http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/04/fulham-west-bromwich-albion-premier-league
Simon Davies and Clint Dempsey help Fulham see off West Bromwich
Jamie Jackson at Craven Cottage guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 4 January 2011 21.57
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Fulham's Clint Dempsey gives the Craven Cottage supporters the thumbs up after scoring the second against West Bromwich Albion. Photograph: Rebecca Naden/PA
Flirting with relegation is this Premier League season's great new game. With this easy win Fulham became the latest team to understand how three points can allow a six-position leap that replaces the dread of 19th place with the warmth of 13th position.
Hughes's selection for a contest he was desperate to win was hampered by the enforced absence of Andy Johnson, who was advised to rest a tight hamstring or risk a potential absence of up to five weeks if the muscle were aggravated.
With Bobby Zamora out until February, at least, and Moussa Dembélé, the £5m summer signing, still absent with an ankle problem Fulham's stock of front-line strikers began and finished with Diomansy Kamara and Clint Dempsey.
This pair started at the front of Hughes's 4-4-2 formation and it was Kamara, the former West Bromwich Albion man, who produced the opening moment of quality by killing a Chris Baird punt in the visitors' area. The 30-year-old's swivel and shot with his left foot forced Carson to dip down to beat the ball away.
What proceeded was a bright half of action that lit up the chilly evening and closed with a Simon Davies finish that Scott Carson should have stopped.
Preceding this there had been a threat from Roberto Di Matteo's troops but this was too sporadic. First Peter Odemwingie worried David Stockdale with a cross from the right the keeper had to parry. Then the Nigeria striker collected 30 yards away from Stockdale and tricked Brede Hangeland into allowing him a yard before he unloaded an effort that deflected off the central defender to safety.
The match was open but quality faded near goal. Davies offered an illustration with a volley he steered wide, a Graham Dorrans long-range hit did not dip enough and Odenwengie again moved beyond traffic but allowed Dickson Etuhu to catch him up.
When Hangeland rose to meet a corner unchallenged but pulled the header wide the sense was the game would remain goalless into the second half. But then came Carson's howler. The keeper culpable for the mistake that allowed Croatia's opening goal in the 3-2 victory over England in the "Wally-in-the-Brolly" Euro 2008 qualifier in November 2007 will not wish to see Davies's goal too many times.
After Youssouf Mulumbu was dispossessed by Etuhu he passed to Davies who unleashed a sweet strike that came straight at Carson. The ball may have swerved a touch but West Brom's keeper should still have pushed it away rather than into his goal.
Fulham deserved the lead and tripled the score within 20 minutes. Moments after Davis stepped up to swing in a corner from the left that had the visiting rearguard slumbering.
Hangeland and Dempsey each jumped to meet the delivery and it was the American striker who collected a sixth league goal of the campaign to allow Fulham breathing space. Next it was the Norwegian's turn to send Di Matteo nuts as his side conceded a replica of the Dempsey goal. From another Davies' corner on the left Hangeland was left unchallenged to roam, leap and finish beyond Carson.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6635172,00.html
Cottagers climb out of drop zone
Hughes breathes easy as Fulham end home hoodoo
By Ben Collins Last updated: 4th January 2011
(http://img.skysports.com/11/01/218x298/Fulham-v-West-Brom-Cottagers-Joy-Simon-Davies_2547319.jpg)
Davies: Mobbed after opener
Fulham eased the pressure on Mark Hughes by winning 3-0 at home to West Brom to climb out of the bottom three.
Some Fulham fans called for the manager's head after their 3-1 home defeat by West Ham on Boxing Day and despite winning at Stoke, they slipped back into the relegation zone following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Tottenham.
But Simon Davies opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time before delivering corners for Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland to head home, sealing Fulham's first win in six games at Craven Cottage and just their third home victory of the season.
Injury-hit West Brom were firmly in the game until Davies' opener but would rue a first-half miss by Jerome Thomas as they slumped to a fifth straight defeat.
Fulham are now up to 13th having leapfrogged the visitors on goal difference, leaving the Baggies just two points above the drop zone.
Injury problems
Roberto Di Matteo had to field a makeshift defence with 18-year-old James Hurst handed his league debut at right-back while centre-back Gianni Zuiverloon made his first Premier League start of the season and Fulham threatened first in a lively opening, former West Brom striker Diomansy Kamara forcing Scott Carson to save from a tight angle.
Fulham had David Stockdale back in goal with Australian Mark Schwarzer away on Asian Cup duty and he was tested by a 20-yard strike by lone striker Peter Odemwingie.
Fulham winger Damien Duff then dragged a shot wide before Youssuf Mulumbu was fortunate to survive a penalty shout for a clumsy challenge on Dempsey.
Thomas spurned the Baggies' best chance as Chris Brunt picked out his run in from the left, only for the winger to shoot too close to Stockdale.
A fine slide-rule pass from Graham Dorrans almost presented Brunt with the opener but the visitors suffered another injury blow on the half-hour mark as left-back Marek Cech hobbled off to be replaced by Nicky Shorey.
Zuiverloon made an important block to Dempsey's shot before the Baggies regrouped, while Davies sent a difficult volley wide and Brede Hangeland headed wide from a Davies corner.
Davies opener
And the home side's pressure paid off as Dickson Etuhu won possession with a fierce challenge on Mulumbu and squared for Davies to smash a right-footed strike high past Carson, who should have done better.
Duff fired narrowly wide after the break before top scorer Dempsey rose above Shorey to head his seventh goal of the season from Davies' 56th-minute corner.
And the three points were secured nine minutes later when Hangeland made amends for his earlier miss, losing Brunt to head home from another excellent inswinging delivery by Davies.
Thomas and Brunt were narrowly off target as West Brom battled for a consolation while Stockdale had to turn over a fierce Odemwingie strike late on.
.
West Brom official site match report -
http://www.wba.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10366~53270,00.html (http://www.wba.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10366~53270,00.html)
Fulham 3 West Bromwich Albion 0: Scott Carson gaffe opens the floodgates as Cottagers claim crucial win
By Sportsmail Reporter and Laura Williamson
Last updated at 10:06 PM on 4th January 2011
Fulham moved out of the relegation zone with a vital home victory against West Bromwich, as the visitors suffered their fifth consecutive defeat.
A Simon Davies strike and headers by Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland and gave Fulham three vital points in a bitty, battling affair at Craven Cottage.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/04/article-1344062-0CA56348000005DC-20_634x363.jpg)
Calm down: Scott Carson's gaffe opened the floodgates at Fulham
Fulham boss Mark Hughes has predicted that, just like Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City did under his stewardship, Fulham will earn more points in the second half of the season than they did in the first. The jury's still out on that.
Hughes had expected to welcome back Moussa Dembele, who has been absent since November 13 with an ankle injury, but the 23-year-old did not even make the bench. Andrew Johnson was also sidelined with a slight hamstring injury, leaving Diomansy Kamara and Dempsey to start up front.
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Fumble: Scott Carson seemed to have two good hands behind Davies' shot but the ball flew in
Davies's 25-yard opener in first-half stoppage time certainly looked spectacular, but it owed more than a little to a mistake by West Bromwich goalkeeper Scott Carson.
The 25-year-old seemed surprised by the pace of the Welshman's searing right-foot shot and flapped at it. It wasn't a gaffe on the scale of Carson's error against Croatia for England in November 2007, but the goalkeeper will not look back fondly at the replays.
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Star and stripes: American international Clint Dempsey jumped highest to give Fulham breathing space
West Brom were forced to change three of the back four who started against Manchester United on New Year's Day, but had no such problems going forward, with Peter Odemwingie, Jerome Thomas and Chris Brunt all threatening.
Odemwingie was both creator and finisher and Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale, back in the side until Mark Schwarzer returns from Asian Cup duty with Australia, had to stay alert.
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Head boy: Brede Hangeland was inexcusably left unmarked at the back post
Graham Dorrans slipped a lovely pass through the Fulham back four after 25 minutes - the match's first real moment of quality - but it fooled everyone, including Brunt.
West Bromwich manager Roberto Di Matteo was upset by a challenge from John Pantsil on Marek Cech on the half-hour. The Fulham right back tangled with the 27-year-old and appeared to stamp on Cech as he tried to retrieve his foot. The action was not malicious and referee Martin Atkinson did not deem it a foul, but it ended Cech's evening.
Damien Duff narrowly missed Carson's right-hand post with a right-foot effort after 53 minutes, but Dempsey sealed the points three minutes later. The American reached Davies's corner just ahead of Hangeland to score his sixth league goal this season. Nine minutes later Hangeland scored himself, heading in from another Davies corner.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/04/article-1344062-0CA57E37000005DC-921_634x475.jpg)
Pure delight: The win was Fulham's second in the last three games
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1344062/Fulham-3-West-Bromwich-Albion-0-Scott-Carson-gaffe-opens-floodgates-Cottagers-claim-crucial-win.html#ixzz1A6naIqWI (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1344062/Fulham-3-West-Bromwich-Albion-0-Scott-Carson-gaffe-opens-floodgates-Cottagers-claim-crucial-win.html#ixzz1A6naIqWI)
Blackburn line up Damien Duff and Roque Santa Cruz for sensational Ewood return
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:30 PM on 4th January 2011
Blackburn have identified Fulham's Damien Duff as another player they would like to bring back to Ewood Park.
Manager Steve Kean has put forward a list of six targets which includes Roque Santa Cruz, Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock and Norwich full-back Russell Martin.
Blackburn's hopes of signing Barcelona prospect Oriol Romeu have been dashed though after the 19-year-old tore a knee cartilage.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/04/article-1344095-0CA56275000005DC-239_468x363.jpg)
Wing wizard: Damien Duff made his major breakthrough with Blackburn
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1344095/Blackburn-line-Damien-Duff-Roque-Santa-Cruz-sensational-Ewood-return.html#ixzz1A6pATbRv (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1344095/Blackburn-line-Damien-Duff-Roque-Santa-Cruz-sensational-Ewood-return.html#ixzz1A6pATbRv)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943907/Fulham-3-West-Bromwich-Albion-0-match-report.html
Fulham 3 West Bromwich Albion 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Fulham and West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage on Tuesday Jan 4 2011.
FULHAM3 - 0
FTWEST BROM Tuesday, January 04 20:00
Premier League
Craven CottageDavies (45+1)Dempsey (56)Hangeland (65) (HT 1-0)
ATT: 23,654
By John Ley 10:00PM GMT 04 Jan 2011
Scott Carson is still remembered for the error, on his competitive debut for England, that helped Croatia end the nation's hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals. But when he looks back on this season, he may recall another slip that opened the floodgates for Fulham to claim a vital win and send West Bromwich Albion into freefall.
Carson allowed Simon Davies's long effort through his hands just before the interval and the goal acted as an incentive, with Clint Dempsey claiming a second soon after the restart. Brede Hangeland's third left Albion's in defensive tatters.
The victory lifts Fulham out of the relegation zone, for now, and above Albion, who are now in relegation danger after failing to win a league point for a month after losing five successive games for the first time in more than six years.
Both managers, had they been offered the option, may have preferred to have deferred this fixture. Fulham lost Andrew Johnson earlier in the day, and with Moussa Dembélé still not fit from a troublesome ankle problem and Bobby Zamora at least a month away from returning, the home side were light in attack.
Hughes was forced to move Dempsey in to attack and give a rare start to Diomansy Kamara against his former club. With goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on international duty with Australia, David Stockdale was called upon for the first time since August.
By contrast Albion's problems were in defence with Pablo Ibanez and Stephen Reid, troubled by ankle and knee problems respectively, both missing. And while Gonzalo Jara was back after a one-match ban James Hurst, less than a month from his 19th birthday, was given his Premier League debut.
Hurst joined a back four that had never played together before. And before the first half had been completed, Albion were forced into another defensive change, with Marek Cech limping away, to be replaced by Nicky Shorey.
Hurst was soon tested, with Fulham pushing down the left flank, and the visitors forced an early opening when Kamara's snap shot was saved well by Albion goalkeeper and captain Carson.
Albion responded quickly with Peter Odemwingie's clever low cross parried by Stockdale, and, with no other visiting players in attendance, Fulham survived.
Given the importance of the points to both sides the game quickly became open and flowing, a good antidote to a freezing January night by the Thames.
Kamara, who joined Celtic on loan in last January's transfer window, was enjoying his recall against his former employees with some teasing touches and hints of better to come.
But it was at the other end where the next chance was forced, Odemwingie testing Stockdale again from distance. And then Jerome Thomas was denied by the stand-in goalkeeper as the visitors began to find the tempo of the game.
Worryingly for Albion in the first half Cech fell heavily under a John Pantsil challenge, and had to be replaced by Shorey, who spent a loan spell at Fulham last season.
Albion midfielder Graham Dorrans tried a dipping half volley from distance before the break, while there was evidence of panic in the Fulham defence whenever Odemwingie was allowed to run with the ball.
But Fulham offered signs of what was to follow when Duff's attempt, took a deflection and from Davies' corner, Hangeland sent the ball just wide, receiving an accidental fist from Carson in the face for his efforts.
And in the first minute of added time at the end of the first period Fulham scored a fine goal, though Carson may be disappointed that he was unable to stop the 25-yard effort.
Dickson Etuhu won a midfield challenge, fed Davies and the Welshman took the ball forward at pace before dispatching a looping drive; the goalkeeper letting the ball through his hands and into the top left-hand corner.
The late first half-break gave the impetus to Fulham to push on and, in the opening exchanges of the second period they almost added a second goal. Duff turned brightly and shot in one movement, his effort lifting just off the surface and narrowly wide of the left post.
But the second goal was soon to arrive, with Davies this time the supplier. From his well-flighted corner, in the 55th minute, both Hangeland and Dempsey rose together but it was the American who got the telling header and this time Carson could do little to prevent the goal.
It was Dempsey's seventh goal of the season and he squandered the chance of another on the hour when he set up Kamara but could not control the rebound.
But there was a third goal forthcoming and again Davies was the deliverer. One would have thought Albion had learned their lesson, but they allowed another well-struck corner from Davies land in front of goal and straight to the welcoming head of Hangeland.
Fulham 3-0 West Brom: The Daily Mirror match report
Published 22:06 04/01/11
By Neil McLeman
(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/article664119.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/.jpeg)
Scott Carson dropped another big-match clanger last night to send West Brom on their way to a fifth consecutive Premier League defeat.
But Fulham eased the pressure on Mark Hughes as the Cottagers climbed out of the bottom three up to 13th place.
Former Liverpool keeper Carson will forever be remembered for his cock-ups against Croatia in November 2007 which ended Steve McClaren's England reign at Wembley.
And last night across London at Craven Cottage, the Baggies No 1 let in another speculative long-range effort to hand Fulham the crucial opening goal. This time Simon Davies beat Carson from 25 yards in first-half injury time - and the Wales winger then provided the two second-half corners for goals to seal the win. Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland were the scorers to ensure Fulham clambered over West Brom on goal difference in the relegation logjam.
Hughes had been ordered to return quickly to winning ways after their Boxing Day defeat at home on Boxing Day - their fifth game at home without a win. But last night, after a torrid opening 45 minutes, last season's Europa League finalists finally began to refind their old form.
But West Brom are losing their touch at the wrong time of the season. When Roberto Di Matteo's side beat Fulham at the Hawthorns back in November, they climbed into the top four. But the Baggies have now lost nine out of 12 matches since as they have buckled under an injury crisis.
Di Matteo found no favours from his former Chelsea room-mate last night.
The sight of former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton in the Craven Cottage crowd will have reminded both managers of the precarious life of a Premier League gaffer.
Di Matteo was forced to make three changes to a defence ravaged by injuries.
With Pablo Ibanez, Paul Scharner and Steven Reid all out, Gonzalo Jara, James Hurst and Gianni Zuiverloon were drafted into a makeshift rearguard.
It was a Premier League debut for 18-year-old England youth international Hurst, who started his first match at Ipswich last month.
By contrast, Fulham's attack had a makeshift look with Andy Johnson not risked after suffering a tight hamstring and Moussa Dembele still hampered by an ankle injury.
Diomansy Kamara started against one of his former clubs and forced Carson into low save after only five minutes.
Fulham keeper David Stockdale, deputising for Asia Cup-bound Mark Schwarzer, was soon called into action to parry a Peter Odemwingie cross, and he then grabbed a shot from the Nigerian.
Stockdale made an even better stop from the clearest chance of the first half after 18 minutes.
Chris Brunt released Jerome Thomas down the middle only for Stockdale, who was not on the losing side in his four starts for Fulham in August, to deny him in their one-on-one duel.
West Brom's defence was further depleted after half an hour when Marek Cech was injured after a challenge by John Pantsil.
Nicky Shorey came on as the Slovak became the sixth Baggies defender to be ruled out for Di Matteo.
Brede Hangeland then needed treatment after 41 minutes when he beat Carson to a Simon Davies corner only to head wide – and receive a punch in the head from the former England keeper for his trouble.
But worse was soon to follow for the 25-year-old Carson in stoppage time just before the interval.
Dickson Etuhu dispossessed Youssouf Mulumbu with a hefty shoulder charge and fed Davies.
The Wales international took a touch and unleashed a right-foot shot from 25 yards.
And although Carson got two hands to the shot above his head, the former Liverpool keeper could only divert the swerving ball into the top corner.
It was a shot he should have certainly have saved.
Fulham, who had been booed off after their last home game on Boxing Day when they lost to West Ham, came out after the break full of confidence
Damien Duff sent a low shot just wide before the Cottagers closed out the game with two similar goals from Davies corners.
After 56 minutes, his dead-ball delivery was powered home by Clint Dempsey for his seventh goal of the season. And nine minutes later, this time the bedraggled Baggies rearguard allowed Brede Hangeland a free header from a corner six yards out to seal only their second win in 11 matches.
Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-3-0-West-Brom-Scott-Carson-clanger-sets-Cottagers-on-way-to-vital-win-The-Daily-Mirror-match-report-by-Neil-McLeman-article664273.html#ixzz1A6qJSLxB (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-3-0-West-Brom-Scott-Carson-clanger-sets-Cottagers-on-way-to-vital-win-The-Daily-Mirror-match-report-by-Neil-McLeman-article664273.html#ixzz1A6qJSLxB)
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/04/fulham-3-0-west-brom/
Fulham 3-0 West Brom
Filed under: Match reports — rich @ 10:32 pm
Let's not get too excited - West Brom are a bad team in worse form – but you can't beat a good 3-0 home win to boost morale, can you?
A strange game in the end. Fulham bossed the first 20 minutes without looking threatening, and when West Brom grew into the game it felt like West Ham all over again. David Stockdale, covering for the far away Mark Schwarzer, was perhaps the busier of the two keepers, and had to make a couple of smart saves to keep us level. As with so many of these games, it all came down to a moment, and this time the big moment was ours.
Dickson Etuhu – whose resurgence continued tonight in a hungry, bullying performance – knocked his man off the ball with a judo trip and Simon Davies arrived to crack a swerving drive at but through Scott Carson. The ball came fast at the keeper and certainly moved a great deal in the air, but you have to save those. A somewhat fortunate lead then, but fortune usually favours the better team and the goal was more or less deserved.
Fulham proved this to be the case with a strutting second half, Clint Dempsey rising high in trademark fashion to head home a second from a corner, Brede Hangeland doing the same later on to add a third. (For the latter goal our determined centre-back brought to mind the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man stomping around New York in Ghostbusters, so large and dominant was he amid West Brom's small and timid defence.)
Ultimately this (like many games) proves nothing, but we've messed up a number of games like this under Hughes so everyone concerned will have been grateful for the win, and the surge up the table the associated points bring.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-brush-aside-struggling-baggies-2176144.html
Fulham brush aside struggling Baggies
Fulham 3 West Bromwich Albion 0
By Alex Lowe, PA Sport
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Scott Carson made another high-profile mistake to set Fulham on course for a victory that lifted them out of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.
Carson, whose blunder against Croatia contributed to England failing to qualify for Euro 2008, got both hands to Simon Davies' 30-yard drive on the brink of half-time but could only deflect the ball into his own net.
West Brom's new-look defence was then exposed after the break as Fulham cruised to a first home win in six attempts with headed goals from Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland.
While Fulham climbed above West Brom into 13th place to relieve some of the pressure on manager Mark Hughes, the Baggies' slump continued.
A fifth consecutive defeat represented their worst run in six years and having been eighth before Christmas they now hover just two points above the relegation zone.
Manager Roberto Di Matteo welcomed Gonzalo Jara back from suspension while James Hurst and Gianni Zuiverloon also came into the back four.
Fulham were without goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who was away on international duty, and injured striker Andrew Johnson but that gave Diomansy Kamara a chance against his old club.
The Senegal striker almost blasted Fulham ahead in the opening minutes after a brilliant piece of control in the box.
Kamara pulled Chris Baird's long ball out of the air with a deft touch and turned to fire a low shot, which Carson did well to block.
West Brom had their moments in the first half and striker Peter Odemwingie forced Fulham keeper David Stockdale into action with a low deflected shot from the edge of the box.
But Fulham were on top of a lively encounter and the visitors' defence was struggling to contain Kamara, who cut inside Zuiverloon and laid the ball off for Dempsey.
The American went to ground in the box under a challenge from Youssuf Mulumbu but referee Martin Atkinson waved away Fulham's penalty appeals.
At the other end, Cameron Jerome escaped the Fulham defence with an angled run but his shot went straight at Stockdale and John Pantsil, whose mistake had led to the chance, cleared with an overhead kick.
Marek Cech went down injured after a challenge from Pantsil and had to be replaced by Nicky Shorey after half an hour.
While the Slovakian was off receiving treatment, Dempsey did well to ride two challenges and bring the ball down in the box but his shot was blocked.
West Brom's nervous defensive display continued. Hurst failed to deal with Pantsil's long cross, allowing the ball to fall into Davies' path but the Welsh midfielder's volley fizzed across goal and wide.
Damien Duff's deflected shot forced Carson to scramble after another poor West Brom clearance and from the subsequent corner Fulham should have taken the lead.
Hangeland climbed above Carson and the West Brom defence to meet Davies' corner but he planted his powerful head just wide - moments before taking the goalkeeper's attempted punch full in the face.
However, Davies' swerving shot put Fulham ahead in first-half stoppage time.
Mulumbu was controversially robbed of possession by Dickson Etuhu, who teed up Davies for a 30-yard drive which Carson deflected into his own net.
Davies' strike gave Fulham a real impetus and Duff came within inches of doubling their lead seven minutes into the second half when he was allowed to turn on the edge of the West Brom box.
Carson was relieved to see his low shot across goal skid just wide - but the feeling was only temporary.
Davies won Fulham a corner with a determined run down the left and then delivered the cross to the edge of the six-yard box where Dempsey planted his header past Carson.
Dempsey did well to keep his eye on the ball as it flashed past Hangeland's towering leap. A second warning about the Norwegian's aerial prowess that went unheeded.
And the next time Hangeland launched himself at a Davies corner, just nine minutes later, his timing and his aim were perfect.
No-one picked up Hangeland's late run and, at the third time of asking, he sailed through the air to meet Davies' corner to beat Carson with a powerful header from six yards.
Fulham boss salutes David Stockdale after West Brom win
Jan 4 2011
By Jacob Murtagh
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ealinggazette/jul2010/1/3/david-stockdale-image-1-958013224.jpg)
David Stockdale
MARK Hughes hailed keeper David Stockdale after he kept a clean sheet in Fulham's win against West Brom.
With Mark Schwarzer away on international duty, the youngster put in an assured display in the Whites goal as Simon Davies, Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland wrapped up the points at Craven Cottage.
"He did really well," said Hughes afterwards. "He made a couple of early saves which settled him down.
"He looked very assured. I said before the game I had no problem putting him in the side.
"He showed he has the capacity to be the number one keeper."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/04/fulham-boss-salutes-david-stockdale-after-west-brom-win-64767-27934400/#ixzz1A9020P2W (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/04/fulham-boss-salutes-david-stockdale-after-west-brom-win-64767-27934400/#ixzz1A9020P2W)
West Brom Photo Special
Tuesday 4th January 2011
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/WestBromPhotoSpecial.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/WestBromPhotoSpecial.aspx)
Winning Ways
Tuesday 4th January 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Hughes/General3.jpg)
Speaking after Tuesday evening's three-nil victory over West Brom at Craven Cottage, Fulham Manager Mark Hughes gave his post-match reaction.
"I am pleased. That's two wins in three games," said Hughes.
"Goals change games and we have struggled in that respect but we got a good goal before half-time which settled us and we went away from them in the end.
"Draws will give you some comforts in terms of how you perform but that doesn't move you up the league - three points and wins do.
"They have unfortunately been lacking in recent weeks. We have addressed that somewhat.
"You wake up and look at the table and to be 13th makes for better reading. We are with a group of teams at the wrong end and we feel we can do even better than we have in recent weeks.
"We've been disappointed as we feel performances have merited more points," Hughes added.
"But we've started climbing up the table, we've got three points, a clean sheet and a lot of positives so we are delighted. We knew if we got set plays and corners and put it in the right areas that Brede Hangeland was a good weapon for us. He probably feels he could have had a hat-trick,"
.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1A91OVluU (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1A91OVluU)
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6635409,00.html
Di Matteo dejected after defeat
Baggies struggled to cope with aerial threat
By Ben Collins
Last updated: 4th January 2011
Roberto Di Matteo admitted his disappointment as West Brom slumped to a fifth straight defeat at Fulham.
The injury-hit Baggies were firmly in the game in the first half, with Jerome Thomas missing a great chance, but they ultimately went down to a 3-0 defeat on Tuesday night.
Fulham opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time as Simon Davies' 25-yard strike deceived goalkeeper Scott Carson.
Then both Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland headed home from Davies corners to seal victory and climb to 13th, above the Baggies on goal difference.
"We're obviously disappointed," Di Matteo told Sky Sports. "It was a difficult game for us.
"They had some aerial threat and superiority and we gave away the first goal, which was a killer. Just before half-time is a bad time to give a goal away."
Makeshift defence
The Baggies boss had to field a makeshift defence with 18-year-old James Hurst making a positive league debut at right-back while Dutch centre-back Gianni Zuiverloon made his first Premier League start of the season.
With Birmingham also winning on Tuesday night, West Brom are now just two points and two places above the drop zone after a miserable festive programme.
But Di Matteo assured fans that his players are determined to maintain their top-flight status following promotion last year.
"The club is trying very hard to stay in the Premier League and it's tough, not just for us because there's a lot of teams fighting for their lives," he added.
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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6635402,00.html
Hughes relieved with Fulham win
Cottagers boss delighted to climb out of bottom three
By Ben Collins
Last updated: 4th January 2011
Fulham boss Mark Hughes believes his side's 3-0 win over West Brom will calm nerves around Craven Cottage.
Some Fulham fans called for Hughes' head after their 3-1 home defeat by West Ham on Boxing Day and despite winning at Stoke, they slipped back into the relegation zone following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Tottenham.
But Simon Davies opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time against West Brom on Tuesday night before delivering corners for Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland to seal Fulham's first win in six games at Craven Cottage.
It was only the third home victory of the season for Hughes' men and took them out of the bottom three.
"I think it settles everybody down," Hughes told Sky Sports. "And we were good value for it tonight.
"They were great goals, each and every one of them, and I thought we played well.
End product
"I thought we stuck to our principles. We like to get the ball down, pass it and move, and today we had the end product, which hasn't always been the case, so we're delighted."
Fulham have responded well to that Boxing Day defeat by fellow strugglers West Ham as they also performed well against Spurs, despite losing at White Hart Lane.
The Cottagers are now above West Brom on goal difference and sitting in 13th place after the festive programme.
"We've had a decent few games," Hughes added. "Obviously it was a great win at Stoke, a good performance against Spurs last time out and we won today so it's been a decent Christmas."
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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/04/2290260/fulham-defender-brede-hangeland-glad-to-escape-drop-zone
Fulham defender Brede Hangeland glad to escape drop zone
Defender happy to pick up three points...
By Matthew Harold
4 Jan 2011 23:18:00
Brede Hangeland was delighted with his side's performance after they recorded a three-goal victory against fellow relgation strugglers West Brom, which saw Fulham jump to 13th place in the Premier League.
Mark Hughes's side comfortably saw off the visitors with goals from Simon Davies, Clint Dempsey and Hangeland. After the victory, the defender highlighted the importance of the three points and feels this could be the turnaround in their season.
"It's a massive win for us, I think that something turned for us against Stoke last week and we played well at Tottenham and didn't get anything, but today was a good win and hopefully it's the start of something," Hangeland told Sky Sports.
"I'm not too worried about West Brom, but we hoped to get out of the relegation zone as soon as possible.
"So the more teams that are behind us then the better for us. It looks like a really tight league this year and there could be about ten teams trying to avoid relegation in a few months."
The central defender was then asked about the fact that most of Fulham's goals recently have come from defensive players, to which Hangeland responded: "Yes, we're missing Bobby Zamora up front, so we're not getting the amount of goals that we did last season, but the strikers are trying to work hard, so if we can help them out, then that's great."
The final two goals for the home side came as result of corner kicks, with Fulham having a significant height advantage, with Hangeland saying: "To be fair, I saw that when we came out and with their keeper coming out for every cross, so I knew that we would have an advantage from any high balls in the box."
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/01/04/fulham-striker-andy-johnson-hit-by-injury-setback-82029-27934406/
Fulham striker Andy Johnson hit by injury setback
Jan 4 2011
By Jacob Murtagh
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/nov2010/2/1/andy-johnson-image-2-320094628.jpg)
Andy Johnson
ANDY Johnson will miss Saturday's FA Cup clash with Peterborough after picking up a hamstring injury.
Scans revealed the former England international has suffered a grade one tear, which kept him out of the victory against West Brom.
And Fulham boss Mark Hughes expects to be without him for another week.
He said: "AJ's had a couple of games in close succession and felt some tightness in his hamstring.
"He could've played [against West Brom] but it was too risky. If he tears it worse he could be out for five or six weeks.
"But with a grade one tear you're looking at between eight and 10 days."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9338621.stm
West Brom win will settle down Fulham - Mark Hughes
Hughes open to new signings
Mark Hughes is hopeful Fulham's 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion will "settle everybody down" at the club.
The Fulham manager has been under increased pressure since the Cottagers dropped into the relegation zone after defeat by West Ham on Boxing Day.
But six points in their last three games have moved them out of the bottom three and transformed the modd.
Hughes said: "The win settles everybody down. Things haven't run for us... but hopefully things are changing."
Victory over West Brom moved Fulham onto the same points as the Baggies and into 13th place in the Premier League - emphasising the tight nature of the table this year, where the bottom eight sides are separated by just four points.
And Hughes insisted his side could well have been much higher up the league.
606: DEBATE
Great win for the team, really solid performance, albeit against a below par West Brom.
frogman27
"We've been disappointed as we feel performances have merited more points," Hughes explained.
"Draws will give you some comfort in terms of how you perform but that doesn't move you up the league - three points and wins do.
"They have unfortunately been lacking in recent weeks. We have addressed that somewhat.
"But we've started climbing up the table, we've got three points, a clean sheet and a lot of positives so we are delighted."
Scott Carson failed to deal with Simon Davies' 30-yard strike just before the interval before Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland both scored with headers as Fulham took advantage of an injury-depleted Baggies' defence.
Click to play
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Di Matteo ready for relegation scrap
"We knew if we got set plays and corners and put it in the right areas that Brede Hangeland was a good weapon for us. He probably feels he could have had a hat-trick," said Hughes.
And West Brom boss Roberto di Matteo conceded that lack of defensive cover provided costly.
"We knew we were up against a big side and we are missing five centre-halves and we don't quite have the resources to put an 11 out that could handle Fulham tonight," said Di Matteo.
"They were bigger than us and they took advantage of it.
"We have been OK on corners and set-pieces but in the last three games we have conceded and that is creeping in a bit."
Carson's mistake set Fulham on the road to victory after the England goalkeeper got both hands to Davies' strike but could only deflect it into his own net.
"Scott is disappointed. He probably could have done better. He knows that. He is big enough to know that," said Di Matteo.
"Everybody's mood is a little bit down at the moment. We have had a bad run. We are a little bit down but we have to keep going, we have to pick ourselves up.
"There are a lot of clubs fighting relegation. As a newly promoted club we knew we'd be in for a tough season. We are trying to give ourselves the best chance."
Roberto Di Matteo ready for West Brom relegation scrap
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/9338622.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/9338622.stm)
Mark Hughes open to new signings at Fulham
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9338616.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9338616.stm)
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/carson-clanger-helps-fulham-give-hughes-breathing-room-2176155.html
Carson clanger helps Fulham give Hughes breathing room
Fulham 3 West Bromwich Albion 0
By Glenn Moore at Craven Cottage
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
It was just like the old days here last night, when the manager was that fellow who is now unwanted at Anfield, and appears to have been airbrushed out of Fulham's history.
Roy Hodgson's absence from the club programme's 31-photograph review of 2010 can probably be ascribed to the chairman's pique, but his presence was very much in evidence on the pitch. Mark Hughes inherited all 11 starters and once Fulham took the lead the performance, and atmosphere, were very reminiscent of last season.
It was not, however, until another of Scott Carson's howlers gifted Simon Davies a goal in first-half injury-time that Fulham were able to dominate a West Bromwich Albion side who have now lost five on the trot and badly need a result. They also need their luck to change. After Gary Neville's escape on Saturday, they were again unfortunate with a refereeing decision for Youssuf Mulumbu was fouled in the build-up to Davies' shot.
"He pushed Youssuf down," said Roberto Di Matteo. "Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't, but we have a lot of decisions going against us at the moment." The Albion manager added: "The timing of the first goal was bad for us. I think Scott is disappointed, he could have done better. He's a bit down, everybody is. We are on a bad run but we have to pick ourselves up and keep going."
Fulham's other goals came from corners, converted by Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland within 20 minutes of the break, and Di Matteo said: "We are missing five centre-halves and we do not have the resources to handle a big side like Fulham."
Victory catapulted Fulham above Albion and out of the relegation zone to the heady heights of 13th, easing the pressure on Hughes. Given their debt burden, Fulham need to be in the top flight, and chairman-owner Mohamed al-Fayed is not known for his patience.
"I'm pleased," said Hughes. "That's two wins in three games, with three good performances. Thirteenth makes for better reading, but I feel we can be better than 13th."
In Hughes' defence it is mainly injuries, especially to the forwards, which have rendered his squad impotent. Last night he had hoped to recall Moussa Dembélé but the Belgian remained absent, along with Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson. This excuse had limited validity on this occasion as Albion had such problems in defence that Di Matteo had to make three changes to the back four which faced Manchester United on New Year's Day. He was very unhappy to then lose the only survivor, Marek Cech, to injury and accused John Pantsil of "leaving his foot in".
Among those drafted in was 18-year-old James Hurst for his league debut. It was, though, the more experienced Gonzalo Jara who was turned too easily by Diomansy Kamara and grateful to see Carson make the game's first save.
As half-time approached, Dickson Etuhu barged Mulumbu off the ball as Albion tried to play out of defence. Etuhu passed to Davies whose 28-yard shot whistled through Carson's raised hands.
The goal injected Fulham with confidence, and dissipated what was left of Albion's. Home pressure earned corners which Albion could not defend, Dempsey, heading in unchallenged from a standing jump, then Hangeland nodding in another Davies delivery.
Fulham played out the closing stages with ease but the embraces shared with Hughes at the end, and the euphoric response of the home support, betrayed the tension that has built up around the club in recent weeks.
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Stockdale; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies (Riise, 82); Dempsey (E Johnson, 86); Kamara (Gera, 63). Substitutes not used Etheridge (gk), Salcido, Greening, Halliche.
West Bromwich (4-2-3-1): Carson; Hurst, Zuiverloon, Jara, Cech (Shorey, 34 ); Mulumbu (Fortuné, 62), Dorrans; Morrison (Cox, 69), Brunt, Thomas; Odemwingie. Substitutes not used Myhill (gk), Tchoyi, Miller, Meite.
Referee M Atkinson (W Yorkshire).
Attendance 23,654.
Worthy Winners
Wednesday 5th January 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Etuhu/vWestBromHome.jpg)
Following Fulham's empathic 3-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, a delighted Dickson Etuhu explained how he and his team-mates could sense such a result was on the horizon following some very positive performances in recent games.
Over the past week the Whites achieved an excellent 2-0 win at Stoke and were considered very unlucky to come away from Tottenham empty-handed after a display that had the on-form North Londoners on the back foot for large periods, but there was no such hard luck story on this occasion as the Baggies felt the full force of Fulham's ire.
"It was great. We knew it was coming. We've been playing great in these last few games and the Manager kept telling us to keep doing the same thing. You could see the spirit in the boys and the togetherness and we knew what we needed to do," enthused Etuhu.
"We knew this was going to happen sooner or later, because we know we're a good team, and hopefully now this is the start of us climbing the table."
Indeed, the result lifted the Whites five places to 13th, a timely boost after a couple of weeks spent in the gloom of the bottom three, although the central midfielder shrugs off any suggestion that league placing at this stage of the season is the be-all and end-all.
"It's good to be out of the bottom three, but we always knew the league was very tight this year," he said. "There's still a long way to go and a lot of games to play. We're looking forward to the games coming up against Wigan, Stoke, Newcastle etc. They won't be easy, because they're all battling as well, but they are games we know we can get results from.
"We've got a great team, a good management and we'll keep going now."
Etuhu also thanked the home fans, who created a great atmosphere under the Craven Cottage floodlights to spur the team on and counteract any fatigue that may have been setting in after the testing festive fixture schedule.
"It was great because today we had the fans on our side and I always say how important that is.
"Even if we start slowly, if they keep pushing us it can be a massive help. Today they were great and that kept us going. We've played a lot of games recently, but when you have that it adds to your adrenaline which gets you through."
So now, after ending the run of four Premier League games in quick succession on a high, attention turns to the FA Cup Third Round on Saturday and the visit of Peterborough United – a match Dickson is hoping will give the Whites a chance to build more momentum.
"It will be nice if we can get another win," he stated. "It's good that we're at home, and it's a chance to build momentum, so we're looking forward to it.
"But it won't be easy. It's always hard to play against lower league teams, because they work really hard, so we'll respect them, but hopefully we'll get the win."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/EtuhuWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1A96bHmPU (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/EtuhuWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1A96bHmPU)
Fulham 3 - 0 West Bromwich Albion
Fulham started brightly and didn't have to wait long for their first chance of the match when, on four minutes, Diomansy Kamara produced a stunning first touch to create a shooting opportunity for himself in a tight situation. The Senegal international turned well only to see his shot saved by Scott Carson.
David Stockdale was called into action minutes later when Peter Odemwingie timed his run well, beat the offside trap and fired a powerful low cross across the face of Fulham's six yard box; fortunately Stockdale showed a strong hand to divert the ball away from the danger area.
Fulham produced the more incisive football in the opening stages of the game and with West Brom employing a 4-5-1 formation; their extra numbers in midfield were doing little to stem Fulham's attacks.
However, the tide slowly started to turn and a good run from Jerome Thomas on 17 minutes saw him put clean through on goal, but with only Stockdale to beat, the Baggies attacker tried to place a finish past the Fulham keeper only to be denied by a fine save. John Pantsil then cleared the danger with an acrobatic clearance.
A teasing pass from Graham Dorrans on 25 minutes through the heart of the Fulham central defence almost had Stockdale in two minds but the keeper impressively kept his composure, to collect the ball well. It was another good piece of goalkeeping but West Brom were showing greater signs of attacking intent.
Damien Duff's deflected shot won the Whites a corner on 40 minutes following a good spell of Fulham pressure, from the resulting corner Brede Hangeland rose highest in the area but caught a punch in the face from Scott Carson for his trouble.
Fulham finally took the lead in first-half stoppage time courtesy of a thunderous strike from Simon Davies. The Fulham winger collected the ball after good work from Dickson Etuhu won possession back for Fulham. Davies' strike, whilst fairly central, beat Carson through sheer power, with the West Brom keeper barely able to get his hands behind the ball before it found the back of the net.
Dickson Etuhu continued his impressive display in the second-half, winning more than his fair share of tackles and breaking up West Brom's midfield play superbly.
Fulham came close to netting the vital second goal when Damien Duff turned sharply outside the area before hitting a right footed shot that just skimmed the far post. The Whites were certainly in the hunt for another goal and it duly came on 55 minutes via the head of Clint Dempsey following a corner.
The set-piece came as a result of some excellent running from Davies down the left wing. Davies took the in-swinger, and with Hangeland and Dempsey both going for the same ball, it was Dempsey who got the vital touch.
Diomansy Kamara made way for Zoltan Gera on 62 minutes, with Gera joining Dempsey up front in attack.
The second goal allowed the Whites to start playing with a greater degree of freedom and their attacking play had West Brom in trouble on numerous occasions. Brede Hangeland got his name on the score sheet on 65 minutes when he rose highest in the area to powerfully head Simon Davies' corner past Carson. Hangeland had been a threat from the set-piece all evening and his goal was just reward for his display.
Simon Davies was substituted on 81 minutes, with Bjorn Helge Riise coming on in his place. Fulham's final change of the match saw Eddie Johnson replace Dempsey on 86 minutes.
With Fulham three goals to the good, the Whites eased back in their attacking instincts, preferring to maintain a firm grip on the game until the final whistle.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/WestBromHome.aspx#ixzz1A96w7fgg (http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/WestBromHome.aspx#ixzz1A96w7fgg)
Mousa Dembele close to Fulham return
Jan 4 2011
By Jacob Murtagh
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/aug2010/8/6/moussa-dembele-image-1-908635687.jpg)
Mousa Dembele
MOUSA Dembele is in line to return for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Peterborough.
The Fulham striker was due to play against West Brom but failed a late fitness test.
But boss Mark Hughes is hopeful he will shake off his ankle injury in time to line up against Posh.
He said: "We stepped up Mousa's training yesterday and he got through most of the session.
"But he came in today and failed a fitness test. We're hopeful he'll be available for the weekend."
http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/221217/Fulham-3-West-Brom-0-Hughes-steadied-by-Carson-slip-up/ (http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/221217/Fulham-3-West-Brom-0-Hughes-steadied-by-Carson-slip-up/)
FULHAM 3 WEST BROM 0: HUGHES STEADIED BY CARSON SLIP-UP
(http://images.dailyexpress.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/285x214/221217_1.jpg)
Simon Davies scored the opener for Fulham
Wednesday January 5,2011
By Gideon Brooks
FULHAM 3 -- WEST BROM 0
FULHAM boss Mark Hughes has spent much of this season bemoaning his luck regarding injuries, obstinate woodwork and unfortunate ricochets, all of which have hampered his side's push for safety.
But last night he received his full complement of gift-wrapped goodies, including a Scott Carson clanger which set Fulham on the way to only a second win in 11 Premier League games.
Carson's 'moment' – certainly not as bad as his England horror show in 2007 but bad enough, letting a rising 25-yard drive from Simon Davies go in off the side of his gloves – proved the pivotal incident in the game.
But for all that the goalkeeper was left red-faced, West Brom's defence hardly emerged with any greater credit in the final analysis.
Twice after the break they allowed Fulham players to arrive unmarked in the six-yard area to nod home tamely from corners. In the space of nine minutes early in the second half, Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland sealed the points.
It was enough for Fulham to skip five places up the table. For West Brom, it added unwanted momentum to their worst run in six years with a fifth defeat on the spin.
Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo said Carson was understandably disappointed with the first goal. "Scott knows he could have done better with it," he said. "But we have a few days to regroup, get over this game and try to be positive. That's all we can do.
"Everybody is a bit down in the dressing room but we have to keep going and try to win some games. It's still very tight and there are a lot of clubs fighting against relegation. As a newly-promoted team we knew that would be the case."
In mitigation, he was not helped by being without five defenders beforehand and losing a sixth after half an hour when left-back Marek Cech limped off after a challenge with John Pantsil.
Hughes has hardly been blessed with good luck on the injury front either and added Andy Johnson, once again, to the sicklist before last night's game.
Johnson looks likely to miss the FA Cup game against Peterborough and possibly the trip to Wigan the following weekend.
"Andy came in on Monday and his hamstring was a little sore," said Hughes. "We have to be a bit careful with him and we sent him for a scan which revealed a grade one tear. He could be out for eight to 10 days."
Fulham had given Carson little to do up until the last five minutes of the first half, when he tipped a shot from Damien Duff around the post. Hangeland put a free header from the resulting corner fractionally wide under pressure from the goalkeeper. Moments later, after Youssouf Mulumbu had been dispossessed by Dickson Etuhu, Davies fired a shot right at him and Carson let the ball skim off his gloves into the net.
Understandably buoyed, Fulham emerged after the break in control. But even they were surprised how easy it was to end the struggle. Just 11 minutes had gone when Dempsey fired home the second. And, in a mirror third, Hangeland's free header after 65 minutes sealed all three points.
Fulham (4-4-2): Stockdale; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies (Riise 82); Dempsey (E Johnson 87), Kamara (Gera 63). Goals: Davies 45, Dempsey 56, Hangeland 65.
West Brom (4-3-2-1): Carson; Hurst, Zuiverloon, Jara, Cech (Shorey 33); Mulumbu (Fortune 62), Dorrans, Morrison (Cox 69); Thomas, Brunt
Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/221217/Fulham-3-West-Brom-0-Hughes-steadied-by-Carson-slip-up/Fulham-3-West-Brom-0-Hughes-steadied-by-Carson-slip-up#ixzz1A98Eo9p8 (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/221217/Fulham-3-West-Brom-0-Hughes-steadied-by-Carson-slip-up/Fulham-3-West-Brom-0-Hughes-steadied-by-Carson-slip-up#ixzz1A98Eo9p8)
Mark Hughes claims Fulham have stopped the rot
Jan 5 2011
By Jacob Murtagh
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/aug2010/9/9/mark-hughes-image-1-920600551.jpg)
Mark Hughes
MARK Hughes reckons Fulham have finally turned the corner after last night's win against West Brom hauled them out of the drop zone.
Sections of the Craven Cottage crowd were calling for Hughes's head after the Boxing Day defeat to West Ham.
But Sparky's side have responded with two wins in three games to catapult them to 13th in the table.
He said: "We were disappointed with our poor display against West Ham, but the response since then has been marked.
"We showed great qualities against Stoke and at Spurs we should've taken something from the game.
"Goals change games and we have struggled in that respect, but we got a good goal before half-time which settled us and we went away from them in the end."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/05/mark-hughes-claims-fulham-have-stopped-the-rot-82029-27934904/#ixzz1A98xG6Yu (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/05/mark-hughes-claims-fulham-have-stopped-the-rot-82029-27934904/#ixzz1A98xG6Yu)
http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2258460,00.html (http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2258460,00.html)
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/ambitious-blackburn-want-rovers-return-for-irish-winger-duff-2483894.html
Ambitious Blackburn want Rovers return for Irish winger Duff
By Daniel McDonnell
Wednesday January 05 2011
THE new Blackburn Rovers chairwoman has targeted a return to the club for Damien Duff -- although there is no suggestion that Fulham have been approached for the Irish winger.
Anuradha Desai, speaking on behalf of new owner's Venky's, dropped in the reference to Ireland winger Duff during a series of media interviews yesterday.
She spoke mainly about the club's ambitious moves for Ronaldinho and David Beckham. Yet she then dropped into a Sky interview that the owners were "thinking of getting Damien Duff back".
The Dubliner began his career at Ewood Park, before moving onto Chelsea, then Newcastle and from there on to Fulham.
He spent a brief period out of the Cottagers' starting XI before Christmas due to a loss of form, but has won his place back. It is unclear whether he would fancy a move back to Lancashire from London.
concern
While boss Steve Kean admits that Rovers' attempts to sign Ronaldinho are "less likely than likely", of more pressing concern is that captain Chris Samba has reiterated his desire to leave the club due to his unhappiness with the new owner.
Samba, however, could return to their starting line-up for tonight's Premier League clash with Liverpool at Ewood Park.
Desai added that Rovers were considering making a better offer for Ronaldinho after other clubs had shown an interest in him: "We have already made a bid of €7.2m (£6.2m) and are negotiating whether to increase that," she said.
Even if Ronaldinho doesn't join the club after being offered a three-year deal worth over £20m, Kean stressed that he expected big things soon under the new owners.
"This transfer window will be about stabilising," he said. "I don't think it will be too far in the future that we are looking at a big name that in years gone by could have been very difficult to bring here."
The Brazilian, who only has six months left on his contract, won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and Champions League with Barcelona in 2006. Yet Rovers, who play Liverpool tonight, have not seriously challenged for the league title since winning it in 1995.
- Daniel McDonnell
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/05/fulham-boss-will-ring-the-changes-for-fa-cup-clash-with-peterborough-82029-27934983/
Fulham boss will ring the changes for FA Cup clash with Peterborough
Jan 5 2011
By Jacob Murtagh
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jul2010/6/4/danny-murphy-image-1-415988711.jpg)
Danny Murphy
FULHAM boss Mark Hughes plans to ring the changes for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Peterborough.
Sparky's side have faced a gruelling festive fixture list with four games in 10 days as they hauled themselves away from the Premier League drop zone.
And Hughes plans to give some of his stars a much-needed rest for the visit of League One Posh to Craven Cottage, with captain Danny Murphy (pictured) among those expected to be given a break from action.
He said: "I'm going to make changes. A lot of the same players have had the big onus on them.
"We're going to freshen it up at the weekend."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/05/fulham-boss-will-ring-the-changes-for-fa-cup-clash-with-peterborough-82029-27934983/#ixzz1A9DYeiSA (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/05/fulham-boss-will-ring-the-changes-for-fa-cup-clash-with-peterborough-82029-27934983/#ixzz1A9DYeiSA)
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3330891/Fulham-3-West-Brom-0.html
Fulham 3 West Brom 0
FUL FORCE ... Simon Davies crashes Fulham ahead
Published: 04 Jan 2011
IT will go down as a Scott Carson clanger but you will not hear Mark Hughes complaining.
Yes, Simon Davies' 30-yard screamer was swerving but it was going straight at the Baggies keeper, who just pushed it into his own net.
It set up a momentous win that should keep boss Sparky in a job and, in truth, the Welsh boss has every right this morning to ask: "What's all the fuss about?"
After all, Fulham did not just haul themselves out of the relegation zone, they catapulted themselves up to 13th.
Yes, level on points with Everton and West Brom but with a much better goal difference.
Boss Hughes said: "You wake up in the morning and it's 13th and it makes better reading but we're still in the group there and we've got to try and build on that.
"We've had to battle and scrap for results and we've shown those qualities.
"Draws don't move you up the league.
"Unfortunately wins have been lacking in recent weeks.
"You have to have luck and have goals in key moments in games. We've understood that maybe we needed to be more competitive."
Those Fulham dissenters who wanted to see Hughes' head on a plate will have to wait a while longer.
This was a must-win game for them but despite the huge pressure they were in control from start to finish.
Roberto di Matteo's Baggies came here on the back of four festive season losses that had sucked them back in the relegation dogfight.
After a low-key first half in which Davies volleyed wide and Brede Hangeland headed wide, the Welsh midfielder opened the scoring in stoppage time.
Carson will have nightmares about it - as it brought back memories of his howler for England against Croatia that cost Steve McClaren his job and the country a place in Euro 2008.
Unfair maybe to dredge this up but this was another huge game and he produced another high-profile gaffe.
Di Matteo said: "Probably he is disappointed. He could have done better, yes.
"He's big enough to realise that he should have done better.
"Everybody's a bit down but we have to keep going. We have to pick ourselves up and keep going."
Dickson Etuhu may have fouled Youssouf Mulumbu in midfield but it fell to Davies who let rip and sent the Fulham fans into frenzy.
Di Matteo continued: "Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't. We have a lot decisions going against us at the moment.
Damien Duff could have doubled their lead soon after the restart but his right-foot sizzler was just wide.
And it was no surprise when Clint Dempsey rose majestically to meet a Davies corner and find the net with a bullet header on 56 minutes.
It was 3-0 nine minutes later in identical fashion, only this time it was Brede Hangeland who powered a header past the hapless Carson.
So, a fifth loss on the bounce and a performance had the 'R' word written all over it.
For Hughes though, this was the night that he might just have turned the corner.
DREAM TEAM RATINGS
STAR MAN - SIMON DAVIES
FULHAM: Stockdale 6, Pantsil 6, Hangeland 7, Hughes 7, Baird 6, Davies 8, Murphy 7, Etuhu 7, Dempsey 7, Kamara 6, Duff 7. Subs: Gera (Kamara 62) 6, Riise (Davies 82) 5, E Johnson (Dempsey 87) 5. Not used: Etheridge, Salcido, Greening, Halliche.
WEST BROM: Carson 4, Hurst 4, Cech 5, Jara 4, Zuiverloon 4, Dorrans 5, Mulumbu 5, Morrison 5, Thomas 5, Odemwingie 4, Brunt 5. Subs: Shorey (Cech 33) 4, Fortune (Mulumbu 62) 5, Cox (Morrison 69) 5. Not used: Myhill, Tchoyi, Miller, Meite. Booked: Odemwingie.
http://www.fulhamfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/1011Highlights/0,,10415~2258438,00.html (http://www.fulhamfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/1011Highlights/0,,10415~2258438,00.html)
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/851821-mido-linked-to-newcastle-and-fulham-transfers-as-ex-spurs-star-eyes-return#ixzz1AA850ftz
Mido linked to Newcastle and Fulham transfers as ex-Spurs star eyes return
Former Spurs, West Ham, Wigan and Middlesbrough striker Mido is being touted for a fifth different Premier League club, with reports in Holland suggesting he is in talks over potential moves to either Newcastle United or Fulham.
(http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/05/article-1294228796258-08950B2C000005DC-215229_636x300.jpg)
Mido spent time on loan at West Ham last season (Getty Images)
The Egyptian international striker is a free agent after a mutually-agreed cancellation of his contract at Ajax earlier this week.
And the player has suggested a number of offers are already on the table - with reports suggesting one is from new St James' Park supremo Alan Pardew and another from Fulham boss Mark Hughes.
'I'm free to join any other club in the current winter transfer window [after] I agreed with Ajax's officials to annul my deal,' said Mido, who is also being linked to Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna.
'I have received several offers from Spain and England that I'm now considering.'
The 27-year-old's agent Christophe Henrotay has denied any firm agreements at this stage - but hinted Newcastle are one of the leading interested parties.
'There is no agreement,' he said.
'A move to Newcastle looks difficult as they do not have lots of money but obviously they know a lot about the player as [Newcastle scouts] have seen him in action.'
Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/851821-mido-linked-to-newcastle-and-fulham-transfers-as-ex-spurs-star-eyes-return#ixzz1AAD7rS3Z (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/851821-mido-linked-to-newcastle-and-fulham-transfers-as-ex-spurs-star-eyes-return#ixzz1AAD7rS3Z)
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23911095-poster-boy-clint-sticking-to-the-task.do
Poster boy Clint Dempsey sticking to the task
David Smith
5 Jan 2011
(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/CDempseyGoal415.jpg)
Head boy: Clint Dempsey's header makes it 2-0 against West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage last night
In a recent push to sell tickets, Fulham pulled off a masterstroke when they stuck up big posters of Clint Dempsey at sites around London. That is because no other player better exemplifies the spirit that will be needed to keep the club in
the Premier League than this tough, regularly black-eyed Texan.
One of the posters shows Dempsey sporting the shiner he sustained in the Boxing Day defeat against West Ham. And at Craven Cottage last night, when he led Fulham's attack against West Bromwich Albion, he still bore the violent blue and yellow bruising of yet another black-eye picked up against Tottenham on Saturday.
But that didn't stop the United States World Cup star bravely heading one of the goals in a timely 3-0 victory that sent Fulham rocketing from 18th to 13th place in the Premier League table.
According to Dempsey, the only way now is up if his team-mates can build momentum off the back of their first home win in six games.
He said: "It's such a tight League that, if we get a good run of form and results, we can start to move up very quickly. Hopefully, we can do that now.
"I certainly think you'll see us starting to play better football. It's difficult to play when things don't seem to be going your way, you don't get the rub of the green, your fans are frustrated and you find yourself in the bottom three. The West Ham game was very frustrating but we've bounced back from that. We've shown character and a willingness to move forward. In our last three games we've set a standard with our commitment and workrate. Now it is up to us to maintain that standard."
The situation looked bleak for Fulham and manager Mark Hughes following a desperate defeat by West Ham that generated a chorus of jeers from a Cottage crowd accustomed to relative success under Roy Hodgson.
But a win at Stoke, followed by a performance brimming with positives at Spurs which was unlucky not to be rewarded with at least a point, would seem to confirm Dempsey's assertion that relegation will no longer be a subject for discussion in the changing room.
"The R' word? Players look at the table, you see where you are and you sense the frustration in the crowd," he said. "But we have got ourselves out of that situation. Points are hard to come by in this League but in the last three games we've got six.
"Now players are coming back to fitness and as soon as we get a full team we'll see what we're capable of achieving."
Belgian striker Mousa Dembele, out for over seven weeks with an ankle complaint, was touted by Hughes as a possible starter against an Albion side who themselves are battling an injury epidemic. In the event, Dembele didn't even make the bench but he could figure in Saturday's FA Cup tie at home to Peterborough.
Dempsey also reported that the much-missed Bobby Zamora, who broke a leg back in mid-September, is on course for a scheduled comeback next month. He said: "Bobby has been doing skills work and running.
"It's great to see him in the gym. He's good to have around as he's a funny guy and his skills speak for themselves. He's able to hold the ball up well, get people involved, and score goals."
In the absence of Dembele and Zamora, or new attacking blood for which Hughes is engaged in a search during the January sales period, Dempsey has committed himself to scoring the goals that will be vital to Fulham continuing to climb away from the bottom three.
After getting that battered head to a Simon Davies corner in the 55th minute for the second of Fulham's three against the Baggies, he said: "That's seven in all competitions and I'm
looking to do better than last season's total which was nine."
Last night Dempsey was not alone in showing a sense of purpose. Captain Danny Murphy was like a terrier chasing rabbits, winger Damien Duff tormented a weakened Albion defence and rookie goalkeeper David Stockdale pulled off stunning saves to deny both Jerome Thomas and Peter Odemwingie.
But Davies was easily man of the match, throwing himself into tackles, working the wings and giving Fulham a vital lead on the stroke of half-time with a 25-yard screamer that hapless goalkeeper Scott Carson could only help into the net.
The Welshman also set up the third goal in the 64th minute with another corner which the unmarked Brede Hangeland, Fulham's aerial dangerman, headed home for his third goal of the season.
Hughes, having seen his side draw 10 times this season, said: "I am pleased. That's two wins in three games. Goals change games and we have struggled in that respect.
"We got a good goal before half-time which settled us and we went away from them in the end.
"Draws give you some comforts in terms of how you perform. But that doesn't move you up the League, three points and wins do. They have unfortunately been lacking in recent weeks but we have addressed that somewhat.
"You wake up and look at the Premier League table, and to be 13th makes for better reading."
Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi is on his way out of Fulham during the current transfer window, after attracting huge interest from both Germany and Portugal.
Dikgacoi has failed to command a regular place at Fulham since coach Roy Hodgson left to join Liverpool, making one appearance as substitute in the English Premiership this season.
The former Golden Arrows midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season, but he has confirmed to KickOff.com from England that he may be in the colours of new club before the end of the month.
"My contract with Fulham expires at the end of this season but there is still an option to renew it. At this moment I am not concerned about my contract, I am more worried about game-time.
"There is a great possibility that I may leave Fulham during the transfer window; it may be permanent or on loan.
"There are a couple of teams in England, Germany, Portugal and Greece that have shown interest in my services.
"I can't mention their names at this moment but next week I will be in a better position to talk about my future," Dikgacoi says.
Quote from: Lighthouse on January 05, 2011, 02:36:10 PM
Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi is on his way out of Fulham during the current transfer window, after attracting huge interest from both Germany and Portugal.
Dikgacoi has failed to command a regular place at Fulham since coach Roy Hodgson left to join Liverpool, making one appearance as substitute in the English Premiership this season.
The former Golden Arrows midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season, but he has confirmed to KickOff.com from England that he may be in the colours of new club before the end of the month.
"My contract with Fulham expires at the end of this season but there is still an option to renew it. At this moment I am not concerned about my contract, I am more worried about game-time.
"There is a great possibility that I may leave Fulham during the transfer window; it may be permanent or on loan.
"There are a couple of teams in England, Germany, Portugal and Greece that have shown interest in my services.
"I can't mention their names at this moment but next week I will be in a better position to talk about my future," Dikgacoi says.
He had quite a good World Cup, so I think there's still some transfer money potential if we can flog him. His face just doesn't fit. It happens when a new manager comes in. Good luck to him when he goes.
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottagers-eye-winger-swoop-1144630.html
Cottagers eye winger swoop
Last Updated: Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:56
Fulham are pondering a swoop for Spurs' unsettled winger David Bentley, while Damien Duff could be set to return to Blackburn.
With the transfer window now open, plenty of clubs are keen to add to their ranks and Cottagers chief Mark Hughes is very much among the list of managers eyeing New Year deals.
Bentley is thought to be high on his list after Tottenham chief Harry Redknapp admitted he will allow the former Gunners youngster to leave White Hart Lane although Hughes could also face competition from Rovers for him.
Likewise, Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz is also a target for Hughes but Blackburn could beat him to the striker, who is believed to be keen to stay in the north-west and head back to his old club.
Duff, meanwhile, has been mentioned by Blackburn's new owners as a potential signing and Hughes may be prepared to let the Republic of Ireland ace leave if the price is right and he can secure Bentley as a ready-made replacement.
Reaping the Rewards
Wednesday 5th January 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Pantsil/ArmsUp1.jpg)
John Pantsil hailed a "very, very important" win after Fulham outworked and outclassed West Bromwich Albion with a 3-0 victory on Tuesday night.
In a performance where many of the positive aspects of recent displays seemed to click into place, the Whites were fully deserving of their three-goal advantage as they secured a result which lifted them out of the relegation zone and up to 13th in the Premier League table.
"It was very, very important and also a good win for the fans, all the players and everyone associated with the Club, especially the Chairman," enthused the right-back. "It's nice to put some smiles on faces, but now we have to keep going and doing the same good work, because over these last three games we feel like we are coming back to our normal level. So we have to keep doing the same things, and performing well.
"When you work hard and work for your team-mates the results tend to come. We're not playing as individuals, we're working as a team for the Manager so we have to keep doing that and everything will keep improving."
Although Fulham enjoyed the lion's share of attacking possession and created a hatful of goalscoring opportunities, the visitors always looked dangerous on the break, keeping Pantsil and his fellow defenders on their toes. In particular, credit should go to David Stockdale, who made a number of key saves in the first of a likely run of appearances in place of Mark Schwarzer who is representing Australia at the Asia Cup this month.
"We all know David will always do well when he is called upon," said John. "He has played for us when we've achieved good results before now and he's a talented young goalkeeper. In the future he has the potential to be great. He has patience – he's waited for his time to come and now it has, he'll show everyone what he's able to do for this Club."
The result meant that Fulham end the festive fixture schedule with two wins out of four, but despite playing four such demanding games with minimal squad rotation in just 10 days, the players showed no signs of tiredness in a display full of energy and commitment.
"We are training well and we have a good squad, so we have good substitutes to bring on if people are getting tired," explained Pantsil. "But we're not tired at the moment; we're training well and keeping focused. And also, it's our job to play. That's what matters.
"The three goals tonight were fantastic and they will have boosted our morale and confidence, too, and the more games we play like this, the better our spirits will be in the weeks to come."
And next up is the visit of Peterborough United on Saturday in the FA Cup Third Round|, but despite the Posh's League One status, Pantsil is keen to point out that he and his team-mates will need to put on a display every bit as focused and determined as this one if they are to begin what we all hope will be another enthralling Cup run.
"It will be tough," he assessed. "We played Peterborough last pre-season and we drew 3-3, so we know what they're capable of doing.
"We'll treat it like any other game, because we know it won't be easy for us. But we won 3-0 today so we want to keep that streak going."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/PantsilWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1ABFhBl6y (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/PantsilWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1ABFhBl6y)
The Right Track
Wednesday 5th January 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Dempsey/ClintScores.jpg)
Following Tuesday night's emphatic victory over West Brom, Clint Dempsey looked back on a fine run of form that has seen Fulham take six points from their last three Barclays Premier League games to fire the Whites up to 13th place.
"We had to regroup after we lost to West Ham and what better way to do that than to win away from home against Stoke and then play well against Tottenham," Dempsey told fulhamfc.com. "I thought we caused them [Tottenham] problems last weekend.
"We weren't at full strength against West Brom on Tuesday but we got the three points we needed. Everybody knows we have to stick together and work hard and show our character on the pitch and that's what we've done.
"The West Ham game was very frustrating but we've bounced back from that. We've shown a lot of character and a willingness to get forward and win games. We've got to keep the standards up and do it again this weekend against Peterborough|.
"We've got to keep this positive run going because points are hard to come by in this league and we've taken six points from the last three games. The type of attitude and commitment we've shown will get us the points we need and into a safer position. We can then start looking up and not down.
"If you get on a run of form and pick up some good results you can find yourself moving up the table very quickly and hopefully we can do that. I think you'll start to see us play better football because it is difficult when you're in this position and things don't seem to be going your way. We've got players coming back and getting fit so as soon as we get a full Team we can see how we're doing."
Dempsey is currently Fulham's leading goalscorer and the US international's goals has proved crucial in the absence of Bobby Zamora, Andrew Johnson and Mousa Dembele this season. For an attacking midfielder Dempsey scores more than his fair share of goals and looks set to smash his 2009/10 tally with plenty of games to spare.
"It's been four games since I scored and it's nice to get back on track," said Dempsey. "That's seven in all competitions this season and I'm hoping to improve on last year's tally of nine goals.
"I play different positions and I continue to do what I do every year. I'm not prolific but I get goals for the Team. I've continued my form and I just try and better myself and every year I've been here I've been able to do that."
One thing Dempsey does seem to collect apart from goals is black eyes, with the American adding another battle mark to the impressive bruise he picked up at Upton Park in October. One of Dempsey's collection of black eyes recently featured on a poster campaign across South West London and the player admits it's nice to be recognised for his achievements in the game.
"Everyone's always saying, 'do you ever not have a black eye?'" Dempsey joked. "I think it's difficult for people to take a picture with me when I haven't got a black eye!
"I had the pleasure of seeing a poster in New York before the World Cup - it was a Nike campaign and that was crazy. As a kid it's always something you wish for, to be recognised for what you do.
"When I was growing up in Nacogdoches, soccer was not very popular and it's good to be in a place where it is appreciated. It's starting to get that way in America but that's why I came to Europe. I wanted to play against the best and be in a country where people care about the sport as much as I do."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/DempseyWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1AB86ewjn (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/DempseyWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1AB86ewjn)
Worthy Winners
Wednesday 5th January 2011
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Etuhu/vWestBromHome.jpg)
Following Fulham's emphatic 3-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, a delighted Dickson Etuhu explained how he and his team-mates could sense such a result was on the horizon following some very positive performances in recent games.
Over the past week the Whites achieved an excellent 2-0 win at Stoke and were considered very unlucky to come away from Tottenham empty-handed after a display that had the on-form North Londoners on the back foot for large periods, but there was no such hard luck story on this occasion as the Baggies felt the full force of Fulham's ire.
"It was great. We knew it was coming. We've been playing great in these last few games and the Manager kept telling us to keep doing the same thing. You could see the spirit in the boys and the togetherness and we knew what we needed to do," enthused Etuhu.
"We knew this was going to happen sooner or later, because we know we're a good team, and hopefully now this is the start of us climbing the table."
Indeed, the result lifted the Whites five places to 13th, a timely boost after a couple of weeks spent in the gloom of the bottom three, although the central midfielder shrugs off any suggestion that league placing at this stage of the season is the be-all and end-all.
"It's good to be out of the bottom three, but we always knew the league was very tight this year," he said. "There's still a long way to go and a lot of games to play. We're looking forward to the games coming up against Wigan, Stoke, Newcastle etc. They won't be easy, because they're all battling as well, but they are games we know we can get results from.
"We've got a great team, a good management and we'll keep going now."
Etuhu also thanked the home fans, who created a great atmosphere under the Craven Cottage floodlights to spur the team on and counteract any fatigue that may have been setting in after the testing festive fixture schedule.
"It was great because today we had the fans on our side and I always say how important that is.
"Even if we start slowly, if they keep pushing us it can be a massive help. Today they were great and that kept us going. We've played a lot of games recently, but when you have that it adds to your adrenaline which gets you through."
So now, after ending the run of four Premier League games in quick succession on a high, attention turns to the FA Cup Third Round on Saturday and the visit of Peterborough United – a match Dickson is hoping will give the Whites a chance to build more momentum.
"It will be nice if we can get another win," he stated. "It's good that we're at home, and it's a chance to build momentum, so we're looking forward to it.
"But it won't be easy. It's always hard to play against lower league teams, because they work really hard, so we'll respect them, but hopefully we'll get the win."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/EtuhuWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1ABHnOOoZ (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/EtuhuWestBromReaction.aspx#ixzz1ABHnOOoZ)
Fulham Linked With Andrea Caracciolo
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Caracciolo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Caracciolo)
Mark Hughes considering bringing Brescia battering ram Andrea Caracciolo to Fulham
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 4:17 PM on 5th January 2011
Fulham have been linked with 6ft 5in Brescia striker Andrea Caracciolo as Mark Hughes steps up his search for an imposing target man.
The west London club are keen on 6ft 8in Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore, but have been made aware that Liverpool are also keen on taking him from Cluj.
Caracciolo is reluctant to leave Brescia for anyone but his favourite team - AC Milan - but there seems little prospect of a dream move to the San Siro.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/05/article-1344342-0CA797C9000005DC-718_468x319.jpg)
Tall order: Caracciolo (centre) could cause Premier League defenders problems
Italy's top sports paper Gazzetta dello Sport say Fulham are interested in a January move and it would be difficult for cash-strapped Brescia to resist a decent bid.
Juventus are considering him now that Manchester City have all but won the race to sign their top target Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg.
However, the Turin giants have other names higher on their wish list and Fulham could take advantage.
Brescia admit they don't want to sell Caracciolo, who is key to them fighting relegation from Serie A this season.
The 29-year-old struck 24 goals in 35 appearances last season to inspire promotion from Serie B and is their top scorer with five in 15 appearances in this campaign.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1344342/Mark-Hughes-considering-bringing-Brescias-Andrea-Caracciolo-Fulham.html#ixzz1ABP01FdB (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1344342/Mark-Hughes-considering-bringing-Brescias-Andrea-Caracciolo-Fulham.html#ixzz1ABP01FdB)
