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Fulham blog: Are the Whites better off without Dimitar Berbatov?

By kbfulham

Dimitar Berbatov is expected to return against Crystal Palace this evening, having used the international break to get over the knock he picked up against Stoke, but our fan blogger examines whether Martin Jol has the ability to get the most out of his superlative talents...

Fulham escaped their last match against Stoke City with all three points, but the "keep calm and pass me the ball" ethos, unveiled on Dimitar Berbatov's undershirt earlier this season, has consigned the Cottagers to a bottom-of-the-table scrap.

Before you get your hackles up and start railing at the suggestion that Berbatov is anything but an insouciant genius, let me be clear - I like the languid Bulgarian and marvel at least once a match at his unhurried control and sheer class on the ball.

There isn't another player in this Fulham side capable of producing the kinds of honied moments with which Berbatov has defined his career.

That's part of the problem, and we'll get to that, but for now, rest assured this isn't a Berbatov hatchet piece.

Rather, it's an assessment of the manner in which Fulham has played with the Bulgarian as its lynchpin and main conduit of creativity - an indictment of the "keep calm and pass me the ball" ethos that has seen the club wane under Martin Jol and resulted in what looks for all the world like a season-long exercise in hovering just above the bottom three in the Premier League.

Fulham did manage all three points against Mark Hughes' new-look Stoke City a fortnight ago, but even the most optimistic Fulham supporter must surely know that Hughes wasn't far off in his assessment that the Cottagers were lucky to escape the match with a win.

Consider the statistics: Stoke had 16 goal attempts to Fulham's nine, they out-passed the Cottagers 402 to 309, bossed 55.8 per cent of the possession, completed 11 crosses to Fulham's five, and didn't allow a single shot on goal until Sacha Riether's effort in the 66th minute.

The lone Darren Bent goal came in the 83rd minute from a fortuitous deflection that fell to the striker's feet - a poacher's goal if ever there was one - and let's not forget that Bent likely wouldn't have even been on the field if it wasn't for a Berbatov injury that forced Jol's hand.

The margins between their last match and the last minute collapses against Newcastle, Cardiff and West Brom are razor thin. In spite of the win, Fulham is a club still firmly in an attacking malaise that dates well back to last campaign. Central to this attacking impotence stands the louche figure of Berbatov.

It's not that the striker is an inherently destructive presence on the pitch or that his skills an style of play are anathema to a modest club like Fulham, but that the manner in which he has thus far been deployed is simply not working.

Since he joined the club at the beginning of last season, Berbatov has done most of his work in what is essentially an attacking midfield role. He drops deep, often even behind Fulham's holding midfield players, to collect the ball and distribute in the unhurried manner that has become his hallmark.

Consider his statistics from this season's matches: In every match he's completed the majority of his passes in the middle third of the pitch. In the six league matches he's played, his most popular target has been a holding midfield player. In those six matches, he's created only five chances, has no assists, and no goals. He has registered two shots on goal all season.

The acquisition of Bent, a signing I lobbied for in January of last season, was intended to provide Fulham and Berbatov an outlet further up the field - someone to stretch defenses and allow Berbatov, Ruiz, et al space to turn, play wide and forward.

When Bent and Berbatov have been played together, which is precious little, the latter has continued to indulge his penchant to drop deep, play square and back. All this in a ponderous manner that further isolates the England striker by distancing him from any attacking partner and killing his runs behind, through the move's geologic pace.

There is a certain logic to Berbatov's pattern of play. He desperately wants to establish possession and control the pace of the match as giving the ball away cheaply to sides, that are often much more technically blessed, is seemingly a death sentence for a side like Fulham that suddenly finds itself uncharacteristically generous in the back.

However, the side's lack of technical nous is a double-edged sword as the terminally slow pace of Fulham's build-up play allows opposition defences to get behind the ball and establish a solid defensive shape.

Fulham then lack the technical ability, quick passing moves, and pace to break down bunkered defenders. The result is a side that looks static and wholly out of ideas, playing across the face of a well-formed opposition, where few chances are created and hopeful shots are unleashed from distance.

However without Berbatov in the line-up, Fulham have actually at times looked more decisive going forward. Jol's personnel have all the hallmarks of a counter-attacking side. Granted, there's the sticky issue of being relatively devoid of pace, but with quick enough ball movement, that issue is relatively moot, such was the case against Stoke on both Riether's shot and Bent's goal.

With a more rapid and direct approach, aided by the impetus of wanting to avoid yet another disappointing result, Fulham moved the ball quickly into Stoke's defensive third and made use of the space created by Berbatov's withdrawal and therefore Bent's occupation of space further up the pitch.

I'm not suggesting Berbatov should suddenly be relegated to the bench, but Jol must realise the pattern of play that has given Berbatov carte blanche to dawdle on the ball in midfield is simply not working.

A more decisive approach predicated on rapid ball movement from defence to attack seems to be what's needed.

It's up to Jol to get more production from Berbatov's superlative talents and it starts with getting him to play further up the pitch and significantly quicker.

Sure, this is a monumental task as the Bulgarian thus far has appeared completely disinterested in anything but reading from his own sheet of music.

If Jol can't manage this tactical revision, rather than a turning point, the win against Stoke was but a respite.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_blog_are_the_whites_better_off_without_dimitar_berbatov_1_2909862 (http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_blog_are_the_whites_better_off_without_dimitar_berbatov_1_2909862)

 
Fulham U21s 2-2 Newcastle

Moussa Dembele struck his first goals for Fulham U21s but Newcastle hit back to claim a draw at Craven Cottage

Fulham 2-2 Newcastle, Barclays U21 Premier League (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0U4GDwUW2A#)

Newcastle United Under-21s twice came from behind to claim a point in a 2-2 draw at a chilly Craven Cottage on Friday evening.

Moussa Dembele continued to enhance his rapidly growing reputation with two well-taken strikes, but he was twice cancelled out by players who have tasted first-team football for the Magpies, firstly Adam Campbell and then Haris Vuckic.

Dembele's first was a fine finish on the spin, while Campbell's equaliser came following an unfortunate slip by Tom Richards. The Frenchman's second showed great elegance to flick the ball in, but Vuckic's header ensured the points would be shared.

The Whites had chances to put the game to bed, and Kit Symons will no doubt want to see a greater cutting edge from his side throughout the remainder of the season.

The first chance of the game fell the way of the hosts inside three minutes. After Ange-Freddy Plumain had done well to win a corner down the left, Mananga Jonathan Buatu rose unmarked to meet Chris David's delivery but nodded a yard wide of the far post.

Newcastle responded brightly and their highly rated captain Gael Bigirimana let fly from 20 yards with a ripping effort that beat Neil Etheridge, but thankfully clipped the top of the crossbar.

And after Etheridge had kept out a Bigirimana free-kick in the 12th minute, the Whites countered quickly with Plumain who set Richards through on goal but the left-back's effort was easily claimed by Jak Alnwick, who was in action again seconds later to push David's low effort round the post.

With Fulham playing the better football, it came as little surprise when they took the lead on 22 minutes. The Newcastle defenders attempted to intricately play the ball out of their own area but were caught in possession by Dembele who turned cutely before nestling a peach of a shot in the top right-hand corner of the net.

The Magpies looked for an immediate response and broke with pace after Lasse Vigen Christensen had overrun the ball, but Vuckic lashed at his effort and it flew comfortably wide of Etheridge's near post. Both teams were having chances and Muamer Tankovic almost bagged a spectacular goal but his overhead kick whistled an inch over the bar after a scramble in the box following a corner.

A remarkable diagonal pass from David then found Josh Passley who had sprinted into the Newcastle box – unfortunately the defender's effort flashed across the face of goal. David was bossing the game and went close with a free-kick in the 35th minute after Buomesca Tue Na Bangna had been felled on the edge of the area.

Three minutes into the second half, Dembele's pace sent him clear of the Magpies' backline. He rounded the keeper coolly but lost his footing at the vital moment and sliced wide of the open goal. It was a miss that proved to be crucial as Newcastle went straight up the other end and scored when Richards slipped, allowing Campbell to waltz through on goal and confidently slot the ball beyond Etheridge.

The equaliser buoyed the visitors and Vuckic made sure Etheridge was alert with a bending strike from range, before Adam Armstrong dipped a curling shot just beyond the angle of post and crossbar. Fulham responded with a drilled effort by Tankovic, but it only found the side-netting, with Na Bangna doing likewise minutes later.

A loose ball fell to Tankovic in the 64th minute and the Sweden youth international neatly shifted it away from the advancing defender but blasted his shot high over Alnwick's crossbar. Fulham rustled the net once more four minutes later but, again, it was the wrong side – this time it was Vigen Christensen who was guilty of missing the target after some good footwork from Na Bangna had seen him played in down the right.

The game was very tight but it was the Whites who got their noses in front, with Dembele again the scorer. A quick break from Passley eventually saw the ball worked out to Na Bangna on the right who played in a square cross which Dembele outrageously flicked into the back of the net.

With the Geordies rattled, Fulham went close to extending the lead through substitute Lyle Della Verde, but his powerful effort crashed back off the crossbar. Dembele then saw a shot from distance deflected wide, before David bent a ball over the top as the home side looked to kill the contest.

A great chance to do just that fell to Vigen Christensen with 10 minutes remaining after good work from David. The Dutchman found the Fulham captain but he dragged his shot wide.

And for the second time in the game, the Whites were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal as Vuckic headed in at the other end just a minute later.

It looked as though Vigen Christensen had put his side back in front in the 86th minute, though, but Alnwick pulled off a brilliant stop from close range to deny the Denmark Under-21 international, before he was on hand to prevent Dembele bagging his hat-trick moments later as the game's final chance went begging.

Fulham: Etheridge; Passley, Arthurworrey, Buatu, Richards; Na Bangna, Vigen Christensen, David, Plumain (Della Verde 56); Tankovic (Minkwitz 76); Dembele. Subs (not used): Joronen, O'Reilly, Islamovic

Newcastle: Alnwick; Morgan, Streete, Gillesphey, Haidara (Aird 61); Aarons, Kemen (Quinn 61), Bigirimana, Vuckic; Campbell, Armstrong (Roberts 71). Sub (not used): Pearson.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/21/newcastle-u21s-highlights? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/21/newcastle-u21s-highlights?)

 
Fulham U18s 0-3 Aston Villa

The young Whites suffered only their second defeat in ten games this season at the hands of Aston Villa at Motspur Park.

Fulham 0-3 Aston Villa, Barclays U18 Premier League (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1G_XJOb-Ig#)

Fulham's Under-18s were beaten 3-0 by Aston Villa at Motspur Park on Saturday.

The Whites failed to really get going against an athletic Midlands side who set the tone for the game with a crunching tackle in the first minute.

The first goal was always going to be crucial and it was Villa who scored it on the half-hour mark when Solomon Sambou was adjudged to have fouled an opposition player as a corner came in. The subsequent spot-kick was planted past Ryan Boot, on loan from Port Vale.

Steve Wigley's half-time team-talk went straight out of the window when Villa made it 2-0 on 46 minutes. Latching onto a loose ball and counter-attacking in numbers, the initial shot was saved by Boot but a Villa player tucked home the rebound.

Play was held up for around 20 minutes on the hour mark when Noe Baba suffered a serious neck injury after landing awkwardly following a tackle by a Villa player. He was stretchered off and taken to hospital.

When play resumed, Villa made sure of the points with 15 minutes left. The Whites failed to clear their lines and the ball was eventually slotted past Boot to cap a disappointing afternoon for Wigley's troops.

Fulham: Boot, Baba (Humphries 60), Burgess, Donnelly, Evans, Smile (Sheckleford 46), Sambou, Hyndman, O'Halloran, Williams, Leacock-McLeod (Elworthy 70).


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/21/aston-villa-u18s-video? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/21/aston-villa-u18s-video?)

 
Club owner Shahid Khan wants to build a 'sustainable' Fulham

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Fulham owner Shahid Khan tells BBC London 94.9 he wants the club to have a sustainable long-term business model.

Khan also says he believes the Cottagers' results will improve following their poor start to the season.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24613814? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24613814?)

 
GIF IT: PAJTIM KASAMI'S STUNNING VOLLEYED GOAL (CRYSTAL PALACE VS FULHAM)

(http://images.4chan.org/sp/src/1382383309127.gif)

Fulham youngster Pajtim Kasami has lit up tonight's Premier League game at Crystal Palace with this outrageous volley.

It's one of those wide angle volleys that just have no right to end up in the net.

Simply stunning.



http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2013/10/video-pajtim-kasamis-stunning-volleyed-goal-crystal-palace-vs-fulham/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29 (http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2013/10/video-pajtim-kasamis-stunning-volleyed-goal-crystal-palace-vs-fulham/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29)

 
GIF IT: STEVE SIDWELL'S STUNNING VOLLEY (CRYSTAL PALACE VS FULHAM)

(http://i.minus.com/iDAMnkQQ3oR2i.gif)

Fulham are halfway towards volleying their way to an away win at Crystal Palace.

Hot on the heels of Pajtim Kasami's spectacular equaliser came another long-range volley, this time from midfielder Steve Sidwell.


http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2013/10/gif-it-steve-sidwells-stunning-volley-crystal-palace-vs-fulham/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29 (http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2013/10/gif-it-steve-sidwells-stunning-volley-crystal-palace-vs-fulham/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29)

 
Fulham owner Shahid Khan evacuated from Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park

Fulham's owner Shahid Khan was forced to watch some of his side's Premier League clash at Crystal Palace from Sainsbury's car park after being evacuated from Selhurst Park.

Executive box holders were forced to leave their seats during the first-half after a fire alarm sounded inside the ground.

However, the billionaire, who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars franchise in the NFL, was back in his seat to see Steve Sidwell's spectacular volley give the Cottagers the lead going into half-time.

Earlier Adrian Mariappa had given the home team the lead before Pajtim Kasami equalised for Martin Jol's side with a contender for goal of the season.



http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/21/fulham-owner-shahid-khan-evacuated-from-crystal-palaces-selhurst-park-4155591/? (http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/21/fulham-owner-shahid-khan-evacuated-from-crystal-palaces-selhurst-park-4155591/?)

 
Oxford University v Cambridge University varsity match set to return to Fulham's Craven Cottage
The annual varsity football match between Oxford and Cambridge universities is to return to Fulham's Craven Cottage from April
2014

The University football match is to return to Craven Cottage.

Fulham, and their new owner Shahid Khan, are keen to revive the club's link with the historic event and the 130th meeting will be played at the Cottage on the morning of the Boat Race on April 6, 2014.

The annual Oxford University v Cambridge University football fixture has not been played at the Cottage since 2008-09, since being staged at the Abbey Stadium, the Kassam Stadium, the Pro-Edge Stadium Cambridge and Selhurst Park.

The University match has had an itinerant history, starting at the Oval in 1873-74, before moving around via Queens Club and assorted London bases, including Wembley from 1952-53 until 1987-1988, then heading on to the Abbey Stadium, Highbury, the Cottage and occasional moves elsewhere.

Now Fulham want to give the University match a more settled home. "We are in discussions to bring it back,'' said a Fulham spokesman.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/10395031/Oxford-University-v-Cambridge-University-varsity-match-set-to-return-to-Fulhams-Craven-Cottage.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/10395031/Oxford-University-v-Cambridge-University-varsity-match-set-to-return-to-Fulhams-Craven-Cottage.html)

 
Pajtim Kasami scores the goal of the season so far

Holy Patjim Kasami.

What does it feel like to be 21 years old and know that you have already scored the best goal of your life? Ask Patjim Kasami.

The Fulham midfielder scored an absolutely mindblowing goal to bring his side level with Crystal Palace at 1-1 on Monday, which was a shame. The goal was so good that it should have been worth two, three or 1,000 goals. The scoreboard may have read 1-1, but the heart read ∞ - 1.

(http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1870867/iPDkTULhnuJUY.gif)

Acceptable reactions to that goal:

1. Silence. Stunned silence.

2. Jaw dislocation it dropped so hard.

3. Any combination of obscenities because you're too amazed to think up actual words.



http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/21/4863250/ajtim-kasami-goal-fulham-crystal-palace? (http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/21/4863250/ajtim-kasami-goal-fulham-crystal-palace?)

 
PHOTO: FULHAM OWNER SHAHID KHAN WATCHING CRYSTAL PALACE GAME FROM A ROOF

(http://distilleryimage4.ak.instagram.com/9e9157943a8811e38f4222000a1fb75e_8.jpg)

New Fulham owner Shahid Khan was forced to watch part of his side's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace from a roof above the Selhurst Park away end after his executive box was evacuated.

A fire alarm in the first half forced Palace staff to ask those in the posh seats to leave their boxes and reassemble in less plush surroundings.

In Khan's case that was the roof/stairwell vantage point shown in the photograph.



http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2013/10/photo-fulham-owner-shahid-khan-watching-crystal-palace-game-from-a-roof/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29 (http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2013/10/photo-fulham-owner-shahid-khan-watching-crystal-palace-game-from-a-roof/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29)

 
Liverpool Reject Pajtim Kasami Scores A Van Basten For Fulham

Take several bows son, that's goal of the season nailed on...

Kasami 2 Touch Volley | Crystal Palace v Fulham (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KbICzi78no#)

Jesus wept, now that's a proper belter. At 16 he spent some time on loan at Liverpool but was never offered a contract, and has had a slightly nomadic career until now...

More Liverpool...



http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/liverpool-reject-pajtim-kasami-scores-a-van-basten-for-fulham/? (http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/liverpool-reject-pajtim-kasami-scores-a-van-basten-for-fulham/?)

 
Former Tottenham star set for a return to the Premier League

Seattle Sounders striker Clint Dempsey could soon stage a return back to the Premier League. According to latest reports in the press, the American is wanted on loan by a number of top-tier English sides like Everton and even former employers Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.

The 30 year old spent over six and a half years in the Premier League, plying his trade for west Londoners Fulham and north Londoners Tottenham, since joining in 2007 from MLS side New England Revolution. Spurs sold him to Seattle Sounders this year and reportedly have the option of first say on recalling him for a period of three months after the MLS season draws to a close.

However, Fulham and Everton would not let it be an easy ride for Spurs with both the aforementioned sides also showing a keen interest in the acquisition of the 30 year old, who is also the captain of the US national team.

Meanwhile, the prime objective for the American would be to decide where he would be able to bag the most opportunities to play. While Tottenham's starting line-up is more or less saturated, at Everton the veteran may still find chances easier to come by. However, Fulham may prove to be the most appealing of all destinations with manager Martin Jol reportedly ready to create space for Dempsey in the team despite the duos history.



http://astralfootball.com/former-tottenham-star-set-for-a-return-to-the-premier-league/23154? (http://astralfootball.com/former-tottenham-star-set-for-a-return-to-the-premier-league/23154?)

 
Monday Night Football: Fulham climb Premier League table with win at Crystal Palace

(http://e1.365dm.com/13/10/660x350/Crystal-Palace-v-Fulham-Philippe-Senderos-cel_3022653.jpg?20131021215016)
Philippe Senderos: Celebrates scoring the fourth for Fulham at Selhurst Park

Fulham came from behind to hammer Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park and consign the Eagles to a seventh Premier League defeat of the season.

Both managers were reportedly under pressure going in to the game and, with both clubs' respective owners in attendance, Martin Jol will no doubt be the happier of the two managers after goals from Pajtim Kasami, Steve Sidwell, Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos, the first two of which were sumptuous volleys, gave the visitors a valuable three points.

Palace had led early on after Adrian Mariappa headed home his first goal for the club but, despite the first two Fulham goals coming from superb individual efforts, Eagles boss Ian Holloway would have been disappointed to see the third and fourth conceded from set-pieces.

Defeat leaves Palace languishing in 19th place in the table, while Fulham climb to 14th after back-to-back victories.

Much was made of Darren Bent's appearance in a Fulham shirt at Selhurst Park after he came close to joining Palace before opting for a loan move to the Cottagers, but it was Kasami and Sidwell who stole the limelight as both struck memorable volleys to turn the game on its head.

The home side started the brightest with Dwight Gayle drifting inside from the right flank and hitting a tame shot at the returning Maarten Stekelenburg.

Palace's opener came after just seven minutes after a corner was cleared well by the Fulham defence but the Eagles kept the ball alive as it was worked back to Jason Puncheon.

The Southampton loanee delivered a hanging cross which was met by Mariappa, who towered above Brede Hangeland to nod the Eagles ahead despite giving away up to eight inches in height to the Fulham skipper.

If Fulham had been mediocre in the first 15 minutes, their equalising goal was anything but as Kasami collected a long ball forward from Sascha Riether on his chest and, despite the close attention of Mariappa, rifled a volley of the highest calibre past Julian Speroni from the edge of the penalty area.

The goal did not spark either side in to life with both teams struggling to create a chance of note until the closing moments of the first half when Fulham's second goal was scored with aplomb by Sidwell.

A poor Bryan Ruiz free-kick slammed in to the wall and dropped to the 30-year-old midfielder who thrashed a dipping volley past Speroni to put the visitors in front.

Both sides made changes at the interval with Holloway introducing Jerome Thomas in place of Jose Campana and Fulham replacing captain Hangeland with Fernando Amorebieta.

The hosts look to start the second half with the same tempo they set in the early stages and forced an early corner after two deep crosses had been dealt with by the visitors.

Bent should have then done better with a chance gifted to Fulham by Speroni. The goalkeeper's clearance smacked in to Berbatov, who laid the ball in to the path of Bent but the Villa loanee's effort was pushed behind by the Argentinian stopper.

However, Speroni's reprieve did not last for long as Berbatov was on hand to steer Ruiz's resulting corner past the despairing 34-year-old.

Things went from bad to worse for Palace just five minutes later as Senderos was on hand to scissors-kick home another Ruiz corner from close range to give Fulham a truly unassailable lead.

Only a tremendous save from Speroni prevented Kasami adding a fifth with another rasping effort late on, with Fulham having to settle for four and equalling their best away win in the Premier League.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/295708/report? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/295708/report?)

 
Report: Palace 1-4 Fulham

A combination of venomous long-range volleys and scrappy set-piece strikes meant that Palace were blown away 4-1 by a deadly Fulham on a miserable Monday night for The Eagles.

Having taken an early lead through Adrian Mariappa, Palace were stunned when Pajtim Kasami blasted home a wonderful volley from the edge of the area and were dealt a hammer blow when Steve Sidwell found the net from long range just before the break, but two converted corner kicks soon after the restart ensured Palace remain entrenched in the relegation zone.

With both sides stranded at the bottom end of the table many inside Selhurst for kick-off could have expected a tight, gritty affair but it took just nine minutes for the deadlock to the broken, and it was the fans in red and blue who were rejoicing.

A corner from Jose Campana was cleared by the visitors but the Spaniard quickly found the ball back at his feet. He then fed a clever ball into the path of Jason Puncheon whose cross was deflected skywards but Mariappa outjumped the man-mountain Brede Hangeland to net his first Eagles goal.

However despite Palace pressing for a second Fulham countered and grabbed an equaliser in breathtaking style on 20 minutes. A long ball by Sascha Riether was controlled on the chest by Pajtim Kasami on the corner of the area, and he attempted a volley on the run from a ridiculous angle which flew past the helpless Julian Speroni to score one of the goals of the Premier League season.

Time and time again Ian Holloway's side threatened to regain the lead, with the biggest threat coming from the twinkle-toed Yannick Bolasie. Handed his first top-flight start, the winger cut inside from the left on 33 minutes and took aim but hardly tested Martin Stekelenberg.

But the Eagles suffered a hammer blow seconds before half-time as the west-Londoners added a second sensational Bryan Ruiz's free-kick smacked off the Palace wall and rebounded straight into the path of Steve Sidwell, and the midfielder lashed a volley high into Speroni's net as the Cottagers celebrated their second sensation strike which gave them an undeserved lead at the interval.

Falling behind seemed to affect the home side as they saw the game slip away by conceding twice from corners in quick succession. Three minutes after the restart a routine clearance by Speroni struck Dimitar Berbatov who casually backheeled into Darren Bent's feet but the former England hitman was thwarted by the Argentine glovesman, but from the resulting set-piece Ruiz whipped in a dangerous ball and the Bulgarian striker outmuscled Mariappa to head into the far corner.

Everything Martin Jol's men threw at Palace ended up in the net and four minutes later Ruiz looked for the back post and found Philippe Senderos who acrobatically scissor-kicked towards goal, and despite the best efforts of Speroni the ball crossed the line as the hosts began to unravel.

With the result in the bag the away side sat back and this allowed the Eagles a few sniffs at goal. Joel Ward dribbled into the area before skying his attempt, Stuart O'Keefe hit the ball straight at Stekelenberg and Jerome Thomas blazed a free-kick over in the latter stages.

Kasami almost added another spectacular goal to his portfolio when he smashed a first-time effort with the outside of his foot towards the top corner which Speroni dived to keep out at full stretch, and prevented the scoreline from getting any uglier for the Selhurst faithful.

Palace: Speroni, Ward, Mariappa, Delaney, Moxey, O'Keefe, Jedinak, Campana (Thomas 46), Puncheon (Chamakh 55), Bolasie, Gayle (Phillips 69). Subs: Price, Gabbidon, Dikgacoi, Kebe.

Fulham: Stekelenburg, Riether, Senderos, Hangeland (Amorebieta 46), Richardson, Parker, Sidwell, Kasami, Ruiz, Berbatov, Bent (Duff 77). Subs: Stockdale, Zverotic, Karagounis, Boateng, Rodallega.



Read more at http://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/article/report-palace-1-4-fulham-1127086.aspx?#7JjXHdf660UE5MGW.99 (http://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/article/report-palace-1-4-fulham-1127086.aspx?#7JjXHdf660UE5MGW.99)

 
Pajtim Kasami happy with the best goal of his career in Fulham's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace

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Pajtim Kasami: Equalised for Fulham with a stunning volley

Pajtim Kasami acknowledged that his 'unbelievable' goal was the best of his career after Fulham beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park.

Adrian Mariappa had given Palace an early lead before Kasami controlled Sascha Riether's pass on his chest before volleying a superb shot beyond Julian Speroni to draw Fulham level.

Steve Sidwell struck another excellent volley for Fulham before second-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos made sure of the points.

"No, to be honest," Kasami told Sky Sports when asked if he had scored a better goal.

"I'm very pleased that we won that game as we were losing 1-0. Thanks to Sascha for the great ball and it was an unbelievable goal. I'm very pleased.

"I saw Sascha had the ball and saw I could run in the space. It came perfect to my chest and I took it direct with my right foot."

Fulham had beaten Stoke at home prior to the international break and Kasami added: "I'm very pleased for these two great wins. It gives us a lot of confidence if we keep playing like that and we can improve."

Fulham boss Martin Jol has reportedly been under pressure in recent weeks and Sidwell was pleased to contribute to a third Premier League win of the season.

The midfielder said: "Obviously, we've all been under pressure and not just him. We put ourselves under pressure to perform week in, week out.

"We've been disappointed with the results we've taken so far, especially letting in silly goals as well.

"Hopefully now we've got back-to-back wins, it puts a lot of spirit in the camp and takes a bit of pressure off us and the boss himself, and we can go out and play our football."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8984789? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8984789?)

 
Crystal Palace 1 Fulham 4: Kasami's goal better than Van Basten, says Jol
Crystal Palace 1 Fulham 4: Martin Jol says Pajtim Kasami's wonder goal is better than Marco van Basten iconic Euro final strike

Martin Jol claimed Pajtim Kasami's wonder goal was better than Marco van Basten's famous strike after the Fulham striker prompted a Cottagers comeback at Crystal Palace.

Kasami controlled a lofted pass with his chest before firing a sensational volley past Eagles goalkeeper Julian Speroni after Adrian Mariappa had handed the home side a 19th-minute lead at Selhurst Park.
Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell scored a goal-of-the-season contender of his own before Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos sealed the win in the second half as Palace succumbed to a seventh defeat.
Jol hailed the importance of sealing back-to-back Premier League wins, adding that Kasami's effort was better than Van Basten's famous volley in the 1988 European Cup final.
"It was unbelievably important to get a result. It was a game of importance for Palace too but we needed the three points," said Jol.
"The goal we conceded was sickening but we showed some response and a fantastic Pajtim Kasami goal with his wrong foot. I haven't seen him do that
before!
"It was better than people think because he had to control the ball on his chest and then put it in the other corner, it was a really good goal from a talented boy.
"Marco van Basten's goal was totally different and you can't compare the two but this one was better! He had to sprint 30 yards, take a
touch and then score, it is one of the goals of the season."


http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/2013/10/crystal-palace-1-fulham-4-martin-jol/? (http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/2013/10/crystal-palace-1-fulham-4-martin-jol/?)

 
Kasami cracker sparks Fulham fightback
by DAN on OCTOBER 21, 2013

Pajtim Kasami has come a long way since smashing the crossbar with a spot-kick at Stamford Bridge in the Carling Cup. The Swiss midfielder was banished to the reserves by Martin Jol in the aftermath of that incident, but inspired by his manager to prove himself worthy of a place in the starting line-up on the pre-season tour, Kasami has been the brightest spark during Fulham's dismal start to this campaign. Kasami, who won his first cap for Switzerland as they qualified for the World Cup last week, turned the tide of this crucial battle at the bottom of the Premier League with a sensational strike that laid the foundations for Fulham's second away win of the season.

For the first sixteen minutes at Selhurst Park, Fulham looked rattled and caught in the floodlights as Ian Holloway's side stormed out of the blocks. Holloway had targeted this fixture as an opportunity to lift some of the despondency following Palace's poor start and his team seemed eager to the seize the chance, with Yannick Bolasie's pace proving dangerous on his Premier League debut. A barnstorming Bolasie run won a free-kick after the winger drew a foul from Steve Sidwell and, from the corner, that followed the Eagles took the lead. Fulham struggled to clear their lines and Jason Puncheon's deflected cross looped into the air, allowing Adrian Mariappa to outjump Brede Hangeland and head his second top flight goal over the stranded Maarten Stekelenburg.

Fulham responded well to the shock of going behind, forcing a corner almost immediately, but offered little in the way of an attacking threat before Kasami strode on to centre stage. Sacha Riether spotted the 21 year-old's clever crossfield run and, in an instant, volleyed a magnificent right-footed strike over a helpless Julian Speroni and into the top corner from 25 yards. It was a truly breathtaking finish – all the more impressive as it came from Kasami's weaker foot – and it turned the match decisively in Fulham's favour.

Palace were deflated and Fulham headed into the interval in front after another splendid strike, this time from Steve Sidwell. The midfielder's 50th Premier League goal was one to remember as he fired an unstoppable dipping volley from the edge of the box into virtually the same spot as Kasami after Bryan Ruiz's free-kick had come back off the Palace wall. Martin Jol's men had previously gone 25 games without winning a league game in which they had conceded the first goal but after Sidwell's strike – crucially timed just before the break – there was no looking back.

The visitors started the second half on the front foot. Bent should have put them further in front when a weak clearance from Speroni struck Berbatov and bounced into his path. The former England forward, who opted to join Fulham ahead of Palace earlier this year, snatched slightly at his shot and a relieved Speroni made a sharp reaction save. The reprieve was merely temporary. From the ensuing corner, Berbatov cleverly glanced Ruiz's flag-kick into the far corner without even leaving the ground. If there was any doubt about the outcome, it was extinguished five minutes later when Phillipe Senderos, left unattended at the far post, squeezed a volley beneath Speroni from another Ruiz corner.

Fulham, so nervous at the start of the night, were now in complete control. Jol's narrow midfield stroked the ball around majestically and came close to a fifth when Kasami sprinted down the left and sent over a cross that was sliced behind by Mariappa. Their third victory of the campaign was gleefully acclaimed by more than 2,000 travelling supporters and came in front of new chairman Shahid Khan, whose evening was briefly interrupted by a fire alarm that forced an evacuation of the Selhurst Park hospitality boxes midway through the first half. On this evidence, it looks as though Fulham's fire has returned.

CRYSTAL PALACE (4-4-1-1): Speroni; Ward, Moxey, Mariappa, Delaney; Jedinak, O'Keefe, Campaña (Thomas 45), Puncheon (Chamakh 56); Bolasie; Gayle (Phillips 69). Subs (not used): Price, Gabbidon, Dikgacoi, Kebe.

GOAL: Mariappa (7).

FULHAM (4-4-1-1): Stekelenburg; Riether, Richardson, Senderos, Hangeland (Amorebieta 45); Parker, Sidwell, Ruiz, Kasami; Berbatov (Rodallega 90); Bent (Duff 77). Subs (not used): Stockdale, Zverotic, Karagounis, Boateng.

BOOKED: Richardson.

GOALS: Kasami (17), Sidwell (45), Berbatov (50), Senderos (55).

REFEREE: Lee Mason (Bolton).

ATTENDANCE: 24,881


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/10/kasami-cracker-sparks-fulham-fightback/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/10/kasami-cracker-sparks-fulham-fightback/?)

 
Martin Jol said it was vital for Fulham to beat Crystal Palace and praises Pajtim Kasami goal

Martin Jol felt it was 'unbelievably important' for Fulham to beat Crystal Palace and labelled Pajtim Kasami's volley in the 4-1 win as better than Marco van Basten's.

Fulham headed into Monday night's London derby at Selhurst Park with just two wins from their opening seven Premier League games.

Reports had suggested that Jol was under pressure but, after Adrian Mariappa had put Palace in front, Kasami's majestic volley sparked a Fulham comeback which delivered a comfortable victory.

"It was unbelievably important to get a result and, of course, for them it was a game of importance," Jol told Sky Sports.

"We were on seven points and you get under pressure like all the other teams on seven, eight points, so we needed the three points and now we're in a better position for Fulham.

"The media will build it up, but I love to have some pressure and the boys will feel the same. They want to do well for me and the club, and that's what we showed. Everybody is happy again.

"You want 20 points first, then 30 and 40, which is not easy in this league, but I feel we've got the players to do well and I think we're in a better position now."

Jol was also delighted with Kasami's goal after the winger brought Sascha Riether's pass under control on his chest before arrowing a volley over Julian Speroni.

The Fulham boss added: "It was a fantastic Kasami goal, with his wrong foot. It was unbelievable because I haven't seen him do it before.

"I think it's probably better than people feel or think because he had to control the ball on his chest, then with his wrong foot in the other corner. It was a real good goal from a talented boy."

Regarding comparisons to Van Basten's volley for Holland in the 1988 European Championship final, Jol said: "That was totally different, you can't compare the two, but this was better!

"With Van Basten, that was one touch, but I think he (Kasami) sprinted 30 yards, then controlled the ball and to score the goal like that was probably even better. It could be one of the goals of the season."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8984810/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8984810/?)

 
Kasami: An unbelievable goal
Pajtim Kasami acknowledged that his 'unbelievable' goal was the best of his career after Fulham beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park.

Adrian Mariappa had given Palace an early lead before Kasami controlled Sascha Riether's pass on his chest before volleying a superb shot beyond Julian Speroni to draw Fulham level.

Steve Sidwell struck another excellent volley for Fulham before second-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos made sure of the points.

"No, to be honest," Kasami told Sky Sports when asked if he had scored a better goal.

"I'm very pleased that we won that game as we were losing 1-0. Thanks to Sascha for the great ball and it was an unbelievable goal. I'm very pleased.

"I saw Sascha had the ball and saw I could run in the space. It came perfect to my chest and I took it direct with my right foot."

Fulham had beaten Stoke at home prior to the international break and Kasami added: "I'm very pleased for these two great wins. It gives us a lot of confidence if we keep playing like that and we can improve."

Fulham boss Martin Jol has reportedly been under pressure in recent weeks and Sidwell was pleased to contribute to a third Premier League win of the season.

The midfielder said: "Obviously, we've all been under pressure and not just him. We put ourselves under pressure to perform week in, week out.

"We've been disappointed with the results we've taken so far, especially letting in silly goals as well.

"Hopefully now we've got back-to-back wins, it puts a lot of spirit in the camp and takes a bit of pressure off us and the boss himself, and we can go out and play our football."



http://www.football365.com/premier-league/8984789/-? (http://www.football365.com/premier-league/8984789/-?)

 
The View From South Texas — Crystal Palace v. Fulham FC

by HatterDon

This was the most enjoyable 90 minutes of football I've seen from Fulham in a very long time. Yes, winning by three goals on the road will make any match more enjoyable, but today's match was all about attitude. Fulham looked ready to attack from the beginning and played aggressively the entire time. The Whites pressed all over the pitch, fought for the ball all over the pitch, and always looked to be the aggressor. Needless to say, we haven't seen anything like this before in 2013.

Palace are a spirited team largely populated by substandard players. On this night, though, spirit wasn't enough – or perhaps more accurately tonight Fulham's spirit balanced out that of the Eagles and the imbalance in overall talent made the difference. Fulham never looked like being controlled, not even after Adrian Mariappa became the latest Premier League player to out-jump Brede Hangeland in the 7th minute. During the following 12 minutes, Palace's tails were up and they expended a ton of effort that Fulham had little trouble controlling. And then came the magic.

I've only been playing close attention to Fulham since the 2003-04 season, and I suppose I've only seen about 150-200 league and cup matches since then, but Pajtim Kasami's equalizer was – by far – the finest goal I've ever seen scored by a player in a Fulham shirt. Not even the 20+ touch, 9 player goal finished by Clint Dempsey against Newcastle two seasons ago comes close. Words can't do justice to this goal, so I'm not going to try. What I will say is when you watch the replay of this goal – which I will do forever – take a look at where Kasami was when Parker got the ball. The boy essentially made his own goal. There's an old story that in his second year in the league, George Best scored a breathtaking goal. The press room at Old Trafford was going crazy when a young reporter shouted, "Time! What's the time of the goal?" An old hand reportedly replied, "Bugger the time, lad. Write down the date."

The wind was truly out of The Eagle's sails when Sidwell scored Fulham's second shortly before half time. Ruiz's free kick pinballed off the Palace wall and came to Steve Sidwell who scored with a glorious volley. Yes, he was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time, but it was also Sidwell who won the free kick in the first place. The predictable cheer followed, sadly. I think it's time to retire that one. We're in the Big Boy league now.

Hangeland was replaced by Amorebieta at half time – injury? – and Fulham did NOT sit back. Instead, the Whites looked hungry for more. Dimitar Berbatov, who was all about working hard, encouraging his teammates, and creating AND exploiting space, showed in the 50th minute what a strong geezer he really is. It was pure upper body strength that allowed him to nod in Fulham's third. Five minutes later, Philippe Senderos got into the act with a tasty little volley off yet another dead ball situation. And that was that.

Fulham looked to go for a fifth, but eventually settled down to play out the string without further excitement. Fulham scored four on the day. Going into the match they'd scored FIVE in the previous seven matches. It was a well-deserved and very well-executed demolition of an inferior neighbor. Fulham not only played up to the level of their talent, but they also played attractive, creative attacking football and, in 2013, matches this pleasurable have been very thin on the ground.

HatterDon's Man of the Match: This is a close one for me. Senderos looked very good today, as did Sidwell, Berbatov, and Parker, but Kasamiset the tone for the team early with his relentless running, his exuberant defense, and his constant effort. Well done, Fulham's latest full international.

COYW


http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=454 (http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=454)

 
Post-match reaction to Fulham's 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway played down the significance of a post-match meeting with the club's owner Steve Parish after Monday night's 4-1 home defeat to Fulham.

After taking an early lead through an Adrian Mariappa header, Palace were caught out by two stunning volleys from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell as the visitors went in ahead at half-time.

Things went from bad to worse for Holloway and his side after the interval as two goals in five minutes, courtesy of Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos, took the game well out of sight of the hosts.

Holloway revealed he spent a long time with his players following the defeat before meeting Parish for a lengthy discussion, the details of which the 50-year-old wished to keep to himself.

"We talk all time," he said.

"I'm not going to talk about what we just spoke about to be perfectly honest. I'm not talking about my future at the football club, I'm talking about the football club and that is all I have ever done."

Holloway also confirmed he would meet with Parish in the morning but said that was standard practice following a game.

"I will be speaking to him tomorrow morning when the lads are in," he said.

"It is about what is right for the football club and that is what it will always be about between me and Steve.

"We were having a meeting anyway, we always do when we are having a warm-down. We will talk about some bits and pieces and learn from it. That is the meeting and that is what we always do."

Although he would not be drawn on his own position at Selhurst Park, Holloway did call on his squad to improve between now and New Year.

"We have lost five games since we announced the 25 [man-squad] and there is something wrong there," he added.

"I don't think we have got the same spirit, maybe we changed too many, but that is the squad we have until January so they better buck up and stick together."

Fulham manager Martin Jol, meanwhile, praised his side's response to losing an early goal as his side picked up their third league win of the campaign.

"The first 10 minutes was sickening, to concede a goal like that again. Of course it is my responsibility," he said

"After that first goal we came back, we showed a lot of resilience, mentality and I think we played better than Crystal Palace. That is what you want.

"You want to control the game, especially in the second half our midfield did well.

"Of course we took a little bit of a risk to play Berbatov, Bent, Ruiz and Kasami, but I think we did well.

"To have a 4-1 result, one of the best results of the last couple of years, is vert satisfying."

With new owner Shahid Khan in attendance a good display and positive result would have been the order of the day for the Cottagers and, with a record-equalling Premier League away win, Jol's side got the required result.

"He [Khan] was very pleased," the Dutchman said after the game.

"He said we showed a lot of resilience and mentality. He was very pleased.

"Last time when I saw him he was very pleased as well and before that he was in Costa Rica, so he looks a happy man. He is always satisfied."

Kasami acknowledged that his "unbelievable" goal was the best of his career.

"No, to be honest," Kasami told Sky Sports when asked if he had scored a better goal.

"I'm very pleased that we won that game as we were losing 1-0. Thanks to Sascha for the great ball and it was an unbelievable goal. I'm very pleased.

"I saw Sascha had the ball and saw I could run in the space. It came perfect to my chest and I took it direct with my right foot."

Fulham had beaten Stoke at home prior to the international break and Kasami added: "I'm very pleased for these two great wins. It gives us a lot of confidence if we keep playing like that and we can improve."

Jol was also delighted with Kasami's goal.

The Fulham boss added: "It was a fantastic Kasami goal, with his wrong foot. It was unbelievable because I haven't seen him do it before.

"I think it's probably better than people feel or think because he had to control the ball on his chest, then with his wrong foot in the other corner. It was a real good goal from a talented boy."

Regarding comparisons to Marco van Basten's volley for Holland in the 1988 European Championship final, Jol said: "That was totally different, you can't compare the two, but this was better!

"With Van Basten, that was one touch, but I think he (Kasami) sprinted 30 yards, then controlled the ball and to score the goal like that was probably even better. It could be one of the goals of the season."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-reaction/295708/-? (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-reaction/295708/-?)

 
Eagles blown away by Fulham

Crystal Palace remain second from bottom after losing 4-1 at home to Fulham.

Yannick Bolasie started his first game in the Premier League, Adrian Mariappa partnered Damien Delaney in the centre of the back four, and Ian Holloway opted for the pace of Dwight Gayle up front, leaving Marouane Chamakh on the bench.

Palace started the game well, after Mariappa headed them in front from a cross by Jason Puncheon.

However two goal-of-the-season contenders from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell put Fulham 2-1 up at half time.

Ian Holloway took Jose Campana off at half time, replacing him with Jerome Thomas however it went from bad to worse for the Eagles, when Dimitar Berbatov headed in from a corner on 55 minutes, and Philippe Senderos scored from another corner five minutes later to put the game beyond the home side.

Gayle had a late goal disallowed for offside, compounding the misery for the Eagles, and game finished in a 4-1 defeat.

Palace have now made their worst start in the top flight since 1980-81, and with Premier League leaders Arsenal at home on Saturday, Holloway's men will have to pull something magical out of the hat to get any kind of result.

Palace: Speroni, Moxey, Mariappa, Ward, Delaney, O'Keefe, Jedinak, Campana (Thomas, 45), Gayle (Phillips, 69), Puncheon (Chamakh, 56), Bolasie

Subs not used: Dikgacoi, Price, Gabbidon, Kebe


http://www.holmesdale.net/page.php?id=82&story=5880 (http://www.holmesdale.net/page.php?id=82&story=5880)

 
Crystal Palace 1 4 Fulham

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/70622000/jpg/_70622196_70622195.jpg)

By Brendan McLoughlin
BBC Sport

Pajtim Kasami's goal-of-the-season contender and a stunning volley from Steve Sidwell saw Fulham fight back to beat struggling Crystal Palace.

Adrian Mariappa's early header put the Eagles ahead, only for Kasami and Sidwell to give Fulham a 2-1 lead.

Dimitar Berbatov's header and Philippe Senderos's scissor kick made certain shortly after the break as Fulham eased the pressure on manager Martin Jol.

But Palace's worries continue after a seventh defeat in eight league games.

The Eagles remain 19th but are now five points adrift of safety.

However, the picture is starting to look more positive for Jol and his team after they made it back-to-back victories in the Premier League for the first time this season, lifting them to 14th and within one point of Manchester United in eighth.

Eagles manager Ian Holloway said before kick-off his team planned to "go for it" and they were true to his word, making a purposeful start before taking a seventh-minute lead.

Fulham could only half clear a Palace corner and the ball was worked back out to Jason Puncheon, whose cross from the left was headed home by Mariappa with a fine leap which saw the 5ft 11in defender outjump 6ft 6in Brede Hangeland.

Yet within 12 minutes Jol's side levelled with a stunning strike from Kasami which transformed the complexion of the game.

Sascha Riether's floated pass down the channel was taken on the chest by Kasami on the right-hand edge of the penalty area and, in one fluid movement, he unleashed a stunning dipping volley on the angle up and over Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni into the top-left corner.

Having lost their momentum, Palace suddenly looked a deflated side and Fulham took full advantage.

Another moment of brilliance arrived on the stroke of half-time when Bryan Ruiz's free-kick bounced back off the wall to Sidwell, on the edge of the penalty arc, and the midfielder smashed a first-time volley into virtually the same spot as Kasami.

After the break the Cottagers picked up where they left off and a mistake by Speroni gifted the visitors a fine chance when he cleared the ball straight against Berbatov, who cleverly fed Darren Bent to leave the striker with just the goalkeeper to beat. But the Argentine redeemed himself with an excellent reflex save to turn the striker's vicious shot around the post.

Speroni's relief was to prove short-lived, however, as from the resulting corner Berbatov met Ruiz's delivery with a typically deft header into the far corner for his first league goal of the season.

Five minutes later Holloway's side were undone from a set-piece once more as Senderos, left unmarked at the far post, claimed a rare goal with an acrobatic shot from another Ruiz corner which squirmed underneath Speroni.

A frustrating night for the home team was compounded when a Kieran Richardson error eventually led to a chance for Eagles' record signing Dwight Gayle, whose first shot was saved before he converted the rebound - only to be flagged offside - as Palace slipped deeper into trouble.

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway:
"We started well but this division is ruthless. That first goal was something else and it knocked us a bit. We then made mistakes at set-pieces. It's an unforgiving division but we must bounce back.

"There were plenty of good things. Once you get into a run like this it's very disheartening and you could see that in the players. We huffed and we puffed but Fulham were well on top by then. It's very tough to take.

"You need some building blocks of confidence to work on. The lads are smarting now and that's five defeats in a row. We're normally good at corners but it's one or two people making a slight mistake because we have the stuffing knocked out of us.

"A win will turn it right around. There is lots to do but I can't fault the effort. We have to believe that we have the quality."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24516030 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24516030)

 
Holloway says sorry to Martin Jol over Bent comments

IAN Holloway has apologised to Martin Jol over this summer's Darren Bent transfer saga and admitted he is worried the former Palace target could come back to haunt his side on Monday night.

Holloway spoke out about his intention to sign the Aston Villa loanee in the summer before being trumped by a late bid from Fulham, causing frustration that spilled out in a Sky Sports interview.

Jol admitted that Holloway's comments upset him, but the Palace boss tried to put the matter to bed in his Friday press conference.

"We're all after good footballers, and well done to Fulham for getting him. I thought he was coming to my training ground," Holloway said today.

"I apologise to Martin Jol for my comments. They've got a good player and we'll have to be on our game to stop him," Holloway said.

And the Palace boss admitted that he worries about Bent's impact for Fulham, with the striker grabbing three goals in his first seven games.

Ahead of Monday night's game at Selhurst Park, Holloway admitted: "I think he might score a goal against us, but I think every manager in the country is worried about that because he normally does."



Read more: http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/story-19955573-detail/story.html?#ixzz2iSc0U8p4 (http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/story-19955573-detail/story.html?#ixzz2iSc0U8p4)

 
Al Fayed Group to wind-down luxury fashion sale site Cocosa

Al Fayed Group, owned by Egyptian business magnate Mohamed Al Fayed, announced on Monday that it will close luxury flash-sale site Cocosa.

According to WWD, the close of Cocosa is the next step in simplifying Al Fayed's businesses in the months ahead, as the serial investor looks to retire.

Cocosa will now go through an "orderly wind-down" over the next few months and is "expressly not being placed in to administration."

Launched in 2008 by acclaimed multinational media company Bauer Media Group,
Cocosa claims to be the leading online designer flash sales site, offering the experience of a sample sale within an online luxury boutique environment."

The move comes after Al Fayed sold off Fulham Football Club to Shahid Khan back in July, and Harrods to Qatar Holding in 2010.


http://www.myretailmedia.com/blog/9924/al_fayed_group_to_wind-down_luxury_fashion_sale_site_cocosa.php (http://www.myretailmedia.com/blog/9924/al_fayed_group_to_wind-down_luxury_fashion_sale_site_cocosa.php)

 
Good win over Palace
By rich on October 22, 2013

We wanted to see some evidence that the two week break had changed something and I don't know that we got that, but a 4-1 away win with two fantastic goals is not something to sneeze at, is it?

Some thoughts, then:

Palace are pretty bad. As Jamie Carragher pointed out last night, they're arguably weaker than they were last season. They're going to be relegated and there's not much they can do. Sensibly, I think, they are making improvements to the club while there's money around but not doing anything rash. But games like tonight's are matches where they might hope to win, and they emphatically didn't.

They started well though. With the evening kickoff and the floodlights there was always going to be a decent atmosphere. Palace scored early and Fulham seemed a bit shellshocked: despite all the creative players in our team, the main approach seemed to be Senderos to Hangeland, Hangeland to Senderos....

We were rescued by as good a goal as we'll ever see. Kasami did well to make the run he did, Riether did well to find him. Kasami did well to control the ball on the full like that. If the move had ended here it would've been quite impressive. But to hook the ball into the top corner from there... I always think that the mark of a great goal is whether a park player could conceivably have scored it. Many goals fail this test, as wellying a football is something most of us are half capable of (Sidwell's own wonder strike, good though it was, will be replicated on parks around the country this weekend). Anyway, basically nobody on earth could have done what Kasami did last night, which raises its own questions, primarily around what on earth has happened to the young man in the last year. We'd seen glimpses but Kasami 2013 is something else. A nice surprise, and, dare we say it, credit Jol for letting him play.

And so on. It's like one of those FA Cup 3rd round games when you win well but against limited opposition: great for morale but hard to understand in the context of the wider season. What it probably does confirm is that we're all fighting to avoid a single relegation spot: Sunderland look shot, Palace will struggle, and that leaves only the one space for the remainder of us to avoid.

The second half was a good deal better and it was nice to see a couple of set piece goals. Other thoughts:

Scott Parker very clearly played a much more disciplined role. Previously he has used his experience and quality to adopt a bit of an "I'm running this team" approach, but that's not the best use of him at this point, and it was nice to see him settle down into a more conservative but more useful role.

They needed help initially though: Palace had Parker and Sidwell outnumbered and this was causing all kinds of problems. With the ball they kept going back to the defenders; without it both were playing on the edge of reason, a predicament Sidwell seems to enjoy but which seems to get both the best and worst out of him. Luckily the goal took the sting out of Palace and this issue ceased to be.

Riether seemed a lot more conservative, too. Ruiz was helping him out and was closed down *very* quickly.

My arguments about Darren Bent as a sub still hold, I think. He touched the ball less than a dozen times in the time he was out there, so a good argument could have been made for using his place to stiffen that midfield and maybe let Ruiz play off Berbatov. That said, his pace offers intangible benefits: Palace couldn't press too high up the pitch for fear of what we might do if they did, which probably helped us find our feet in the game a bit more.

It's touch and go though. While I like Bent and agree that he just needs games, I wouldn't be averse to him being used on the hour every week.

The "it's all Berbatov's fault" brigade should be quiet for a bit now. He has been out of form, of course, but quality like that should not be discarded quickly.

I'm worried about Hangeland and at this point wonder if he is worth his place in the team. Senderos, whatever people might like to think, is doing a good job, and Amorebieta looks impressive whenever we see him. Given that Richardson and Riether seem reasonable full-backs, perhaps the time has come to change the back four more dramatically.

The world is moving to a pressing game and it's something Fulham haven't really done. To press you need to move up as a team. If only some players press they leave gaps behind them, so it has to be a concerted effort to squeeze the game. This means a high back line, something you can't do if your centre-backs are slow. You have to weigh up all the team's strengths and weaknesses but an ongoing theme this year has been the number of shots we have allowed. This might be because the team isn't compact defensively: the back four stay back, the midfield is fragmented. It feels as if a more compressed unit might be harder to get through. This is just conjecture though. It'll be worth watching how Southampton play at the weekend though: they're very good at this.

In any case, bananaskin dodged, nice win, please for the players. We live to fight another day.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/good-win-over-palace/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/good-win-over-palace/?)

 
After his wonder goal: Why 'perfect' Pajtim Kasami is Martin Jol's greatest ever gift to Fulham

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Pajtim Kasami owes his good form all to Martin Jol's guidance (Picture: Getty)

There hasn't been much for Martin Jol to shout about when it comes to his reign as Fulham manager.

There have been a smattering of resplendent victories – and Monday's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace was one of them – but very little to truly make him stand out.

All except Pajtim Kasami, his very own little protege.

The young Swiss was exceptional at Selhurst Park, scoring the goal that dragged his team back into a game that could so easily have pulled away from them. It was no ordinary goal, though; it was steeped in beauty and craft.

If you haven't seen it – and I doubt there are many of you – please do make the effort. It will be well worth your time.

More than just a goal is required to make a player as splendid as Kasami, though. He combines a very natural talent with a work rate that is terribly difficult to come by in attacking midfielders.

The 21-year-old tracks back, presses defenders and regularly atones for the few errors he makes. Quite simply, he's a perfect player.

And that was no better represented than on Monday evening – where the youngster not only turned a game on its head – but also turned a manager's fortune around with one quite swift, definitive sweep of his weaker right foot.

With each passing game the former Palermo midfielder grows in stature and it's Jol who deserves the plaudits for unearthing him – and then,having faith in his ability.

For a while the Fulham manager has been blamed for his preference of experience and wisdom over the exuberance of youth but Kasami is a very fine example of a calculated risk that has paid sheer dividends.

Yes, he's one of few to have been thrown in at the deep end by an otherwise cautious Jol, but if such prudence can churn out the likes of Kasami every season then the complaints will surely cease.

The manager didn't have it all his own way of course. Some typically slack defending led to Palace's opening goal while a generally lacklustre first half was somehow offset by two wonderful goals – first Kasami's and then another superb strike, this time from Steve Sidwell.

But in the shape of one young midfielder that signed just over three years ago, Jol finally has something to be proud of.

And so do the fans.


http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/22/why-perfect-pajtim-kasami-is-martin-jols-greatest-ever-gift-to-fulham-4155663/? (http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/22/why-perfect-pajtim-kasami-is-martin-jols-greatest-ever-gift-to-fulham-4155663/?)

 
Crystal Palace 1 Fulham 4: Goal of the season? Pajtim Kasami scores wonder volley to sink Eagles
How does Kasami's strike rank with the greatest Premier League goals of all time?

Is this the goal of the season already? Pajtim Kasami scored one of the finest goals in recent memory during Fulham's 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Monday night, giving his side a much needed boost having gone behind early on to an Adrian Mariappa header.

When Sascha Riether spotted Kasami's run from the halfway line, there looked to be little on for the Swiss forward, as Mariappa pushed him away from goal having appeared to have covered the 21-year-old's burst.

Kasami though had other ideas. Controlling the ball first time on his chest, he struck a beautiful volley across his body, looping over goalkeeper Julian Speroni and sailing into the back of the net.

The strike got the Cottagers' manager Martin Jol leaping out of his seat in celebration along with thousands of fans at Selhurst Park, who realised they had just witnessed something special from Kasami. He chose an even better occasion to produce the wonder goal, with Fulham owner Shad Khan looking on from the executive boxes – he was later forced to evacuate his position due to a fire alarm, resulting in the billionaire joining the fans in the stands.

Khan was in attendance ahead of his NFL franchise's Wembley match on Sunday, when the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the San Francisco 49ers. The Jags are still searching for their first win of the season, although the same cannot be said with Fulham as they have earned back-to-back victories after the triumph over Stoke before the international break.

As if that wasn't enough, midfielder Steve Sidwell then smashed home a fine volley of his own to put Fulham ahead after Bryan Ruiz's free-kick was rebounded to the edge of the area, and following a goal from striker Dimitar Berbatov which extended the lead, Kasami's international team-mate Phillipe Senderos got in on the act with a scissor-kick volley of his own.

Fulham have climbed up to 14th in the Premier League table with 10 points – just one point behind defending champions Manchester United, but they face a difficult ask to make it three in a row when they travel to St Marys to take on Southampton on Saturday evening, with Saints coming off a terrific performance at Old Trafford that saw them depart with a well-earned point.

(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896122.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/Kasami.jpg)
Reither spots Kasami's run from the centre of the halfway line

(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896123.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/Kasami+3.jpg)
The Swiss international takes the ball on his chest, taking it away from the cover Mariappa

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Having controlled the ball, Kasami hits the ball on the volley

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Kasami strikes the ball first time towards goal

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Palace goalkeeper Speroni is left helpless to stop the volley as it ends up in the back of the net

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere finished off a beautifully flowing move on Saturday that many had claimed would be the goal of the season, despite the current campaign being just over two months old. The England international started the move deep in his own half, before combining with both Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud with pinpoint first-time passes to finish from close range.

But even Wilshere was in awe of Kasami's strike last night, taking to Twitter to praise the Swiss and claim that it was better than the one he scored against Norwich on Saturday.

Wilshere was full of praise for Kasami's wonder goal 

"Well there's my 'goal of the month' prize gone!!!! Take a bow! #Player #MNF," Wilshere wrote on his official Twitter account.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/crystal-palace-1-fulham-4-goal-of-the-season-pajtim-kasami-scores-wonder-volley-to-sink-eagles-8896163.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/crystal-palace-1-fulham-4-goal-of-the-season-pajtim-kasami-scores-wonder-volley-to-sink-eagles-8896163.html)

 
Jol explains Hangeland substitution

Fulham skipper was withdrawn due to ongoing nerve problem

Martin Jol revealed Fulham skipper Brede Hangeland was withdrawn during last night's win at Crystal Palace due to a nerve problem.

The towering defender allowed Adrian Mariappa to climb above him to head in Crystal Palace's opener – the latest in a string of errors by the Norwegian this season.

Hangeland, who was also forced off in the victory against Stoke a fortnight ago, was substituted at the break as the visitors went on to win 4-1 at Selhurst Park.

Fulham will assess their captain in the next few days to try and discover the full extent of the problem ahead of Saturday's trip to Southampton. 

Jol said: "He's got a nerve which causes him problems.

"He played two games for Norway so I thought he was 100 per cent but at half time we had to take him off.

"I'm not a doctor but a nerve can cause you problems."

(http://i1.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article6220130.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/4271904-6220130.jpg)
Adrian Mariappa beats Brede Hangeland in the air to give Crystal Palace the lead



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jol-explains-hangeland-substitution-6220154? (http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jol-explains-hangeland-substitution-6220154?)

 
From bad to worse with Fulham loss for Crystal Palace

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LONDON // Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell both scored with spectacular volleys as Fulham came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 4-1 on Monday in the Premier League.

Palace took an early lead through Adrian Mariappa in the seventh minute, but Kasami brought Fulham level with one of the best goals of the season so far when he controlled a long ball with his chest and volleyed in with his next touch from the right edge of the area.

Sidwell then added another highlight goal just before halftime when a free kick was blocked by the Palace wall and bounced into his path, and he unleashed another volley from outside the area past goalkeeper Julian Speroni.

Dimitar Berbatov headed in the third in the 50th and Philippe Senderos added the fourth with another volley from close range five minutes later.

The win lifts Fulham into 14th place with 10 points from eight games and eases some of the pressure on manager Martin Jol after a poor start to the season. Palace remained second to last, with just three points in its first season back in the top flight.

"It was unbelievably important to get a result," Jol said. "We needed the three points, so now ... that's a better position for Fulham."

It was only the second time that Fulham scored four goals away in the Premier League, and the first two will be talked about for some time.

Kasami's was the most impressive, as he ran onto a long by Sascha Riether and chested the ball ahead of him as he broke into the area. Before the ball had time to land, he struck a perfect volley – with his weaker right foot – that sailed past the flailing Speroni and into the far corner.

"Yeah, that was an unbelievable goal and I'm very pleased," Kasami said. "I saw I could run in the space, and it came perfect for my chest and I took it direct with my right foot."

Jol said even he was stunned by Kasami's strike, "because I haven't seen him do it before" in training.

"It was a real good goal from a talented boy," Jol said. "It could be one of the goals of the season."

Sidwell's strike may have earned similar praise, had it not come shortly after Kasami's.

After Bryan Ruiz's free kick slammed into the wall, the ball dropped to the 30-year-old midfielder who thrashed a dipping volley into the top left corner to put the visitors in front.

"I knew as soon as it left my foot it was going in," Sidwell said.

Palace never recovered and Fulham dominated after the break. Berbatov first met Ruiz's corner to head inside the far post and Senderos then met another corner with a flying scissor kick at the far post to complete the comeback.



Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/from-bad-to-worse-with-fulham-loss-for-crystal-palace?#ixzz2iSex3M6U (http://www.thenational.ae/from-bad-to-worse-with-fulham-loss-for-crystal-palace?#ixzz2iSex3M6U)
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Crystal Palace 1-4 Fulham: A Whole New Level Of Frustration

Having spent the last two weeks gradually rebuilding the confidence which had been knocked out of us following four consecutive defeats, last night's loss brought with it an entirely different level of frustration.

It had started so well, as the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, the players appeared ready for the battle that lay in wait. When Adrian Mariappa rose highest to flight a header into the visitor's net early on, he unleashed a torrent of noise from the home supporters, no doubt born out of sheer joy and blessed relief in equal measure. A lot had been said about the importance of a positive performance and we looked for all the world as if we were poised to deliver it, until the walls caved in around us.

Thanks to two thunderbolts from Kasami and Sidwell, the first an utterly sublime dipping volley, the second a venomous drive into the roof of Speroni's goal from the edge of the box, we trudged into the half-time interval understandably stunned. Without being accused of donning a set of those ubiquitous red and blue tinted spectacles, it was a deficit we scarcely deserved, with a sense of dejection thrust upon us through two moments of genuine attacking inspiration rather than defensive calamity.

Unfortunately, the second half saw our performance dip dramatically. Where before there had been a snap to our passing, we looked tentative, arguably wary of provoking another ludicrous swerving shot at any moment. Rather than continuing to press with the same fervour we had during the opening half, the pattern of our play altered noticeably. In many ways, Speroni's misplaced clearance, which eventually led to Fulham's third goal, was a microcosm of our waning confidence.

A fourth soon followed for the visitors, with any sense of fight having disappeared from all but a few of our players. It was horrible to watch. With eight games having been and gone since we won promotion, it strikes me that the glory associated with reaching the top flight provides somewhat of a poisoned chalice from which to drink. Despite the supposed "bigger picture", I am certain that no supporter would hope for failure at any stage of a play-off campaign, but for every second of unbridled joy following our triumph, there looks to be a moment of abject misery lurking around each and every corner.

Having spent so long building hopes of a positive outcome from last night's game, the stark reality of a visit from Arsene Wenger's rampant Arsenal side looms large upon the horizon, proof, if any were needed, that there is no level of respite in this division, regardless of the opposition. Given the struggles of Fulham prior to this evening, it's telling that the likes of Kasami and Sidwell have produced two moments of magic, highlighting the fact that every team you come up against has enough individual quality to put a game to bed in a matter of minutes.

Ultimately, it is during these moments of crisis, that you look towards your manager to provide some form of inspiration. No one expects the side we posses to pull off miracles from week to week, but a sense of desire and team spirit are the minimum requirement in the minds of most Palace fans. Of course, the manner in which both of Fulham's opening goals arrived yesterday would have had a demoralising effect, but the lack of fight for vast swathes of the second half made for painful viewing.

Whilst many have been quick to jump to Holloway's defence, sighting quite rightly, that the loss of Zaha and Murray has had a hugely detrimental effect upon our chances of competing against Premier League opposition, it is worth remembering that our run of mediocre league form isn't simply a characteristic of this campaign. Holloway's promotion winning side, which included both of the aforementioned players, won just one of their last 10 games in the Championship, giving him an overall record of two league victories in the last 18 outings.

In fact, his league record, when looked at since he first arrived at the club back in November of 2012, doesn't make for pleasant viewing either, with a grand total of 48 points in 43 league fixtures averaging out at 1.11 points per game. Even if you were to discount the Premier League in those calculations, his points tally for the Championship alone averages out at just 1.28 points per game, which taken over the course of an entire season, would have been enough to secure 16th place in the 2012/13 Championship table.

When examining last season's squad, it was clear to see a genuine cohesion amongst the group. Admittedly, some shone more than others from a technical perspective, but when moulded together an one unit, the end product was successful. Whilst I can fully understand the reasoning behind the dramatic overhaul of our playing staff over the summer, I can't help but feel that the spirit we did have within the club has been diluted. Although not universally revered as players, the character of players like Peter Ramage and Aaron Wilbraham encouraged a bond to grow last season, and with their omission from the 25 man squad, it seems that togetherness has disappeared.

Where we go from here is anyone's guess, but with last night's result forcing many to speak of an inevitability in our fight for survival, there's no doubt that the next few months are going to make for an unpleasant atmosphere. We as supporters don't ask for much more than for the players to show pride in the badge on their chest, sadly, at times this season, that passion has been missing and if nothing else, that must change in time for Arsenal's visit on Saturday.



http://hltco.org/2013/10/22/crystal-palace-1-4-fulham-a-whole-new-level-of-frustration/? (http://hltco.org/2013/10/22/crystal-palace-1-4-fulham-a-whole-new-level-of-frustration/?)

 
Thomas: Fulham defeat was yet another reality check for Eagles

CRYSTAL Palace winger Jerome Thomas says he and his team-mates need to improve if they are to cope with the harsh reality of life in the Premier League.

A 4-1 home defeat to Fulham last night began brightly enough for the Eagles after they took the lead after seven minutes through an Adrian Mariappa header.

But it was all downhill from there after Fulham midfielder Pajtim Kasami produced a sensational volley to equalise on 19 minutes.

Second half substitute Thomas said: "When he hit it, it just flew in and that's the way our luck's going at the moment and you can't do anything about it.

"It's a wonder strike but even with goals like that there's always an error somewhere and we need to look at it.

"I don't think the right-back was closed down quick enough.

"When Championship players who haven't got any experience at this level ask me about it, there are two things I tell them.

"One is you need confidence and two is that you can't make mistakes, because in the Championship you'll get away with it but here you'll get punished."

Steve Sidwell then produced a thumping drive of his own on the stroke of half-time to put the visitors in front despite the hosts having had the best of the game up to this point.

Thomas added: "It's not just the first goal, the second goal was a great strike as well from Sidwell.

"It's just a harsh reality at the moment and we're learning from the lessons."

Two second half efforts by Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos , both from corners, killed off the Eagles.

But former Arsenal man Thomas backed manager Ian Holloway to pick his players up before the Gunners visit Selhurst Park on Saturday.

"That's what Ian's all about," the winger said.

"He's a man-motivator and Ian's the reason why I came to the club, and the reason why so many of the signings decided to come to the club.

"But we're all in this together as much as Ian.

"He picks the team but the players on the pitch have to produce and at the moment they are not doing it.

"It's that simple."



http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/palace/10753930._/? (http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/palace/10753930._/?)

 
Better than van Basten? Kasami's wonder goal at Palace compared to Euro 88 final strike

"It was better than you think. He controlled it on his chest and put it in the other corner. Marco's was very different. You can't compare them – but this was better!" – Martin Jol.

"I have never scored a better goal. I ran into the space and the pass was perfect. It was an unbelievable goal and I am very pleased." – Pajtim Kasami.

Whilst Jack Wilshere's team Golazo v Norwich was compared to Esteban Cambiasso v Serbia and Carlos Alberto v Italy, Pajtim Kasami has received the ultimate compliment – comparison with Marco van Basten's Euro 88 final goal for Holland v the USSR.

For Kasami, it was undoubtedly a watershed moment. "Only" against Crystal Palace, it will likely be in the top five goals of the Premier League season and was only the Swiss international's fifth goal of his career.

The trouble with comparisons with Marco van Basten, is that the Dutchman's volley came in the final of Euro 88 and capped a stunning tournament display from a Holland side that will go down as one of the all-time great European sides.

In Kasami's favour however, is the fact he took two touches which means technique wise he may well have bettered van Basten's.

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

After videos of Majtim Kasami v Crystal Palace and Marco van Basten v Russia.

Also below, is video of Taison scoring a very similar goal for Metalist v Rosenberg.

Have we missed out any back post wonder volleys?? Perhaps we can make a list...

Kasami 2 Touch Volley | Crystal Palace v Fulham (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KbICzi78no#)

Marco van Basten vs USSR - 1988 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZscEK9MwnGY#)

Metalist Kharkiv Vs Rosenborg (Taison incredible goal!) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGUFSiAc8is#ws)


http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/better-than-van-basten-kasamis-wonder-goal-at-palace-compared-to-euro-88-final-strike/? (http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/better-than-van-basten-kasamis-wonder-goal-at-palace-compared-to-euro-88-final-strike/?)

 
Holloway questions Palace players' spirit

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway has questioned the spirit of his players after they were thrashed 4-1 by Fulham on Monday.

Palace's poor start to the Premier League season – they have won just one of their first eight matches – continued at Selhurst Park despite Adrian Mariappa's goal giving them an early lead.

Stunning strikes from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell gave Fulham the lead before the break, before Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos wrapped up the rout in the second half.

The result leaves Palace five points adrift of safety already and Holloway – who signed 16 players in the close-season, more than any other Premier League club – has publicly doubted his decision to sign so many.

Holloway could not fit all of his new arrivals in his 25-man squad for the season and after a meeting with co-chairman Steve Parish following the defeat, said he was disappointed at the commitment of his players.

"We have lost five games since we announced the 25 (man-squad) and there is something wrong there," Holloway said.

"I don't think we have got the same spirit. Maybe we changed too many. But that is the squad we have until January so they better buck up and stick together."

Holloway is expected to meet again with the club on Tuesday as doubt rages over his future.

Palace host table-toppers Arsenal in their next Premier League fixture on Saturday.



Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/holloway-questions-palace-spirit#oudh7ST8tG4CwT2g.99 (http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/holloway-questions-palace-spirit#oudh7ST8tG4CwT2g.99)

 
Five things we learned from Crystal Palace vs Fulham

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FFT's Andrew Murray was in the Selhurst Park press box to analyse Fulham's 4-1 win - with help from Stats Zone...

1) Palace's opening exchanges were encouraging
The first 10 minutes at Selhurst Park proved that stats don't always tell the whole story. Fulham had 81% possession but did very little with it, Martin Jol's men too content to play sideways passes that did little to threaten the Palace back four. Darren Bent was a passenger in those opening exchanges, only taking the kick-off and losing one aerial duel.

Despite completing 15 passes to Fulham's 65 in the opening 10 minutes, Palace were the more direct and dangerous. Tricky left-winger Yannick Bolasie stoked the Eagles' main fire of the evening, if you exclude the errant smoke alarm that forced Fulham owner Shahid Khan, among others, from the executive boxes in the Whitehorse Lane end for 10 minutes of the first half.

Credit should also go to Adrian Mariappa for out-jumping Brede Hangeland – to whom he concedes more than eight inches in height – for Palace's seventh-minute opener, but that was as good as it got for the home side.

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2) Campana suffered defensive malaise
Impressive 10 days ago at Anfield, Palace's young Spaniard Jose Campana was overrun on Monday night. Neat enough in possession, it was defensively that the midfield creator struggled, contributing a solitary foul – no tackles, interceptions or headers – to the Eagles' rearguard in 45 minutes of action.

The talent's there, but without the ball, Holloway's men were effectively playing with 10 men. Mile Jedinak can't do all the midfield donkey work alone.

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3) Kasami's wonder-goal inspired his team
The Selhurst Park press box is nestled in the corner of this tightly packed, old-school ground, just above the players' tunnel. And there was no better place from which to admire in bewildered awe the pure quality of Patjim Kasami's chest control and running right-foot volley into the far corner. As soon as the ball left the Swiss midfielder's weaker side (it gets better, doesn't it?), Palace keeper Julian Speroni had no chance.

His fellow Cottagers were clearly taking notes. The Macedonian-born 21-year-old's 18th-minute wonder strike – which boss Martin Jol said was better than Marco van Basten's famous volley against the Soviet Union in the Euro '88 final – was Fulham's first shot on goal. Thereafter, Jol's men hit five from eight shots on target, scoring three times.

After a slow start to the season, Fulham's campaign had its kickstart.

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4) Sidwell's metamorphosis was a bit good
Kasami's wasn't the night's only meaty volley. Steve Sidwell's continued improvement from the footballer shell Fulham signed from Aston Villa in January 2011 was confirmed with the boyhood Palace fan's own perfectly-executed long-distance finish just before half-time.

Watch it again and look at the Arsenal trainee's standing leg. He's up on his tip-toes, Rudolf Nureyev-style, ready to adjust his body position should the falling deflection from Bryan Ruiz's free-kick not react as expected. Again, Speroni can only wave it into his net.

Brought up down the road in Croydon, the flame-haired 30-year-old completed 37 of 40 attempted passes – including an impressive five from five in the final third – and won seven from eight tackles in a complete midfield display.

That volley, though, was the highlight.

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5) Ruiz needs to contribute more
Yes, Bryan Ruiz got two corner assists against Palace and it was from his free-kick – struck into the wall – that the ball fell to Sidwell to volley home Fulham's second, but the slippery Costa Rican was up to his fitful old tricks for much of the 90 minutes.

Playing from the right-wing position from which he had such Eredivisie success with Twente, Ruiz was rarely involved in what was an especially creative team selection from Jol: none of Ruiz, Kasami or Dimitar Berbatov lose much sleep over defending. One blocked shot, a handful of final-third passes and some admittedly well-delivered corners do not a top-class Premier League creator make.

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Jol: Khan was delighted with big Fulham win

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Fulham owner Shahid Khan was elated with the club's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Monday, says manager Martin Jol.

Khan – who bought Fulham for £150million in July – was in attendance at Selhurst Park as Jol's side romped to their second successive Premier League victory.

Fulham were forced to come from behind to win, with Adrian Mariappa's early header cancelled out before half-time thanks to stunning goals from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell.

Further strikes to Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos sealed the win, to the delight of new owner Khan.

Jol said: "He (Khan) was very pleased. He said we showed a lot of resilience and mentality.

"Last time when I saw him he was very pleased as well and before that he was in Costa Rica, so he looks a happy man. He is always satisfied."

Fulham's back-to-back wins have seen them climb to 14th in the table and they are now just one point behind the eighth-placed Manchester United.

A tricky trip to Southampton is their next challenge, and they are likely to miss Norway defender Brede Hangeland for the clash.

Jol was forced to take the commanding centre-back off at the break and revealed that he was suffering from a nerve problem.

"He is injured. He's got a nerve that caused him problems," he said.

"He played two games for Norway so I thought he was 100 per cent but at half time we had to take him off.

"It's a sciatic nerve from his Achilles. I'm not a doctor but a nerve can cause you problems."




Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/jol-khan-was-delighted-big-win#jJUFZ2VmLowXqjLp.99 (http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/jol-khan-was-delighted-big-win#jJUFZ2VmLowXqjLp.99)

 
Open thread: Is Pajtim Kasami's strike for Fulham against Crystal Palace the goal of the season already?
On Monday night, Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami's strike evoked memories of Marco van Basten to cap a weekend of goal-of-the-season contenders. But which was best? Kasami, Wilshere, Roche? Have your say and vote...

They call it the beautiful game, and after some of the efforts which have whizzed in over the past three days who can argue? Football fans have been blessed with not one, not two ... but four top-drawer strikes in the latest round of fixtures and, on Monday night, Fulham midfielder Pajtim Kasami capped off a magical weekend with a blistering volley which evoked memories of Marco van Basten's cracker in the final of the 1988 European Championships final.

That followed Jack Wilshere's brilliant team goal for Arsenal against Norwich, Stephanie Roche's turn and hit for Peamount United and Zlatan Ibrahimovic's incredibly powerful 'scorpion' kick. We address each goal's merits, but you tell us - and each other - why you think one is better than the others...

1. Jack Wilshere v Norwich
Jack Wilshere Tiki Taka Goal vs Norwich Arsenal 4 1 Norwich City Premier League 19 10 2013 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7jh6Cpkpg0#)

The opener in the 4-1 victory at the Emirates on Saturday was a thing of beauty; it was Arsenal at their fluid best. Wilshere started and then ended an attack that involved Spaniard Santi Cazorla and a sublime one-two with France striker Olivier Giroud.

"It was certainly one of the best and one I enjoyed the most," Arsène Wenger said, of the "exceptional" goal. "It's what you dream, it's close to perfection. It was the combination and speed I like to play. It was a mix of technical quality, speedy thinking and quick reaction. It was a great goal."

2. Stephanie Roche v Wexford Youths Women
GREAT GOAL!! GOAL OF THE SEASON (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0L0WIK2Ync#)

Republic of Ireland international Roche volleys a stunning strike in the Bus Eireann Women's National League of Ireland. Roche beautifully controls a difficult pass, beats her marker with an impudent flick, and launches a terrifying rocket at goal. Tremendous work from the 27-year-old, and similarly excellent behaviour from Peamount manager Eileen Gleeson for her entirely appropriate celebration:
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02708/peamount_2708170a.jpg)

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3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic v Bastia
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Amazing Scorpion Golazo !!!! PSG-BASTIA 1-0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI8SV0racrY#)

The great Swede may not play at the World Cup in Brazil next summer (after his side were paired with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in their play-off), which makes this goal – typically brilliant and inventive of Ibra – a timely reminder of quite how excellent he is. The most impressive element of his goal against Bastia, which is a sheer moment of superb improvisation with his right heel, is the speed it crashes into the back of the net.
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4. Pajtim Kasami v Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace vs Fulham 1-1 Pajtim Kasami Amazing Goal [HD1080p] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYRnMBSwy1g#)

Move over Marco van Basten. Less than 12 hours after his howitzer on Monday night, a Google search on 'Kasami' brings up 'Kasami goal' as the top hit. Like the famous Dutch striker's volley against USSR in the final of the 1988 European Championships, this, too, should be a goal which becomes burned in to every football fan's memory.

Marco Van Basten Goal for Holland in Euro 1988 Final (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMIFWM2yJW8#)

Fulham's Swiss midfielder controls a tricky pass on his chest running at full tilt, and – while moving away from goal and making the angle harder – he lashes the ball with his right foot and it rockets past Julián Speroni to make it 2-1 to the visitors. Palace, no doubt deflated by the wonderstrike, capitulated 4-1, but Martin Jol – a Dutchman, no less – said he reckons Kasami's effort was even better than van Basten's.
"I think this was better," said the Fulham manager with a laugh. "Van Basten was probably the best volley in the history of football, but that was one touch, so that can happen. This is different. This is a sprint to control the ball and then it's his wrong foot as well, so I think without stretching my imagination that this must be one of the best goals."
Jack Wilshere certainly thought it was better than his goal:


But which effort has you purring the most, and who would you crown goal scorer of the weekend? Further, shall we call off the search for goal of the season now? Let us know your thoughts and make sure you vote.
Which was the best goal scored in the weekend's games?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's scorpion kick for Paris Saint-Germain against Bastia
Stephanie Roche's cracker for Peamount United
Pajtim Kasami's van Basten-esque strike against Crystal Palace
Jack Wilshere's nifty team goal against Norwich
Vote
View Results


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10395637/Open-thread-Is-Pajtim-Kasamis-strike-for-Fulham-against-Crystal-Palace-the-goal-of-the-season-already.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10395637/Open-thread-Is-Pajtim-Kasamis-strike-for-Fulham-against-Crystal-Palace-the-goal-of-the-season-already.html)

 
Kasami: My Best Goal

Pajtim Kasami was pleased to see his side's hard work pay off on Monday evening as Fulham came away from our South London derby against Crystal Palace with a 4-1 win.

The Eagles had taken the lead early on but an equaliser soon arrived through Kasami's sumptuous volley – it was a strike that the 21-year-old admitted was the best of his career to date.

"Yes, that was the best goal I ever scored," Pajtim told fulhamfc.com. "I knew that the ball was coming directly onto my chest and all I wanted to do was strike it. I was at quite a tight angle and I knew I had to take it and I'm very happy that it went in."

As pleased as he was to score a goal of that calibre, the victory was the most important thing for Kasami, who claimed Sky Sports' official Man of the Match award for his performance.

"It feels very nice to get a win like that," he said. "We worked very hard and we got the three points and that was massive for us. I think everyone knows that we have fantastic players and we just have to be patient. I think on Monday we showed that we have quality and that if you keep at it then your hard work will pay off."

Fulham took the lead on the stroke of half-time through another special goal, this time from Steve Sidwell, before a Dimitar Berbatov header gave the Whites a cushion.

The fourth came from the unlikely source of Philippe Senderos when the centre-back executed a deft scissor kick to notch his second goal for the Club, and Pajtim was delighted to see his compatriot get on the scoresheet.

"I'm very happy for Phil," Kasami stated. "He always works hard and we work together now in the national team and he did a great game over there as well and I'm very pleased for him that he scored against Crystal Palace."

Kasami's dazzling display against the Eagles is the latest of several this season for the former Palermo man, whose form recently earned him a call-up to the full Switzerland national side for the first time.

Ottmar Hitzfeld's men secured their place at Brazil 2014 with a game to spare, and Kasami was handed a debut in theirfinal match against Slovenia. It certainly whet the youngster's appetite and he confessed it would be a landmark moment if he was selected to compete at next year's competition.

"Obviously I'm still young but to reach a World Cup is a goal for every player," he said. "It's a big dream of mine and I'm very pleased that we qualified. I just look forward to playing football and to enjoy it."

Six points won from the last two outings have put Fulham in a much healthier position in the Barclays Premier Leaguetable. Indeed, victory over Southampton at the weekend would move Martin Jol's men to within two points of the Saints, who currently occupy sixth spot.

"I'm so pleased that we won on Monday," Kasami said. "It gives me and it gives the whole team a lot of confidence. I think that win gives everyone a boost and, as I said before, we have fantastic players and we just have to be patient and we will get to where we want to be. Winning our last two matches gives us good momentum going into the Southampton match and I think we will be ready for them on Saturday."

(http://www.fulhamfc.com/-/media/PlayerActionShots/2013-14/Pajtim%20Kasami/PA-17976005.ashx)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/22/kasami-my-best-goal? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/22/kasami-my-best-goal?)

 
Was Patjim Kasami's stunning volley the goal of the Premier League season so far?

(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article8896263.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Patjim-Kasami-goal.jpg)

The Premier League season may just be a couple of months old but we have already seen some spectacular goals.

Pajtim Kasami's stunning equaliser for Fulham against Crystal Palace (above) last night was the latest in a string of wonder strikes.

Standard Sport lists five of the best goals of the season so far. Tell us your favourite by voting in our poll below.

Daniel Sturridge, Aston Villa v Liverpool, August 24
Coutinho's dummy opens up space for Sturridge to dribble past Luna and then rounds Guzan, poking the ball high into the net.

Jordon Mutch, Cardiff v Fulham, September 28
After winning a high ball, Mutch turns inside before hitting an unstoppable curling shot into the top corner.

(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article8863852.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/66westhamback0710.jpg)

Ravel Morrison, Tottenham v West Ham, October 6
Morisson dribbles straight towards goal from his own half, holding off a couple of challenges before lifting the ball over Lloris (above).

Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal v Norwich, October 19
Ramsey blasts the ball into the net after twice cutting back to leave a couple of Norwich defenders on the floor.

Jack Wilshere, Arsenal v Norwich, October 19
A sublime three flick exchange with Giroud leaves Norwich standing as Wilshere volleys home after a superb flowing move.


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/was-patjim-kasamis-stunning-volley-the-goal-of-the-premier-league-season-so-far-8896184.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/was-patjim-kasamis-stunning-volley-the-goal-of-the-premier-league-season-so-far-8896184.html)

 
Jol: Stekelenburg is my number one

Dutch keeper was restored to the starting XI after recovering from shoulder injury

(http://i2.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article6221197.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/54226605-6221197.jpg)
Fulham's number one Maarten Stekelenburg

Martin Jol has told David Stockdale that Maarten Stekelenburg is Fulham's first-choice keeper.

The summer signing from Roma suffered a shoulder injury on his debut at Sunderland on the opening day of the season, with Stockdale keeping goal in his absence.

However, Stekelenburg was restored to the side for last night's 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.

Jol said: "Maarten came to us and we paid more money for him than for other players, beside Bryan Ruiz a couple of years ago.

"I didn't buy him to be on the bench, you know what I mean?

"He did very well when he started, saved a couple of points against Sunderland.

"Stockdale did well, but Maarten was fit for the last two weeks and showed that he was fit and that he could play again.

"I asked him if he could play and he said 'yes'. I had a little word with Stockdale and of course he isn't pleased but that is the decision I made."

(http://i1.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article6221229.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/4257317-6221229.jpg)
David Stockdale was dropped to the bench against Crystal Palace last night



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jol-stekelenburg-number-one-6221318? (http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jol-stekelenburg-number-one-6221318?)

 
Andy Murray tells Pajtim Kasami 'that's the best individual goal I've seen'

The world and his wife have been falling over themselves to congratulate Pajtim Kasami for his stunning Monday-night strike.

And Kasami's fantastic volley at Crystal Palace, which inspired Fulham to a 4-1 win after trailing early on, caught the eye of Wimbledon champion Andy Murray.

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/10408873453_e7e5acb57b_o.gif)

The two-time grand-slam champ, recuperating from the back surgery which keeps him out of next month's Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, urged Kasami to 'take a bow'.

That prompted a very polite thank you from the goalscorer – whose strike left poor Steve Sidwell's cracker totally overlooked – before Murray responded by telling the Swiss it was the best individual goal he'd seen live.

Given that Murray never tagged Kasami in his tweet and he seems to have started following Muzza just after their exchange, we can only assume he was looking for himself on Twitter after his big night, which has provoked an 'ah, bless' response here at Metro Towers.



http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/22/andy-murray-tells-pajtim-kasami-thats-the-best-individual-goal-ive-seen-4156019/? (http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/22/andy-murray-tells-pajtim-kasami-thats-the-best-individual-goal-ive-seen-4156019/?)