England squad for Montenegro clash
Welbeck in 24-man squad for Euro 2012 qualifier in Podgorica.
Fabio Capello has named a 24-man squad for England's final UEFA Euro 2012 Group G Qualifier on Friday night.
The Three Lions travel to Podgorica knowing that a point against Montenegro will secure a place at next summer's Finals in Poland and Ukraine.
Capello has been able to call upon Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck, who missed last month's games through injury, and will hope that he can bring his club form of five goals in his last six games to the international stage.
Tottenham's Kyle Walker, who scored the winner in Sunday's north London derby against Arsenal, is also recalled to the squad. Bobby Zamora, who was also a scorer on Sunday, is one of five forwards on Capello's list.
The England squad in full
Goalkeepers
Scott Carson, Joe Hart, David Stockdale
Defenders
Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones, Micah Richards, John Terry, Kyle Walker
Midfielders
Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Ashley Young
Forwards
Darren Bent, Andy Carroll, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Bobby Zamora.
http://www.thefa.com/England/News/match-centre/2011/Montenegro-v-England/Match-Previews/england-squad-named (http://www.thefa.com/England/News/match-centre/2011/Montenegro-v-England/Match-Previews/england-squad-named)
Jol hails brilliant Johnson
Dutchman praises hat-trick hero
Martin Jol was relieved to see his Fulham side secure their first win of the Premier League season as they thumped West London neighbours QPR 6-0 at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers boss was simply delighted with the individual performance of Andrew Johnson, who bagged his first hat-trick in seven years.
Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora were also on the scoresheet, but the Dutchman was pleased with the experienced forward, who is now fully fit after a troublesome knee problem and back scoring goals.
Satisfied
He told Sky Sports: "I felt we played very well from the start. I'm very satisfied.
"We created a lot of chances and today, Andy Johnson put the ball into the back of the net.
"Remember that both Johnson and Zamora were both out injured, so it was nice to see them play together well.
"That is what Johnson is capable of and that's what I said at the start of the season. He's quick, he wants to work and he's a team player and now he proves that he can score goals as well and that is good"
Asked if there is a sense of relief after recording their first league win of the campaign, Jol added: "No, I always said there is a line between success and failure and this is what we did today.
"Probably, scoring six goals is maybe too much in a Premier League match but on the other hand we should have scored so many goals before in other matches."
Truth
After a reported altercation between Jol and Zamora in the Sunday newspapers, Jol was asked whether there was any truth in the matter and he replied: "I feel if you leave players at home and if you rotate like we did against Chelsea or you leave them at home, maybe because of illness, maybe you drop them, it doesn't matter, they can talk to their agents and come up with two or three stories every week."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12040_7218494,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12040_7218494,00.html?)
On Our Backs?
The Sunday People ran an article this morning inferring all is not well in the Fulham camp.
It inferred that Bobby Zamora is heading for the exit after an argument with Martin Jol.
It also takes great care to suggest that Jol and Zamora have clashed previously when both were at White Hart Lane.
Furthermore, it goes on to suggest that the players, at Craven Cottage, are confused by Jol`s operating methods and not sure of what they should do when they start.
After the thrashing of QPR today, I wonder if they`ll anything positive to say about our club!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257620#ixzz1ZhKKAwCF (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257620#ixzz1ZhKKAwCF)
Fulham 6 QPR 0: Hat-trick hero Johnson heaps misery on Warnock in west London rout
Andrew Johnson can score in the Barclays Premier League, after all. Fulham boss Martin Jol pointed out Johnson 'hadn't done it in the League' after his brace against Odense last week and the striker responded with a hat-trick as Fulham thrashed west London neighbours Queens Park Rangers.
Fulham's overwhelming superiority was such it was difficult to believe this was a team who had scored only four League goals before putting six past a hapless QPR side.
Johnson opened the scoring after 81 seconds and had completed Fulham's maiden Premier League hat-trick within an hour, while a Danny Murphy penalty and strikes from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora completed the rout.
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The joy of six: Andrew Johnson is mobbed by team-mates after completing his hat-trick
Jol insisted he is 'not a hard man to please', but his praise for Johnson was muted after he equalled his League tally for last season in 90 minutes and helped Fulham to their first Premier League win this season.
The Dutchman preferred to concentrate on Zamora, who was less than impressed to be left behind when Fulham travelled to Denmark last week but will be celebrating after being recalled last night to Fabio Capello's England squad for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.
Jol denied the pair had argued on Tuesday at the training ground.
The Fulham manager said: 'Hopefully, Bobby will start liking me - because I like him after scoring a goal. I can't remember a bust-up with Bobby. It's OK. The only thing is Bobby is a sensitive person when you leave him out. I'm not a hard man to please. I can recognise all the feelings they've got, our players.
'But top strikers score 15 or 20 goals (a season). When I was first here (in England as Spurs boss), Johnson played for Crystal Palace and everyone was after him. The only negative was he scored 10 penalties because he was always falling over. I said to him, "I think you're capable of scoring 12 or 15 goals". And I think he will prove me right.'
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All White: Johnson beats Anton Ferdinand to the ball to slot home
Playing a side as defensively inept as Neil Warnock's QPR were yesterday would certainly help Johnson meet his manager's demands. The QPR manager blamed injuries to Danny Gabbidon, Matthew Connolly and Fitz Hall, who played despite picking up a knock in the warm-up, plus Armand Traore's suspension, but it was a transparent excuse. The newly promoted side looked just that, despite the raft of new faces brought in during the summer.
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Net gains: It was Johnson's, and Fulham's first hat-trick in the Premier League
QPR struggled to gain and retain possession, while Fulham passed the ball with pace and ease. The hosts' 4-4-2 formation, with Moussa Dembele and Dempsey on the flanks, was difficult to break down when QPR did get the ball, while the visitors' fluid attack, with Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips continually swapping positions, left gaping holes which Fulham were quick to exploit. Those QPR fans who stayed must have wished they, too, had stormed off at half-time like Adel Taarabt.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/02/article-2044369-0E30294000000578-388_634x353.jpg (http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/02/article-2044369-0E30294000000578-388_634x353.jpg)
Spot on: Danny Murphy scored Fulham's second from the penalty spot
Fulham took the lead within two minutes as Dembele played a neat one-two with Zamora before unleashing a powerful left-foot shot. Paddy Kenny could only parry the Belgian's effort and Johnson pounced.
Dempsey saw an effort hooked off the line by Hall and Bradley Orr had to block a side-foot shot from the American before Johnson made a nuisance of himself after 19 minutes. The striker slipped in between Kenny and Hall and referee Andre Marriner judged he was tripped by the Rangers keeper. Murphy dispatched the spot-kick.
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Inquisition: Neil Warnock and Joey Barton couldn't think of a way to stop the rot
Johnson's second came after 38 minutes. Dempsey's shot was only half-cleared by Anton Ferdinand and the ball was whipped back in by Zamora for his strike partner to make it 3-0.
QPR's defending for the fourth goal was even worse. Murphy took a quick free-kick and Johnson sprinted on to it to complete his hat-trick.
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Not Jay's day: The game passed QPR striker's by, especially Jay Bothroyd
Dempsey scored Fulham's fifth on 65 minutes after a good run from Johnson. Zamora teed up the Texan before making it 6-0.
Warnock said: 'This was one of my worst defeats. If ever there was a day to catch us it was today. We've had a nightmare in the last 48 hours. Our squad couldn't cope with that. I'm a manager, not a miracle worker.'
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United state: Clint Dempsey got in on the act midway through the second half
MATCH FACTS
Fulham: Schwarzer, Grygera, Baird, Hangeland, Riise, Dempsey, Sidwell, Murphy (Etuhu 83 mins), Dembele (Sa 87 mins), Zamora, Johnson (Ruiz 75 mins).
Subs not used: Etheridge, Kelly, Senderos, Duff.
Booked: Hangeland, Sidwell.
Goals: Johnson (2, 38, 59), Murphy (pen 20), Dempsey (65), Zamora (74).
QPR: Kenny, Orr, Hall, Ferdinand, Young, Derry (Smith 46 mins), Wright-Phillips, Faurlin, Taarabt (Campbell 46 mins), Barton, Bothroyd (Mackie 72 mins).
Subs not used: Murphy, Buzsaky, Perone, Helguson.
Booked: Hall, Faurlin, Wright-Phillips.
Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2044369/Fulham-6-QPR-0-Andrew-Johnson-scores-hat-trick.html#ixzz1ZhMKl5Mh (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2044369/Fulham-6-QPR-0-Andrew-Johnson-scores-hat-trick.html#ixzz1ZhMKl5Mh)
Fulham 6 - 0 QPR
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/55779000/jpg/_55779562_andrewjohnson.jpg)
Andrew Johnson has now scored five goals in two games for Fulham
Andrew Johnson scored a hat-trick as Fulham demolished London rivals Queens Park Rangers for their first Premier League win of the season.
The striker pounced after Paddy Kenny spilled a shot from Mousa Dembele after 78 seconds, won a penalty converted by Danny Murphy and struck from six yards.
After the break he collected a Murphy free-kick before slotting home.
Clint Dempsey scored after a flick from Bobby Zamora, who added the sixth with a crisp shot into the bottom corner.
Fulham fans will hope the emphatic win will kick-start a campaign which had previously failed to ingite, with four draws and two losses in their opening six Premier League fixtures.
The first Premier League hat-trick by a Fulham player was taken in fine style, but it also exposed a slack defensive display which left QPR manager Neil Warnock fuming on the sidelines.
The tone was set in the second minute when Johnson netted the quickest goal in the Premier League so far this season, when Kenny was unable to cling on to Dembele's shot and the former Everton striker was first to react.
FULHAM'S FIRST PREMIER LEAGUE WIN OF THE SEASON
Continue reading the main story
Before the game, Fulham were the only Premier League side without a win this season
The win against QPR was the first time they had taken the lead this term in the Premier League
The lead was doubled soon after thanks to more good work from Johnson, who battled through to the edge of the box and was clumsily brought down by Kenny - and Murphy stepped up to score.
Johnson, who scored twice in the Cottagers' Europa League win over Odense on Thursday night, has been offered a new two-year contract at Craven Cottage - and his performance here will have done his position in negotiations no harm.
He grabbed his second seven minutes before the interval, firing home smartly from six yards out after Zamora's cross.
Johnson's hat-trick goal on 58 minutes summed up the visitors' lacklustre showing as he latched on to a cleverly taken free-kick from Murphy and darted through to score.
He then played a crucial role in the fifth, crossing from the left to Zamora who flicked back deftly to allow Dempsey to net.
And Zamora completed the rout himself, lashing in from the right-hand side of the area past a helpless Kenny.
Warnock had gone into the clash hoping to see his side record back-to-back away wins in the top flight for the first time since 1995, but the only positive note for the visitors was the return of striker Jamie Mackie to first-team action for the first time since his double-leg break in January.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15051267.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15051267.stm?)
Fulham 6-0 Queens Park Rangers
Fulham secured their first Barclays Premier League win of the season in style.
Fulham took the lead with just 79 seconds on the clock. Mousa Dembele played a neat one-two with Bobby Zamora before unleashing a fierce drive that Paddy Kenny could only parry onto Andrew Johnson, who finished with ease.
They doubled the advantage when Kenny upended Johnson in the box and referee Andre Marriner awarded a 20th-minute penalty, which skipper Danny Murphy duly converted.
The Cottagers got their third in the 37th minute as Johnson turned home Zamora's cross after keeping a cool head during a melee in the box.
Johnson ensured he became the first Fulham player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League when he latched onto Murphy's quick free-kick on 59 minutes.
Fulham did not rest on their laurels and Zamora laid the ball off to Clint Dempsey to make it 5-0 with an exquisite finish after 65 minutes.
Nine minutes later Zamora made it six of the best.
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2470183,00.html? (http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2470183,00.html?)
Derby-day embarrassment as rampant Fulham stun QPR
Fulham 6-0 QPR
IN THE end, Fulham's need was clearly more urgent than QPR's, as all pre-match predictions of a tight and cagey affair melted away in the freakish October heat.
It was a triumph for Andrew Johnson in particular – the striker (pictured) who netted his first Premier League goals of the season with a blistering hat-trick to give him more ammunition in contract talks which have so far come to nothing.
Danny Murphy got in on the act with a spot kick and Clint Dempsey made it five by finishing off one of many sweeping moves full of pace which Rangers, missing the injured Danny Gabbidon, seemed incapable of defending.
Bobby Zamora – seldom far from the action with his smart touches and link-ups with Johnson – deservedly rifled in the sixth.
It equalled the club's best win in the Premier League.
For Rangers, it was a truly awful day – a first defeat since the start of the Tony Fernandes era - and for them, it was hardly worth a decade-long wait for the revival of this particular west London derby.
They were a goal down with the game barely 90 seconds old and struggled to draw any positives from a humbling afternoon. Perhaps the return of Jamie Mackie after a long recovery from a broken leg was a close as they came to taking something from their humbling visit to the Cottage.
A first win in nine games in midweek against Odense in the Europa League was very welcome for Fulham, but boss Martin Jol wanted three Premier League points more than anything.
The prospect of going into a two-week international break with no win to his new club's name in the league after seven games did not bear thinking about. He got his wish in spades.
Fulham fans were pretty keen to see their team make a statement too – Rangers threatening to steal some of their thunder after an unbroken decade as, if nothing else, Chelsea's main west London satellite.
Rangers, beaten twice by Fulham when the teams last met in the Whites' promotion year, were caught cold at the start when Johnson finally transferred his Europa League potency to the league and Murphy's penalty after 20 minutes put the hosts firmly in the box-seat.
But such was the home side's dominance, that the damage to a passive QPR could and should have been even more severe during that time.
Dempsey fluffed an open goal by slamming a shot against Bradley Orr, with a badly exposed Paddy Kenny beaten, and Johnson hitting a superb volley narrowly wide after Zamora had nodded down a Steve Sidwell pass.
"Are you Brentford in disguise?" the Hammersmith End mocked. There was more to come.
Johnson, a scorer of a double in midweek, scored the first goal when he pounced after Kenny could only palm away a low shot from Mousa Dembele. It was his first in the league.
The penalty arose when Johnson, now looking as sharp as a tack, nipped in ahead of Fitz Hall to invite a trip from Kenny on the edge of the area.
It was no real surprise when Johnson made it 3-0 after 38 minutes. The striker turned in a left foot shot in from close range after Zamora had powered a low ball across the face of the area.
Three up at the break, the lead was doubled by the 74th minute. First Johnson completed his hat-trick tucking home a quickly-taken free-kick on the hour, then Dempsey powered home after Johnson's low cross from the left had been touched on by Zamora on 65.
Nine minutes later and Rangers fatally stood off Zamora, allowing the striker to bury a shot past a seemingly unsighted Kenny. For all the cover he got, Kenny just as well have been blindfolded from the start. There is much for Neil Warnock to think about now after such a reality-check.
FULHAM: Schwarzer, Grygera, Baird, Hangeland JA Riise; Dempsey, Murphy (Etuhu 83), Sidwell, Dembele (Sa 88); Johnson (Ruiz 75), Zamora. Subs not used: Etheridge, Kelly, Senderos, Duff.
QPR: Kenny; Orr, Hall, Ferdinand, Young; Derry (Smith h/t) Faurlin; Barton, Taarabt (Campbell h/t), Wright-Phillips, Bothroyd (Mackie 72). Subs not used: Murphy, Buzsaky, Perone, Helguson.
Attendance: 23,766
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/01/derby-day-embarrassment-as-rampant-fulham-stun-qpr-64767-29520731/?#ixzz1ZhP5iAw7 (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/01/derby-day-embarrassment-as-rampant-fulham-stun-qpr-64767-29520731/?#ixzz1ZhP5iAw7)
Fulham 6 Queens Park Rangers 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Fulham and QPR at Craven Cottage on Sunday Sep 02 2011.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02015/andy-johnson_2015606c.jpg)
Hat-trick hero: Andy Johnson's three goals led Fulham to a huge win over their West London rivals
Photo: GETTY IMAGES
As if a 6-0 thrashing at the home of his side's nearest neighbours was not worrying enough for Neil Warnock, the QPR manager must now deal with an apparent walkout from his side's most creative talent, Adel Taarabt.
After a week in which Warnock responded to the news of Carlos Tévez refusing to play for Manchester City by saying the sooner the Argentine leaves the country the better, Taarabt apparently reacted to his half-time substitution at Craven Cottage with a tantrum which climaxed with the Moroccan apparently catching a bus home.
Warnock was not prepared to comment on the issue as he dissected his side's miserable performance but Taarabt has previous.
During the summer, the 22 year-old walked out on Eric Gerets's Morocco squad after learning he would be among the substitutes for their African Nations Cup qualifier against Nigeria. The player even insisted he had retired from international football as a result of the disagreement.
But he has since come in from the international cold and has now been named in Morocco's provisional squad to face Tanzania this month. However, no sooner had that managerial conflict blown over than he finds himself in another.
When asked about the issue, Warnock said: "That's not my problem at the moment. I have no idea [whether he left the dressing room]. I've got more worries than any individual when you've lost 6-0.
"I don't think you can blame Adel Taarabt today. ------ hell, we conceded six goals. You've got to look at that.
"You get days when Adel comes off and you're going to get days when he throws his toys out the pram, but that isn't a worry for me. If I sub somebody and they are happy, then I have more of a problem with that."
While it was claimed that Taarabt was sitting on a double decker, Andrew Johnson was busy enjoying a flurry of goals as Fulham carved open their opposition at will.
Having scored twice on Thursday in their Europa League game with Odense, Johnson, who has scored just 19 goals in his previous three season at the club, was in another clinical mood.
The temperature in west London neared 30 degrees on the first weekend of October and the 30 year-old officially announced the Indian summer of his career with a hat-trick of well-taken strikes.
Manager Martin Jol swiftly urged the striker to recommit to the club who paid £10.5 million for his services in 2008.
"It's up to him," said the Dutchman, who is wary that Johnson is out of contract in the summer. "I won't go into details but it's a good contract. We have offered Andy Johnson this year, next year and an option [of another year]. So I feel it's a good offer. Other people are doing the negotiations. I will back him all the time and hopefully he is good for us this season because he has scored more goals today than he did in the whole of last season. But I feel Andy Johnson and Fulham is a good combination.
"The first time I was here [in England] he played for Crystal Palace and he scored 20 goals but he scored 10 penalties as well because he was always falling over. I have told him I think he is capable of scoring at least 12 or 15 goals."
Johnson opened the scoring after just two minutes, turning home a rebound following Mousa Dembele's saved shot, and was then brought down for the 20th-minute penalty which Danny Murphy converted.
Johnson's treble was completed with two equally simple finishes either side of the interval. First he stabbed in Bobby Zamora's low cross and then latched on to a quickly taken free kick and slid the ball past Paddy Kenny.
Johnson then turned provider for Clint Dempsey, scampering down the left before squaring for Zamora, whose deft touch found the scorer. Zamora, who did not travel to Odense because of illness, capped his own fine performance with the sixth goal when he drilled a low effort across the goalkeeper.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8799033/Fulham-6-Queens-Park-Rangers-0-match-report.html? (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8799033/Fulham-6-Queens-Park-Rangers-0-match-report.html?)
Andrew Johnson hits hat-trick for Fulham in drubbing of QPR
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Fulham's Andrew Johnson, right, celebrates scoring the second of his three goals
against QPR. Photograph: Lewis Whyld/PA
Whether it was intended as a metaphorical kick up the backside or just a plain‑speaking observation, Martin Jol's suggestion in midweek than Andrew Johnson did not score enough in the Premier League was given an emphatic answer.
A regular threat in the Europa League, Johnson came into this match without a goal in the Premier League for five months. One hour was all that was necessary against a shellshocked QPR to register a hat-trick. In doing so, he became the first Fulham player to take home the match ball in the Premier League.
What pleased Jol, however, was the fact that Johnson's resurgence was just one cog in a spectacular team performance. The attacking quartet of Johnson, Bobby Zamora, Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembélé gave QPR a painful hiding. Perhaps it is what they call creative tension, but as well as Johnson, Zamora put a reportedly uncomfortable week behind him with an outstanding display. Jol tried to play it down afterwards, although he did intimate that the Fulham striker could be sensitive and contrary. "Hopefully, Bobby will start liking me. Because I like him after scoring a goal," he said with a wry smile.
Unsurprisingly, what fits of pique there were to be had concerned the visitors. There were whispers that Adel Taarabt, who was substituted at half‑time, left the ground and wandered off in his kit in search of a London bus. Neil Warnock shed no light on the matter. "That's not my problem at the moment," the QPR manager said.
"I have no idea [whether he left the dressing room]. I've more worries than any individual when you lose 6-0. You're going to get days when he throws his toys out the pram, but that isn't a worry for me. If I sub somebody and they are happy, then I have more of a problem with that."
Warnock was so sheepish he admitted he did not even have it in him to blame the referee. "I can't see the point of losing my voice at 6-0," he conceded before walking out of the press conference after more questions about Taarabt.
Fulham eased in front with their first attack, as Paddy Kenny's block on Dembélé's shot fell invitingly for Johnson to rifle in. The second arrived when Rangers botched up defensively twice in the same move. When Johnson received the ball on the left side of the penalty area, Anton Ferdinand hesitated, and Kenny cluttered into their tormentor. Fulham's captain, Danny Murphy, swiped the spot‑kick into the roof of the net. Johnson heaped the misery on to QPR before half‑time, turning in Zamora's low cross after Dempsey again turned the screw in the build-up.
If a chastened Warnock attempted in the interval to give his team something resembling a game plan, Fulham's fourth, which came courtesy of defending he derided as "amateurish", ensured the game was beyond saving. Nothing would disrupt Fulham's marvellous stride. After Johnson latched on to a smart free-kick to angle in his third – and fifth in four days – Fulham created the goal of the day. Johnson careered up the flank and his centre was flicked on by Zamora for Dempsey to place past Kenny. A classy team goal. Then Zamora, having been such a generous creator, lashed in the sixth.
Their first league win of the season, which hurtled them up the table, could not have been more emphatic. Johnson obviously took most of the plaudits and Jol is keen to inspire him to score more. "When I was first here he played for Crystal Palace and everyone was after him. The only negative was he scored 10 penalties because he was always falling over. I said to him: 'I think you're capable of scoring 12 or 15 goals.' And I think he will prove me right."
He certainly gave QPR food for thought on the short journey home. With injuries and suspensions affecting his defence, Warnock confessed he did not have the resources to cope. But even so, there was shamefully little fight in the dog.
Almost a quarter of a century has passed since these two teams came perilously close to a merger. At the time when Fulham Park Rangers was a possibility being rigorously pursued by a property development company, Fulham were grateful for a gate of 3,000 here. This time, a full house in the blazing sunshine could not believe their luck. This particular west London derby must have felt heavenly for Fulham.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/02/fulham-qpr-premier-league? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/02/fulham-qpr-premier-league?)
Fulham 6
QPR 0
Scorer: Johnson (2, 38, 59)
Scorer: Murphy (20 pen.)
Scorer: Dempsey (65)
Scorer: Zamora (74)
Attendance: 23,766 FT (16:51)
Andrew Johnson's hat-trick helped Fulham secure their first Barclays Premier League win of the season in resounding fashion against west London rivals Queens Park Rangers.
While some feared the Cottagers may struggle with a hangover from their midweek European exertions, they impressed from the offset and dominated throughout against their neighbours from less than three miles up the road.
Johnson handed the home side the lead after just 79 seconds and their strong start continued when Danny Murphy slotted home from the spot midway through the first period.
QPR looked poor in the rivals' first meeting since 2001 and hopes of securing their first win over Fulham since 1983 were all-but curtailed just before the break when Johnson tucked away his second of the afternoon.
The 30-year-old ensured he would leave Craven Cottage with the matchball in the 60th minute when latching onto Murphy's quick free-kick, before Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora wrapped up the 6-0 rout.
FIERCE DRIVE
The London derby started at ferocious pace, with Shaun Wright-Phillips' curled 20-yard effort forcing Mark Schwarzer to save within the opening minute.
Fulham immediately launched an attack at the other end and broke the deadlock.
Moussa Dembele played a neat one-two with Zamora before unleashing a fierce drive that Paddy Kenny could only parry onto Johnson, who finished with ease.
The rapid start to the match continued and the Cottagers came close to doubling their lead immediately afterwards as Fitz Hall almost flicked into his own net from Dempsey's squared ball.
The United States international then saw a goalbound effort blocked by a last-gasp challenge by Bradley Orr and, as the home side's onslaught continued, Johnson came agonisingly close to netting his second of the afternoon after firing a volley inches wide from a Zamora header in the 17th minute.
However, Fulham did not have to wait long to score their second as Kenny upended Johnson in the box and referee Andre Marriner awarded a 20th-minute penalty, which skipper Murphy duly converted.
The Hoops were struggling to cope with the home side's attack-minded philosophy and unable to turn their fleeting attacks into goal-scoring opportunities.
EXQUISITE FINISH
Fulham, meanwhile, showed no signs of a post-Europa League hangover and looked impressive in attack, with Steve Sidwell coming close in the 37th minute.
And just one minute later, Jol's side grabbed a third of the afternoon as Johnson turned home Zamora's cross after keeping a cool a head during a melee in the box.
QPR looked shell-shocked as they trudged off at the break and came out with two new faces as DJ Campbell and Tommy Smith replaced Adel Taarabt and Shaun Derry.
Warnock's attempts to gee up his side looked to be working at the start of the second period, with both Wright-Phillips and Alejandro Faurlin getting away shots.
However, Fulham were soon back in their stride and Kenny was forced to acrobatically save a Zamora effort in the 58th minute.
Sidwell had another attempt from the resulting corner and moments later Johnson ensured he would leave Craven Cottage with the matchball when he latched onto Murphy's quick free-kick.
Fulham did not rest on their laurels, though, and after Zamora fired just wide, the striker laid the ball off to Dempsey to make it 5-0 with an exquisite finish.
QPR's first top-flight match against Fulham got even worse in the 74th minute when Zamora was rewarded for an industrious performance with a deserved goal, slotting home past a hapless Kenny.
The only moment of joy for 3,000-odd visiting fans came just before Zamora's goal as they welcomed back striker Jamie Mackie, who came off the bench for the first time since suffering a double leg break in an FA Cup tie with Blackburn in January.
The former Plymouth striker skewed a shot wide as the game came to a close, while at the other end fellow substitute Bryan Ruiz saw an angle drive fly just wide before Marriner called time.
http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchReports/0,,12306~57563,00.html (http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchReports/0,,12306~57563,00.html)
Fulham give Rangers six of the best
Fulham 6 QPR 0
Andrew Johnson's hat-trick helped Fulham secure their first Barclays Premier League win of the season in resounding fashion against west London rivals QPR.
While some feared the Cottagers may struggle with a hangover from their midweek European exertions, they impressed from the offset and dominated throughout against their neighbours from less than three miles up the road.
Johnson handed the home side the lead after just 79 seconds and their strong start continued when Danny Murphy slotted home from the spot midway through the first period.
QPR looked poor in the rivals' first meeting since 2001 and hopes of securing their first win over Fulham since 1983 were all-but curtailed just before the break when Johnson tucked away his second of the afternoon.
The 30-year-old ensured he would leave Craven Cottage with the match ball in the 60th minute when latching onto Murphy's quick free-kick, before Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora wrapped up the 6-0 rout.
The London derby started at ferocious pace, with Shaun Wright-Phillips' curled 20-yard effort forcing Mark Schwarzer to save within the opening minute.
Fulham immediately launched an attack at the other end and broke the deadlock.
Moussa Dembele played a neat one-two with Zamora before unleashing a fierce drive that Paddy Kenny could only parry onto Johnson, who finished with ease.
The rapid start to the match continued and the Cottagers came close to doubling their lead immediately afterwards as Fitz Hall almost flicked into his own net from Dempsey's squared ball.
The United States international then saw a goalbound effort blocked by a last-gasp challenge by Bradley Orr and, as the home side's onslaught continued, Johnson came agonisingly close to netting his second of the afternoon after firing a volley inches wide from a Zamora header in the 17th minute.
However, Fulham did not have to wait long to score their second as Kenny upended Johnson in the box and referee Andre Marriner awarded a 20th-minute penalty, which skipper Murphy duly converted.
The Hoops were struggling to cope with the home side's attack-minded philosophy and unable to turn their fleeting attacks into goal-scoring opportunities.
Fulham, meanwhile, showed no signs of a post-Europa League hangover and looked impressive in attack, with Steve Sidwell coming close in the 37th minute.
And just one minute later, Jol's side grabbed a third of the afternoon as Johnson turned home Zamora's cross after keeping a cool a head during a melee in the box.
QPR looked shell-shocked as they trudged off at the break and came out with two new faces as DJ Campbell and Tommy Smith replaced Adel Taarabt and Shaun Derry.
Warnock's attempts to gee up his side looked to be working at the start of the second period, with both Wright-Phillips and Alejandro Faurlin getting away shots.
However, Fulham were soon back in their stride and Kenny was forced to acrobatically save a Zamora effort in the 58th minute.
Sidwell had another attempt from the resulting corner and moments later Johnson ensured he would leave Craven Cottage with the matchball when he latched onto Murphy's quick free-kick.
Fulham did not rest on their laurels, though, and after Zamora fired just wide, the striker laid the ball off to Dempsey to make it 5-0 with an exquisite finish.
QPR's first top-flight match against Fulham got even worse in the 74th minute when Zamora was rewarded for an industrious performance with a deserved goal, slotting home past a hapless Kenny.
The only moment of joy for 3,000-odd visiting fans came just before Zamora's goal as they welcomed back striker Jamie Mackie, who came off the bench for the first time since suffering a double leg break in an FA Cup tie with Blackburn in January.
The former Plymouth striker skewed a shot wide as the game came to a close, while at the other end fellow substitute Bryan Ruiz saw an angle drive fly just wide before Marriner called time.
http://www.eecho.ie/news/sport/fulham-give-rangers-six-of-the-best-522882.html? (http://www.eecho.ie/news/sport/fulham-give-rangers-six-of-the-best-522882.html?)
Fulham 6-0 QPR: Cottagers too hot for weak Rangers
(http://www.talksport.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/ts_news_article_header_image/127860145.jpg)
Fulham brushed aside reports of internal tensions as they cruised to an easy 6-0 victory against local rivals Queens Park Rangers to claim their first Premier League win of the season.
Sunday newspapers had suggested that Martin Jol's start to life at Craven Cottage had left some players confused about their role in the team, with star striker Bobby Zamora even storming out of a training session.
But the Cottagers compounded their critics to shoot up from 18th to 12th with this morale-boosting win courtesy of an Andy Johnson hat-trick.
Johnson struck in the 2nd, 38th and 59th minutes while there were also goals from Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey and Zamora. QPR sit 11th after that defeat.
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1160/48/fulham-6-0-qpr-cottagers-too-hot-weak-rangers? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1160/48/fulham-6-0-qpr-cottagers-too-hot-weak-rangers?)
Rampant Fulham hit QPR for six
AJ hits first hat-trick in seven years in Fulham romp
Andrew Johnson scored a hat-trick as Fulham recorded their first Premier League win of the season thanks to a sensational 6-0 win against neighbours QPR at Craven Cottage.
The hosts produced a blistering opening 45 minutes, scoring three times against their West London rivals.
Andrew Johnson scored his first two league goals of the campaign and his first was the fastest in the league this season, coming after just 78 seconds.
Bobby Zamora was allowed space down the right to find Moussa Dembele whose left-foot shot was parried by keeper Paddy Kenny but Johnson was on hand to slot the ball home.
Fulham soon doubled their lead from the penalty spot after Kenny clumsily felled goalscorer Johnson on the edge of the box and Danny Murphy made no mistake from 12 yards.
And seven minutes before the break, it was three as Zamora's low driven cross was tucked into the back of the net by his strike partner Johnson.
Just before the hour mark, Johnson completed his hat-trick - his first in seven years and his fifth goal in a game and a half, slotting home Murphy's quick free-kick.
The Cottagers were rampant now and Zamora's delightful flick was finished off by Dempsey with ease and the rout was completed when, in a role reversal, Zamora got his name on the scoresheet, firing home Dempsey's slide rule pass.
QPR looked poor in the rivals' first meeting since 2001 and hopes of securing their first win over Fulham since 1983 were all-but curtailed just before the break when Johnson tucked away his second of the afternoon.
Ferocious
The London derby started at ferocious pace, with Shaun Wright-Phillips' curled 20-yard effort forcing Mark Schwarzer to save within the opening minute.
Fulham immediately launched an attack at the other end and broke the deadlock.
Moussa Dembele played a neat one-two with Zamora before unleashing a fierce drive that Paddy Kenny could only parry onto Johnson, who finished with ease.
The rapid start to the match continued and the Cottagers came close to doubling their lead immediately afterwards as Fitz Hall almost flicked into his own net from Dempsey's squared ball.
The United States international then saw a goalbound effort blocked by a last-gasp challenge by Bradley Orr and, as the home side's onslaught continued, Johnson came agonisingly close to netting his second of the afternoon after firing a volley inches wide from a Zamora header in the 17th minute.
However, Fulham did not have to wait long to score their second as Kenny upended Johnson in the box and referee Andre Marriner awarded a 20th-minute penalty, which skipper Murphy duly converted.
The Hoops were struggling to cope with the home side's attack-minded philosophy and unable to turn their fleeting attacks into goal-scoring opportunities.
Fulham, meanwhile, showed no signs of a post-Europa League hangover and looked impressive in attack, with Steve Sidwell coming close in the 37th minute.
And just one minute later, Jol's side grabbed a third of the afternoon as Johnson turned home Zamora's cross after keeping a cool a head during a melee in the box.
Shell-shocked
QPR looked shell-shocked as they trudged off at the break and came out with two new faces as DJ Campbell and Tommy Smith replaced Adel Taarabt and Shaun Derry.
Warnock's attempts to gee up his side looked to be working at the start of the second period, with both Wright-Phillips and Alejandro Faurlin getting away shots.
However, Fulham were soon back in their stride and Kenny was forced to acrobatically save a Zamora effort in the 58th minute.
Sidwell had another attempt from the resulting corner and moments later Johnson ensured he would leave Craven Cottage with the matchball when he latched onto Murphy's quick free-kick.
Fulham did not rest on their laurels, though, and after Zamora fired just wide, the striker laid the ball off to Dempsey to make it 5-0 with an exquisite finish.
QPR's first top-flight match against Fulham got even worse in the 74th minute when Zamora was rewarded for an industrious performance with a deserved goal, slotting home past a hapless Kenny.
The only moment of joy for 3,000-odd visiting fans came just before Zamora's goal as they welcomed back striker Jamie Mackie, who came off the bench for the first time since suffering a double leg break in an FA Cup tie with Blackburn in January.
The former Plymouth striker skewed a shot wide as the game came to a close, while at the other end fellow substitute Bryan Ruiz saw an angle drive fly just wide before Marriner called time.
Man of the match: Only one man could possibly win this award after his first hat-trick in seven years. Andrew Johnson of course! He was simply formidable as he tormented QPR all afternoon.
Goal of the match: Clint Dempsey's goal which made it 5-0 was a bit special. Zamora laid the ball off to the midfielder to fire home with an exquisite finish.
Moment of the match: Johnson's hat-trick goal was delightful as he cleverly latched on to Danny Murphy's quick free-kick to slide the ball past a hapless Paddy Kenny.
Talking point: Fulham's first win of the season. Can Martin Jol's side start climbing up the table? Despite all the summer signings, will QPR be fighting a relegation battle?
Sub of the match: Jamie Mackie came off the bench for the first time since suffering a double leg break in an FA Cup tie with Blackburn in January and he was given a standing ovation from all four sides of the ground.
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,,11065_3449500,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,,11065_3449500,00.html?)
Fulham give hapless QPR six of the best in west London derby
Premier League: Fulham 6 QPR 0
It may not have had quite the same media coverage as a certain match in the north of the city, but for Fulham fans at least this was a west London derby not to forget.
In the bottom three and without a win all season, a hat-trick from Andy Johnson, plus strikes from Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora meant that Martin Jol collected his first league win as Whites manager.
For QPR it was a game to forget as they were outplayed in all areas by a Fulham side rejuvenated by a change in formation and a change in fortune.
Chances had been at a premium for the Whites in previous league matches, but partnering Zamora with Johnson brought greater movement and with it greater opportunities.
Johnson has recently turned down the offer of a new contract at Craven Cottage. Both player and club say they want a deal to be done, it is probably best this is sorted sooner rather than later.
His movement caused the QPR back line all game and Fitz Hall in particular was given a particularly torrid time by the former Everton forward.
It took just two minutes for Johnson to make an impact as he reacted quickest to Mousa Dembele's 25 yard shot, which was parried by Paddy Kenny to fire home.
They almost doubled their lead two minutes later when John Arne Riise pushed forward and played in Clint Dempsey, whose ball across the ball was pushed onto Hall by Kenny, but thankfully for the visitors the centre-half acrobatically cleared off the line.
Johnson was a menace and he earned his side a penalty after he nipped in when Hall was shielding the ball for Kenny. The stopper brought felled Johnson just inside the area.
A definite penalty and Murphy converted by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
QPR were awful all over the pitch, while poor Bradley Orr was the most isolated right-back you are ever likely to see, regularly left two or three versus one.
In a bid to stem the pressure created down Rangers' right Joey Barton was brought across to offer assistance. It didn't work.
After 38 minutes it was three as Dempsey drifted down the right before laying the ball into Zamora's whose neat touch with the outside of his right foot found Johnson who beat Kenny from eight yards out.
Despite bringing on Tommy Smith and DJ Campbell at thr break, Rangers looked a beaten side and had Kenny to thank Fulham weren't four goals to the good 10 minutes into the second period as he tipped Zamora's bending corner over the bar when it looked to be heading into the top corner.
It was four a minute later as Johnson completed his hat-trick. Danny Murphy played in Johnson from a free-kick at the edge of the area, QPR fell asleep did not track the striker as he finished past Kenny.
It was five after 64 minutes when Johnson burst down the right, while another deft Zamora flick found Clint Dempsey who fired home from eight yards out.
The only positive for Rangers came 18 minutes from time as Jamie Mackie returned to first-team action after missing nine months out with a broken leg.
That joy for the QPR fans was short-lived as Fulham made it six two minutes later through Zamora. Played through by Dempsey, Ferdinand failed to close the England striker and with the centre-half blocking Kenny's vision Zamora's powerful drive flew into the net unchallenged to seal the most emphatic of victories.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Riise, Grygera, Hangeland, Baird, Dembele (Sa 87), Murphy (Etuhu 83), Sidwell, Dempsey, Zamora, Johnson (Ruiz 75).
Subs: Etheridge, Kelly, Duff, Ruiz, Senderos, Duff.
QPR: Kenny, Young, Orr, Hall, Ferdinand, Wright-Phillips, Derry (Smith 45), Taarabt (Campbell 45), Faurlin, Barton, Bothroyd (Mackie 72).
Subs: Murphy, Campbell, Mackie, Buzsaky, Perone, Smith, Helguson.
Attendance: 23,766
http://www.london24.com:80/sport/championship/qpr_2_5433/fulham_give_hapless_qpr_six_of_the_best_in_west_london_derby_1_1077322? (http://www.london24.com:80/sport/championship/qpr_2_5433/fulham_give_hapless_qpr_six_of_the_best_in_west_london_derby_1_1077322?)
Six-goal Fulham thrash QPR
Andy Johnson's hat-trick helped Fulham secure their first Premier League win of the season in resounding fashion as they ran out 6-0 victors over west London rivals Queens Park Rangers.
While some feared the Cottagers may struggle with a hangover from their midweek European exertions, they impressed from the offset and dominated throughout against their neighbours from less than three miles up the road.
Johnson handed the home side the lead after just 79 seconds and their strong start continued when Danny Murphy slotted home from the spot midway through the first period.
QPR looked poor in the rivals' first meeting since 2001 and hopes of securing their first win over Fulham since 1983 were all but curtailed just before the break when Johnson tucked away his second of the afternoon.
The 30-year-old ensured he would leave Craven Cottage with a treble in the 60th minute when latching onto Murphy's quick free-kick, before Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora wrapped up the 6-0 rout.
The London derby started at ferocious pace when Shaun Wright-Phillips' curled 20-yard effort forcing Mark Schwarzer to save within the opening minute.
Fulham immediately launched an attack at the other end and broke the deadlock. Moussa Dembele played a neat one-two with Zamora before unleashing a fierce drive that Paddy Kenny could only parry onto Johnson, who finished with ease.
The rapid start to the match continued and the Cottagers came close to doubling their lead immediately afterwards as Fitz Hall almost flicked into his own net from Dempsey's squared ball.
The USA international then saw a goalbound effort blocked by a last-gasp challenge from Bradley Orr, and as the home side's onslaught continued, Johnson came agonisingly close to netting his second of the afternoon after firing a volley inches wide from a Zamora header in the 17th minute.
However, Fulham did not have to wait long to score their second as Kenny upended Johnson in the box and the referee awarded a 20th-minute penalty, which skipper Murphy duly converted.
QPR were struggling to cope with the home side's attack-minded philosophy and unable to turn their fleeting attacks into goal-scoring opportunities. Fulham, meanwhile, showed no signs of a post-UEFA Europa League hangover and looked impressive in attack, with Steve Sidwell coming close in the 37th minute.
And just one minute later, Jol's side grabbed their third of the afternoon as Johnson turned home Zamora's cross after keeping a cool a head during a melee in the box. QPR looked shell-shocked as they trudged off at the break and came out with two new faces as DJ Campbell and Tommy Smith replaced Adel Taarabt and Shaun Derry.
Warnock's attempts to gee up his side looked to be working at the start of the second period, with both Wright-Phillips and Alejandro Faurlin getting away shots. However, Fulham were soon back in their stride and Kenny was forced to acrobatically save a Zamora effort in the 58th minute.
Relentless Fulham
Sidwell had another attempt from the resulting corner and moments later Johnson ensured he would leave Craven Cottage with the matchball when he latched onto Murphy's quick free-kick. Fulham did not rest on their laurels, though, and after Zamora fired just wide, the striker laid the ball off to Dempsey to make it 5-0 with an exquisite finish.
QPR's first top-flight match against Fulham got even worse in the 74th minute when Zamora was rewarded for an industrious performance with a deserved goal, slotting home past a hapless Kenny.
The only moment of joy for the visiting fans came just before Zamora's goal as they welcomed back striker Jamie Mackie, who came off the bench for the first time since suffering a double leg break in an FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers in January.
The former Plymouth striker skewed a shot wide as the game came to a close, while at the other end fellow substitute Bryan Ruiz saw an angle drive fly just wide before Marriner called time.
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1520497.html?cid=rssfeed&att= (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1520497.html?cid=rssfeed&att=)
Johnson hat-trick helps Fulham secure win
Andrew Johnson's hat-trick helped Fulham secure their first Barclays Premier League win of the season in resounding fashion against west London rivals QPR.
While some feared the Cottagers may struggle with a hangover from their midweek European exertions, they impressed from the offset and dominated throughout against their neighbours from less than three miles up the road.
Johnson handed the home side the lead after just 79 seconds and their strong start continued when Danny Murphy slotted home from the spot midway through the first period.
QPR looked poor in the rivals' first meeting since 2001 and hopes of securing their first win over Fulham since 1983 were all-but curtailed just before the break when Johnson tucked away his second of the afternoon.
The 30-year-old ensured he would leave Craven Cottage with the matchball in the 60th minute when latching onto Murphy's quick free-kick, before Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora wrapped up the 6-0 rout.
The London derby started at ferocious pace, with Shaun Wright-Phillips' curled 20-yard effort forcing Mark Schwarzer to save within the opening minute.
Fulham immediately launched an attack at the other end and broke the deadlock.
Moussa Dembele played a neat one-two with Zamora before unleashing a fierce drive that Paddy Kenny could only parry onto Johnson, who finished with ease.
The rapid start to the match continued and the Cottagers came close to doubling their lead immediately afterwards as Fitz Hall almost flicked into his own net from Dempsey's squared ball.
The United States international then saw a goalbound effort blocked by a last-gasp challenge by Bradley Orr and, as the home side's onslaught continued, Johnson came agonisingly close to netting his second of the afternoon after firing a volley inches wide from a Zamora header in the 17th minute.
However, Fulham did not have to wait long to score their second as Kenny upended Johnson in the box and referee Andre Marriner awarded a 20th-minute penalty, which skipper Murphy duly converted.
The Hoops were struggling to cope with the home side's attack-minded philosophy and unable to turn their fleeting attacks into goal-scoring opportunities.
Fulham, meanwhile, showed no signs of a post-Europa League hangover and looked impressive in attack, with Steve Sidwell coming close in the 37th minute.
And just one minute later, Jol's side grabbed a third of the afternoon as Johnson turned home Zamora's cross after keeping a cool a head during a melee in the box.
QPR looked shell-shocked as they trudged off at the break and came out with two new faces as DJ Campbell and Tommy Smith replaced Adel Taarabt and Shaun Derry.
Warnock's attempts to gee up his side looked to be working at the start of the second period, with both Wright-Phillips and Alejandro Faurlin getting away shots.
However, Fulham were soon back in their stride and Kenny was forced to acrobatically save a Zamora effort in the 58th minute.
Sidwell had another attempt from the resulting corner and moments later Johnson ensured he would leave Craven Cottage with the matchball when he latched onto Murphy's quick free-kick.
Fulham did not rest on their laurels, though, and after Zamora fired just wide, the striker laid the ball off to Dempsey to make it 5-0 with an exquisite finish.
QPR's first top-flight match against Fulham got even worse in the 74th minute when Zamora was rewarded for an industrious performance with a deserved goal, slotting home past a hapless Kenny.
The only moment of joy for 3,000-odd visiting fans came just before Zamora's goal as they welcomed back striker Jamie Mackie, who came off the bench for the first time since suffering a double leg break in an FA Cup tie with Blackburn in January.
The former Plymouth striker skewed a shot wide as the game came to a close, while at the other end fellow substitute Bryan Ruiz saw an angle drive fly just wide before Marriner called time.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/johnson-hattrick-helps-fulham-secure-win-2364608.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/johnson-hattrick-helps-fulham-secure-win-2364608.html?)
QPR suffer Cottage thrashing
(http://www.setanta.com/Global/Images/sport/football/2011-2012/Premier%20League/Fulham/JohnsonAndy_eyesball.jpg)
Fulham proved far too strong for Queens Park Rangers at Craven Cottage on Sunday, beating their fellow Londoners 6-0.
Fulham's first Premier League win of the season was secured through a hat-trick from Andrew Johnson, a Danny Murphy penalty, and goals from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora.
Johnson opened the scoring in the second minute, putting away a rebound after Paddy Kenny could only parry Moussa Dembele's strike.
The dominant hosts had several further chances before Kenny upended Johnson, allowing Murphy to score from the penalty spot.
The third goal arrived with seven minutes of the opening half remaining, as Johnson kept calm in the box to score from Zamora's cross.
QPR enjoyed a brief period of improvement early in the second period but Fulham soon regained complete control, and Johnson completed his first top flight hat-trick when he scored following Murphy's quickly taken free-kick.
Zamora fired narrowly wide before setting up Dempsey, who finished superbly, for the fifth, and the former West Ham striker finally got in on the goals with 16 minutes remaining when he rolled an effort past Kenny.
QPR saw enough of the ball late on to ensure that the rout did not get worse, but it was a bad day for the Championship champions.
http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/10/02/Fulham-v-QPR-report/gnid-111422/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/10/02/Fulham-v-QPR-report/gnid-111422/?)
Fulham 6 (six) QPR 0
It meant so much to everyone. Fulham fans before the game seemed nervous. I don't know what the Rangers fans were thinking but they were loud and excitable. This was them back in the big time. "We hate it when our friends become successful" sang Morrissey. "And if they're Fulham, that makes it even worse." The men in blue and white hoops seemed to think they had scores to settle. They got battered.
That was history. Folklore. The last few years have provided us with many memorable moments, but most of them have been exciting and frightening at the same time, never enjoyable until afterwards. This was just fun, the most purely enjoyable game we'll ever see. The early October heatwave brought something even more unlikely to the banks of the Thames: a derby day massacre. We won six nil... roll those words around a few times.
Goals change games and after a minute we had one. Dembele shot hard, Paddy Kenny palmed it out, AJ put it back in again. Fantastic! We got another just at the right time, an AJ run terminated by a silly challenge by Kenny and/or a defender on the corner of the area. Murphy outranked Zamora for the kick and steered it high into the net. Then a third, Dempsey on the left, the ball across goal, AJ the man on the spot again to kill the game as a contest. QPR had seen bits of decent possession amid all this, but at the other end we tore them apart. Near misses from Dempsey and Johnson again proved that the scoreline was not misleading.
In the second half we saw three more, Johnson (I'm losing track!) put through by a quick free kick (this summed up QPR's day. Switching off like that in the Premier League...) to hammer in for a hat-trick. Then Dempsey following good work on the left by AJ, steering home after the cross was laid back to him, and another rifled in from Zamora. Further chances slipped by with Ruiz just wide and Sidwell letting a ball run out for a corner when behind him Zamora and Johnson waited alone for a cross. As Dickson Etuhu warmed up the Hammersmith End cheered: "Dickson, what's the score?" and Dickson, after thinking about it, turned around and held aloft six fingers, which of course required two hands, and smiled broadly. Magic.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/02/fulham-6-six-qpr-0/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/02/fulham-6-six-qpr-0/?)
Exclusive - Murphy: Fulham won't get carried away with QPR demolition
Danny Murphy has insisted Fulham will not get carried away despite beating Queens Park Rangers 6-0.
The Cottagers had to wait until their seventh Premier League game of the season to claim their first win, but they did it in style, romping past their west London neighbours.
But after seeing his side move up to 12th in the league, Fulham captain Murphy told talkSPORT it provides them with a great foundation to carry on moving forward under new boss Martin Jol.
He said: "Today it all clicked but let's not go overboard. It was a terrific performance but they had a bad day at the office and I'm sure they will admit that.
"We played some terrific stuff and it is a good foundation to move forward but it is only three points and after seven games we feel like we should be a bit better than that.
"It's pleasing but you've got to be careful not to get carried away."
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1160/60/exclusive-murphy-fulham-wont-get-carried-away-qpr-demolition? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1160/60/exclusive-murphy-fulham-wont-get-carried-away-qpr-demolition?)
Fulham 6 QPR 0
You wait for one win to come along and suddenly you get two in a matter of days as Fulham stuffed their near-neighbours, QPR, 6-0!
Quite an achievement when you think we`d only scored four goals all season in the Premier League before today!
After the trip to Denmark, Zamora and Dembele were both declared fit although Aaron Hughes missed out again.
Fulham didn`t have to wait long to take the lead with Andrew Johnson, adding to his midweek tally, by scoring the fastest goal in the Premier League this season. Paddy Kenny could only beat away a shot from Dembele and Johnson, using his strikers` instincts, slotted home.
Matters went from bad to worse for the visitors when Kenny slipped up a second time when he brought Johnson down after rushing out of his goal, the incident coming after he`d made a fine save from a Johnson volley. Murphy stepped forward and easily made it 2-0.
QPR, despite all their investment in players allied with the ball possession they were having, were creating nothing and as half time approached Fulham got a third. It came after Dempsey had a shot blocked and Zamora provided the easiest of chances for Johnson to net his second brace in two games.
Fulham could have had further goals before the break with Zamora and Murphy both trying their luck but Kenny held firm. 3-0 at half time and the game was as good as won.
Trying to shake things up, Neil Warnock made two changes at half time bringing on Tommy Smith and DJ Campbell but it still remained all Fulham.
A quick free kick from Murphy caught the QPR defence napping and Johnson was on it in a flash to slam the ball past Kenny for his hat-trick.
By now there was no stopping Fulham and Dempsey got his name on the score-sheet, to make it 5-0, racing onto a flick by Zamora with the American calmly beating Kenny.
With still half of the second half to go, Zamora was rewarded for all his good work with Fulham`s sixth goal with the striker netting after cutting in from the right and beating Kenny from just inside the area.
6-0, it`s a day Fulham supporters will remember for a long time and a day that will give us bragging rights over the lot from Shepherds Bush for a few weeks!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257619#ixzz1ZhX84feC (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257619#ixzz1ZhX84feC)
He Wants to Stay!
In recent days much has been said about the future of Andrew Johnson.
Some sources had reported that Johnson had turned down a new two year deal and that he`d be off as soon as his contract runs out or quicker if a buyer can be found.
Well AJ doesn`t see it that way and has issued comments to that effect and implying that he wants to stay at Craven Cottage, remarking,
"Of course I want to stay. I think all you`ve got to do is look at my performance against Odense."
"I`ve been in talks with the club for a while, but it has been a busy period."
"We`ve just come out of the transfer window, and we`ve had new players settling in, so it is something that is ongoing - but hopefully it will be resolved."
Great to hear it AJ!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257621#ixzz1ZhXPPYNK (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257621#ixzz1ZhXPPYNK)
Local Hero(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/AJohnson/AJCelebQPR300x476.jpg)
Andrew Johnson spoke of his delight for his Team and the Club's fans after firing Fulham to a 6-0 win over Queens Park Rangers at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.
Johnson placed his name in the Club's history books on Sunday after scoring Fulham's first ever Barclays Premier League hat-trick and the striker was evidently delighted to have played such a major role in Fulham's win.
"Everyone is delighted with the result and for the fans because it was a local derby," explained Johnson.
"I had that bit of luck today and everything we hit went in. It's unfortunate for QPR that they caught us on one of those days.
"We felt this result was coming and Steve Sidwell said during our pre-match meal that it would happen today.
"I was delighted to see the first one hit the back of the net. It was nice to score so early because it takes the pressure off, especially at home.
"As a striker sometimes they're the hardest ones because you really have to concentrate on making good contact with the ball.
"We've got great players in the team and in the last five or six games we've created so many chances but we've been unlucky in front of goal.
"It was nice to be playing with Bobby [Zamora] again and he's a top player. We've got some great players at the Club who can all play in attack so we've got different combinations we can play and the competition keeps you on your toes.
"I'm sure with all the games we've got coming up we've got a squad that can be rotated and that's what modern football is all about."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/AJReaction.aspx?#ixzz1ZhXl6mL5 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/AJReaction.aspx?#ixzz1ZhXl6mL5)
AJ leads Rangers rout
by DAN on OCTOBER 2, 2011
Andy Johnson has had his fair share of knockers since joining Fulham from Everton. For an eight-figure sum signing, many fans have mocked his goal tally. Plenty have suggested that his famed pace has long since departed. Many consider him past his best. Martin Jol's reluctance to offer him much game time early in the season sparked rumours of an imminent departure. But Johnson stayed – and with goals hard to come by in recent weeks – has proved his worth. His movement, speed and finishing absolutely demolished QPR this afternoon and rewarded Fulham's pretty approach play with an avalanche of goals.
Jol has had to wait a while for his first league win and this was the perfect way to scotch rumours of unrest in the camp. For a Neil Warnock side, QPR were strangely tame: they started slowly, and bar a couple of half-chances at 1-0, carried little threat to Mark Schwarzer's goal. Fulham, buoyed by the best possible start – a Johnson tap-in in the second minute – had ended the contest with a third goal seven minutes before the break, but such was their superiority the advantage could have stretched well beyond the six the home side settled for.
Johnson, who is out of contract, in the summer might have holding out for better terms than Fulham have offered in the proposed two year deal put to the 30 year-old and this display can only have strengthened his negotiating position. He offered the finest possible riposte to Jol's pointed suggestion that he hadn't scored enough league goals in midweek- and Fulham looked far more potent with a partner for Bobby Zamora. The centre forwards rekindled the kind of form that carried the Cottagers to seventh in the 2008/09 season and the tone for a glorious afternoon by the Thames was set just a minute in.
Moussa Dembele, deployed out on the wing rather than through the middle at the expense of Damien Duff, sauntered in from the right to shoot and Johnson fired home the rebound after Paddy Kenny could only parry the ball in front of him. With only 78 seconds played, it was a dream start for Fulham, who were desperate for a win to lift them out of the relegation zone. Jol's contention that his side were occupying a false position was given greater conviction by what followed.
QPR were abject and almost comical in defence. An almighty mix-up between Anton Ferdinand and Kenny led to the second. The centre back panicked with Johnson on his shoulder and as the Fulham forward edged in front of him, Kenny brought him crashing to earth with a crude challenge. The goalkeeper was fortunate to escape a caution, but Danny Murphy made Rangers pay with a clinical finish from the penalty spot. It was just the advantage the Whites deserved for a frenetic start. Fitz Hall's sliced clearance from a low Clint Dempsey cross almost ended up in his own net, while the Texan saw a goalbound effort blocked by Bradley Orr and Johnson volleyed a Zamora flick inches wide from eleven yards.
The third arrived courtesy of some more slack Rangers marking as Fulham made the most of oceans of space down their left flank. Zamora, enjoying far too much freedom for a local derby, found Dempsey in the penalty area and, although his shot was blocked by Anton Ferdinand, Johnson arrived to sweep home the third from Zamora's low cross. Warnock opted for damage limitation at the break, hauling off the ineffectual Adel Taraabt – who reportedly stormed out of Craven Cottage in disgust at his substitution – and replacing Shaun Derry with DJ Campbell, but not even a livelier start to the second period could disrupt Fulham's momentum.
The home side were playing with a verve and swagger hitherto unseen this season. Kenny produced a fine save to turn a Zamora curler aside, but that was merely a temporary stay of execution. Danny Murphy's clever quick free-kick released the rampant Johnson, who tucked a cool finish past Kenny to complete Fulham's first Premier League hat-trick. Then came the best goal of the half dozen. Johnson, looking like a man revitalised, cantered down the left to cross for Zamora, who unselfishly squared for Dempsey, who gleefully completed a fine team goal.
Zamora grabbed a deserved goal himself with sixteen minutes remaining. The despondent Rangers defence stood off him as the England striker cut in from the right and found the bottom left corner with a fierce angled drive. Rangers, who had earlier threatened through Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alejandro Faurlin, looked utterly shell shocked. Their nightmare afternoon was summed up by the return of Jamie Mackie, making his first appearance since his double leg break at Blackburn last January as a late substitute. He slipped when free at the back post, shooting horribly wide. There was almost a first Fulham goal for Bryan Ruiz, which would have capped an impressive cameo from the bench, but the Costa Rican's low shot whizzed across the face of goal and wide.
FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Grygera, J.A. Riise, Baird, Hangeland; Sidwell, Murphy (Etuhu 83), Dempsey, Dembele (Sa 87); Zamora, Johnson (Ruiz 75). Subs (not used): Etheridge, Kelly, Senderos, Duff.
BOOKED: Sidwell, Hangeland.
GOALS: A. Johnson (2, 38, 59), Murphy (pen 20), Dempsey (65), Zamora (74).
QUEEN'S PARK RANGERS (4-4-1-1): Kenny; Orr, Young, A. Ferdinand, Hall; Derry, Faurlin (Smith 45), Wright-Phillips, Barton; Taraabt (Campbell 45); Bothroyd (Mackie 72). Subs (not used): Murphy, Perone, Buzsaky, Helguson.
BOOKED: Hall, Wright-Phillips, Faurlin.
REFEREE: Andre Marriner (West Midlands).
ATTENDANCE: 23,776.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/10/aj-leads-rangers-rout/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/10/aj-leads-rangers-rout/?)
AJ happy with hat-trick
Fulham striker delighted with first Premier League win
Andrew Johnson was delighted after becoming the first Fulham player to score a Premier League hat-trick in a 6-0 romp against West London rivals QPR.
The 30-year-old broke the deadlock after just 79 seconds, before adding a further two goals either side of the break.
Danny Murphy's penalty along with efforts from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora complemented Johnson's treble as the Cottagers secured their first league win of the season.
But the striker was pleased with his achievement and is now focused on scoring more goals for the Cottagers.
Achievement
He told Sky Sports: "It's a great achievement for myself and the club and I'm just delighted we got three points today. We hadn't had a win and we were going into a two-week break in the bottom three so it's given us a bit of breathing space.
"I think we've jumped up to twelfth now, so we can enjoy the next two weeks and focus on the next game coming."
Asked what made Fulham tick against their neighbours, he said: "I think it was just one of those days. We played well the last five or six games but things haven't been dropping for us and things haven't been going our way in front of goal, but today everything flew in. It's a shame for QPR but we're delighted. We hit some good form in front of goal and long may it continue."
Johnson's personal form has been superb hitting two goals in the Europa League at Odense and five in two games as well as nine in total this season.
And he added: "Yeah, it has been a good start to the season. I've had a rough time with injuries the last couple of seasons, so I'm pleased to be injury free and pleased to be playing week in and week out and I'm training hard and working hard. All I can keep doing is keep scoring.
"There is great competition on the bench. What you want as a player is to work hard in training because it keeps you on your toes and we've got healthy competition."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12040_7218706,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12040_7218706,00.html?)
Martin Jol hails hat-trick hero Andrew Johnson
Fulham boss Martin Jol says Andrew Johnson "made the difference" as his hat-trick helps the rampant Cottagers dish out a 6-0 drubbing to QPR at Craven Cottage.
The Dutchman is delighted to register Fulham's first Premier League win of the season and was pleased with the number of chances his side created.
Jol also plays down talk of a row with striker Bobby Zamora, blaming the reports on "moaning and agents."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15145302.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15145302.stm?)
Andrew Johnson praises team-mates after treble
Fulham striker Andrew Johnson hails the whole team's performance as his hat-trick helps secure a 6-0 thrashing of QPR.
Johnson adds that the Hoops' display was not that bad, it was just that Fulham played so well.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15145305.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15145305.stm?)
Dempsey shines in Fulham's first Premiership win of season
Clint Dempsey had a goal and an assist on Sunday as Fulham finally won an English Premier League game, destroying visiting Queens Park Rangers, 6-0, at Craven Cottage.
Fulham took out the frustration from its six-game winless streak on its newly-promoted West London rival, scoring in the second minute and jumping out to a 3-0 lead by halftime. The third goal, scored by English forward Andy Johnson, came from a play that began when Dempsey's shot was blocked in front of the QPR goal.
The U.S. national team midfielder did more damage in the second half. In the 65th minute, Dempsey gave Fulham a 5-0 lead, finishing a cross from Johnson with a neat shot from 12 yards out. It was the Texan's fourth goal this season in all competitions and second in the EPL. Dempsey, who took five shots on Sunday, then set up Bobby Zamora's 74th-minute strike. The six goals equaled the club record for a single EPL game.
Now 1-2-4 in league play, Fulham is scheduled to visit Stoke City (2-2-3) on Oct. 15. The EPL will take a break next weekend as players head off on international duty. Dempsey will be with the U.S. as it faces Honduras on Oct. 8 and Ecuador on Oct. 11.
Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2011-10-02/dempsey-shines-in-fulhams-first-premiership-win-of-season?#ixzz1ZhZOIyc8 (http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2011-10-02/dempsey-shines-in-fulhams-first-premiership-win-of-season?#ixzz1ZhZOIyc8)
QPR manager Neil Warnock: Losing 6-0 to Fulham was 'one of my worst days in football'
The Rangers boss could only watch on as his side were dismantled at Craven Cottage after a 'nightmare 48 hours' where they lost players to injury
Neil Warnock has admitted that his QPR side's 6-0 defeat to Fulham in their Premier League encounter at Craven Cottage was one of his worst days in football.
Martin Jol's side took the three points courtesy of an Andrew Johnson hat-trick, as well as goals from captain Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey.
"I think I've had a couple of these before," Warnock told reporters. "They're not easy anyhow, it's one of the worst. But if ever there was a day to catch us it was today.
"Good players take advantage of the situation, and the last 48 hours we've had a nightmare really what with [Danny] Gabbidon's injury recurrence, and we've lost [Matthew] Connolly yesterday through an innocuous challenge with Shaun Wright-Phillips in training.
"Then we had Fitz Hall, who had an injury in the warm-up today," he continued. "Then we've got [Armand] Traore who's sitting in the stands today but it shows that we can't cater with the squad we've got."
"I'm learning though," Warnock added. "We've got to look after ourselves until January at least because things can happen like this. You can lose four players in the space of a few hours, and we can't cope with that really.
And with his side denied of their first choice defence, Warnocked conceded the ease in which Fulham were able to punish his side, giving Jol's men credit in the process.
"I thought it was like a knife slicing through butter today," bemoaned Warnock. "All credit to Fulham, they took advantage, and all good players will take advantage of a back four in disarray really. I don't think anyone packed up or anything, I just feel that on the day they were too good for us really.
"We've done well so far, building from the back with a few clean sheets which is fabulous, but we can't afford too many injuries. I think most teams would have beaten us easily with the way we defended.
"We had to chop and change really. We had Luke Young playing at left-back, Bradley Orr coming in and Fitz Hall had to play really. So it was disappointing to lose when you look at the back four who have got the clean sheets, it's Traore, Gabbidon and Luke Young at right-back.
"I don't think we're good enough yet to lose three players like that and not get punished. Although in fairness I thought we could have had a go after half-time and restore some pride, but to lose a goal like the fourth one is very disappointing to say the least. That's Sunday league stuff, isn't it.
"I don't think we should talk about individuals today, because they were all pretty bad. We've had a bad day at the office today. But that's what you're going to get. You're going to get some drubbings, but to be honest with you I didn't expect one today."
Warnock did however, note his appreciation of the display from the away fans who he says appreciate the journey they have been on.
"The fans today were fantastic; they know how far we've come and how quickly we've done it. You know you're going to get some days like this in the Premier League, it's a cruel league with some good players but we do know we have to be at our very best every game to play at this level."
And Warnock also spoke about his mercurial winger Adel Taraabt, who he substituted at half-time after a disappointing first-half display.
"I don't think you can blame Adel Taraabt for today. I think if we had Darren Bent and a few England players out there we probably still would have got beaten 6-0.
"You're going to get a few days where Adel comes off and throws his dolls out the pram, but that isn't a worry for me. If I sub someone and they are happy, that's a more worrying sign for me."
There was, however, one bright moment for the visiting fans, who got to see striker Jamie Mackie make his comeback from injury after a leg break last season.
"It was great for [Jamie Mackie]. I wanted to give him 15 minutes because he's had so many knockbacks in the nine months since he broke his leg. He's been told 'next week you'll be back with the squad' and then three weeks later or four weeks later you're not there and it can get to you.
"You've seen today, he doesn't know any other way and I'm pleased for him. At least it's one little bright point for the fans today because they know how important he was for us last year to get where we are now."
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/10/02/2693395/qpr-manager-neil-warnock-losing-6-0-to-fulham-was-one-of-my? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/10/02/2693395/qpr-manager-neil-warnock-losing-6-0-to-fulham-was-one-of-my?)
'I would have liked to have scored eight or nine' – Martin Jol delighted with Fulham's thumping 6-0 victory over QPR
The Cottagers' boss praised his squad after hitting six past their rivals and hints striker Johnson is capable of even more, while playing down reports of conflict with Zamora
Fulham manager Martin Jol praised his squad after defeating QPR 6-0 at home to record their first Premier League victory of the season.
His side took advantage of a poor defensive performance to record an emphatic home win after a run of draws had left the Cottagers near the bottom of the table going into the match, but Jol, cheekily, admitted he would have liked his side to have score more.
"I would have liked to have had eight or nine, but 3-0 would have been ok, as well as winning 1-0 or 2-1," Jol told reporters. "We had three draws here on the trot, and with the Europa League that's four, which is probably two too many."
"They are a good footballing team, so sometimes that can be a disadvantage. Of course we took the initiative but sometimes we let them play as well to get more space in front with our four attacking players and I think we did well in that respect.
"We played 4-4-2 today with two wide players who can come in and I think that caused them a problem, and with the two full-backs overlapping as well, especially John Arne Riise. I've been here for three or four months and this is what we try to do."
On-form striker Andy Johnson bagged a hat trick to add to his brace against Odense, and Jol hinted there may be more to come from the former England international.
"I was very happy for him, and happy for us as well," he continued.
"Of course he scored the goal in Europe but on the other hand it doesn't matter who scores the goals, we need to get the result. Maybe today we get too many and in other games we don't get the goals we need so that was the only problem.
"The only negative about Andy was that when I was in England before, he scored 20 or so goals and 10 were penalties. That was good, but I told him: 'I think you're capable of scoring at least 10-15 goals,' and I hope he will prove me right."
He also played down reports of conflict with striker Bobby Zamora after he started the game after missing out on the Europa League fixture with a reported illness.
"He was ill, not even on the training ground," the Dutchman said.
"Then one day before we left for Denmark he came to the training ground and I told him 'I think you better stay and do some sessions', because I still had Andy Johnson and that proved to be enough up front because he scored two goals."
"Nowadays with all these agents, if you leave someone out they will tell their agent and then their agent will tell you. Bobby is OK, the only thing is Bobby is a sensitive person. Sometimes you leave him out. If he's ill in bed, you can't expect me to take him, and he maybe doesn't like that. There was no bust-up."
"I have bust ups with young players, I tell them what to do...hopefully they're happy with a manager who tells the truth."
He also reserved praise for the quality of his squad which has been obliged to meet the demands of playing in the Europa League.
"The first couple of months for the Europa League, Clint Dempsey wasn't there and Moussa Dembele wasn't there so we used to play with Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora all the time.
"As soon as the Premier League started, Bobby had to drop out with injuries and Andy had the same problem two or three times so it was not possible to play them together.
"Don't forget Moussa Dembele can play up front as well so we've got various options and today I wanted to keep the momentum going with Andy Johnson which is normal after the game against Odense, and that proved to be a good decision.
There's a lot of positives. We played well, but you have to put the ball into the net for confidence and you need a player like Andy as well, but hopefully one time it will be Andy who scores a hat-trick, the next time it will be Bobby who gets a hat-trick."
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/10/02/2693401/i-would-have-liked-to-have-scored-eight-or-nine-martin-jol? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/10/02/2693401/i-would-have-liked-to-have-scored-eight-or-nine-martin-jol?)
Stockdale and Zamora in England squad
by DAN on OCTOBER 2, 2011
David Stockdale and Bobby Zamora have named in the England squad for their final Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro next week.
England need a point from Friday's game in Montenegro to seal a place at next year's finals in Poland and Ukraine. Stockdale, currently on loan at Ipswich, has been a regular as the back-up goalkeeper in recent England squads and has been on the bench in England's last two fixtures. The 26 year-old goalkeeper has been in excellent form whilst on loan at the Championship club, producing fine displays in Ipswich's last two games: a 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough and the 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday.
Zamora has been called-up to the England squad for the first time this season after recovering from niggling ankle and thigh problems. He was left involved in the 2-2 draw against Switzerland in the summer as an unused substitute and has shown signs of returning to the form that propelled him into the international reckoning over the last two seasons. He scored his fifth goal of the campaign this afternoon in Fulham's 6-0 humbling of QPR.
FULL ENGLAND SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Scott Carson (Bursaspor), Joe Hart (Manchester City), David Stockdale (Fulham – on loan at Ipswich Town).
DEFENDERS: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Bolton Wanderers), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones (Manchester United), Micah Richards (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).
MIDFIELDERS: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Manchester United).
FORWARDS: Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Bobby Zamora (Fulham).
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/10/stockdale-and-zamora-in-england-squad/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/10/stockdale-and-zamora-in-england-squad/?)
England Calling
On Sunday evening Fabio Capello named Fulham striker Bobby Zamora in his 24-man squad for England's final UEFA Euro 2012 Group G Qualifier on Friday night (KO 8pm BST).
England travel to Podgorica knowing that a point against Montenegro will secure a place at next summer's Finals in Poland and Ukraine.
Zamora will team up with England after scoring in Fulham's 6-0 victory over QPR on Sunday. Fulham goalkeeper, David Stockdale, who is currently out on loan, has also been called up by Capello for Friday international match.
The England squad:
Goalkeepers
Scott Carson, Joe Hart, David Stockdale
Defenders
Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones, Micah Richards, John Terry, Kyle Walker
Midfielders
Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Ashley Young
Forwards
Darren Bent, Andy Carroll, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Bobby Zamora
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/ZamoraEnglandCallUp.aspx?#ixzz1ZhalzwYe (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/ZamoraEnglandCallUp.aspx?#ixzz1ZhalzwYe)
QPR stars 'embarrassed' by Fulham drubbing
FITZ Hall has apologised to QPR fans for their dismal display in the derby drubbing at Fulham.
Rangers were hammered 6-0 at Craven Cottage by their west London rivals as Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora ran riot against QPR's makeshift backline.
But Hall, who was playing through the pain barrier with a hamstring injury, has held his hands up.
He posted on his Twitter account: "All I can is apologise to every single QPR supporter. Our performance today was unacceptable, I'm sorry."
Midfielder Shaun Derry added: "A terrible performance by us all today. Feel embarrassed and angry. That's just not like us normally. Feel for the fans who witnessed it!"
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/qpr-ealing/2011/10/02/qpr-stars-embarrassed-by-fulham-drubbing-64767-29526679/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/qpr-ealing/2011/10/02/qpr-stars-embarrassed-by-fulham-drubbing-64767-29526679/?)
Fulham v QPR – Player Ratings
by LORK on OCTOBER 2, 2011
Yeah so we won six nil. I still haven't drifted back down from my state of elevated nirvana which explains my laid back manner if you were wondering. But this is a result we won't forget for a long, long time; and one we won't let the QPR fans forget either. I still have my concerns. It is too easy for opposing players to find space in dangerous positions and between the lines and our closing down and marking in defensive positions isn't great, QPR could have scored one or two today. But we could have scored ten, our attacking play was that good. And if that's the cost of a style which brings us performances like we saw today, well, I think that's a price worth paying.
Schwarzer – 7, couldn't kick so Baird and Riise split duties depending on where the goal or deep free kick was taken from and players were reluctant to pass back to him. However this meant his distribution was always short and it was good actually. In a perverse way it meant we played well from deep. In terms of saves, he made a couple of good ones but wasn't really tested other than a Faurlin free kick which deflected off Campbell in the opposite direction to which Schwarzer was moving and he adjusted really well to go down low. Again his handling was superb. He seems to catch everything that goes towards him. In so many ways that's such an underrated attribute; not only does it mean there are no second balls to contest but your team regains possession. That is his level of ability, he didn't have to stretch himself particuarly for crosses or saves today.
Hangeland – 7, his composure on the ball and passing was fantastic. So wonderful when we can play it from the back like we did today. Seems to have cut down on those raking, usually overhit, balls to Riise over on the left too. In terms of defensive play, well Bothroyd didn't have a sniff other than one chance which Hangeland threw his head at in a very brave clearance but he was guilty of leaving Mackie alone towards the end of the match; luckily he slipped as he shot.
Baird – 7.5, like Hangeland had a really good game with his passing and I gave him the extra .5 for his really quite good goal kicks, which can't go unmentioned because a successful goal kick greatly improves our chances of picking up the ball in a dangerous position (maybe it should be a regular thing?). Don't think he was particuarly tested defensively, so a quiet game like that usually implies a pretty good one.
Grygera – 7, didn't get forward as much as I thought he would, but he played an important role in making sure we weren't exposed when Riise bombed forward. Tidy in possession and made a few good interceptions and tackles. Really has been a pleasant suprise from the summer transfer window.
Riise – 8, this is the kind of performance we expected from him. Got forward so much, and I know it's a cliche, but it was literally like Riise was an auxillary left winger. With the width he provided Dempsey could come inside and cause havoc and we always had an outlet on the touchline. While he's not blessed with pace he is very strong and has wonderful stamina. Although nothing came from his crosses they are dangerous and he has a bit of creativity to his play too. Perhaps this goes some way to explaining why our right back slot has been played by centre halves most of the season.
Murphy – 9, oh my giddy Aunt a player scored a penalty for us in a west London derby. The penalty itself was wonderfully cool, but for me his assist for AJ was even better. Fantastic speed of thought, he didn't even point, he just spotted AJ's run and played the perfect ball instantly. Other than that his passing was a joy to watch. Switched play from flank to flank at will and kept our momentum running like a well oiled machine with shot intelligent passes. Murphy at his best, as we know, is a brilliant player no matter how many years it is between a game and his date of birth, and today he was at his best. And this is after 80 odd minutes in Denmark 3 days earlier. Great stuff.
Sidwell – 8, picked up a yellow five minutes in after a tackle on Taarabt and I'm sure I wasn't the only one that went 'uh oh, he's not going to survive the rest of the game' but to be fair he kept his discipline really well and we didn't see a thing from Taarabt in the other fourty minutes he played. I think that Sidwell was cautious with his tackling for the rest of the game so Faurlin et al. skipped around him a couple of times when close to the box, examples like that show the importance keeping your discipline, but credit to him for keeping composed. So while we didn't see him make the tackles he normally would he was as important as Murphy in our possession. His long passing isn't as good and we didn't see any from him but he roamed around the pitch taking up good positions to collect the ball, as well as making a few good, aggressive runs up front.
Dembele – 8.5, he has his critics but we all know Dembele has a scary amount of ability. The ease at he can glide past players is sometimes jaw dropping, honestly. His problem comes with his tendency to hold onto the ball for too long or not make the right attacking option. You couldn't accuse him of that today. Dembele commited players and played good passes, sometimes out wide to Riise (the two combine really well like that very often actually), sometimes good subtle flicks to dummy QPR players and when he had the opportunity he shot. He has a good ball striking technique and it came off today for AJ's first after just 80 odd seconds, and I don't think it'll be long until he scores his first. He must, however, keep up performances like this. He played this well against City so we know he can do it against the best, he just needs to do it consistently.Worked tremendously hard too.
Dempsey – 9, missed a good chance in the first half and almost scored in the second with an audacious effort, but took his goal when it came very well with a good bit of anticipation and a neat finish, and lest we forget played in Zamora superbly to return the favour for the England man. Overally his display was full of confidence; like Dembele tracked back really well and made some good defensive interceptions and tackles, but going forward his close control and passing were really neat and nice to see. His instinct of scoring goals and getting into dangerous positions from deep is so important to our attacking play so nice to see him get a goal that he deserved.
Zamora – 9, this display showed all the signs of a training ground contretemps. Full of ill discipline, lazy running an- oh... Alright I'm being a bit mean there but the media tend to blow things like that out of all proportion, and to sensationalise to the fact that the headline ran 'Zamora seals Fulham exit' was ridiculous. His performance did all the talking anyway. Wonderful strength to hold off defenders and delicate touches to lay the ball off accurately to team mates in the final third. His composure on the ball is admirable, and it unites a whole load of attacking play around the box. His two key assists came from firstly alert play, picking the ball up after a deflection (although he might have been offside) and firing the ball accurately across to Johnson and secondly from a lovely measured flick to Dempsey with the outside of his right foot. His goal was finished really well too, driven low into the opposite corner, again with his weaker foot and not much unlike his first goal for us against Bolton three years ago. I'm not really sure he has a weaker foot any more to be honest. I'll stop using that phrase. Congratulations to him for getting into the England squad too.
Johnson – 9.5, now this, this is the player we all thought we signed for ten million pounds. Goal poacher extraordinaire with the work rate to match. Now, he has lost the pace that marked him out from being a good player to an England international and I'm not going to scream for a recall yet, but today he burned the QPR defenders numerous times, and all four of them (Young, Ferdinand, Orr and Hall) are no slouches themselves. The first two goals were just pure strikers instincts, to anticipate poor keepers handling and then to react to get into the perfect position to recieve a ball across goal. The third was a wonderful bit of movement, spotting a bit of space and taking advantage as both defenders next to him switched off to slot home with his body at an angle. Plus the perserverance and speed of thought he showed to win that penalty, many like which he won for Palace. Other than that he showed turns and subtlety of movement (by that I just mean feints or shifts with his body on the spot) I haven't really seen from him before. And of course he got behind the defence a couple of times to fizz in crosses which were blocked. Came off to recieve a much deserved standing ovation. Very tempting to give him a 10 – but no one plays the perfect game.
Subs:
Ruiz – 6, expected him to come on and I thought he'd get on a bit earlier. Good game for him to come in on and he had a couple of chances to show off his ability. Seemed to play right wing when he did but I don't know why, to me he's much more like a player who plays where Andy Johnson does but should be given the freedom to move wherever he likes, not much unlike Dembele; so both the off the shoulder role and behind the striker, since he has the skill, scoring instinct and speed to be able to do both. Went on a lovely mazy dribble when he beat 3 or so defenders while running at them which was neat although when in a good shooting position decided to beat one more man, snatched at a chance when he could fired it across goal but caused a bit of a nuisance and his eye for a pass is something to watch as he almost put Sa away with a lovely bit of technique. Hopefully he comes good sooner rather than later, but I know he will. Noticable though that our attacking pressure was relieved when AJ came off.
Etuhu – N/A, came on for Etuhu in what was a token sub I think, to give him a few minutes of fitness and Murphy a good reception. Had 7 minutes so couldn't do much.
Sa – N/A, again didn't do much but I do like his economical movement. He's about as quick as Zamora by my reckoning but gets away from defenders really easily.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/10/fulham-v-qpr-player-ratings/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/10/fulham-v-qpr-player-ratings/?)
Fulham thrash sorry QPR
QPR came crashing back down to earth with a thud at Craven Cottage, as Fulham recovered from their stuttering start to the season, with an impressive six goal haul.
Martin Jol will be ecstatic with his team's display, with a brilliant Andrew Johnson hat-trick and goals from Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy completing the unexpected rout.
With four draws and two defeats in their opening six Premier League games a performance of this magnitude, from the Cottagers, was unexpected. There have been signs, in recent weeks, of an imminent upturn in fortunes and such a feat came as no surprise to Andrew Johnson and the rest of the Fulham squad:
"Everyone is delighted with the result and for the fans because it was a local derby.
"We felt this result was coming and Steve Sidwell said during our pre-match meal that it would happen today," said Johnson.
Thankfully for the Fulham faithful, Johnson, who has been blighted with injuries for large portions of his career, is getting back to his brilliant best and should go from strength to strength barring injury.
QPR will be severely disappointed with their performance in what was their first local derby of the season. Whether such a performance showcases a lack of talent and a dearth in work ethic or is simply a blip on Neil Warnock's survival radar, only time will tell. Warnock was understandably disappointed with his side's performance, but has cause to be optimistic:
"I think I've had a couple of bad defeats as a Manager and it's not easy –this is one of the worst.
"We've all had a bad day at the office. You expect some drubbings when you come up, even though I didn't expect one today.
"You're going to get days like today in the Premier League, because it's a cruel league with some great players."
Warnock's perceptive attitude is laudable, Premier League survival would be seen as a success for QPR this season, despite their excellent start to the campaign.
It is Warnock's understanding which may keep feet on the ground at the Loftus Road club, and ensure survival for the Premier League newcomers.
A thoroughly unexpected result that will give Martin Jol and his men a huge boost of confidence, but also one that shouldn't severely damage the immediate aspirations of this QPR side.
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer_irish/54626/? (http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer_irish/54626/?)
Bus strop! Star man Taarabt storms away from Craven Cottage as QPR lose 6-0
Adel Taarabt was seen sprinting away in his QPR tracksuit after storming out of Craven Cottage as his team were humiliated 6-0 at Fulham.
Following a furious half-time bust-up with boss Neil Warnock, the midfielder - stripped of the captaincy after Joey Barton's arrival - showered and left the ground. He headed towards the Crabtree pub in Fulham before Rangers supporters, many of whom left when the team conceded a fourth goal inside an hour, approached him on Fulham Palace Road near a bus stop.
Taarabt posed for pictures with some young supporters until, according to one one witness, the atmosphere turned hostile and Taarabt sprinted off. QPR refused to comment officially, but Taarabt is now facing a heavy fine.
The Moroccan midfielder, who quit playing for his country when dropped in June, scored 19 goals as QPR won the Championship last season but was poor on Sunday and was substituted at half-time.
Taarabt was on the verge of a £12million move to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer but Warnock persuaded him to stay.
And, despite claiming he had accepted his boss's decision to give the captaincy to Barton, he was privately furious.
Warnock refused to deny their half-time spat and would not comment when asked if he planned to discipline Taarabt.
The QPR boss said: 'I've no idea what happened. I don't think you can blame Adel Taarabt today. You've got to look at why we conceded six goals.
'You're going to get days when Adel throws his toys out the pram. If you're not bothered about being subbed... I'd rather have players like that, me.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2044505/Adel-Taarabt-storms-away-QPR-lose-6-0.html#ixzz1Zhc7VhXU (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2044505/Adel-Taarabt-storms-away-QPR-lose-6-0.html#ixzz1Zhc7VhXU)
Johnson hat-trick hits QPR for six as Taarabt 'storms out of ground'
Fulham 6 Queen's Park Rangers 0
"Welcome back", the Fulham fans sang to their west London rivals but this was the equivalent to sending the neighbours home with food poisoning after they have come round for the first time in a decade. While there is rather less animosity attached to this derby than the weekend dust-ups in Merseyside and north London, it was still a humiliating result which will live long in local schools and offices.
It may also have repercussions for Adel Taarabt, Rangers' temperamental playmaker who reportedly stormed out of the ground after being substituted at half-time. Neil Warnock did not deny nor confirm this but it would be no surprise given the Moroccan's previous behaviour.
Rangers' chief tormentor was Andy Johnson, who finally brought his Europa League form into the Premier League. Johnson, who has scored six times in Europe this season but not once in domestic competition, notched the first hat-trick of his Premier League career and created two other goals. It was, surprisingly, the first hat-trick scored by a Fulham player since they returned to the top flight a decade ago.
Martin Jol is, though, a hard man to please. Earlier this week, he said he thought it was about time Johnson scored in the Premier League. Now he has, Jol said "maybe we scored too many goals today, we could have done with some of those in other games".
Indeed, Fulham had only managed four goals, and no wins, in their opening six Premier League games. QPR, though, proved very accommodating opposition and victory was always on the cards after Johnson scored the fastest goal of the season after 79 seconds. Rangers stood off Moussa Dembélé and, after Paddy Kenny parried his shot, Johnson reacted first to tap in. By the 10th minute, it was clear Rangers' patched-up defence was in for a roasting. Fitz Hall had been forced to clear off his own line to avoid an own goal after Clint Dempsey's cross caused problems and Dempsey wasted a free shot 10 yards out.
Bradley Orr, who blocked that shot, was being overrun on the right with Dempsey and John Arne Riise doubling up on him, but Rangers' problems stemmed from the front. Joey Barton, who was supposed to provide cover, was being sucked into the middle to help Shaun Derry and Ali Faurlin, while Rangers' left-sided front three stood and watched. Taarabt, having been kicked early on by Steve Sidwell, was an irrelevance.
Not that the defence could blame anyone else for the second. As Johnson chased his own flick-on, Hall and Kenny confused one another and the latter clattered into Johnson. Murphy stroked home the penalty. The third did follow another left-wing sally, Johnson reacting first again after Riise's cross caused chaos.
Warnock went to a conventional 4-4-2 after the break and Rangers did play better, but they remained a shambles defensively. Around the time Taarabt was allegedly spotted on Fulham Palace Road waiting for a bus or taxi, Murphy took advantage of lax defending by Hall and Barton to feed Johnson from a quick free-kick for his hat-trick. The treble was as many as he scored last season from 29 games (many, admittedly, which he started on the bench).
For the fifth goal, Dempsey drove in after Johnson beat Orr and Bobby Zamora laid his cross off. Zamora then concluded a difficult week for him – Jol did not convincingly rebuff reports of a training-ground dispute between the pair – by drilling in the sixth goal. The score equalled the record margin between these clubs, set by Fulham in 1948, and was Fulham's biggest win in the Premier League since relegating Norwich six years ago.
Warnock bemoaned the absence of Armand Traoré through suspension, Danny Gabbidon and Matt Connolly with injury, and the fact Hall suffered a strain in the warm-up, but none of them would get into many Premier League teams. Come the January transfer window, a defender will be a priority. Jamie Mackie's return, after nine months out with injury, was a minor consolation.
Substitutes: Fulham Ruiz 6 (Johnson, 75), Etuhu (Murphy, 83), Sa (Dembele, 87). QPR
Smith 5 (Derry, h-t), Campbell 5 (Taarabt, h-t), Mackie 5 (Bothroyd, 72). Booked: Fulham Hangeland, Sidwell. QPR Hall, Faurlin, Wright-Phillips. Man of the match Johnson.
Match rating 7/10.
Possession: Fulham 57% QPR 43%.
Attempts on target: Fulham 13 QPR 10.
Referee A Marriner (W Midlands).
Attendance 23,766.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/johnson-hattrick-hits-qpr-for-six-as-taarabt-storms-out-of-ground-2364734.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/johnson-hattrick-hits-qpr-for-six-as-taarabt-storms-out-of-ground-2364734.html?)
Fulham boss lifts the lid on Zamora dispute
MARTIN Jol has denied he has had a bust-up with star striker Bobby Zamora.
The Fulham frontman reportedly clashed with his boss at the Motspur Park training ground this week after being left out of the squad for the Europa League trip to Odense.
Jol admits Zamora was unhappy not to be included, but insists there is no rift between the pair.
He said: "I can't remember a bust-up with Bobby. He's a sensitive person and if you leave him out because he's ill in bed maybe he doesn't like it. That could be the case.
"The day before we left for Denmark he trained but I told him to stay here to do some sessions because I had Andy Johnson, and he proved to be enough.
"Bobby scored a very good goal [against QPR] and hopefully he will start liking me because I like him after scoring a goal."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/03/fulham-boss-lifts-the-lid-on-zamora-dispute-82029-29527242/?#ixzz1Zhcxlrma (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/03/fulham-boss-lifts-the-lid-on-zamora-dispute-82029-29527242/?#ixzz1Zhcxlrma)
Fulham demolish QPR 6-0
Andrew Johnson scored a hat-trick as Fulham demolished London rivals Queens Park Rangers on Sunday for their first Premier League win of the season.
The striker pounced after Paddy Kenny spilled a shot from Mousa Dembele after 78 seconds, won a penalty converted by Danny Murphy and struck from six yards.
After the break he collected a Murphy free-kick before slotting home.
Clint Dempsey scored after a flick from Bobby Zamora, who added the sixth with a crisp shot into the bottom corner.
Fulham fans will hope the emphatic win will kick-start a campaign which had previously failed to ingite, with four draws and two losses in their opening six Premier League fixtures.
The first Premier League hat-trick by a Fulham player was taken in fine style, but it also exposed a slack defensive display which left QPR manager Neil Warnock fuming on the sidelines.
The tone was set in the second minute when Johnson netted the quickest goal in the Premier League so far this season, when Kenny was unable to cling on to Dembele's shot and the former Everton striker was first to react.
The lead was doubled soon after thanks to more good work from Johnson, who battled through to the edge of the box and was clumsily brought down by Kenny - and Murphy stepped up to score.
Johnson, who scored twice in the Cottagers' Europa League win over Odense on Thursday night, has been offered a new two-year contract at Craven Cottage – and his performance will have done his position in negotiations no harm.
http://www.punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2011100316552893 (http://www.punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2011100316552893)
Johnson hat-trick too hot for QPR to handle
With west London temperatures hitting almost 30 degrees on the first weekend of October, it was Andy Johnson who officially announced the Indian summer of his career with a hat-trick. And manager Martin Jol swiftly urged the striker to recommit to the club who paid £10.5m for his services in 2008. For their money, Fulham received just 19 goals in the three seasons before this but the 30-year-old, so badly affected by injuries in the past, now has five in four days, following a pair against Odense in the Europa League on Thursday and the three here as Fulham routed QPR.
But this was not a typical Johnson performance, so often all about his stealthy goal-scoring prowess. It was about so much more than that, as demonstrated by his involvement in the build-up for two more of his side's six goals.
And Fulham manager Jol, who finally has his first Premier League win in charge at Craven Cottage, insists that Johnson, a free agent in the summer, must now decide where his future lies.
"It's up to him," said the Dutchman. "I won't go into details, but it's a good contract. You would be happy with it. We have offered Andy Johnson this year, next year and an option (of another year)."
A Danny Murphy penalty and goals by Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora rounded off the scoring for the Cottagers. (© Daily Telegraph, London)
- Fulham 6 , QPR 0 , Declan Taylor
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/johnson-hattrick-too-hot-for-qpr-to-handle-2894013.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/johnson-hattrick-too-hot-for-qpr-to-handle-2894013.html)
FULHAM BOOSTED BY BIG WIN - JOHNSON
(http://images.sportinglife.com/11/10/330/Fulham-v-QPR-Andrew-Johnson-matchball_2659932.jpg)
Andrew Johnson: Hat-trick hero
Fulham striker Andrew Johnson admits Sunday's 6-0 victory over west London rivals QPR was an important boost for the club.
While some feared the Cottagers may struggle with a hangover from their midweek European exertions, they impressed from the offset and dominated throughout against their neighbours from less than three miles up the road.
Johnson handed the home side the lead after just 79 seconds and then scored either side of half-time on the way to a resounding win.
"I scored a hat-trick in the Championship but that's my first in the Premier League and a great day for me and my family," he said.
"Strikers hitting 25 or 30 goals is getting harder to do and hat-tricks are far and few between. If you get into double figures these days you have done very well.
"This win meant an awful lot to the fans and the players.
"Everything went in, everything the boys hit which is unfortunate for QPR but they just caught them out.
"We have great players in this team and for the last five or six games we've created so many chances, but keepers have been on form or we've just been unlucky in front of goal.
"However, I think the feeling was that it was due and it was coming.
"Steve Sidwell said before the game that he had a good feeling about today and he came straight off and said 'I told you, I told you'.
"Everyone is delighted. It is a great win and it is great for the fans because it is a local derby as well."
QPR manager Neil Warnock was visibly frustrated by his side's performance on the Craven Cottage touchline and believes the result highlights his side's weaknesses.
"I've had a couple of these results before but it's not easy," he said. "This is one of the worst.
"If ever there was a day to catch us it was today and good players take advantage of a situation. The last 48 hours we've had a nightmare really.
"Danny Gabbidon has had recurrence of his injury, we lost Matt Connolly on Saturday to an innocuous challenge, then Fitz Hall had an injury before the game.
"And you've got Armand Traore sat in the stands [suspension]. We can't cater for that with the squad we've got.
"But I'm learning and at our stage you've got to look after yourselves because things can happen like this and you can lose four players in the space of a few hours.
"It was like a knife slicing through butter. All credit to Fulham, they took advantage.
"I felt at half-time we could've had a go if we had got the next goal and got a bit of pride back but then to concede a goal like the fourth is very disappointing. It's Sunday League stuff."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/03/SOCCER_Fulham_Johnson.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165 (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/03/SOCCER_Fulham_Johnson.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165)
Fulham 6 QPR 0
Andrew Johnson's hat-trick helped Fulham secure their first Barclays Premier League win of the season in resounding fashion against west London rivals QPR.
While some feared the Cottagers may struggle with a hangover from their midweek European exertions, they impressed from the offset and dominated throughout against their neighbours from less than three miles up the road.
Johnson handed the home side the lead after just 79 seconds and their strong start continued when Danny Murphy slotted home from the spot midway through the first period.
QPR looked poor in the rivals' first meeting since 2001 and hopes of securing their first win over Fulham since 1983 were all-but curtailed just before the break when Johnson tucked away his second of the afternoon.
The 30-year-old ensured he would leave Craven Cottage with the matchball in the 60th minute when latching onto Murphy's quick free-kick, before Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora wrapped up the 6-0 rout.
The London derby started at ferocious pace, with Shaun Wright-Phillips' curled 20-yard effort forcing Mark Schwarzer to save within the opening minute.
Fulham immediately launched an attack at the other end and broke the deadlock.
Moussa Dembele played a neat one-two with Zamora before unleashing a fierce drive that Paddy Kenny could only parry onto Johnson, who finished with ease.
The rapid start to the match continued and the Cottagers came close to doubling their lead immediately afterwards as Fitz Hall almost flicked into his own net from Dempsey's squared ball.
The United States international then saw a goalbound effort blocked by a last-gasp challenge by Bradley Orr and, as the home side's onslaught continued, Johnson came agonisingly close to netting his second of the afternoon after firing a volley inches wide from a Zamora header in the 17th minute.
However, Fulham did not have to wait long to score their second as Kenny upended Johnson in the box and referee Andre Marriner awarded a 20th-minute penalty, which skipper Murphy duly converted.
The Hoops were struggling to cope with the home side's attack-minded philosophy and unable to turn their fleeting attacks into goal-scoring opportunities.
Fulham, meanwhile, showed no signs of a post-Europa League hangover and looked impressive in attack, with Steve Sidwell coming close in the 37th minute.
And just one minute later, Jol's side grabbed a third of the afternoon as Johnson turned home Zamora's cross after keeping a cool a head during a melee in the box.
QPR looked shell-shocked as they trudged off at the break and came out with two new faces as DJ Campbell and Tommy Smith replaced Adel Taarabt and Shaun Derry.
Warnock's attempts to gee up his side looked to be working at the start of the second period, with both Wright-Phillips and Alejandro Faurlin getting away shots.
However, Fulham were soon back in their stride and Kenny was forced to acrobatically save a Zamora effort in the 58th minute.
Sidwell had another attempt from the resulting corner and moments later Johnson ensured he would leave Craven Cottage with the matchball when he latched onto Murphy's quick free-kick.
Fulham did not rest on their laurels, though, and after Zamora fired just wide, the striker laid the ball off to Dempsey to make it 5-0 with an exquisite finish.
QPR's first top-flight match against Fulham got even worse in the 74th minute when Zamora was rewarded for an industrious performance with a deserved goal, slotting home past a hapless Kenny.
The only moment of joy for 3,000-odd visiting fans came just before Zamora's goal as they welcomed back striker Jamie Mackie, who came off the bench for the first time since suffering a double leg break in an FA Cup tie with Blackburn in January.
The former Plymouth striker skewed a shot wide as the game came to a close, while at the other end fellow substitute Bryan Ruiz saw an angle drive fly just wide before Marriner called time.
Teams
Fulham Schwarzer, Grygera, Baird, Hangeland, Riise, Dempsey, Sidwell, Murphy (Etuhu 83), Dembele (Orlando Sa 87), Zamora, Johnson (Ruiz 75).
Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Kelly, Senderos, Duff.
Booked: Sidwell, Hangeland.
Goals: Johnson 2, Murphy 20 pen, Johnson 38, 59, Dempsey 65,
Zamora 74.
QPR Kenny, Orr, Hall, Ferdinand, Young, Derry (Smith 46), Wright-Phillips, Faurlin, Taarabt (Campbell 46), Barton, Bothroyd (Mackie 72).
Subs Not Used: Murphy, Buzsaky, Perone, Helguson.
Booked: Hall, Faurlin, Wright-Phillips.
Att: 23, 766
Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/fulham/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/02/SOCCER_Fulham.html (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/fulham/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/10/02/SOCCER_Fulham.html)
Fulham boss challenges AJ after treble
FULHAM boss Martin Jol reckons Andy Johnson can reach the 15-goal mark after his hat-trick in Sunday's derby drubbing of QPR.
The former England frontman plundered his first Premier League goals of the campaign as the Whites ran riot against their west London rivals.
And Jol believes the 30-year-old, who has also smashed six in the Europa League, will have no problems hitting double figures.
He said: "I think he's capable of scoring 12 or 15 goals [in the league].
"When he played for Palace he scored 20 goals and everyone was after him - but 10 of them were penalties because he was always falling over!"
Johnson is in the final 12 months of his contract at Craven Cottage, but has been offered a two-year extension with an option.
And Jol is hopeful the striker will commit his future to the club.
He added: "We were good to him last year and the year before [when he was injured], and hopefully he'll be good to us this season.
"I feel we are a good combination. It's a good contract but it's up to him."
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/10/03/fulham-boss-challenges-aj-after-treble-64767-29527244/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/10/03/fulham-boss-challenges-aj-after-treble-64767-29527244/?)
Win over QPR is important boost for Fulham, says Johnson
Fulham striker Andrew Johnson admits yesterday's 6-0 victory over west London rivals QPR was an important boost for the club.
While some feared the Cottagers may struggle with a hangover from their midweek European exertions, they impressed from the offset and dominated throughout against their neighbours from less than three miles up the road.
Johnson handed the home side the lead after just 79 seconds and then scored either side of half-time on the way to a resounding win.
"I scored a hat-trick in the Championship but that's my first in the Premier League and a great day for me and my family," he said.
"Strikers hitting 25 or 30 goals is getting harder to do and hat-tricks are far and few between. If you get into double figures these days you have done very well. This win meant an awful lot to the fans and the players.
"Everything went in today, everything the boys hit which is unfortunate for QPR but they just caught them out. We have great players in this team and for the last five or six games we've created so many chances, but keepers have been on form or we've just been unlucky in front of goal.
"However, I think the feeling was that it was due and it was coming.
"Steve Sidwell said before the game that he had a good feeling about today and he came straight off and said 'I told you, I told you'.
"Everyone is delighted. It is a great win and it is great for the fans because it is a local derby as well."
QPR manager Neil Warnock was visibly frustrated by his side's performance on the Craven Cottage touchline and believes the result highlights his side's weaknesses.
"I've had a couple of these results before but it's not easy," he said. "This is one of the worst.
"If ever there was a day to catch us it was today and good players take advantage of a situation. The last 48 hours we've had a nightmare really.
"Danny Gabbidon has had recurrence of his injury, we lost Matt Connolly yesterday to an innocuous challenge, then Fitz Hall had an injury before the game today.
"And you've got Armand Traore sat in the stands today [suspension]. We can't cater for that with the squad we've got.
"But I'm learning and at our stage you've got to look after yourselves because things can happen like this and you can lose four players in the space of a few hours.
"It was like a knife slicing through butter today. All credit to Fulham, they took advantage. I felt at half-time we could've had a go if we had got the next goal and got a bit of pride back but then to concede a goal like the fourth is very disappointing. It's Sunday League stuff."
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23993692-win-over-qpr-is-important-boost-for-fulham-says-johnson.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23993692-win-over-qpr-is-important-boost-for-fulham-says-johnson.do?)
Quote from: WhiteJC on October 03, 2011, 07:32:05 AM
On Our Backs?
The Sunday People ran an article this morning inferring all is not well in the Fulham camp.
It inferred that Bobby Zamora is heading for the exit after an argument with Martin Jol.
It also takes great care to suggest that Jol and Zamora have clashed previously when both were at White Hart Lane.
Furthermore, it goes on to suggest that the players, at Craven Cottage, are confused by Jol`s operating methods and not sure of what they should do when they start.
After the thrashing of QPR today, I wonder if they`ll anything positive to say about our club!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257620#ixzz1ZhKKAwCF (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257620#ixzz1ZhKKAwCF)
How could they have clashed at Spurs Bobby went to West Ham In January 2004 and Jol never went to Spurs until June 2004
Quote from: FFCcravencottage on October 03, 2011, 12:02:15 PM
Quote from: WhiteJC on October 03, 2011, 07:32:05 AM
On Our Backs?
The Sunday People ran an article this morning inferring all is not well in the Fulham camp.
It inferred that Bobby Zamora is heading for the exit after an argument with Martin Jol.
It also takes great care to suggest that Jol and Zamora have clashed previously when both were at White Hart Lane.
Furthermore, it goes on to suggest that the players, at Craven Cottage, are confused by Jol`s operating methods and not sure of what they should do when they start.
After the thrashing of QPR today, I wonder if they`ll anything positive to say about our club!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257620#ixzz1ZhKKAwCF (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=257620#ixzz1ZhKKAwCF)
How could they have clashed at Spurs Bobby went to West Ham In January 2004 and Jol never went to Spurs until June 2004
There you go using facts and truths. These things that have no place in journalism today.
Dempsey: Patience in the final third lead to scoring spree against QPR
American forward feels better passing key to derby triumph
Clint Dempsey believes patience was the key in Fulham's goal glut against QPR on Sunday.
Andy Johnson grabbed a hat trick, while Murphy, Zamora and Dempsey himself found the target, as the Whites picked up their first league win of the campaign.
"It was good getting a goal and an assist. It is good to chip in with more goals," he said.
"We were able to stay compact at the back. We were also doing better than what we have been in the attacking third, we were being patient to pick our passes."
The Whites had struggled to create chances and find the net in previous league matches but were given the ideal start as Johnson netted after just two minutes, before going on to claim a 6-0 win.
"It's the way it goes sometimes. Sometimes you don't understand it, you play well but you don't score," he said.
"Any time you score will give you confidence and getting a goal today settled us. We kept possession which was important because it was hot today."
http://www.london24.com:80/sport/fulham/dempsey_patience_in_the_final_third_lead_to_scoring_spree_against_qpr_1_1077610? (http://www.london24.com:80/sport/fulham/dempsey_patience_in_the_final_third_lead_to_scoring_spree_against_qpr_1_1077610?)
Cahill, Schwarzer ruled out for Socceroos
Socceroos stars Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer have been ruled out of Australia's upcoming friendly against Malaysia and World Cup qualifier against Oman.
Everton playmaker Cahill has recently been hampered by ankle and shin complaints, while Schwarzer suffered a back injury in Fulham's 6-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Monday morning (AEDT).
"Tim played through the pain barrier on Saturday against Liverpool but the scan showed that the best course of action now is rest and rehab," Everton Head of Medicine Danny Donachie told Everton's official club website.
"Tim is disappointed but it is a straight-forward decision because he would not be fit enough to play in the games in Australia."
The injuries mean the Socceroos will be minus Cahill, Schwarzer, Brett Emerton and Harry Kewell for the friendly in Canberra on Friday night and qualifier in Sydney next Tuesday night.
Coach Holger Osieck surprisingly left prized A-League recruits Kewell and Emerton out of the Socceroos squad that was announced last Tuesday.
With Kewell's Melbourne Victory taking on Emerton's Sydney FC in the much-hyped A-League opener this Saturday, Osieck decided on an entirely overseas-based squad of 19 players.
Cahill was included in the original squad despite suffering a shin injury while playing for Everton against Manchester City on September 24.
Adam Federici is the only back-up goalkeeper named in the squad.
Osieck has drafted in Danish-based goalkeeper Nathan Coe to replace Schwarzer.
The Socceroos will have their first light training session on Tuesday afternoon at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.
http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-sport/cahill-schwarzer-ruled-out-for-socceroos-20111003-1l5dq.html? (http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-sport/cahill-schwarzer-ruled-out-for-socceroos-20111003-1l5dq.html?)
Jol: Taking the initiative key to Fulham win over QPR
White's boss delighted with his side's goalscoring exploits
Fulham boss Martin Jol believes his side's willoingness to attack the opposition was the reason why they were so successful against QPR at Craven Cottage.
The Whites completed an emphatic 6-0 triumph to register their first win of the season, as Andy Johnson scored a hat trick, with Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey also on target.
"We took the initiative. Sometimes you need to let them play to get more space for our four attacking players and we did well in that respect," Jol said.
"We played 4-4-2 today with two wide players who could come in. That caused them a problem with the full-backs overlapping as well, especially John Arne Riise.
"But don't forget that we've done that before.
"It's not the first time - I've been here for four months.
"The only thing we did differently was Moussa Dembele played instead of Damien Duff and he's a very gifted player."
Johnson was however the standout performer. Buoyed by his double in the Europa League against Odense in mid-week, the striker's movement and finishing was different class.
"I'm very happy for him and for us as well," he said.
"He scored the goals in Europe, did it in the Premier League but it doesn't matter who scores the goals, we need the results.
"I felt that maybe today we scored too many but on other days we didn't get the goals we needed.
"I felt like we did the same today as we have done before. We just couldn't put the ball in the net. It's not about blaming the strikers, it's a normal conclusion."
http://www.london24.com:80/sport/fulham/jol_taking_the_initiative_key_to_fulham_win_over_qpr_1_1077817? (http://www.london24.com:80/sport/fulham/jol_taking_the_initiative_key_to_fulham_win_over_qpr_1_1077817?)
Fulham needed boost admits Andrew Johnson
Fulham striker Andrew Johnson admits yesterday's 6-0 victory over west London rivals QPR was an important boost for the club.
While some feared the Cottagers may struggle with a hangover from their midweek European exertions, they impressed from the offset and dominated throughout against their neighbours from less than three miles up the road.
Johnson handed the home side the lead after just 79 seconds and then scored either side of half-time on the way to a resounding win.
"I scored a hat-trick in the Championship but that's my first in the Premier League and a great day for me and my family," he said.
"Strikers hitting 25 or 30 goals is getting harder to do and hat-tricks are far and few between.
"If you get into double figures these days you have done very well.
"This win meant an awful lot to the fans and the players.
"Everything went in today, everything the boys hit which is unfortunate for QPR but they just caught them out.
"We have great players in this team and for the last five or six games we've created so many chances, but keepers have been on form or we've just been unlucky in front of goal.
"However, I think the feeling was that it was due and it was coming.
"Steve Sidwell said before the game that he had a good feeling about today and he came straight off and said 'I told you, I told you'.
"Everyone is delighted. It is a great win and it is great for the fans because it is a local derby as well."
QPR manager Neil Warnock was visibly frustrated by his side's performance on the Craven Cottage touchline and believes the result highlights his side's weaknesses.
"I've had a couple of these results before but it's not easy," he said. "This is one of the worst.
"If ever there was a day to catch us it was today and good players take advantage of a situation. The last 48 hours we've had a nightmare really.
"Danny Gabbidon has had recurrence of his injury, we lost Matt Connolly yesterday to an innocuous challenge, then Fitz Hall had an injury before the game today.
"And you've got Armand Traore sat in the stands today [suspension]. We can't cater for that with the squad we've got.
"But I'm learning and at our stage you've got to look after yourselves because things can happen like this and you can lose four players in the space of a few hours.
"It was like a knife slicing through butter today. All credit to Fulham, they took advantage.
"I felt at half-time we could've had a go if we had got the next goal and got a bit of pride back but then to concede a goal like the fourth is very disappointing. It's Sunday League stuff."
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-needed-boost-admits-andrew-johnson-2364934.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-needed-boost-admits-andrew-johnson-2364934.html?)
The Monday Verdict: QPR in need of formation revamp?
Neil Warnock needs to find a way of getting the best out of mis-firing Jay Bothroyd
The manner of QPR's conclusive defeat to Fulham on Sunday afternoon highlighted deficiencies at both ends of the pitch for Neil Warnock's side.
Warnock gave no excuses after the 6-0 drubbing at Craven Cottage, but he did offer mitigating circumstances, at least for a defence which suffered several reshuffles in the build-up to the game.
"We had (Matt) Connolly pick up an injury yesterday in training, we got (Danny) Gabbidon out and then Fitz Hall picked up an injury before the game today as well, hence they sliced though us like a knife through butter, so no excuses really," conceded the Rangers boss.
"We can't afford that many injuries in the situation that we're in and I thought they took advantage of that and scored some really good goals."
Minus Gabbidon, Connolly, and the suspended Armand Traore, Rangers' defence had a makeshift appearance, with Luke Young switched from right to left-back, Bradley Orr playing on the right, and Hall featuring alongside Anton Ferdinand in central defence.
Collectively and individually, Rangers' backline was ponderous and hesitant; from Paddy Kenny's foul on Andy Johnson which led to Danny Murphy scoring Fulham's second from the penalty spot, to some non-existent marking in the box which allowed Johnson and Clint Dempsey score the fourth and fifth.
But individual errors can be ironed out on the training pitch, understandings between new players will improve over time and key players will return from injury. As Warnock pointed out, when QPR have had their first choice defence playing this season they have looked relatively secure.
Their problems at the back are not yet at crisis point. At the other end of the pitch however, the manager has a more pressing concern: the lack of goals coming from forward areas.
While Fulham's Bobby Zamora and, in particular, Johnson, ran Rangers ragged from virtually first minute to last, it was another fruitless afternoon in front of goal for QPR's Jay Bothroyd.
Yet to score for his new club, and playing on his own up front in QPR's 4-2-3-1 formation, Bothroyd was kept firmly in check by Fulham centre-backs Brede Hangeland and Chris Baird.
Sunday's defeat brought the first rumblings of criticism aimed at Bothroyd, who barely had a sniff at goal and whose first touch was too often poor, with possession quickly lost as a result.
But to reserve all criticism for Bothroyd is doing a dis-service to the man who was so prolific for Cardiff City last season. Against Fulham, he received limited support from the supporting trio of Shaun Wright-Phillips, Joey Barton and Adel Taarabt, the latter of whom Warnock withdrew at the break after an uninspiring first half.
Rather, it is QPR's formation which must come under the spotlight; the system which worked so well last season is simply not suited to Bothroyd who, at his many clubs throughout his career, has operated primarily with a strike partner.
At Cardiff in the Championship last season, Bothroyd's pairing with Michael Chopra produced a combined total of 27 league goals – two thirds of which were scored by Bothroyd.
In his three years at Cardiff, Bothroyd almost always played off another attacker, often Chopra and occasionally Ross McCormack. It was a similar story in his time at Wolves, where he operated alongside Andy Keogh, and the same story again at his previous clubs Charlton and Coventry City.
To get the best out of the England man, the answer could be to switch from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-1-2, and pair Bothroyd up, ideally with DJ Campbell, who has expressed his desire to play through the middle rather than on the wing, or with Heidar Helguson or the returning Jamie Mackie.
Both Taarabt and Shaun Wright-Phillips are capable of playing just off the front two, which would leave Warnock able to call on Barton and either Alejandro Faurlin or Shaun Derry to occupy slightly deeper roles in a four-man midfield, thus balancing a greater attacking threat with defensive stability.
Away from home, and certainly at grounds such as Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and the Etihad Stadium, playing one up front can pay dividends when the priority is defensive resilience.
But in games against sides of a similar standard to QPR, as Fulham undoubtedly are, QPR have nothing to lose by letting the shackles off.
Talk will now inevitably turn to the January transfer window, and the possibility of more new signings, but it is important to remember that the Financial Fair Play rules which came into effect this season now make it difficult for clubs to simply splash the cash to solve their various problems. Simply bringing in a host of new faces is not the answer.
There is certainly enough attacking quality at Warnock's disposal, and Blackburn at home in two weeks' time offers him the chance to experiment with his formation ahead of a difficult trio of games against Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City.
Whether Bothroyd can score the goals which could be pivotal in keeping QPR in the Premier League remains to be seen, but playing alongside a second striker would at least give him a fighting chance and provide a more accurate assessment of his ability.
http://www.london24.com:80/sport/championship/qpr_2_5433/the_monday_verdict_qpr_in_need_of_formation_revamp_1_1077770? (http://www.london24.com:80/sport/championship/qpr_2_5433/the_monday_verdict_qpr_in_need_of_formation_revamp_1_1077770?)
Build On Victory(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/murphy/MurphyClintCeleb.jpg)
Following Sunday afternoon's stunning 6-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers, Captain Danny Murphy quickly turned his attention towards his Team's next Barclays Premier League challenge against Stoke City and called for the same level of performance at the Britannia Stadium after the current international break.
"On Sunday it all clicked, but let's not go overboard," said Murphy. "They [QPR] had a bad day at the office and I'm sure they'll admit that but we did play some terrific stuff and it's a good foundation to move forward.
"It's only three points at the end of the day. That's seven games and seven points and really we feel like we should have done better than that. It's pleasing but we've got to be careful because you can get carried away with a 6-0 win.
"We've got Stoke City away next and that's as tough a place to go as anywhere and you can soon come down to earth with a bump if you think you're better than you are. We've got the international break now but we've got to make sure we go there with the same hunger and passion we showed against QPR on Sunday."
Murphy admitted he was surprised by the emphatic final score at the Cottage on Sunday after paying close attention to QPR in recent weeks but highlighted the importance of Andrew Johnson's early goal in setting the tone for the match.
"I didn't expect that [result] because I've watched QPR's recent matches and I thought they were terrific," Murphy explained. "I saw them draw with Aston Villa when they should have won the game and they played some terrific stuff against Newcastle a couple of weeks ago.
"We've been playing well recently and sometimes results can hide the performances. We've drawn too many games but on Sunday it all came together. I think I'm right in saying that's the first time we've scored first in a Premier League game and you could see the confidence in our game after that. Scoring first gives you a platform to play when you're a goal up."
Murphy was full of praise for Fulham's striking duo of Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora and clearly believes Fulham have the quality to achieve many more positive results with an attack-minded 4-4-2 formation at the Cottage this season.
"They [Johnson and Zamora] were brilliant and caused them real problems - it was great for AJ. I think they have only played together on one other occasion this season and I think they always play well together. They've been at the Club a long time and they know each other's games.
"Defensively we've conceded a few early on this season and it would have been easy to be cautious as we have been in the past, but on Sunday we decided to have a real go and try and turn them early which we did.
"It's refreshing to see because there's a lot of negativity in teams today. There are a lot of 4-5-1 formations out there. The only problem is if you play with two strikers you need possession to get them going.
"If you're away from home, against the so-called better sides like Arsenal and Chelsea, you might not have as much of the ball and they [the strikers] become a bit redundant.
"We feel at home we have enough of the ball to get through to those two [Johnson and Zamora]. I certainly think at the Cottage if you put them up top and get enough possession they will be a handful for any defence."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/MurphyQPRReaction.aspx?#ixzz1ZjWsZQeP (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/MurphyQPRReaction.aspx?#ixzz1ZjWsZQeP)
Jol waits on key man
Fulham will make a check on Mark Schwarzer's fitness this week after he aggravated his back injury ahead of the win over QPR.
The former Middlesbrough man originally suffered the problem two weeks ago and it's believed the veteran shot-stopper was having problems in the warm-up on Sunday.
Schwarzer played through the pain and kept a clean sheet against Neil Warnock's men, but will receive treatment in the international break and will hope to be fit for the trip to Stoke on October 15.
The 32-year-old has withdrawn from the Australian squad and will miss their friendly with Malaysia on Friday and the World Cup 2014 qualifier against Oman next Tuesday.
Fulham fans can listen to the Cottagers games with the new fantastic iTalkFootball audio commentary app for iPhone featuring studio commentary on ALL Premier League games plus many other matches.
There's also the very latest match reports, news and live scores from all popular global leagues.
Download iTalkFootball from the App Store or check out iTunes.
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/jol-waits-on-key-man-1302866.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/jol-waits-on-key-man-1302866.html?)
Brede hails morale boosting win
Hangeland says tension has been lifted at Craven Cottage
Fulham stopper Brede Hangeland feels their emphatic 6-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday has relieved the pressure on the club.
The Cottagers were in the relegation zone and struggling for form before their resounding win over QPR.
And the Norwegian central defender believes the three points garnered could have a massive impact on their season.
"It was a great, great day at work finally after a few disappointments and quite a slow start to the season," he said.
"We've tried to get goals and then all of a sudden they come at once so it was a good result for us.
"There is a bit of pressure off us and we can prepare well for the next game.
"We're always under pressure but especially when results have not been as good as they should be.
"We're very happy to get that result against QPR. We're all in this together and everyone involved with the club can feel a bit of extra pressure when things haven't gone as well as we wanted them to.
"That goes for me, the rest of the players and I am sure the manager as well. We're very much a united club.
"I think there is always a bit of frustration when we play reasonably well and don't get the results and people wonder why this is happening.
"You can see we are still a good team and can take a lot of confidence form this."
Hangeland added that scoring first in a game has a massive impact on the outcome, adding "The big thing for me is to score first in the Premier League.
"That gives us a little bit of a chance to relax and the other team has to chase it.
"We're quite good when we can sit back and counter-attack it, especially at home.
"To get that first goal finally after six games was a good feeling."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7220326,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7220326,00.html?)
Hat-trick hero Johnson revels in thrashing of QPR
Fulham striker Andrew Johnson admits yesterday's 6-0 victory over west London rivals QPR was an important boost for the club.
While some feared the Cottagers may struggle with a hangover from their midweek European exertions, they impressed from the offset and dominated throughout against their neighbours from less than three miles up the road.
Johnson handed the home side the lead after just 79 seconds and then scored either side of half-time on the way to a resounding win.
"I scored a hat-trick in the Championship but that's my first in the Premier League and a great day for me and my family," he said.
"Strikers hitting 25 or 30 goals is getting harder to do, and hat-tricks are far and few between.
"If you get into double figures these days you have done very well.
"This win meant an awful lot to the fans and the players.
"Everything went in today, everything the boys hit, which is unfortunate for QPR but they just caught them out.
"We have great players in this team and for the last five or six games we've created so many chances, but keepers have been on form or we've just been unlucky in front of goal.
derby
"However, I think the feeling was that it was due and it was coming.
"Steve Sidwell said before the game that he had a good feeling about today and he came straight off and said 'I told you, I told you'.
"Everyone is delighted. It is a great win and it is great for the fans because it is a local derby as well."
QPR manager Neil Warnock was visibly frustrated by his side's performance on the Craven Cottage touchline and believes the result highlights his side's weaknesses.
"I've had a couple of these results before but it's not easy," he said. "This is one of the worst.
"If ever there was a day to catch us it was today and good players take advantage of a situation.
"The last 48 hours we've had a nightmare really.
"It was like a knife slicing through butter today. All credit to Fulham, they took advantage."
- Simon Peach
http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/hattrick-hero-johnson-revels-in-thrashing-of-qpr-2894255.html? (http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/hattrick-hero-johnson-revels-in-thrashing-of-qpr-2894255.html?)
Hangeland rubbishes suggestions of division at Fulham
Whites defender says club are united
Fulham defender Brede Hangeland has rubbished suggestions that Martin Jol's position as manger was under pressure, but admitted it was a great relief to register their first league victory.
The Whites were comfortable 6-0 winner over west London rivals QPR at Craven Cottage yesterday a result which lifts them up to 12th place in the Premier League table.
"We're all in this together and everyone involved with the club can feel a bit of extra pressure when things haven't gone as well as we wanted them to," he said.
"That goes for me, the rest of the players and I am sure the manager as well. We're very much a united club.
"I think there is always a bit of frustration when we play reasonably well and don't get the results and people wonder why this is happening.
"You can see we are still a good team and can take a lot of confidence form this."
To win so convincingly will no doubt do wonders for the self-confidence of the Fulham squad and Hangeland was obviously delighted with the victory.
It was a great, great day at work finally after a few disappointments and quite a slow start to the season," he said.
"We've tried to get goals and then all of a sudden they come at once so it was a good result for us.
"There is a bit of pressure off us and we can prepare well for the next game.
"We're always under pressure but especially when results have not been as good as they should be.
"We're very happy to get that result against QPR."
http://www.london24.com:80/sport/fulham/hangeland_rubbishes_suggestions_of_division_at_fulham_1_1078300? (http://www.london24.com:80/sport/fulham/hangeland_rubbishes_suggestions_of_division_at_fulham_1_1078300?)
