad. Sess was awesome today. 

We do but imagine if we had brought in new players that improved us early, we could've been at least 2 points better off.

However, as it is. The results are a lot better than I expected. I was expected zero points from the first three matches.

I still don't understand this sentiment. Who is getting benched for the new players? Who in the current squad do you feel isn't good enough and needs to be replaced?

The problem with our squad isn't about the players we have, but about the players we DON'T have when injuries/suspensions (and general fatigue) start to pile up. We need more depth in several positions. Of course this probably didn't affect last nights result, but over a full season it will. It also wouldn't hurt to see some ambition and sign players that are a clear upgrade on the ones we've already got. We can't expect to finish much higher than last season if we only have the same players as last season.

Luckily we still have a week to fill the most obvious holes in our squad. Fingers crossed!

I think we deserved to win that, apart from the opening 15 minutes or so, we were much better than Manchester United. Looking at the stats, it only confirms what I've said. We even had more xG, despite them having a penalty(an undeserved one at that) and their goal being illegal (which also added xG). The interesting thing I noticed yesterday was that we were marking them man to man pretty much throughout the match.

Leno - excellent. Whenever he needed to do something he did.

Tete- superb throughout the match. When we played with a back 5 he did really well defensively, when we moved to a back four he was maybe even our most dangerous player. Combined really well with Wilson and Lukic on the right on multiple occasions.

Andersen - overall it was a good performance, but I thought he was really shaky at the beginning of the match. Looked way too slow for Cunha. Improved as the match went on and was pretty solid in the end.

Bassey - excellent performance from him. He was tasked with marking Mbuemo and he did a superb job.

Castagne - okay performance. Not sure why he is receiving so much stick online. Solid defensively, had some decent moments in attack too.

Berge - started pretty poorly imo, as he gave the ball a few times when he wasn't even under pressure. Improved as the match went on and was excellent in the second half.

Lukic - superb performance. Covered a lot of ground. Was tasked with man marking Bruno Fernandes, and was pretty successful as I thought Fernandes had a pretty quiet game. Offensively, he often joined the attack and won a few corners in those situations. His set-piece delivery was pretty good too. Most of them were decent and we could easily have scored two goals from his corners (Muniz in the first half when he just missed the ball and another one similar in the second half)

King - pretty good. He had some wonderful moments where he looked genuinely world class, but also at times looked to struggle with the physicality of Manchester United's players. He's going to be a great player and I hope we can keep him for many more years.

Iwobi - back to his best. He needs someone to make overlapping runs to be more effective and he had Sess (and later on Robinson) doing just that. From the first minute to the last he looked excellent. Lovely assist in the end too.

Muniz - had some good moments, but a relatively quiet game from him. Could he have done better from that chance he had after a corner where he just missed the ball? One thing you can never fault is his effort.

Subs:
Robinson - I agree with those who say he didn't look like he was at 100%. He had a head start in that race with Mbuemo and he still just barely won it, I feel like in their previous duels, Robinson looked faster. That being said, he was out for a long time and that's to be expected probably. Great having him back as he's very important to the way we play.

Wilson - great performance from him and he needed it in my opinion, as he was pretty poor against Brighton. Some of his attacks with Tete and Lukic on the right looked excellent.

Raul - decent.

ESR - great performance from him. Looked really confident in both appearances of the bench this season. Excellent movement for his goal and a good finish. Think he deserves to start our next PL game, whether it's instead of King or Wilson(with Iwobi moving to the right).

(https://scontent.fbrs5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/538022883_10162270380788723_1761396019391689184_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aa7b47&_nc_ohc=m5lmIPH9RtYQ7kNvwHEHdnf&_nc_oc=AdlL3rsO9q0wuSFRmbBO7gbrU2b4-qR9RN4Ka2Xfmifyk7Xir3kctyY7LZNx4Wfhud-9pW_EYms2CmcJY-uUMp5Z&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbrs5-1.fna&_nc_gid=yAYR3OFs5E18xExqImvXMg&oh=00_AfXJqf1VRkP-VMK3pGUlEcQinqj7Uxxt2JD3E9-d0DGwgQ&oe=68B2136D)

Wow a journalist finally cares enough to say something nice about Fulham

I thought FFC had a very good game v a much improved ManU side.  That said, FFC was the better side for many periods of the game, especially during second half.  Survived the opening 15 mins or so, could have been down 1 or 2 easily, but managed to keep nose above.  Comments:

Iwobi - Picked as my motm, with Sessegnon a close second.  Very lively, great work coming back to help on defense.  He wasn't perfect though, several terrible, misplaced passes that negated some good forward movement.  But, overall, very good show.

Sessegnon - Good game.  Wish he would take on defenders 1 v 1, I think he can do them in.  Rather he backed off on those situations.  Good game though, terrific weighted pass to set King clear.

King - Good game, not quite as good as first match.  But still good.  He has to score that goal on his chance v keeper on the Sess pass.  I know he's young kid, but if he wants to play with the big boys, he has to score on great chances like that.  But, good game nevertheless.

Back Four - All pretty good. 

Castagne - Noticed he got some stick, but thought he did well in a position we normally don't see him in.  Had good game I thought.

Leno - Good game, some nice saves.  I notice some here think he was motm.  I didn't see it that way, sure, some good saves, but everything he did I would have expected him to make.  Good game.

Muniz - Not particularly effective this game.  Wasn't poor, but wasn't very impactful.

Jimenez - Not impactful.

Wilson - Not impactful.

Lukic - Good game.

ESR - Have to say good game and being in a forward position for the goal.  Well done.

Berge - Thought he was not very good in this game.  A lot of sloppy passes, just seemed off his game.  Still afraid to carry ball.  Defenses are giving him plenty of space because they know he won't move forward with the ball, which he should do sometimes, and sometimes take a shot from distance.  He had a few such opportunities, but just backed off, passing sideways or backwards.

Robinson - Definitely off his game.  I know, first game back since surgery, but I didn't think it was just rust.  He didn't look himself at all.  Still needs more training and getting back up to speed, wouldn't mind seeing him on cameo basis until he clarifies.

Offense - Still wasting good chances in final third, that last pass/shot just doesn't make it.  Team still needs to shoot more when given chance up close.  And from distance, never see them take that long shot.  Surprised Traore didn't get on pitch, thought he could have been effective in this game.

Defense - Overall pretty good, but need to get better on defending corners.  Their goal much too easy, and they had several other good chances off corners.  Need to tighten up.

Happy with the point, tough opponent.  With a bit of luck could have had 3 points.  Should be confidence builder, heading into next game at Chelsea.  Looking forward to that game, will be big challenge (as they all are) but I see Chelsea fighting for top spot this season, they're very good.

Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2025, 06:29:23 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:28:17 PMWhy is there always some drama vs Yanited?

Would like to know what Kavanagh was watching at that corner that lead to the Penalty award definitely opens up a area for corruption and bias.

Usually because the officials are corrupt in their favour, and today was no different.

I struggle with my MOTM as I think all those who took part looked good. Lukic looks a good corner taker and as usual the subs made a big difference. So, as our keeper made a major contribution when we were still warming up I give this to Leno. If he hadn't they would have been out of sight by the tenth minute. We should have won. Did anyone see their £72m next best thing striker after he came on? I think Sess may have come off due to concerns over his recent injury.   ::scarf::

As for their penalty and goal good job VAR was brought in to 'get it right'. All this did on Sunday was blatantly highlight how the 'big clubs' are favoured. P***** me right off...as usual.

Thank you and good night.       

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 09:43:30 PM

Quote from: LittleErn on August 24, 2025, 09:15:19 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:45:23 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:43:53 PM

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on August 24, 2025, 06:37:43 PMWe have a good squad. Sess was awesome today. 

We do but imagine if we had brought in new players that improved us early, we could've been at least 2 points better off.

However, as it is. The results are a lot better than I expected. I was expected zero points from the first three matches.

I still don't understand this sentiment. Who is getting benched for the new players? Who in the current squad do you feel isn't good enough and needs to be replaced?

It's not about replacing people -
 it's about having alternatives for different approaches to different opponents. It's also about being able to cover positions when international duty comes in and when the physical needs of a long Prem season take their toll.

I understand that, I'm not an idiot. But if new players are coming in, some current players will have to be left out. Today neither Diop or Periera were in the squad. Who would you suggest also gets left out of the game day squad to accommodate new arrivals? And how do you think that will impact squad morale over the course of a season?

I understand the need to augment the team in certain areas, but this is collective freak-out about lack of transfers is completely over the top.

I don't think you are an idiot, and I never said you were. I obviously haven't expressed my view clearly. I am not Freaking-out over the lack of transfers but I would prefer it if we had made one or two and had more depth. Whoever gets left out of a match day squad for one game may very well be back in it for a different game; I thought that's what "rotation" meant. If there are two or more similar players vie-ing for a team place you can choose the one who has trained well, or is not carrying an injury, or is currently in form based on recent performances, or even the one that matches the perceived tactical requirements of playing against a particular opponent. So therefore the answer to your question about who gets left out is "it depends" and will vary week to week. I can see what you are saying about Pereira and Diop, who both appear to have been left out quite often so far. It looks like Pereira is soon to be leaving, but I agree that Diop still has a part to play. He always performs well when he does come in and has the advantage of height, which we lack at the back. I don't think team morale would be seriously affected by a few new faces; they are all professionals who should understand that they are in competition for their places.

Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on August 24, 2025, 06:29:23 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on August 24, 2025, 06:28:17 PMWhy is there always some drama vs Yanited?

Usually because the officials are corrupt in their favour, and today was no different.

yes those in Stockley park should have some answering to do re not checking utd's goal and the push .

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Saša Lukić is your FoF MOTM!