http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/04/11/schwarzer-hails-fulham-point-at-liverpool-82029-26222586/ (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/04/11/schwarzer-hails-fulham-point-at-liverpool-82029-26222586/)
Schwarzer hails Fulham point at Liverpool
FULHAM'S Anfield hero Mark Schwarzer hailed his side's performances at Wolfsburg and Liverpool as two of the best since he has been at the club.
The Aussie number one made a string of impressive saves to secure a rare point at Anfield for the Cottagers just three days after helping them into the semi-finals of the Europa League with victory in Germany.
"I thought that the away performance in Wolfsburg was one of the best since I have been at the club." said Schwarzer, who joined Fulham in 2008. "We were professional and should have won the game by more than one goal. We wanted to try and back that up and continue the momentum today.
"Liverpool was a massive game for us and to come to Anfield and get a point on the back of Europe was a great result for us.
"We knew that it would be tough, but it was a reasonably comfortable backs to the wall, we were not overpowered and we dealt with things well.
"They played in midweek too, but they are a lot more used to playing in Europe and it is still a learning curve for us."
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3162406,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3162406,00.html)
Fulham foil Liverpool hopes
Cottagers repel Liverpool barrage as European hopes flounder
(http://img.skysports.com/10/04/496x259/fulham_2441528.jpg)
Fulham put in a superb rearguard action to inflict a severe dent on Liverpool's hopes of attaining a UEFA Champions League place by earning a richly deserved 0-0 draw at Anfield.
Without the injured Fernando Torres, Liverpool lacked the cutting edge needed to unlock a well-drilled Fulham outfit that defended stoutly in the face of the home side's onslaught, and they were left to rue two dropped points in their chase for a top-four spot.
Rafa Benitez's team dominated the opening half and their best chance came when Ryan Babel floated a ball into the channel for the Maxi Rodriguez, who took the ball down beautifully before forcing a smart save from Mark Schwarzer.
The Australian had to be at his best again moments after as Javier Mascherano drove a shot towards the top corner, which the keeper did well to claw away as his side held firm going into the interval.
The barrage on the Fulham goal continued in the second period, however a Babel strike - turned behind by the impressive Schwarzer - was all they had to show for their dominance and Roy Hodgson's side left with a draw that capped off an impressive week following their progression into the Europa League semi-finals.
Dominated possession
The Reds had numerous opportunities to beat their fellow Europa League semi-finalists but drew a blank.
They also came up against a goalkeeper in good form in Schwarzer, who produced a number of saves including a fine stop from a powerful Babel drive.
Torres scored twice in Thursday's stunning victory over Benfica but left the field early to rest a knee injury.
Manager Benitez had expected the striker to be fit but he failed to even make the bench.
Dirk Kuyt and Lucas - Liverpool's other two scorers on Thursday - also had to make do with places among the substitutes along with Yossi Benayoun as Benitez made four changes.
David Ngog, Alberto Aquilani, Maxi Rodriguez and Babel were the men to come in but none made the difference against a resolute Fulham side.
Liverpool dominated possession throughout and Jose Reina, fresh from signing a new six-year contract, barely had a shot to save.
Yet their dependence on Torres was again all too evident. Fulham were able to boast their leading scorer and hero of their European run,
Bobby Zamora, following a fitness test on an Achilles injury, but the England World Cup hopeful endured a quiet afternoon.
The Reds should have taken the lead with just three minutes on the clock after Babel won a corner.
Steven Gerrard swung the ball in from the left and it was headed back towards goal by Daniel Agger after touching a Fulham defender.
It fell invitingly for Babel inside the six-yard box but the Dutchman failed to make any connection with a volley.
Gerrard created a chance for Ngog with a superb crossfield ball into the area but the Frenchman had to stretch and volleyed wide.
The tone for most of the afternoon was set with Liverpool much the livelier side but meeting continual frustration in the final third.
Another good move by Liverpool saw Gerrard pull back a Glen Johnson cross for Aquilani, who then flicked the ball up and attempted an overhead kick but Schwarzer saved comfortably.
Moments later Rodriguez took the ball down in the area to shoot but Schwarzer blocked.
Babel then delivered a good cross for Aquilani but the Italian headed over.
Frustrated
Mascherano tested Schwarzer with a powerful 30-yard drive just after the half-hour but the Australian saved well to his right.
Greening, already booked, was fortunate to escape a second yellow card for blocking Johnson 10 minutes before half-time as Liverpool continued to dominate without breaking through.
Liverpool pressed on and created three good chances for Aquilani after the break but the former Roma midfielder was unable to take any of them.
The first he scuffed weakly at Schwarzer before winning a corner with a shot the keeper palmed over the bar.
The ball came to him again soon after but this time he sliced wide from 25 yards.
Fulham spent large spells defending on the edge of their own area as Liverpool continued to push but they did so manfully, getting plenty of players behind the ball.
Gerrard got in a shot on target but Aaron Hughes blocked and Daniel Agger volleyed wide.
Schwarzer also seemed unbeatable, producing a brilliant save low to his right to keep put a fierce drive from Babel, cutting inside from the left.
Liverpool attempted to freshen up their attack by introducing Kuyt and Benayoun midway through the second half while Fulham withdrew the isolated figure of Zamora.
Kuyt was straight into the action and picked out Sotirios Kyrgiakos with a good cross only for the Greek to head over.
Another substitute, Daniel Pacheco, also had a powerful effort blocked. Time ran out for Liverpool and, not for the first time this season, their supporters left frustrated.
http://hammyend.com/?p=6916 (http://hammyend.com/?p=6916)
Omar Fayed to join Fulham board
by Dan on April 11, 2010
Reports suggest that Omar Fayed, youngest son of Mohamed Al-Fayed, is set to join the Fulham board. His brother Karim is also a director.
The move is apparently to be made public this week. Is this an indication that the Fayeds are keen on keeping Fulham in the family?
http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/04/11/liverpool-0-fulham-0-mark-schwarzers-brilliance-hits-top-four/ (http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/04/11/liverpool-0-fulham-0-mark-schwarzers-brilliance-hits-top-four/)
Liverpool 0 Fulham 0: Mark Schwarzer's Brilliance Hits Top Four Ambitions
Liverpool's chances of finishing fourth are all but over after Rafa Benitez's side failed to find the net in the absence of Fernando Torres on an afternoon of bitter frustration at Anfield.
Benitez's team carved out a string of chances, but French striker David Ngog, making a rare start in place of Torres, failed to impress.
Liverpool's cause was not helped by a fabulous goalkeeping performance by Mark Schwarzer, the Australian international producing stunning stops to deny Javier Mascherano and Ryan Babel.
Benitez's Europa League semi-finalists can still mathematically qualify for the Champions League, but they would have to win all four of their remaining games and still rely on other results going their way
REACTION:
Benitez revealed afterwards that Torres could be facing another spell on the sidelines. Torres, who has scored nine goals in his last seven outings, failed to recover from a knee strain and Benitez admitted that he does not know whether the striker will be available for next Monday's home game with West Ham.
"Fernando has gone to see a specialist," said the Liverpool manager. "How long will he be out for? I don't know. It depends on the specialist. He had the problem before."
Benitez will be desperate to have the Spanish international back in action as quickly as possible after they once again struggled to cope in his absence. Ngog rarely threatened as Liverpool's eight-match winning home run came to an end.
"Fourth will be very difficult because it's not in our hands," added Benitez who guaranteed disgruntled fans earlier in November that his team would achieve a top-four finish," said the Liverpool manager. "We have to keep going but it's clear it will be more difficult. It's disappointing because we had plenty of chances and possession."
Benitez complained strongly that his side should have been playing against 10 men for 55 minutes after Jonathan Greening's cynical challenge on Glen Johnson in front of the Kop in the 35th minute.
Greening had earlier been booked for a foul on Johnson, but to Benitez's obvious anger, referee Andre Marriner decided a stern lecture - not a second yellow - was appropriate on this occasion. "I won't say too much about the incident but it was very clear," added Benitez.
Delighted Fulham manager Roy Hodgson heaped praise on man-of-the-match Schwarzer afterwards. The Fulham manager said: "Schwarzer has done a fantastic job for us. We have produced a great defensive performance against a very good team.
"There's no doubt that Liverpool dominated the game and we were forced on the back foot, but we stood our corner very well."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
How what happened? After the thrilling Grand National that took place in the city 24 hours earlier, Liverpool sent their fans to sleep with a disjointed performance lacking in desire, passion and quality. The loss of Torres was a blow but no way should a team with aspirations of playing in the Champions League have suffered so much in one man's absence.
Ngog, to be fair, did his best and never gave up. But he is nowhere near the same level of threat as Torres. Alberto Aquilani summed it up for Liverpool as he conceded possession time and again. Fulham deserve all the plaudits that come their way after digging deep to carve out their second clean sheet away from home in the space of a few days.
WHAT IT MEANS:
Liverpool are left with the Europa League to concentre on. They face Atletico Madrid in Spain on Thursday week and Benitez will be praying that Torres will recover in time to face his former club. This has been a disappointing season in so many ways for Liverpool and an uninspiring goalless home draw against Fulham, just a few days after a four-goal drubbing of Benfica, sums up what a roller-coaster ride it has been. On this evidence, Fulham will be thinking they have an excellent chance of winning the Europa League. Certainly Liverpool presented them with few problems in this game.
QUOTABLE:
"I think he was underrated at Middlesbrough, but since he came to Fulham he has got quite a lot of recognition"
- Hodgson hails man-of-the-match Schwarzer.
LIVERPOOL 0 FULHAM 0
PLAYER MARKING:
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Reina 6; Johnson 7, Carragher 7, Kyrgiakos 7, Agger 6; Aquilani 5 (Kuyt 64, 6) Gerrard 6; Maxi 6, Mascherano 7, Babel 6 (Benayoun 71, 5); Ngog 5 (Pacheco 78, 5).
Subs(not used): Cavalieri, Degen, Ayala, Lucas.
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer 9; Baird 7, Hangeland 7, Hughes 7, Konchesky 7; Etuhu 7, Murphy 8 (Dikgacoi 75, 6), Greening 6 (Riise 81, 5) Duff 7; Nevland 6, Zamora 6 (Okaka 67, 6).
Subs (not used): Zuberbuhler, Kelly, Shorey, Smalling.
ATTENDANCE: 42,331
NEXT UP:
- Liverpool v West Ham United (Home), Premier League,19/04, 2000 BST
- Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Home), Premier League, 17/04,1500 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Mark Schwarzer (Fulham): Produced a string of fine saves to all but end Liverpool's hopes of finishing fourth in the table. His stops to deny Mascherano and Babel either side of half time were nothing short of stunning.
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/04/11/fulham-frustrate-the-kop-64767-26220391/ (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/04/11/fulham-frustrate-the-kop-64767-26220391/)
Fulham frustrate the Kop
Liverpool 0 Fulham 0
FULHAM held on for a famous point at Anfield after an impressive rearguard action from Roy Hodgson's men.
In what may well have been a dress rehearsal for the Europa League final on May 12 in Hamburg, Fulham frustrated the Kop with number one Mark Schwarzer making a string of stops.
However, it was hardly backs to the wall for the Cottagers as Liverpool struggled to create chances against Fulham's massed defence.
With no Fernando Torres to provide a cutting edge up front, Liverpool laboured.
The Spaniard's replacement, David Ngog, had one of only a few chances in the first half when he dragged wide.
Fulham's defence nullified the Liverpool threat effectively in the first-half though and the hosts were restricted to long range efforts with Javier Mascherano's blast well saved by Schwarzer.
Liverpool upped the pace in the second-half and Schwarzer had to be at his best to just tip over an Alberto Aquilani strike from the edge of the area.
Schwarzer was showing the kind of form that has made him one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League and he denied Ryan Babel at his near post.
But he had few other saves to make in the final stages as Fulham held firm and only a Sotirios Kyrgiakos header over the bar threatened to win it for Liverpool.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/liverpool/7578372/Liverpool-0-Fulham-0-match-report.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/liverpool/7578372/Liverpool-0-Fulham-0-match-report.html)
Liverpool 0 Fulham 0: match report
Read a full match report from the Premier League game between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield on Sunday April 11 2010.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01613/glen_johnson_1613837c.jpg)
There was no Fernando Torres at Anfield and there will be no Champions League football at the venue next season as Liverpool's faint chances of finishing fourth were all but extinguished on an afternoon of bitter frustration.
Rafael Benítez's team carved out a string of chances but David Ngog, starting in place of the injured Torres, failed to impress as the battle of England's last remaining European survivors ended in stalemate.
Benítez, who guaranteed disgruntled supporters last November that the side would finish fourth, all but conceded that the task was beyond them now after Manchester City's thrashing of Birmingham left Liverpool, who have played a game more than City, six points behind their rivals with only four games remaining.
To add to the Liverpool manager's problems, Torres could be facing a spell on the sidelines with another knee injury.
"Fernando has gone to see a specialist," said Benítez. "I don't know how long he is out for. He had the problem before."
If this was a dress rehearsal for the Europa League final then it is to be hoped that these teams conjure up more entertainment in Hamburg on May 12 than they produced on Merseyside.
Having run themselves into the ground to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League in midweek, Liverpool and Fulham cancelled one another out in a first half devoid of entertainment.
Even without Torres, Liverpool ought to have had enough firepower to have seen off a Fulham side who have now gone 16 matches without an away win in the league.
Yet the scorer of 18 goals in 22 Premier League outings was missed more than Benítez hoped as French striker Ngog struggled to fill the void. It was no coincidence that the most crucial saves that Fulham's Mark Schwarzer had to make were from Javier Mascherano and Ryan Babel.
Liverpool complained strongly that they should have been playing against 10 men for 55 minutes after Jonathan Greening's cynical challenge on Glen Johnson in front of the Kop in the 35th minute.
Greening had earlier been booked for a foul on Johnson, but referee Andre Marriner decided a stern lecture was sufficient. "Fourth place will be very difficult now," said Benítez. "It's not in our hands."
In contrast, Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was full of praise for Schwarzer. "Schwarzer has done a fantastic job for us," said Hodgson. "We've produced a great defensive performance against a very good team. Liverpool dominated the game and we were forced on the back foot. But we stood our corner very well."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/11/liverpool-fulham-premier-league (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/11/liverpool-fulham-premier-league)
Liverpool run into Fulham's Champions League roadblock
Liverpool 0-0 Fulham
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/4/11/1271002694617/aquilani-001.jpg)
The chairman of British Airways, Martin Broughton, will feel right at home should he accept the same post on offer at Liverpool. Beset by financial woes, troubled by strikers and now, after dropping two points they could not afford to lose against Fulham, the club's designs on Europe's most exotic destinations appear grounded too. Even Rafael Benítez admitted his infamous guarantee of Champions League football is almost null and void.
"We have to be realistic. It will be very difficult to get fourth now," the Liverpool manager said. "As a manager you have to believe and you have to support the team, that's why I said what I did at that time. But it is not in our hands now, we are depending on other teams, and I think maybe the [points] difference is too much."
If this was the day Liverpool confirmed they will be absent from the Champions League for the first time since 2002-03, it was a slow, excruciating way to go. Fulham came only with frustration in mind and Roy Hodgson made no apologies for parking the bus at Anfield, although as a potential dress rehearsal for the Europa League final this will send a chill through any Uefa observer.
Progress to the semi-finals on Thursday night took a toll on both clubs but it was the absence of Fernando Torres that was inevitably felt the greater. The Spanish striker finally succumbed to a knee injury that has plagued him in recent weeks and was partly behind that substitution at Birmingham City – another damaging draw – and there is no timescale for his return. Benítez said: "He has a problem with his knee and has gone to see a specialist [in Spain]. We don't know how long he will be out for. We are waiting for news."
The loss of a striker with two goals in each of his past four appearances at Anfield inevitably lessened the menace and quality of Liverpool's attack, but not the side's commitment to it, and the contest flowed exclusively in the direction of Mark Schwarzer's goal. Fulham did not create an opening until Damien Duff tested José Reina in the 91st minute as their well-drilled banks of four in midfield and defence invited Liverpool forward. It was a risky policy, particularly with Steven Gerrard appearing left, right and centre in his free role and Alberto Aquilani anxious to impress on only his ninth start for the club, but also an indication of Fulham's justifiable self-confidence.
"We didn't play as well as I would have liked today," said Hodgson, who has taken four points off Liverpool this season. "But it is another excellent clean sheet after the one in Wolfsburg. After the week we have just had it would be very unkind of any coach to complain about the performance of his players and would be sure to rebound on me one day. So I'll just say it was a good, hard-working defensive display and, if any side was going to win, it was clearly going to be Liverpool."
Benítez's team monopolised opportunity. Ryan Babel fluffed his lines from close range as early as the third minute and David Ngog, Torres's willing replacement, and Aquilani, with an overhead kick, also threatened. Schwarzer made a key save from Maxi Rodríguez, when the Argentinian ghosted unmarked into the Fulham area, and an impressive stop from Javier Mascherano's drive from 25 yards.
Irritation at the stalemate for Liverpool, however, was secondary to their incredulity when Jonathan Greening failed to collect a second yellow card for a blatant body-check on Glen Johnson. The Fulham midfielder had been harshly booked for a foul on the same player before he committed a clearer offence in front of an assistant referee. Andre Marriner opted only for a word. "I will not say too much but it was clearly a second yellow," Benítez said.
The pattern of play did not alter throughout. Aquilani and Babel forced fine reaction saves from Schwarzer in the second half, Sotirios Kyrgiakos squandered a free header and Fulham's central midfield of Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu continued to lead a stubborn resistance. Liverpool's dominance eventually petered out. Their Champions League prospects look to have followed suit.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2010/0411/1224268124363.html (http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2010/0411/1224268124363.html)
Liverpool lack cutting edge
Liverpool 0 Fulham 0: Liverpool badly missed Fernando Torres as they dropped two more points in their increasingly forlorn pursuit of fourth place. The Reds had numerous opportunities to beat Fulham but, without the cutting edge of the injured Torres, drew a blank at Anfield.
They also came up against a goalkeeper in good form in Mark Schwarzer, who produced a number of saves including a fine stop from a powerful Ryan Babel drive.
Torres scored twice in Thursday's stunning victory over Benfica but left the field early to rest a knee injury. Manager Rafael Benitez had expected the striker to be fit but he failed to even make the bench.
Dirk Kuyt and Lucas — Liverpool's other two scorers on Thursday — also had to make do with places among the substitutes along with Yossi Benayoun as Benitez made four changes.
Liverpool dominated possession throughout and Jose Reina, fresh from signing a new six-year contract, barely had a shot to save. Yet their dependence on Torres was again all too evident.
Fulham were able to boast their leading scorer and hero of their European run, Bobby Zamora, following a fitness test on an Achilles injury, but the England World Cup hopeful endured a quiet afternoon.
The Reds should have taken the lead with just three minutes on the clock after Babel won a corner. Steven Gerrard swung the ball in from the left and it was headed back towards goal by Daniel Agger after touching a Fulham defender.
It fell invitingly for Babel inside the six-yard box but the Dutchman failed to make any connection with a volley.
The tone for most of the afternoon was set with Liverpool much the livelier side but meeting continual frustration in the final third.
Another good move by Liverpool saw Gerrard pull back a Glen Johnson cross for Aquilani, who then flicked the ball up and attempted an overhead kick but Schwarzer saved comfortably.
Moments later Rodriguez took the ball down in the area to shoot but Schwarzer blocked.
Liverpool pressed on and created three good chances for Aquilani after the break but the former Roma midfielder was unable to take any of them. The first he scuffed weakly at Schwarzer before winning a corner with a shot the keeper palmed over the bar.
The ball came to him again soon after but this time he sliced wide from 25 yards.
Liverpool attempted to freshen up their attack by introducing Kuyt and Benayoun midway through the second half while Fulham withdrew the isolated figure of Zamora.
Kuyt was straight into the action and picked out Sotirios Kyrgiakos with a good cross only for the Greek to head over. Another substitute, Daniel Pacheco, also had a powerful effort blocked.
Time ran out for Liverpool and, not for the first time this season, their supporters left frustrated
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/11/1415465/fulham-play-a-0-0-draw-at (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/11/1415465/fulham-play-a-0-0-draw-at)
Share Fulham play a 0 - 0 draw at Liverpool and earn a point
Before the match began I was surprised by both team's starting lineups. For Fulham, Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies were not playing, but Bobby Zamora was starting at striker. Fulham were only resting a few players. Fernando Torres was not playing, and Dirk Kuyt was on the bench for Liverpool.
Going into the match I was hoping Fulham could get a point at Anfield. Even though Liverpool dominated the possession they could not score. Fulham actually had a great chance in stoppage time with a Damien Duff strike. It was saved by the goalkeeper. The game ended with a 0 - 0 tie.
The first half was dominated by Liverpool. They had the majority of possession and shots on Mark Schwarzer. Liverpool started their control in the 3rd minute. Off of a corner kick, there was "pinball like" action right in front of Schwarzer. Fortunately for Fulham they eventually cleared the ball.
In the 7th minute, a beautiful long pass by Gerrard goes right to N'Gog. His shot just goes wide of the net. In the 12th minute, N'Gog takes another shot just outside of the box that goes high.
The pressure was continuing from Liverpool. In the 23rd minute, Aquilani is inside the box and does a bicycle kick that is nicely saved by Schwarzer. This is followed up moments later by a shot by Maxi Rodriguez that was right on Schwarzer. He makes another great save. In the 25th minute Aquilani has a header that just goes over the net. Several minutes later, Mascherano has a beautiful strike that is again saved by Schwarzer.
The first half was totally controlled by Liverpool. However, they were not able to score. Mark Schwarzer was playing incredible in the first half. He was the difference in keeping Liverpool off the board. The half ended scoreless.
The second half began similar to the first half. Liverpool again dominated possession and scoring chances. In the 51st minute, Aquilani's shot just outside the box is saved by Schwarzer. In the 63rd minute, Ryan Babel's shot just inside the box is agains saved by Schwarzer. This was a tremendous save.
Liverpool were starting to get frustrated. Rafa Benitez made a few changes to hopefully get that goal. He brought on Kuyt, Benayoun and Pacheco. Roy Hogdson aso made changes as the half went on. Bobby Zamora who was limping was replaced by Stefano Okaka. Dikgacoi was brought on for Danny Murphy. Finally, Riise was brought on for Greening.
The best chance for Liverpool came in the 77th minute. Off of play from a corner kick, Kyrgiakos was only yards away from Mark Schwarzer. His header went over the net. This was a very big missed opportunity. Fulham would continue to frustrate Liverpool. Fulham's defense was extremely disciplined and just could not be penetrated.
Fulham had only a few chances to score. Their best chance of the match came in stoppage time. Stefano Okaka who was inside the box sent a nice pass to Damien Duff. His strike was strong, but right at the goalkeeper. The game ended 0 - 0 at Anfield.
In concluding Liverpool were without Fernando Torres and that could have been a factor in the lack of goals for Liverpool. However, Torres not playing shouldn't take away the fantastic performance of Mark Schwarzer and the team as a whole. They played a great defensive game and earned a point at Liverpool
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2010/04/11/1873976/liverpool-comment-without-fernando-torres-toothless-reds (http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2010/04/11/1873976/liverpool-comment-without-fernando-torres-toothless-reds)
Liverpool Comment: Without Fernando Torres, Toothless Reds Lack Top-Four Class
Spaniard's absence tells as Fulham dent Champions League ambitions...
Sunshine, a perfect playing surface, and scores of Kopites with wallets inflated by Tony McCoy's Grand National triumph; all that was missing from this spring-time romp at Anfield was the result. Liverpool's draw with Fulham has surely ended Rafael Benítez's hopes of securing the Champions League football he bullishly guaranteed at the turn of the year, and the Spaniard can have few complaints this time.
Anfield's first stalemate of the season was greeted with predictable derision - Liverpool's supporters were left frustrated by their side's inability to raise the tempo of the game after a bright start to the second half - and there was a sense that both sides were showing the after-effects of their midweek exertions in Europe. If this was a dress rehearsal for the Europa League final, then it is advisable to make other plans come May 12th
Shorn of the services of Fernando Torres, who was suffering with a knee injury, Liverpool were unable to find a way through a solid, but far from impenetrable Cottagers' defence. The support cast, who often flourish in the glow of the Spaniard's presence, were this time found wanting.
David Ngog has done an admirable job deputising for one of the world's best strikers this season, and boasts an impressive scoring ratio, but the Frenchman's presence was not enough today. Brede Hangeland had a few nervy moments, but bossed his young opponent with comfort.
Benitez will argue that his side dominated possession for the entire game, and he will have some justification. But the key is in turning such dominance into something of substance. Liverpool have been able to do that of late at Anfield - since losing to Arsenal in December they had won eight on the spin at home in the Premier League - but today the Reds came up short.
In fairness, visiting 'keeper Mark Schwarzer was the game's star performer. The Australian was tested by Maxi Rodriguez, Alberto Aquilani (twice), Ryan Babel and Javier Mascherano as Liverpool spent most of the afternoon probing between the half-way line and the Fulham penalty area.
But the fact that Sotirios Kyrgiakos' late header was the only clear-cut chance of the second period, and the affectionate yet desperate ovation afforded to young forward Daniel Pacheco upon his late introduction, tells its own tale. Without the prolific Torres, Liverpool had no-one to rescue a decent, yet unspectacular, performance.
Benitez's programme notes spoke of how Liverpool could ill-afford to drop further points following last week's 1-1 draw with Birmingham City: "we have no room for mistakes" was the Spaniard's message. Unfortunately, the Reds' inability to nail down any kind of consistency this season was again in evidence. And without their Spanish superstar, who unfortunately has missed too many games through injury this season, they simply cannot be trusted to win games with any comfort.
Scoreless draws peppered the Premier League this Sunday, and whilst Manchester United's failure to swat aside Blackburn Rovers earlier in the day was greeted with jeers of delight and relief, Liverpool's latest dropped points means their bid for a top-four finish can surely be written off.
The saving grace is that their rousing efforts in midweek mean they have a basket marked 'Europa League' in which to place all their eggs. The collateral damage from this stalemate, however, is that that is it is in the Europa League where they will be playing again next season.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6088265,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6088265,00.html)
Hodgson hails Fulham heroics
Cottagers chief hails defensive heroics in Anfield stalemate
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was more than happy with the way his team battled to a richly-deserved point in their 0-0 draw at Liverpool.
The Cottagers were outplayed for the entire match and barely registered a chance of their own, yet they put in a superb defensive performance to frustrate Rafa Benitez's team.
Liverpool had looked like finally breaking through in the second-half, however Fulham defied the expected fatigue from Thursday's Europa League victory over Wolfsburg to hold firm and grind out a point.
Hodgson was forced into making changes prior to the trip to Merseyside as Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies sat out with injury, and he was delighted with the way his team adapted to the challenge posed by the Reds.
He told Sky Sports: "I'm certainly delighted with a point and I am pleased with the performance, although it fell far short of what I think we're actually capable of doing.
Stood up and counted
"I think given the fact we've had the home matches against Wolfsburg, Wigan and then the away matches against Wolfsburg and now to Liverpool - those four matches in the space of eight or nine days is going to take its toll.
"Especially when you lose a couple of players of the quality of Gera and Davies and you put in players who haven't played for a long time.
"Erik Nevland and Jonathan Greening haven't actually played for several months now in the first team so to come in and have to give a performance at Anfield, it was a tough ask for them.
"But I was pretty pleased with the way we stood up and were counted. We were under a lot of pressure between long periods of the game but we managed to keep the shots coming from long distance.
"I think the team now has a good understanding tactically of what they need to do to be a good team defensively."
Fulham have a notoriously poor record on the road, winning just once away all season, but their performance at Anfield ensured they capped off a memorable week.
Proud
They returned from Germany with a 1-0 win to secure a semi-final berth in the Europa League, as did Liverpool, although it was Fulham that looked the better of the two silverware hopefuls.
Liverpool were without Fernando Torres and struggled to find a way past the stout visiting backline, who were marshalled superbly by Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes.
And Hodgson praised the way his team stood up to the onslaught given the quality he felt Benitez's side possessed in their ranks.
He added: "You're certainly tested to the limit when you play teams of Liverpool's quality because they're not only good tactically, they're very, very good individually and technically.
"Even when you've got your tactics and the shape of your team right it doesn't guarantee you winning the ball back because they've got so much skill they can deal with that and ask other questions of you.
"They asked a lot of questions of us but I've got to say I thought the team worked harder and stood up and we've got to be proud. We still realise we are who we are but also realise they're aren't many teams that come to Anfield and get results.
"We've done it, even though we've had to sweat a bit of blood to get there, and we've got to be pretty happy with that."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/11/fulham-women-relegated-southern-division (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/11/fulham-women-relegated-southern-division)
Fulham's women relegated from Southern Division
• Fall of Europe's first full-time professional women's team
• Chairman fears for future of the club
The rise and fall of Fulham, Europe's first full-time professional women's team, has been completed with relegation from the Southern Division to the South East Combination, the level from which 10 years ago they began their ascent to the top of the Premier League.
The descent set in even as they were winning the domestic treble in 2003, the Fulham owner, Mohamed Al Fayed – having bankrolled three years of professionalism – deciding to downsize the operation because the Football Association's promise of a professional league by that year had not been kept.
Seven years later, and with the FA in the process of launching a Super League that will boast full-time professionals, the Cottagers – no longer part of Fulham FC having been cast out by their parent club in 2006 – are back where they started and worse off in terms of support.
"We are now run by two parents and the managers of our first and second teams," the chairman, Paul Hayes, said. "The players have to pay £150 a year to play for us and we have to fundraise to keep the club going. That will be more difficult as a combination club and we will lose players to other clubs too, so the future doesn't look great."
"It's a real pity what has happened to Fulham," said the England winger Rachel Yankey, who became the country's first professional female player when she left Arsenal to join the Cottagers. "I still have a soft spot for the club. I was going mental for them [the men's team] when they played Juventus [in the Europa League]."
Now back at Arsenal, Yankey today scored the goal that gave the Gunners a 1-0 win at Everton to move to within a point of the leaders Leeds, who lost 1-0 to third-placed Chelsea. Blackburn beat Millwall 2-0 to move out of the relegation zone.
http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=948 (http://www.fulhamusa.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=948)
Fulham Grab a Point from Liverpool - That makes it Four in Total.
Following Thursday night's historic victory over Wolfsburg in Germany, Roy Hodgson made two changes for Sunday's Barclays Premier League encounter against Liverpool at Anfield.
Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies were unavailable for selection due to injury so Hodgson opted for Erik Nevland and Jonathan Greening respectively. The big news for Liverpool was the absence of the injured Fernando Torres from Rafa Benitez' starting line-up.
A moving minute's silence was held prior to kick-off in memory of the 96 lives lost at Hillsborough on the 15th April 1989.
Liverpool got Sunday's game underway and almost took the lead after just three minutes of play. A Steven Gerrard corner fell to Ngog six yards from goal but Bobby Zamora was alert to the danger and cleared the ball to safety before the striker could capitalise.
Ngog had the best of Liverpool's opportunities early on but Fulham reduced the home side to speculative attempts from distance, which posed no real danger.
By the 15 minute mark Liverpool had enjoyed a sustained period of pressure, winning several corners and free kicks down the flanks. Greening was booked after 18 minutes as Fulham battled hard to readdress the balance.
After 22 minutes Mark Schwarzer made two crucial saves in the space of a minute to deny Liverpool the opening goal of the game. First the Australian international saved Aquilani's impressive overhead kick from close range before denying Rodriguez' low drive from inside the area.
Jamie Carragher was booked for a blatant handball after Bobby Zamora beat the defender with an exquisite turn inside Liverpool's half. Whilst Zamora had no opportunities on goal during the first half, his hold-up play once again impressed the watching masses.
Dickson Etuhu enjoyed a fine game in central midfield on Sunday. Following his exceptional performance in Germany on Thursday night the Nigerian international performed his duties superbly at Anfield. His tough tackling and high energy levels were crucial to keeping the Red tide at bay during the first half.
Just after the half hour Mark Schwarzer produced a stunning save to deny Mascherano's equally impressive thirty-yard volley from finding the corner of the net.
Jonathan Greening received his last warning from Referee Marriner after 35 minutes following a body check on Johnson. The remaining ten minutes of the first half was played out in relative comfort for Fulham. In fact, before the break Hodgson's side turned the tables on the home side an applied some late pressure.
Fulham would have certainly gone into the break by far the happier team after a good, professional first half performance.
Both sides retained the same line-ups for the second half inside a subdued Anfield.
Fulham had Mark Schwarzer to thank for keeping the score level five minutes into the second half after the keeper pulled off another world class save to deny Aquilani's stinging volley from twenty yards.
Liverpool looked to make headway down the flanks during the second half but as the hour mark approached Fulham soaked up the Red pressure with relative ease, although Babel's drive from twenty yards was most certainly heading inside the near post before Schwarzer intervened.
Babel's openings and opportunities were few and far between largely due to Chris Baird's faultless performance at right back. It was another composed and assured performance form the Northern Ireland international on Sunday.
There were three substitutions in quick succession with twenty minutes remaining. Rafa Benitez made the first change, introducing Kuyt for Aquilani. Roy Hodgson followed suit shortly afterwards, bringing on Okaka for Zamora before Benayoun replaced Babel for the home side.
Danny Murphy picked up a booking following a heavy challenge on Gerrard and just a few minutes later Murphy was replaced by Dikgacoi. Fulham's captain received an outstanding ovasion from all corners of the ground as he left the pitch.
After 76 minutes Kyrgiakos wasted arguably the best chance of the game. A short corner by Liverpool was delivered to the far post and the defender, unmarked at the far post, sent his headed effort blazing over the bar.
With 12 minutes remaining Benitez replaced Ngog with Pacheco in attack. Roy Hodgson made the final change of the game, replacing Greening with Bjorn Helge Riise as the game entered the final ten minutes.
During the final stages of the game it was Hodgson's side that looked the more likely to grab a late winner at Anfield on Sunday. In fact, Duff's stinging drive two minutes from time almost beat Reina but the keeper just managed to parry the ball away to safety.
After three minutes of added time Referee Marriner called time on Sunday's game and Fulham headed back to SW6 with a well-earned Barclays Premier League point.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/RoyliverpoolReaction.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/RoyliverpoolReaction.aspx)
A Sterling Defensive Performance
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/hodgson/royatliverpool.jpg)
Roy Hodgson praised his Fulham Team on Sunday evening after the Whites collected a point against Liverpool at Anfield.
"It was a sterling defensive performance against a very good team," said Hodgson during his post-match press conference.
"There is no doubt that Liverpool dominated the game and we were forced onto the back foot but I thought we stood our corner very well and worked very hard to stop them getting clear cut chances.
"It's another excellent clean sheet after coming back from Wolfsburg with a clean sheet. I've got to be very satisfied with what the Team has done here today because Liverpool are a very hard team to take points from, home or away.
"We lacked a bit of quality today but it's partly due to the fact we've had a tough week. It was a very good and hard working performance.
"We missed the two injured players, Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies. They are key components of our game and I think we missed them today.
"I had no choice with them and I was a bit concerned with Zamora and that's why I took him off midway through the second half because he's got a slight calf and Achilles problem."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/RoyliverpoolReaction.aspx#ixzz0krrnJLrU (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/RoyliverpoolReaction.aspx#ixzz0krrnJLrU)
http://fulham.theoffside.com/match-report/fulham-survive-red-offensive-draw-0-0.html (http://fulham.theoffside.com/match-report/fulham-survive-red-offensive-draw-0-0.html)
Fulham survive Red Offensive, draw 0-0
How in the world did we survive today unscathed? I mean, just look at that and think how Fulham were outshot 7 to 1 (on goal) and out-cornered 10 to 1.
(http://fulham.theoffside.com/files/2010/04/Picture-5.png)
Much, much credit to Roy and the lads for their defensive preparation. They basically formed a defensive arch whose apex was at the half-line and was so tight that Liverpool rarely passed through successfully. As a result another clean sheet was kept at Anfield (two years in a row — is that a record?), netting four points on the season, and conceding just one goal to the Reds is something any Fulham fan can hang their hat on.
Conversely, was today our worst passing performance? Sure, we were quite short handed and in a prevent defense mode, but I didn't expect such a paucity of a shape in the middle of the field. Ah well, we did what we needed.
I really hope this match provides a bit of confidence for our next two league road opponents, Everton and Arsenal. We haven't won at either in over 50 years (if not 100?), and although I'm not betting on breaking such a streak if we draw both it will be quite the accomplishment. If we can manage that, and win our remaining home games, then we could leap Brum into 9th. Which is all we really have to play for now.
Oh, and Europe.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/Premiership/LiverpoolAway.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/Premiership/LiverpoolAway.aspx)
Liverpool 0 - 0 Fulham
Following Thursday night's historic victory over Wolfsburg in Germany, Roy Hodgson made two changes for Sunday's Barclays Premier League encounter against Liverpool at Anfield.
Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies were unavailable for selection due to injury so Hodgson opted for Erik Nevland and Jonathan Greening respectively. The big news for Liverpool was the absence of the injured Fernando Torres from Rafa Benitez' starting line-up.
A moving minute's silence was held prior to kick-off in memory of the 96 lives lost at Hillsborough on the 15th April 1989.
Liverpool got Sunday's game underway and almost took the lead after just three minutes of play. A Steven Gerrard corner fell to Ngog six yards from goal but Bobby Zamora was alert to the danger and cleared the ball to safety before the striker could capitalise.
Ngog had the best of Liverpool's opportunities early on but Fulham reduced the home side to speculative attempts from distance, which posed no real danger.
By the 15 minute mark Liverpool had enjoyed a sustained period of pressure, winning several corners and free kicks down the flanks. Greening was booked after 18 minutes as Fulham battled hard to readdress the balance.
After 22 minutes Mark Schwarzer made two crucial saves in the space of a minute to deny Liverpool the opening goal of the game. First the Australian international saved Aquilani's impressive overhead kick from close range before denying Rodriguez' low drive from inside the area.
Jamie Carragher was booked for a blatant handball after Bobby Zamora beat the defender with an exquisite turn inside Liverpool's half. Whilst Zamora had no opportunities on goal during the first half, his hold-up play once again impressed the watching masses.
Dickson Etuhu enjoyed a fine game in central midfield on Sunday. Following his exceptional performance in Germany on Thursday night the Nigerian international performed his duties superbly at Anfield. His tough tackling and high energy levels were crucial to keeping the Red tide at bay during the first half.
Just after the half hour Mark Schwarzer produced a stunning save to deny Mascherano's equally impressive thirty-yard volley from finding the corner of the net.
Jonathan Greening received his last warning from Referee Marriner after 35 minutes following a body check on Johnson. The remaining ten minutes of the first half was played out in relative comfort for Fulham. In fact, before the break Hodgson's side turned the tables on the home side an applied some late pressure.
Fulham would have certainly gone into the break by far the happier team after a good, professional first half performance.
Both sides retained the same line-ups for the second half inside a subdued Anfield.
Fulham had Mark Schwarzer to thank for keeping the score level five minutes into the second half after the keeper pulled off another world class save to deny Aquilani's stinging volley from twenty yards.
Liverpool looked to make headway down the flanks during the second half but as the hour mark approached Fulham soaked up the Red pressure with relative ease, although Babel's drive from twenty yards was most certainly heading inside the near post before Schwarzer intervened.
Babel's openings and opportunities were few and far between largely due to Chris Baird's faultless performance at right back. It was another composed and assured performance form the Northern Ireland international on Sunday.
There were three substitutions in quick succession with twenty minutes remaining. Rafa Benitez made the first change, introducing Kuyt for Aquilani. Roy Hodgson followed suit shortly afterwards, bringing on Okaka for Zamora before Benayoun replaced Babel for the home side.
Danny Murphy picked up a booking following a heavy challenge on Gerrard and just a few minutes later Murphy was replaced by Dikgacoi. Fulham's captain received an outstanding ovasion from all corners of the ground as he left the pitch.
After 76 minutes Kyrgiakos wasted arguably the best chance of the game. A short corner by Liverpool was delivered to the far post and the defender, unmarked at the far post, sent his headed effort blazing over the bar.
With 12 minutes remaining Benitez replaced Ngog with Pacheco in attack. Roy Hodgson made the final change of the game, replacing Greening with Bjorn Helge Riise as the game entered the final ten minutes.
During the final stages of the game it was Hodgson's side that looked the more likely to grab a late winner at Anfield on Sunday. In fact, Duff's stinging drive two minutes from time almost beat Reina but the keeper just managed to parry the ball away to safety.
After three minutes of added time Referee Marriner called time on Sunday's game and Fulham headed back to SW6 with a well-earned Barclays Premier League point.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/Premiership/LiverpoolAway.aspx#ixzz0krsjHHrG (http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/Premiership/LiverpoolAway.aspx#ixzz0krsjHHrG)
http://www.tribalfootball.com/hodgson-delighted-resilient-fulham-762821 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/hodgson-delighted-resilient-fulham-762821)
Hodgson delighted with resilient Fulham
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson was once again proud of his side after they managed to hold in-form Liverpool to a scoreless draw at Anfield.
The Reds were coming off a brilliant performance in the Europa League midweek where they downed Portuguese club Benfica 4-1 but the Cottagers were able to snuff out any chances and record a draw that kept them in 12th position on the league table, prompting praise from Hodgson.
"There is no doubt Liverpool dominated the game and we were forced on to the back foot but at the same time we stood our corner very well and fought very hard," he said.
"We stopped them getting clear-cut chances and it was really when we just lost (Daniel) Agger for a corner at the end that I was concerned the ball was going to go in the back of the net."
Hodgson also lauded the defensive performance of his side, in particular Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer who was able to keep another clean sheet.
"On the occasions when they got good strikes in Mark Schwarzer was equal to it. It is another excellent clean sheet," he added.
"I have got to be very satisfied with what the team has done because Liverpool are a very difficult team to take points off home or away."
http://hammyend.com/?p=6925 (http://hammyend.com/?p=6925)
'Baird heads it out'
by Dan on April 12, 2010
Two clean sheets in a row – at Wolfsburg (who hadn't failed to score in 27 matches before Thursday) and at Liverpool, desperate for the points to revive their Champions' League hopes. Not a bad week's work.
Particularly impressive again was a man for whom we'll soon run out of superlatives. Hard-working utility players aren't often footballing idols and I haven't seen a single pundit praise the performances of Chris Baird this season. That's a shame. You'd forgive the boy for a bit of trepidation when asked to fill in at right back in the continuing absence of John Pantsil given how grim the start to his Fulham career was in that position. Baird was something of a hot property in the summer of 2007, with several Premier League clubs chasing his signature. He turned down Sunderland and chose to team up with his former national manager, Lawrie Sanchez, but his confidence understandably wilted after being asked to shackle some speedy wingers and coming up some way short.
That wasn't his fault. Not blessed with an extraordinary amount of pace and without quick centre backs to bail Baird out, Sanchez's insistence on pushing high up the pitch seemed destined to failure. There were some solid displays in there. Baird was excellent in the goalless draw at Stamford Bridge that followed Jose Mourinho's shock departure but, with Roy Hodgson bringing in new full-backs, the man who's most famous contribution to the Great Escape was clouting Jimmy Bullard on the nose had to prove himself all over again.
There were more than a few worries when Brede Hangeland's name wasn't on the teamsheet at Tottenham on Boxing Day last season but Baird, despite a few groans from Fulham fans who clearly couldn't have seen some of hapless predecessors at centre back during the truly dark days, delivered a flawless display at the heart of the Fulham defence.
This season he answered the call when Hodgson seemed to have run out of central midfielders. Such was his impact alongside Jonathan Greening that one would be justified in counting him a little unfortunate to lose his place once Dickson Etuhu returned from the African Cup of Nations. Given more of an opportunity to influence the play from the middle of the park, Baird displayed his intelligence with plenty of crucial interceptions and more than one excellent forward pass (think of the one that released Zamora to score at Burnley for example).
Baird's worth to the side is immense. Hodgson might have helped him on the training ground and boosted his confidence but he's clearly revelling in his football right now. He'll cover plenty of ground, understands his role, can frequently be found urging his team-mates on and he won't ever shirk a battle. Such was evident in that confident performance in Wolfsburg, where he was the subject of my favourite bit of commentary from Clive Tyldesley (not that's there too much competition). Anticipating a break from the former Newcastle forward Obafemi Martins, Tyldesley gasped excitedly: 'Martin's is in space'. In came Baird from out of the picture to take the ball away and Tyldesley piped up sheepishly: 'But he hasn't got the ball ...'
At Anfield yesterday, a jaded Fulham knew they were going to under the cosh from the first whistle, such was Liverpool's thirst for the three points. Baird had a difficult job suppressing the mercurial Ryan Babel, dangerous precisely because he can cut in from the left onto his right foot. Not only did Baird nullify that threat, he was also outstanding in the air – appearing at the back post countless times to head the ball clear.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvWolves.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvWolves.aspx)
Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Barclays Premier League
Saturday 17 April
Kick-Off 15:00
Our next Barclays Premier League home match sees in-form Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Craven Cottage on Saturday 17th April (Kick-Off 3pm).
With just three home matches remaining in the 2009/10 Barclays Premier League season, Fulham fans have been busy snapping up their tickets for the match and a number of areas have already sold out.
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Images/Stadia/WolvesMap.JPG)
On-sale dates
Season Ticket Holders On Sale
Fulham Club Members On Sale
General Sale On Sale
How to Buy Tickets
buy tickets online - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online*
by phone on 0870 442 1234 (option 1) - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day
in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
by fax 0207 384 4810 (download printable form )
by postal application to FFC Ticket Office, Stevenage Road, Fulham, SW6 6HH enclosing a stamped addressed envelope (download printable form )
Seatwave - the official fan-to-fan ticket exchange
Thomas Cook - match breaks for all Fulham FC home games
* Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvWolves.aspx#ixzz0krtxRAb1 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/FulhamvWolves.aspx#ixzz0krtxRAb1)
BBC Sport - Football - Liverpool 0-0 Fulham (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8607992.stm#id8610000/8614400/8614498)
Liverpool 0 - 0 Fulham
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47627000/jpg/_47627971_009098334-1.jpg)
Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League took another huge blow as they failed to break down resolute Fulham despite dominating possession.
Alberto Aquilani fashioned Liverpool's best chances but found Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer in inspired form.
The Australian thwarted Aquilani's early overhead kick and palmed away the Italian's curling 20-yard effort.
And Schwarzer was again equal to Ryan Babel's fierce strike as Fulham defended deep and frustrated Liverpool.
This game could have been a dress rehearsal for the Europa League final in Hamburg - if Liverpool and Fulham are able to overcome their respective semi-final opponents.
But if that is the case, the neutral will hope for a far less one-sided affair - as Liverpool attacked relentlessly but lacked the necessary guile to open the scoring.
Rafael Benitez's Liverpool side will take on Atletico Madrid after overcoming Benfica 4-1 at Anfield to win 5-3 on aggregate, while Fulham won 1-0 at German champions Wolfsburg for a 3-1 aggregate victory and will face Hamburg in their last-four encounter.
But, there were no signs that Liverpool were feeling the effects of their exertions in the week as they started brightly with chances falling to David Ngog, Maxi Rodriguez and Aquilani.
The home side had received an attacking blow prior to kick-off when talismanic 22-goal striker Fernando Torres was ruled out with a knee injury.
And Liverpool missed the Spanish international's cutting edge as they dominated, Ngog lashing a half-chance high and wide after being put through by Javier Mascherano early on.
Liverpool found joy down the flanks and an inventive piece of play by Aquilani almost brought the opening goal.
Glen Johnson's cross was headed back across goal by Steven Gerrard and Aquilani, with his back to goal, teed himself up an overhead kick but the shot flew straight into the hands of Schwarzer.
Seconds later Maxi was set loose in the box but he fired into the feet of the impressive Fulham stopper.
Schwarzer was again tested by Mascherano, who found space 25 yards out and looped a vicious half-volley towards goal which the keeper just managed to palm away to his right, as Liverpool threatened to run riot.
Hodgson delighted with Fulham persistence
Despite their stunning form in Europe, Fulham have not won on the road in the Premier League since the opening day of the season and their lack of attacking intent at Anfield gave an inkling as to why.
A double chance for Aquilani at the start of the second half suggested the second period would again be dominated by the home side.
First the Italy international's curled effort from 20 yards was touched over the bar by Schwarzer, before Aquilani drove a left-footed effort wide.
Fulham continued to defend deep and invite Liverpool on to them and Babel took the opportunity to test Schwarzer again with a fierce low drive which was pushed around the near post.
It began to feel like it would not be Liverpool's day when Greece defencer Sotirios Kyrgiakos headed over the bar when he really should have done better from five yards out after being set up by Dirk Kuyt.
And as the seconds ticked by Liverpool could not find the urgency or ingenuity to carve open the robust Fulham defence leaving the Anfield crowd frustrated and having to contemplate next season without Champions League football.
The result may also mean that if these two sides do meet again this season it would represent Liverpool's best chance of taking something out of a disappointing campaign.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:
"I am a little bit disappointed, normally when you control the game and have chances you can score. We know the fourth position is a little bit far away.
"They were deep, they were well organised and we had to score. We had one or two chances, their keeper was good, but it's not easy to find space when they have players behind the ball.
"We needed to be patient and it was not easy to find the final pass in the final third.
"I am disappointed because I feel that we had plenty of possession."
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson:
"There is no doubt Liverpool dominated the game and we were forced on to the back foot but at the same time we stood our corner very well and fought very hard.
"We stopped them getting clear-cut chances and it was really when we just lost Daniel Agger for a corner at the end that I was concerned the ball was going to go in the back of the net.
"On the occasions when they got good strikes in Mark Schwarzer was equal to it. It is another excellent clean sheet.
"I have got to be very satisfied with what the team has done because Liverpool are a very difficult team to take points off home or away."
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/8093310.Hodgson__No_time_for_Fulham_to_relax/ (http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/8093310.Hodgson__No_time_for_Fulham_to_relax/)
Hodgson: No time for Fulham to relax
Roy Hodgson has warned his Fulham side that he will not accept any drop in workrate as the Cottagers' thrilling season continues apace.
The Londoners maintained their excellent recent form with a creditable 0-0 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, strengthening their mid-table position.
And with a Europa League semi-final with Hamburg on the horizon, Hodgson has urged his troops to keep going.
He said: "We cannot, and we must not, sit back and think what a great season we have had.
"We have to keep fighting and we have to keep our performance levels high right until the end of the season.
"We must not relax or start reflecting on what we have achieved.
"The time for that will be when we are on a beach somewhere in June.
"For us it must be a case of performing in each game, and start planning for the next one the second it is over."
Hodgson's men were on the back foot for virtually the entirety of the Anfield clash, mustering one shot on target.
But the Fulham boss was more than happy with his side's efforts.
Hodgson added: "I was concerned after the exertions in Germany but the players responded extremely well.
"You always have to be pleased if you go to Anfield and get a point.
"Yes we had to defend for the majority of the game but we were very well organised and they did not have that many clear chances.
"The squad just keeps digging deep and I honestly do not know where they get it from.
"They deserve all the credit in the world. "
Both Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy limped off during the game, but the duo are expected to be fine for Saturday's clash with Wolves.
Fulham's next three matches: Apr 17 Wolves (h), 22 Hamburg (EL, a), 25 Everton (a)
http://www.sundaymercury.net/midlands-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-fc-news/2010/04/12/the-andy-walker-column-fulham-s-europa-league-success-leaves-aston-villa-fans-wondering-what-might-have-been-66331-26215892/ (http://www.sundaymercury.net/midlands-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-fc-news/2010/04/12/the-andy-walker-column-fulham-s-europa-league-success-leaves-aston-villa-fans-wondering-what-might-have-been-66331-26215892/)
The Andy Walker Column: Fulham's Europa League success leaves Aston Villa fans wondering what might have been
FULHAM'S remarkable run to the semi-finals of the Europa League must leave Aston Villa fans wondering what might have been.
While those English clubs used to regularly pitting themselves against the best that the continent has to offer have faltered, the Cottagers have been a real success story in Europe this season.
And, while it maybe going over old news, I can't help but feel that Villa could have been that very same success story last season.
Martin O'Neill would completely disagree, but if Villa had taken the latter stages of what was then the UEFA Cup as seriously as Fulham, then they could have easily been the current reigning champions.
It's been well-documented that the fallout from the Moscow debacle overshadowed last season. O'Neill opted to field a weakened side, devoid of eight first-teamers, against CSKA Moscow and Villa duly crashed out at the last-32 stage.
It was a gamble as O'Neill went in search of a place in the top four of the Premier League and ultimately the Champions League, but one that failed.
It will never be known whether to this day O'Neill regrets putting all his eggs in the basket that looked bound for the top four.
But Villa fans know that they may have to wait a long time for a better chance to put the club back on top of a European competition.
For now, they can only look at Fulham with envy.
http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/hodgson-happy-with-cottagers (http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/hodgson-happy-with-cottagers)
Hodgson happy with Cottagers
Roy Hodgson praised the attitude of his Fulham side after they battled to secure a goalless draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Cottagers were under pressure for much of the game on Sunday afternoon, but held their fellow Europa League semi-finalists at bay.
Hodgson told the club's official website:"It was a sterling defensive performance against a very good team.
"There is no doubt that Liverpool dominated the game and we were forced on to the back foot, but I thought we stood our corner very well and worked very hard to stop them getting clear-cut chances.
"It's another excellent clean sheet after coming back from Wolfsburg with a clean sheet.
"I've got to be very satisfied with what the team has done here because Liverpool are a very hard team to take points from, home or away.
"We lacked a bit of quality today, but it's partly due to the fact we've had a tough week. It was a very good and hard-working performance."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/ReservesFaceVilla.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/ReservesFaceVilla.aspx)
Reserves Face Villa
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/mckinlay/general1.jpg)
Billy McKinlay's Development Squad are back in action this afternoon as they take on league leaders Aston Villa in a behind closed doors league fixture at Villa's Bodymoor Heath Training Ground (kick-off 3pm).
It looks set to be an intriguing encounter between two of the Barclays Premier Reserve League's strongest sides, Villa have yet to lose this season whilst the Whites are on an undefeated run that stretches back to the end of September 2009.
Last week Fulham played out a one-all draw at home to Wolves, a game which saw the return to action of right-back John Pantsil.
Monday's game kicks off a busy week of fixtures for the Whites, who are back in action on Thursday evening at Motspur Park when they face Portsmouth before taking on Stoke City away next Monday.
Supporters are once again reminded that this afternoon's game will be played behind closed doors - there will be no admittance to the general public.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/ReservesFaceVilla.aspx#ixzz0ksmIXxKO (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/ReservesFaceVilla.aspx#ixzz0ksmIXxKO)
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23823526-mark-schwarzer-is-itching-to-be-no1-at-40.do (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23823526-mark-schwarzer-is-itching-to-be-no1-at-40.do)
Mark Schwarzer is itching to be No1 at 40
(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/50SCHWARTZ_415x557.jpg)
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is ready to accept Roy Hodgson's challenge of playing top-class football into his forties.
Schwarzer will be 38 in October but at Liverpool yesterday he performed with all the agility of someone 10 years younger. Combine that attribute with the kind of precise positioning and faultless anticipation that is only gained through experience and you have the ingredients to make up one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
Liverpool certainly had cause to rue the Australia international, whose succession of world-class saves forced Reds boss Rafa Benitez to concede that fourth place, and entry into next season's Champions League, is now beyond his team.
There was a point-blank save from Maxi Rodriguez, a diving parry to deny Javier Mascherano, another parry from a fierce shot by Alberto Aquilani, and a low stop from Ryan Babel who turned Jonathan Greening to find space to shoot hard for the bottom corner.
Hodgson was delighted with his side's resolute display — coming just three days after a sensational Europa League win over Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg — even though Fulham's only shot came 55 seconds into added time when Damien Duff tested Pepe Reina.
But the manager reserved special praise for Schwarzer, who he snapped up on a free transfer from Middlesbrough in 2008. He said: "Mark did a fantastic job. If you don't have a goalkeeper who commands his area and who can take shots that he should take, then you lose the game."
Hodgson believes time is still on Schwarzer's side. "Some of the best goalkeepers in the past have gone on to over 40," he said.
Schwarzer, who spent 11 years at Boro, said: "I'm enjoying myself more than ever, and I'm probably close to being as fit as I've ever been in my whole career.
"I want to keep going as long as I can. As long as I'm enjoying it, and able to play at this level, why not?"
Bobby Zamora's goals have made most of the headlines for Fulham this season but Schwarzer's consistency is a prime reason why the club could face Liverpool in next month's Europa League Final, just so long as they overcome Hamburg in a two-leg semi-final. Schwarzer said: "It's in our own hands. It would be a tremendous achievement for the players and club. We're all fighting for the same cause, we all want to be successful.
"We've got to stay focused and keep determined, and then the sky's the limit for us."
Indeed, if Fulham continue to defend as well as they did in Wolfsburg and at Liverpool, their season really could have a Cinderella finale.
Hodgson, who resisted the temptation to rest his leading lights, said: "After coming back from Wolfsburg with a clean sheet, and then coming to Anfield and getting another clean sheet, I've got to be very satisfied."
Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies were both missing through injury, but they could be back for the home game against Wolves on Saturday.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/36752/Hoddle_Send_Zamora_to_the_World_Cup.aspx (http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/36752/Hoddle_Send_Zamora_to_the_World_Cup.aspx)
Hoddle: Send Zamora to the World Cup
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle firmly believes that Bobby Zamora should be called up by Fabio Capello for the World Cup as the Fulham striker enjoys a sensational run of form at Craven Cottage.
Zamora, who started his career at Bristol Rovers before taking in stints with Brighton, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, has netted 19 goals in all competitions this term for Fulham and lead the line for Roy Hodgson's side as they embark on an epic European encounter which has seen them progress to the semi-final of the Europa League.
Linked with a move away from Fulham last summer, the 29-year-old, who has yet to be capped at full international level, has been nothing short of unstoppable in recent months and is now being tipped for a sensational late call-up by the Three Lions.
Speaking to sport.co.uk in an exclusive interview, Hoddle recalled working with the striker at Spurs and made clear that he represents a great option to challenge the likes of Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey and Darren Bent for a place in South Africa:
"I think Zamora's got a hell of a chance. I took Bobby out of the Football League to Tottenham so I saw his potential.
"Unfortunately, I left after four or five games of the season, so I never got a chance to really develop him and work him but I saw the movement he had, all the things he's doing now, I'm absolutely delighted for the lad.
"He's a smashing lad and he's proving he can do it against the likes of Juventus and Wolfsburg and in the Premiership against top defenders and I think that's what he's going to come up against at the World Cup. Looking in from the outside, its Fabio's decision and I know he's looking at him.
"The reason I think Bobby should go is that not only can he score and he can create goals but I think he can play with Rooney, Crouch and Defoe so if anyone got injured, the balance of his game balances very nicely with all three of those players.
"That's why I think he'll get ahead of some of the other guys."
http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/murphy_urges_fulham_to_keep_zamora_514896/index.shtml (http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/murphy_urges_fulham_to_keep_zamora_514896/index.shtml)
Murphy Urges Fulham To Keep Zamora
Danny Murphy has urged the Fulham hierarchy to do everything in their power to ensure that Bobby Zamora is not tempted to leave Craven Cottage this summer.
Zamora's well taken strike in the first minute of Thursday night's clash with Wolfsburg was enough to see off the German champions and book the Cottagers' place in the semi-finals of the Europa League. Murphy admits that Zamora, whose contract runs out at the end of next season, could be a target for other Barclays Premier League sides this summer.
He believes Fulham must do their best to keep the striker at the club if they are to continue their remarkable progress that has seen them go from relegation candidates to European semi-finalists within a two-year period.
"He has been our best player by far this season. He's causing big problems for so called top-class defenders week in week out," said the Fulham captain of Zamora.
"The only worry for us now is whether we will be able to keep hold of him but let's hope that we can. I'd be surprised if there aren't clubs coming in for him this summer.
"There are financial restrictions at every club. Fulham can't compete with a club like Man City, obviously, so you have to be realistic but Bobby is an important part of the team and I think it is important that we keep all our best players at the club."
Zamora looked set to leave Craven Cottage last summer after the club accepted a bid from Hull for the striker following a dreadful first season in which he scored only four times in 41 appearances.
Murphy admits Fulham would not be able to stand in Zamora's way if a bigger club came in for the Londoner this summer though.
"We want him to stay but of course the flip side of that is if a so-called bigger or more successful club than Fulham come in for him then you can't stand in his way," said Murphy, who will face his old side Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
"But I think that Bobby wants to stay, he's happy. He showed great desire to stay at the club by rejecting the move to Hull and things have gone from strength to strength for him now."
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/we-cant-sit-back-just-yet-hodgson-1050525.html (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/we-cant-sit-back-just-yet-hodgson-1050525.html)
We can't sit back just yet - Hodgson
Roy Hodgson has warned his Fulham players they can't start thinking about how well they have played this season with big games to come.
The Cottagers followed up their progression into the last-four of the Europa League at the expense of German champions Wolfsburg with a creditable 0-0 draw at Liverpool on Sunday. And, while Hodgson has been delighted with the workrate from his players, he insists that they must keep things going ahead of a two-legged European showdown with Hamburg and more important Premier League games.
He said: "We cannot, and we must not, sit back and think what a great season we have had.
"We have to keep fighting and we have to keep our performance levels high right until the end of the season.
"We must not relax or start reflecting on what we have achieved.
"The time for that will be when we are on a beach somewhere in June.
"For us it must be a case of performing in each game, and start planning for the next one the second it is over."
On the hard-fought draw against Liverpool on Sunday, Hodgson added: "I was concerned after the exertions in Germany but the players responded extremely well.
"You always have to be pleased if you go to Anfield and get a point.
"Yes we had to defend for the majority of the game but we were very well organised and they did not have that many clear chances.
"The squad just keeps digging deep and I honestly do not know where they get it from.
"They deserve all the credit in the world."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/FixtureChangeUpdate.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/FixtureChangeUpdate.aspx)
Fixture Change Update
A number of fixture changes have been confirmed today. Fulham's away match against Everton and the two home games against West Ham United and Stoke City have now been confirmed:
Everton v Fulham
Sunday 25th April 2010, 3pm
Goodison Park
Fulham v West Ham United
Sunday 2nd May 2010, 3pm
Craven Cottage
Fulham v Stoke City
Wednesday 5th May 2010, 8pm
Craven Cottage
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/FixtureChangeUpdate.aspx#ixzz0ktfqHVFA (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/FixtureChangeUpdate.aspx#ixzz0ktfqHVFA)
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6089781/Schwarzer-s-made-his-Mark-Roy (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6089781/Schwarzer-s-made-his-Mark-Roy)
Schwarzer's made his Mark - Roy
(http://images.teamtalk.com/10/04/402x210/schwarzerliverpool_2441451.jpg)
Roy Hodgson is pleased that plaudits continue to come the way of Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who kept a clean sheet at Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool still have their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid to look forward to and they may yet get to play the Cottagers again.
The London side are also through to the last four of the competition after a remarkable run and face Hamburg next week.
Fulham were the side to obviously feel the strain the most on Sunday as they created little until a late Damien Duff effort.
Although Liverpool were not in top gear, the Cottagers still owed much to their goalkeeper Schwarzer for their point.
The Australian produced fine saves from Ryan Babel, Alberto Aquilani, Maxi Rodriguez and Javier Mascherano to maintain his clean sheet.
It was another fine performance from the 37-year-old in an excellent season and manager Hodgson is pleased his efforts are now catching the eye.
Hodgson said: "I think he was underrated at Middlesbrough but since he has come to Fulham, I would say he has got quite a lot of recognition for his performances, not least the player of the month for February.
"When that happens you can't complain you're underrated. He's been recognised this year.
"You don't have to wrack your brains to find goalkeepers who have been top class in the top league in England well into their 30s.
"Schwarzer did a fantastic job for us, and you notice it in a game when your opponents have got the ball much more than you.
"If you don't have a goalkeeper who commands his area and takes the shots he should take, then you lose the game."
