Reading's tactics were superb, totally eradicated our passing game especially from the back. For weeks I have wondered why other teams have not been able to adopt the set up that Reading did today and stop us playing. We play some great football, as do Barcelona, but if teams commit 3, 4 or even 5 players forward to stop defenses developing moves from the back, very difficult to come out with a plan B if you are not used to struggling for possession. That said I was happy with a draw, even though their goal should not have been allowed after the foul on Johansson and the obvious hand ball. Evenly poised for Tuesday!!
Quote from: davew on May 13, 2017, 08:26:36 PM
Reading's tactics were superb, totally eradicated our passing game especially from the back. For weeks I have wondered why other teams have not been able to adopt the set up that Reading did today and stop us playing. We play some great football, as do Barcelona, but if teams commit 3, 4 or even 5 players forward to stop defenses developing moves from the back, very difficult to come out with a plan B if you are not used to struggling for possession. That said I was happy with a draw, even though their goal should not have been allowed after the foul on Johansson and the obvious hand ball. Evenly poised for Tuesday!!
While I understand there game plan was to close us down to describe there tactics which included kicking us off the pitch and wasting time as superb is a bit much.
If we had a referee with a backbone they would have has 2 in the book within 10 minutes and they wouldn't have pressurised us as much
It's neck and neck said the Giraffe to the Swan.
We need to increase the tempo, not enough urgency, and Betts for some reason wasted more time distributing the ball ( poorly ), than their keeper.
I hope it's the last time I watch Martin today in a Fulham Shirt, I don't want Martin starting, he is short changing us, no effort, no work rate, and his contribution is mediocre, his application pointless, completely unfit for a pro footballer. We will get our money's worth with either Sess, Kebano or Piazon starting.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 13, 2017, 08:48:01 PM
It's neck and neck said the Giraffe to the Swan.
We need to increase the tempo, not enough urgency, and Betts for some reason wasted more time distributing the ball ( poorly ), than their keeper.
I don't watching him today, I don't want Martin starting, he is short changing us, no effort, no work rate, and his contribution is mediocre, his application pointless. We will get our money's worth with either Sess, Kebano or Piazon starting.
And of course we will win on Tuesday, we are still favourites to win promotion though not sure how the bookies arrive at that conclusion?
Reading played exactly as all teams that had success against us this season played. Early fouls which the referee lets go, constant time wasting, and 10 men behind the ball with a big striker to win the hoofs forward. We really struggle against teams that play that way, and I fully expect them to play exactly the same way in the second leg.
From our side, I think there was a bit of an attitude issue. Seemed like they thought they just had to turn up to win. Up until their goal we were miles off the pace, far too many players had off days, and we didn't trouble their keeper basically all game. Everything was far too slow, especially Bettinelli which was driving me insane
We'll need the first goal in the second leg or we'll struggle to break them down. It's finely poised but I think we'll see today's game as an opportunity lost.
Agreed Ordar, except they did commit a lot of players forward to stop us playing from the back!!
Quote from: davew on May 13, 2017, 08:50:20 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 13, 2017, 08:48:01 PM
It's neck and neck said the Giraffe to the Swan.
We need to increase the tempo, not enough urgency, and Betts for some reason wasted more time distributing the ball ( poorly ), than their keeper.
I don't watching him today, I don't want Martin starting, he is short changing us, no effort, no work rate, and his contribution is mediocre, his application pointless. We will get our money's worth with either Sess, Kebano or Piazon starting.
And of course we will win on Tuesday, we are still favourites to win promotion though not sure how the bookies arrive at that conclusion?
Its 1 1 at half time, we can play a lot better than today, the pressure is now on Reading, we can exploit it. No need to feel too disappointed, but we have to Up the tempo and show far more urgency from the start, and make sure we score first. ⚽️and then make sure we score second as well to make it a 2 0 score line for Mighty Fulham.
In December Reading came & played football with us & got spanked. Stam has learnt his lesson well. Tactics spot on. Player booked for time wasting in the first half, niggly fouls all over & total commitment to stop us playing out from the back
And to think we wanted to avoid Wednesday. Never expected Reading to be that disciplined
At half time I said I like to win but would take a draw on the premise that they would have to come out & play a bit more when they are home.
Let's hope so. It's not a given but hopefully we can exploit the little bit of extra space on Tuesday night
Simples. Winner goes to Wembley. Let's hope Aluko & Ayite pack their shooting boots. They were both wayward today
Start with Aluko, Ayite & Kebano to press them like they did to us & if necessary reinforce with Sess, Piazon & Cyraic when they tire
We have still not won a playoff fixture. Tuesday is a good time to start
While I understand there game plan was to close us down to describe there tactics which included kicking us off the pitch and wasting time as superb is a bit much.
If we had a referee with a backbone they would have has 2 in the book within 10 minutes and they wouldn't have pressurised us as much
[/quote]
Hardly kicked you of the park mate!
The amatuer dramatics from you lot should get them all rada passes no problem, especially fredericks and hutton. They should be up for oscars.
However agree ref was very lenient, both ways!. How did Hutton not get booked for the blatant pull.
Quote from: FFC73 on May 13, 2017, 08:57:43 PM
In December Reading came & played football with us & got spanked. Stam has learnt his lesson well. Tactics spot on. Player booked for time wasting in the first half, niggly fouls all over & total commitment to stop us playing out from the back
And to think we wanted to avoid Wednesday. Never expected Reading to be that disciplined
At half time I said I like to win but would take a draw on the premise that they would have to come out & play a bit more when they are home.
Let's hope so. It's not a given but hopefully we can exploit the little bit of extra space on Tuesday night
Simples. Winner goes to Wembley. Let's hope Aluko & Ayite pack their shooting boots. They were both wayward today
Start with Aluko, Ayite & Kebano to press them like they did to us & if necessary reinforce with Sess, Piazon & Cyraic when they tire
We have still not won a playoff fixture. Tuesday is a good time to start
I'd start with sess, they are very weak down their right hand side, and for the majority of the game, malone had no one down the line to play to. See hugs that touch line perfectly and the two could destroy them
Ben. Yep. Any 3 from Ayite, Aluko, Kabano or Sess to start. Whoever is on the bench is more than adequate to come on & carry on in the same vein
Quote from: FFC73 on May 13, 2017, 09:11:08 PM
Ben. Yep. Any 3 from Ayite, Aluko, Kabano or Sess to start. Whoever is on the bench is more than adequate to come on & carry on in the same vein
yes, just wouldn't have ayite on the left. Time and time again he just wasn't there as an outlet for malone. Think he has got a taste for playing central if you ask me.
Quote from: 1wednesday on May 13, 2017, 08:59:34 PM
While I understand there game plan was to close us down to describe there tactics which included kicking us off the pitch and wasting time as superb is a bit much.
If we had a referee with a backbone they would have has 2 in the book within 10 minutes and they wouldn't have pressurised us as much
Hardly kicked you of the park mate!
The amatuer dramatics from you lot should get them all rada passes no problem, especially fredericks and hutton. They should be up for oscars.
However agree ref was very lenient, both ways!. How did Hutton not get booked for the blatant pull.
[/quote]
Your mob are exactly the same fingers crossed if we don't make it it won't be you either. Shame you didn't draw each other could have watched you two kick lumps out of each other for 180 minutes
Quote from: MrD1879 on May 13, 2017, 09:16:51 PM
Quote from: 1wednesday on May 13, 2017, 08:59:34 PM
While I understand there game plan was to close us down to describe there tactics which included kicking us off the pitch and wasting time as superb is a bit much.
If we had a referee with a backbone they would have has 2 in the book within 10 minutes and they wouldn't have pressurised us as much
Hardly kicked you of the park mate!
The amatuer dramatics from you lot should get them all rada passes no problem, especially fredericks and hutton. They should be up for oscars.
However agree ref was very lenient, both ways!. How did Hutton not get booked for the blatant pull.
Your mob are exactly the same fingers crossed if we don't make it it won't be you either. Shame you didn't draw each other could have watched you two kick lumps out of each other for 180 minutes
[/quote]
Truth is mate no one is going to play an open game and allow your Barcelona esq team flourish , football is not just about pretty football, some times you have to stop teams playing, reading did a job on you and it's obviously hurting, but let that get in the way of a good sob story.
well done stam? The man is a thug, his team today were thugs. Total anti football in my opinion. We can only hope they get spanked on Tuesday.
Reading did do a job on us, now Fulham have to make sure we do a job on them, and we are one of a small handful of teams that can do that on Tuesday at their souless bowl, they are there for the taking, but we have to earn it. We can play so much better, but can they, I am not sure they can, the pressure is on them now, not us, I cannot see them handling it, or Fulham if we increase our tempo and urgency, it wouldn't surprise me if they got another player sent off in the second leg, as when we are firing on all cylinders, there are very few teams, if any in this Division that can handle us.
Quote from: jarv on May 13, 2017, 09:30:24 PM
well done stam? The man is a thug, his team today were thugs. Total anti football in my opinion. We can only hope they get spanked on Tuesday.
Can't entirely agree with that, "thugs" is a way over the top description, we have played (and lost) to far worse footballing teams this season who have tried to kick us off the pitch! We are all feeling disappointed, but I feel no need to change the topic heading, well done Stam!!
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 13, 2017, 09:36:28 PM
Reading did do a job on us, now Fulham have to make sure we do a job on them, and we are one of a small handful of teams that can do that on Tuesday at their souless bowl, they are there for the taking, but we have to earn it. We can play so much better, but can they, I am not sure they can, the pressure is on them now, not us, I cannot see them handling it, or Fulham if we increase our tempo and urgency, it wouldn't surprise me if they got another player sent off in the second leg, as when we are firing in all cylinders, there are few teams in this Division that can handle us.
Have to agree with most of that, think they will play the same way though and hope to nick it, they won't take you on head to head although I don't think it was the anti football some on here are raging about.they stopped you creating much, you normally create 20 or 30 plus shots in a game so they will be very pleased with the outcome today expect more of the same.
Although I think you will do better at their place, I think it will be difficult to contain you over two legs.
It is always frustrating when a topic takes a turn for the worse. Yes Reading were robust but we are often prone to looking for the foul rather than looking for the answer. Stam was sharper than JOka on the day and prepared his team to stifle Johansen, Cairney and the flanks. What's wrong about just accepting Stam did a better job than JOka. We should be more concerned about the latters inability to get us at 100% for such a game and why the shooting practice sessions have not worked out very well. It is, as people have said, only half time but plenty to do in the next couple of days.
Quote from: ScalleysDad on May 13, 2017, 09:48:19 PM
It is always frustrating when a topic takes a turn for the worse. Yes Reading were robust but we are often prone to looking for the foul rather than looking for the answer. Stam was sharper than JOka on the day and prepared his team to stifle Johansen, Cairney and the flanks. What's wrong about just accepting Stam did a better job than JOka. We should be more concerned about the latters inability to get us at 100% for such a game and why the shooting practice sessions have not worked out very well. It is, as people have said, only half time but plenty to do in the next couple of days.
Which in a few words agrees with my thread topic and opinion!! Why we have to diversify and point fingers, well I suppose it is because it is a forum!!
Quote from: ScalleysDad on May 13, 2017, 09:48:19 PM
It is always frustrating when a topic takes a turn for the worse. Yes Reading were robust but we are often prone to looking for the foul rather than looking for the answer. Stam was sharper than JOka on the day and prepared his team to stifle Johansen, Cairney and the flanks. What's wrong about just accepting Stam did a better job than JOka. We should be more concerned about the latters inability to get us at 100% for such a game and why the shooting practice sessions have not worked out very well. It is, as people have said, only half time but plenty to do in the next couple of days.
Well said.
Tactically, Stam got it spot on.
And to be fair, there were times, particularly in the first half, where they did look dangerous especially down the left.
But it was a breathless game, and there hasn't been an atmosphere like that in the Cottage for a few seasons. The place was rocking!
And let's not forget a word of thanks (or many.....) to the thread author for his positive contribution in making all these comments possible (lol)!
Quote from: Burt on May 13, 2017, 10:06:06 PM
Quote from: ScalleysDad on May 13, 2017, 09:48:19 PM
It is always frustrating when a topic takes a turn for the worse. Yes Reading were robust but we are often prone to looking for the foul rather than looking for the answer. Stam was sharper than JOka on the day and prepared his team to stifle Johansen, Cairney and the flanks. What's wrong about just accepting Stam did a better job than JOka. We should be more concerned about the latters inability to get us at 100% for such a game and why the shooting practice sessions have not worked out very well. It is, as people have said, only half time but plenty to do in the next couple of days.
Well said.
Tactically, Stam got it spot on.
And to be fair, there were times, particularly in the first half, where they did look dangerous especially down the left.
But it was a breathless game, and there hasn't been an atmosphere like that in the Cottage for a few seasons. The place was rocking!
and rolling.
Quote from: davew on May 13, 2017, 09:56:00 PM
Quote from: ScalleysDad on May 13, 2017, 09:48:19 PM
It is always frustrating when a topic takes a turn for the worse. Yes Reading were robust but we are often prone to looking for the foul rather than looking for the answer. Stam was sharper than JOka on the day and prepared his team to stifle Johansen, Cairney and the flanks. What's wrong about just accepting Stam did a better job than JOka. We should be more concerned about the latters inability to get us at 100% for such a game and why the shooting practice sessions have not worked out very well. It is, as people have said, only half time but plenty to do in the next couple of days.
Which in a few words agrees with my thread topic and opinion!! Why we have to diversify and point fingers, well I suppose it is because it is a forum!!
Indeed it is. A mixed bag as usual.
Sorry Dave but if you think the way Reading played was superb, then I have to say that it was not the type of football I would not pay to watch and if the go up, then they are in for a great shock and will very quickly come back down. There was foul after foul which the ref was to soft on. Then there was the play acting as well as the blatant time wasting.True they did stop us playing which they did successfully. But if that's the type of football that you like, well I'll go and get my coat.
Quote from: 1wednesday on May 13, 2017, 09:45:54 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 13, 2017, 09:36:28 PM
Reading did do a job on us, now Fulham have to make sure we do a job on them, and we are one of a small handful of teams that can do that on Tuesday at their souless bowl, they are there for the taking, but we have to earn it. We can play so much better, but can they, I am not sure they can, the pressure is on them now, not us, I cannot see them handling it, or Fulham if we increase our tempo and urgency, it wouldn't surprise me if they got another player sent off in the second leg, as when we are firing in all cylinders, there are few teams in this Division that can handle us.
Have to agree with most of that, think they will play the same way though and hope to nick it, they won't take you on head to head although I don't think it was the anti football some on here are raging about.they stopped you creating much, you normally create 20 or 30 plus shots in a game so they will be very pleased with the outcome today expect more of the same.
Although I think you will do better at their place, I think it will be difficult to contain you over two legs.
I just hope we have learnt some lessons today, as this tie is too close for comfort, but like all these matches it's on the day. Being away on Tuesday may take the pressure off us as Fulham looked at times early on hesitant and were closed down early when in possession, I don't understand what Betts was trying to do, if he was checking and looking for Martin, then he didn't do a good job, I cannot see how Martin can start Tuesday, unless Jok has a cunning plan, but Stam out foxed Jok this evening, and because of that, we were outmanoeuvred at times. But it's a different match in the second leg, we can raise it two more gears, but can they.
Quote from: Peabody on May 13, 2017, 10:22:00 PM
Sorry Dave but if you think the way Reading played was superb, then I have to say that it was not the type of football I would not pay to watch and if the go up, then they are in for a great shock and will very quickly come back down. There was foul after foul which the ref was to soft on. Then there was the play acting as well as the blatant time wasting.True they did stop us playing which they did successfully. But if that's the type of football that you like, well I'll go and get my coat.
I'm with peabody here.
I'm just grateful we don't have to watch our team timewaste from 10 minutes in at 0-0. To get booked in the first half, for time wasting when taking a corner... I don't think I've ever seen that before.
They were snide and dirty, but then we all know that's how to stop us.
Anyway. I don't come on here to read about bloody Jaap Spam. Let's give this thread a rest now ;)
Quote from: Peabody on May 13, 2017, 10:22:00 PM
Sorry Dave but if you think the way Reading played was superb, then I have to say that it was not the type of football I would not pay to watch and if the go up, then they are in for a great shock and will very quickly come back down. There was foul after foul which the ref was to soft on. Then there was the play acting as well as the blatant time wasting.True they did stop us playing which they did successfully. But if that's the type of football that you like, well I'll go and get my coat.
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Sorry Dave, but they came to disrupt our game and nothing else.
If they do somehow get promotion, the prem will have a field day!
Terrible tactics at this stage of the season.
Stam did what he had to do, I suppose, as he knows damn well his team are not a touch on us. Personally, I can't stand that game p,an.
Quote from: Peabody on May 13, 2017, 10:22:00 PM
Sorry Dave but if you think the way Reading played was superb, then I have to say that it was not the type of football I would not pay to watch and if the go up, then they are in for a great shock and will very quickly come back down. There was foul after foul which the ref was to soft on. Then there was the play acting as well as the blatant time wasting.True they did stop us playing which they did successfully. But if that's the type of football that you like, well I'll go and get my coat.
I didn't suggest anything about Reading playing superb, admiring their football or even liking it....did I??? I hated watching the match (from an armchair..with another lifelong supporter in attendance in my front room), the whole point of my thread was to say that their Manager did a job in stopping us play our Barca type football! We are all a little disappointed, especially me, which is why I am now on the Gordon's bottle (lol), but they are by no means the dirtiest team we have played this season! I will watch the game again tomorrow and edit any comments I have made which I feel require amendment!
Brede, exactly they came to disrupt us, would we have expected anything else?? They do have some quality players but not enough to outplay us, let's take today on the chin and SJ come out with a solution that the same thing doesn't happen on Tuesday, otherwise we are out!!!
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 13, 2017, 10:22:25 PM
Quote from: 1wednesday on May 13, 2017, 09:45:54 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 13, 2017, 09:36:28 PM
Reading did do a job on us, now Fulham have to make sure we do a job on them, and we are one of a small handful of teams that can do that on Tuesday at their souless bowl, they are there for the taking, but we have to earn it. We can play so much better, but can they, I am not sure they can, the pressure is on them now, not us, I cannot see them handling it, or Fulham if we increase our tempo and urgency, it wouldn't surprise me if they got another player sent off in the second leg, as when we are firing in all cylinders, there are few teams in this Division that can handle us.
Have to agree with most of that, think they will play the same way though and hope to nick it, they won't take you on head to head although I don't think it was the anti football some on here are raging about.they stopped you creating much, you normally create 20 or 30 plus shots in a game so they will be very pleased with the outcome today expect more of the same.
Although I think you will do better at their place, I think it will be difficult to contain you over two legs.
I just hope we have learnt some lessons today, as this tie is too close for comfort, but like all these matches it's on the day. Being away on Tuesday may take the pressure off us as Fulham looked at times early on hesitant and were closed down early when in possession, I don't understand what Betts was trying to do, if he was checking and looking for Martin, then he didn't do a good job, I cannot see how Martin can start Tuesday, unless Jok has a cunning plan, but Stam out foxed Jok this evening, and because of that, we were outmanoeuvred at times. But it's a different match in the second leg, we can raise it two more gears, but can they.
Thought you lacked belief which was surprising, kept losing your shape and that played right into their hands, seemed a little shell shocked by their high pressing game early on, for me you need to go there and impose your game on them, if you don't I think your going struggle.
Out of all the teams in the playoffs they are the weakest team for me but stam has got them playing a way that stops other teams normally by possession football which is mostly passing along their back line to draw teams out and once n front the spoiling starts, believe it or not they did that to us at Hillsboro this season they were fortunate that night but you have to respect what they have achieved finishing third, and truth is I would rather face them than you.
I'd rather us go out sticking to our style of football, rather than resorting to a game plan that you complemented Mr Stam on today
Quote from: Peabody on May 13, 2017, 10:41:49 PM
I'd rather us go out sticking to our style of football, rather than resorting to a game plan that you complemented Mr Stam on today
Me too, but they walked away with 1 all draw, when we all think it should have been a resounding win for us!! I have no regret in posting the thread, as negative as I can or used to be, he did a job well today so I will credit it him for that, whether I like it or not, I think you know the answer to that!!
1Wednesday I think we need you on the bench on Tuesday, but maybe not the forum if we lose (lol)!
Quote from: davew on May 13, 2017, 10:50:48 PM
1Wednesday I think we need you on the bench on Tuesday, but maybe not the forum if we lose (lol)!
Dave you are right stam did well with tactics today, but still all to play for I still fancy you to get through, no malice intended but I hope it isn't, you are the better team and are the bigger threat.
I certainly won't be gloating, who knows we might not make it either.
I do think us v you would make for better final but not sure my nerves could take that, would be much more confident v reading.
Quote from: 1wednesday on May 13, 2017, 11:02:45 PM
Quote from: davew on May 13, 2017, 10:50:48 PM
1Wednesday I think we need you on the bench on Tuesday, but maybe not the forum if we lose (lol)!
Dave you are right stam did well with tactics today, but still all to play for I still fancy you to get through, no malice intended but I hope it isn't, you are the better team and are the bigger threat.
I certainly won't be gloating, who knows we might not make it either.
I do think us v you would make for better final but not sure my nerves could take that, would be much more confident v reading.
Thanks, us and Sheff Weds the 2 best teams to make the play offs, different styles, different squads etc., etc., I hope it comes down to that, if FFC don't get through, you would be the team I would hope to see get promoted!!!
Thanks Dave
Likewise if we lose to Huddersfield I hope you go up.
This is for very selfish reasons as you out of the way would mean a serious threat has gone next season.
However I like the way you play and think football should be played this way and would be a joy to watch in prem.
Quote from: 1wednesday on May 13, 2017, 08:59:34 PM
While I understand there game plan was to close us down to describe there tactics which included kicking us off the pitch and wasting time as superb is a bit much.
If we had a referee with a backbone they would have has 2 in the book within 10 minutes and they wouldn't have pressurised us as much
Hardly kicked you of the park mate!
The amatuer dramatics from you lot should get them all rada passes no problem, especially fredericks and hutton. They should be up for oscars.
However agree ref was very lenient, both ways!. How did Hutton not get booked for the blatant pull.
[/quote]
Who is Hutton?
Quote from: Twig on May 14, 2017, 12:08:09 AM
Quote from: 1wednesday on May 13, 2017, 08:59:34 PM
While I understand there game plan was to close us down to describe there tactics which included kicking us off the pitch and wasting time as superb is a bit much.
If we had a referee with a backbone they would have has 2 in the book within 10 minutes and they wouldn't have pressurised us as much
Hardly kicked you of the park mate!
The amatuer dramatics from you lot should get them all rada passes no problem, especially fredericks and malone. They should be up for oscars.
However agree ref was very lenient, both ways!. How did Hutton not get booked for the blatant pull.
Who is Hutton?
Corrected it for you, malone, god knows where Hutton came from!
[/quote]
They had a high press going. They committed a lot of men forward. I thought we adjusted in the second half with more horizontal spread from the keeper, then picked our way up the pitch, just not with the usual speed we're accustomed to of late. We had some excellent counterattack moments that, frankly, we just wasted. And I put that down to the lack of a true finisher. We kept trying to center it from the right corner under heavy pressure. Our game is speedy feet, sweet passing, constant movement, and then fierce attempts to retrieve possession ASAP when lost. Reading has speedy players, too. And they throw themselves into our men and bully it up a bit. But we're better dribblers, better possessors, better passers. We broke up I don't know how many possessions--just went in and took the ball away from their dribblers. They complained to the ref, but didn't get the calls. I was most proud of those play break ups. They showed real determination, real grit to get possession back. Like pick pockets, our mids and fullbacks kept stealing possession back over and over again. I truly thought we owned the second half. We were asserting our stamp of authority/control over Reading in the second half. They seemed to be content to not give up the second goal and wait for a moment to counter when we over committed up. I thought our CBs played very well. If I have a complaint, it's that we rarely tried to dribble right up the gut, right up the middle through open space, and smack it hard at the keeper. You're bound to pick up a ricochet goal, as it caroms off somebody's legs, and everyone scrambles. No, we kept trying to center from the corners, or sideways pass 10 yards from the 18 box, but rarely testing with a run at the goal. No, not entirely true. Ayite had it in him. He took his chances. But god bless him he's not a true finisher.
So now we took their measure. Their plan's exposed. Slava will adjust for next game with longer passes past the wave of high pressers, and we'll footrace to their box. We'll scare them off the high press, and if we get an early goal, we'll dictate terms after that. I like our chances. A key starter is out for next game with a red.
Quote from: Ordar on May 13, 2017, 08:50:44 PM
From our side, I think there was a bit of an attitude issue. Seemed like they thought they just had to turn up to win.
I disagree.
We were not at our best, but Forever Fulham's contribution, above - particularly the comment about our determination to break up Reading's opportunity to pass the ball around in the manner that they have done throughout the season (they were, after all, second only to us in the league's possession statistic) - demonstrates why this wasn't the case.
(https://puu.sh/vPAwY/c41904710b.png)
I have a gripe with Sky's summary of Jaap Stam's interview here.
From my recollection Reading had one (half) chance and took it. What exactly is Stam rueing?
some very interesting and strange posts.
we need to play ou own game and again.
i do think some of our players were caught up in the occason and underperformed. I also think the referee was hopeless and contributed to our poor play in that he failed to stop the reading endless disruptive tactics. timewasting per se is not illegal but what they did was. but more importantly he allowed foul afr=ter foul on the or around the half way line without using the card. he needed to book a couple of their payers to stop and that and then we would have played with more freedom. their goal was an atwell joke and do hope never to see him again. if we get lee probate in the return then prepare for failure, he will not allow us to win.
in my opinion which most of you know is never humble, I would replace ayite and martin for sess and kebano on tuesday and if we start with that team, you have my personal guarantee of success (save for the choice of ref, oh and reading roling over of course). :-)))
I've been going to football for a long time. I go with my son. There's no question I have seen things live that when you see replays completely contradict what you first thought.
I dont tend to wear Fulham goggles as it can actually ruin the game for you, if that makes sense.
If I see one of our players in the box go down, I always hope its a penalty (well, I used to).
I know it was a big match and I know crowds can often intimidate refs but it gets to the stage where every time a fulham player goes down, people act as if its the worst tackle they've ever seen and very decision against us is met with a chorus of boos. Its Reading we are talking about here, not 1960's Uruguay.
I don't know if our Wednesday friend is still looking in but I thought Reading were a very poor man's Sheffield Wednesday. At least the version that came to the Cottage earlier in the season.
I'm sure any neutrals would not be thinking that Reading were a bunch of thugs. I just checked a broadsheet match report
"The defenders McShane and Chris Gunter were the pantomime villains, drawing simple fouls, much to the anger of the home support".
I was left thinking we are still very much in the game. We need to be patient. If we get the first goal, they should open up and if we are ahead, we should....waste as much time as possible and slow the game down with little niggly fouls that are within the law".
I'm sure the Reading fans will hate that. If we hold on, I will be as happy as Larry
No doubt, the Reading manager got his tactics spot on and will be pleased with the result as will all of the Reading fans.
The big question now though is where does he go rom there, if it is more of the same we will be ready, waiting and more prepared for it this time.
