Plucky Fulham deny City
Manchester City surrendered their 100% start to the Barclays Premier League season as Fulham stunned them with a second-half comeback in a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage.
City looked set to equal their best ever opening to a top-flight campaign when Sergio Aguero's jaw-dropping start to life in England continued with the seventh and eighth goals of his five-game City career.
He made it 2-0 just 12 seconds after the break but Fulham refused to buckle, with Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy earning them a deserved draw.
City took the lead when Gareth Barry found David Silva on the edge of the box, and he was allowed to turn and feed Aguero, who timed his run perfectly before sidefooting home.
Mark Schwarzer denied City a second goal three times in the space of three minutes, beating Edin Dzeko to Aguero's cross, tipping Gael Clichy's 20-yard shot wide and getting fingers to Dzeko's piledriver.
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Aguero doubled the visitors' lead straight from the kick-off. Clichy pumped a diagonal ball forward to Dzeko, whose knockdown was fired into the bottom left corner by the Argentinian.
Aguero thought he had completed back-to-back Premier League hat-tricks - he hit one against Wigan eight days ago - three minutes later with an identical finish but he was narrowly offside.
The home side took full advantage of their reprieve when they finally created a gilt-edged chance in the 55th minute.
The build-up was of the City kind, ending when Clint Dempsey threaded in the unmarked Zamora, who curled the ball into the top corner.
Joe Hart excelled himself again by tipping over Dempsey's bullet header from a corner. But it was Fulham's pressure that told when they equalised 15 minutes from time, Murphy's scuffed 20-yarder taking a huge deflection off Vincent Kompany and going beyond the stranded Hart.
http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/national-sport/plucky_fulham_deny_city_1_3786959 (http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/national-sport/plucky_fulham_deny_city_1_3786959)
Manchester City held by Fulham
Manchester City surrendered their 100% record in this season's Barclays Premier League as Fulham stunned them with a second-half comeback at Craven Cottage.
City looked set to equal their best ever opening to a top-flight campaign when Sergio Aguero's jaw-dropping adaptation to life in England continued with the seventh and eighth goals of his five-game City league career.
He made it 2-0 just seconds after the break today but Fulham refused to buckle, with Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy earning them a deserved draw.
The result was the first blow to City's title challenge and, coming four days after their first ever Champions League game, it cast doubt on the ability of Roberto Mancini's men to combine the rigours of domestic football with that of Europe's top club competition.
Today's game was the fourth time in the last four rounds of Premier League fixtures that City had kicked off before Manchester United.
They had been trumped by their arch-rivals on each occasion but arrived in west London determined to lay down another marker on a ground where they won 4-1 last season.
Fulham went like for like, manager Martin Jol keeping faith with his 4-2-3-1 system as he sought his first Premier League win in charge.
City went close to opening them up inside seven minutes after Edin Dzeko strayed offside when put through by Samir Nasri.
They continued to boss proceedings, and although Clint Dempsey sent a 25-yard drive straight down the throat of Joe Hart after 15 minutes, City duly took the lead three minutes later.
Gareth Barry found David Silva on the edge of the box, and he was allowed to turn and feed Aguero, who timed his run perfectly before sidefooting home.
Mark Schwarzer denied City a second goal three times in the space of three minutes, beating Dzeko to Aguero's cross, tipping Clichy's 20-yard shot wide and getting fingers to Dzeko's piledriver after another great move involving Yaya Toure and Silva.
The recalled Zamora ballooned a 30-yard shot into the stands as Fulham continued to be given the runaround, while Dempsey looked their only real threat, drilling another effort too close to Hart.
The frustrated home fans roared on encouragement as their side enjoyed a rare spell of possession but Fulham posed little threat to the City goal.
Jol emerged for the second half with a face like thunder, but whatever he said during the break appeared to be rendered void when Aguero doubled the visitors' lead straight from the kick-off.
Clichy pumped a diagonal ball forward to Dzeko, whose knockdown was fired into the bottom left corner by the Argentinian.
Aguero thought he had completed back-to-back Premier League hat-tricks - he hit one against Wigan eight days ago - three minutes later with an identical finish but he was narrowly offside.
The home side took full advantage of their reprieve when they finally created a gilt-edged chance in the 55th minute.
The build-up was of the City kind, ending when Dempsey threaded in the unmarked Zamora, who curled the ball into the top corner.
Zamora had been played onside by Micah Richards, who redeemed himself moments later when his last-ditch challenge stopped Dempsey making it 2-2.
Fulham's first-half lethargy had vanished and Barry was booked for chopping down Mousa Dembele, whose low drive was palmed wide by Hart after Pajtim Kasami replaced an ailing Damien Duff.
Hart excelled himself again by tipping over Dempsey's bullet header from a corner before Mancini took action, withdrawing Silva for Pablo Zabaleta midway through the half.
The visitors remained a threat on the break, Richards glancing wide from a corner.
But it was Fulham's pressure that told when they equalised 15 minutes from time, Danny Murphy's scuffed 20-yarder taking a huge deflection off Vincent Kompany and going beyond the stranded Hart.
Craven Cottage was rocking and Mancini was forced to make a change again when Adam Johnson and Carlos Tevez replaced Nasri and Aguero in quick succession.
The fresh legs almost told in the final five minutes when Tevez was denied by a brave Brede Hangeland block.
Sidwell was booked and Jol threw on Bryan Ruiz for the excellent Dembele but Toure almost had the final say when his 30-yard strike drifted wide.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-held-by-fulham-2356809.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-held-by-fulham-2356809.html?)
Fulham fightback ends City's perfect start
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 18, 2011
Fulham have a habit of stirring comebacks against Manchester City. Whilst the latest might not match the stupendous victory at Eastlands that kickstarted their great escape in 2008, it was just as unexpected. Fulham sat bottom of the table at the start of play and the first 46 minutes only served to illustrate the gulf between Martin Jol's side and City, who looked on course to extend their flawless start to the season, courtesy of two sharply-taken Sergio Aguero goals. But Fulham are not short of spirit and, adopting a more direct and – perhaps – desperate approach clawed their way back into a contest that looked beyond them.
Bobby Zamora had largely been a peripheral figure, starved of both service and support, before he turned to fire a clever pass from Clint Dempsey into the top corner from the edge of the box. The goal lifted Fulham, who had shown City far too much respect in the first period into a prolonged assault on the visiting goal and Joe Hart produced a couple of superb saves to preserve City's advantage. He was at full-stretch to turn Moussa Dembele's drive around the post and stuck out a glove to tip over Dempey's downward header from a corner. There was little the England goalkeeper could do about the equaliser, however. Zamora teed up his captain, 20 yards out in a central position, and Danny Murphy's low shot deflected off Vincent Kompany and trickled into the corner. Cue bedlam and a 'Poznan' style celebration from most of the home supporters.
It might not have been Martin Jol's seventh straight league win against Manchester City but this rousing riposte could be the spark to ignite Fulham's season after an alarming start. Having been outplayed by a rampant City, the point was as welcome as it was unexpected. The visitors looked electrifying once they began to find their stride after a rather sedate start, with Aguero to the fore. Fulham would have needed no reminding of the Argentine's ability after his two goals ended their remarkable Europa League run in Hamburg in 2010, but couldn't stop Aguero clinically firing past Mark Schwarzer having latched onto a cute reverse ball from David Silva. There were suspicions of offside, but the goal stood.
Fulham were fortunate to be just a goal down at the interval. Schwarzer had to be at his very best to keep out a stinging long-distance drive from Gael Clichy and somehow got his fingertips to a blistering strike from Edin Dzeko after the Bosnian had been found by a brilliant Silva cross. Half-time provided the briefest of respites as City doubled their lead just ten seconds into the second period. Dzeko beat Brede Hangeland to Clichy's crossfield punt and Aguero took a touch to steady himself before driving a right-footed shot in the far corner. The little Argentine had a third ruled out for offside shortly afterwards.
Fulham's second half display had more than just grit and determination. There was incisiveness football and clever interchanges behind a fluid front four, suggesting that Jol's 4-3-2-1 formation – that had previously been narrow and predictable – might now be clicking. The build-up to Zamora's opener, with Dembele feeding Dempsey, was first class and the striker's turn and shot reminiscent of the kind of strikes he had served up on those memorable European nights. City will rue their missed chances and perhaps Mancini's conservatism. The lively Silva was sacrificed for Pablo Zabaleta in a bid to secure the points. It didn't work.
FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Kelly, J. Riise, Baird, Hangeland; Sidwell, Murphy; Duff (Kasami 61), Dempsey, Dembele (Ruiz 87); Zamora. Subs (not used): Etheridge, Gygera, Senderos, Gecov, Sa.
BOOKED: Sidwell.
GOALS: Zamora (55), Murphy (75).
MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1) Hart; Richards, Clichy, Lescott, Kompany; Y. Toure, Barry; Silva (Zabaleta 69), Aguero (Tevez 83), Nasri (Adam Johnson 81); Dzeko. Subs (not used): Pantilimon, K. Toure, Kolarov, Balotelli.
BOOKED: Barry.
GOALS: Aguero (18, 46).
REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne and Wear).
ATTENDANCE: 24,750.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/fulham-fightback-ends-citys-perfect-start/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/fulham-fightback-ends-citys-perfect-start/?)
Martin Jol hails Fulham side who 'came back from the death' to draw against Manchester City
Manager praises players after comeback against title challenegers and says that the result will give his team more confidence and belief in the future
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Martin Jol has praised his Fulham team for coming "back from the death" to get a point against Premier League title challengers Manchester City following their 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage.
The Dutchman believes his side showed great belief and mentality to pull back two goals after Sergio Aguero had put City ahead, especially after a tiring performance during their midweek game with FC Twente in the Europa League.
"We were back, I would say, from the death, is what we probably did, and then we had the belief and the mentality," he told reporters.
"We were a bit tired, but we could see [City] were a bit tired as well after [playing Napoli on] Wednesday because they played roughly the same team, so it was a fantastic achievement to come back against them. Nobody knows, but I don't think they will give away leads like this in the future.
"We played well against Aston Villa and Blackburn for almost nothing, I felt, and the players felt the same. I still feel that we deserved more, but we only got two points.
"Today we still only got a point, but to show against a team like [City] that you can come back after two goals, I think it will give us a big boost and big confidence for the future.
"Normally to [comeback from two goals down] against any team would be good, but especially against Man City.
"After what happened in the first half and then we came out of the dressing room with very good intentions, to be better, to do different things and then concede a goal like that is unexpected."
Jol thought Fulham had allowed their opponents too much time on the ball in the first half and did not put Roberto Mancini's side under enough pressure.
He added: "Even Manchester United, and Chelsea will lose games this season, but it didn't look like [Manchester City] would in the first half.
"We didn't put the ball under pressure in midfield. Against [Gareth Barry] and Yaya Toure that was a negative thing because they could find their offensive four [of Silva, Aguero, Nasri and Dzeko]. So even with Dembele in a lower position we could not screen or avoid that.
"So in the second half we tried to push more and put them under more pressure. You need a bit of luck, of course, but if you saw Aston Villa at home and Blackburn at home we created more but were not efficient. But today I think we had maybe four opportunities and scored two, so it's good."
On the subject of luck, there were questions over whether Aguero's first goal was actually onside, but the manager was not too concerned.
"If we'd have lost I'd have probably complained," he joked. "But now I can say I don't really think Aguero was offside. His foot was onside, but his arm wasn't, so it was probably 50/50."
Jol then spoke of the disappointing start to the day, seeing his team bottom of the league over night.
He concluded: "That was awful, but we have had two away games and a game in Europe, and you have to win your home games. That was not a nice thing to see us at the bottom of the league, but luckily enough for now we are eighteenth, but it can still get better."
Jol also revealed Andy Johnson was forced out of the squad with an ankle problem and Dickson Etuhu with a thigh injury, though Aaron Hughes should be fit enough for their Carling Cup game against rivals Chelsea in midweek.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/09/18/2671773/martin-jol-hails-fulham-side-who-came-back-from-the-death-to? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/09/18/2671773/martin-jol-hails-fulham-side-who-came-back-from-the-death-to?)
EPL Match Report and Analysis: Fulham 2, Manchester City 2
Manchester City had plenty of chances in a first half which certainly saw efforts on goal, though the tempo of the game was slower than might have been expected.
City moved the ball around well with David Silva and Sergio Aguero causing all the problems you would expect from two such talented players, while Clint Dempsey looked like Fulham's biggest threat.
Mark Schwarzer was certainly the busier of the two goalkeepers, tipping over an effort from Silva and beating away a shot from Aguero.
"Kun" Aguero it was who opened the scoring for City midway through the first half, continuing with play and sliding home his shot into the far corner after the entire Fulham defence had stopped, thinking an offside would be called. Silva slid the pass into Aguero's path and he did the rest, netting his seventh goal of the season already.
A minute after half time the same man made it two-nil.
Edin Dzeko rose magnificently to steer a header down to Aguero on the edge of the box and he angled a right-footed drive inside the far post to beat Schwarzer again—incredibly netting his eighth goal in City's five league matches already.
This was just sixty seconds into the second period and it looked for all the world that City would go on to record another victory in some comfort, but they reckoned without the determination and finishing ability of the home side who were to stun them with a double set of strikes of their own.
Bobby Zamora smashed in a fine finish for Fulham after 55 minutes to bring them back within one goal.
Picking up the ball on the edge of the area from Dempsey, he took one touch and turned to lash into the top corner of Joe Hart's goal with his right foot, leaving the England stopper with no chance.
And it was left to Danny Murphy to seal an equaliser for the home side as he latched onto a pass from Zamora, steadied himself and placed it to Hart's left side—only for a huge deflection to send the ball completely the opposite way and squirm over the line for 2-2.
City threw on Carlos Tevez and Adam Johnson to try and swing the match back in their favour, but time ticked down and they were unable to really create any decent goalscoring chances.
Yaya Toure launched a shot goal-wards from 30 yards, which was in danger of taking the head off of a spectator but didn't trouble the Fulham goal, while Zabaleta also sliced well wide from distance.
Roberto Mancini cut a frustrated figure on the sideline as he watched his side surrender a two-goal lead in the second half and his words from last week, where he moaned about his side not being clinical enough, will be echoing in his players' ears after this draw against Fulham.
City rise top of the table—briefly, until Manchester United finish their game against Chelsea, where they comfortably lead at the break—with the point from today's game, but having been in such a commanding position they will see it as two points dropped.
Fulham meanwhile continue their winless start to the season under new boss Martin Jol, though with this point they will rise off the bottom and out of the relegation zone, and will take some heart and hope for future matches after coming back from a seemingly lost position.
A lot of work remains for both teams to achieve their respective aims for the season but City will at least be pleased that they remain unbeaten in the league, while acknowledging how difficult it will be for them playing away from home after each of their six group matches in the Champions League this season.
Sergio Aguero continues to hugely impress and will surely be one of their key men to achieve success on all fronts this season.
Full time from Craven Cottage—Fulham 2, Manchester City 2.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/854468-epl-match-report-and-analysis-fulham-2-manchester-city-2? (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/854468-epl-match-report-and-analysis-fulham-2-manchester-city-2?)
Great Spirit(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Jol/Conf1.jpg)
Speaking in the post-match press conference following Fulham's Barclays Premier League encounter with Manchester City, Manager Martin Jol looked back on the match and gave his appraisal of Fulham's comeback performance.
"We showed great spirit to comeback," said Jol. "We did different things in the second-half better and maybe we were a little unlucky not to have scored more than two goals.
"Although we wanted to put pressure on the Manchester City midfield, we couldn't handle Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry in the middle of the park, so that was the problem, but we put more pressure on them in the second-half.
"We tried to get different players on the ball and we had nothing to lose, so that sometimes helps.
"To fight back against a team like City is unbelievable. If you get a bit of control and take the initiative, it helps.
"We need the points and we have played three home games and got three draws.
"We've been a bit unfortunate, but I'm sure it will come."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/JolManCityReaction.aspx#ixzz1YNWlDPuV (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/JolManCityReaction.aspx#ixzz1YNWlDPuV)
Fulham 2 : Manchester City 2
A Sergio Aguero brace was not enough for Manchester City as Fulham fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Craven Cottage.
Despite City starting the more confident, it was the hosts who had the first meaningful effort on target through Clint Dempsey.
Gael Clichy tried to be clever with a quick free-kick to Micah Richards though it was under-hit and intercepted by the American whose shot from 25 yards flashed over.
City broke the deadlock in the 17th minute after some neat build-up play between Samir Nasri and David Silva set up the in-form Aguero, who placed it in the bottom corner with consummate ease.
In the 24th minute City almost doubled their lead through left-back Clichy, the summer signing from Arsenal picking up a clearance from a corner and striking it goalwards, forcing Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer into a top-class save.
Just 10 seconds into the second half, Manchester City stunned Fulham when Aguero doubled his and City's tally. Clichy pumped a hopeful ball forward from the kick-off which was nodded down by Edin Dzeko to Aguero, who lashed in a fierce strike from the edge of the area leaving Fulham completely shell-shocked.
But Fulham hit back in the 55th minute when Bobby Zamora scored a fantastic goal to give his side an undeserved route back into the game.
Poor marking from Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany allowed Zamora too much space to pick his spot before hitting an unstoppable effort into the top corner.
The surprise goal from Zamora seemed to spark the home side into life and they almost drew level just moments later through Moussa Dembele when he hit a well-struck shot that took a wicked deflection off Lescott that forced Joe Hart into a world-class stop.
Fulham were looking like a completely different side after the Zamora goal and got a deserved equaliser when Danny Murphy scored.
Despite Martin Jol still looking for his first Premier League victory as Fulham boss the fans will be pleased with the spirit shown after going down 2-0 to such an impressive Manchester City side.
And Mancini will leave Craven Cottage wondering why they were unable to keep out a previously tame home attack.
http://www.sportal.co.nz/football-news-display/fulham-2--manchester-city-2-138867 (http://www.sportal.co.nz/football-news-display/fulham-2--manchester-city-2-138867)
Kasami delighted by 'magnificent performance'
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 18, 2011
Pajtim Kasami was delighted with what he described as 'a magnificent performance' after Fulham fought back to draw 2-2 with Manchester City afternoon.
The Swiss midfielder made an impression as a second half substitute, delivering an eye-catching cameo after replacing Damien Duff.
This was always going to be a difficult game for us. Alongside United, City are the team to beat at the moment. They had won all their previous league games and I think some had predicted that would continue today.
That certainly looked the case as they had they enjoyed the better first-half and scored that early goal in the second. We needed to find a response and what followed was probably the best football we have played this season. The second-half performance was magnificent.
We kept the ball, frustrated them when they had it and really put them under pressure. On another day we could well have sneaked three points, because we had a couple of chances.
It was good to be involved in a game like that. I came on at a point when we were chasing the game, which was difficult. But as the game swung we sensed we could do something.
This is what the Premier League is all about – it's exciting. I haven't been at the Club for too long, but I've really enjoyed myself so far. Hopefully I can be involved in more games like this and play my part for the team.
We have a game against Chelsea in the League Cup on Wednesday and then West Brom in the league next weekend. This performance will serve as a real boost and hopefully we can use the momentum.
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Chris Baird predicts Fulham rise after 'winning draw'
CHRIS Baird said the draw that 'felt like a win' should help give Fulham all the belief they need to start rising up the Premier League table.
The Whites are still without a win and only have West Brom below them after five games, but Martin Jol's men should be full of confidence when they travel to the Hawthorns next week, according to the Northern Ireland international.
"It did feel like a win, " Baird said. "Being 2-0 down against Manchester City, it's always going to be a tough call, but we dug deep in the second half and were much much better.
"We knew we had to be and we're delighted with the point. I think we deserved what we got out of the game.
"Hopefully this result will give us a boost, and if we show the qualities we showed today, we'll climb that table."
Fulham had 24 hours less than City to prepare after respective midweek European ties, but it did not show in the second half – another cause for pride in the Fulham ranks.
"I don't know where all that energy came from but we had to do something there after what we showed in the first half," Baird said. "That was the most important thing.
"We showed the quality that we have got and thankfully we did get a point out of it and we could even have gone on to win it."
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/09/18/chris-baird-predicts-fulham-rise-after-winning-draw-64767-29445593/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/09/18/chris-baird-predicts-fulham-rise-after-winning-draw-64767-29445593/?)
Fulham v Man City – Player Ratings
by LORK on SEPTEMBER 18, 2011
Not bad eh! That second half we looked magnificent, is this the 44 minutes to turn around Jol's start?
Schwarzer – 7, came well for crosses and made a couple of very good saves from Clichy then Dzeko. Made another very good save too where someone, I think it was Tevez, cut in from the right and shot, Schwarzer made a save you'd expect him to make but what he caught it superbly, with two City players ready to tap it in.
Kelly – 7, is the right back spot now his to lose? To be fair he's never looked out of place, the criticism of him always seemed to be harsh and unfair, especially considering he played in THOSE games against Basel and Juventus. Very good performance.
Baird – 7, had to deal with Aguero's tricky movement but on the whole did well. Aguero was offside for his first so do you blame Baird? His passing and confidence to come forward out of defence is really a boon for us and offers us something that Hughes doesn't necessarily (although I would stick with him anyway).
Hangeland – 6.5, again dealt with the movement well. Didn't really see him make too many long passes which I liked actually, his radar hasn't been great this season especially with the constant over hit passes to Riise. Played it simple. Great block from Tevez too!
Riise - 6, he didn't really do too much in an attacking sense but kept Nasri and Silva in check well.
Murphy – 7, struggled first half but second half moved and passed the ball well when City stopped pressing as much. Seemed to play deeper in the first half off the ball as the first 1 of a 4-1-4-1 but he kind of struggled there I thought. We'll let the slight deflection slide for his goal.
Sidwell – 8, I actually thought he had a fantastic game. Made a load of tackles, moved around the pitch, passed the ball accurately and kept momentum.
Duff – 5.5, hmmm, is this the beginning of the end? Seems as if age is catching up to him all of a sudden. Crossing was poor and didn't beat a man and this has happened a few times recently now. Tries so hard though and defends brilliantly, perhaps a bench option?
Dempsey – 7.5, is it just me or is he suddenly demonstrating agility and turning and close control alot more this season? He seems to have changed the way he plays a bit. For the better though, now in the build up play he is more difficult to control for the opposition. Lovely assist for Zamora's goal too and got unlucky with a header. AND HE SHOOTS WHEN IN SPACE!!
Dembele, 7.5, take note, when you have a yard strike at goal because as we saw from Hart's save you have a shot on you. Full of dribbling, tricks and flicks today, caused so much trouble for their defence and his best game in the second half for us today I think. He has always had the ability to drift past players effortlessly but he did it with purpose, and made probing passes with the space he made for other players. Nice.
Zamora - 8, struggled first half with the poor service but as well as the emphatic finish and neat assist his play in the second half was really impressive I thought, his lay offs were very good and he worked so hard again.
~Subs~
Kasami – 7, thought he struggled with some things but unlike Duff offered a noticable threat out wide, putting in crosses (and he does have a wicked cross with both feet) and beating his man. His physical attributes shouldnt go unmentioned, as well as having skill and creativity he is quick and strong. And only 19. Could be a real player. Duff should feel under threat.
Ruiz - N/A, only came on for five minutes which I didn't really understand for someone who admits that he isnt quite up to pace to the league. Seemed bright though.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/fulham-v-man-city-player-ratings/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/fulham-v-man-city-player-ratings/?)
Jol hails Fulham spirit after Manchester City draw
MARTIN Jol praised Fulham's character after they came from 2-0 down to earn a point against Manchester City.
The Whites looked to be on their way to a heavy defeat at Craven Cottage after Sergio Aguero's double.
But a superb second-half rally saw Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy claim an unlikely share of the spoils.
"It was unexpected to come back at the death," admitted boss Jol afterwards.
"But we scored one and had the belief. It's a fantastic achievement to recover against them.
"We showed great spirit to comeback."
Jol also praised Fulham's finishing in front of goal, adding: "We had four opportunities and scored two goals, which is good."
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/09/18/jol-hails-fulham-spirit-after-manchester-city-draw-64767-29445878/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/09/18/jol-hails-fulham-spirit-after-manchester-city-draw-64767-29445878/?)
Fulham ready to offer Hangeland contract extension
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 18, 2011
Dave Kidd in the People says that Fulham are set to open contract talks with Brede Hangeland in order to prolong the Norwegian defender's stay at Craven Cottage.
Fulham are keen to retain the services of their 6ft 4in centre back and hope to head off interest from their Premier League rivals by agreeing a new deal for the 30 year-old ahead of the January window. By doing so, Fulham are making an exception to their current contract policy as Martin Jol is keen to let his experienced players earn new deals by keeping them 'hungry'.
Kidd alludes to interest from Arsenal, who signed Per Mertesacker to shore up their leaky defence on the final day of the summer transfer window. Hangeland's current Fulham contract runs until 2013.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/fulham-ready-to-offer-hangeland-contract-extension/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/fulham-ready-to-offer-hangeland-contract-extension/?)
Report: Fulham 2 Manchester City 2
Manchester City surrendered its 100 percent record in this season's Premier League as Fulham stunned it with a second-half comeback at Craven Cottage.
City looked set to equal its best ever opening to a top-flight campaign when Sergio Aguero's jaw-dropping adaptation to life in England continued with the seventh and eighth goals of his five-game City league career.
He made it 2-0 just seconds after the break but Fulham refused to buckle, with Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy earning it a deserved draw.
The result was the first blow to City's title challenge and, coming four days after its first ever UEFA Champions League game, it cast doubt on the ability of Roberto Mancini's men to combine the rigours of domestic football with that of Europe's top club competition.
This game was the fourth time in the last four rounds of Premier League fixtures that City had kicked off before Manchester United.
It had been trumped by its arch-rival on each occasion but arrived in west London determined to lay down another marker on a ground where it won 4-1 last season.
Fulham went like for like, manager Martin Jol keeping faith with his 4-2-3-1 system as he sought his first Premier League win in charge.
City went close to opening it up inside seven minutes after Edin Dzeko strayed offside when put through by Samir Nasri.
It continued to boss proceedings, and although Clint Dempsey sent a 25-yard drive straight down the throat of Joe Hart after 15 minutes, City duly took the lead three minutes later.
Gareth Barry found David Silva on the edge of the box, and he was allowed to turn and feed Aguero, who timed his run perfectly before side-footing home.
Mark Schwarzer denied City a second goal three times in the space of three minutes, beating Dzeko to Aguero's cross, tipping Gael Clichy's 20-yard shot wide and getting fingers to Dzeko's piledriver after another great move involving Yaya Toure and Silva.
The recalled Zamora ballooned a 30-yard shot into the stands as Fulham continued to be given the runaround, while Dempsey looked its only real threat, drilling another effort too close to Hart.
The frustrated home fans roared on encouragement as their side enjoyed a rare spell of possession but Fulham posed little threat to the City goal.
Jol emerged for the second half with a face like thunder, but whatever he said during the break appeared to be rendered void when Aguero doubled the visitor's lead straight from the kick-off.
Clichy pumped a diagonal ball forward to Dzeko, whose knockdown was fired into the bottom left corner by the Argentinian.
Aguero thought he had completed back-to-back Premier League hat-tricks - he hit one against Wigan Athletic eight days ago - three minutes later with an identical finish but he was narrowly offside.
The home side took full advantage of its reprieve when it finally created a gilt-edged chance in the 55th minute.
The build-up was of the City kind, ending when Dempsey threaded in the unmarked Zamora, who curled the ball into the top corner.
Zamora had been played onside by Micah Richards, who redeemed himself moments later when his last-ditch challenge stopped Dempsey making it 2-2.
Fulham's first-half lethargy had vanished and Barry was booked for chopping down Mousa Dembele, whose low drive was palmed wide by Hart after Pajtim Kasami replaced an ailing Damien Duff.
Hart excelled himself again by tipping over Dempsey's bullet header from a corner before Mancini took action, withdrawing Silva for Pablo Zabaleta midway through the half.
The visitor remained a threat on the break, Richards glancing wide from a corner.
But it was Fulham's pressure that told when it equalised 15 minutes from time, Murphy's scuffed 20-yarder taking a huge deflection off Vincent Kompany and going beyond the stranded Hart.
Craven Cottage was rocking and Mancini was forced to make a change again when Adam Johnson and Carlos Tevez replaced Nasri and Aguero in quick succession.
The fresh legs almost told in the final five minutes when Tevez was denied by a brave Brede Hangeland block.
Steve Sidwell was booked and Jol threw on Bryan Ruiz for the excellent Dembele but Toure almost had the final say when his 30-yard strike drifted wide.
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/english-premier-league/news/1073359/Report-Fulham-2-Manchester-City-2? (http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/english-premier-league/news/1073359/Report-Fulham-2-Manchester-City-2?)
A Magnificent Performance(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Kasami/General3.jpg)
Fulham midfielder Pajtim Kasami described Sunday's second-half performance as "magnificent".
The Whites came from two goals down to record an impressive 2-2 draw against high-flying Manchester City, whose early goal after the break threatened to condemn Martin Jol's side to a third league defeat.
"This was always going to be a difficult game for us," said Kasami to fulhamfc.com. "Alongside United, City are the team to beat at the moment. They had won all their previous league games and I think some had predicted that would continue today.
"That certainly looked the case as they had they enjoyed the better first-half and scored that early goal in the second.
"We needed to find a response and what followed was probably the best football we have played this season. The second-half performance was magnificent.
"We kept the ball, frustrated them when they had it and really put them under pressure. On another day we could well have sneaked three points, because we had a couple of chances."
Kasami, a second-half replacement for Damien Duff, impressed linking well with the attack and making several key interventions as City sought their own reply.
"It was good to be involved in a game like that," he said. "I came on at a point when we were chasing the game, which was difficult. But as the game swung we sensed we could do something.
"This is what the Premier League is all about - it's exciting. I haven't been at the Club for too long, but I've really enjoyed myself so far. Hopefully I can be involved in more games like this and play my part for the team.
"We have a game against Chelsea in the League Cup on Wednesday and then West Brom in the league next weekend. This performance will serve as a real boost and hopefully we can use the momentum."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/KasamiManCityReaction.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/KasamiManCityReaction.aspx)
Mancini left with excuses as Fulham hold Manchester City
Fulham 2 Manchester City 2: If Fulham's revival in this match was unexpected, Roberto Mancini's explanation for it beggared belief. "We are short of players," said the manager of a club which has spent £300m on them in the last three years.
He added: "Fulham were able to make changes after playing in Europe, we were not. We became tired."
Fulham, who played in the Europa League on Thursday, changed their full-backs, winger, and centre-forward. City, who played in the Champions League on Wednesday, changed their full-backs. City also left Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli, Kolo Touré and Adam Johnson on the bench.
Mancini was talking specifically about midfielders. With James Milner and Nigel de Jong injured, he said he "lacked resources", but it was hardly surprising that when this lament was put to Martin Jol, the Fulham manager first looked bemused, then laughed. His leading midfield cover was the 19-year-old Swiss Pajtim Kasami, a summer signing. "I think some of the players they have signed, like Sergio Aguero, have a little bit more than the young ones we signed," he said.
Aguero scored twice yesterday taking his tally to eight goals in his first five Premier League appearances. This, somewhat improbably, matches a record created by Micky Quinn with Coventry in 1992. The second goal came ten seconds into the second period without a Fulham player touching the ball. As it followed a first-half completely controlled by City their victory seemed as inevitable as the continued flowing of the Thames alongside.
But the old cliché about goals changing matches has rarely been as pertinent. Four minutes before the hour Moussa Dembélé, excellent in a withdrawn role behind Bobby Zamora, found Clint Dempsey lurking around the box. With Micah Richards ball-watching, the Texan was able to pick out an unmarked Zamora who turned to score.
"We were a bit tired but the goal gave us belief," said Jol. Fulham, who until then had been so fearful of committing players forward it seemed their main aim was to avoid the thrashing Tottenham received on City's last visit to the capital, suddenly flooded forward, infused with confidence. Mancini brought on Pablo Zabaleta to stiffen central midfield, switching from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3, but it was to no avail. Though Joe Hart made good saves from Dempsey's header and Dembélé's shot, he was helpless when a strike from Danny Murphy, set up by Dembélé and Kasami, was deflected past him off Vincent Kompany. Manicini complained, with some justification, that Stephen Kelly had fouled Edin Dzeko in the build-up, but the goal had been coming.
On the Hammersmith End the jubilant Fulham fans performed the Poznan, City's adopted goal celebration. At the other end City's support appeared neither flattered nor outraged; they were probably still trying to understand how they had let the game slip.
"I am disappointed," said Mancini, who allowed Carlos Tevez eight ineffective minutes at the end. "It is a lesson for us. To run a game like we did today for 60 minutes and score only two goals was the problem. When you have the chance to score you need to score. Maybe we lack the killer mentality to kill games off."
Manicini was equally unimpressed with the collective defending. "All the players need to defend," he said. "To defend with five or six players is not good enough."
Defending had not seemed relevant earlier, with City cruising through the game as if enjoying a stroll through the adjacent Bishops Park. Enjoying almost total dominance of possession they moved their opponents around, stylishly probing until, in the 18th minute, a gap appeared.
Gareth Barry, collecting a clearance from Brede Hangeland, played an angled, disguised pass to David Silva. He slipped a pass behind the back four for Aguero to run on to and finish clinically. With the naked eye the Argentine looked as if he was probably offside, but there was a large slice of doubt and forwards are supposed to get the benefit of any that exists. "I might have complained if we had lost," said Jol. What is certain is that Aguero's ability to make darting runs off the back of defenders, and the clever passing of Silva and Samir Nasri, are going to cause linesmen and defenders problems this season.
Ten minutes later it was Silva sidling behind his marker's vision and on to a pass from Yaya Touré. The Canary Islander laid it back to Dzeko whose shot was brilliantly turned over by Schwarzer. So confident were City at this stage that Barry was shooting with his right foot and even Gaël Clichy was having a pop from long range.
At the break Jol told his team to be more aggressive and try and push on. Ten seconds later it seemed he had been wasting his breath. The re-start was laid back to Clichy who hit a long pass to Dzeko. The Bosnian headed down to Aguero who drove in from outside the box.
Fulham are now 18th, still in the relegation zone, but buoyed with belief after having a team like City on the rack. City are now two points adrift of neighbours United and no longer in possession of a 100 per cent record. While United have had enough torrid visits to Craven Cottage for Fulham's club shop to sell a selection of videos reliving their torments, this result was against a Fulham side which had been struggling for confidence and goals.
In isolation it does not raise too many questions about City's title credentials, but given Bolton almost achieved a similar comeback last month Mancini will be concerned about a repeat. He will have noted that City's other five Champions League group matches are also followed by away games.
Substitutes: Fulham Kasami 7 (Duff, 61), Ruiz (Dembele, 87). Man City Zabaleta 5 (Silva, 69), Johnson (Nasri , 80), Tevez (Aguero, 83).
Booked: Fulham Sidwell. Man City Barry.
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/mancini-left-with-excuses-as-fulham-hold-manchester-city-16051695.html?#ixzz1YNeRE2Hh (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/mancini-left-with-excuses-as-fulham-hold-manchester-city-16051695.html?#ixzz1YNeRE2Hh)
Spirited Fulham frustrate Mancini and terminate City's perfect start
FULHAM (2) vs MANCHESTER CITY (2)
MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini accused his players of wastefulness for the second time in four days after seeing Fulham's spirited second half comeback end his side's 100 per cent start to the Premier League season.
On Wednesday the Italian was displeased with the selfishness exhibited by his forwards in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Napoli and was equally dissatisfied yesterday after goals from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy cancelled out Sergio Aguero's brace.
The result was the first blow to City's title hopes, allowing rivals Manchester United to open up a two-point lead at the top of the table.
"This could be a lesson for us," said Mancini. "Because when you dominate a game like we did today, and you score only two goals, it's a problem.
"For 10 or 15 minutes after Fulham scored, they played very well. But a football match is 95 minutes and a top team like us needs to have more control of the game. I'm not angry. I'm just disappointed because we conceded two stupid goals."
A fifth successive league win looked a formality once the prolific Aguero had smashed home his eighth goal of the season just 10 seconds into the second half – adding to his calmly taken 18th minute opener.
But the tide turned in the 56th minute when Micah Richards allowed Zamora too much time on the edge of the City penalty area to curl a shot into the top corner.
And Murphy levelled matters 15 minutes from the end with a shot that found the back of Joe Hart's net via the shin of City skipper Vincent Kompany to rescue a highly creditable point for Martin Jol's men, who remain in the bottom three.
"It was a fantastic achievement to come back against them. I am not sure if they will give away leads like this in the future," said Jol.
"To come back from the death is what we probably did."
http://www.cityam.com/sport/spirited-fulham-frustrate-mancini-and-terminate-city-s-perfect-start? (http://www.cityam.com/sport/spirited-fulham-frustrate-mancini-and-terminate-city-s-perfect-start?)
FULHAM 2 MANCHESTER CITY 2: ROBERTO MANCINI FARCE AS HE BLAMES LACK OF PLAYERS
HE cost of letting their lead slip? Two points. Amount spent by Sheikh Mansour building his Manchester City dream team? £460million. Roberto Mancini's excuse for not winning the game? Priceless.
"We're lacking players at this moment," said the biggest-spending manager in history. "I can only change the full-backs or the strikers. I have only two midfield players, as James Milner and Nigel De Jong are injured."
Truth is, the 11 he started with were more than good enough to get the job done and continue the city of Manchester's unblemished start to the season.
In fact, Sergio Aguero was good enough on his own. After all, 10 seconds into the second half, he had scored as many goals yesterday as Fulham had all season.
However, it appears that alongside love on the list of things money cannot buy you is killer instinct. "Do we lack that?
Yes, probably," said Mancini. "I'm not angry but I'm disappointed. My players probably thought they had done enough to win.
"It was difficult to see Fulham scoring two goals. But when you have this much possession and only score one goal in the first half it's a problem.
"After being 2-0 up it feels like a defeat, but it could be a lesson. A top team like us need to control the game."
Especially as they were lucky to find themselves in front. Aguero was offside for his first goal when Gareth Barry's pass was farmed on to him by David Silva.
It was a lightning move but not the quickest goal of the day – that arrived just 10 seconds after the break.
The ball was fed back to Gael Clichy from the kick-off and his long, diagonal ball was won in the air by Edin Dzeko, who angled the ball to Aguero's feet on the edge of the area and a low shot left Mark Schwarzer no chance.
That was no mean feat given the first-half display by Australian Schwarzer. He threw himself full length to deny Clichy and tipped the ball over the bar when Dzeko had the goal at his mercy from behind the penalty spot.
Nevertheless, Schwarzer was picking the ball out of the net for a third time three minutes into the second half when Aguero once again applied the finishing touch.
This time, his offside transgression had been spotted and from then on the game seemed to change.
From somewhere, Fulham found the resources to make a game of it. Moussa Dembele began to use his impressive array of tricks to more progressive ends and in the 55th minute started a move that saw Clint Dempsey pick out Bobby Zamora on the edge of the area. A pause, a shot. Suddenly the unthinkable was on the cards.
Now it was Joe Hart having to pull off his full repertoire of stops – diving to tip a low Dembele shot round his post and clawing out a Dempsey header from under his bar. No doubt he would have stopped Danny Murphy's 74th-minute effort too, had it not struck the knee of Vincent Kompany on the way and ricocheted agonisingly in off the opposite post.
Fulham's players were now torn between following their heads and settling for a point or the heartfelt cries of their supporters to try to snatch a win. Manager Martin Jol was in the former camp.
"It was a fantastic achievement to come back against them because I don't think they'll give away leads like that again," he said.
"Normally at home against any team you want to fight back, but especially against Manchester City after what happened in the first half.
"We came out in the second half with very good intentions to do better. To concede a goal like that is unexpected. But to come back from the death, we had the belief and the mentality."
FULHAM (4-1-4-1): Schwarzer 8; Kelly 6, Baird 6, Hangeland 5, Riise 6; Murphy 6; Duff 5 (Kasami 61, 5), Sidwell 7, Dembele 8 (Ruiz 87), Dempsey 7; Zamora 8. Booked: Sidwell. Goals: Zamora 55, Murphy 74.
MAN CITY (4-3-3): Hart 8; Richards 7, Kompany 7, Lescott 6, Clichy 6; Silva 7 (Zabaletta 69, 5), Y Toure 7, Barry 6; Aguero 9 (Tevez 83), Nasri 7 (Johnson 81), Dzeko 6. Booked: Barry. Goals: Aguero 18, 46.
Referee: M Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/272279/Fulham-2-Manchester-City-2-Roberto-Mancini-farce-as-he-blames-lack-of-players? (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/272279/Fulham-2-Manchester-City-2-Roberto-Mancini-farce-as-he-blames-lack-of-players?)
Australians abroad: Socceroos keeper Mark Schwarzer helps Fulham hold Manchester City to draw, while Scott Chipperfield and Neil Kilkenny score
Socceroo Neil Kilkenny scored on his return to Leeds United and Paddy Kisnorbo was sent off in the same game, while Scott Chipperfield netted in Switzerland
Socceroos custodian Mark Schwarzer made some sensational saves to help Fulham claim a come-from-behind 2-2 draw with big spending Manchester City in England's Premier League on Sunday.
The Australian veteran, who has had an indifferent start to the season, saw his side go behind early after Sergio Aguero's strike.
But Schwarzer did well when under pressure in the next few minutes denying firstly Gael Clichy from range, before a sharp reflex save from Edin Dzeko's powerful effort.
City went two up early in the second-half when Schwarzer had no hope stopping Aguero's shot, before the Cottagers mounted a comeback with goals from Bobby Zamora and a deflected Danny Murphy strike.
The result lifts the Cottagers out of bottom spot in the Premier League.
Elsewhere this weekend, another Aussie veteran in fine form was Scott Chipperfield who scored one goal and provided one assist in his first appearance of the season in FC Basel's 4-0 win over Eschenbach in the Swiss Cup on Saturday.
Chipperfield, who was given the captain's armband for the game, whipped in a left-wing cross for Pak Kwong-Ryong to score on 36 minutes.
The former Socceroo went onto grab Basel's fourth goal of the contest when he struck from close range on 71 minutes.
In England's Championship, Neil Kilkenny provided one of the weekend's highlights with a goal against his former club.
Kilkenny, who rejected a new contract offer from Leeds in the European summer, made his first appearance at Elland Road since the move to Bristol City however it wasn't all good news as his side lost 2-1.
With his side trailing early, the Aussie midfielder struck on 11 minutes with a sublime curling long-range effort.
Leeds' Australian defender Paddy Kisnorbo was sent off in the second-half of the contest for a foul on Nicky Maynard which earned the Robins a penalty which they wasted before the 10-man Whites got a late winner.
Tim Cahill (Everton): Deployed up front in the 3-1 win over Wigan in England's Premier League on Saturday, Cahill was always a threat in the air and it was his header which cannoned into the crossbar which led to Phil Jagielka's first-half goal for 1-1.
Brad Jones (Liverpool): Left out of the Reds squad yet again as they lost 4-0 at Tottenham on Sunday.
Chris Herd & Shane Lowry (Aston Villa): Herd was again on the pine as Villa drew 1-1 with Newcastle at home on Saturday, while Lowry wasn't in the squad.
Vince Grella (Blackburn): Moved a step closer to first-team action after making the bench in Rovers' 4-3 win over Arsenal on Saturday. However, Grella didn't see gametime in the victory.
Carl Valeri (Sassuolo): Played a full game in the middle of the park as Sassuolo kept up their good early season form with a 1-0 win at Ascoli in Italy's Serie B on Sunday. Valeri went close to scoring in the second-half too, after finding space for a shot from the edge of the box which forced a sharp save.
Nikita Rukavytsya (Hertha Berlin): Dropped out of the Hertha squad, despite playing over half an hour last weekend, as they drew 2-2 with Augsburg in Germany's Bundesliga on Saturday.
Mathew Leckie (Borussia Monchengladbach): Was left on the bench for the second game running as Monchengladbach maintained their bright early season form with a 1-0 win at Hamburg SV on Saturday.
Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund): Warmed the pine again as the champions' poor start continued after conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 to Hannover 96 on Sunday.
Robbie Kruse (Fortuna Dusseldorf): Made his first start for the club, coming into the side for the injured Oliver Fink and played 87 minutes in a 4-2 win at Erzgebirge Aue in Germany's 2.Bundesliga on Friday evening. It was 2-2 when Kruse was subbed off and he didn't have any major involvement in the opening two goals.
Brett Holman & James Holland (AZ Alkmaar): Holman played a full game as AZ, going close with an effort in the second-half, as AZ won 2-1 over RKC Waalwijk in the Dutch Eredivisie on Sunday. Holland wasn't involved.
Tommy Oar, Michael Zullo & Adam Sarota (FC Utrecht): Oar and Zullo both started in the 2-2 draw with Heracles on Sunday. However, Zullo was replaced at the break after a difficult first-half, while Oar combined well with Nana Asare for the equaliser early in the second-half before going off on 76 minutes. Sarota was an unused sub.
Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow): Put in a full shift as Dinamo Moscow recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over Amkar Perm to move up into second in Russia's Premier League on Sunday.
Jason Davidson (Pacos Ferreira): Wasn't in the Pacos Ferreira squad which lost 1-0 at Nacional in Portugal's Primeira Liga on Saturday.
James Troisi (Kayserispor): Played a full game in midfield as his side lost 1-0 at home to Antalyaspor in Turkey's Super Lig on Friday evening.
Nathan Coe (SonderjyskE): Was kept busy throughout a full shift as his side lost 2-0 to FC Midtjylland in Denmark's Superliga on Sunday. Made some sharp saves, but might have done better for FCM's second goal when he was beaten at his near post.
Brent McGrath (Brondby): Started and played 62 minutes in the 2-0 defeat at FC Nordsjaelland on Sunday. McGrath had a good first-half saved when he probably should've scored when in against the keeper.
Matt McKay (Rangers): Wasn't even in the Rangers matchday squad as they defeated Celtic 4-2 in the Old Firm derby in Scotland's Premier League on Sunday.
Ryan McGowan (Hearts): Was absent once again as Hearts defeated St Mirren 2-0 on Saturday.
Aaron Mooy (St Mirren): Did not feature in the defeat to Hearts.
Kerem Bulut (Mlada Boleslav): Played a full game as his side went down 2-0 to FK Pribram in the Czech Republic's Gambrinus Liga on Sunday.
Steve Lustica & Ljubo Milicevic (Hajduk Split): Lustica did not feature, while Milicevic played a full game as second-placed Hajduk won 2-0 at Cibalia in Croatia's Prva HNL on Saturday.
Scott McDonald & Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough): Both started, with the former making way on 76 minutes, as Boro won 1-0 at Crystal Palace to move into top spot on Saturday.
Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace): Put in a full shift as Palace lost to Boro.
Adam Federici (Reading): Kept a clean sheet but didn't have too much to do, as the Royals claimed a much-needed 2-0 win over struggling Doncaster Rovers.
Ryan Williams (Portsmouth): Was back in the Pompey squad, making an appearance as a 77th-minute substitute in the 1-0 loss at Hull City.
Alex Cisak & James Wesolowski (Oldham): Both played full games in the 3-1 win at Leyton Orient in England's League One on Saturday.
Joshua Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus): Played a full game up front and was involved in Nagoya's late equaliser as they drew 1-1 at Kashima Antlers in Japan's J-League on Sunday.
Eddy Bosnar & Alex Brosque (Shimizu S-Pulse): Bosnar started and played 65 minutes, picking up his usual yellow card, while Brosque put in a full shift as Shimizu S-Pulse defeated Urawa Red Diamonds 1-0 on Saturday.
Matthew Spiranovic (Urawa Red Diamonds): Played a full game at the back in the defeat to Shimizu.
Mark Milligan (JEF United Chiba): Was out suspended as JEF United claimed a much-needed 1-0 win over Fagiano Okayama in Japan's J2-League.
Jade North (FC Tokyo): Wasn't in the squad as Tokyo won 5-0 at Ehime FC on Saturday.
Sasa Ognenovski (Seongnam Ilhwa): Scored twice last weekend, but this Saturday was a different story after he was sent off after just four minutes costing his side as they lost 3-1 at home to Gwangju FC in Korea's K-League.
Robbie Cornthwaite (Chunnam Dragons): Put in a full shift at the back as his side drew 1-1 with Jeju United on Sunday.
Luke DeVere (Gyeongnam FC): Played a full game as leaders Jeonbuk Motors proved too good with a 3-1 away win.
Iain Fyfe (Busan I'Park): Not in the matchday squad as his side lost 2-1 to FC Seoul on Sunday.
Joel Griffiths (Beijing Guoan): Earned and converted his side a spot-kick as they closed the gap on leaders Guangzhou to 12 points with six games to play after a 3-0 win at Shenzhen Ruby in China's Super League on Sunday.
Brendon Santalab & John Hutchinson (Chengdu Blades): Santalab was influential, playing a full game and providing two assists, as bottom club Chengdu claimed a much-needed 2-0 win over Shanghai Shenhua. However, Hutchinson lost his cool late in the game and was sent off on 83 minutes after two yellow cards.
Dino Djulbic (Shaanxi Chanba): Was a 61st-minute substitute in the 0-0 draw with Jiangsu Sainty.
Dean Heffernan (Liaoning Whowin): Put in a full shift in the goalless draw with Qingdao Jonoon.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1775/asian-editorials/2011/09/19/2671222/australians-abroad-socceroos-keeper-mark-schwarzer-helps? (http://www.goal.com/en/news/1775/asian-editorials/2011/09/19/2671222/australians-abroad-socceroos-keeper-mark-schwarzer-helps?)
Fulham 2 Manchester City 2
(http://images.sportinglife.com/11/09/330/Fulham-v-Manchester-City-Clint-Dempsey-Micah-_2654305.jpg)
Clint Dempsey gets away from Micah Richards
Manchester City surrendered their 100% record in this season's Premier League as Fulham stunned them with a second-half comeback at Craven Cottage.
City looked set to equal their best ever opening to a top-flight campaign when Sergio Aguero's jaw-dropping adaptation to life in England continued with the seventh and eighth goals of his five-game City league career.
He made it 2-0 just seconds after the break today but Fulham refused to buckle, with Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy earning them a deserved draw.
The result was the first blow to City's title challenge and, coming four days after their first ever Champions League game, it cast doubt on the ability of Roberto Mancini's men to combine the rigours of domestic football with that of Europe's top club competition.
This game was the fourth time in the last four rounds of Premier League fixtures that City had kicked off before Manchester United.
They had been trumped by their arch-rivals on each occasion but arrived in west London determined to lay down another marker on a ground where they won 4-1 last season.
Fulham went like for like, manager Martin Jol keeping faith with his 4-2-3-1 system as he sought his first Premier League win in charge.
City went close to opening them up inside seven minutes after Edin Dzeko strayed offside when put through by Samir Nasri.
They continued to boss proceedings, and although Clint Dempsey sent a 25-yard drive straight down the throat of Joe Hart after 15 minutes, City duly took the lead three minutes later.
Gareth Barry found David Silva on the edge of the box, and he was allowed to turn and feed Aguero, who timed his run perfectly before sidefooting home.
Mark Schwarzer denied City a second goal three times in the space of three minutes, beating Dzeko to Aguero's cross, tipping Clichy's 20-yard shot wide and getting fingers to Dzeko's piledriver after another great move involving Yaya Toure and Silva.
The recalled Zamora ballooned a 30-yard shot into the stands as Fulham continued to be given the runaround, while Dempsey looked their only real threat, drilling another effort too close to Hart.
The frustrated home fans roared on encouragement as their side enjoyed a rare spell of possession but Fulham posed little threat to the City goal.
Jol emerged for the second half with a face like thunder, but whatever he said during the break appeared to be rendered void when Aguero doubled the visitors' lead straight from the kick-off.
Clichy pumped a diagonal ball forward to Dzeko, whose knockdown was fired into the bottom left corner by the Argentinian.
Aguero thought he had completed back-to-back Premier League hat-tricks - he hit one against Wigan eight days ago - three minutes later with an identical finish but he was narrowly offside.
The home side took full advantage of their reprieve when they finally created a gilt-edged chance in the 55th minute.
The build-up was of the City kind, ending when Dempsey threaded in the unmarked Zamora, who curled the ball into the top corner.
Zamora had been played onside by Micah Richards, who redeemed himself moments later when his last-ditch challenge stopped Dempsey making it 2-2.
Fulham's first-half lethargy had vanished and Barry was booked for chopping down Mousa Dembele, whose low drive was palmed wide by Hart after Pajtim Kasami replaced an ailing Damien Duff.
Hart excelled himself again by tipping over Dempsey's bullet header from a corner before Mancini took action, withdrawing Silva for Pablo Zabaleta midway through the half.
The visitors remained a threat on the break, Richards glancing wide from a corner.
But it was Fulham's pressure that told when they equalised 15 minutes from time, Danny Murphy's scuffed 20-yarder taking a huge deflection off Vincent Kompany and going beyond the stranded Hart.
Craven Cottage was rocking and Mancini was forced to make a change again when Adam Johnson and Carlos Tevez replaced Nasri and Aguero in quick succession.
The fresh legs almost told in the final five minutes when Tevez was denied by a brave Brede Hangeland block.
Sidwell was booked and Jol threw on Bryan Ruiz for the excellent Dembele but Toure almost had the final say when his 30-yard strike drifted wide.
Teams
Fulham Schwarzer, Kelly, Baird, Hangeland, John Arne Riise, Duff (Kasami 61), Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey, Zamora, Dembele (Ruiz 88).
Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Orlando Sa, Senderos, Gecov, Grygera.
Booked: Sidwell.
Goals: Zamora 55, Murphy 75.
Man City Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Barry, Toure Yaya, Nasri (Johnson 81), Aguero (Tevez 82), Silva (Zabaleta 69), Dzeko.
Subs Not Used: Pantilimon, Kolarov, Toure, Balotelli.
Booked: Barry.
Goals: Aguero 18, 46.
Att: 24, 750
Ref: Mark Clattenburg (England).
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/mancity/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/09/18/SOCCER_Fulham.html (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/mancity/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/09/18/SOCCER_Fulham.html)
Fulham boss to make changes for Chelsea clash
MARTIN Jol plans to ring the changes for Wednesday's trip to Stamford Bridge.
Fulham make the short journey to their west London rivals in the third round of the Carling Cup.
But with a vital Premier League game at West Brom three days later, boss Jol admits he will rest some of his star names.
"We have 22 players now," he said. "There is a lot of youngsters and I have to integrate them.
"Kasami has showed he can be a part of the squad. That's good for us.
"We can play with a different team on Wednesday. I can still sleep on it for a few days."
Jol is hopeful that Aaron Hughes will be available again after missing Sunday's draw with Manchester City, while Dickson Etuhu (thigh) and Andy Johnson (ankle) are also on the treatment table.
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/09/19/fulham-boss-to-make-changes-for-chelsea-clash-82029-29446015/?#ixzz1YNgkOi38 (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/09/19/fulham-boss-to-make-changes-for-chelsea-clash-82029-29446015/?#ixzz1YNgkOi38)
Mancini: City do not have enough players
Roberto Mancini moaned he does not have enough players after his Manchester City side threw away a two-goal lead at Craven Cottage.
City seemed set to extend their 100 percent start to the campaign after new £38million signing Sergio Aguero scored twice.
But Fulham lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with second-half goals from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy.
The Abu Dhabi-owned club have spent over £300m on players over the last three years, but City boss Mancini said: "I can only change the full-backs and the strikers.
"I have only two midfield players as James Milner and Nigel de Jong are injured.
"We're lacking players at this moment."
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-City-lacked-players-against-Fulham-claimed-Roberto-Mancini-article801481.html#ixzz1YNh9omMd (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-City-lacked-players-against-Fulham-claimed-Roberto-Mancini-article801481.html#ixzz1YNh9omMd)
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Fulham 2-2 Manchester City: Daily Mirror match report
Not even the lethal finishing of Sergio Aguero could kill off Fulham as City failed their first Premier League test after their Champions League debut.
Fulham boss Martin Jol claimed his side had "come back from the death" to stop City extending their winning league start to the season.
But teams who win titles do not hand out such lifelines to opponents sitting at the bottom of the table.
Despite not creating the chances their domination of possession demanded, Aguero scored goals in each half to take his tally to eight in five Premier League matches – or a goal every 41.1 minutes.
The last player to start a season with the same outrageous strike-rate was Micky Quinn for Coventry in 1992-93.
Roberto Mancini had called on his City side to emulate Manchester United's ruthlessness in matches.
But his side surrendered the initiative and the points in the first of six away Premier League matches they will face after their Champions League exertions. It was not a good omen for the season, especially as the Italian ludicrously complained about his lack of playing resources.
They also blew their chance to equal of club record of nine consecutive league wins, set in 1912, stretching over two seasons.
"After 2-0 it feels like a defeat but it could be a lesson for us," admitted Mancini.
"When you dominate a game like us today for 60 minutes and score only two goals, it's a problem.
"We probably lacked the killer mentality of champions to kill the game off. For 10 or 15 minutes afterwards, Fulham played very well.
"In the first half, we had 65-70 per cent of possession and chances to score. This is the problem. A top team like us needs to control the game. I'm disappointed. We conceded a few stupid goals."
Aguero gave City the lead with their first serious attack after a marginal offside call from David Silva's pass.
"If we had lost, I would have complained," Jol smiled later. "His arm was probably offside. It was probably 50/50."
Mark Schwarzer kept out shots from Gael Clichy and Edin Dzeko but the contest appeared over only 11 seconds into the second half.
The French left-back launched a ball forward to Dzeko's head and Aguero swept his shot home.
The Argentine had another effort disallowed for offside but Bobby Zamora scored for the second Sunday running to change the game.
The excellent Moussa Dembele found Clint Dempsey and his neat pass allowed the England striker to fire into the top corner.
Micah Richards had to make a great last-man tackle on Dempsey and Joe Hart saved well from Dembele and Dempsey.
With 15 minutes left Zamora set up Danny Murphy on the edge of the box and his low shot deflected in off Vincent Kompany.
"All the players needed to defend and work better," claimed Mancini.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-2-2-Manchester-City-Clint-Dempsey-and-Danny-Murphy-lead-comeback-after-Sergio-Aguero-double-article801141.html#ixzz1YNhNmD6X (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-2-2-Manchester-City-Clint-Dempsey-and-Danny-Murphy-lead-comeback-after-Sergio-Aguero-double-article801141.html#ixzz1YNhNmD6X)
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Fulham 2-2 Man City
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/55442000/jpg/_55442652_55442651.jpg)
Murphy scored the equaliser on 75 minutes to earn Fulham a point
Manchester City blew a 2-0 lead as a battling Fulham fought back to rescue a point with a fine second-half showing.
Sergio Aguero scored his seventh and eighth goals of the season, first tucking in David Silva's pass before firing in just after the break.
City were dominant in the first period but Bobby Zamora shot into the top corner from Clint Dempsey's lay-off to awaken Craven Cottage on 55 minutes.
Danny Murphy equalised when his shot took a deflection off Vincent Kompany.
Roberto Mancini's side will rue a host of missed chances in the first half, not least when Mark Schwarzer saved from both Gael Clichy and Edin Dzeko.
Credit, however, must go to Fulham, who somehow shrugged off their lethargy to secure their third point of the season and double their league goals tally.
The game was a lesson for City who, following their midweek Champions League exertions, looked unable to muster the necessary energy to press for the winner after Murphy's 76th minute equaliser.
Martin Jol's side had even less time to prepare for the game, though, following their Europa League game on Thursday. And in becoming the first Premier League side to deny City maximum points this term, Fulham will be confident the draw can kick-start their season.
Before Fulham's second-half resurgence, the game was played at a leisurely pace, but once City got a grip on possession early on they began to cut Fulham apart.
There were few chances before Aguero gave City the lead on 18 minutes, but once the 23-year-old pounced, the visitors could have trebled the margin.
The goal itself was a relatively simple affair as Gareth Barry passed to Silva on the edge of the box, and when the Spaniard fed the diminutive Argentine, he made no mistake.
While there was a suggestion of offside about the goal, Fulham had no time to dwell on it. Schwarzer tipped Clichy's shot round the post soon afterwards and then made an even better stop to deny Dzeko's shot from Silva's cutback.
Mancini had warned his team about their profligacy against Wigan last weekend, where they had a string of chances but similarly were only a goal up in the first half.
But he must have thought he could relax just 12 seconds after the re-start when Aguero pounced once again.
Clichy's long diagonal pass was nodded down by Dzeko and Aguero took one touch before firing across Schwarzer into the bottom corner.
Then, seemingly from out of nothing, Fulham burst into life.
Zamora was given too much room as he was found by Dempsey on the edge of the box, and the England striker struck the ball cleanly as it sailed into the top corner.
All of a sudden, Fulham awoke from their slumber and Hart was twice called into action as the hosts searched for an equaliser.
First, he was at full stretch to tip Moussa Dembele's shot round the post and then he stopped Dempsey's header from a corner.
But Fulham looked a completely different side and Hart could do little about the equaliser when it came 15 minutes from the end.
Zamora laid the ball off to Murphy and his shot was deflected in-off Kompany.
Although Mancini claimed afterwards that Dzeko had been fouled in the build-up, few home fans would have been bothered as they cheered an amazing recovery.
Fulham boss Martin Jol: "We came back from the death. We had no chance in the first half but we kept believing and although the second goal was a blow, we showed a lot of character to come back and exploit our chances better than we did in the last few matches."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14869932.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14869932.stm)
Jol Delighted With Fulham Comeback
Fulham manager Martin Jol has expressed his delight after his team cam back from 2-0 down to salvage a point against Manchester City at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
The London outfit fell behind to two Sergio Aguero goals, but strikes from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy saw the game finish 2-2.
With the quality on show for the visitors, the Dutch coach was ecstatic to get an unlikely point.
"We showed great spirit to comeback. We did different things in the second half better and maybe we were a little unlucky not to have scored more than two goals," he told Sky Sports.
"Although we wanted to put pressure on the Manchester City midfield, we couldn't handle Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry in the middle of the park, so that was the problem, but we put more pressure on them in the second half.
"We tried to get different players on the ball and we had nothing to lose, so that sometimes helps. To fight back against a team like City is unbelievable. If you get a bit of control and take the initiative, it helps," he continued.
Jol was full of praise for striker Zamora, who troubled the City rearguard throughout the encounter.
"He is capable of scoring out of nothing and that is what we need and that's what we need every game.
"If you ask him what is your best foot, he would say both feet. He had a shot in the first half which went over the roof but he will try, he's a confident player and what he did with the goal really helped us because it brought us back into the game."
Despite the morale boosting draw, the Cottagers are yet to record a victory this season, but Jol thinks this is only round the corner.
"That's the only thing. We need the points and we have played three home games and got three draws. We've been a bit unfortunate, but I'm sure it will come," he concluded.
http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/09/football-news/jol-delighted-with-fulham-comeback? (http://www.footballfancast.com/2011/09/football-news/jol-delighted-with-fulham-comeback?)
Mancini lacking players
City's Italian boss wants more midfield options
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini claims he is lacking midfielders in the wake of the team's 2-2 draw at Fulham on Sunday.
City led 2-0 at Craven Cottage thanks to Sergio Aguero's double before goals from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy sealed an unlikely comeback.
Mancini's side tackled Napoli in their UEFA Champions League debut on Wednesday and the Italian tactician insists he would have made more changes to his team if he had more options.
With the likes of Nigel de Jong and James Milner on the sidelines City's manager only has Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure as options in the middle of the park.
Lacking
"We're lacking players at this moment," commented Mancini.
"I can only change the full-backs or the strikers.
"I have only two midfield players, as James Milner and Nigel De Jong are injured."
Disappointed
Mancini is not angry his players failed to pick up all three points from their weekend London trip, although he was disappointed by the result.
"Do we lack that? Yes, probably," he continued. "I'm not angry but I'm disappointed.
"My players probably thought they had done enough to win."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11679_7188353,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11679_7188353,00.html?)
West Brom: Peter Odemwingie claims Fulham game key to West Bromwich Albion revival
PETER Odemwingie conceded that Saturday's game against Fulham had taken on added importance due to Albion's defeat at Swansea.
The Baggies were comprehensively beaten by the Welsh club, slumping to their fourth defeat in five games.
This week Albion face Everton in Wednesday's Carling Cup clash before hosting Fulham in their first 3pm home game of the campaign.
It will be the first time Roy Hodgson has met his former club since his departure for Liverpool in summer 2010.
But for Odemwingie it is the need for points following Saturday's poor display, especially as Albion have lost their first two home games of the season.
"Of course it is more important now," said Odemwingie.
"It is a home game and we have lost the first two, so we want to win and have the feeling of a home victory.
"We want to build up our confidence for the coming home games.
"The gaffer said after the first half on Saturday that we could have a bad day, but it's never a bad day to run as much as you can and give your best.
"It can be a bad day with the ball or scoring goals but you have to make sure you give your best and not concede too many goals to make sure you don't lose by too many.
"These are games that you always want to forget and there are always bad days during the season.
"Now we have to forget this and get our points at home this week."
Meanwhile, Odemwingie insisted he was concerned about the well-being of Neil Taylor following their sickening clash in the second half.
Taylor needed oxygen and had his head placed in a neck brace following nearly eight minutes of treatment.
Odemwingie was booked for the challenge but insisted that there was no malice involved.
"I got booked but no footballer every wants a situation like that, either to hurt themselves or someone else," continued Odemwingie.
"I thought he wouldn't go for the ball and would be scared to go for it so I went in 100 per cent and unfortunately we collided head to head.
"He got hurt and that's why I get a yellow card, but the intention is never there to hit someone in the head because I could have got a worse injury than any defender when he is heading the ball.
"I thought I would get the ball and he would not go for it. It is just unfortunate.
"I didn't know how bad he was but when I saw the medical people bringing out more stuff I asked the linesman if I could go on and check if he was okay because I might not see him afterwards.
"He asked the ref, who said I could go on quickly, so I went on to say sorry because I didn't know it would be that period.
"After the game I spoke to the doctors who said they were all precautions and nothing serious happened, so I am very happy about that."
Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2011/09/19/west-brom-peter-odemwingie-claims-fulham-game-key-to-west-bromwich-albion-revival-97319-29445695/2/#ixzz1YOapHQrj (http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2011/09/19/west-brom-peter-odemwingie-claims-fulham-game-key-to-west-bromwich-albion-revival-97319-29445695/2/#ixzz1YOapHQrj)
Belief the key to comeback - Jol
Martin Jol praised Fulham's 'spirit' and 'belief' after they battled back from 2-0 down to secure a point against Manchester City.
The Cottagers boss feared the worst when Sergio Aguero's brace put Roberto Mancini's men on the road to a fifth successive Premier League win at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.
However, the hosts stormed back in the second half to salvage a draw thanks to goals from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy.
"It was unexpected to come back at the death," said Jol.
"But we scored one and had the belief. It's a fantastic achievement to recover against them.
"We showed great spirit to comeback."
On his side's finishing, Jol added: "We had four opportunities and scored two goals, which is good."
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/belief-the-key-to-comeback---jol-1289997.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/belief-the-key-to-comeback---jol-1289997.html?)
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini bemoans depth of squad after 2-2 draw against Fulham
Roberto Mancini suggested he needed even more players after watching his side surrender their 100 per cent start to the Premier League season.
Manchester City's three-year spending spree may be fast approaching £400 million, but they blew the chance to open a top-flight campaign with five straight victories when Fulham came from 2-0 down to draw Sunday's game at Craven Cottage.
The result was the first blow to the visitors' title hopes and, coming four days after they made their Champions League bow, it cast doubt on their ability to cope with the dual demands of domestic and European football.
And manager Mancini bemoaned his inability to rest the likes of Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry with James Milner and Nigel De Jong currently sidelined through injury.
Asked if that meant he did not have enough players, he added: "We are lacking at this moment because we lost two midfielders.
"I don't have players at the moment. I can only change the fullbacks. I have only two midfielders, because James and De Jong have injuries."
Mancini also appeared to admit his players lacked the mentality of champions after watching them waste numerous chances to kill off opponents for the third time in eight days.
"What team comes here against Fulham in London and has over 70 per cent of ball possession?" he added. "We had the same problem against Wigan at home. We had 15 chances in the first half and we scored only one goal.
"It doesn't always go well if you don't score, if you don't close the game."
Mancini was unhappy with the way his star-studded attackers defended, too, accusing them of shirking their responsibilities.
"For 10 minutes, we defended with five or six players. It is not good enough," he said. "I'm not angry. I'm just disappointed because we conceded two stupid goals."
Those were scored by Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy after Sergio Aguero continued his sensational start to life in England with the seventh and eighth goals of his five-game Premier League career.
Fulham should have been even more tired than their opponents, having had 24 hours less of a rest after their Europa League game.
But after a lethargic first half, they were full of beans in the second, fighting back to haul themselves off the foot of the table.
Manager Martin Jol, who is still searching for his first league win in charge, admitted being bottom had been "awful".
He added: "We played two away games and had to play in Europe as well so it wasn't easy, but you have to win your home games.
"Luckily enough, for now, we are 18th. It looks better."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8773192/Manchester-City-manager-Roberto-Mancini-bemoans-depth-of-squad-after-2-2-draw-against-Fulham.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8773192/Manchester-City-manager-Roberto-Mancini-bemoans-depth-of-squad-after-2-2-draw-against-Fulham.html)
Carling Cup Just What Chelsea Need After Old Trafford Defeat
Chelsea won't have to wait long for a quick chance to set the record straight following the defeat at Old Trafford, they can return to winning ways on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge against locals Fulham. The odds suggest it should be a very comfortable victory and that looks very likely, despite Fulham earning a good point against Man City on Sunday.
Chelsea go into this match as the narrow second favourites in the outright Carling Cup Odds, Man City are the current favourites at 11/2 with Chelsea just behind at 6/1. Man City seem to already be struggling to balance Champions League football and a Premiership challenge, they drew their first Champions League match at home and then the first weekend league match after a Champions League fixture saw them fail to win at Fulham. The Carling Cup provides Andre Villas-Boas with a relatively easy opportunity to win a trophy in his first season at Chelsea and it would be a surprise if he didn't field a pretty serious side for Wednesday's match.
Fulham are yet to win a domestic match this season and are surely massively up against it at Stamford Bridge. In the last ten fixtures between the two sides at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have won seven of the matches and the other three have ended all square. This means combined with Fulham's form this season we can pretty much rule out an away win at 9/1 whilst the draw still seems quite unlikely with Chelsea winning the last three home games against Fulham, the draw is available at 4/1. Chelsea are relatively short to win this match as many would expect, 4/11 are the best odds on a home win at the time of writing and that looks a fair bet.
This match may be a chance for us to get a good look at summer signing Romelu Lukaku with Villas-Boas likely to rest a few players, the Belgian striker is rated at 5/1 to score first whilst Fernando Torres, who scored a great goal at Old Trafford and then followed it up with a shocking miss is available at 7/2 to score first. The Fulham strikers might not get much joy, Fulham have scored just two goals in the last four matches at Stamford Bridge, one of the best bets on this match could be a clean sheet for Chelsea at 23/20.
http://www.cfcnet.co.uk/2011/09/19/carling-cup-just-what-chelsea-need-after-old-trafford-defeat/? (http://www.cfcnet.co.uk/2011/09/19/carling-cup-just-what-chelsea-need-after-old-trafford-defeat/?)
No win, but Fulham's confidence restored after superb comeback
Manchester City boss the first half, but Whites fight back in second much to the delight of Jol
Fulham may not have gained that first Premier League win of the season, but the manner of their comeback against Manchester City will give them the boost they need to kickstart their league campaign.
Frustrating home draws against Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers meant that before kick-off on Sunday the Whites were at the foot of the Premier League having not won a league match all season.
Fulham boss Martin Jol described that scenario as 'awful' And when Sergio Aguero scored either side of half time to put City two goals up, it looked like the Cottagers would remain rooted to the table.
However second half goals from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy meant Fulham gained a deserved point from the match.
"We were a bit tired but you could say they were a bit tired as well," he said.
"It was a fantastic achievement to come back against them. I am not sure if they will give away leads like this in the future.
"To come back from the death is what we probably did, but we scored and we had to believe."
Jol had moaned in the past and rightfully so about his side's inability to create chances, but the Dutchman was all smiles in the post match press conference.
"Today we had four opportunities and scored two goals - that is good," he said.
"The spirit will always be 100 per cent if you get results, and we didn't have the results - as simple as that.
"To show against a team like that you can come back after scoring two goals must have given us a big boost and confidence for the future."
Fulham face Chelsea on Wednesday in the third round of the Carling Cup and Jol admitted he will make changes with a trip to West Brom on Saturday a good opportunity for the Whites to pick up their first win of the season.
"We have 22 players now," he said. "There is a lot of youngsters and I have to integrate them.
"Kasami has showed he can be a part of the squad. That's good for us.
"We can play with a different team on Wednesday. I can still sleep on it for a few days."
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/no_win_but_fulham_s_confidence_restored_after_superb_comeback_1_1026485? (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/no_win_but_fulham_s_confidence_restored_after_superb_comeback_1_1026485?)
Stopper set to Hang around
Fulham are reportedly set to offer central defender Brede Hangeland a new contract extension at Craven Cottage.
The 30-year-old Norwegian stopper still has just under two years remaining on his current deal and boss Martin Jol usually lets his experienced players run them down, to ensure they remain on top of their game to try and earn a new one.
However, Hangeland could be targeted by several rival Premier League clubs in the January window and Jol will look to ward off the vultures by tying down one of his most influential performers to a long-term stay at Craven Cottage.
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/stopper-set-to-hang-around-1290011.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/stopper-set-to-hang-around-1290011.html?)
Fulham2 Manchester City 2: Stuart Brenan's verdict
(http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/283.$plit/C_71_article_1459034_image_list_image_list_item_0_image.jpg?19%2F09%2F2011%2010%3A37%3A47%3A405)
Danny Murphy's free-kick found the back of the City net to earn Fulham a point
City's title rivals, looking for signs of post-Champions League hangover, found plenty of evidence as the Blues tossed away a two-goal lead.
The script for the season reads that the Blues – unused to juggling the heightened demands of taking on Europe's elite with the more physical, less cerebral challenges of the Premier League – might suffer as a result.
The expectation from the nodding heads of the Premier League and its press pack is that City will find the dual burdens too much to bear and do what Tottenham did last season.
Four days after the Napoli match, this was the first opportunity to scrutinise the Blues for any cracks which might appear, and the critics were not disappointed.
The validity of using this game to take City's temperature was tempered by the fact that Fulham were also coming straight out of European competition, following Thursday's draw with FC Twente in the Europa League.
But the Cottagers rested four players for that one, while City's only changes – again – came in the full-back positions, where Micah Richards and Gael Clichy replaced Pablo Zabaleta and Aleks Kolarov.
The difficulties became apparent when manager Roberto Mancini took off the tiring Sergio Aguero – whose two clinical goals had put them in the driving seat – and David Silva, whose excellence had spurred City to that position.
The early signs were not great for the Blues.
Vincent Kompany nervously and unnecessarily gave away a corner, the ball was bouncing off Edin Dzeko like a pinball bumper, Joe Hart dangerously smashed a free-kick across the face of his own box and almost let in Clint Dempsey, and there was a sluggish feel to City's possession football.
That changed suddenly, and inevitably it was Silva who sparked things. Kompany began the move with a perfectly-executed tackle on the edge of his own box, quickly freeing the little Spaniard for a scampering run.
He arrowed a pass to Samir Nasri and then dashed for the return, the only disappointment in a scything move being his finish into the side netting.
It was almost as if that move clicked things back neatly into place, as the Blues kept the ball, probed and remained patient as Fulham tried to ape Napoli and squeeze the space in the final third with alert, determined defending.
The Londoners' manager Martin Jol went into this game with a record of six wins from six in Premier League games against City, from his days as Tottenham boss – he also knocked them out of the Uefa Cup with Hamburg three seasons ago.
But City set about ending that record and on 18 minutes moved smoothly ahead.
Gareth Barry, running things in his efficient, effective manner, did the unglamorous stuff, working the ball around the packed defence and then darting a pass in to Silva.
His control and instant pass to Aguero were of top quality, and the little Argentinian tucked it away in clinical style.
Fulham were not tempted to come out of their shell.
Their philosophy remained to sit deep and try to frustrate the Blues, while hoping for a break at the other end.
But now City were in the mood and Mark Schwarzer became a central figure for the home team.
He clawed the ball away from Edin Dzeko's head as Aguero crossed with menace, turned Clichy's pile-driver round the post and then, best of all, produced a magnificent reflex save to push Dzeko's cracking shot over the bar.
At this point it seemed that the only edifice about to crumble was the one Fulham had tried to build between City and their goal.
Confirmation of that came just 10 seconds into the second half, as City went route one from the kick-off.
The ball was played back to Clichy and he launched it long for Dzeko, whose header was perfect for Aguero.
The finish from the City new boy was never in doubt.
Now was the time for the Blues to show the ruthlessness that Mancini had spoken of two days before – Fulham were down, and needed to be knocked out.
But instead the Cottagers took advantage of some slack City defending to haul themselves back into it.
Mousa Dembele and Dempsey were allowed too much time to work an opening, and Bobby Zamora was left unmarked to turn and crash his shot past Hart.
The whole mood changed in a heartbeat, and moments later Richards was forced into an athletic chase and well-timed tackle to prevent Dempsey from sprinting through on goal.
Then Hart was forced into a tremendous save, diving full length to push the ball round the post from Dembele's shot.
Mancini's concern was obvious as he took off Silva – playing his third game of the week and clearly tiring – and put on Pablo Zabaleta to offer his beleaguered defence better protection.
It didn't work. Fulham had their tails up and inevitably grabbed an equaliser with quarter of an hour to go.
Again City failed to close down well enough and Danny Murphy's shot cannoned off Kompany to wrong-foot Hart and nestle in the corner.
With Aguero and Silva departed, the Blues lost all attacking momentum and were left clinging to a point.
Now they have to show that this was a blip, and not a sign of weakness.
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1459034_fulham2-manchester-city-2-stuart-brenans-verdict? (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1459034_fulham2-manchester-city-2-stuart-brenans-verdict?)
The Cottage Rocks!(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/RiiseJA/RiiseManCityCeleb.jpg)
John Arne Riise has described the atmosphere at Craven Cottage as "incredible" as the Norwegian international experienced the famous SW6 powers of recovery for the first time.
A fine second-half showing saw the Whites come from two goals down against in-form Manchester City with many outside of the Club all but writing off our chances when Sergio Aguero netted a second just 12 seconds after the interval.
However, Martin Jol's side responded positively and burst into life when Bobby Zamora fired home following a clever move involving Mousa Dembélé and Clint Dempsey.
From that moment the Fulham faithful sensed another remarkable comeback could be on the cards and as their noise spread down to the pitch, the Whites started creating opportunities almost at will as the previously rampant City were forced back onto the defensive.
When Danny Murphy's shot deflected beyond Joe Hart on 75 minutes, the sound that enveloped the Cottage drew memories of Juventus and Hamburg all over again.
"Before I signed for the Club I had heard a lot about Fulham's team spirit and on Sunday I saw it for myself," said Riise speaking exclusively to fulhamfc.com. "My brother [Bjorn] and Brede [Hangeland] had told me stories about the character of the team and the atmosphere of the Cottage – they were right because both were incredible.
"The ground was rocking in the second-half and that spread down to the pitch. We knew that the fans were behind us and it gave us that little bit extra. We pressed City higher, forced them to make errors and had them on the back foot for long spells.
"I thought we were awesome in the second-half and to be honest I think we could have won it at the end, but we can't dwell on that for too long because at 2-0 down we were out of the game.
"But we suddenly grew in confidence, and when Bobby [Zamora] got the goal we really felt that we could get ourselves back into it. The crowd certainly felt so and you could tell that they were willing us forward.
"When Danny [Murphy] scored the second, the place just erupted - it really was an amazing sound and feeling."
Although the Whites had to make do with a share of the points, in many ways it was a performance that felt more like a victory – judging by the noise at the end those in attendance certainly felt like it did.
"In a strange way it did feel like a win," added Riise. "As I said, perhaps we could have taken more? But we have to be happy with the outcome. Of course, City are a very good side and one that have spent a lot of money. They have some wonderful players and they came into the match having won all four of their previous league games.
"I'm not sure how many people would have backed us to come back, but it's not the first time it has happened at the Cottage is it? I was told all about the fight against relegation a few years back and then there those unbelievable European games – so this is a special place for that.
"I know things haven't gone as we had hoped so far, but with such team spirit we will be fine. We are a good team and hopefully the result against City will give us a bit of rhythm now.
"It is a long season and we have plenty of football still to play. For me, each game is getting better and through a lot of hard work and passion we will keep going."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/RiiseCityReaction.aspx?#ixzz1YOdT8UId (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/RiiseCityReaction.aspx?#ixzz1YOdT8UId)
VMC's Some Might Say: Frustration At Fulham
The sixteenth and seventeenth goals of City's first five league games weren't enough to see off Fulham. Post match reaction to the draw that felt like a defeat...
This time last season The Blues had scored only six goals in their first five games and had secured only eight points as opposed to this week's total of thirteen. Yet having thrown away a two goal lead, the first dropped points of the campaign are bitterly disappointing.
Roberto Mancini:
'It is incredible that we lost these two points. Of course you cannot win every game away from home but this is one that we should have won. We should have scored more than one goal in the first half just like we should have scored more than against Wigan in the first half when we were similarly dominant. We have to learn the lessons.
'I thought about more changes but I don't have James Milner or Nigel De Jong available. We were tired after the Champions League game and David has played all the games. We needed some fresh legs in midfield and either he or Samir Nasri had to come off.'
Martin Jol:
'To show against a team like Manchester City that you can come back and score two goals, must have given us a big boost and confidence for the future. We were a little bit tired but you could see they were as well, after playing in midweek.
'It was a fantastic achievement to come back against them because I don't think they'll give away leads like that again in the future.'
Read more: http://www.manchestercity.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=256036#ixzz1YOdnWDlZ (http://www.manchestercity.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=256036#ixzz1YOdnWDlZ)
Kasami hails courageous Cottagers
Fulham - Pajtim Kasami hails second-half display
Pajtim Kasami has paid tribute to his Fulham teammates after a 'magnificent' second-half display helped the Cottagers claim a point against Manchester City.
Roberto Mancini's big-spending side were two goals ahead through Sergio Aguero's double, but strikes from Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy saw the hosts claim an unlikely point at Craven Cottage.
Kasami, who joined this summer from Palermo, admitted that the signs looked ominous after the first 45 minutes, but believes the team showed their capabilities with the rousing comeback.
"This was always going to be a difficult game for us. Alongside United, City are the team to beat at the moment. They had won all their previous league games and I think some had predicted that would continue today," said the 19-year-old.
"That certainly looked the case as they had they enjoyed the better first-half and scored that early goal in the second. We needed to find a response and what followed was probably the best football we have played this season. The second-half performance was magnificent.
"We kept the ball, frustrated them when they had it and really put them under pressure. On another day we could well have sneaked three points, because we had a couple of chances."
A Swiss youth international, Kasami was pleased with his performances on an individual basis, coming off the bench for Damien Duff during the second period.
And despite a lack of experience in the English game, the midfielder admits he is enjoying the excitement that comes with the Barclays Premier League, and is hopeful of more chances against either Chelsea in the Carling Cup or West Brom in the league next weekend.
"It was good to be involved in a game like that. I came on at a point when we were chasing the game, which was difficult. But as the game swung we sensed we could do something," he continued when speaking to the official Fulham website.
"This is what the Premier League is all about - it's exciting. I haven't been at the Club for too long, but I've really enjoyed myself so far. Hopefully I can be involved in more games like this and play my part for the team.
"We have a game against Chelsea in the League Cup on Wednesday and then West Brom in the league next weekend. This performance will serve as a real boost and hopefully we can use the momentum."
http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/kasami-hails-courageous-cottagers? (http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/kasami-hails-courageous-cottagers?)
Riise revels in Fulham comeback
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
John Arne Riise has said Fulham's team spirit carried them to an unlikely comeback against Manchester City yesterday.
The Norwegian left back also told the offal that the noise generated by a delirious home crowd was 'incredible' and he believes that Fulham should move clear of the relegation zone in the coming weeks.
Before I signed for the club I had heard a lot about Fulham's team spirit and on Sunday I saw it for myself. My brother and Brede had told me stories about the character of the team and the atmosphere of the Cottage – they were right because both were incredible.
The ground was rocking in the second-half and that spread down to the pitch. We knew that the fans were behind us and it gave us that little bit extra. We pressed City higher, forced them to make errors and had them on the back foot for long spells. I thought we were awesome in the second-half and to be honest I think we could have won it at the end, but we can't dwell on that for too long because at 2-0 down we were out of the game.
But we suddenly grew in confidence, and when Bobby got the goal we really felt that we could get ourselves back into it. The crowd certainly felt so and you could tell that they were willing us forward. When Danny scored the second, the place just erupted – it really was an amazing sound and feeling.
In a strange way it did feel like a win. As I said, perhaps we could have taken more? But we have to be happy with the outcome. Of course, City are a very good side and one that have spent a lot of money. They have some wonderful players and they came into the match having won all four of their previous league games.
I'm not sure how many people would have backed us to come back, but it's not the first time it has happened at the Cottage is it? I was told all about the fight against relegation a few years back and then there those unbelievable European games – so this is a special place for that.
I know things haven't gone as we had hoped so far, but with such team spirit we will be fine. We are a good team and hopefully the result against City will give us a bit of rhythm now.
It is a long season and we have plenty of football still to play. For me, each game is getting better and through a lot of hard work and passion we will keep going.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/riise-revels-in-fulham-comeback/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/riise-revels-in-fulham-comeback/?)
Fulham are ready for lift-off, insists Bobby Zamora(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/Bobby-Zamora-415.jpg)
Bobby Zamora today insisted Fulham can use their sensational comeback against Manchester City as a launchpad to escape the Premier League relegation zone.
Zamora's second-half strike inspired Fulham to claw back from 2-0 down against City and end the 100 per cent domestic record of Roberto Mancini's megabucks team.
It was Zamora's second goal in successive Premier League starts, a statistic he hopes may alert England manager Fabio Capello ahead of the European Championship qualifier in Montenegro on October 7.
But of greater immediate importance, it helped lift Fulham off bottom place in the table where they resided going into yesterday's game.
However, all is still not rosy in the Craven Cottage garden. Martin Jol remains without a League victory in his first season in charge. And Fulham, who are 18th in the table, are now the only top flight side without a win.
But Zamora said: "It means nothing at the minute, in terms of looking at the table. I don't think you can tell anything until a good 10 to 15 games into the season.
"This was a great point for us. Craven Cottage has always been our fortress, we've always done well here. Hopefully, we can continue now and kick on. One win and you're halfway up the table."
There had seemed little grounds for such optimism after Sergio Aguero beat Fulham's offside trap to score in the 18th minute and then stunned the home side just 10 seconds into the second half with a second goal that threatened to open the floodgates.
In 46 minutes and 10 seconds - including a minute of time added to the first half - City had equalled Fulham's goal tally from four-and-a- half League matches, exposing what Jol believed was his team's lack of a "cutting edge".
But Zamora, who netted the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Blackburn seven days earlier, is sharpening his skills nicely despite the lingering effects of an ankle injury.
His 55th-minute effort from the edge of the area, which had the beating of England goalkeeper Joe Hart from the moment it left the toe of his right boot, had international class written all over it. But he admitted there was an element of luck about the goal.
"Originally I wanted to set up someone else," he said. "But my touch wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. That worked out fortunate for me, to set myself up for the shot."
Might he and Hart be reunited in Capello's next squad? Zamora, who won his only England cap as half-time substitute in last year's 2-1 win over Hungary in a friendly at Wembley, said: "We've got a lot of great strikers in England. But I'll keep working away. If I'm there, then it will be superb."
A lingering concern is stiffness in the ankle he injured last season and Jol is likely to rest Zamora from Wednesday's Carling Cup clash at Chelsea so that he is fit for next Saturday's clash with a West Brom side led by former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson.
Albion were demoted to the foot of the table by Danny Murphy's 75th-minute equaliser against City, the skipper's long-range shot going in off the post via a wicked deflection from the knee of Vincent Kompany.
It was about time Fulham enjoyed a lucky break, although a point was also the reward for some superb goalkeeping by Mark Schwarzer and fine play by Chris Baird, Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey.
Jol said: "To show against a team like Manchester City that you can come back must give us a big boost and confidence for the future."
He revealed the West Brom game is likely to take preference over the midweek derby at Stamford Bridge.
"I think there will be a lot of changes," he added.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23988665-fulham-are-ready-for-lift-off-insists-bobby-zamora.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23988665-fulham-are-ready-for-lift-off-insists-bobby-zamora.do?)
Cottage Cheer At Last
A vibrant second 45 against the 'Millionarios of Manchester' really had the Cottage rocking for the first time this season. Still no wins...but belief is back.
Following a crazy set of results Saturday night was not pleasant for Whites fans as we looked up from last place in the division. Winless and probably weary from Thursday night, I think a majority of us approached the arrival of Citeh with some trepidation. They'd thumped us 4-1 last November, and had improved the side even further since then, with the Argentine Aguerro looking absolutely world class. Remembering what they'd done to Spurs left me hoping we might just escape without too much damage to our GD.
But, of course, I should have known better. This is Fulham after all. Off the pace once again in the first-half, conceding midfield to Barry and Toure, Schwarzer keeping us in the game - just - and little happening for Jol's formation going forward...well, let's be honest. Who else didn't think we were dead and buried 12 seconds into the 2nd half when Aguerro caught us stone cold from the restart?
But Fulham turned the game on its head. Not only were we full value for our point, few might have found against us had we sneaked all three points. I can't put my finger on where the impetus came from, certainly not in terms of shape or tactics, but suddenly we were actually making real inroads into the opposing box, Bobby pulled out a cracker, and now it was Hart's excellence keeping his side afloat, while Mark was largely a spectator.
Sidwell had one of his best games marauding around in midfield, Dembele ran with far more purpose, the back four looked the solid unit of old again (especially with Baird back in place of Senderos). And 'doing the Poznan' at the Hammy End created more mirth than I've witnessed at the ground since the playing days of Jimmy Hill!
I'm not going to over-analyze the performance or suggest we're now on our way to the top six, but it could well be the tuning point we have been craving. It's over to you guys to pass up your verdict on where Fulham go next after this very positive result.
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/09/cottage_cheer_at_last.php? (http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/09/cottage_cheer_at_last.php?)
FULHAM 2 MANCHESTER CITY 2
MANCINI ACCUSES HIS PLAYERS
Roberto Mancini accused his star-studded Manchester City attack of shirking their defensive duties as well as wastefulness in front of goal after they blew a 2-0 lead to surrender their 100% start to the Premier League season.
The result was the first blow to City's title hopes, allowing rivals Manchester United to open up a two-point lead at the top of the table.
Mancini said: "This could be a lesson for us.
"Because when you dominate a game like we did today, and you score only two goals, it's a problem.
"For 10 or 15 minutes after Fulham scored, they played very well.
"But a football match is 95 minutes and a top team like us needs to have more control of the game.
"I'm not angry. I'm just disappointed because we conceded two stupid goals."
Mancini also appeared to concede his players were not currently showing the mentality of champions.
"Probably, probably," he said, before claiming they had been tired by their midweek Champions League exertions.
"If we had other players, probably we would make other changes.
"I don't have players at the moment. I can only change the full-backs.
"I have only two midfielders, because James (Milner) and (Nigel) De Jong have injuries."
It was pointed out that Fulham also had injuries and had played in the Europa League 24 hours after City's Champions League game. Mancini claimed the Cottagers had made "five or six changes" but in fact they had made only four, with the Italian making just two.
http://www.sportingpreview.com/football2012/11121015.php? (http://www.sportingpreview.com/football2012/11121015.php?)
FULHAM 2 MANCHESTER CITY 2
JOL DELIGHTED WITH FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT
Fulham boss Martin Jol prasied his "tired" team for a "fantastic achievement" after they clawed their way back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a draw against Manchester City at Craven Cottage.
Jol said: "We were a bit tired but you could say they were a bit tired as well. It was a fantastic achievement to come back against them. I am not sure if they will give away leads like this in the future.
"To come back from the death is what we probably did, but we scored and we had to believe."
Unlike Roberto Mancini, Jol was delighted with his side's conversion rate after they struggled to put away Aston Villa and Blackburn in their previous two home games.
"Today we had four opportunities and scored two goals - that is good," he said.
"The spirit will always be 100% if you get results, and we didn't have the results - as simple as that.
"To show against a team like that you can come back after scoring two goals must have given us a big boost and confidence for the future."
Jol admitted it had been "awful" propping up the table.
He said: "We played two away games and had to play in Europe as well so it wasn't easy, but you have to win your home games.
"Luckily enough, for now, we are 18th. It looks better."
http://www.sportingpreview.com/football2012/11121016.php? (http://www.sportingpreview.com/football2012/11121016.php?)
Fulham 2 Manchester City 2: Stuart Brennan's verdict
City's title rivals, looking for signs of post-Champions League hangover, found plenty of evidence as the Blues tossed away a two-goal lead.
The script for the season reads that the Blues – unused to juggling the heightened demands of taking on Europe's elite with the more physical, less cerebral challenges of the Premier League – might suffer as a result.
The expectation from the nodding heads of the Premier League and its press pack is that City will find the dual burdens too much to bear and do what Tottenham did last season.
Four days after the Napoli match, this was the first opportunity to scrutinise the Blues for any cracks which might appear, and the critics were not disappointed.
The validity of using this game to take City's temperature was tempered by the fact that Fulham were also coming straight out of European competition, following Thursday's draw with FC Twente in the Europa League.
But the Cottagers rested four players for that one, while City's only changes – again – came in the full-back positions, where Micah Richards and Gael Clichy replaced Pablo Zabaleta and Aleks Kolarov.
The difficulties became apparent when manager Roberto Mancini took off the tiring Sergio Aguero – whose two clinical goals had put them in the driving seat – and David Silva, whose excellence had spurred City to that position.
The early signs were not great for the Blues.
Vincent Kompany nervously and unnecessarily gave away a corner, the ball was bouncing off Edin Dzeko like a pinball bumper, Joe Hart dangerously smashed a free-kick across the face of his own box and almost let in Clint Dempsey, and there was a sluggish feel to City's possession football.
That changed suddenly, and inevitably it was Silva who sparked things. Kompany began the move with a perfectly-executed tackle on the edge of his own box, quickly freeing the little Spaniard for a scampering run.
He arrowed a pass to Samir Nasri and then dashed for the return, the only disappointment in a scything move being his finish into the side netting.
It was almost as if that move clicked things back neatly into place, as the Blues kept the ball, probed and remained patient as Fulham tried to ape Napoli and squeeze the space in the final third with alert, determined defending.
The Londoners' manager Martin Jol went into this game with a record of six wins from six in Premier League games against City, from his days as Tottenham boss – he also knocked them out of the Uefa Cup with Hamburg three seasons ago.
But City set about ending that record and on 18 minutes moved smoothly ahead.
Gareth Barry, running things in his efficient, effective manner, did the unglamorous stuff, working the ball around the packed defence and then darting a pass in to Silva.
His control and instant pass to Aguero were of top quality, and the little Argentinian tucked it away in clinical style.
Fulham were not tempted to come out of their shell.
Their philosophy remained to sit deep and try to frustrate the Blues, while hoping for a break at the other end.
But now City were in the mood and Mark Schwarzer became a central figure for the home team.
He clawed the ball away from Edin Dzeko's head as Aguero crossed with menace, turned Clichy's pile-driver round the post and then, best of all, produced a magnificent reflex save to push Dzeko's cracking shot over the bar.
At this point it seemed that the only edifice about to crumble was the one Fulham had tried to build between City and their goal.
Confirmation of that came just 10 seconds into the second half, as City went route one from the kick-off.
The ball was played back to Clichy and he launched it long for Dzeko, whose header was perfect for Aguero.
The finish from the City new boy was never in doubt.
Now was the time for the Blues to show the ruthlessness that Mancini had spoken of two days before – Fulham were down, and needed to be knocked out.
But instead the Cottagers took advantage of some slack City defending to haul themselves back into it.
Mousa Dembele and Dempsey were allowed too much time to work an opening, and Bobby Zamora was left unmarked to turn and crash his shot past Hart.
The whole mood changed in a heartbeat, and moments later Richards was forced into an athletic chase and well-timed tackle to prevent Dempsey from sprinting through on goal.
Then Hart was forced into a tremendous save, diving full length to push the ball round the post from Dembele's shot.
Mancini's concern was obvious as he took off Silva – playing his third game of the week and clearly tiring – and put on Pablo Zabaleta to offer his beleaguered defence better protection.
It didn't work. Fulham had their tails up and inevitably grabbed an equaliser with quarter of an hour to go.
Again City failed to close down well enough and Danny Murphy's shot cannoned off Kompany to wrong-foot Hart and nestle in the corner.
With Aguero and Silva departed, the Blues lost all attacking momentum and were left clinging to a point.
Now they have to show that this was a blip, and not a sign of weakness.
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1459034_fulham-2-manchester-city-2-stuart-brennans-verdict? (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1459034_fulham-2-manchester-city-2-stuart-brennans-verdict?)
Fulham blow as Hughes ruled out of Chelsea clash
(http://www.talksport.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/ts_news_article_header_image/Aaron_Hughes.jpg)
Fulham defender Aaron Hughes is set to miss his side's Carling Cup tie at Chelsea on Wednesday due to a knee injury.
But the Northern Ireland captain is hoping to return for Saturday's trip to West Brom.
The 31-year-old missed Sunday's 2-2 draw with Fulham after injuring his knee during last Thursday's Europa League clash with FC Twente.
And although Craven Cottage boss Martin Jol was hoping to welcome Hughes back for Wednesday's trip to Stamford Bridge, the player has already ruled himself out.
"Wednesday might be too soon, but hoping I have a chance for Sat," he said.
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1115/99/fulham-blow-hughes-ruled-out-chelsea-clash? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1115/99/fulham-blow-hughes-ruled-out-chelsea-clash?)
What next for Clint Dempsey?
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/cd.png?w=329&h=556)
Despite playing a risky, aggressive game, Dempsey rarely gave the ball away against City, and had three good attempts at goal. Is this evidence of a distillation of the various Dempseys we've seen so far?
One of the interesting things about the Martin Jol era has been the play of Clint Dempsey.
I remember Dempsey's early Fulham career. Lots of step-overs. They never really got him anywhere, but still he persisted. Under Hodgson Dempsey won his place back and gradually saw his game clipped back. The step-overs disappeared, the long shots (at one point he took a lot of these) seemed to decline, too. Hodgson, in retrospect, didn't really care for flair in his players, and it's to Dempsey's credit that he altered his game to accommodate his manager's wishes. Sure, it's the obvious thing to do – the manager picks the team – but footballers don't always respond in the right way to such challenges.
Under Hughes Dempsey continued to eschew the long-shot, and played at centre-forward a lot. Now his role was more or less functional, his involvement in buildup play relatively limited but his ability to find space in the area crucial. All of his goals (I think) were first time efforts, which says a lot about the (good) decisions he was making and the quality of his runs.
By now he's gone from a raw talent to a reasonably complete player (within the parameters of his potential ability, at any rate: he was never going to be a superstar). Under Jol we're seeing the gloves come off a bit. He's back to dribbling again, the step-overs are on the menu again. The long shots are back. You get the feeling that he's back to being the player he originally wanted to be.
Top musicians master their instruments so that they can make simple things sound extraoardinary. Similarly, footballers need a complete command of the game's basics to raise their game to another level. Witness David Silva in City's first goal: Barry's pass to him was quite hard and about shin height; Silva took it down as if it was the perfect delivery, turned it onto Aguero, who scored. Nobody mentioned this because he made it look so simple, but most players couldn't have done this. Xavi of Barcelona never seems to do much special, until you watch closely and see the little twists and turns and changes of angle and overall excellence of everything he does. He's so good because he knows the game inside out, has complete mastery of the ball in every situation. He's brilliant.
Dempsey will never be as good as either of them, but the new freedom could be important for Fulham. His education under Hodgson may have been painful (I don't think he enjoyed missing the European run when Davies was preferred on the left and Zamora – barely fit – up front) but was clearly the making of him as a player. Under Hughes he continued to develop, and last year's goals speak for themselves. Now we have the distillation of all of the above, the original Dempsey, possessor of a wider base of skills, but back to being himself. It could be spectacular, it could be more of the same, but it'll be interesting to see what happens next.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/09/19/what-next-for-clint-dempsey/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/09/19/what-next-for-clint-dempsey/?)
The ghosts of Stevenage Road
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/2011-09-18-16-10-35.jpg?w=600&h=800)
One of the things that struck me while researching "When Football Was Football" was the view across the pitch from the river side of the ground. Whether it's 1911, 1931, 1961 or 2011, in almost any photograph of a match you can see the silhouettes of supporters standing at the back of the Stevenage Road stand. This sort of boggles the mind: for all the changes in football that have passed before the old stand, in some ways nothing has changed at all. Throughout the book we see the same thing over and over, timeless views of fans back there in front of the windows. They might have been cheering on Johnny Haynes or Clint Dempsey, but they're there, spookily there. We can't know who they are, what they did, when they left this earth, but at some point they've all sat there there to watch Fulham. I think about this every game, now, which in some ways is odd, in others not. Part of what makes Fulham so magical.
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/mirror.jpg?w=600&h=594)
(c) Mirrorpix
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/09/19/the-ghosts-of-stevenage-road/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/09/19/the-ghosts-of-stevenage-road/?)
Chelsea Ticket Update
Fulham supporters wishing to attend Wednesday night's Carling Cup match at Stamford Bridge can purchase tickets online until 4pm on Monday 19th September (postal deadline).
Fans can still buy their tickets from the FFC Tickets Office at Craven Cottage ahead of the game or by phone (0843 208 1234). Tickets will not be available to buy at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.
Prices:
• Shed Upper Tier Adults £25
• Shed Lower Tier Adults £25
• Shed Upper and Shed Lower Over 65/under 17 £12
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/ChelseaTicketDeadline.aspx?#ixzz1YPPe4MMc (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/ChelseaTicketDeadline.aspx?#ixzz1YPPe4MMc)
Third Kit 2011/12(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Retail/TrainingKit2010/thirdkitprerev-607-Copy.jpg)
2011/12 Third Kit
The brand new Fulham Third shirt for the 2011/12 season is now available for you to pre-order for delivery on the official launch day, Sunday 2nd October.
The new Third shirt has the striking gold features, embroidered Ominis to both shoulders, FxPro branding and a small FFC logo to reverse of the collar. A great colour that is sure to make you stand out in the crowd.
However there is an extra special feature to the shirt which will be fully revealed on Monday 26th September.
10% Season Ticket Holder discount
Season Ticket Holders also get a 10% discount throughout the season, so remember to stock up on your Fulham FC goods,and pre-order the new Third shirt today!
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/ThirdKit201112.aspx?#ixzz1YPrc4Jgf (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/September/ThirdKit201112.aspx?#ixzz1YPrc4Jgf)
Jol on that Comeback!
Yesterday, down by the Thames, was one of those afternoons that make football such a wonderful game.
Trailing 2-0 and coming back to snatch a point made the long traipse home seem like a short stroll.
What is it about Manchester City and our ability to produce a comeback?
Yesterday had me thinking about the Diomansy Kamara inspired comeback on their patch, another sublime afternoon.
After the game, Martin Jol seemed quite pleased that we`d rescued a point from what looked like an impossible situation remarking,
"The spirit will always be 100 per cent if you get the results and we didn`t have the results - it was as simple as that. I felt like we had nothing, with only two points, and the players felt the same."
"But to show against a team like Manchester City that you can come back and score two goals, must have given us a big boost and confidence for the future."
"We were a little bit tired but you could see they were as well, after playing in midweek."
"It was a fantastic achievement to come back against them because I don`t think they`ll give away leads like that in the future."
The comeback also saw us lift ourselves off the bottom of the Premier League, another fact Jol was acutely aware of remarking,
"It was awful being at the bottom. You have to win your home games. It was not a nice thing to see we were bottom of the league."
"Now we`re 18th and that`s better than being bottom of the table.
It certainly is!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=256083#ixzz1YPruCrYT (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=256083#ixzz1YPruCrYT)
Rosales reveals Ruiz praise
Youngster commended by Ruiz after taking new role at Twente
FC Twente's Roberto Rosales says former team-mate Bryan Ruiz has been in touch to congratulate him on his recent performances on the wing for the Dutch club.
Rosales, formerly a right-back, has taken over on the right flank in place of Ruiz, who left Enschede for Fulham last month.
The 22-year-old Venezuelan provided three assists in his new role against ADO Den Haag at the weekend, having previously impressed when Twente took on Fulham in the UEFA Europa League last week.
And he claims his displays have not gone unnoticed by the departed Ruiz.
"After the game against Fulham, Bryan phoned to say that I had played some good crosses," he told De Telegraaf.
"This position is not entirely new to me. In Venezuela and at (former club) Gent, I have also played this role.
"It does not really matter to me what position I play, but when I play."
Frustrating
Rosales, who helped Venezuela to fourth place in this year's Copa America in the summer, is pleased to be seeing more action after finding playing time limited in the opening few games.
"That was frustrating, but luckily I now have a chance," he added.
"In Venezuela, we had a great tournament - we came in fourth. That had never happened and led to a huge celebration in Caracas.
"Then I just had a week's holiday. But I feel OK now."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11915_7189434,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11915_7189434,00.html?)
