http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6712239,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6712239,00.html?)
Hughes - We deserved it
Fulham boss delighted with win
Fulham boss Mark Hughes felt his side deserved everything they got after their emphatic 4-0 FA Cup win over Tottenham.
The Cottagers breezed into the last 16, after they comfortably wrapped up victory at Craven Cottage.
Two early penalties from Danny Murphy, were followed by strikes from Brede Hangeland and Moussa Dembele.
And Hughes insisted that Fulham were well worth their win.
"I think it's been coming, especially against Spurs," said Hughes.
"We've played well on two occasions against Spurs and haven't had any reward.
"We were on the front foot and forced errors from their back four."
Hughes reserved a special mention for Murphy, who turned in a commanding display a day after signing a contract extension.
"Danny is a big influence on the pitch, a good captain and a good leader and we're pleased he's staying," he added.
"You saw with his performance today that he gets on the ball and makes us tick. It was important that we secured his future."
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30012011/63/redknapp-slams-sloppy-spurs.html? (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30012011/63/redknapp-slams-sloppy-spurs.html?)
Redknapp slams sloppy Spurs
Harry Redknapp was disappointed with Tottenham's first-half performance after seeing his side exit the FA Cup at the fourth round stage with a 4-0 hammering at Fulham.
The Cottagers were by far the better side at Craven Cottage as they raced into an unassailable 4-0 lead by half-time.
Danny Murphy opened the scoring from the spot after 11 minutes before Michael Dawson was sent off minutes later for pulling back Moussa Dembele in the box. The Fulham captain made no mistake with his second penalty before Brede Hangeland and Dembele made it 4-0 by the break.
"Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong," Redknapp said.
"We gave two horrendous goals away and had Michael Dawson sent off and gave two penalties away. How do you come back from that?
"You can't keep coming back from those situations."
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/854155-redknapp-everything-that-could-have-gone-wrong-did? (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/854155-redknapp-everything-that-could-have-gone-wrong-did?)
Spurs' Harry Redknapp: Everything that could have gone wrong did
Harry Redknapp was furious with Spurs' horrendous first-half display against Fulham which condemned his team to the FA Cup scrapheap on Sunday.
(http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/30/article-1296424188748-0CFA199B000005DC-404690_636x386.jpg)
Fulham were by far the better side as they roared into an unassailable 4-0 lead by half-time of the fourth-round tie at Craven Cottage.
Danny Murphy opened the scoring from the spot after 11 minutes before Michael Dawson was sent off almost immediately for pulling back Moussa Dembele.
Fulham captain Murphy again made no mistake with the penalty. Brede Hangeland and Dembele exploited more lax defending to make it 4-0 by the break.
'Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong,' said Redknapp.
'We gave two horrendous goals away and had Michael Dawson sent off and gave two penalties away. How do you come back from that?
'Michael started sloppily... he gave two goals away which is not like him. He is usually fantastic for us but he got off to a terrible start.'
Fulham boss Mark Hughes said: 'We wanted to make it hostile. We managed to force a few errors from their defenders and we capitalised on those situations.'
Dawson's three-match ban has left Spurs short at the back, with Ledley King and Younes Kaboul injured and Jonathan Woodgate short of fitness.
'Kaboul is having an operation on his knee and could be out for six weeks,' added Redknapp.
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http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/30/fulham-striker-could-be-new-hero-after-tottenham-hotspur-knockout-82029-28083420/? (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/30/fulham-striker-could-be-new-hero-after-tottenham-hotspur-knockout-82029-28083420/?)
Fulham striker could be new hero after Tottenham Hotspur knockout
Fulham 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur
FULHAM fans saluted old favourite Danny Murphy after his double knocked out Spurs in the FA Cup, but the Craven Cottage faithful could have a new hero in the form of Moussa Dembele.
Making only his second start since November after having his promising Fulham start curtailed by injury, the Belgian international (pictured) taunted the Spurs defence throughout and put the icing on the cake with a superb individual goal just before half-time.
It was only Dembele's fourth goal since his summer move from AZ Alkmaar, but at the age of 23 there looks to be plenty more to come from the striker.
By the time Dembele struck the fourth on the stroke of half-time, Murphy had already celebrated his contract extension at Craven Cottage with two well-taken penalties as Fulham made short work of Harry Redknapp's men.
In-form Clint Dempsey was the architect of Fulham's storming start as he turned Alan Hutton and was brought down.
Murphy made no mistake from the spot in the 12th minute just a day after signing a one-year extension at the club and the former Liverpool midfielder was given a standing ovation from the Fulham faithful after making way for Jonathan Greening in the second-half.
It got worse for Spurs less than two minutes later when Michael Dawson was given his marching orders after bringing down Dembele and Murphy emphatically struck again from 12 yards with the subsequent penalty.
Dempsey came so close to making it 3-0 with an effort that brushed against the crossbar, but the Fulham faithful did not have to wait long for a third when Brede Hangeland punished terrible marking in the box by slotting home at the back post from a corner.
Fulham piled on the misery for the visitors on the stroke of half-time when Dembele scored with a brilliant individual goal after a great run and shot.
The second-half was virtually a non-event as Fulham settled for 4-0 and a last-16 spot against Bolton or Wigan, while Spurs were happy to accept damage limitation with a header from Aaron Hughes that struck the bar almost making it five.
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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2900/fa-cup/2011/01/30/2330565/fulham-manager-mark-hughes-aiming-for-fa-cup-final-after? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2900/fa-cup/2011/01/30/2330565/fulham-manager-mark-hughes-aiming-for-fa-cup-final-after?)
Fulham manager Mark Hughes aiming for FA Cup final after thrashing Tottenham
Welshman doesn't expect any new faces in transfer window
Mark Hughes is aiming to take Fulham to their second cup final in consecutive years after overseeing a club record 4-0 humiliation of Tottenham.
The Fulham manager was delighted with the performance of his players and believes his squad is in better shape in the second half of the season following the return from injury of key players.
Hughes' team's reward for destroying Spurs is a home fifth round FA Cup tie against either Bolton Wanderers or Wigan Athletic.
"We would love to have a good cup run and progress in this fantastic competition," said Hughes in his post-match press conference. "We've negotiated two early rounds and a positive result in the next one will put us in a good position. The club really enjoyed the experience last year and we would love to get to another final.
"I see evidence of what I'm trying to install in this side. I knew we needed a more dynamic team than we had because individuals were not available for us at the start of the season.
"Key players are starting to come back like Moussa [Dembele], Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora. I always knew we would be stronger in the second half of the season."
Hughes says he does not expect Fulham to make any additions on the final day of the window after loan bids for Shaun Wright-Phillips and Paul Konchesky hit brick walls.
"I don't think so, no," he said. "We have probably done our business although you never know and sometimes something presents itself. But I don't expect it to."
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2280360,00.html? (http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2280360,00.html?)
Hughes happy with fast start
Mark Hughes was pleased with the speed Fulham came out of the blocks in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur.
In a nightmare opening 14 minutes for Spurs, ex player Danny Murphy converted two penalties to put Fulham on their way to a place in the fifth round, writes Stewart Coggin.
The first was awarded by referee Phil Dowd after Alan Hutton had brought down Clint Dempsey. Michael Dawson was then sent-off for tugging Moussa Dembele's shirt as the striker went clean through. Dowd played the advantage but after Dembele had seen his shot saved by Heurelho Gomes, he gave a second penalty and Dawson his marching orders.
A close range finish from Brede Hangeland and a superb solo effort from Dembele sent the Cottagers in 4-0 up at half-time and Hughes was delighted with his players.
OBVIOUSLY STARTED
"You look at the opposition and you know it is going to be difficult," he said.
"But we looked to make a fast start and that's what we did. We were able to force errors out of their back four players and capitalised on those situations.
"They were obviously hampered by going down to ten men but we still had to put the game beyond them and that's what we were able to do. 4-0 at half-time is more than we would have hoped for before the game."
Hughes added that he was unlikely to do any business on Monday, the final day of the transfer window.
His counterpart Harry Redknapp was left to rue a catastrophic start from his players which meant that the match was effectively over as a contest by half-time.
Redknapp had already seen his side go 4-0 down in the first-half of a match this season with ten men. However, at the San Siro against Inter Milan in the Champions League, he looked on as a Gareth Bale hat-trick gave much respectability to the scoreline.
Bale missed this match with a back injury and his team-mates struggled in the Welshman's absence.
TWO PENALTIES
"We came in 4-0 down at half-time and with ten men but we didn't have Gareth Bale in the second-half to get us out of it," Redknapp acknowledged.
"Everything that could have gone wrong did. We gave two horrendous goals away, had Michael Dawson sent-off; two penalties and a sending-off. How do you come back from that?
"I thought the second one was harsh. I thought the sending off was harsh. But I haven't seen a replay. Michael started sloppily.
"We just got off to a horrific start today. It was difficult, very difficult."
Redknapp added that he was unlikely to sign a defender despite several injuries, while he denied bids had been made for Newcastle United's Andrew Carroll, West Ham United's Scott Parker and Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente.
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/30/tottenham-hotspur-victory-provides-perfect-tonic-for-fulham-star-after-liverpool-nightmare-82029-28083612/? (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/30/tottenham-hotspur-victory-provides-perfect-tonic-for-fulham-star-after-liverpool-nightmare-82029-28083612/?)
Tottenham Hotspur thrashing provides perfect tonic for Fulham star after Liverpool nightmare
JOHN Pantsil admitted that Sunday's thrashing of Spurs was the perfect tonic for him after his nightmare at Anfield.
The Fulham favourite's customary victory lap of honour at Craven Cottage had added significance for him after his horror show at Anfield on Wednesday night when he struck an own goal to hand Liverpool a 1-0 victory.
But the 29-year-old Ghanaian had his name cheered by the Fulham faithful today – and Pantsil was delighted to pay back the fans by helping to hammer Spurs.
"Some bad things happen in games for you, but that is history and you have to concentrate on what is ahead," he said.
"Today was great for the players, all the fans and the people around the club. Every home game when we win I always go out and give the fans what they deserve because they do so much for us. They keep us going when we go behind and they deserve everything that I do for them."
Pantsil says that Wednesday's visit of Newcsatle United is a crucial game for Fulham to maintain their recent push up the table away from the relegation zone.
"It is a home game and we know how important it is," he added. "We have to go all out for three points, it is a must-win game and a draw will not be good for us. If we can produce the same performance as today then we can deliver the goods."
Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/30/tottenham-hotspur-victory-provides-perfect-tonic-for-fulham-star-after-liverpool-nightmare-82029-28083612/?#ixzz1Cat24fQn (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/30/tottenham-hotspur-victory-provides-perfect-tonic-for-fulham-star-after-liverpool-nightmare-82029-28083612/?#ixzz1Cat24fQn)
http://www.spurs.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7507422 (http://www.spurs.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7507422)
Clueless at the Cottage
Grrrr....alright, listen up chaps, know you don't like the length of some of these articles so today I'll keep it short. Quite simply, FA Cup Fourth Round. Spurs arrive at Craven Cottage. Hilarity ensues. That's it for today, guys, see you later...oh, blast it, I`ve got to write more about this debacle, the urge has overtaken me. Spurs arrived at the Cottage smarting after last week's near defeat to the Geordies, and were determined to progress to the next round amid a blaze of glory. At least, that's what we thought. We hoped. Well, we hoped in vain. Make no mistake, Sunday was quite possibly the most terrifyingly bad display since Harry took over. No, without exception. Not even the Young boys game at half-time or the first Inter match could compare to the forty-five minutes of absolutely rancid hopelessness displayed by the lads here. Both Young Boys and Inter were better teams than Fulham. No disrespect meant, obviously, but they were. at YB we had an excuse, one that rang hollow in the ears of many Spurs supporters-plastic pitch. At Inter, the one man second-half fight back put some gloss over what was a dismal performance. Finally, here, our shortcomings were exposed in brutal fashion, and boy are they scary.
)Damn it, Daws! - You are entitled to a bad game, Daws. You`ve earned one. But that was no ordinary bad game. Why? Well, first off, a 'game' implies lasting ninety minutes. You lasted fourteen. Secondly, after Hutton was bamboozled by Dempsey for the first goal, where were you? Being blocked off by effing Dembele. Oh, the mighty Daws, colossus in the heart of the back four, you got blocked off by Moussa. Dembele. Actually, scratch that. You didn't get blocked off. You ambled gently against Dembele's back as he trudged slowly towards the penalty area. Thirdly, when you get the ball, Daws, it's evidently better if you just wallop it into orbit like you always do. Trying to look for a pass, if today is anything to go by, only leads to you watching on rather stupidly as a striker nips in and gently lifts the ball off your toes with a 'thank you, my good man' and a tip of the long felt hat, pausing to turn around and execute a tap dance to the tune of the Marseillaise, all while you try and figure out where the ball suddenly went. Finally, after you do your best imitation of a tugboat pulling an aircraft carrier backward, you are given a red card. I cannot tell if it was deserved, haven't seen the replay. Not sure I want to. You, the captain, the man who must set an example, pull your shorts up in the usual rather freakish fashion, throw the armband to the floor in disgust and trudge off without a backward glance. Well done, that was leadership at its most awe-inspiring. Like I said, Daws, this was quite possibly the worst 1/6th of a game you have ever had. It must NEVER happen again.
)Hutton the Helpless-Hutton in full flow is like a barbarian horde-attack, attack, attack, measure consequences later. When it works, a la Wolves, it works superbly. Today, Hutton, the Barbarian horde was replaced by Hutton, the horde of inebriated Scotsmen. Unsure whether to go forward or stay back, he usually hovered around midway between defence and attack. Yes he's fast. strong, powerful, etc, etc. but he has all the defending abilities of Groucho Marx in a football jersey. Maybe Corluka is the better option. I mean, sure, he has the turning circle of an oil tanker, but at least he can grasp the complicated algorithm of 'ball+opposing winger+space=cross=goal' and move to cut it out with the hideously complex equation of 'opposition winger minus ball minus space = no goal'. As for his penalty, well, there was nothing for it, Daws wasn't covering , so he had to go to ground.
)Sorry, Sandro- He was the unfortunate victim of a bizarre substitution. Once Daws had so nobly exited the field of play with his head held high, Sandro was sacrificed to make way for Gallas. I mean, sure, Gallas was necessary to prevent us doing a Wigan 2009, but why Sandro? He's one of the few promising defensive mids we have, and he was probably itching for his chance. And yet he makes way for Gallas, while Steven Pienaar, who did as much good as a freight train without an engine, stays on. Sorry, Sandro. Once again, you've been compromised by the incompetence of your fellow team-mates on the day. A more level-headed manager would see that, but Harry? Prepare for some more time on the sidelines, my son.
)Pie-naar in the sky-Everton must be laughing with glee as they cheerfully count the three million quid we stumped up for him. Wasn't he supposed to be their creative anchor, around whom the play flowed? Creative anchor, my sodden arse, the only thing he could create was a sense of wild despair at the absence of our Gareth. I mean, sure, anybody short of Messi would make us miss the lad, but Pienaar certainly didn't distinguish himself today. Misplaced passes, lack of invention, run ragged by the astute through balls to Duff by Hughes, chasing shadows. Though that goes for most of our lads yesterday, Pienaar just isn't looking like a player who should be entitled to the first eleven every week ahead of Niko. Perhaps he'll improve later, I dunno. Not spectacular today though, me boy.
)Ricardo Fuller, anyone? A couple of days back, someone on here(don't remember who, sorry!) joked that Fuller would possibly be a more realistic option to solve our striking quandary, although his wages might be a problem. After tonight's by now expected shower of impotence, perhaps...? I'm getting desperate now, even the ghost of Pol Pot would be an improvement over our sullen lot.
)Harry Houdone-it?- Bad, bad game from the gaffer. He failed to motivate the lads in any way and they swaggered out, lazily complacent, expecting a win. 2-0 and a man down fifteen minutes later, and what does the new Alf Ramsey do? Sandro off, Gallas on. thirty minutes later, the lads come staggering back in, gasping for air and stumbling over themselves, the boos of the crowd ringing in their ears, and what does the strategic supreme come up with? Defoe off, Crouch on. twenty minutes later, we've failed to make any inroads at all, but we have some attacking talent on the bench, so we still have hope. Niko's warming up, he should be the one to...no. VDV off, Jenas on. Bravo. Masterstroke by the tactical mastermind. They'll be quivering in their boots now. And, after the inevitable slump to a 4-0 defeat, he merrily blames Daws, the ref, and just about everyone but himself for the humbling. No, he says, the tactics were spot on. No, he says, the lads were motivated. no, he says, I'm happy with my squad, we're not buying. We're not buying? WE'RE NOT BUYING? that better be the biggest goddamn white lie on the face of God's green earth. It better be. No, I'm deadly, DEADLY serious. It better be.
)The opponents-Fulham pressed us all over the pitch, took their chances superbly well, and look to have found a real talent in Dembele, a man I now wish we had signed, if this performance is symbolic of his skill. Well done to the Cottagers. 'Nuff said.
)Conclusion-The worst performance we have ever turned in under Harry. Without a shadow of a doubt. Terrifyingly stupid defending, woefully impotent attacking and a quality midfield struggling between the two. 'It's lucky for Spurs when the year ends in 1'. No FA Cup this year, lads. It's not luck we needed tonight, it's a clue of any sort. We were powerless, and our arrogance in believing that this tie was won before we got off the bus proved our downfall. Daws is an absolute moron for what he did today, but we still heart him, and Gareth-oh, how we need Gareth. If this performance shows anything, it shows how badly we've been playing this season. We've been lucky, several times. That must surely now be running out. We need a new front man, mother-effing sharpish. If not, I fear for the remainder of the campaign. Keep the faith, is all, keep the faith. We'll snap out of this. We have to. And if there's any positives to take from that 4-0 debacle, it's that we drew the second half.
gainst effing Fulham.
ob.
ritten by DubaiSpur
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http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/tottenham/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/01/30/SOCCER_Fulham.html (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/tottenham/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/01/30/SOCCER_Fulham.html)
Fulham 4 Tottenham 0
Fulham cruised into the last 16 of the FA Cup with an impressive demolition of London rivals Tottenham at Craven Cottage.
The result of the match had been determined by half-time after Fulham had raced into a four-goal advantage by the break.
Danny Murphy scored from the spot 11 minutes in after Alan Hutton barged down Clint Dempsey in the box.
The Cottagers captain, who signed a new deal with the club on Friday, added a second penalty three minutes later after Michael Dawson was sent off for tugging back Moussa Dembele in the box.
Brede Hangeland stabbed home to make it 3-0 before Dembele rifled home a blistering strike just before half-time to seal the impressive win.
The win will provide another morale boost for Mark Hughes' resurgent side but will raise serious questions about Tottenham's ability to challenge for honours, particularly given that Harry Redknapp fielded arguably his strongest team available.
Gareth Bale was out due to a back injury but Redknapp named an XI that included the likes of Rafael van der Vaart, Steven Pienaar and Heurelho Gomes, who returned in goal after a shoulder injury kept him out of last week's draw at Newcastle.
Fulham, who had lost twice to Spurs already this year, replaced Chris Baird with Carlos Salcido in the only change from the XI that lost to Liverpool in midweek.
After a dull opening 10 minutes, the game sparked into life when Salcido robbed the careless Dawson 30 yards out before Hutton barged over Dempsey in the box as he raced towards goal.
Referee Phil Dowd blew for a penalty and Murphy fired the spot-kick to Gomes' right to put Fulham 1-0 up.
Dawson's match went from bad to worse two minutes later when he dithered on the ball just inside his own area. Dembele pinched the ball off Dawson before the England centre-half tried to yank the striker back by his shirt.
Dowd dismissed the former Nottingham Forest man before Murphy beat Gomes again from 12 yards.
Buoyed by their excellent start, Fulham looked for a third goal and it came after 23 minutes.
Andrew Johnson flicked on Damien Duff's corner and the ball found Hangeland at the back post. With Gomes stranded, the Norwegian made no mistake from three yards.
Sensing Tottenham could crumble, Redknapp sent on William Gallas for Sandro but Spurs still looked weak at the back.
Luka Modric fizzed a shot wide from long distance and Van der Vaart went into the book after clattering into Murphy from behind just before the half-hour mark.
Fulham made their numerical advantage count by dominating play. Johnson raced at the Tottenham defence as the first half came to a close but his shot fell straight into Gomes' hands.
Dembele then rounded off an incredible first half for the hosts with a fourth goal when he strode past Sebastien Bassong and fired a sublime 20-yard strike past Gomes.
Redknapp brought on Peter Crouch for Defoe at the break as Spurs looked to get back into the game.
Crouch's introduction had little effect though as Fulham started the second period the stronger of the two sides.
Johnson flicked a header just wide of Gomes' goal from a John Pantsil cross.
At the other end David Stockdale had his first test of the half, saving a tame Sebastien Bassong header from Aaron Lennon's cross.
Dempsey's 25-yard curling shot caused Gomes to pull off an impressive save low down to his right just after the hour mark.
Dembele then skipped past two markers before Bassong blocked the striker's goal-bound effort from eight yards.
A fifth Fulham goal looked inevitable as they laid siege to the Spurs goal.
Dempsey raced at the Tottenham back four and beat Gomes from 25 yards but his rising strike flew over the Tottenham goal.
Redknapp brought the ineffective Van der Vaart off, bringing on Jermaine Jenas, and Mark Hughes took Johnson off and introduced Zoltan Gera.
Pienaar was lucky not to be booked when he hacked down Duff after 71 minutes.
Murphy received a standing ovation when he departed two minutes later to be replaced by Jonathan Greening.
The home crowd taunted their north London rivals as they struggled to get hold of the ball.
The match's tempo had dropped to that of a practice match by the time Simon Davies replaced Dembele with 10 minutes left.
A rare move down the Tottenham right allowed Hutton to cross for Crouch but the England striker was muscled off the ball by Pantsil.
Fulham almost had a fifth in the 87th minute when Aaron Hughes' glanced header hit the bar from Duff's corner.
Gera had a golden chance a minute later but Gomes saved with his feet from the Hungarian's 12-yard shot and Fulham had to settle for four.
Teams
Fulham Stockdale, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido, Duff, Sidwell, Murphy (Greening 74), Dempsey, Andrew Johnson (Gera 68), Dembele (Davies 80).
Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Kelly, Kamara, Dikgacoi.
Booked: Duff.
Goals: Murphy 11 pen, 14 pen, Hangeland 23, Dembele 45.
Tottenham Gomes, Hutton, Bassong, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Sandro (Gallas 17), Modric, Pienaar, Van der Vaart (Jenas 66), Defoe (Crouch 46).
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Pavlyuchenko, Kranjcar, Corluka.
Sent Off: Dawson (13).
Booked: Van der Vaart.
Att: 21,829
Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
http://mcnamarasband.wordpress.com/2011/01/30/no-wheels-on-our-wagon-fulham-4-tottenham-0/? (http://mcnamarasband.wordpress.com/2011/01/30/no-wheels-on-our-wagon-fulham-4-tottenham-0/?)
No wheels on our wagon! Fulham 4 Tottenham 0
I haven't been to Craven Cottage and I'm very glad that I did not choose today to change that. Unfortunately for them a strong contingent of Spurs fans made the trip across London and made a better fist of it than the players being extremely vocal throughout the game.
It was probably all there was to do as we threw ourselves wholeheartedly into the worst Spurs display for many months leaving Harry looking very hot under the collar as he chose his steps carefully back across the pitch to issue (hopefully) the rollocking of all rollickings to those gathered in the dressing room. Quite what the problem was is hard to tell but both teams carried on from the last time we met with Fulham getting much better and Spurs getting much worse!
Over confidence? Complacency? The thought of a home draw after coming through this match? The year ending in 1? Whatever it was it gripped them all at the start, none more so than Michael Dawson who firstly played a suicide pass to Alan Hutton before allowing himself to be blocked off in the chase back and then giving away a second penalty and getting himself sent off for tugging a shirt after 14 minutes.
Hutton's challenge which conceded the first penalty looked unfortunate in real time but he never got any the ball and clipped his man so a fair decision. Quite whether Dawson should have gone for the second is debateable. I felt it harsh but the way he was playing Phil Dowd clearly felt sorry for him and allowed him to sneak off quickly to the Cottage changing rooms.
But it was not just Dawson who was having a mare. Over the 90 minutes we hardly had an attack and one shot I recall was from a Van Der Vaart free kick near the half way line. Not the right decision though the keeper was a shade of his line but Rafa could only see two men ahead of him and both were short and useless in the air.
Fulham were good – of that there is no doubt but when they got the team sheets they probably felt we can get a "Lancashire performance" out of this lot if we get into them early. The midfield we presented was Lennon on the left, Rafa out right with Pienaar, Sandro and Modric in the centre. Time and time again we feel we can go into these games in all out attack mode but once we get put onto the back foot there is never any answer to it.
Sparky's job was easy, "The only real tackler is the boy Sandro and he has no experience of our game." I know I've complained about Jenas on this blog but this year he has looked better and his experience was vital to compete and take the sting out of Murphy and Dempsey in the early stages. So we lost that battle and inside 45 minutes the war. What made it worse was that Sandro was them removed to allow Gallas to come on.
Let's understand this. Sandro plays for the defensive midfield role – or that was my understanding – and then gets taken off after 17 minutes. In the past Lennon or Modric would have gone, personally I think it should have been Pienaar. He's new to the club and it could have been justified. Easy for me to say after the game but I thought he showed little and will only be a squad player as he offers nothing over Bale or the others.
Many will look at the absence of Bale but that wasn't it. He would have helped as he has been able to assist in back tracking but he would not have got the ball enough to make a difference. Added to that he played in games where we did give away goals for fun before recovering.
So looking at our team – and squad – what we can see is that it's OK when things are going well but when things go wrong the personnel are sadly lacking in breaking up play and taking the steam out of the opposition. There are exceptions. Gallas – but he was on the bench, Dawson – who went Hari Kari today and Palacios but he cannot keep it when he's got it.
Once again Crouch was called upon to try and resurrect the failures of the first half and Rafa limped off when it was clear it was game over. So it appears we have problems with a day to go in the transfer window. Or do we? Juvenile football says you play your strongest team, win the game and then make changes. Why don't we do that?
Lennon's started right all season so why start left today. Switch by all means but start? Sandro is in his first season so why put him in as he is clearly not ready yet. Why rest Gallas if we want to win the competition and we needed a different strategy up front. When first signed Rafa was arriving in the box and scoring these days he is pressed back against the half way line leaving us with no support in the box.
Bad day at the office? Bloody bad day at the office if truth be told. No new striker on the horizon and only loan deals for those leaving. This was a competition we had a decent chance of winning. Unfortunately we thought we already had or at least for the first 14 minutes.
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/24-sports-news/article328594.ece? (http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/24-sports-news/article328594.ece?)
Dempsey sparks Fulham's thrashing of Tottenham
LONDON (AP) - American midfielder Clint Dempsey sparked Fulham's 4-0 rout of Tottenham in the fourth round of England's FA Cup on Sunday.
Dempsey drew a foul in the area from Spurs defender Alan Hutton in the 11th minute and Danny Murphy converted the penalty to put Fulham ahead.
Murphy scored a second penalty after Tottenham defender Michael Dawson was ejected for pulling back Moussa Dembele in the 13th, and goals by Brede Hangeland and Dembele completed the win.
Dempsey also struck a shot against the crossbar in the first half. Fulham will play either Wigan or Bolton in the round of 16 in the knockout competition.
Edin Dzeko rescued Manchester City with a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw at Notts County and 10-man Arsenal required an 86th-minute penalty by Cesc Fabregas to edge past Huddersfield 2-1.
West Ham beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 and Stoke won 1-0 at Wolverhampton in Sunday's other fourth-round matches.
Premier League leader Manchester United, which will play non-league side Crawley in the last 16, advanced out of the fourth round by beating Southampton 2-1 Saturday, when defending champion Chelsea drew 1-1 at Everton.
___
PAMPLONA, Spain (AP) - Real Madrid fell seven points behind first-place Barcelona in the Spanish league, losing 1-0 at Osasuna as Javier Camunas scored in the 62nd minute.
Carlos Aranda slipped the ball through two defenders, and Camunas' shot hit a post and bounced into Iker Casillas' goal.
Madrid's new striker, Emmanuel Adebayor, made his debut, coming off the bench in the 65th, along with Xabi Alonso and Kaka. But the trio couldn't rally Madrid (16-2-3), whose only other league loss this season was 5-0 to Barcelona (19-1-1).
Elsewhere, Giuseppe Rossi scored on an impressive drive from a tight angle in the 45th minute to give third-place Villarreal (14-4-3) a 1-0 win at Espanyol. The New Jersey-born Rossi has 20 goals this season, including 12 in the league.
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BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Gaizka Toquero scored twice in Athletic Bilbao's 2-0 win over 10-man Atletico Madrid that strengthened the Basque club's claim on a Europa League spot in Spain.
Toquero raced unmarked into the area to volley home Andoni Iraola's cross just before the half, and then jabbed in another cross by Iraola to double Bilbao's lead in the 64th.
Sixth-place Bilbao's third straight victory marked its longest winning streak of the season and lifted it to within five points of fourth-placed Valencia and five points clear of the struggling seventh-placed Atletico.
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MILAN (AP) - Inter Milan needed new signing Giampaolo Pazzini's inspiration to mount a second-half comeback and beat Palermo 3-2.
Pazzini joined Inter for $16.5 million Friday and came on at halftime with Inter trailing 2-0 on goals by Fabio Miccoli and Antonio Nocerino.
He hit his first in the 57th, before Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar saved Javier Pastore's penalty.
Pazzini scored his second in the 73rd and then earned the winning penalty that was converted by Samuel Eto'o.
Napoli beat Sampdoria 4-0 at home with Edinson Cavani hitting a hat trick to stay second, four points behind league leader AC Milan on 47. Lazio is third with 40.
Udinese followed up its victory over Inter a week ago by rallying for a 2-1 win at Juventus. After Claudio Marchisio put the hosts ahead in the 60th, Cristian Zapata tied the score in the 67th and Alex Sanchez put Udinese ahead in the 85th.
___
PARIS (AP) - Defending champion Marseille was held to a 0-0 draw at next-to-last-place Monaco in the French league, falling eight points behind leader Lille in the title race.
Montpellier rallied to win 2-1 at Nancy, with Garry Bocaly scoring the go-ahead goal from long range in the 59th minute.
Nancy midfielder Youssouf Hadji tapped in a pass from Joel Sami to put the hosts ahead 1-0 after two minutes. But Montpellier striker Souleymane Camara headed home a cross from winger Karim Ait-Fana to level six minutes later.
___
BERLIN (AP) - Johannes Flum's first-half goal earned Freiburg a 1-0 win at Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, ending the home side's unbeaten start to 2011.
Freiburg climbs to sixth in the standings with 33 points, 17 behind leader Borussia Dortmund.
Stuttgart remains second from bottom on 16 points after 20 games.
___
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) - United States midfielder Maurice Edu scored the opening goal in Rangers' 2-1 win over Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup semifinal.
Edu netted in the 20th minute and although Keith Lasley equalized for Motherwell in the 66th, Steven Naismith scored the winner for the Scottish champions in the 75th, heading in from close range following a cross by Nikica Jelavic.
Rangers will play its fierce Glasgow rival Celtic in the final.
http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Fulham-tear-tenman-Tottenham-apart.6706730.jp? (http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Fulham-tear-tenman-Tottenham-apart.6706730.jp?)
Fulham tear ten-man Tottenham apart in dramatic first half
By Craig Forbes
Danny Murphy scored twice from the penalty spot as Fulham tore 10-man Tottenham apart with a destructive first-half display in their FA Cup fourth round tie at Craven Cottage.
Murphy's spot-kick put Fulham ahead 12 minutes in after Alan Hutton hacked down Clint Dempsey, before the Cottagers' captain made it 2-0 by converting from 12 yards again after Dawson was sent off for pulling Moussa Dembele back inside the box.
Bede Hangeland nipped in at the back post to stab home a third before Dembele's blistering 20-yard strike capped an incredible first half.
There was no scoring in the second half - and no way back for Spurs.
Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to net another late penalty as 10-man Arsenal laboured into the fifth round with a 2-1 home victory over League One Huddersfield. The Gunners took the lead when Nicklas Bendtner's angled shot deflected off Terriers captain Peter Clarke on 22 minutes. However, influential midfielder Samir Nasri limped off with a hamstring problem, which could yet rule him out of the Champions League showdown with Barcelona, before Sebastien Squillaci was shown a red card by referee Mark Clattenburg for blocking Jack Hunt's run.
Alan Lee headed a deserved equaliser for the Terriers, but Fabregas won it from the spot after Jamie McCombe was adjudged to have pushed Bendtner over. Edin Dzeko's first goal for Manchester City ten minutes from time earned the Premier League side a 1-1 draw with Notts County and a replay in three weeks. Neal Bishop's header on the hour had threatened to add City's name to the Sunderland scalp County collected in the previous round.
Victor Obinna scored a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-2 defeat of Nottingham Forest at Upton Park. The West Ham striker scored twice in the first half and then slotted home a penalty in the second as the hosts edged out a Forest side who demonstrated just why they are pushing for a Premier League place next season. Dele Adebola and David McGoldrick got their goals.
Robert Huth's late goal earned Stoke a 1-0 win over Wolves at Molineux.
The former Chelsea defender headed home Matthew Etherington's free-kick with ten minutes remaining and Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen saved a last-minute penalty from Nenad Milijas.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/two-down-10-men-13-minutes-in-spurs-killed-by-awful-start-2199051.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/two-down-10-men-13-minutes-in-spurs-killed-by-awful-start-2199051.html?)
Two down, 10 men, 13 minutes in: Spurs killed by awful start
Fulham 4 Tottenham Hotspur 0
By Sam Wallace at Craven Cottage
How bad were Harry Redknapp's side? After 23 minutes, they were down to 10 men, three goals behind and, to put it bluntly, Richard Keys had more chance of a comeback than Tottenham in the FA Cup.
When things go awry for Spurs they do so in spectacular fashion and yesterday just about everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Defensive calamities, a red card for Michael Dawson, two penalties conceded and four goals behind at half-time meant Spurs were not so much eliminated from the FA Cup as frog-marched to the door and thrown out on their faces.
Redknapp got it wrong with the team he picked – a strange configuration with Luka Modric in the holding midfield position, Steven Pienaar on the left and Rafael van der Vaart on the right. But it was in the centre of his defence that it became almost comically bad at an early stage.
It was the third time this season that Spurs have gone three goals down in a game but at least against Young Boys and Internazionale away in the Champions League this season they salvaged something from the second half. Yesterday was Spurs' heaviest defeat to Fulham in their history.
Much of it was the result of a dreadful afternoon for Dawson, who was culpable in part for both the penalties and got himself sent off in the process. "He started sloppy and gave two goals away, which is not like him," Redknapp said. "He got off to a terrible start. We gave away two horrendous goals and Dawson got sent off. You can't keep coming back from these starts."
Redknapp still hopes to sign Phil Neville from Everton and, judging by Alan Hutton's performance, it was not hard to see why. Robbie Keane has gone on loan to West Ham. There were strong suggestions in Spain yesterday that Spurs have made a bid for Fernando Llorente of Athletic Bilbao. Redknapp denied a bid had been made for West Ham captain Scott Parker.
Yesterday Spurs suffered, as their manager said, a "horrific start" but as bad as they were, Redknapp's side were beautifully dispatched by a Fulham team who are starting to rediscover their form.
There was a vintage performance from Danny Murphy who tucked away too penalties with the minimum of fuss in the space of three first-half minutes. Andy Johnson looked like the player he was before that cartilage injury last season and, in Moussa Dembélé, Fulham have what might just be one of the signings of the season.
A fifth-round place at home to the winners of the replay between Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers awaits for Mark Hughes' team and on this kind of form they look like a decent bet for the quarter-finals.
Yesterday, there was a flavour of the club's Europa League run last season, a determined, attacking Fulham team making life awkward for their opponents all game.
The first goal started with Dawson, who gave the ball away to Johnson as he tried to play the ball out from the back. Johnson played in Clint Dempsey who was allowed to charge into the box by Hutton before the right-back made a clumsy lunge and conceded the penalty.
Murphy dispatched that one and within two minutes he was back at the penalty spot. This time, Dawson received the ball on the edge of his area, turned awkwardly and was robbed by Dembélé. The Spurs captain grabbed the Belgian striker's shirt and although Dembélé got away and hit a shot that was saved, referee Phil Dowd sent off Dawson for a denial of a goalscoring opportunity.
"I thought the second penalty was harsh and the sending-off as well," Redknapp said. "Michael feels it was harsh because Dembélé had the shot." Hughes countered that view, saying Dowd had already whistled for the penalty before Dembélé hit his shot.
After Murphy scored the penalty, Redknapp replaced Sandro with William Gallas to sure up the defence but not before Fulham almost scored their third. On 23 minutes they did; Johnson flicked on a corner and Brede Hangeland swept the ball in at the back post. It was embarrassing.
By half-time Fulham had scored a fourth. The impressive Dembélé picked the ball up on the halfway line and, with few options open to him, turned and ran at Sébastien Bassong. After he had left the Frenchman behind, there were few takers when it came to making a tackle on Dembélé, who scored from the edge of the area.
In the place of Jermain Defoe, Redknapp sent on Peter Crouch, who covered considerably more ground in the second half. Fulham might have had more at the end of the game as Spurs tired. Hughes said that he believed his team could go further. "We have no apprehension about taking on anyone here," he said. "We are hoping to get to the business end of the competition."
Fulham (4-4-2): Stockdale; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Duff, Sidwell, Murphy (Greening, 74), Dempsey; Johnson (Gera, 68), Dembélé (Davies, 80). Substitutes not used Etheridge (gk), Kelly, Kamara, Dikgacoi. Booked Duff.
Tottenham (4-1-4-1): Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto; Modric; Van der Vaart (Jenas, 66), Pienaar, Sandro (Gallas, 17), Lennon; Defoe (Crouch, h-t). Substitutes not used Cudicini (gk), Pavlyuchenko, Kranjcar, Corluka.
Booked Van der Vaart. Sent off Dawson (13).
Possession Fulham 55% Tottenham 45%.
Shots on target Fulham 7 Tottenham 2.
Man of the match Dembélé. Match rating 7/10.
Referee P Dowd (Staffordshire). Att 21,829.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/0131/1224288603866.html (http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/0131/1224288603866.html)
Inept Tottenham torn asunder
KEVIN McCARRA at Craven Cottage
Fulham 4 Tottenham H 0: STATUS SHOULD come with a health warning. Tottenham Hotspur, for the first time in their history, are looking forward to a tie in the last 16 of the Champions League but it looked here as if everyday life had become a mystery to them.
So disoriented were they that Craven Cottage appeared even less familiar to Harry Redknapp's team than the San Siro will be when they take on Milan. Fulham's disbelief over the outcome of this FA Cup tie must have been as great as that of the spectators.
This is the club's record victory over Tottenham, yet it looked all but unavoidable and not only because the captain, Michael Dawson, was sent off when the score stood at 1-0. Fulham advance to a fifth-round home tie with Bolton or Wigan.
Tottenham, for their part, move into a period of self-analysis as they ask how they could have been so incompetent.
Mark Hughes's side caused such havoc from the outset that a startling result had the tone of an inevitability well before the close.
The Fulham support was so much at ease that it relished early mockery when chanting "You might as well go home" to the visiting fans. The latter might have taken it as compassionate advice. Only the thought of further derision on the way to the exits kept them in their seats.
There was a tinge of clemency at least since the scoring had been completed by half-time. Blame can be pinned on Dawson for getting himself sent off in the 14th minute, but the captain, as he conceded a penalty, had no more than a severe case of the bewilderment that was everywhere in his team. That spot-kick was the second from which Fulham prospered during the opening quarter of an hour.
Alan Hutton, the visitors' right-back, had signalled the general lack of concentration as he needlessly brought down Clint Dempsey. Danny Murphy then converted the first of the penalties after 11 minutes.
In theory the situation might just have been recoverable by Tottenham, bland as their three-man attack had been at that stage, but there was no substance in midfield to check Fulham for long. Tottenham's back four, for their part, were just too woozy to limit the damage.
The next penalty came three minutes later as Dawson took the witless decision to tug back Moussa Dembele, who had run past him and into the area. After the red card for the defender, Murphy slotted home once again.
For the sake of variety, the third goal arose from a different sort of set piece. In the 23rd minute Andy Johnson glanced on a Damien Duff corner and Brede Hangeland knocked the ball into the net.
The entire victory was as elementary as that goal. It looked effortless for Dembele to go past Sebastien Bassong in first-half stoppage time, even if the shot that flew beyond Heurelho Gomes had remarkable power and accuracy.
The Champions League representatives had not come to Craven Cottage with any notion that the varying merits of the goals they conceded would be a topic of conversation.
It was shaming that the Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp, should even try to quibble by contending that the red card might not have been shown to Dawson since Dembele had gone on to shoot.
By then, the referee, Phil Dowd, had blown for the penalty. Tottenham did try to regain a little self-respect in a largely bland second half but the contest finished as it had begun.
That last phase saw a renewed onslaught by a Fulham team professional enough to try to make the most of rare circumstances. An Aaron Hughes header hit the bar in the 86th minute and Gomes had to reach a Zoltan Gera shot soon after.
Redknapp's men have to recover before the Premier League match at Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday. Some effort will be made to dismiss this drubbing as a combination of ill-fortune and aberrations that the side will not repeat.
Such a theory might conceivably be well-founded but this was a jarring outcome. Tottenham would not claim that they had diluted the line-up all that much at Craven Cottage.
After all they are yet to prove they are one of the small number of clubs that places a low priority on the FA Cup because they have faith in a grander destiny.
The task is to ensure that contamination of this unexpected embarrassment is contained.
Fulham, after four home wins in a row, may start to believe they can achieve a higher standing after this impressive performance.
© 2011 Guardian Service
http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/226270/Fulham-4-Tottenham-0-It-s-a-horror-show-for-unhappy-Harry-Redknapp? (http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/226270/Fulham-4-Tottenham-0-It-s-a-horror-show-for-unhappy-Harry-Redknapp?)
FULHAM 4 TOTTENHAM 0: IT'S A HORROR SHOW FOR UNHAPPY HARRY REDKNAPP
HARRY REDKNAPP suggested that the view from the dugout at Craven Cottage is the worst that he can remember anywhere in his life.
But when he reviews this match at his leisure, he might conclude that was the one positive to take from a desperate afternoon.
Down to 10 men after Michael Dawson was sent off early and four goals down at half-time against a rampant Fulham side, Tottenham were outclassed, outplayed and out of the FA Cup.
The hosts' reward is a fifth- round tie back here on February 19 against Bolton or Wigan, but the concern for Redknapp last night was how to invigorate this side before their next cup date, against AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League four days earlier.
One way to do that, of course, is to offer a British record-breaking £38.5million for Sergio Aguero of Atletico Madrid which was reported to have been rejected by the Spanish club last night.
Redknapp was mugged and had pockets rifled when watching Atletico 10 days ago. What he lost was just a bit of small change compared to the amount on offer for Aguero, a sum which has fallen short of the club's demands. Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said: "It is unthinkable he can go."
Redknapp is also in the market for Andy Carroll and Athletic Bilbao are said to have turned down a £25m offer for striker Fernando Llorente. Villarreal have also rebuffed a bid for forward Giuseppe Rossi. Otherwise, it is the San Siro that will no doubt have better viewing facilities than Craven Cottage, but whether that will be a good thing is anybody's guess with this Spurs team.
They have been brilliant at times this season, particularly in the Champions League, but at the Cottage they just did not turn up.
Spurs skipper Dawson's dismissal after just 14 minutes dictated the plot. It was his first intervention in the game that led directly to Fulham's opener, when he turned the ball into the path of Clint Dempsey. The American charged in gratefully to the area where he was chopped down by Alan Hutton and Danny Murphy converted the spot-kick.
Just three minutes later, Dawson gave away possession again, this time trying to turn Moussa Dembele on the left side of the area, and compounded his error by hanging on to Dembele's shirt to give away a second penalty, an act that proved to be his last action of the afternoon.
Dembele had managed to get his shot away – saved by Heurelho Gomes – but referee Phil Dowd had no hesitation in dispensing retrospective justice, pointing to the spot. Murphy again stepped up and hammered the ball home.
Spurs' day got worse – and quickly. After 23 minutes, a corner from Damien Duff, flicked on by the head of Andy Johnson, went uncontested right across the six-yard area where it was turned in by the swinging boot of Brede Hangeland from two yards.
And on the stroke of half-time, the outstanding Dembele ended the contest with the best of the lot, crashing home a shot from 25 yards. Boss Mark Hughes said that 4-0 at half-time was "more than they could have hoped for".
He added: "We wanted to start quickly and force a few errors, but we were able to put the game beyond them."
But he could barely take the smile off his face.
With all the damage done in the first half, limitation was the prime concern for Spurs in a second half that bordered on the farcical at times. And despite Fulham having several chances to increase the lead, limit it they did.
Fulham's fans were not sure whether they should further antagonise the visiting support as Hughes, one by one, removed his three best players and watched his side still spray the ball around.
In the end, they settled on cheering every touch from the men in light blue.
Fulham missed three very late chances to get a fifth. Aaron Hughes, Hangeland, Zoltan Gera and Duff were all denied late on by a combination of woodwork and Gomes as Fulham had to settle for four.
Redknapp said: "Everything that could go wrong did today."
Bale, who scored a second-half hat-trick against Inter when Spurs lost 4-3 in the group stages, is recovering from a back injury and is expected to be fit for the Milan game but yesterday Redknapp received the bad news that defender Younes Kaboul will need a knee operation.
It was just one of those days.
Fulham (4-4-2): Stockdale; Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido; Duff, Murphy (Greening 74), Sidwell, Dempsey; Dembele (Davies 80), Johnson (Gera 68). Booked: Duff. Goals: Murphy 11 pen, 14 pen, Hangeland 23, Dembele 45.
Tottenham (4-4-1-1): Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto; Sandro (Gallas 17), Modric, Pienaar, Lennon; Van Der Vaart (Jenas 66); Defoe (Crouch 46).Booked: Van Der Vaart. Sent off: Dawson
Referee: P Dowd (Staffs).
Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/226270/Fulham-4-Tottenham-0-It-s-a-horror-show-for-unhappy-Harry-RedknappFulham-4-Tottenham-0-It-s-a-horror-show-for-unhappy-Harry-Redknapp#ixzz1CawU3INQ (http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/226270/Fulham-4-Tottenham-0-It-s-a-horror-show-for-unhappy-Harry-RedknappFulham-4-Tottenham-0-It-s-a-horror-show-for-unhappy-Harry-Redknapp#ixzz1CawU3INQ)
http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/pardew_looks_at_walking_wounded_626991/index.shtml (http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/pardew_looks_at_walking_wounded_626991/index.shtml)
Pardew Looks At Walking Wounded
Danny Guthrie is ready for Newcastle Utd's trip to Fulham.
Alan Pardew: "Danny will be fine for Fulham. He did not train, but he's OK.
"Kevin had an ankle knock and also didn't train, but he will fine too for Fulham.
"The weather out there in Portugal was pretty damp and miserable.
"But at least we had the chance to get some solid training done on grass and I caught up with a few of the players.
"We also rested a couple of the lads.
"We came back together as a group and, in terms of fitness and football, it's looking good, it was worthwhile to go.
"Now we are just focused on Fulham."
http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8204058 (http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8204058)
Fulham eyeing Wembley after Spurs rout
Mark Hughes is already eyeing a trip to Wembley after his Fulham side crushed Tottenham to set up an FA Cup fifth round tie at home to Wigan or Bolton.
Hughes's side have emerged from a difficult first half of the campaign to move away from the Premier League relegation zone and they advanced in the Cup on the back of a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of Harry Redknapp's Spurs.
The Fulham manager is now confident his side can compete on two fronts and wants them to emulate their efforts of last season when they reached the final of the Europa League when Roy Hodgson was at the helm,
"They are both our priority," said Hughes, referring to the league and the Cup.
"We are looking to try to progress in this competition. It's a fantastic competition. We've navigated the two early rounds and if we get a result in the next round here we're right in the business end of it.
"We'd love to have a run in the Cup. We enjoyed the run to the final of the Europa League last year so if we could get to the final this year, it would be fantastic."
And contemplating the draw, he added: "I think you just want a home draw. Ideally you would want lower league opposition if you could but we've got another Premier league team which is going to be difficult but we don't have any fear of facing anybody here and we are hoping to progress."
Fulham raced into a two goal lead when Danny Murphy converted twice from the penalty spot, the second effort coming after Tottenham skipper Michael Dawson was sent off.
Brede Hangeland and Mousa Dembele than completed the scoring before the break.
Hughes believes his side is now beginning to reflect his methods, having been criticised earlier in the campaign.
"I think you now see elements of what I am trying to instill in the team," he said.
"When I came in I thought we could be a bit more of a dynamic team than we have been because of the personnel we have.
"I was hamstrung somewhat because key individuals weren't available to me at the start of the season. Those key players are starting to come back, the likes of Dembele and Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora is still to come back.
"We always thought we would be stronger in the second half of the season but we needed those key personnel to come back and thankfully they are now."
Redknapp was left stunned by the defeat and admitted to growing concerns about his side's defensive cover. Dawson will now miss three games through suspension while long term casualties Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King are unavailable.
William Gallas was forced to come off the substitutes bench to cover for Dawson despite carrying an injury and the manager is anxious to avoid losing any more defenders.
"We are down to two central defenders," Redknapp said.
"William Gallas has a hip injury. I didn't want to play him today but he had to be on the bench because we didn't have any cover.
"He had to come on when we went down to 10 men. Otherwise I only have Sebastien Bassong if Dawson is going to be suspended for three games. Younes Kaboul is having an operation on his knee. I'm not sure how long he'll be out for. Maybe six weeks.
"Ledley King and Woodgate are not fit. We have one spare defender on our books in Vedran Corluka. There is no-one else who can play in the back four."
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/31/elation/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/31/elation/?)
Elation
Filed under: General — timmyg
That felt...awesome.
When we got the draw a few weeks ago, I thought our Cup run was over before it began. We hadn't beaten Spurs in the Cup since Queen Elizabeth, or something around then. Harry Redknapp actually takes this competition seriously, and the match date wasn't close enough to Spurs' Champions League duties that we could catch them distracted.
But before the game even began, there was a glimmer of hope: Redknapp's lineup. His hand was forced a bit with injuries in the middle, and I doubt he wanted a replay — February 19; three days after the first leg tie with AC Milan — but a 4-1-4-1 with Sandro as the holding midfielder and Defoe all alone up top? Surely could this be our day?
On oue side, Hughes has settled into a groove that coincidentally Roy found success with: the triangle-esque offense that relies on a striker, striker/midfielder slotted in behind, and the wings cutting in. Last year Roy found a formula of Zamora up top, Gera just behind, and Dempsey/Duff/Davies crashing in on the wings to great success. Now it is Andy Johnson, Dembele, and the usual Dempsey/Duff/Davies trio; with Gera subbing in where needed.
The rest was history. Rich has all the tasty details in the post below so go read that again, and savor it.
Today made up for that 4-0 loss four years ago, a horrible afternoon that, to me, began the downfall of Coleman. It also made up for last year's crushing exit where David freaking Bentley scored and put our Wembley dreams to bed. And this past fall's game where they whined and complained enough to have the ref overturn the linesman, and win the match.
Right before the match Chopper posted on Twitter: "Dear gods of football. Please let us win today...". Well, God answered our prayers.
Enjoy these random screen-captures, a la the ever-awesome 30fps:
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/picture-41.png?w=614&h=384)
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/picture-21.png?w=614&h=384)
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/picture-3.png?w=614&h=384)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesSpursFACupReaction.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesSpursFACupReaction.aspx)
FA Cup Reward(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Hughes/general5.jpg)
Speaking after Sunday's impressive four-goal victory over Tottenham at Craven Cottage in the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON, Mark Hughes gave his post-match reaction.
"I think it's been coming, especially against Spurs," said the Fulham Manager.
"We've played well on two occasions against Spurs and haven't had any reward. We were on the front foot, forced errors from their back four."
Hughes also praised Captain Danny Murphy, whose two goals set Fulham on their way to a place in the Fifth Round against either Wigan or Bolton.
"Danny is a big influence on the pitch, a good captain and a good leader and we're pleased he's staying," he explained.
"You saw with his performance today that he gets on the ball and makes us tick. It was important that we secured his future."
Danny Murphy added:
"I think we started brightly, on the front foot and of course the sending off helped, but it was thoroughly deserved and it was won by half-time.
"We saw they didn't play a big man up front, so we pressed them to play longer balls and we caught them out. Because we got the goals, we could relax in the second-half. It's satisfying because we haven't beaten Tottenham for a while."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesSpursFACupReaction.aspx#ixzz1CayTjHV7 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesSpursFACupReaction.aspx#ixzz1CayTjHV7)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SidwellSpursReaction.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SidwellSpursReaction.aspx)
Four Star Fulham(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Sidwell/vSpursFACup.jpg)
Fulham turned heads at Craven Cottage on Sunday with a performance new midfielder Steve Sidwell described as "sensational".
And he wasn't wrong as Mark Hughes' side made light work of in-form Tottenham who many had backed not just to progress into the Fifth Round but to go on and lift the trophy.
But in an action-packed first-half, the Whites cantered to a 4-0 lead courtesy of two Danny Murphy penalties, a goal from Brede Hangeland and a superb solo strike from Mousa Dembele.
Sidwell told fulhamfc.com: "I imagine it was a good game for the fans to watch, but at the same time it was a great game to be part of.
"Spurs are a very good side and we knew this was going to be a tough match. But we went out there in the right frame of mind and things worked out for us.
"We started very well, pressing them high up the pitch and forcing them into errors. There's no doubt the penalties helped, but it was nothing that we didn't deserve.
"Even after we were two goals to the good and they had Michael Dawson sent off we never took our foot off the gas - and as a result a lot of credit goes out to the boys.
"Perhaps we could have had a few more because we dominated the second-half as well. But let's not lose focus on what was a sensational performance"
David Stockdale remained relatively untroubled throughout and with the defence at its resilient best, Fulham impressed in controlling the tempo and creating chances. Both Aaron Hughes and Zoltan Gera went close late on.
"Throughout the team we looked assured and every individual stuck to the task," said Sidwell. "For me personally, I like to think I played my part and I have to say that I'm enjoying myself here already.
"Its early days, and I haven't played an awful lot of football this year but I'm getting there. It was certainly great to be part of the action today - and long may that continue."
The magic of the Cup was certainly there to be seen for the Fulham Faithful today who took particular joy in seeing their team defeat a side that had won the last three encounters and knocked them out of last season's competition.
"It's always a good game against Spurs whether it's in the league or cup and today was our day," he said. "I think the spirit of the FA Cup was very clear today and it was definitely one for the fans to savour.
"They go home happy and we can all look forward to the next round. We'll face the winners of the game between Bolton and Wigan and again it's another home tie for us.
"We're confident that could be another positive result for us, and we'll go away and prepare in due course with some important league games up next.
"But we're taking this competition very seriously and I think they'll be a few people sit up and take notice of this result."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SidwellSpursReaction.aspx#ixzz1Caymn3JF (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SidwellSpursReaction.aspx#ixzz1Caymn3JF)
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/30/2330692/liverpool-defender-paul-konchesky-to-move-to-nottingham (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/30/2330692/liverpool-defender-paul-konchesky-to-move-to-nottingham)
Liverpool defender Paul Konchesky to move to Nottingham Forest on loan - report
Liverpool full-back Paul Konchesky looks set to move to Championship side Nottingham Forest on loan after a proposed move to his old club Fulham fell through.
Konchesky had looked set to move back to west London, but they were unable to offload Carlos Salcido who has failed to settle in England since his summer move from PSV Eindhoven, which could see the left back move to Forest for the rest of the season, according to The Times.
The Englishman was bought by previous manager Roy Hodgson and was the focus of much criticism during the early part of the season.
He has however not figured for Liverpool since Kenny Dalglish took over the reins with the Scot favouring even Glen Johnson to play out of position rather than Konchesky.
Fifa rules stipulate that no player can play for three different clubs in a single season and Konchesky has already played for both Fulham and Liverpool.
However Konchesky's move would be treated as an emergency loan and as such the rules do not come into force, much to the relief of the defender who has been out in the cold for a number of weeks now.
A three month loan deal is expected to be confirmed on Monday however there is no suggestion as yet that the move will include an agreement for the player to join permanently at the end of the season.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9379083.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9379083.stm)
BBC: Fulham 4 - 0 Tottenham
Fulham struck four times in a stunning first 45 minutes at Craven Cottage to destroy Tottenham's FA Cup ambitions.
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp watched in horror as his team - so impressive in the Premier League and the Champions League - were simply swept aside as a rampant Fulham had a fifth-round home tie against Bolton or Wigan safely wrapped up by half-time.
Tottenham's fate was sealed in the first 15 minutes as the home side's captain Danny Murphy scored twice from the spot after fouls on Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele by Alan Hutton and Michael Dawson respectively, the second bringing a red card for the England defender.
The Cottagers took heavy toll of a Spurs team in tatters and at a numerical disadvantage as Brede Hangeland turned in the third from a corner after 23 minutes and Dembele's solo effort made it four seconds before the interval.
The scoreline could have had an even more humiliating look for the visitors with Aaron Hughes hitting the bar with a header and Jermaine Jenas clearing off the line from Hangeland as he pounced on the rebound in the dying moments.
The north Londoners were without the injured Gareth Bale and Redknapp's decision to choose a midfield light on any physical presence backfired as Fulham overpowered Steven Pienaar and Luka Modric, allowing the pace and power of Dembele, Dempsey and Andrew Johnson to create havoc.
In contrast, the home side were vibrant and inventive from the first whistle as they produced a performance to support manager Mark Hughes' growing belief that his reign at Craven Cottage is finally taking shape.
Spurs still have the consolation of contesting major prizes at home and abroad, but this was a harrowing experience for a club and support that always cherishes the magic of the FA Cup.
Redknapp's team selection had a very attacking appearance. And a flawed combination of a lightweight midfield and shambolic defending was ruthlessly exposed by their opponents.
Dempsey had posted the warning signals by troubling the visitors twice in the air before a three-minute spell early on effectively decided the outcome of the tie.
The United States midfield man invited a reckless challenge from Hutton in the area after 11 minutes and Murphy demonstrated his usual composure from spot.
Fulham swiftly doubled their lead when the bustling Dembele harassed Dawson into conceding possession before the Spurs skipper attempted to haul him back by the shirt in desperation. Referee Phil Dowd allowed Dembele to get a shot in on goal before pointing to the spot and showing the defender a red card.
Murphy completed the formalities again and the visitors, two goals and a man down, were tumbling out of the FA Cup.
Redknapp attempted to stem the tidal wave of attacks sweeping towards the Tottenham goal by bringing on William Gallas for Sandro, but the momentum was all with Fulham and the switch failed to bring the desired effect.
Dempsey swept Johnson's cross on to the top of the bar and the striker saw a shot gathered at the second attempt by Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes. Dembele was also just off target before the Cottagers continued the rout with a third goal in the 23rd minute.
Johnson's flick from a corner found Hangeland completely unmarked at the far post and the big defender had time and space to snuff out any lingering prospect of a Spurs recovery with a simple finish.
And the dangerous Dembele left Fulham's fans almost harbouring a sense of disbelief when he made it 4-0 in first-half injury time. He was allowed freedom by Sebastien Bassong to race unchallenged at the heart of the defence and made them pay the price by sending a low, powerful finish past Gomes.
Redknapp introduced Peter Crouch for Jermain Defoe at the start of the second half, but the change was simply an illustration of the damage limitation exercise being mounted by Spurs after the horrors of the first 45 minutes.
Normal service was resumed after a spell of urgency from Redknapp's men, with Dempsey testing Gomes from long range before firing just over the top from an angle.
Tottenham barely mounted an attack worthy of the name after the break and Fulham will feel aggrieved they did not add to their goals tally with a flurry of opportunities in the closing moments.
Craven Cottage celebrated in style at the final whistle - but this was a game Redknapp and his badly beaten side will want to forget in a hurry.
http://life.hereisthecity.com/2011/01/31/fulhams-variety-act-leaves-10-man-tottenham-in-disarray/? (http://life.hereisthecity.com/2011/01/31/fulhams-variety-act-leaves-10-man-tottenham-in-disarray/?)
Fulham's Variety Act Leaves 10-man Tottenham In Disarray
Status should come with a health warning. Tottenham Hotspur, for the first time in their history, are looking forward to a tie in the last 16 of the Champions League but it looked here as if everyday life had become a mystery to them.
So disoriented were they that Craven Cottage appeared even less familiar to Harry Redknapp's team than San Siro will be when they take on Milan. Fulham's disbelief over the outcome of this FA Cup tie must have been as great as that of the spectators.
This is the club's record victory over Tottenham, yet it looked all but unavoidable and not only because the captain, Michael Dawson, was sent off when the score stood at 1-0. Fulham advance to a fifth-round home tie with Bolton or Wigan. Tottenham, for their part, move into a period of self-analysis as they ask how they could have been so incompetent.
Mark Hughes's side caused such havoc from the outset that a startling result had the tone of an inevitability well before the close. The Fulham support was so much at ease that it relished early mockery when chanting "You might as well go home" to the visiting fans. The latter might have taken it as compassionate advice. Only the thought of further derision on the way to the exits kept them in their seats.
There was a tinge of clemency at least since the scoring had been completed by half-time. Blame can be pinned on Dawson for getting himself sent off in the 14th minute, but the captain, as he conceded a penalty, had no more than a severe case of the bewilderment that was everywhere in his team. That spot-kick was the secondfrom which Fulham prospered during the opening quarter of an hour.
Alan Hutton, the visitors' right-back, had signalled the general lack of concentration as he needlessly brought down Clint Dempsey. Danny Murphy then converted the first of the penalties after 11 minutes.
In theory the situation might just have been recoverable by Tottenham, bland as their three-man attack had been at that stage, but there was no substance in midfield to check Fulham for long. Tottenham's back four, for their part, were just too woozy to limit the damage.
The next penalty came three minutes later as Dawson took the witless decision to tug back Moussa Dembélé, who had run past him and into the area. After the red card for the defender, Murphy slotted home once again. For the sake of variety, the third goal arose from a different sort of set piece. In the 23rd minute Andy Johnson glanced on a Damien Duff corner and Brede Hangeland knocked the ball into the net.
The entire victory was as elementary as that goal. It looked effortless for Dembélé to go past Sébastien Bassong in first-half stoppage time, even if the shot that flew beyond Heurelho Gomes at his near post had remarkable power and accuracy. The Champions League representatives had not come to Craven Cottage with any notion that the varying merits of the goals they conceded would be a topic of conversation.
It was shaming that the Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp, should even try to quibble by contending that the red card might not have been shown to Dawson since Dembélé had gone on to shoot.
By then, the referee, Phil Dowd, had blown for the penalty. Tottenham did try to regain a little self-respect in a largely bland second half but the contest finished as it had begun.
That last phase saw a renewed onslaught by a Fulham team professional enough to try to make the most of rare circumstances. An Aaron Hughes header hit the bar in the 86th minute and Gomes had to reach a Zoltan Gera shot soon after.
Redknapp's men have to recover before the Premier League match at Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday. Some effort will be made to dismiss this drubbing as a combination of ill-fortune and aberrations that the side will not repeat.
Such a theory might conceivably be well-founded but this was a jarring outcome. Tottenham would not claim that they had diluted the line-up all that much at Craven Cottage.
After all they are yet to prove they are one of the small number of clubs that places a low priority on the FA Cup because they have faith in a grander destiny. The task is to ensure that contamination of this embarrassment is contained. Fulham, after four home wins in a row, may start to believe they can achieve a higher standing.
I loved reading all of the above-thanks for posting :clap_hands:,I enjoyed it that much I might just read it again! :yay: :yay:
http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Fulham-in-talks-with-Juventus-over-Amauri-/13067/ (http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Fulham-in-talks-with-Juventus-over-Amauri-/13067/)
Fulham in talks with Juventus over Amauri
Fulham are in talks with Juventus FC Torino about bringing striker Amauri to Craven Cottage, according to Italian sources cited by the German 4-4-2 Web site.
The 30-year-old Brazil-born player, who has also been linked with Aston Villa, is contracted to Juventus until 2012 and the Turin club are valuing him at €7.5M-10M.
Amauri is a strong striker with a good technique and heading ability. He lacks a bit of speed, but he is a very talented forward with a good eye for goal.
Juventus bought the player in 2008 from Palermo, where he exploded, scoring 15 goals in the 2007/2008 season.
He has found the net 21 times in his last two seasons at Juventus, and has scored three goals this term, all coming in the UEFA Europa League.
Amauri won his only cap for Italy in August 2010 in a 1-0 friendly defeat to the Ivory Coast.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2011/01/craven_cottage_harry_redknapp.html? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2011/01/craven_cottage_harry_redknapp.html?)
Hughes reign takes shape as Spurs suffer
Phil McNulty
Craven Cottage
Harry Redknapp described his low-slung vantage point at Craven Cottage as "the worst viewing position I have ever been in my life." On this day it was a blessing in disguise.
The less Redknapp saw of Tottenham being taken to the cleaners by Fulham on the banks of the Thames the better - from first to last this was an eyesore of a performance.
If Fulham's impressive passage into the FA Cup fifth round marked the high point of Mark Hughes' fledgling tenure as manager, it was a rare low in Redknapp's reign at Spurs.
Fulham's 4-0 victory margin, with all goals scored in a spectacular first 45 minutes, was an understatement of their superiority and almost constituted a light escape for dismal Spurs.
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/dembele595.jpg)
Dembele scores Fulham's fourth as Spurs go 4-0 down before half-time
Redknapp hardly needs to start sounding alarm bells on the back of one dreadful performance and he rightly pointed out that bad days have been few and far between since his arrival rejuvenated a club on its knees.
I have watched Spurs impress so often this season that even 90 minutes as harrowing as this should not dampen the optimism and hope Redknapp has restored to White Hart Lane.
But as the final day of the transfer window approached he was willing to express his concerns about threadbare defensive resources and players "running on empty" as he contemplates the future challenges of the Premier League and Champions League.
He admitted: "We've had a tough, tough season and we could do with freshening up one or two but we haven't got the people to do it."
Indeed, the more mischievous among us might even suggest the evidence that unfolded at Craven Cottage might just give Redknapp the added leverage he needs to apply some extra persuasion to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy before the window closes at 2300 GMT on Monday.
It would now be no great surprise if Spurs made their trademark contribution to the last dash for reinforcements this season as they were linked with a variety of names from Andy Carroll to Scott Parker and Sergio Aguero, not forgetting Everton's Phil Neville.
This was a meltdown made from many factors, not least the vibrant pace and power of a Fulham side which has manager Hughes believing the adjustments he made to Roy Hodgson's formula are coming to fruition, more of which later.
,
Add an utterly catastrophic Spurs defensive showing, a lightweight midfield overloaded with natural talent in Luka Modric, Steven Pienaar and Aaron Lennon but devoid of physical presence and all the ingredients were in place to have Fulham's ecstatic fans suspending belief as they were four goals up at half-time.
Michael Dawson, normally so reliable, had a 14-minute nightmare. He played a part in the move that led to Alan Hutton's needless foul on Clint Dempsey, allowing Danny Murphy to score from the spot.
He then tugged obviously and desperately at Mousa Dembele after conceding possession in the area, earning a red card in the process and allowing Murphy to once again demonstrate his penalty expertise.
Fulham's further goals from Brede Hangeland and the outstanding Dembele decorated a display that delighted Hughes and will have increased his stock among any supporters still sceptical about his ability to replicate Hodgson's fine work.
It was only on Boxing Day that Hughes felt the fury of Fulham's fans when they lost at home to West Ham United, creating pressure and speculation about his future less than six months after his arrival.
Since then the signs of progress have been obvious and Craven Cottage could not contain its delight as Spurs were ripped apart on a regular basis by Fulham's pace, power and range of attacking options.
With Murphy calmly controlling affairs from midfield and Fulham effectively allowed free reign to probe the soft underbelly of Spurs' defence, the game was up within 15 minutes.
Hughes' hand has been strengthened, as he insisted it would be, by the return to fitness and form of Andrew Johnson. The former England striker, industrious as ever, ran Spurs into submission.
He had a willing assistant in the powerful Dembele, also making his way back from injury but still possessing enough to suggest Hughes did a shrewd piece of business when he paid AZ Alkmaar £5m for his services.
Hughes cited mitigating circumstances surrounding his slow start and the forthcoming return of Bobby Zamora will add more potency to a Fulham side that is solid at the back and creative in midfield.
And Fulham have no worries about their manager's hunger for the fight, wounded as he was by his unceremonious bundling out of Manchester City.
Hughes is winning growing acceptance at Craven Cottage and a victory of this stature will spread confidence. For Redknapp, it was a game when even his obstructed view could not blind him to his side's failings - but hardly a day for panic in a season with so much promise ahead.
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2114206?UserKey= (http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2114206?UserKey=)
Fulham earn their spurs with rout of Tottenham
DANNY Murphy scored twice from the penalty spot as Fulham tore 10-man Tottenham apart with a destructive first-half display in their FA Cup fourth-round tie at Craven Cottage yesterday.
Murphy's spot kick put Fulham ahead 12 minutes in after Alan Hutton hacked down Clint Dempsey, before the Cottagers captain made it 2-0 by converting from 12 yards after Dawson was sent off for pulling Moussa Dembele back inside the box.
Brede Hangeland nipped in at the back post to stab home a third before Dembele's 20-yard strike capped a superb first half for the home side. There was no way back for Spurs.
Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to net another late penalty as 10-man Arsenal laboured into the fifth round with a 2-1 home victory over League 1 Huddersfield.
The Gunners took the lead when Nicklas Bendtner's angled shot deflected off Terriers captain Peter Clarke on 22 minutes. Arsenal's Sebastien Squillaci was shown a red card by referee Mark Clattenburg for blocking Jack Hunt's surging run. Alan Lee headed an equaliser for the Terriers, but Fabregas won it from the spot.
Edin Dzeko's first goal for Manchester City 10 minutes from time earned them a 1-1 draw with Notts County and a replay in three weeks.
West Ham's Victor Obinna scored a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-2 defeat of Nottingham Forest at Upton Park. Robert Huth's late goal earned Stoke a 1-0 win over Wolves at Molineux.
Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2114206?UserKey=#ixzz1CbLynOR2 (http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2114206?UserKey=#ixzz1CbLynOR2)
http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/sports-breakfast/blog/2011-01-31/bowen-kakuta-and-sidwell-are-great-acquisitions-fulham? (http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/sports-breakfast/blog/2011-01-31/bowen-kakuta-and-sidwell-are-great-acquisitions-fulham?)
Bowen: 'Kakuta and Sidwell are great acquisitions for Fulham'
Fulham assistant manager Mark Bowen has told talkSPORT the Cottagers have finished their January transfer shopping.
The west London club have brought in Gael Kakuta on loan from Chelsea and signed Steve Sidwell from Aston Villa and are now happy with their squad - providing no-one makes moves for any of their players on deadline day.
Bowen also insists that, even when the club dropped into the bottom three over Christmas, they never felt they were in relegation trouble.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/31/2331099/fulham-target-amauri-is-open-to-leaving-juventus? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/31/2331099/fulham-target-amauri-is-open-to-leaving-juventus?)
Fulham target Amauri is open to leaving Juventus
Striker isn't happy in Turin, says agent
Juventus striker Amauri's agent has admitted that his client wishes to make a move away from Turin.
The 30-year-old forward has had a difficult time in Serie A this season, underlined by the fact that he has not scored a single goal in the club's league campaign.
The Brazil-born hitman has been linked with moves away from his current employers, and his representative concedes that he could switch allegiances to another club.
"In the next few days opportunities could present themselves," Gianfrano Pocetta told ilsussidiario.net.
"He would like to stay at Juve and prove his worth, but he needs to be happy and he isn't in Turin. He might be somewhere else."
Now The Times has reported that Fulham have approached the Italian outfit over the possibility of signing the out-of-favour forward.
Amauri has made one appearance for Italy.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/01/31/2331121/juventus-attempt-last-minute-moves-for-royston-drenthe? (http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/01/31/2331121/juventus-attempt-last-minute-moves-for-royston-drenthe?)
Juventus Attempt Last-Minute Moves For Royston Drenthe & Alessandro Matri; Amauri Rejects West Brom & Fulham
Juventus at work to squeeze in some final deals before transfer window deadline.
Juventus are taking urgent action on the transfer market as they attempt last-minute moves for Hercules wide man Royston Drenthe and Cagliari forward Alessandro Matri.
The 23-year-old Dutchman, owned by Real Madrid, could be a Bianconero tonight, with La Gazzetta dello Sport, and Corriere dello Sport both claiming a final squeeze is possible.
Giuseppe Marotta and his sidekick Fabio Paratici are trying to push Madrid to let Drenthe leave on loan for free with the option to buy him in the summer.
Drenthe is on loan at Hercules, but the latest reports are claiming Madrid could turn him towards Juve.
A similar deal is being designed for Matri. Despite denials from Marotta, Juventus still appear to be seeking forward players. And the club have been at work with Cagliari, with dialogue expected to continue.
Cagliari are reluctant to allow a loan deal, as they want €18 million plus half of Lorenzo Ariaudo's rights.
Tulio Tinti, Matri's agent, is in Milan and is reportedly holding talks between the clubs.
Meanwhile, Amauri's agent Ernesto Bronzetti confirmed reports his striker had rejected Premier League interest.
"He rejected Fulham and West Bromwich Albion," he told Sky Sport Italia, as reported by Calcionews24.it.
"Those clubs who have requested him are West Bromwich Albion, Fulham and Zaragoza, but because they have a lower profile than Juventus, they are not welcomed destinations for the player."
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/liverpool/forest-seal-konchesky-loan-deal-1158332.html? (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/liverpool/forest-seal-konchesky-loan-deal-1158332.html?)
Forest seal Konchesky loan deal
Kenny Dalglish has allowed Paul Konchesky to join Championship promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season
The 29-year-old only moved to Anfield five months ago from Fulham but has endured a difficult time with the Reds. He has started 18 matches for the club but fell out of favour when Roy Hodgson was replaced by Dalglish earlier this month.
Konchesky started his career at Charlton Athletic and featured in 149 matches for the Addicks before joining West Ham United in a £1.5million deal in July 2005.
After spending two seasons with the Hammers, Konchesky was snapped up by Fulham for £2million, making 97 Premier League starts for the Cottagers before moving to Liverpool.
Forest are currently fifth in the Championship table and were knocked out of the FA Cup by West Ham United at the weekend.
Meanwhile, Dalglish, who has allowed Daniel Ayala to join Derby County on loan, refused to comment on Fernando Torres' proposed transfer to Chelsea but reiterated the club's position had not changed since Friday.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6713721,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6713721,00.html?)
Amauri shuns Prem duo
Juve striker won't consider moves to WBA or Fulham
Juventus striker Amauri has turned down moves to Fulham and West Bromwich Albion.
The Italian international has struggled to force his way into Luigi Del Neri's plans this season and he is being tipped to move away from Turin.
Both West Brom and Fulham have asked about him, but his agent Ernesto Bronzetti was dismissive of both Premier League clubs.
"The truth is that we have said no to two English clubs: West Bromwich and Fulham," Bronzetti told Sky Italia.
"These two clubs are not at his level.
"Why would Amauri and his family go to England for teams like these, in a country where they do not even know the language?"
Interest
Bronzetti confirmed that both Real Zaragoza and Lazio have showed an interest in the Brazilian-born front-man.
"Then there was Real Zaragoza which I have recommended to the player to refuse because it is a club with many problems.
"Lazio was also interesting while with Fiorentina there was nothing."
One option that does appear likely is a possible move back to his former club Palermo.
"A return to Palermo? I talked with (Palermo's owner, Maurizio) Zamparini three days ago and he told me he's not able to take Amauri at this time," he continued.
"But (Juventus' CEO, Giuseppe) Marotta also said that, then if Zamparini changed his mind in these days for his reasons we are here ready to listen."
Palermo chief Zamparini confirmed his willingness to take Amauri on loan, telling Radio Anch'io Lo Sport: "If Juventus give us Amauri on loan for six months, we'll take him.
"I want to continue to demonstrate that he is a champion. But we need Juventus to pay the salary."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SchwarzersFinalDefeat.aspx? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SchwarzersFinalDefeat.aspx?)
Schwarzer's Final Defeat
Mark Schwarzer suffered heartbreak in the Asian Cup Final when Australia lost out to Japan after a late winner from substitute Tadanari Lee. The Samurai Blue secured the trophy for the fourth time in their history.
During a tense Final, Japan had goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima to thank for a string of saves before Lee's 109th minute volley in the Khalifa Stadium in Qatar. Fulham goalkeeper Schwarzer will now return to Fulham ahead of Wednesday night's game against Newcastle United at the Cottage.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SchwarzersFinalDefeat.aspx?#ixzz1CcGVlIBB (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SchwarzersFinalDefeat.aspx?#ixzz1CcGVlIBB)
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/localsport/8822717.Fulham_game_moved_but_will_Reading_clash_/? (http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/localsport/8822717.Fulham_game_moved_but_will_Reading_clash_/?)
FA Youth Cup game with Fulham moved to this Friday but will Watford's clash with Reading be rescheduled?
Watford's FA Youth Cup clash with Fulham has been moved forward to this Friday after the Londoners' first team beat Tottenham Hotspur yesterday and were drawn at home.
The Hornets Under-18s were scheduled to play in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday, February 16 but Fulham's 4-0 victory over Spurs resulted in a home tie for Mark Hughes' men against either Bolton Wanderers or Wigan Athletic the following Saturday.
So as previously agreed, Watford's FA Youth Cup game at Craven Cottage has now been moved to this Friday. Kick-off will be 7pm and tickets will be £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.
It is still unclear whether the Watford first team's Championship game with Reading on Saturday, February 19 will go ahead as planned.
Reading are through to the fifth round of the FA Cup which meant their home game with the Hornets was expected to be postponed, with the Royals set to face either Chelsea or Everton.
But international fixtures and Chelsea's Champions League commitments mean the fourth round replay is pencilled in for the 19th, which could see Watford's game with Reading go ahead as scheduled.
Watford have said they will not be selling tickets for the Reading game until the date is confirmed.
http://www.thefa.com/England/News/2011/POTY_Bobby-Zamora? (http://www.thefa.com/England/News/2011/POTY_Bobby-Zamora?)
POTY: Bobby Zamora
(http://www.thefa.com/images/england/curved-border-thumb-large.png)
The Fulham frontman made his Senior bow in 2010.
Bobby Zamora
Age 30 Date of Birth 16.01.1981
Career caps 1
Caps in 2010 1
Fulham
It had been over seven years since Bobby Zamora last pulled on the Three Lions. Having picked up five caps at Under-21 level, the Fulham forward finally made his debut at Senior level in August 2010, in England's first post World Cup fixture.
Taking on Hungary at Wembley, the 6'1" frontman came into the action as a half-time substitution and provided Fabio Capello's men with a more physical presence after a goalless first half.
Although Hungary managed to grab the lead through Vladimir Koman in the second period, Zamora's work rate and industry proved valuable as the Three Lions fought back to win 2-1 thanks to a Steven Gerrard brace.
Zamora was unlucky not to make England's margin of victory even greater, having two excellent efforts that were smartly thwarted by the Hungary 'keeper. It proved to be a memorable week for Zamora, however, who also became the proud father of twins just days before his debut.
To vote for Bobby, or any other England player, click here
http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2011/4RPFulTottHughes? (http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2011/4RPFulTottHughes?)
Hughes eyes decent Cup run
Fulham boss makes FA Cup a 'priority'.
Fulham 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
Fourth Round Proper
4.30pm, Sunday 30 January 2011
Craven Cottage, Fulham FC
Mark Hughes says The FA Cup is a 'priority' for Fulham this season and it would be 'fantastic' to reach The Final.
His comments came after the Cottagers emphatic 4-0 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to earn a home tie in the Fifth Round against either Bolton Wanderers or Wigan Athletic.
Four goals in the first forty-five minutes ensured that victory was virtually secured by half-time. Danny Murphy scored twice against his former club from the penalty spot, defender Brede Hangeland fired in from close range and Belgium striker Mousa Dembele put the victory beyond doubt with a fine strike.
Fulham's task was made considerably easier after Spurs and England defender Michael Dawson was shown the red card for pulling despairingly on Dembele's shirt in the penalty area. With only ten men for the majority of the game, the absence of Welsh sensation Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart uncharacteristically subdued, the North London team were facing an uphill battle. "We made an incredibly bad start. Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong," said Redknapp.
But Hughes paid tribute to the manner in which his team reacted to the sending off. "Circumstances today made it easier for us," he said. "But even so, sometimes those situations are difficult to do correctly and be professional about. But certainly that's what we were."
It was also a record victory for Fulham against Spurs and a result that Hughes felt 'was coming'. Having lost twice to them in the Premier League already this season, games in which even Harry Redknapp admitted Spurs were fortunate, Hughes was pleased with his team's determination. He added: "We managed to force a few errors from their defence and we capitalised on those situations."
The victory was in no short way down to the contributions of captain Murphy, who gave Fulham a timely boost before the fixture by signing a new contract committing his immediate future to the club. Murphy had previously won the The FA Cup with Liverpool in 2001 and it was his commanding role in central midfield ably assisted by recent signing Steve Sidwell that left the opposition little room to play their usual attacking football.
Spurs could of course be forgiven be for being distracted by their upcoming Champions League game against AC Milan at the San Siro. However Redknapp's team selection gave little indication that The FA Cup was a lesser priority as the north Londoners were in search of the trophy they last won 20 years ago in 1991. But Redknapp will now be concerned by the lack of defensive options available to him for the trip to Italy. He added: "We're down to two centre backs now. We've got nobody else to play there."
Hughes, on the other hand, will now be looking forward to the Fifth Round of The FA Cup and a home tie against Premier League opposition. Having now scored ten goals in the last two rounds, the Fulham manager feels there is little to fear. He said "We've got a home draw and have no apprehension about taking on anyone here."
Fulham
Stockdale, Salcido, Hangeland, Hughes, Pantsil, Duff, Sidwell, Murphy (Greening 74), Dempsey, Dembele (Davies 81), A Johnson(Gera 68)
Substitutes not used Etheridge, Kelly, Kamara, Dikgacoi
Goals Murphy 11 (pen), 14 (pen), Hangeland 23, Dembele 45
Tottenham Hotspur
Gomes, Hutton, Dawson, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Van der Vaart (Jena 66), Sandro (Gallas 17), Modric, Pienaar, Lennon, Defoe (Crouch 46)
Substitutes not used Cudicini, Pavlyuchenko, Kranjcar, Corluka
Referee Phil Dowd
Attendance 21,829
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11714_6713962,00.html? (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11714_6713962,00.html?)
Tigers look to Greening
Championship outfit consider loan for Fulham midfielder
Skysports.com understands Hull City are lining up a loan move for Fulham midfielder Jonathan Greening.
The 32-year-old has only started four Premier League games for the Cottagers this season and the Tigers are set to swoop for his services.
Nigel Pearson's side are struggling for midfielders following the departure of Jimmy Bullard on loan to Ipswich and Ian Ashbee's possible switch to Preston.
The Hull boss is understood to have targeted Greening as an ideal man to fill the void in the centre of the park as he looks to push on between now and the end of the campaign.
Greening, formerly of Manchester United, Middlesbrough and West Brom, will be an attractive option for Championship clubs as he has a wealth of experience in the Premier League and the second tier.
He signed a two-year contract with Fulham last summer but under new boss Mark Hughes has found first-team opportunities hard to come by.
http://www.spursodyssey.com/1011/shame.html? (http://www.spursodyssey.com/1011/shame.html?)
Spurs Odyssey comment - The Shame of it
Where do you start?
Do you start with the fact that yesterday's FA Cup defeat at Craven Cottage was our worst ever defeat against this team since both teams have been in the Football League? It's Fulham's biggest win over Spurs since February 1965, when they won 4-1 at The Cottage. Spurs finished top six, and Fulham were bottom three, but they weren't relegated until 1968, when they finished bottom of Division One.
You have to go back to January 1905 for a bigger victory by Fulham against Tottenham. That wasn't even in both teams' main league – The Southern League, in which Spurs did lose both games 1-0 – but in the Western League, in which Fulham did manage a 5-0 win.
Do you start with the fact that this was Spurs' worst defeat in any game since losing by the same margin at home to Manchester United in February 2007? As a matter of interest, two weeks later we beat Fulham by the same margin at their place in the fifth round of the cup we now have not won for 20 years. This is the same cup we used to cherish, and used to brag about winning so often and "when the year ends in one"
Do you start with the fact that Spurs are starting to make a habit of having players sent off, often for stupid undisciplined and unnecessary reasons? Michael Dawson became the fifth Spurs player to be sent off this season (so far of course), and will miss just one game for his offence. We've suffered enough with injuries to key players, without having to cope with absences caused through either stupidity, or genuine foul play. In fairness to Spurs, the term foul play rarely applies to this team we love through thick and thin.
Do you start with the fact that Harry Redknapp's Spurs teams seem to be making a habit of embarrassing and/or limp exits from domestic cup competitions. This season we've managed to beat only a team two divisions below us (Charlton), and that only happened after Luka Modric came on at half-time and inspired us to a 3-0 win.
We failed to compete against our arch-rivals, who will be visiting Wembley in the Carling Cup Final, in a lame home league cup defeat, and, you know, I think we should start with Harry Redknapp's team selection and tactics for yesterday's game.
On paper, we started with a strong team, considering the enforced absence of Gareth Bale. Other key players such as Tom Huddlestone and Ledley King have been out for ages now, so it is not relevant to include them in any injury-related excuse.
Now, I thought one of the reasons for signing Steven Pienaar was to offer some cover for Bale, and despite the fact we knew he can play right across the midfield, Harry thought he'd be best played in the middle, with Lennon on the left and VDV on the right, although perhaps he had more freedom to play "in the hole" and try and link up with Jermain Defoe. Lennon is surely best used on the right – right?
The game was effectively lost in those disastrous early minutes, when we conceded two penalties (scored by former Spur Danny Murphy to add to the shame), and lost our Captain, but I am saying that Harry didn't set the team up right in the first place.
To be honest, it's not the first time in a domestic cup game under Harry's leadership that I've felt a lack of commitment to the cause by the team. Last season's quarter-final exit at Old Trafford in the League Cup, and that weird semi-final defeat against Portsmouth, of all teams, in the FA Cup are amongst examples I would offer.
So, where we do start, and finish, is with my suggestion that domestic cups currently hold much less importance to Spurs than they hold for us fans. Last year, we forgave that semi-final defeat on the night we beat Manchester City to gain the right to qualify for a place at Europe's top table. Now we have fifteen Premier League "Cup Finals" in which to secure that right again, plus at least two games in the Champions League.
Only if Harry Redknapp does lead us back into the Champions League can I forgive him for the shame of yesterday's FA Cup defeat.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23919011-danny-murphys-law-rules-at-the-cottage-says-brede-hangeland.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23919011-danny-murphys-law-rules-at-the-cottage-says-brede-hangeland.do?)
Danny Murphy's law rules at the Cottage, says Brede Hangeland
(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/Danny-Murphy2_415.jpg)
Brede Hangeland today hailed Danny Murphy as the inspiration behind Fulham's shock FA Cup demolition of Tottenham and their climb out of the relegation zone.
Murphy celebrated signing a contract extension that will keep him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2012 by netting two early first-half penalties in the 4-0 win that earned Fulham a fifth-round tie at home to either Bolton or Wigan.
Hangeland, who scored his side's third goal yesterday, said: "Danny's form in recent weeks has been one of the main reasons why we've done so well. He's instrumental in the middle of the park. He looked really composed taking the two penalties and his overall game was fantastic."
Fulham boss Mark Hughes added his praise to 33-year-old Murphy, saying: "Danny is a big influence, a good captain and a good leader. We're pleased he's staying."
According to Hangeland, that influence extends away from the pitch. He added: "When Danny has something to say, it's best to listen. He's not one to shout too much but leads by example and when he does have something to say, it's always sensible."
Fulham have lost just one of their last six matches and Hangeland believes the side are finally coming to grips with the difference in style under Hughes, who succeeded Roy Hodgson just before the start of the season.
He said: "It took us a while to understand the way the new manager wants us to play but it seems to be coming together now. We've definitely looked stronger since Christmas. We used to be camped round our own box last year and the year before that. Now we try to engage higher up the pitch and take the game to our opponents."
Hangeland insisted that bullish approach will be good enough to take Fulham through to the FA Cup quarter-finals, whether they play Bolton or Wigan next.
"We'll fancy our chances against both of those," he said.
But ahead of Wednesday's home game against Newcastle, whose manager Alan Pardew was present at the Cottage yesterday, Hangeland stressed that Premier League survival must take priority over cup glory.
Fulham hover just four points above the relegation zone and Hangeland said: "The League is more important. We're too close to the bottom and looking to get away from there as soon as possible."