Friends of Fulham

(https://www.friendsoffulham.com/assets/nextgame/2526-LeedsH.png)

For me, Fulham never got out of second gear.  The play was very slow, and the ball was given away too much.  It always felt like it was Leeds to lose and not Fulham to win, and the first half stats showed that. 

Fulham: 0 shots, 0 shots, on goals,   0.00 expected goal(xG), 3 touches in the opposition box
That summed up the game for me.  On the bright side, we did get to see Kevin, and he seemed to make the difference with his first shot on goal, which ultimately won the corner and got the own goal  ::scarf::     

So, who was your FoF MOTM and why? 

Every one has been crap except for Kevin.

Kevin looks the business

But we need to improve!

Well that was easy

Quote from: demeant0r on September 13, 2025, 04:56:30 PMEvery one has been crap except for Kevin.

Leno did not concede, was he crap ?

Quote from: alfie on September 13, 2025, 04:58:30 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on September 13, 2025, 04:56:30 PMEvery one has been crap except for Kevin.

Leno did not concede, was he crap ?

Okay, every outfield player.

Kevin. Only player who looked like he could turn the game. Won the corner with his fantastic shot. Willian No 2?

Berge continues to frustrate. Kills the pace. Paul Trollope No 2?

Sess had a solid game and he's probably the reason why Robinson isn't being rushed back. Thought he looked really good today.

We wouldn't have won the game without Kevin so I gave the man of the match to him, he looks the real deal - he managed to dig out a cross with little to no back lift, haven't seen anything like that in a while. We've got a top class player on our hands.

Also a special mention to ESR who I thought is starting to come good.

A win is a win and it looks like we have a real star on our hands. I'm sure he'll blow hot and cold at times but I'm very excited to have him. Great to get a win under any circumstances to kick start our season, just as it looked like it was stalling.

Quote from: LC on September 13, 2025, 04:59:58 PMSess had a solid game and he's probably the reason why Robinson isn't being rushed back. Thought he looked really good today.

We wouldn't have won the game without Kevin so I gave the man of the match to him, he looks the real deal - he managed to dig out a cross with little to no back lift, haven't seen anything like that in a while. We've got a top class player on our hands.

Also a special mention to ESR who I thought is starting to come good.

He was class, wasn't he? It's early, but if he continues like that we might not be able to keep hold of him for very long.

Crap team performance overall, but Kevin was exciting. Has to be him.....

I was looking forward to acquiring young, eager, and innovative players this offseason; I believe we will secure at least one.

Another injury time goal.  ::thumb::

Quote from: demeant0r on September 13, 2025, 05:01:46 PM

Quote from: LC on September 13, 2025, 04:59:58 PMSess had a solid game and he's probably the reason why Robinson isn't being rushed back. Thought he looked really good today.

We wouldn't have won the game without Kevin so I gave the man of the match to him, he looks the real deal - he managed to dig out a cross with little to no back lift, haven't seen anything like that in a while. We've got a top class player on our hands.

Also a special mention to ESR who I thought is starting to come good.

He was class, wasn't he? It's early, but if he continues like that we might not be able to keep hold of him for very long.

So you don't want him to continue like that as he might go. :slap:

One of the best OG's I have seen for quite a while.

Quote from: SuffolkWhite on September 13, 2025, 04:58:04 PMBut we need to improve!

We were much better in the second half, and Kevin looks like a brilliant signing!

Added time is never dull with us, is it?

Quote from: Coastwalker on September 13, 2025, 05:03:52 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on September 13, 2025, 05:01:46 PM

Quote from: LC on September 13, 2025, 04:59:58 PMSess had a solid game and he's probably the reason why Robinson isn't being rushed back. Thought he looked really good today.

We wouldn't have won the game without Kevin so I gave the man of the match to him, he looks the real deal - he managed to dig out a cross with little to no back lift, haven't seen anything like that in a while. We've got a top class player on our hands.

Also a special mention to ESR who I thought is starting to come good.

He was class, wasn't he? It's early, but if he continues like that we might not be able to keep hold of him for very long.

So you don't want him to continue like that as he might go. :slap:

Well if he continues like that and gets ~15 g/a and gets us to Europe, I wouldn't begrudge him leaving if we get 100m+  :claping20hands:

Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on September 13, 2025, 05:04:11 PMOne of the best OG's I have seen for quite a while.

Was a great goal, power, accuracy, timing.....

Love King, but ESR should start.

I thought the Leeds player who scored the OG was Fulhams man of the match.
Nevertheless Kevin looks the real deal, and it's 3 precious points.
A special mention to Tete who had a decent game.

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on September 13, 2025, 04:57:09 PMKevin looks the business

Quote from: demeant0r on September 13, 2025, 04:56:30 PMEvery one has been crap except for Kevin.

Crap analysis IMO.

Tete was very, very good today. Sess did well. Muniz battled hard when often doubled up on and ESR was positive in trying to get forward and threaten.

We were far better once Kevin came on.

Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on September 13, 2025, 05:05:58 PMLove King, but ESR should start.

Yep. I'd love Kevin ESR Adama to start vs Brentford.

We got a win to kick us on now, some more points on the board. We had a lucky escape really. Hopefully we learn from it and move on.
Something the commentary said today, about our 2 strikers. They are great impact subs, but not up to much when they start. Really ring true with me

Yep don't think Iwobi or Wilson deserve their place in the team atm.

Marco has an absolute love affair with Iwobi so I suspect he'll get moved to the right with Kevin on the left

That was pretty crap overall. The back five did their job comfortably, the rest didn't really.

Kev looked the dogs nuts though.

Kevin... wow!

To be fair, Tete had a great game too. Sees was ok. ESR looked like he's finally getting there. Leno did what he needed to do. Lukic fought hard.

The rest were poor.

But Kevin... wow!

Gudmundsson...fantastic header.
BUT, I've voted for Kevin

Quote from: Trusty Steed on September 13, 2025, 05:05:38 PM

Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on September 13, 2025, 05:04:11 PMOne of the best OG's I have seen for quite a while.

Was a great goal, power, accuracy, timing.....

He could be a Swedish double agent.

Kenny was superb. Sess such a more complete footballer than before he left,tidy and reliable with the ability to be dangerous. ESR finally showing the energy and desire. Adama looked clumsy and iwobi just looked off it today, it happens. Muniz was strong in a difficult role. Still can't believe we've won that

Hard to see what Iwobi brings. Slow and a walking turnover. Is he just eternally tired from internationals? Once Robinson is back I don't see a scenario where Sess and Kevin give minutes to anyone else.

Kevin obviously the winner but I thought Sess was pretty good, didn't really notice AR was missing. Muniz decent too.

A quite comical OG spared our blushes. We were absolutely turgid until Kevin came on. If that doesn't show that he needs to start the next game with Chuku on the other wing to actually give teams something to think about, questions need to be asked of MS. I would probably question the coaching staff for today as well because it looked like we had no tactics or identity, and we forced worn out players to start after international games with 0 cohesion. At least today showed that direct wingers with skill will elevate us, Kevin and Chuku might hold the key to a finish in the top 10 versus 11th-15th

I dont get how managers who are so great at the tactics and man-management, have these blind spots like Silva. He is so poor at timing his subs. The team was horrific through 45 mins so he has two choices. Make a lot of subs to send a message or give guys 15 mins to prove their start. He went with the latter, which is fine, but when it was still awful, he had to make more sweeping changes than a like-for-like sub. Kevin should have gotten 20-30 mins, not 15.

Other notes

- We need Robinson at LB to create more threats with overlapping runs and create more havoc. Also if we are going to have 2 CMs (Lukic/Berge) who cannot play a forward pass, we cant just rely on the front 4, and need that overlapping pace to create more space/havoc on the defense when they sit in a low block.
- Traore should never play except in matches against top 4-6 sides where they have more of the ball and we counter. Him getting 30 mins vs a team sitting in doesnt make sense. He doesnt have the technical skill to break guys down with passing and movement. He is best on the counter in wide-open matches
- Berge and Lukic were really bad today
- ESR should start vs Brentford. King is still young and should play each match but maybe he could be more of a spark as a sub at times. I think he is another player that would benefit from a counter attacking style vs a match where we possess the ball.

We need to figure out playing against the low block. The energy today from the team was dreadful and if teams are going to sit in, we need to play with pace and energy.

Quote from: Bassey the warrior on September 13, 2025, 05:20:38 PMKevin obviously the winner but I thought Sess was pretty good, didn't really notice AR was missing. Muniz decent too.

I thought Sess wasnt good today. He wasnt threatened much because Aaronson might be the worst RW in the PL and doesnt have pace. Robinson isnt as technical as Sess, but you need that pace to overlap and create space for Iwobi to cut in. Iwobi was very poor and hasnt been as good this year, and I think part of it is Robinson isnt out there. He does so much with his overlapping runs to create other players space. Sess doesnt do that.

Quote from: NCSUWhite on September 13, 2025, 05:18:15 PMHard to see what Iwobi brings. Slow and a walking turnover. Is he just eternally tired from internationals? Once Robinson is back I don't see a scenario where Sess and Kevin give minutes to anyone else.

Iwobi was the worst player on the pitch today, by quite some distance. Hopefully he's just tired because based on today he has no hope covering in CM either.

Iwobi was dire... should have been hooked at half time for Kevin to get a hold of the contest.

Bassey was all over the shop in the first half, but steadily improved.

King was very quiet, and the low block Leeds played really killed our momentum.

Onto the bus stop side now....

I honestly don't understand Marco's starting 11. Iwobi, Wilson and Bassey all look tired. And no wonder, they all put in a ton of minutes over international break.

Its not like ESR, Traore and Cuenca would have been a big step down over those 3.

Another vote for Kevin

Quote from: demeant0r on September 13, 2025, 05:01:46 PM

Quote from: LC on September 13, 2025, 04:59:58 PMSess had a solid game and he's probably the reason why Robinson isn't being rushed back. Thought he looked really good today.

We wouldn't have won the game without Kevin so I gave the man of the match to him, he looks the real deal - he managed to dig out a cross with little to no back lift, haven't seen anything like that in a while. We've got a top class player on our hands.

Also a special mention to ESR who I thought is starting to come good.

He was class, wasn't he? It's early, but if he continues like that we might not be able to keep hold of him for very long.

Well if he continues like that and adds goals and assists he's going to cost someone £100m

Also wanted to point out there was a clear and obvious handball by Leeds that happened right in front of the ref, and VAR felt no inclination to re-referee.

So much for consistency...

Quote from: LC on September 13, 2025, 05:38:56 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on September 13, 2025, 05:01:46 PM

Quote from: LC on September 13, 2025, 04:59:58 PMSess had a solid game and he's probably the reason why Robinson isn't being rushed back. Thought he looked really good today.

We wouldn't have won the game without Kevin so I gave the man of the match to him, he looks the real deal - he managed to dig out a cross with little to no back lift, haven't seen anything like that in a while. We've got a top class player on our hands.

Also a special mention to ESR who I thought is starting to come good.

He was class, wasn't he? It's early, but if he continues like that we might not be able to keep hold of him for very long.

Well if he continues like that and adds goals and assists he's going to cost someone £100m

Sess struggled don't think he's a Left Back.

Iwobi wasn't doing much, then hurt his leg, Leeds ran at him and mysteriously we kept him on for age....when all the time we had Kevin sat on the bench.

One of MS's more baffling games.  A win is a win though.

Voted for Kevin.  Yes, Kenny Tete was splendid, but Kevin was a game changer and potentially a season changer too. 

I can see Kevin and Muniz linking up well. This was a dire game but hopefully Marco takes the hint and plays his best XI next time.

Kevin only one who looked like he wanted something to happen! Might be harsh and slightly disrespectful to the others but that was turgid until Kevin came on.

Quote from: LC on September 13, 2025, 05:38:56 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on September 13, 2025, 05:01:46 PM

Quote from: LC on September 13, 2025, 04:59:58 PMSess had a solid game and he's probably the reason why Robinson isn't being rushed back. Thought he looked really good today.

We wouldn't have won the game without Kevin so I gave the man of the match to him, he looks the real deal - he managed to dig out a cross with little to no back lift, haven't seen anything like that in a while. We've got a top class player on our hands.

Also a special mention to ESR who I thought is starting to come good.

He was class, wasn't he? It's early, but if he continues like that we might not be able to keep hold of him for very long.

Well if he continues like that and adds goals and assists he's going to cost someone £100m

Quote from: LC on September 13, 2025, 05:38:56 PM

Quote from: demeant0r on September 13, 2025, 05:01:46 PM

Quote from: LC on September 13, 2025, 04:59:58 PMSess had a solid game and he's probably the reason why Robinson isn't being rushed back. Thought he looked really good today.

We wouldn't have won the game without Kevin so I gave the man of the match to him, he looks the real deal - he managed to dig out a cross with little to no back lift, haven't seen anything like that in a while. We've got a top class player on our hands.

Also a special mention to ESR who I thought is starting to come good.

He was class, wasn't he? It's early, but if he continues like that we might not be able to keep hold of him for very long.

Well if he continues like that and adds goals and assists he's going to cost someone £100m

Fingers crossed that his recent knee injury won't become a problem. I can't think of any other reason why a player of this caliber ends up at Fulham instead of a bigger club. I can't help having a feeling that there must be some level of calculated risk involved here...

Quote from: Carborundum on September 13, 2025, 05:41:43 PMIwobi wasn't doing much, then hurt his leg, Leeds ran at him and mysteriously we kept him on for age....when all the time we had Kevin sat on the bench.

One of MS's more baffling games.  A win is a win though.

Voted for Kevin.  Yes, Kenny Tete was splendid, but Kevin was a game changer and potentially a season changer too. 

Maybe Marco always needs an AP. Now that AP left, Iwobi is the new AP.

Quote from: fancyfeet4 on September 13, 2025, 05:27:44 PM

Quote from: Bassey the warrior on September 13, 2025, 05:20:38 PMKevin obviously the winner but I thought Sess was pretty good, didn't really notice AR was missing. Muniz decent too.

I thought Sess wasnt good today. He wasnt threatened much because Aaronson might be the worst RW in the PL and doesnt have pace. Robinson isnt as technical as Sess, but you need that pace to overlap and create space for Iwobi to cut in. Iwobi was very poor and hasnt been as good this year, and I think part of it is Robinson isnt out there. He does so much with his overlapping runs to create other players space. Sess doesnt do that.

Robinson can't be fit as I thought Sess was dreadful today, the number of time he mis controlled the ball was unbelievable. I like Sess but today was a day to forget.

We never seem to do well after the international break.
Tete mom for me.

Kevin changed the game

But shout out to Anderson and Tete, our defence had a good game generally

Sess doesn't have the same attacking threat as Robinson though, salivating at thought of him and kev on the same flank...gonna terrorise some people

Generally a shocking performance and only decent showing was Kevin. I really think we need to drop one of Lukic or Berge in favour of so.ething a bit more attacking, we look like a team ready to park the bus at home!

Love a clean sheet .... Love an Own-Goal, (thank you Leeds) ... Love Kevin's driving forwards...
COYW

Quote from: Rambler on September 13, 2025, 05:09:05 PMYep don't think Iwobi or Wilson deserve their place in the team atm.

Marco has an absolute love affair with Iwobi so I suspect he'll get moved to the right with Kevin on the left

I thought Iwobi had a shocker today.

Kevin starts or Marco out!  :slap:

Kevin looks the business. I thought Mumiz was poor. Raul was much better when he came on.

Quote from: SimonDaviesEnjoyer on September 13, 2025, 05:44:35 PMI can see Kevin and Muniz linking up well. This was a dire game but hopefully Marco takes the hint and plays his best XI next time.

Was exciting to see how the rest of the team came alive when he came on.every ball seemed to be aimed at getting him on it. He also played some lovely one touch football and link up play with Sess, ESR etc and is starting to already look settled in.

Leeds were worthy of a point and much better than Leicester who came up as champions the year before. I liked a number of their players. The 18 Anton Stach they got from Hoffenheim in the summer looked the no8 we are missing.

We have to be more adventurous at home to teams that are going to be around or below us.

It seems Iwobi is undroppable and with Robinson apparently not fit to start I'd start the following against Brentford,

           Leno
Tete Anderson Bassey Sess
           Berge
      Iwobi.      ESR
Traore.    Muniz.    Kevin

Nothing against Lukic, King or Wilson but after today you have to shake the offensive unit up.

Tete for me.
Gave lewin a tough time and had him under wraps all game.

Quote from: Hugh Janus on September 13, 2025, 06:51:47 PMKevin looks the business. I thought Mumiz was poor. Raul was much better when he came on.

I thought Muniz did well with no support & little service. Often he had 2x CB & their no6 around him.

Quote from: ffc73 on September 13, 2025, 06:57:36 PMLeeds were worthy of a point and much better than Leicester who came up as champions the year before. I liked a number of their players. The 18 Anton Stach they got from Hoffenheim in the summer looked the no8 we are missing.

We have to be more adventurous at home to teams that are going to be around or below us.

It seems Iwobi is undroppable and with Robinson apparently not fit to start I'd start the following against Brentford,

           Leno
Tete Anderson Bassey Sess
           Berge
      Iwobi.      ESR
Traore.    Muniz.    Kevin

Nothing against Lukic, King or Wilson but after today you have to shake the offensive unit up.

Agree with dropping one of the two DMs to be more attacking, can't see adama starting thou

Muniz was dominated by Rodon and Struik, would have liked to see Raul on much earlier.
Kevin terrific when he belatedly came on.
Lukic worked really hard against a difficult German opponent.
Although usually not a fan of Sess at LB, I thought he did well today.
My MOM though was Kenny Tete who I thought was superb though out.

Did Stevie Wonder vote for Iwobi 🤷🏻�♂️

Typical post international break game, poor 1st half, agree Iwobi looked unfit but 3 points, better 2nd half and Kevin looks like the real deal
COYW

All subs made a difference. ESR looks fit, Adama caused Leeds problems down the right, Cairney brought some control to midfield, Jimenez gave the defence something else to think about. And what do you say about Kevin? A wonderful 20 minute cameo.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2d/It%27s_Kevin_Titlecard.jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2d/It%27s_Kevin_Titlecard.jpg)

we were flat untill the subs ......... has to be Kevin for his 15 minute cameo  ::wine::

I wonder who will win? 

Quote from: ArcticOctopus on September 13, 2025, 05:47:15 PM

Quote from: Carborundum on September 13, 2025, 05:41:43 PMIwobi wasn't doing much, then hurt his leg, Leeds ran at him and mysteriously we kept him on for age....when all the time we had Kevin sat on the bench.

One of MS's more baffling games.  A win is a win though.

Voted for Kevin.  Yes, Kenny Tete was splendid, but Kevin was a game changer and potentially a season changer too. 

Maybe Marco always needs an AP. Now that AP left, Iwobi is the new AP.

Iwobi picked up an injury today

& Marco still kept Iwobi on for 20 or so minutes after he was clearly injured & hobbling about

Quote from: fancyfeet4 on September 13, 2025, 05:27:44 PM

Quote from: Bassey the warrior on September 13, 2025, 05:20:38 PMKevin obviously the winner but I thought Sess was pretty good, didn't really notice AR was missing. Muniz decent too.

al as Sess, but you need that pace to overlap and create space for Iwobi to cut in. Iwobi was very poor and hasnt been as good this year, and I think part of it is Robinson isnt out there. He does so much with his overlapping runs to create other players space. Sess doesnt do that.

Strong agree. The presence of Robinson is critical to Iwobi.

Since the transfer talk with Atalanta,I think Muniz has been poor.
Should have scored again today with that header.

Quote from: demeant0r on September 13, 2025, 04:56:30 PMEvery one has been crap except for Kevin.

And Leno?

Oops! Just seen your earlier clarification! (Note to self: read through all posts before commenting!)

The defence were all generally good today and I'm normally not one to give it to a sub - especially one who came on for 15 mins - but it's hard to argue with Kevin as MOM. Not only talented but his decision making was also top notch - picked the right option every time. Far from a show pony - he has depth and end product.  We have some player on our hands.

Honourable mention to ESR too - was really positive when he came on and rarely wasted the ball. No disrespect to King but I think ESR deserves a start in the next game to keep everyone motivated and on their toes.

I'm normally a fan of Iwobi but by Christ that was by far his worst game in a Fulham shirt - he was absolutely dire. So many misplaced passes and failed, dispossessed runs. Possibly partly down to the internationals combined with clearly taking a knock and was hobbling about so no idea why he was kept on for so long.

ESR and Kevin have to start against Brentford for me.

Quote from: Grassy Noel on September 13, 2025, 05:14:19 PM

Quote from: Trusty Steed on September 13, 2025, 05:05:38 PM

Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on September 13, 2025, 05:04:11 PMOne of the best OG's I have seen for quite a while.

Was a great goal, power, accuracy, timing.....

He could be a Swedish double agent.

He did it for Jussi.

Quote from: Hatch007 on September 13, 2025, 07:50:46 PMDid Stevie Wonder vote for Iwobi 🤷🏻�♂️

No, it was Marco!

Sess for me. Good solid performance, just ahead of Tete.
Kevin looks the real deal.

Quote from: LC on September 13, 2025, 04:59:58 PMSess had a solid game and he's probably the reason why Robinson isn't being rushed back. Thought he looked really good today.

We wouldn't have won the game without Kevin so I gave the man of the match to him, he looks the real deal - he managed to dig out a cross with little to no back lift, haven't seen anything like that in a while. We've got a top class player on our hands.

Also a special mention to ESR who I thought is starting to come good.

Agree, ESR nearly scored a great goal, and showed individual skill, taking on their defence- good save by the keeper.

Kevin  was outstanding when he came on, putting their  defence  on the back foot, when they'd coped easily with our attack, and immediately creating chances, before nearly scoring - what a goal that would have been! It was through him that we got the corner we scored from.

I went for Kevin. That said, I think all of the substitutions made a positive impact.  ESR and Traore especially. Traore, after looking, imo, two steps behind in the first few games, looked much more like the memace we've come to expect.  But Kevin, every time he had the ball...

For the first 60 I thought the team looked incredibly lethargic.  Leeds knew they were beat until they realized that we were spent after 20 minutes.

I am not placing any fault on the players. Many of them haven't had much time off over the past couple weeks. 
 

I think we just about deserved to win. Neither side created much before the Wilson free kick and after that, we started creating quite a lot of chances and you could see a goal was coming.

Leno - didn't have much to do, but when he needed to do something he did it with ease. Really solid performance.

Tete - my MOTM. Amazing performance from him. So happy we managed to keep him.

Andersen - great performance again. Apart from the  Manchester United game,  he's been superb this season. Looked like Andersen that we hoped we'll get once we signed him and not Andersen from last season.

Bassey - really poor performance from him, particularly in the first half. His passing was quite erratic and for some reason he didn't clear the ball 2-3 times which almost got us in to lot of trouble.

Sess - decent performance from him. Solid both ways.

Lukic - solid performance from him. Should have perhaps done a bit better with that chance he had, but a spin shot is quite difficult, especially for someone who hasn't scored a goal in a while.

Berge - had two great moments, the sliding tackle and the cross for Muniz. Other than that, he did okay, but I have to say, he isn't playing as well this season as he did last year.

Wilson - terrible performance yesterday. Decent effort from the free kick and one decent cross from another set piece, but other than that he couldn't have done much worse. Our attacks seemed to die every time Wilson or Iwobi got the ball. The defenders and midfielders did an okay job in the build up for large parts, but once Wilosn or Iwobi got the ball nothing happened. They left Muniz completely isolated for most of the game. Didn't make nearly enough runs in the middle he usually makes either, and in the few times he did, his first touch was uncharacteristically poor and Leeds dealt with it with ease. Didn't help Tete enough defensively either.

Kign - I hate to say it, but I thought he was quite poor. Had one or two decent moments, like when he won that foul in the first half, but he was pretty ineffective. I'm not worried though, this is his first proper season with the first team, he's bound to have a mixture of good and poor performances.

Iwobi - pretty much same as with Wilson. I thought he was a shade better than Wilson in the first half, and he also helped out Sess more than Wilson did Tete. Second half was unfortunately even worse than the first half. Maybe he needs some rest? He did have some very good games this season and some poor ones too. Maybe Marco is overplaying him.

Muniz - battled hard, but got no service whatsoever, especially in the first half. He should do better with the one chance he did have, after Berge's cross.

Subs:

ESR - I thought he was great. As soon as he came on, he became our best attacking player. He's been great in all of his sub appearances and I'd start him over King against Brentford as I think he deserves it.

Adama - he always gets a lot of hate, and even though he might not have tracked back enough a few times or his decision making wasn't perfect every time, I thought he was much better and much more effective than both Wilson and Iwobi yesterday. Unless Chukwueze settles in quickly and impresses in training, I'd start him vs Brentford.

Kevin - not much more I can add to what others have said. Clearly the best player on the pitch from the moment he stepped on it. Beat his players 1 on 1 with ease and put in some dangerous crosses and had that incredible shot too that resulted in a corner that got us the goal. Tracked back well a few times too. I'd 100% start him against Brentford over Iwobi.

TC - didn't get a chance to show off his quality in such little time on the pitch. 3 touches, 3/3 accurate passes, as you'd expect from TC. He should have come on sooner,imo.

Raul - same as TC.

Quote from: SerbianLad on September 14, 2025, 11:36:54 AMI think we just about deserved to win. Neither side created much before the Wilson free kick and after that, we started creating quite a lot of chances and you could see a goal was coming.

Leno - didn't have much to do, but when he needed to do something he did it with ease. Really solid performance.

Tete - my MOTM. Amazing performance from him. So happy we managed to keep him.

Andersen - great performance again. Apart from the  Manchester United game,  he's been superb this season. Looked like Andersen that we hoped we'll get once we signed him and not Andersen from last season.

Bassey - really poor performance from him, particularly in the first half. His passing was quite erratic and for some reason he didn't clear the ball 2-3 times which almost got us in to lot of trouble.

Sess - decent performance from him. Solid both ways.

Lukic - solid performance from him. Should have perhaps done a bit better with that chance he had, but a spin shot is quite difficult, especially for someone who hasn't scored a goal in a while.

Berge - had two great moments, the sliding tackle and the cross for Muniz. Other than that, he did okay, but I have to say, he isn't playing as well this season as he did last year.

Wilson - terrible performance yesterday. Decent effort from the free kick and one decent cross from another set piece, but other than that he couldn't have done much worse. Our attacks seemed to die every time Wilson or Iwobi got the ball. The defenders and midfielders did an okay job in the build up for large parts, but once Wilosn or Iwobi got the ball nothing happened. They left Muniz completely isolated for most of the game. Didn't make nearly enough runs in the middle he usually makes either, and in the few times he did, his first touch was uncharacteristically poor and Leeds dealt with it with ease. Didn't help Tete enough defensively either.

Kign - I hate to say it, but I thought he was quite poor. Had one or two decent moments, like when he won that foul in the first half, but he was pretty ineffective. I'm not worried though, this is his first proper season with the first team, he's bound to have a mixture of good and poor performances.

Iwobi - pretty much same as with Wilson. I thought he was a shade better than Wilson in the first half, and he also helped out Sess more than Wilson did Tete. Second half was unfortunately even worse than the first half. Maybe he needs some rest? He did have some very good games this season and some poor ones too. Maybe Marco is overplaying him.

Muniz - battled hard, but got no service whatsoever, especially in the first half. He should do better with the one chance he did have, after Berge's cross.

Subs:

ESR - I thought he was great. As soon as he came on, he became our best attacking player. He's been great in all of his sub appearances and I'd start him over King against Brentford as I think he deserves it.

Adama - he always gets a lot of hate, and even though he might not have tracked back enough a few times or his decision making wasn't perfect every time, I thought he was much better and much more effective than both Wilson and Iwobi yesterday. Unless Chukwueze settles in quickly and impresses in training, I'd start him vs Brentford.

Kevin - not much more I can add to what others have said. Clearly the best player on the pitch from the moment he stepped on it. Beat his players 1 on 1 with ease and put in some dangerous crosses and had that incredible shot too that resulted in a corner that got us the goal. Tracked back well a few times too. I'd 100% start him against Brentford over Iwobi.

TC - didn't get a chance to show off his quality in such little time on the pitch. 3 touches, 3/3 accurate passes, as you'd expect from TC. He should have come on sooner,imo.

Raul - same as TC.

Agree mostly

Though thought bassey was ok, couple very good tackles. Our defence limited them to very little but agree Anderson the better of the CBs. Very calm and collected.

Sess was fine, but not a great LWB as he lacks the pace and take ons that Robinson brings in attack. Can't wait to have jedi back with Kev

Wingers wise agree, they just don't have the speed to unlock players outside so it inevitably comes inside central each time or backwards which limits us massively.

Soon as we had Kevin and Adama came on we got what everyone in the crowd could see was what we needed, ability for 1v1 take ons. I rate adama, he has cold games but he's got something we need alot of the time that Wilson and Iwobi don't have much of- power, pace and take on ability. 

Quote from: SerbianLad on September 14, 2025, 11:36:54 AMI think we just about deserved to win. Neither side created much before the Wilson free kick and after that, we started creating quite a lot of chances and you could see a goal was coming.

Leno - didn't have much to do, but when he needed to do something he did it with ease. Really solid performance.

Tete - my MOTM. Amazing performance from him. So happy we managed to keep him.

Andersen - great performance again. Apart from the  Manchester United game,  he's been superb this season. Looked like Andersen that we hoped we'll get once we signed him and not Andersen from last season.

Bassey - really poor performance from him, particularly in the first half. His passing was quite erratic and for some reason he didn't clear the ball 2-3 times which almost got us in to lot of trouble.

Sess - decent performance from him. Solid both ways.

Lukic - solid performance from him. Should have perhaps done a bit better with that chance he had, but a spin shot is quite difficult, especially for someone who hasn't scored a goal in a while.

Berge - had two great moments, the sliding tackle and the cross for Muniz. Other than that, he did okay, but I have to say, he isn't playing as well this season as he did last year.

Wilson - terrible performance yesterday. Decent effort from the free kick and one decent cross from another set piece, but other than that he couldn't have done much worse. Our attacks seemed to die every time Wilson or Iwobi got the ball. The defenders and midfielders did an okay job in the build up for large parts, but once Wilosn or Iwobi got the ball nothing happened. They left Muniz completely isolated for most of the game. Didn't make nearly enough runs in the middle he usually makes either, and in the few times he did, his first touch was uncharacteristically poor and Leeds dealt with it with ease. Didn't help Tete enough defensively either.

Kign - I hate to say it, but I thought he was quite poor. Had one or two decent moments, like when he won that foul in the first half, but he was pretty ineffective. I'm not worried though, this is his first proper season with the first team, he's bound to have a mixture of good and poor performances.

Iwobi - pretty much same as with Wilson. I thought he was a shade better than Wilson in the first half, and he also helped out Sess more than Wilson did Tete. Second half was unfortunately even worse than the first half. Maybe he needs some rest? He did have some very good games this season and some poor ones too. Maybe Marco is overplaying him.

Muniz - battled hard, but got no service whatsoever, especially in the first half. He should do better with the one chance he did have, after Berge's cross.

Subs:

ESR - I thought he was great. As soon as he came on, he became our best attacking player. He's been great in all of his sub appearances and I'd start him over King against Brentford as I think he deserves it.

Adama - he always gets a lot of hate, and even though he might not have tracked back enough a few times or his decision making wasn't perfect every time, I thought he was much better and much more effective than both Wilson and Iwobi yesterday. Unless Chukwueze settles in quickly and impresses in training, I'd start him vs Brentford.

Kevin - not much more I can add to what others have said. Clearly the best player on the pitch from the moment he stepped on it. Beat his players 1 on 1 with ease and put in some dangerous crosses and had that incredible shot too that resulted in a corner that got us the goal. Tracked back well a few times too. I'd 100% start him against Brentford over Iwobi.

TC - didn't get a chance to show off his quality in such little time on the pitch. 3 touches, 3/3 accurate passes, as you'd expect from TC. He should have come on sooner,imo.

Raul - same as TC.

I also pretty much agree with this.

Tete was my MOTM as well and keeping Tete in the summer was definitely one of the high points of the window....although it was only because Kevin was on for such a short time that I didn't give it to him. Can't wait to see him play a full 90 minutes.

I also think Adama made a good impact when he came on...he has weaknesses, no doubt about it, but he scares defences and he makes things happen.

For my money I thought Iwobi was OK until he got injured..he was busy and involved, even if not everything he tried worked..but he faded in the second half. I'd want to try him as a number 8, probably in place of Berge who seems to have lost form atm

King was a little anonymous - not terrible, but just not able to impose himself in the game....maybe time to swap him with ESR for a while.

It wasn't such a terrible overall performance...Leeds have got some decent players, and I thought Longstaff was excellent, but they look pretty toothless, and I think that will be their undoing. Whereas, assuming we can keep Kevin fit, I think we're going to see a much improved service to Muniz and Raul and a lot more goals going forwards

I get a lot of reassurance from the defence although I find that Bassey gets us both into a mess and out of a mess and I miss the calm presence of Diop, although his distribution is too weak to justify a regular place and only when we need five at the back.
I want to hear an end to 'the jury is still out on ESR' and would like him to play ninety minutes against Brentford.
I want Adama to terrorise on the right for this match which given his weak defensive play rather confirms the Berge/Lukic combo. 

Quote from: jayffc on September 13, 2025, 06:02:13 PMKevin changed the game

But shout out to Anderson and Tete, our defence had a good game generally

Sess doesn't have the same attacking threat as Robinson though, salivating at thought of him and kev on the same flank...gonna terrorise some people

Yep that's our first clean sheet since 2-0 v Spurs in March. Very happy to see it, we won't often come up against many weaker attacks I think. I didn't really think it was a great performance from the backline but Tete was solid. Sess toiled a bit and Andersen and Bassey gave the ball away quite a bit I thought

If I was a Premiership full back I would fear Traore and Kevin as wingers.. there would be no let up.

Both teams rather poor first hour of play.  FFC just didn't seem able to shift into first gear.  UNTIL the 60 minute mark, when Traore and ESR entered.  At that point, FFC seemed on the front foot, much more movement and chances going forward.  And 15 minutes later when Kevin came on, FFC clearly the better of the two sides, and really looked to score a game winner.  Kevin cameo exceptional, almost scoring with keeper great save preventing.

Iwobi - Very poor.  Should have been subbed off at HT.  Maybe all that international duty ragged him, but he was terrible.

Bassey - First half did have some dodgy moments too, but improved second half.

Andersen - Generally a good game, BUT some very poor passing and easy giveaways, needs to clean that up.

Tete - Terrific, my man of match.

Sessegnon - I have posted earlier this season and even last season, that I feel his better position is more forward winger and not as LB.  That said, I think he has been very good when covering for Robinson, and he had another pretty good game yesterday v Leeds.  Well done to the lad.

Mids - Meh.  Good defensively, but nothing to add offensively, though Lukic had a few good moments.

Muniz - Had a few good holdups, but generally not impactful, and should have done better on his header chance, especially if he wants to be considered a top striker in this league.

Wilson - Had decent game, though not too impactful.

King - Somewhat disappointing, not involved much.

Traore, ESR, Kevin - As noted above, impactful and put FFC as the better side, and deserving of the three points, especially after that debacle last game down the road.  Traore gets a lot of stick in this forum, which I don't understand, and I feel MS has to find a way to get him much more play time.

Leno - Did his job.

Solid performance by King Kenny. Bottled up his side of the pitch, so MOTM.

The future is bright. The future is KEVIN!! ::scarf::  ::scarf::

Like to see more of Own Goal.

Ridiculous to give MotM to a guy only on the field for 20 minutes. Overlooks sterling efforts of several players over the full 97 minutes. Can't understand it.

Me?

I voted for Kevin, of course.

Kevin got the official MOTM. If Marco sees that and not start Kevin next match then it's Marco Out time!

Who voted for Iwobi as MoM?  :slap:

My only worry is the rest of the attack won't be able to keep pace with Kevin's train of thought. Lots of great crosses yesterday but nobody at the end of them. Let's hope he doesn't get the hump with his teammates !
 
But I'm sure Muniz, ESR and Raul will eventually make those runs once they get to know him in training.

Men of Match were Tete, Andersen (and oh yes Kevin)

Quote from: FFC007 on September 14, 2025, 05:38:17 PMWho voted for Iwobi as MoM?  :slap:

He is allowed to vote for himself.

Quote from: FFC007 on September 14, 2025, 05:38:17 PMWho voted for Iwobi as MoM?  :slap:

They thought it was Mug of the Match. He was, putting it plainly, bloody awful. He played, i believe, 2 X 90 Mins + travelling for Nigeria. We're burning the lad out mentally and physically, a couple of games from the bench may help. We may need him in midfield soon.

A promising cameo from Kevin but Leno kept us in it up until then.