http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6385452,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6385452,00.html)
Hughes feels hard done by
Cottagers boss questions officials
By Chris Burton
Last updated: 18th September 2010
Mark Hughes felt Fulham were denied three points at Blackburn by some questionable refereeing.
The Cottagers picked up a share of the spoils at Ewood Park, from a 1-1 draw, but could have left with much more.
In truth, they were second best for long periods of the game, but defended resolutely.
They found the target during a much-improved second-half showing, as Clint Dempsey powered home a header.
Hughes, though, was left to contemplate what might have been as the opening goal of the game arrived in contentious circumstances.
Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer appeared to be bundled to the ground as Chris Samba nodded into an empty net after half-an-hour.
Difficult
Hughes felt there was a clear foul on the Aussie shot-stopper and believes the inexperience of the officials on display cost his side.
"It was a foul, that's the top and bottom of it," he said.
"We were disappointed and we felt our second-half performance merited a win. But it's difficult for the referee, I don't think he has refereed a game like that before.
"I think it was only his second game in the Premier League and I feel there was a lot going on off the ball. You need an experienced referee to recognise that and understand what's going on.
"Maybe that's why he missed the challenge on Mark. But we didn't allow that to affect us. We will take the point and carry on."
The stalemate at Ewood Park stretches Fulham's unbeaten start to the season in the league to five games.
Pressure
Hughes accepts that they are yet to hit top gear, but feels steady progress is being made.
"I think in the first half we allowed ourselves to get a little bit penned in and didn't really play our own game," he added.
"It is difficult, Blackburn will always get the ball in the box and make it difficult for you, but we weren't under continuous pressure. I felt the first half was a bit stop-start.
"Obviously we are disappointed with the award of the goal, because it was clearly a foul on Mark Schwarzer. There had been two prior to that that were missed as well. For him to allow play to continue was disappointing, but we picked ourselves up second half.
"I wanted more tempo and I wanted us to play quicker, play our game rather than Blackburn's game. Second half I was pleased with what we produced because we got the ball down and played the ball quickly and scored a great equaliser.
"We created some good chances in and around the box and with a bit more luck we might have nicked it. But it's another away point, which haven't been readily on offer in recent times, and we are still unbeaten, so we have had a good start."
Hughes Sky Interview video -
http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,26691,12606_6385677,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,26691,12606_6385677,00.html)
Matt Le Tissier video review of the game -
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_video/0,26719,11065_3286156,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_video/0,26719,11065_3286156,00.html)
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3286156,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3286156,00.html)
Honours even at Ewood
Stalemate as Dempsey cancels out Samba opener
Last updated: 18th September 2010
Man of the Match: El Hadji Diouf. Drifted from flank to flank and gave Fulham a defensive headache all afternoon.
Goal of the Match: Dempsey's thumping header came at the end of a well-worked move, which saw Carlos Salcido deliver the perfect cross.
Miss of the Match: Nikola Kalinic must wonder how he failed to find the target after running clear in the first half, but he was not the only Rovers player to fluff their lines in front of goal.
Moment of the Match: Mark Schwarzer collided with a Rovers player when Chris Samba glanced home and Fulham were incensed to see the goal given.
Talking point: Should Blackburn be bracing themselves for a long, hard slog or will they come good? Fulham remain unbeaten in the Premier League, but what will their ambition be this season?
Blackburn dominated large parts of their meeting with Fulham, but had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw.
Rovers can boast a formidable record at Ewood Park under Sam Allardyce and they looked to be on their way to another three points when Chris Samba nodded them in front.
However, they were left to pay the price for failing to turn possession into goals when Clint Dempsey restored parity after the interval and helped to preserve Fulham's unbeaten record in the league.
Rovers started much the brighter and should have been in front when Nikola Kalinic sprang the offside trap, only to then roll the ball past the post.
Blackburn did take the lead, though, on the half-hour mark as Mark Schwarzer collided with traffic as he came to reach a floated free-kick and Samba glanced into an empty net.
Allardyce would have been looking for his side to build on that lead after the break, but instead they conceded an equaliser after 56 minutes as Carlos Salcido whipped over a cross for Dempsey to power a header past Paul Robinson.
Dominant
Blackburn were utterly dominant for much of the opening half, starting when Kalinic won an early free-kick in a dangerous spot right on the corner of the area - another inch and it would have been a penalty - but Fulham were able to clear.
Fulham goalkeeper Schwarzer came close to having a nightmare afternoon with a series of fumbles. The first nearly led to the opening goal but Brede Hangeland managed to head clear off the line after his fellow Norwegian, and good friend, Morten Gamst Pedersen delicately chipped in the loose ball.
Phil Jones hooked over from the ensuing long throw-in and, when Fulham did finally conjure up a meaningful opportunity, Dempsey drifted the direct free-kick well wide.
Mame Biram Diouf looked to be in on goal but his control deserted him at the critical point, and the Senegalese striker then claimed a penalty when he was challenged by Hangeland, though it appeared the big Norwegian just nicked the ball away.
Hangeland was then booked for going through the same player and, from the free-kick, the goal that Blackburn had been threatening finally arrived.
Robinson hoisted the ball high and with Schwarzer again looking uncertain, and some shoving by El-Hadji Diouf not helping Fulham's cause, Samba won the heading lottery to loop the ball into the empty net.
Hughes reacted with anger on the touchline, provoking good-natured jeers from the home crowd, and his mood would not have been improved when Robinson displayed superb agility to turn aside Salcido's impressive curling strike.
Positive
Fulham looked much more positive in the second half and had a chance to get back on terms within seconds of the restart but Simon Davies' direct free-kick was woeful.
Dempsey made no mistake in the 56th minute, however, when Salcido floated across an inviting cross from left, beating Ryan Nelsen to the ball to plant a powerful header past Robinson for the equaliser.
Schwarzer dropped the ball again under pressure from Samba as Blackburn tried to respond and this time referee Anthony Taylor awarded a free-kick when replays showed clearly there had been no foul.
Benjani Mwaruwari came on for Kalinic to make his Blackburn debut and his header down gave Brett Emerton space for a snap-shot but he hit it straight at Schwarzer.
Schwarzer's uncertainty continued to be a problem for the visitors and he was left grateful to his defence for keeping out El-Hadji Diouf after another fumble.
Fulham were lucky to survive again when Salgado whipped a vicious ball across the face of goal, then Danny Murphy tricked the Spanish defender into conceding a free-kick on the edge of his box.
Murphy tried to curl it into the top corner but Robinson never looked worried as it sailed over.
The match might have been there for the taking for either side after that, but fear of defeat won the day as the game drifted into a stalemate.
Blackburn Rovers
Team Statistics
Fulham
1 Goals
1
1 1st Half Goals
0
4 Shots on Target
2
4 Shots off Target
5
3 Blocked Shots
2
3 Corners
3
19 Fouls
10
4 Offsides
1
0 Yellow Cards
1
0 Red Cards
0
58.1 Passing Success
77
23 Tackles
17
73.9 Tackles Success
76.5
38.4 Possession
61.6
50.5 Territorial Advantage
49.5
Player Ratings -
http://www.skysports.com/football/user_ratings/0,19768,11065_3286156,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/user_ratings/0,19768,11065_3286156,00.html)
A Fair Result
Saturday 18th September 2010
Mark Hughes' Team remain unbeaten in the Barclays Premier League and Fulham's Manager felt another away point was fully deserved from Saturday's game against Blackburn at Ewood Park.
"I think it was a fair result in the end," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "I thought we allowed ourselves to get a little bit penned in during the first half and we didn't really play our game.
"Blackburn will always put the ball in the box and make it difficult for you and play on second balls. There wasn't really any momentum for both sides in the first half.
"It was too stop-start for that but obviously we are disappointed with the award of the goal as it was clearly a foul on Mark Schwarzer.
"We picked ourselves up in the second half and I wanted a higher tempo to our play. I wanted us to play the ball quickly, get things moving and play our game rather than Blackburn's game.
"I was pleased with what we produced in the second half. We got the ball down and scored a great equaliser. With a bit more fortune in the second half, when we created some good chances in possession, we could have won it. I think our performance in the second half merited a win.
"It's another away point for us and three from three away games. We remain unbeaten and we're pleased."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/HughesRoversReaction.aspx#ixzz0zuNn9gtg (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/HughesRoversReaction.aspx#ixzz0zuNn9gtg)
Quote from: White Noise on September 18, 2010, 07:44:24 PM
Matt Le Tissier video review of the game -
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_video/0,26719,11065_3286156,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_video/0,26719,11065_3286156,00.html)
That Le Tiss piece was actually pretty decent and on the button :045:
Blackburn 1 - 1 Fulham
Mark Hughes made some notable changes to his starting line-up to face Blackburn Rovers on Saturday afternoon following last weekend's 2-1 victory over Wolves at the Cottage.
Due to Bobby Zamora's absence through injury, Hughes selected Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele to lead Fulham's attack at Ewood Park.
Damien Duff returned from injury to take his place at right midfield as Carlos Salcido made his debut for Fulham at left back. Stephen Kelly was handed a starting role on the opposite flank.
Fulham got Saturday's contest underway on a dry, overcast afternoon in Lancashire and it was a frustrating first 45 minutes for Hughes' side. Within the first minute of play Kelly impeded Kalinic just outside Fulham's area. Pedersen whipped in the free-kick that Hangeland cleared with ease. Long balls into Schwarzer's area were to become the theme of the afternoon at Ewood Park.
After three minutes of play Nelsen delivered the first testing delivery from distance, striking the ball from inside his own half towards Schwarzer's area. The keeper punched the ball clear on the 18 yard line but it was a nervy start for Fulham.
Five minutes later Blackburn tried their luck again and launched the ball towards Fulham's 18 yard line. M. Diouf applied the pressure on Schwarzer and the keeper's punched clearance fell to Pedersen who lofted ball back towards goal. Fortunately Hangeland had read the danger and headed the ball off the line to safety.
Fulham's first sight of goal came after 11 minutes of play after Dempsey won a direct free-kick 25 yards from goal. The US international stepped up to the plate but his right footed drive from the left hand side of the area sailed wide of Robinson's goal.
Opportunities were few and far between for Fulham during the opening exchanges despite the bright promise Duff showed early on down the right flank with a series of teasing runs.
Fulham were finding it difficult to find their natural passing rhythm as the game was constantly interrupted by a flow of free-kicks and set pieces. With every opportunity that came their way, Blackburn looked to apply pressure on Fullham's defence by delivering the ball into the area from distance. Mark Schwarzer was forced to navigate his way through a host of players on every occasion to punch clear of goal.
Damien Duff looked the most likely player to unlock Blackburn's defence but it Mousa Dembele who almost earned Fulham the lead after 21 minutes. The striker picked the ball up on the half way line and sprinted in possession a full forty yards before unleashing a fierce left footed drive just wide of Robinson's goal.
Brede Hangeland produced a stunning sliding tackle inside the area to deny M. Diouf a shot on goal just before the hour mark. Sixty seconds later the Norwegian was adjudged to have fouled the same player on the half way line and was booked by Referee Taylor.
Blackburn took the lead from the resulting set piece but Fulham felt rightfully aggrieved as Schwarzer was clearly impeded in the build up. It was El Hadji Diouf who appeared to charge into Schwarzer as the keeper attempted to punch the free-kick clear 12 yards from goal. The ball fell to Samba who headed into an empty net. Fulham's protestations would not be heard but the evidence was hard to ignore.
Hughes' players picked themselves up and Carlos Salcido almost pulled the game five minutes later with a stunning right footed curling effort from the left hand side of the area. Robinson's save was equally as impressive as the former England international tipped the ball wide of his outside post with a diving save.
Danny Murphy was doing his best to drive Fulham forward in search of an equaliser as Fulham began to take control of possession but half time came too quickly for Hughes' side who were beginning to find their rhythm just before the break.
Mousa Dembele was driving Fulham forward in possession at the start of the second half but after just two minutes of play the striker was fouled by Grella. Dembele was left in pain by the late challenge and to make matters worse Nelsen fouled him again, on the same spot, just a minute later. Dembele was certainly in the wars but the striker's silky skills are matched by a physical presence that is required on occassions such as a trip to Ewood Park.
It was far from an enthralling spectacle but Fulham were doing their best to get the ball down and play their passing game in the second half.
10 minutes into the second period Hughes' side produced several promising passages of play and how it paid off. After 55 minutes Davies set Salcido free down the left flank and the Mexican's cross to Dempsey in the middle of the box was inch perfect. The striker rose above his marker to head the ball past Robinson. It was just what Fulham deserved.
Following Dempsey's equaliser Fulham took control of the game. Hughes' side were clearly not satisfied with a share of the spoils judging by Salcido and Kelly's attacking intentions down the flanks.
It took Rovers until the 66th minute to find an opening but substitute Emerton's strike from the right hand side of the area was easily held by Schwarzer. However, Emerton's attempt signalled the start of another series of aerial attacks from Blackburn. The home crowd sensed a change in proceedings but Hughes' defence remained resolute under pressure as the final twenty minutes approached.
16 minutes from time Duff opened up Blackburn's defence down the right flank and produced a superb delivery along the six yard line. No one was there to take advantage but the delivery offered hope that a winner could be found by Fulham in the final stages of the game.
Mark Hughes replaced Clint Dempsey with Eddie Johnson for the final 13 minutes of play as the game opened up. Both sides looked capable of producing a winner and Fulham were offered a set piece opportunity with eight minutes left. Danny Murphy won the free-kick but his right footed curling effort just went wide of Robinson's far post.
Fulham were attacking at will in the final minutes and looking to replicate last weekend's late win against Wolves. Hughes replaced Danny Murphy with Zoltan Gera for the final two minutes of the game but there was no way through Blackburn's defence despite a sterling late effort.
Fulham rightfully earned a share of the spoils on Saturday against Blackburn and the Club's unbeaten start to the 2010/11 season remains intact. Fulham return to Carling Cup action on Tuesday night when they face Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium before Saturday's League encounter against Everton at the Cottage.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/BlackburnAway.aspx#ixzz0zuPsiSr9 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/BlackburnAway.aspx#ixzz0zuPsiSr9)
Carling Cup Preview
Saturday 18th September 2010
Following Saturday's 1-1 draw against Blackburn Fulham head to Stoke on Tuesday evening for a Third Round Carling Cup clash| at the Britannia Stadium before entertaining Everton at the Cottage on Saturday afternoon|.
The Club's busy schedule offers Mark Hughes further game time to assess his players and Fulham's Manager is confident the Team can cope with three games in a week so early in the season.
"From my point of view, as a new Manager coming in, I want to see the core elements of the Team play as many times as possible.
"That might be different for other managers of other clubs who know their teams inside out. That's a different situation. For me, it helps me if I can see the Team play as many times as I can.
"Physically we recover the players as well as anybody so we never compromise a player by playing them when they're not fully recovered. I feel they can play at this time of the year and it's not an issue.
"I made the point before and after the last round against Port Vale that we're very early in the season and I don't think you need to make that many changes."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/StokePreview.aspx#ixzz0zuRGfTVI (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/StokePreview.aspx#ixzz0zuRGfTVI)
Fulham v Everton
Barclays Premier League
Saturday 25 September
Kick-Off 15:00
A limited number of tickets remain for the visit of David Moyes' Everton side to Craven Cottage on Saturday 25th September (Kick-Off 3pm). Fans are encouraged to secure their seats now to avoid missing out.
On-sale dates
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Fulham Club Members on sale (unlimited)
General Sale on sale (max 4)
Loyalty points: 3 (more info)|
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My First Matchday Package
My First Matchday offers Junior supporters and an accompanying adult the opportunity to see what really goes on behind the scenes at Craven Cottage in the build-up to matchday. Pretend you're a radio commentator in the press box, run down the tunnel, pretend you're directing the players from the Manager's seat in the dugout, interview a guardian in front of the TV interview boards, see our trophy cabinet and even meet a Fulham FC legend! More info and prices| †
Matchday Executive Suites
With only a limited number of match tickets remaining, fans wanting to experience the match from an exclusive Executive Suite can do so from just £115 (+VAT) per person.
Allow your dedicated hostess to take care of everything as you sit back and enjoy the comfort of your own lounge before stepping outside to enjoy the match on your exclusive balcony.
Find out more about hospitality available| or call 020 8336 7555 (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm) to book your place.†
How to Buy Tickets
buy tickets online - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online*
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in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
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* Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking
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Prices
Category B prices apply to this match.
NB: Blocks A and AL are a designated Family Area and are not available to book online. To book, call the Ticket Office on 0870 442 1234 opt.3 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/tickets/games/EvertonHome.aspx#ixzz0zuRXJcxD (http://www.fulhamfc.com/tickets/games/EvertonHome.aspx#ixzz0zuRXJcxD)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943375/Blackburn-Rovers-v-Fulham-Match-report.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943375/Blackburn-Rovers-v-Fulham-Match-report.html)
Blackburn Rovers 1 Fulham 1: Match report
Read a full report of the Premier League match between Blackburn Rovers and Fulham at Ewood Park on Saturday Sept 18 2010.
BLACKBURN 1 - 1 FULHAM
Saturday, September 18 15:00
Premier League
Ewood Park
Samba (30) (HT 1-0)
ATT: 23,759 Dempsey (56)
Published: 5:30PM BST 18 Sep 2010
Clint Dempsey ensured Fulham maintained their unbeaten start to the Barclays Premier League season after Blackburn Rovers had threatened to overwhelm Mark Hughes' side on his return to Ewood Park.
Chris Samba had given Sam Allardyce's Rovers the half-time lead in controversial circumstances while Fulham had barely had a sniff of goal.
The second half was a different story, however, as Hughes' men had much the better of the match and secured a scoreline that was on balance a fair result.
Blackburn were unchanged with 18-year-old Phil Jones, who played with distinction as the holding midfield player against Manchester City, impressing again in a different role to his usual position in central defence.
Former Rovers player and manager Hughes chose an old Blackburn team-mate Damien Duff to take the place of Bobby Zamora, who suffered a broken leg last week.
Blackburn were utterly dominant for much of the opening half, starting when Nikola Kalinic won an early free-kick in a dangerous spot right on the corner of the area - another inch and it would have been a penalty - but Fulham were able to clear.
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer came close to having a nightmare afternoon with a series of fumbles. The first nearly led to the opening goal but Brede Hangeland managed to head clear off the line after his fellow Norwegian - and good friend - Morten Gamst Pedersen delicately chipped in the loose ball.
Jones hooked over from the ensuing long throw-in and, when Fulham did finally conjure up a meaningful opportunity, Dempsey drifted the direct free-kick well wide.
Mame Biram Diouf looked to be in on goal but his control deserted him at the critical point, and the Senegalese striker then claimed a penalty when he was challenged by Hangeland, though it appeared the big Norwegian just nicked the ball away.
Hangeland was then booked for going through the same player and, from the free-kick, the goal that Blackburn had been threatening finally arrived.
Paul Robinson hoisted the ball high and with Schwarzer again looking uncertain - and some shoving by El-Hadji Diouf not helping Fulham's cause - Samba won the heading lottery to loop the ball into the empty net.
Hughes reacted with anger on the touchline, provoking good-natured jeers from the home crowd, and his mood would not have been improved when Robinson displayed superb agility to turn aside Carlos Salcido's impressing curling strike.
Fulham looked much more positive in the second half and had a chance to get back on terms within seconds of the re-start but Simon Davies' direct free-kick was woeful.
Dempsey made no mistake in the 56th minute, however, when Salcido floated across an inviting cross from left, beating Ryan Nelsen to the ball to plant a powerful header past Robinson for the equaliser.
Schwarzer dropped the ball again under pressure from Samba as Blackburn tried to respond and this time referee Anthony Taylor awarded a free-kick when replays showed clearly there had been no foul.
Benjani Mwaruwari came on for Kalinic to make his Blackburn debut and his header down gave Brett Emerton space for a snap-shot but he hit it straight at Schwarzer.
Schwarzer's uncertainty continued to be a problem for the visitors and he was left grateful to his defence for keeping out El-Hadji Diouf after another fumble.
Fulham were lucky to survive again when Salgado whipped a vicious ball across the face of goal, then Danny Murphy tricked the Spanish defender into conceding a free-kick on the edge of his box.
Murphy tried to curl it into the top corner but Robinson never looked worried as it sailed over.
The match might have been there for the taking for either side after that, but fear of defeat won the day as the game drifted into a stalemate.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/09/dempsey-grabs-a-deserved-point/ (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/09/dempsey-grabs-a-deserved-point/)
Dempsey grabs a deserved point
by Dan on September 18, 2010
Rather surprisingly it was Sam Allardyce who headed across the pitch to confront referee Anthony Taylor at the final whistle. The man who provoked plenty of mirth during his pre-match press conference by suggesting he was more than qualified to manage Real Madrid was clearly incensed by the official but it was Mark Hughes, on his return to Ewood Park, who had more reason to be disputing Taylor's decision-making at the end of a see-saw encounter.
In the privacy of the home dressing room afterwards, Allardyce might want to directed some of his oppobrium towards his own players, who seemed to slacken off after battering Fulham during a first half that suggested the Londoners' travel sickness was destined to continue. Blackburn were far more effective, even if there was nothing in the man that might have had the Bernabeu regulars purring with delight. It was more brawn than brain for Rovers, who settled much quicker and should have been in front through Nikola Kalinic only for the Croatian striker to inexplicably shoot the wrong side of the post after sprinting clear of a shambolic Fulham offside trap.
The visitors rode their luck in defence with Mark Schwarzer, not long back in the first team after a back injury and all that Arsenal transfer speculation, looking shaky between the sticks. Allardyce had clearly hatched a plan to unsettle the experienced Australian goalkeeper and it might have paid dividends long before Chris Samba's opener was controversially allowed to stand after half an hour. Mortem Gamst Pedersen saw an effort headed off the line by his Norwegian team-mate Brede Hangeland and the impressive Phil Jones had a goalbound attempt blocked as Fulham nearly buckled under the pressure.
When the breakthrough did come, it enraged Hughes and his side. El-Hadj Diouf clearly barged into Schwarzer, making no attempt to play the ball, and presenting Samba with the simplest of tap-ins as the Fulham keeper fell to the ground. Referee Taylor gave the goal but, even if it seemed illegitimate, there was little doubt that Rovers deserved their lead. Fulham played in patches and seemed cowed by Blackburn's route one football. Too many passes went astray and the visitors barely mustered a first-half chance: only debutant Carlos Salcido succeeded in extending Paul Robinson, who turned his left-footed curler aside just before the break.
Hughes has already had to deliver a couple of stern half-time team-talks to his new charges and Fulham certainly seemed a different side after the break. They began the second half with much more urgency, which delivered an equaliser eleven minutes in. Danny Murphy's quickly-taken free-kick released Salcido down the left and the Mexican's cross picked out Clint Dempsey, who headed home emphatically after outjumping Ryan Nelsen.
Blackburn might have restored their lead after Benjani played in his fellow substitute Brett Emerton but the Austrlian midfielder shot disappointing at Schwarzer and the home side lost their impetus as the contest went on. Fulham grew gradually more confident and might have snatched an equaliser in the closing stages. Damien Duff skipped away from a couple of challengers and his dangerous ball across goal eluded everyone before Murphy floated a free-kick agnonisingly wide. American Eddie Johnson almost made another decisive contribution as a late substitute but he narrowly failed to punish some hesitancy from Robinson right at the end.
Given how off-colour Fulham looked in the first period and that they might have crumbled after such a dubious Blackburn goal, Mark Hughes will certainly be happy with the point that preserves his unbeaten start with his new side.
BLACKBURN ROVERS (4-5-1): Robinson; Salgado, Givet, Samba, Nelsen; M.B. Diouf, Jones, Grella, Pedersen (Emerton 61), E.H. Diouf; Kalinic (Benjani 65). Subs (not used): Bunn, Chimbonda, Lingazi, Hoilett.
GOAL: Samba (30).
FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Kelly, Salcido, Hughes, Hangeland; Etuhu, Murphy (Gera 89), Duff, Davies; Dempsey (E. Johnson 78), Dembele. Subs (not used): Etheridge, Baird, Pantsil, Greening, Riise.
BOOKED: Hangeland.
GOAL: Dempsey (56).
REFEREE: Anthony Taylor (Manchester).
ATTENDANCE: 23,759.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6385775,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6385775,00.html)
Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Fulham
Soccer Saturday analysis
Matt Le Tissier was disappointed with the action in Blackburn's 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Blackburn dominated large parts of their meeting with Fulham, but had to settle for a point.
Rovers can boast a formidable record at Ewood Park under Sam Allardyce and they looked to be on their way to another three points when Chris Samba nodded them in front.
However, they were left to pay the price for failing to turn possession into goals when Clint Dempsey restored parity after the interval and helped to preserve Fulham's unbeaten record in the league.
"It was not the most exciting game it has to be said, and there was not a lot of goal mouth action " explained Le Tissier on Soccer Saturday.
"The goal was controversial to say the least and in my opinion the ref got it wrong. It was a blatant foul by Samba on Mark Schwarzer as he came out. From that point of view I think that Fulham can count themselves a little bit unlucky but on the balance on play you could say that a draw was a fair result.
"Fulham were resilient but they are still looking for that vital away win rather than picking up points here and there.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18092010/63/hughes-bemoans-inexperienced-referee.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18092010/63/hughes-bemoans-inexperienced-referee.html)
Hughes bemoans inexperienced referee
Sat, 18 Sep 19:15:10 2010
Mark Hughes claimed referee Anthony Taylor was too inexperienced to handle Fulham's 1-1 draw at Blackburn after the official allowed a controversial goal for the home side.
The Cheshire official missed an obvious shove by El Hadji Diouf on goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer allowing Chris Samba to head into an empty net.
Rovers boss Sam Allardyce was also critical of Taylor - claiming Schwarzer should not even have still been on the pitch because of a "blatant" handball outside the box.
Hughes said: "It was a foul for their goal so we are disappointed and our performance in the second half merited a win. I don't think the referee has had a game like this before, it's only his second game in the Premier League.
"I just feel there's a lot going on off the ball when you play the likes of Blackburn and you need an experienced referee to recognise that and understand what's going on. Maybe that's why he missed the challenge on Mark.
"I was disappointed with the award of the goal, there were two other incidents prior to that so for the referee to allow the play to continue was disappointing."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/sep/18/blackburn-fulham-premier-league (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/sep/18/blackburn-fulham-premier-league)
Fulham preserve unbeaten record with draw at Blackburn Rovers
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Richard Gibson at Ewood Park
guardian.co.uk, Saturday 18 September 2010 16.59
Fulham maintained their unbeaten Premier League start under Mark Hughes's stewardship but they were denied a first away victory in the top flight for 13 months by Blackburn Rovers' controversial opener at Ewood Park.
It was a sense of injustice rather than the long journey that induced their sickness on a grey Lancashire afternoon, however, as the Blackburn captain Christopher Samba's head inadvertently provided the hosts with a half-time lead after the goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was barged over. A more decisive header from Clint Dempsey after the break extended Fulham's healthy start to the campaign.
That they did not take all three points from an away game for the first time in 21 attempts was something of their own making as Schwarzer's policy of coming for every aerial delivery was exposed twice before his crucial gaffe.
It arrived when Schwarzer emerged through a posse of bodies to claim his opposite number Paul Robinson's ranging free-kick. Penned in by his opponents as the ball hung in the air, he was felled by El Hadji Diouf's elbow and the ball comically skimmed off the stumbling Samba's head and into the unguarded net.
As Samba celebrated, Ewood Park erupted and so did its former manager Hughes, who made straight for the assistant referee Jake Collin, officiating on the Jack Walker Stand touchline, to vent his ire. Fulham's captain, Danny Murphy, added weight to the protest but to no avail.
It was a cruel price to pay for Schwarzer, who failed to heed the warning signs of the opening minutes. First, Mame Biram Diouf outjumped the Australian on the edge of the area but his header on lacked conviction and was cleared. Then Brede Hangeland came to his stranded colleague's rescue when he headed Morten Gamst Pedersen's cute chip off the line after Schwarzer dropped an eighth-minute free-kick 15 yards out, again under pressure from the on-loan Manchester United striker Diouf.
And it was Robinson who made the only save of note in the opening period when he was forced to tip Carlos Salcido's curling effort from the left side of the penalty area around his upright. However, he was left rooted to the spot shortly after the restart when the Mexican left-back Salcido's raid down the left teed up Dempsey, who finished emphatically
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/46029/blackburn-rovers-vs-fulham/report (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/46029/blackburn-rovers-vs-fulham/report)
Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Fulham: Chris Samba's opener cancelled out by Clint Dempsey as points are shared at Ewood Park
Cottagers continue undefeated run in the Premier League...
By Adithya Ananth
Blackburn Rovers and Fulham played out a stalemate at Ewood Park as Chris Samba's opener was cancelled out by a header from Clint Dempsey in the second half.
The Cottagers' boss Mark Hughes returned to familiar surroundings as his career as a footballer came to a close playing for the home side, before managing the club for four years between 2004 and 2008.
Rovers boss Sam Allardyce had good news ahead of the clash, as defenders Ryan Nelsen and Michel Salgado overcame minor injuries to start the game. It was an unchanged line-up from the one that recently drew 1-1 with Manchester City at Eastlands, showcasing the faith that the manager placed in his charges.
However, there were a couple of changes on the bench, as injuries to David Dunn and Martin Olsson saw Junior Hoilett and Amine Linganzi getting into the squad.
The west London club welcomed the return of winger Damien Duff, who recovered from a calf injury to make a start. Rafik Halliche and Fredrik Stoor were unable to make the squad owing to groin injuries, while Andy Johnson remained sidelined as he is still some way from making a full recovery from injury.
The travellers also missed the services of striker Bobby Zamora, who is out of action for a few months following a broken leg sustained against Wolves last week.
And with an air of expectancy at Ewood Park, the game began as Blackburn assumed control of the initial proceedings.
A long ball saw goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer come off his line, only be stranded in no man's land as midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen sent the ball goalwards. But luckily for the travellers, defender Brede Hangeland was on hand to head the ball away.
As Rovers continued their early dominance, their strikers Mame Biram Diouf and Nikola Kalinic beat the offiside trap to pose a serious threat to the goalkeeper. After a brief moment of confusion between the pair, the Croatian took control of the ball and looked to put it past the 'keeper. But the marksman was unable to put the ball in the back of the net, as his shot went just wide of the post.
With 20 minutes gone, a rare period of extended possession eventually resulted in Cottagers forward Moussa Dembele getting a goal scoring opportunity as the opposition defenders backed away from him, but his shot from 20 yards out did not trouble Schwarzer.
Ten minutes later the home crowd got what they came to see, as a long ball from the home team's goalkeeper Paul Robinson saw his counterpart come out to claim the ball, only to be blocked by bodies before Samba used his head to glance the ball into the gaping goal. The visitors' boss Hughes was left fuming on the sidelines, as he appeared to think that the referee should have stopped play when Schwarzer was blocked. But the man in charge let it pass as the hosts got a deserved lead.
Fulham battled hard for the remainder of the half, but unfortunately for them all efforts to level the score remained fruitless.
The hosts appeared to be content with a lone goal lead as Diouf drifted into a wider position. But Allardyce's charges were made to pay for not pushing hard enough, as the men in red saw equilibrium being restored to the tie. A free kick from midfielder Danny Murphy saw defender Carlos Salcido race forward to send in a cross to Dempsey, who used his head, literally, to level the scoreline.
Having balanced the tie, Hughes' men finally began to exert some much needed pressure on their opponents as Duff sent in a shot that was blocked, but the pressure was telling as the defence took more time than was necessary to clear the ball on that occasion.
The experienced Republic of Ireland international continued to cause problems for his former club, as he went down the flank with relative comfort, but his cross proved to be just a little too high for Dempsey and Dembele.
As the match slowly drew towards a close, Allardyce was pacing the touchline as his side had lost the grip they had on the game during the first period.
Blackburn displayed some resurgence towards the death, but it all came too late as the referee called time on the proceedings to see points being shared at Ewood Park
http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/09/18/blackburn-1-fulham-1-clint-dempsey-rescues-draw-for-unbeaten-co/ (http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/09/18/blackburn-1-fulham-1-clint-dempsey-rescues-draw-for-unbeaten-co/)
Blackburn 1 Fulham 1: Clint Dempsey Rescues Draw for Unbeaten Cottagers
18/9/2010 11:57 AM GMT
By Jeremy Cross
Clint Dempsey maintained Fulham's unbeaten start to the season with a second-half equaliser at Ewood Park to leave Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce bemoaning his side's inability to hold on to the lead.
United States international Dempsey struck on 55 minutes with a clinical header past Paul Robinson from Carlos Salcido's accurate cross.
The visitors will argue that Dempsey's goal, his second of the season, was justice considering the controversial manner in which Blackburn took the lead through Chris Samba's glancing header on 30 minutes.
Mark Schwarzer, who had an uncomfortable game throughout, claimed he was impeded when trying to deal with Paul Robinson's long free kick.
Schwarzer appeared to be bundled over by El Hadji Diouf in the process of coming to punch and was subsequently powerless to prevent the ball from hitting Samba on the head and diverting into an open goal.
Blackburn dominated much of the first half but could only take a slender lead into the interval, which proved to be their undoing.
Robinson, who produced a fine save to deny Salcido before half-time, was powerless to prevent Dempsey from equalising and as the game went on, the visitors looked more likely to snatch a winning goal.
This would have pleased Mark Hughes on his return to Ewood Park, but the Fulham manager will still have been pleased with a point from this fixture. The result stretches his side's run to six games unbeaten.
Allardyce introduced Benjani for his debut with 30 minutes remaining but the Zimbabwe international struggled to make an impact, leaving the hosts cursing the loss of two dropped points.
REACTION:
Sam Allardyce admitted he was satisfied with the result but less than impressed with some of the referee's decisions:
"Mark (Hughes) possibly could be right. There was a little nudge on Schwarzer and I can't remember the referee being in a great position. We have got away with that perhaps, but we were exposing Mark Schwarzer's problems before that.
"He handled outside the box and should have been sent off. The referee didn't have the best of games and you don't want to be left talking about the major decisions.
"He made both sets of fans, players and managers angry. He made a simple game tough for himself and only has himself to blame."
On the team's performance:
"I thought we had control of the game. But when we scored we got worse instead of better and let them back into it. We lost our rhythm and maybe it was a fair result in the end.
"Our quality wasn't good enough when in possession. I'm disappointed in the performance but not the result. We have got a point and we can move on."
On Benjani's impact:
"I thought he did well and looked lively. He is a quality player and he's going to be an important member of out squad this season."
Mark Hughes was satisfied with a point in the end:
"I think it was fair. We got penned in in the first half and didn't play our own game. Blackburn make things difficult for you. We weren't under real pressure and it was a bit stop start."
On whether Schwarzer was fouled for the opening goal:
"We're disappointed with the goal. It was a foul on Mark so for the referee to allow play to continue was disappointing. It was a foul, that's the top and bottom of it. The referee hasn't refereed a game like that before, it was only his second game and there was a lot going on. You need an experienced referee in those situations".
On Schwarzer's overall performance:
"He's an outstanding goalkeeper and is prepared to go for balls. On occasions you get bumped and knocked and things will be dropped, but I'll never criticise him for going for the ball. You have to be brave and positive and that's what he is. He's that kind of keeper. He tries to stop things at source."
On the unbeaten run continuing:
"We're putting work into the things already put in place and adding a more positive slant to the way we approach games. A good start is always important to my credibility with the players, so that helps."
WHAT IT MEANS:
Blackburn may look back on this result at the end of the season with some regret, given the fact they were winning and looking in complete control. In fact, it could even prove to be the difference in their European qualification hopes.
Fulham have developed a steely side to their game under Hughes and stride on unbeaten this season. Progress is solid if unspectacular but Hughes will be quietly pleased.
BLACKBURN 1 (Samba 30) FULHAM 1 (Dempsey 55)
PLAYER MARKING:
Blackburn (4-5-1): Robinson 8; Salgado 7, Samba 9, Nelsen 7, Givet 7; M Diouf 6, Jones 7, Grella 7 (Nzonzi 75, 7), Pedersen 7 (Emerton 60, 7); EH Diouf 7; Kalinic 7 (Benjani 64, 7). Subs (not used): Bunn, Linganzi, Hoilett, Chimbonda.
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer 4; Kelly 6, Hangeland 6, Hughes 6, Salcido 7; Davies 7, Murphy 7 (Gera 88, 7), Etuhu 6, Duff 5; Dembele 7; Dempsey 8 (Johnson 77, 6). Subs (not used): Etheridge, Pantsil, Baird, Riise, Greening.
ATTENDANCE: 23,759
REFEREE: Anthony Taylor
NEXT UP:
- Blackburn v Aston Villa (Away), Premier League 22/9, 1945 BST
- Fulham v Stoke (Away), Premier League 21/9, 1945 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Chris Samba (Blackburn): The defender was a giant at both ends of the field and has become one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. Has also developed a helpful knack of scoring vital goals.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18092010/58/premier-league-dempsey-grabs-point-fulham.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18092010/58/premier-league-dempsey-grabs-point-fulham.html)
Premier League - Dempsey grabs point for Fulham
Opta - Sat, 18 Sep 15:59:00 2010
Mark Hughes returned to the club where he made his name as a manager and saw his side initially overwhelmed by Rovers who started very strongly and took the lead on half an hour through a disputed goal from Samba.
El-Hadji Diouf looked to clearly impede Mark Schwarzer as he tried to claim a free-kick launched into the box by his opposite number Paul Robinson and Samba headed home into the empty net.
Dempsey grabbed the equaliser for Fulham in the second half when he beat Samba in the air at the near post following good work from the debutant Carlos Salcido.
Blackburn came flying out of the blocks in the first half, and at every opportunity they launched long direct balls into the box aimed at Mame Diouf and Nikola Kalinic who together were causing havoc in the Fulham defence.
Kalinic should have opened the scoring early on, when latching onto a ball over the top he rolled wide of the right hand post when one on one with Schwarzer.
High balls were troubling the Fulham defence early on, particularly Schwarzer, who looked hesitant and twice came for the ball and failed to collect cleanly under pressure, before on 30 minutes, a free kick taken long by Paul Robinson saw Schwarzer impeded by El-Hadji Diouf and Samba nod the opening goal.
However, as livid as Fulham's keeper was at referee Anthony Taylor's failure to see the Senegalese blocking him to the floor, he was also somewhat lucky to not have at the very least a yellow card to his name as following one of his earlier flaps he dived for the ball and got a hand to Morten Gamst Pedersen's attempts to lob the keeper from outside the area. Brede Hangeland was on hand to head off the line, but Schwarzer was quite clearly outside his area when he got a touch to the ball.
Hangeland was also on hand to deny the lively Mame Diouf with a last gasp tackle, as the striker on loan from Manchester United burst into the box.
Fulham played their way back into the game, and Hughes' side piled on the pressure towards the end of the first 45 minutes. The excellent Salcido came closest to equalising, when following a good passage of play the left back cut inside and whipped in a viciously curling effort on his right foot which was brilliantly tipped wide by Robinson at full stretch.
Moussa Dembele also caused trouble for Rovers' defence when he ran from the halfway line and drove a shot from 20-yards wide of the post.
The second half started much as the first had finished with Fulham in the ascendancy, and eventually the visitors made their pressure tell. Salcido was played in down the left hand side and his floated ball to the near post allowed Dempsey to get ahead of Samba and crash a header past Robinson.
While Fulham were playing the ball around nicely, and Dembele was doing well to cover the absence of Bobby Zamora, Schwarzer was still failing to collect simple crosses and twice in the second half he put pressure on his defence after dropping crosses at the feet of, first Diouf and then Brett Emerton.
Luckily for the Australian keeper his defence were on hand to clear up for his mistakes and Hangeland and Aaron Hughes made crucial interventions to prevent Rovers taking the lead.
Danny Murphy went closest for Fulham after their equaliser when he put a free kick just wide with Robinson stranded, but the game eventually ended level as both sides took less risks as the match drew to a close.
Opta
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/09/blackburn_1_fulham_1.php (http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/09/blackburn_1_fulham_1.php)
Blackburn 1 Fulham 1
Posted by Phil Mison 3 hours, 35 minutes ago
A hard earned point at Ewood Park as the Whites are yet again on the wrong end of an atrocious decision to allow Blackburn's 30th minute opener. Fulham control the 2nd half and Dempsey restores parity with an unstoppable header to preserve our unbeaten record.
Our game with Blackburn pretty much followed the script, but of our three away draws to date this was one where we might really have pushed on and claimed that elusive away win. Poor in the first-half, where Schwarzer looked like a man on a storm-tossed trawler grabbing fish, we bossed the 2nd half without quite finding the killer ball our approach play merited.
Rovers early aerial bombardment was predicted. Schwarzer's uncertainty was not, unnerving the whole defence, Hangleland needing every centimetre of height to clear from beneath the bar after a bad error by Mark as the home side threatened from the off. But when Samba nodded the ball home after half an hour it came following Diouf's clear foul on our keeper. Leaving his line after Robinson's route one punt downfield, replays showed the sneaky Diouf clearly dip his shoulder - and with no attempt to go for the ball, take out our number one.
Yet again a terrible decision from the officials going against us. In truth, Rovers were full value for their half time lead. Dempsey struggled to make an impact, the midfield were being outmuscled or seeing the ball constantly pumped over their heads. Robinson's one moment of alarm was tipping aside Salcido's fine curling effort. Blackburn's style aint pretty, but in that first 45 it was effective.
It was all change after half-time. Fulham at last got the ball down and started to dominate. With Rovers penned back, a fine passing move saw debutant Salcido dink over a cross that Clint thundered home at the near post to draw us level on 56.
Mark will no doubt feel aggrieved that for all our progress down the wings in the final 35 mnutes, with no BZ to aim for, possession never led to any real clear cut openings. Credit the Rovers back line who made some telling tackles whenever Fulham tried to pass their way through the middle. A few more long shots from distance might have been an option.
At the whistle you sensed it was the home side the happier with a point. The unbeaten run continues, but sadly so does that winless run away from Craven Cottage. In case you think the Fulham blogger shows bias, the BBC's pundit describes Diouf's challenge as 'an assault on the keeper.' These things are supposed to even themselves out over a season...referees please TAKE NOTE. We might be 'friendly little Fulham' but stop cheating us!
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/09/18/blackburn-1-1-fulham-2/ (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/09/18/blackburn-1-1-fulham-2/)
Blackburn 1-1 Fulham
Filed under: Match info — weltmeisterclaude @ 4:11 pm
Another day, another point. These games are notoriously tricky, so while we all hope the away day hoodoo might be banished, a draw's a good result.
There is a but though: Blackburn's goal came when our old friend El Hadj Diouf blocked/tripped/screened Mark Schwarzer on a free-kick, allowing Christopher Samba's header to bobble gently over the line. It was clearly a foul and the goal should not have been given.
After that Fulham played pretty well. Paul Robinson didn't have enormous amounts of work to do, but this was due to the good work of his defenders, for our approach play became increasingly impressive as the half went on. Damien Duff found his form and Simon Davies looked pretty good, too, and with the Etuhu/Murphy axis looking passable if less predictable than in seasons past, our midfield was dominating theirs.
A goal back was deserved and came when Murphy freed Salcido on the left, and the new man dinked infield towards Dempsey, whose header flew past Robinson for an emphatic equaliser. Clint roared off to hug Eddie Johnson on the sidelines.
This done we saw some more uncharacteristic flapping from Mark Schwarzer as Blackburn came back at us. Stephen Kelly made a fine, twisting headed clearance to repel an alarming right-wing cross from under his own bar. Hangeland looked up for the fight, and the parity seemed more or less safe. At the other end we were 10% short when it mattered, Etuhu's first touch in advanced areas reminding us that he's not used to attacking, Dembele looking good but not great this week. Our best chance to win it came when a Duff cross fizzed across the six yard area without a Fulham shirt in sight. Andrew Johnson might've got himself on the end of it.
But no matter, we'll take this. It's quite hard to judge Mark Hughes' Fulham at the moment. Roy's attacking patterns are all but gone, so our play is refreshingly unpredictable, but this irregularity does seem to make us a little less coherent at times. Still, our most interesting game in Blackburn for some time. Onwards and upwards (and 13 draws in the last 17 Premier League games for our manager).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9012587.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9012587.stm)
Bosses Allardyce and Hughes round on ref Anthony Taylor
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce and Fulham manager Mark Hughes criticised referee Anthony Taylor after the sides' ill-tempered 1-1 draw at Ewood Park.
The official, taking charge of only his fourth Premier League game, allowed a controversial Blackburn goal, but also angered Allardyce with other decisions.
"There were some major decisions the referee didn't get right - he handled it very poorly," said the Rovers boss.
Hughes added: "He is one of the newer referees, that needs to be looked at."
The Cheshire official missed an apparent shove by El-Hadji Diouf on Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer that allowed Chris Samba to head into an empty net and put Rovers ahead.
Fulham later drew level through a Clint Dempsey header to preserve their unbeaten start to the season.
"Mark was clearly impeded in the build up to the goal. Diouf has no intention in going for the ball, he did it a few minutes previously and was again not punished," complained Hughes.
"I don't think the referee has had a game like this before. You need experience to understand things that happen in and around the area."
Allardyce was similarly scathing of the young referee, who first officiated a Premier League game in February.
"Schwarzer handled the ball outside the area after seven minutes. That was the big major turning point. It possibly stopped Morten Gamst Pedersen's shot going in," fumed the Blackburn manager.
"Mark Hughes will say that Schwarzer was blocked for the first goal but he should not have been on the pitch at that stage. They should be down to 10 men."
The Rovers boss, who this week raised eyebrows when he claimed he was good enough to manage Real Madrid, was also unhappy about a series of other decisions by Taylor.
"Stephen Kelly's nutted El-Hadji in the back of the head and Carlos Salcido later pushed Mame Diouf in the back," he said.
"We've got four majors there - one went for us, three went against us. We feel that in the second half we should have two penalties."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9000608.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9000608.stm)
Blackburn 1 - 1 Fulham
Dempsey's goal means Fulham are unbeaten in the league
By Nabil Hassan
Fulham's unbeaten start to the season continued as Clint Dempsey's second-half header rescued a point for boss Mark Hughes at his old club Blackburn.
Blackburn had taken a controversial lead through a Chris Samba header when El-Hadji Diouf appeared to impede keeper Mark Schwarzer in the build-up.
Paul Robinson then produced a wonderful save to deny Fulham defender Carlos Salcido from the angle of the box.
But Fulham levelled after Dempsey headed home Salcido's floated cross.
Blackburn began the game, which started slowly, the better of the two sides with Fulham defender Brede Hangeland forced to head Morten Gamst Pedersen's delightful 20-yard chip off the line after Schwarzer had dropped a long ball from Robinson on the edge of the area.
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Have your say on the game
Replays later showed that Schwarzer was lucky to escape punishment with the Australian handling outside of the box during the scramble that followed his fumble, with the keeper also later touching Pedersen's chip.
Fulham's first chance of the half came from Moussa Dembele who ran from halfway unchallenged before unleashing a low 20-yard shot wide of the post, but it was Blackburn who were having the better of the game.
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Allardyce bemoans ref errors
The lively Mame Biram Diouf, on loan from Manchester United, was denied by a last gasp Hangeland tackle, but two minutes later Blackburn were in front, albeit in controversial circumstances.
Robinson sent forward a long free-kick which Schwarzer came to collect but his path was intentionally blocked by winger Diouf 12-yards-out and Samba rose highest in the resulting melee to glance a header into the empty net.
The goal was met with fury by Fulham boss Hughes who made the point that Diouf had earlier done exactly the same thing in blocking Schwarzer and again escaped punishment.
Chris Samba's goal came in controversial circumstances
Fulham's protests were waved away but soon after they were unlucky not to be level.
Debutant Salcido forced a splendid save from Robinson with his low, right footed, curling strike from the angle of the penalty box tipped around the post by the Blackburn keeper.
Fulham started the second half brightly, dominating possession, and within 11 minutes they were level.
Dempsey scored it, powerfully heading home from close range, following a fine floated cross from Salcido, who was enjoying a good start to his Fulham career, on the left.
Schwarzer then dropped the ball under pressure from Samba as Blackburn tried to respond but this time referee Anthony Taylor awarded a free-kick when replays showed clearly there had been no foul.
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Hughes disputes Blackburn goal
But it was largely all Fulham following the goal so Blackburn introduced Brett Emerton for Pedersen and debutant Benjani for Nikola Kalinic in an attempt to break up the flow of their play.
The substitutions seemed to work for Blackburn with Schwarzer's difficult afternoon continuing as he dropped another cross, this time under pressure from Mame Biram Diouf, but his namesake El-Hadji was unable to find the net as a result.
Danny Murphy went close with a free-kick for Fulham late on while there was also more trouble for Schwarzer but ultimately the game ended level with few chances to report.
Mark Hughes BBC Video interview -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9012502.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9012502.stm)
Sam Allardyce BBC Video interview -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/9012354.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/9012354.stm)
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3143494/Blackburn-1-Fulham-1.html (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3143494/Blackburn-1-Fulham-1.html)
Blackburn 1 Fulham 1
Published: Today
CLINT DEMPSEY rescued a point for Fulham in the second half as Mark Hughes' side continued their unbeaten start to the season.
But the Cottagers' boss was less than impressed with referee Anthony Taylor after he failed to spot a foul in the build-up to Chris Samba's opener for Blackburn.
Hughes pointed to the Cheshire official's lack of experience, with El Hadji Diouf impeding Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham net.
And while Dempsey was on hand to rescue a point, the Welshman felt his side should have had all three.
He said: "It was a foul for their goal so we are disappointed and our performance in the second half merited a win.
"I don't think the referee has had a game like this before, it's only his second game in the Premier League.
"I just feel there's a lot going on off the ball when you play the likes of Blackburn and you need an experienced referee to recognise that and understand what's going on."
Rovers boss Sam Allardyce was also critical of Taylor, claiming Schwarzer should not even have still been on the pitch because of a "blatant" handball outside the box.
He said: "We have got away with that perhaps but we were exposing Schwarzer's weaknesses and he handled outside the box blatantly.
"The referee's in a fantastic position to see and he should be sending him off and he doesn't.
"We had control of the game and it was disappointing in the second half we got edgy, lost our rhythm and let Fulham back into it.
"Our quality wasn't good enough and I'm quite satisfied on the basis that we got a draw when most of the time this year I have been disappointed in the result and not the performance."
Fulham keeper Schwarzer did not enjoy the best start and his fumble nearly led to the opening goal.
But Brede Hangeland managed to head clear off the line after fellow Norwegian Morten Gamst Pedersen chipped in the loose ball.
Jones hooked over from the ensuing long throw-in and when Fulham did finally conjure up a meaningful opportunity, Dempsey drifted a free-kick wide.
Diouf had a shot blocked as Rovers continued to press and then Gael Givet hammered another off target.
Mame Biram Diouf looked to be in on goal but his control deserted him at the critical point before seeing a penalty shout turned down after a challenge by Hangeland.
The centre-back was then booked for going through the same player and from the free-kick the goal that Blackburn had been threatening finally arrived.
Paul Robinson hoisted the ball high and with Schwarzer again looking uncertain, Samba won a header to loop the ball into the empty net.
Hughes reacted with anger on the touchline before his side battled in vain to respond before the break.
Fulham looked much more positive in the second half and levelled in the 56th minute when Salcido fed Dempsey to plant a powerful header past Robinson for the equaliser
Schwarzer dropped the ball again under pressure from Samba as Blackburn tried to respond but this time referee Taylor awarded a free-kick despite no obvious foul.
Benjani came on for Kalinic to make his Blackburn debut and his header down gave Brett Emerton space for a snapshot but he hit it straight at Schwarzer.
The Aussie goalkeeper's uncertainty continued to be a problem and he was left grateful to his defence for keeping out Diouf after another fumble late on.
Blackburn: Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Givet, Grella (Nzonzi 76), Jones, Mame Diouf, Pedersen (Emerton 61), El-Hadji Diouf, Kalinic (Mwaruwari 65).
Subs Not Used: Bunn, Linganzi, Hoilett, Chimbonda.
Goals: Samba 30.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido, Duff, Etuhu, Murphy (Gera 89), Davies, Dempsey (Eddie Johnson 77), Dembele.
Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Pantsil, Baird, Riise, Greening.
Booked: Hangeland.
Goals: Dempsey 56.
Att: 23,759
Ref: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/commentary-eddie-johnson-wont-go-away (http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/commentary-eddie-johnson-wont-go-away)
Commentary: Eddie Johnson Won't Go Away
Second straight EPL appearance for EJ keeps him in USMNT picture
Noah Davis
MLSsoccer.com September 18, 2010
(http://www.mlssoccer.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/primary_image-620x350/image_nodes/2010/09/ej.jpg)
Eddie Johnson made his second straight EPL appearance for undefeated Fulham on Saturday (Getty Images)
The big news out of Blackburn on Saturday afternoon is Clint Dempsey doing his best Brian McBride impression, throwing his body around and absorbing punishment while connecting on a game-tying header in the 56th minute. There is, however, another important storyline: Eddie Johnson's second-straight appearance.
The forward replaced his goal-scoring countryman in the 78th minute and helped Fulham remain undefeated in the English Premier League. Last week, Johnson joined the proceedings in the 83rd minute – again replacing Dempsey – and earned a free kick that Moussa Dembele converted for the Cottagers' game-winning tally.
Two weeks and two productive stints for the 26-year-old who seemed to be destined for another loan less than a month ago. With Bobby Zamora laid up for five months, Johnson will continue to see the pitch for manager Mark Hughes. Better yet, in the rough and tumble EPL, substitute roles have a way of morphing into starting spots overnight.
Of course, less than 20 minutes over two matches – and no goals – won't have US manager Bob Bradley running to the phone ... or will it?
Herculez Gomez hasn't found his super-sub scoring touch at Pachuca. Edson Buddle has returned to earth. Robbie Findley is Robbie Findley. Break Shea needs to calm down. That Johnson continues to be on the radar says as much about the inability of others to rise to the occasion as it does about the Florida native. But the point is that he's still hanging around.
He'll play a part in October, probably in November, and likely during the CONCACAF Gold Cup as well. Despite plenty of false endings, the last chapter of Johnson's national-team career will be written yet.
That said, if we're having this conversation in 2014, the US National Team is in trouble.
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/979006/OOF-SAM-TAKES-A-KNOCK-FROM-DIOUF.html (http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/979006/OOF-SAM-TAKES-A-KNOCK-FROM-DIOUF.html)
OOF! SAM TAKES A KNOCK FROM DIOUF
Blackburn 1 Fulham 1
By Jeremy Butler, 18/09/2010
ACTUALLY Arsene, you may have a point!
The Gunners boss has been taking it on the chin from all angles for his claims that Blackburn deal in the dark arts at set-pieces.
Rival bosses have being queuing up to lay into the Frenchman and his fancy dan views.
His cunning plan to use the media to highlight the penalty box chaos caused by sides such as Blackburn and Stoke has sparked outrage among football's have-nots.
And stood on the hill with megaphone in hand leading the barrage of abuse has been Rovers boss Sam Allardyce.
Dismissing the notion that his men were guilty of any naughty business in the box, he has revelled in putting Wenger in his place.
Look away now though, Sam, because that doctor of deceit El-Hadji Diouf has just landed you right in it.
The Senegal star was hardly subtle in his attempt to run into Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer as Blackburn took the lead at a set-piece in the 30th minute.
In fact, he was not even looking at the ball as his lined up the Aussie in his sights and barged into him.
A dip of the shoulder and Schwarzer was on his back - and as he crashed to the turf, Chris Samba took full advantage.
Paul Robinson's long punt hit the giant defender on the top of his bonce and bounced over the line.
It was only the calming effect of Clint Dempsey's second-half equaliser that stopped Mark Hughes from blowing a fuse post match.
But considering all the hullabaloo, it's impossible to believe Fulham manager Hughes was unaware of Blackburn's tactics at free-kicks.
So there must have been some major blue-sky thinking going on when he sat down with his coaches this week.
God knows who suggested telling Schwarzer to come for everything aimed at his box.
Next week, that same bright spark is going to raise the idea of a square wheel.
Brave and positive were the words used by Hughes after the game to defend the idiocy behind the move - cannon fodder, more like.
It took only seven minutes for the folly of the idea to become evident.
Gael Givet targeted Mame Biram Diouf with his long ball and Schwarzer set off like a mountain climber without ropes.
After pinballing about the box, his fumble under pressure was wholly expected and it needed Brede Hangeland's cool covering to stop Morten Gamst Pedersen taking advantage with a tantalising chip.
Allardyce subsequently claimed Schwarzer got a fingertip to the ball while outside his box.
If there was a slight touch, it was harsh expecting rookie ref Anthony Taylor to spot it.
Young Taylor should have seen Diouf's misdemeanour later though as Rovers took the lead.
That left Fulham looking for a way back into the game and Danny Murphy appeared to be the only one with a torch as his team groped around in the darkness.
He started a move that included intricate passes from Moussa Dembele and Simon Davies to tee up Carlos Salcido for a superb effort Robinson did well to save.
And it was Dembele and Salcido involved again as Fulham grabbed a deserved equaliser with the Mexican finding space down the left.
His precise cross allowed Dempsey to dash in between defenders and power a header past Robinson.
It was a fourth goal in as many games against Blackburn for the American, how he must wish he could play Rovers every week.
There was little chance of Blackburn regaining the lead whilst they maintained their aerial route to goal.
ROAR: Samba celebrates
Hangeland's huge frame and Aaron Hughes' clever footballing brain closed up every avenue.
With the ball in the air so much, Niko Kalinic and then debutant sub Benjani probably spent last night trying to iron the cricks out of their sore necks.
As did most of the Ewood fans who booed their team off.
Allardyce this week insisted he could have been a success in Madrid and Milan if only he was given a chance.
Get real Sam, they would not stand for this every week at the Bernabeu. The disapproving white hankies would be waving within minutes.
Hughes' has ditched the rough-house style he too employed at Blackburn, preferring to utilise Murphy's ball playing ability in the middle of the park.
That has become a whole lot trickier now key front man Bobby Zamora is out for five months with a broken leg.
But he managed to combat the absence of the front man here with Dempsey proving an able stand-in.
He helped Hughes retain his unbeaten record as Fulham's boss. Whether that survives another battering at Stoke in the Carling Cup on Tuesday remains to be seen.
Blackburn 1-1 Fulham: Sunday Mirror match report
Published 22:50 18/09/10
By Derick Allsop
Hughes maintained his unbeaten start with Fulham but left his old stomping ground believing his club should have had their first Premier League away win for 13 months.
Blackburn took the lead with a hotly disputed goal by Chris Samba and Clint Dempsey's deserved equaliser scarcely consoled or satisfied the Fulham camp.
They were convinced Blackburn's El Hadji Diouf had impeded keeper Mark Schwarzer as he came out to claim the ball.
Their appeals were ignored by referee Anthony Taylor but the sense of injustice served to galvanise Fulham and they eventually imposed their more measured football on Sam Allardyce's team.
Bobby Zamora's injury has stripped Fulham of a powerful weapon, but Dempsey took on the responsibility up front with intelligent movement and headed a classic centre-forward's goal.
Hughes said: "We should have had all three points because it was a foul on Mark. I think it was only the referee's second game in the Premier League and there's a lot going on off the ball and you need an experienced official."
Allardyce had raised a few titters with his suggestion that he would find managing Real Madrid more to his liking than guiding Rovers, and this performance did nothing to wipe the smiles off those faces.
Blackburn's movement was laboured and even their predictable punts into the area couldn't take full advantage of Schwarzer's discomfort.
Allardyce said: "Possibly there was a nudge by Diouf and we perhaps got away with it. But Schwarzer blatantly handled outside the box earlier and could have been sent off."
Schwarzer's nervous start in the face of Blackburn's aerial assaults might have cost Fulham more than a few goalmouth scrapes in the first eight minutes.
Hughes's team were grateful for the height and positional sense of their Norwegian central defender, Brede Hangeland.He headed away a series of crosses and, crucially, was on the line to clear from Morten Gamst Pedersen after one Schwarzer fumble.
Fulham weathered the initial storm and countered with increasing confidence. Moussa Dembele was allowed to run to within shooting range and was frustrated not to hit the target.
Hangeland twice denied Mame Biram Diouf but the free-kick he conceded against the forward on loan from Manchester United led to the contentious opener.
Paul Robinson hoisted the ball into the heart of the Fulham penalty box and his opposite number appeared to be blocked off by El Hadji Diouf.
As Schwarzer lay prostrate and helpless, Samba put his side ahead.
Fulham's players protested and Hughes led the touchline remonstrations, but the officials were unmoved.
The Fulham keeper resumed his verbal barrage on the referee at half-time, pointing an accusing finger before stomping off to the dressing room.
Fulham re-emerged with fresh intent, forcing Rovers to retreat deeper into their own territory and the pressure brought its reward. Carlos Salcido crossed from the left and Dempsey out-jumped Ryan Nelsen to equalise with a firm header past Robinson.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Blackburn-1-1-Fulham-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Mark-Hughes-denied-the-win-by-a-hotly-disputed-Chris-Samba-goal-article583669.html#ixzz0zxCQlQ9X (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Blackburn-1-1-Fulham-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Mark-Hughes-denied-the-win-by-a-hotly-disputed-Chris-Samba-goal-article583669.html#ixzz0zxCQlQ9X)
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http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/out-of-the-frying-pan-and-into-the-fire-blackburn-1-1-fulham.html (http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/out-of-the-frying-pan-and-into-the-fire-blackburn-1-1-fulham.html)
Out of the frying pan and into the fire (Blackburn 1-1 Fulham)
By: timmyg | September 18th, 2010
For all the talk of Wolves being "dirty" this past week, today we saw what a actual dirty team looks like. But I'm not going to dwell on that, as it's Blackburn and a Sam Allardyce-led club so what's the point rehashing the obvious?
After El Hadj Diouf played Mark Scwarzer, and not the ball, Blackburn were 1-0 up when the long-ball from Paul Robinson managed to find Christopher Samba's noggin. Thankfully Clint Dempsey connected on a cross from Carlos Salcido (who was great on his debut) and NAFTA'd it into the net to equalize. Both teams deserved a point and that is exactly what both got.
For me today's biggest story is not Mark Schwarzer's many mental lapses (Speaking of, I'm just going to go blame it on Blackburn's targeted strategy. I'm not going to into denial that the transfer saga to Arsenal may have affected his psyche nor worry that Stockdale is out for a month and out backup is currently NEIL ETHERIDGE. Nope, no denial or worry here!)
Today we saw whatever specter of Roy remaining officially leave the building. I don't mean to use that word with any negative connotations, but today would have been a match where Fulham would have sat back and predictably snoozed our way to a draw, if that. Lest we forget that Roy's Fulham lost to a Blackburn led by Paul Ince two years ago.
Fulham were zipping the ball around and even dominated possession. I could have sworn we outshot them, but am wrong; it sure felt like we did though. The true proof of Hughes' regime is in the substitute pudding though. Just consider today's substitutions: Clint Dempsey for Eddie Johnson, and Danny Murphy for Zoltan Gera(!!!).
Again, not trying to knock Gera but that particular substitution is something Roy would have never, ever done — especially with a fit Greening on the bench. He probably would have taken out Dempsey for Gera or Baird and Murphy for Baird or Greening. Or not done anything at all considering last year Kallio replaced Konchesky and Nevland replaced Gera only because both Paul and Clint got injured. The year before that Roy didn't make a single substitution.
Right about now I was going to post Blackburn's passing chalkboard, and talk about how well our defense played, but the editors deemed it too offensive and obscene to the sport. So, go to the Guardian site, plug in the data, and see for yourselves (NSFW).
Have the chart up yet? Good. Thank God we didn't lose today.
Finally, Eddie Johnson has now seen Ewood Park twice is his Fulham career. Considering he has twelve total appearances for the club, that's a pretty good number. But remember what happened the last time he was at Ewood Park? He drew a foul in the dying moments and Jimmy Bullard equalized at the last moment. Although that scenario didn't happen again this time, he did do it last week.
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/200410/Blackburn-1-Fulham-1-Samba-has-Hughes-dancing-with-rage-
BLACKBURN 1, FULHAM 1: SAMBA HAS HUGHES DANCING WITH RAGE
Sunday September 19,2010
By Jeremy Butler
BLACKBURN 1, FULHAM 1. CHRIS SAMBA benefited from Blackburn's knowledge of the dark arts but his controversial strike left Fulham fuming.
The big defender nodded home after Cottagers keeper Mark Schwarzer was felled by El-Hadji Diouf on his way to collect a long Paul Robinson free-kick.
It was a clear foul, but with ref Anthony Taylor missing the incident Rovers nearly got away with it. That was until Clint Dempsey popped up to snatch a point with an expertly taken leveller.
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce's tactics at set-pieces have long been criticised by Arsene Wenger – and he may have a point.
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The Frenchman has been whingeing about the way Blackburn use runners to block off the keeper.
"Sour grapes'' has been the reply from this neck of the woods. The soft London side's inability to cope with the game's physical challenges pinpointed as the real problem.
The row has been long and heated, and considering all the media attention it's generated it was a surprise to see Schwarzer had hatched a plan to come and catch everything.
And the policy backfired when Schwarzer came charging out to reach Robinson's long free-kick in the 30th minute.
Diouf made a beeline for the Aussie and clearly dumped him on his backside as the ball headed towards the danger zone.
It dropped on Samba's head and took a couple of bounces before rolling over the line for the defender's first goal of the season.
Fulham boss Mark Hughes was livid, and rightly so, as ref Taylor waved aside the angry protests from his players. The former Rovers manager had returned to his old stamping ground determined not to see his unbeaten record dismantled.
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And it seemed the only way Blackburn would break through was via set-pieces.
As early as the seventh minute Schwarzer dashed a long way off his line to reach a deep free-kick and, under pressure from Mame Biram Diouf, failed to clear.
Phil Jones jumped on the loose ball and although his initial effort was blocked, Morten Gamst Pedersen saw the chance to dink a cheeky chip at goal.
But his attempt to net a delicate finish was thwarted by fellow Norwegian Brede Hangeland, with the giant defender heading off the line.
Fulham's first foray upfield earned them a free-kick 20-yards out and Dempsey's eyes lit up as he saw a chance to add to his incredible record against Rovers.
The Cottagers striker has fired three goals in his last three games against the Ewood Park outfit.
And maybe there was a sense of greed in his decision to hammer the chance wide rather than float in a cross for his team-mates to attack.
Moussa Dembele was next to threaten the home goal with a run from deep, and as Blackburn's defenders dropped off he cracked a low drive just wide of the post with Robinson relieved to see the ball skid wide.
Then came Rovers' controversial opener. But instead of inspiring them, surprisingly it took the energy out of their play. Fulham got on the ball with Danny Murphy becoming far more involved and he was the architect of his side's best move of the opening half ten minutes before the break.
His clever, lofted ball was worked to left-back Carlos Salcido by a combination of Dembele and Simon Davies and the defender produced a superb curling shot that Robinson went full length to tip away. The visitors' dominance continued after the break and it was no surprise to see Dempsey score a 56th-minute equaliser.
Dembele fed Salcido down the left wing and his cross found the American in between Rovers' two central defenders.
He took advantage of the space to plant an unstoppable header past the exposed Robinson from close range.
MAN of the MATCH Danny Murphy: His desire to get on the ball for Fulham and pick the right pass was in contrast to the rest of the kick and rush football.BLACKBURN: Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Givet, Grella (Nzonzi (75th)) Jones, Mame Diouf, Pedersen (Emerton (60th)), El-Hadji Diouf, Kalinic (Benjamin (64th)).
FULHAM: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido, Duff, Etuhu, Murphy (Gera (88th)), Davies, Dempsey (Eddie Johnson (77th)), Dembele.Ref: A Taylor Att: 23,759
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/154485/Chris-Samba-leaves-Fulham-fuming/
CHRIS SAMBA LEAVES FULHAM FUMING
19th September 2010
By Peter Griffin
Blackburn 1 Fulham 1
CHRIS SAMBA was helped by Blackburn's knowledge of the dark arts but his disputed strike left Fulham fuming.
The big defender nodded home after Cottagers keeper Mark Schwarzer was felled by El-Hadji Diouf on his way to collect a long Paul Robinson free-kick.
It was a clear foul but with rookie referee Anthony Taylor missing the incident Rovers nearly got away with it – that was until Clint Dempsey popped up to snatch a point.
Boss Mark Hughes moaned: "I was not happy with their goal. There were two other incidents prior to that so for the referee to allow play to continue was disappointing.
"our performance in the second half merited a win. I wanted us to get the ball down, move it quickly and play our game not Blackburn's. We did that and scored a great equaliser."
The game exploded when Schwarzer came charging out to reach Robinson's punt in the 30th minute.
Diouf made a beeline for the Aussie and clearly dumped him on his backside as the ball headed towards the danger zone.
It dropped on Samba's head and took a couple of bounces before rolling over the line for the defender's first goal of the season.
Hughes was livid and rightly so, as referee Taylor waved aside the angry protests from Fulham's players.
But that served only to inspire Fulham and they dominated from then on, equalising on 65 minutes through Dempsey, who has now scored in his last four games against the Lancashire team.
But while Fulham played well, all talk after the game centred on Blackburn's controversial goal.
Boss Sam Allardyce said: "We got away with that but we were exposing Schwarzer's weaknesses.
"Sparky is moaning about the foul but I'm complaining even more bitterly, they shouldn't even have 11 men on the field.
"We had a couple of penalty decisions on both Dioufs – Mame and El-Hadji not given – the referee had a difficult day."
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/978903/HUGHES-UPSET-WITH-ROOKIE-REFEREE.html (http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/978903/HUGHES-UPSET-WITH-ROOKIE-REFEREE.html)
HUGHES UPSET WITH ROOKIE REFEREE
18/09/2010
Mark Hughes was angry at rookie referee Anthony Taylor's failure to spot a foul on keeper Mark Schwarzer as Blackburn scored.
The Fulham boss moaned: "It was a foul for their goal, so we are disappointed, and our performance in the second half merited a win.
"I don't think the referee has had a game like this before, it's only his second game in the Premier League.
"I just feel there's a lot going on off the ball when you play the likes of Blackburn and you need an experienced referee to recognise that.
"Maybe that's why he missed the challenge."
But Hughes defended Schwarzer's decision to come for high balls in his box - a move that left his side suffering problems all game.
He added: "He's prepared to do that and on occasion get bumped and knocked over.
"But he will never get criticised by me for being positive and in the second half especially it helped us."
Sam Allardyce admitted Samba was lucky not to his goal chalked off.
The Blackburn manager said: "There was possibly a little nudge off Dioufy, but perhaps the ref wasn't in a great position to see that.
"We have got away with that, perhaps, but we were exposing Schwarzer's weaknesses.
"Earlier on he handled outside the box blatantly and the referee's in a fantastic position to see and he should be sending him off and he doesn't.
"We've exposed one of their weaknesses in that the keeper's not great on balls into the box. I thought he had a very difficult day.
"We had control of the game and it was disappointing in the second half that we got edgy, lost our rhythm and let Fulham back into it. Our quality wasn't good enough.
"I'm quite satisfied on the basis that we got a draw when most of the time this year I have been disappointed in the result and not the performance."
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/978476/FUL-STEAM-AHEAD-FOR-BAIRD.html (http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/978476/FUL-STEAM-AHEAD-FOR-BAIRD.html)
FUL STEAM AHEAD FOR BAIRD
Defender ready to battle
BAIRD: Happy with life at Fulham
By Don Ardmore, 18/09/2010
CHRIS BAIRD wants to make a major impact with both club and country after signing a contract that he feared would never be offered.
The 28-year-old has put a nightmare 18 months at Fulham firmly behind him after a string of impressive performances last season, which have now been rewarded with a new three-year deal.
It was during Fulham's run to the Europa League Final that Baird produced his best form and that has now established him at the club.
And with the peak of his career hopefully just around the corner, Baird is setting his sights on a return to Europe at club level and a European Championship finals appearance with Northern Ireland in two summers' time.
He said: "I'm really happy to have signed the new contract.
"I really enjoyed myself under Roy Hodgson and the new manager, Mark Hughes, seems to like me.
"I like what he's doing and how things have started with the team, so I'm really happy to sign a new contract."
After being taken to Craven Cottage by former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez in 2007, Baird found himself frozen out when Hodgson came in just six months later.
On more than one occasion, it looked very much like his stay in London was going to be a short one, with defenders being signed and Baird dropping down the pecking order.
It was at the start of last season, however, that he began to flourish and as confidence built up, the Rasharkin-man was able to show what he is capable of.
Baird said: "My first year at the club wasn't the best. Sometimes I was on the bench and sometimes I wasn't in the squad at all and it was hard not being involved and sometimes not even travelling for away games.
"Often those I did travel for I wasn't included in the 18.
"I wasn't playing in my favourite position when I first came into the side and I knew I wasn't playing too well.
"Then I got a run in the team and played a lot of games. Last season was by far the best season of my career. I was delighted with my performances, whether I was playing at right-back, centre-back or in midfield. I was just happy to be in the team and getting a good run and that's what I'm looking for this season.
"Hopefully, the fans have warmed to me and my good form continues.
"John Pantsil has been doing well at right-back. It's going to be hard for me to get into the team, whether it's at right-back, centre-half or in central midfield because everyone's fit and playing well. I'll have to bide my time and take my chance like I've done before.
"I'm looking for the same again and hopefully we can qualify for Europe or win a cup. We've had a good start in the league so we'll just see how things progress and take it from there."
Whatever happens, Baird is certain to figure for Northern Ireland against Italy at Windsor Park next month after proving himself to be a key cog in Nigel Worthington's system, operating as a holding midfield player.
Given the attacking strengths of the Italians, the 43-times capped Baird will be important to the team if another big scalp is to be taken in Belfast to boost Euro 2012 qualifying hopes.
He said: "We've got ourselves off to a good start in the group with the win in Slovenia, but that's gone now.
"We have to look at the next game and although it's going to be tough, we have to go out trying to get all three points.
"I know we've got the Faroe Islands up after that and we'll be expected to win that one, but it's not even something we can think about at this stage."
http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2010/09/19/pants-off-at-the-cottagers-john-pantsil-uses-facebook-to-say-goodbye-to-fans-102039-22571438/ (http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2010/09/19/pants-off-at-the-cottagers-john-pantsil-uses-facebook-to-say-goodbye-to-fans-102039-22571438/)
Pants off at the Cottagers: John Pantsil uses Facebook to say goodbye to fans
Sep 19 2010
By Dean Jones, The People
JOHN PANTSIL is set to quit Fulham after he was axed for yesterday's Blackburn game.
Just before kick off the frustrated Ghanaian right back said on Facebook: "I will for ever love you all Fulham fans where ever I will go...thank you all for your support, it was great and sweet being with you all...jp."
Pantsil has been in disappointing form this season. But Fulham boss Mark Hughes will surely be angry with the decision to publicly air his feelings.
http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/football-hotline/2010/09/19/fulham-enter-the-hunt-for-dutch-striker-ricky-van-wolfswinkel-102039-22570966/ (http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/football-hotline/2010/09/19/fulham-enter-the-hunt-for-dutch-striker-ricky-van-wolfswinkel-102039-22570966/)
Fulham enter the hunt for Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel
Sep 19 2010
By Dave Kidd, The People
FULHAM are poised to step up their interest in Dutch strike sensation Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
Cottagers boss Mark Hughes has been scouting the 21-year-old Utrecht hitman – also wanted by TOTTENHAM and NEWCASTLE – who could move to the Premier League in January.
Hughes was chasing a new attacker even before Bobby Zamora suffered a broken leg last week.
http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/premier-league-match-reports/2010/09/19/blackburn-1-1-fulham-schwarzer-struggles-as-rovers-mug-cottagers-for-a-point-102039-22571130/ (http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/premier-league-match-reports/2010/09/19/blackburn-1-1-fulham-schwarzer-struggles-as-rovers-mug-cottagers-for-a-point-102039-22571130/)
Blackburn 1-1 Fulham: Schwarzer struggles as Rovers mug Cottagers for a point
Sep 19 2010
by Richard Gibson, The People
THIS was more like Real Mugging than Real Madrid.
Sam Allardyce might fancy being surrounded by the Galacticos, but it was Mark Schwarzer who was left seeing stars as Blackburn went in front at Ewood Park.
For Rovers' 500th Premier League goal on this ground was undoubtedly one of their most controversial.
Yes, Schwarzer, a summer target for Arsenal, had a nightmare every time the ball went above head height, but Rovers captain Christopher Samba's goal on the half-hour should have been scrubbed out for a blatant shove on the Australian keeper by El Hadji Diouf.
Rookie ref Anthony Taylor missed it, leaving Cottagers boss Mark Hughes raging on the touchline.
"It was a foul," moaned Hughes. "The referee has not taken a match like that before – it was only his second game in the Premier League.
"There's a lot going on off the ball when you are playing the likes of Blackburn and you need an experienced referee to recognise it."
Schwarzer had twice flapped under Blackburn's bombs, but his commitment to trying to pluck them from the air did not falter after being instructed to come for everything by Hughes.
Let's just say Blackburn's fans don't tend to go as far on their jollies.
So, right on cue, when Paul Robinson aimed his raking free-kick for the penalty spot, Schwarzer hurtled into a posse of bodies and was knocked flying by El Hadji Diouf's elbow in among all the jostling. Schwarzer hit the deck and the ball comically skimmed off Samba's head into the unguarded net.
As Ewood Park erupted so did its former guv'nor Hughes, who made straight for assistant referee Jake Collin, officiating on the Jack Walker Stand touchline, to vent his ire.
Fulham captain Danny Murphy added weight to the protest but to no avail.
But Rovers boss Allardyce reckoned whistle-blower Taylor's biggest error was in not dismissing Schwarzer in the eighth minute.
Having already been outjumped by Mame Biram Diouf once on the edge of the area, the 39-year-old keeper fumbled under pressure from the on-loan Manchester United forward.
In the scramble that ensued, Schwarzer instinctively flapped at Morten Gamst Pedersen's 20-yard chip and his fingers appeared to brush the ball outside the penalty area before Brede Hangeland rescued his stranded colleague by heading off the line.
Exposed
Allardyce rapped: "Yes, the goal probably was a foul and we got away with it, perhaps.
"But we exposed Schwarzer's weakness before that and he handled the ball outside the area.
"The referee should have sent him off and he didn't."
Robinson made the only save of note in the opening period when he was forced to tip debutant Carlos Salcido's curling delivery around an upright.
Mexican full-back Salcido, snapped up from PSV Eindhoven last month, was a constant menace down the left, and it was from one of his raids that Fulham deservedly levelled.
His pitching wedge of a cross found the head of Clint Dempsey, who got in front of Rovers' Ryan Nelsen to power home from six yards.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1313218/Blackburn-1-Fulham-1-Dempsey-strike-maintains-unbeaten-start-Hughes.html
Blackburn 1 Fulham 1: We've been Ant and decked, claim frustrated Sam Allardyce and Mark Hughes
By Myles Hodgson
Last updated at 11:04 PM on 18th September 2010
Sam Allardyce and Mark Hughes were united in their criticism of referee Anthony Taylor after Fulham cancelled out Blackburn's controversial opening goal for a point.
Cheshire official Taylor, in his first season on the Premier League's list, has already incurred the wrath of Sunderland manager Steve Bruce for his handling of the 2-2 draw with Birmingham on the opening weekend of the campaign.
And on Saturday Hughes claimed Taylor failed to see a shove by El-Hadji Diouf on Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer as he came to claim a free-kick on the edge of the box, which allowed Chris Samba to head into the empty net to give Blackburn the lead.
'We were disappointed with the award of a goal because it was clearly a blatant foul on Mark and there were two other prior to that the referee missed as well,' said Hughes.
'I don't think the official has refereed many games like that before and I just feel there is a lot going on off the ball when you're playing the likes of Blackburn and you need an experienced referee to recognise it and understand what's going on.'
Ful force: Clinton Dempsey celebrates
Allardyce believes the referee should have sent off Schwarzer in the seventh minute, when he claimed he handled the ball outside the box prior to Morten Gamst Pedersen's lob being cleared off the line by Brede Hangeland.
'There was a little nudge for our goal, but I don't think the referee was in a great position to see that and perhaps the assistant referee could have been a bit more help,' said Allardyce.
Get in: Fulham's Clinton Dempsey scores the equaliser
'The unfortunate thing from our point of view is that we perhaps got away with it, but we were exposing Mark Schwarzer and his problems well before that.
MATCH FACTS
Blackburn (4-3-3): Robinson; Salgado, Samba, Nelson, Givet; Grella (Nzonzi 76min), Pedersen (Emerton 61), Jones; MB Diouf, Kalinic (Benjani 65), EH Diouf. Subs (not used): Bunn, Linganzi, Hoilett, Chimbonda.
Fulham (4-1-3-2): Schwarzer; Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly; Etuhu; Davies, Murphy (Gera 89), Duff; Dempsey (E Johnson 77), Dembele. Subs (not used): Etheridge, Pantsil, Baird, Riise, Greening. Booked: Hangeland.
Referee: A Taylor (Cheshire).
'In the seventh minute he handled the ball outside the box blatantly, which took the edge off a goal-bound shot which their lad headed off the line. The referee is in a fantastic position to see it and should be sending Schwarzer off.'
The referee's display, which Allardyce described as 'difficult', appeared to overshadow an otherwise impressive Fulham fight-back, despite the absence of injured striker Bobby Zamora, which culminated in a second-half equaliser from Clint Dempsey.
Blackburn's lead had almost been wiped out during the first half, with debutant Carlos Salcido bursting down the left – as he did impressively for most of the afternoon – and hitting a curling shot from the edge of the box, which Paul Robinson did well to turn past the post.
Salcido, a close-season signing from PSV Eindhoven, was equally instrumental in Fulham's equaliser, again bursting down the left before floating a tempting cross into the penalty area for Dempsey to head home and claim his fourth goal in as many games against Blackburn
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1313218/Blackburn-1-Fulham-1-Dempsey-strike-maintains-unbeaten-start-Hughes.html#ixzz0zxHYoyMk (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1313218/Blackburn-1-Fulham-1-Dempsey-strike-maintains-unbeaten-start-Hughes.html#ixzz0zxHYoyMk)
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dempsey-grabs-point-to-keep-cottagers-unbeaten-2083380.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dempsey-grabs-point-to-keep-cottagers-unbeaten-2083380.html)
Dempsey grabs point to keep Cottagers unbeaten
Blackburn Rovers 1, Fulham 1
By Jeremy Cross at Ewood Park
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Clint Dempsey maintained Fulham's unbeaten start to the season with a second half equaliser here which left Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce frustrated at what he saw as two points dropped courtesy of poor refereeing decisions.
The USA international Dempsey struck on 56 minutes with a clinical header past Paul Robinson from Carlos Salcido's cross to restore parity to a contest that never scaled the heights of entertainment.
The visitors will argue that Dempsey's goal, his second of the season, was justice considering the controversial manner in which Blackburn took the lead through Chris Samba's glancing header on 31 minutes.
Mark Schwarzer, who had an uncomfortable game to say the least, claimed he was impeded when trying to deal with Paul Robinson's long free-kick. The Australian goalkeeper appeared to be bundled over by El-Hadji Diouf when coming to punch the ball clear and was then powerless to prevent it hitting Samba on the head and skidding into an open goal.
Blackburn dominated much of the first half but only took a one-goal lead into the interval and that was to be their undoing as 10 minutes after the break Robinson was powerless to prevent Dempsey from equalising and, as the game went on, the visitors looked more likely to snatch a winning goal.
This would have pleased Mark Hughes on his return to Ewood Park, but the Fulham manager will still have been satisfied with a point from this fixture that stretches his side's run to six games unbeaten. Both managers criticised the referee Anthony Taylor, with Allardyce claiming he got three major decisions wrong. He said: "There was a little nudge on Schwarzer and I can't remember the referee being in a great position. We have got away with that perhaps, but we were exposing Schwarzer's problems before that. He handled outside the box and should have been sent off.
"The referee made both sets of fans, players and managers angry. He made a simple game tough for himself and only has himself to blame."
Hughes added: "It was a foul [for Rovers' goal], that's the top and bottom of it. The referee hasn't refereed a game like that before, it was only his second game and there was a lot going on. You need an experienced referee in those situations."
A good piece from 'Craven Cottage Newsround' on our away tactics. There are several graphics that mean its better to read it on the site itself rather pasting it on here -
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/09/19/attacking-away-from-home-tactics/ (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/09/19/attacking-away-from-home-tactics/)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/sep/19/sam-allardyce-anthony-taylor-referee (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/sep/19/sam-allardyce-anthony-taylor-referee)
Sam Allardyce to make complaint over referee Anthony Taylor
• Blackburn manager will point out 'errors' to Premier League
• Official made decisions that annoyed Rovers and Fulham
Tweet this (8)Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 19 September 2010 13.55 BST Article history
The Blackburn Rovers manager, Sam Allardyce, will complain to Premier League referees chiefs about the performance of Anthony Taylor during his side's draw with Fulham yesterday.
Allardyce claimed Blackburn should have been awarded two penalties and that Fulham's goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, should have been sent off for handling outside the area.
Taylor, the subject of criticism from the Sunderland manager Steve Bruce earlier this season, also angered the Fulham manager Mark Hughes for allowing Christopher Samba's goal for Blackburn despite a clear push on Schwarzer by El Hadji Diouf.
Allardyce said: "The only person that made the game difficult was the referee. It was not a tough game to referee but he made both managers, both sets of players and both sets of fans angry.
"It's my job to point out those things and I will do that through the correct channels this week."
Allardyce admitted that Diouf had committed a foul but claimed that Schwarzer should have been sent off earlier for handling Morten Gamst Pedersen's chip outside the area.
"We have got away with that perhaps but we were exposing Mark Schwarzer's weaknesses and he handled outside the box blatantly," said Allardyce. "The referee's in a fantastic position to see and he should be sending him off and he doesn't."
Allardyce also insisted that Blackburn should also have been awarded two penalties for challenges on El Hadji Diouf and Mame Biram Diouf
Quote from: White Noise on September 18, 2010, 07:46:07 PM
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3286156,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3286156,00.html)
Honours even at Ewood
Stalemate as Dempsey cancels out Samba opener
How can that stupid tw*t say Schwarzer "collided with traffic" it was downright shame faced deliberate and unbelievably must have been rehearsed in training!
Last updated: 18th September 2010
Man of the Match: El Hadji Diouf. Drifted from flank to flank and gave Fulham a defensive headache all afternoon.
Goal of the Match: Dempsey's thumping header came at the end of a well-worked move, which saw Carlos Salcido deliver the perfect cross.
Miss of the Match: Nikola Kalinic must wonder how he failed to find the target after running clear in the first half, but he was not the only Rovers player to fluff their lines in front of goal.
Moment of the Match: Mark Schwarzer collided with a Rovers player when Chris Samba glanced home and Fulham were incensed to see the goal given.
Talking point: Should Blackburn be bracing themselves for a long, hard slog or will they come good? Fulham remain unbeaten in the Premier League, but what will their ambition be this season?
Blackburn dominated large parts of their meeting with Fulham, but had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw.
Rovers can boast a formidable record at Ewood Park under Sam Allardyce and they looked to be on their way to another three points when Chris Samba nodded them in front.
However, they were left to pay the price for failing to turn possession into goals when Clint Dempsey restored parity after the interval and helped to preserve Fulham's unbeaten record in the league.
Rovers started much the brighter and should have been in front when Nikola Kalinic sprang the offside trap, only to then roll the ball past the post.
Blackburn did take the lead, though, on the half-hour mark as Mark Schwarzer collided with traffic as he came to reach a floated free-kick and Samba glanced into an empty net.
Allardyce would have been looking for his side to build on that lead after the break, but instead they conceded an equaliser after 56 minutes as Carlos Salcido whipped over a cross for Dempsey to power a header past Paul Robinson.
Dominant
Blackburn were utterly dominant for much of the opening half, starting when Kalinic won an early free-kick in a dangerous spot right on the corner of the area - another inch and it would have been a penalty - but Fulham were able to clear.
Fulham goalkeeper Schwarzer came close to having a nightmare afternoon with a series of fumbles. The first nearly led to the opening goal but Brede Hangeland managed to head clear off the line after his fellow Norwegian, and good friend, Morten Gamst Pedersen delicately chipped in the loose ball.
Phil Jones hooked over from the ensuing long throw-in and, when Fulham did finally conjure up a meaningful opportunity, Dempsey drifted the direct free-kick well wide.
Mame Biram Diouf looked to be in on goal but his control deserted him at the critical point, and the Senegalese striker then claimed a penalty when he was challenged by Hangeland, though it appeared the big Norwegian just nicked the ball away.
Hangeland was then booked for going through the same player and, from the free-kick, the goal that Blackburn had been threatening finally arrived.
Robinson hoisted the ball high and with Schwarzer again looking uncertain, and some shoving by El-Hadji Diouf not helping Fulham's cause, Samba won the heading lottery to loop the ball into the empty net.
Hughes reacted with anger on the touchline, provoking good-natured jeers from the home crowd, and his mood would not have been improved when Robinson displayed superb agility to turn aside Salcido's impressive curling strike.
Positive
Fulham looked much more positive in the second half and had a chance to get back on terms within seconds of the restart but Simon Davies' direct free-kick was woeful.
Dempsey made no mistake in the 56th minute, however, when Salcido floated across an inviting cross from left, beating Ryan Nelsen to the ball to plant a powerful header past Robinson for the equaliser.
Schwarzer dropped the ball again under pressure from Samba as Blackburn tried to respond and this time referee Anthony Taylor awarded a free-kick when replays showed clearly there had been no foul.
Benjani Mwaruwari came on for Kalinic to make his Blackburn debut and his header down gave Brett Emerton space for a snap-shot but he hit it straight at Schwarzer.
Schwarzer's uncertainty continued to be a problem for the visitors and he was left grateful to his defence for keeping out El-Hadji Diouf after another fumble.
Fulham were lucky to survive again when Salgado whipped a vicious ball across the face of goal, then Danny Murphy tricked the Spanish defender into conceding a free-kick on the edge of his box.
Murphy tried to curl it into the top corner but Robinson never looked worried as it sailed over.
The match might have been there for the taking for either side after that, but fear of defeat won the day as the game drifted into a stalemate.
Blackburn Rovers
Team Statistics
Fulham
1 Goals
1
1 1st Half Goals
0
4 Shots on Target
2
4 Shots off Target
5
3 Blocked Shots
2
3 Corners
3
19 Fouls
10
4 Offsides
1
0 Yellow Cards
1
0 Red Cards
0
58.1 Passing Success
77
23 Tackles
17
73.9 Tackles Success
76.5
38.4 Possession
61.6
50.5 Territorial Advantage
49.5
