Sunday Fulham Stuff (06.02.11)

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http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/football-hotline/2011/02/06/moussa-dembele-s-ful-stop-on-deadline-day-move-to-tottenham-102039-22901628/

Moussa Dembele's Ful stop on deadline day move to Tottenham

Feb 6 2011


by Dean Jones, The People



TOTTENHAM had a transfer deadline day bid for Fulham's Mousa Dembele rejected.

An extra striker was one of the club's priorities as they anticipated losing Robbie Keane and wanted an extra body to challenge Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko.

They had Giuseppe Rossi in their sights but could not tie up a £35million deal with Villarreal.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp turned his attention to Dembele, 23, signed by Mark Hughes for £5m in August.

He tore Spurs apart in the Cottagers' 4-0 FA Cup win but the north London club were told there was no chance of a deal.

Tottenham also failed with bids for Everton defender Phil Neville and Blackpool's Charlie Adam.

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http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/premier-league-match-reports/2011/02/06/aston-villa-2-2-fulham-it-s-pants-for-defender-john-after-og-102039-22902232/


Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham: It's Pants for defender John after OG

Feb 6 2011

By Dean Jones, The People




JOHN PANTSIL must feel he is cursed after writing his name into the Premier League record books with a third own goal of the season.

Fulham's defender gifted Aston Villa the lead as he headed past Mark Schwarzer in the first half – and, ­although his side twice fought back to nick a draw, the Ghanaian has ­technically cost his side seven points since August.

His howler adds to an own goal in a draw at Blackpool at the start of the season and the only goal as Fulham lost 1-0 at Liverpool last month. It means he is only the second player in Prem h­istory to score a trio of own goals in the same campaign.

Southampton's Andreas Jakobsson is the only other man to have achieved the unwanted feat in the top-flight – but to rub salt into Pantsil's wounds he also scored an own goal in this same fixture last season!

To add to his misery, the full-back was subbed early in the second half as he struggled to come to terms with his gaffe.

Luckily for him goals from Andrew Johnson and Clint Dempsey helped Fulham to a point, after Kyle Walker looked to have won the game with a 72nd-minute belter.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes said: "John was disappointed at half-time and I felt it was affecting him, so I made the early decision to take him off.

"In fairness it was a difficult ball to deal with, but he got it wrong and it put us on the back foot.

"Every goal you concede, ­irrespective of whether it is an own goal or not, we will review and try to address it to stop it happening again.

"But, in the end, we showed lots of desire and could have had three points, so given the circumstances I'm happy."

Villa have been touting £24million Darren Bent as a bargain buy over the past few days. The striker had an early effort ruled out for offside, but after that he struggled around the box.

On the other hand, Jean Makoun, their winter signing from Lyon, was immense in the centre of the field.

But it was a cross from one of Villa's other impressive midfielders, Stewart Downing, that helped Villa in front after 13 minutes.

His cross was aimed at Gabby Agbonlahor at the far post, but before the ball reached him Pantsil tried to nod the ball back to Schwarzer. The stopper was completely wrong-footed, and Pantsil looked to the heavens as the reality of his blunder sunk in.

Makoun continued to dictate play but Steve Sidwell made sure he did not have an easy time of it.

Sidwell was returning to Villa Park after leaving the club last month ­following an unsuccessful two and a half years in the Midlands.

He had two decent efforts before half time and then another just after the break. Eventually it was his drive on 52 minutes that led to Fulham's equaliser.

He blasted one from 25 yards and Brad Friedel could only parry the ball down for Johnson to throw himself in bravely and head the visitors level.

Villa's lead was restored in the 72nd minute as the unlikely figure of Walker popped up with a screamer.

Fabio Capello's No.2 Franco Baldini was in the stands casting his eye over a range of potential England squad members, including Walker, and will have been impressed by his initiative.

Collecting the ball on halfway, he shrugged Sidwell to one side and ­unleashed a piledriver low into the bottom corner of the net.

It should have been the winner, but Villa could not close out the game and Dempsey stole in with 12 minutes left on the clock to head home a super Danny Murphy corner for his 10th goal of the season.

Johnson could have made it 3-2 to Fulham at the end as Friedel made a great save, but Gerard Houllier is ­adamant his side deserved a win.

The Villa boss said: "Whatever Mark may say, we dropped two points. I thought the game would be over when we scored the second, and we have to blame ourselves.

"Maybe I should have made the changes earlier. I am disappointed with the result. We need to be more clinical and ruthless, it was the same against Man United. In the final third we must show more aggression."

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http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/sport-confidential/2011/02/06/red-hot-battle-for-job-at-manchester-united-102039-22901808/


CLINT DEMPSEY will reject offers of an MLS payday at the end of his career.

David Beckham may have deemed the American scene good enough as he winds down – but the ambitious Fulham striker (above) is adamant he won't play professionally in his homeland again.

Dempsey, 28, told Confidential: "No disrespect to MLS, but I want to finish at the highest level – and that's in Europe."

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Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham: Sunday Mirror match report

Published 21:00 05/02/11


By Steve Stammers




Fabio Capello sent his right-hand man to Villa Park to check on players who may be called up by England.

But Franco Baldini must have left wishing he could take 10 years off a man whose international days are over – but who clearly still has so much to offer.

Danny Murphy has vision and intelligence and is the heartbeat of a Fulham team slowly but assuredly confining early relegation fears to the past as Clint Dempsey earned a point.

It could be said that Murphy, 33, never realised his potential on the international stage as injuries, along with a glut of talent in his position, restricted the number of caps he perhaps should have earned. But yesterday he showed exactly what he has to offer

 
Baldidni would have been impressed with Villa's England contingent in the first 30 minutes. Pace is key in the modern game and Gerard Houllier's side has it in the form of Stewart Downing, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Kyle Walker – and Fulham appeared stretched and breathless in the face of their onslaught.

But they held out,with general Murphy emerging as the calming influence while his men got a grip on the game.

By half-time, it was only 1-0 to Villa – courtesy of am defender who is making own goals an unwelcome speciality: John Pantsil diverted a Downing cross past his own goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in the 13th minute.

It followed bizarre own goals against Liverpool and Blackpool this season – and at Villa last campaign.

But the Midlands side failed to build on their breakthrough and paid the price in the 52nd minute.

The scorer, Andy Johnson, could not have been more delighted – his connection with Villa's rivals, Birmingham, meant that he was subjected to abuse all afternoon. But his reply was perfect as he swooped to head the ball home after Brad Friedel had parried a Steve Sidwell shot.

It was a double-whammy for Villa fans after Sidwell quit for Fulham last month. Villa became edgy and their attacks all too often petered out at the edge of the danger zone. So Walker, on loan from Tottenham, showed them how it should be done.

In the 72nd minute, he collected a clearance, surged forward and from 25 yards hit the target through a forest of legs

But, inspired by Murphy, Fulham came back yet again. Needless to say, the midfielder was involved as he drove a corner deep into the Villa area in the 78th minute.

Arguably, given his bulk, Friedel should have cleared everyone from his path to give himself the space to punch the ball clear.

But his fellow American, Dempsey, was airborne first to guide the ball into the net with his head.

"That is 10 for the season – the most he has got," said Fulham boss Mark Hughes.

"I think the point was the least we deserved. In fact, we could have won it," added Hughes, referring to the fact that Friedel was called upon to parry a fierce shot from Johnson late on.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Aston-Villa-2-2-Fulham-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Clint-Dempsey-s-10th-goal-of-the-season-earns-a-point-for-Fulham-article691825.html#ixzz1DA6HPUh

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Clint Dempsey denies Aston Villa as Fulham fight back for a 2-2 draw


Comments (17) Observer report

Premier League
Aston Villa 2 Paintsil (og) 13, Walker 72
Fulham 2 Johnson, A 52, Dempsey 78

Barney Ronay at Villa Park guardian.co.uk, Saturday 5 February 2011 17.41 GMT Article history


James Collins of Aston Villa and Fulham's Clint Dempsey leap to challenge for the ball. Photograph: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

A game that fizzled and sputtered without ever really catching fire somehow produced four goals, three in the second half, as Aston Villa and Fulham belatedly sought something more than the point that leaves both still warily paddling above the relegation spots.

"We restricted them to very few chances," Fulham's manager, Mark Hughes, said afterwards, although in truth a listless Villa didn't take much restricting after a bright start that saw the roving Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, stationed on the right, moving between the lines of Fulham's defence and midfield to good effect.

On 13 minutes Villa took the lead, Downing's expertly-dinked left-footed cross from the right inducing John Pantsil to head past his own goalkeeper from four yards out. Pantsil looked devastated, but not perhaps that surprised. He also scored an own goal here last season; this was his third of the current campaign.

During a largely soporific first half Villa were marginally the more threatening, with Fulham restricted to a couple of shots from Steve Sidwell.

It was from this source that they equalised seven minutes into the second half. Sidwell's hopeful shot from 20 yards squirmed away from Brad Friedel and Andrew Johnson headed the loose ball down and over the sprawling American.

Villa went ahead again on 72 minutes through a moment of inspiration from the impressive right-back, Kyle Walker. Picking the ball up in midfield, Walker advanced into a generous pocket of space and shot low from 20 yards, finding the corner for his first Premier League goal.

Fulham were level again within minutes, Clint Dempsey heading in after Friedel failed to clear a corner, and might even have won it at the death, Johnson cutting inside to draw a fine low save from Mark Schwarzer.

"We're improving," was the verdict of Villa's manager, Gérard Houllier, who was abused by a lone fan as walked to the tunnel at the final whistle. "We passed the ball better. We just need to be more clinical, more ruthless."

THE FANS' PLAYER RATINGS AND VERDICT
JONATHAN FEAR, AstonVilla.VitalFootball.co.uk Fulham were there for taking, I felt, but our set-up wasn't right. It was one up front again and Bent needs someone to play off, whether that's Heskey or Gabby, Ash needs to be on the wing not in a free role and Downing was on the wrong wing. It's round pegs in square holes. We started brightly and it looked like it might be a cricket score, but then we sat back and invited them on – losing the lead twice at Villa Park is not acceptable. If we'd just stepped it up a gear, Fulham didn't have the answers. Walker was my man of the match. You could see he was getting frustrated and tried to impose himself.

The fan's player ratings Friedel 7; Clark 6, Dunne 6, Collins 6, Walker 8; Agbonlahor 6 (Heskey 86 n/a), Petrov 7 (Albrighton 83 n/a), Makoun 6, Downing 6; Young 7; Bent 7


VICTORIA CONNOLLY, Observer reader We can't complain too much – it was pretty poor in the first half but got better. I'm pleased with a point after going behind twice. I'm really impressed by Sidwell. When Hangeland had to go out wide he filled in for him, and he also got forward for a couple of shots. He was all over the place. Apart from the own goal, Pantsil didn't have a great game and Hughes gave a very un-Hughes-like performance. Our next two league matches are Chelsea at home and Man City away, so I'm not confident about either of those. Given how tight the table is, I don't know where we'll end up. I don't think we'll go down but it might be a bit tight.

The fan's player ratings Schwarzer 6; Baird 6, Hughes 5, Hangeland 7, Pantsil 4 (Salcido 62 6); Dempsey 7, Murphy 6, Sidwell 7, Duff 6 (Davies 67 6); Johnson 7 (Gudjohnsen 90 n/a), Dembélé 7

To take part in the Fans' Verdict, email [email protected]

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7944004/Aston-Villa-2-Fulham-2-match-report.html


Aston Villa 2 Fulham 2: match report

Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Aston Villa and Fulham at Villa Park on Saturday Feb 5 2011.

ASTON VILLA2 - 2
FTFULHAM Saturday, February 05 15:00
Premier League
Villa ParkPantsil (OG) (13)Walker (72) (HT 1-0)
ATT: 35,899 Andrew Johnson (52)Dempsey (78)


Point made: Clint Dempsey levels the score for Fulham to make it 2-2 at Villa Park Photo: ACTION IMAGES By Sandy Macaskill, Villa Park 5:00PM GMT 05 Feb 2011
Sandy's Twitter

Either Fulham and Aston Villa forgot to eat their cornflakes for breakfast, or someone needs to remind them that residence outside the relegation zone is no excuse to stop fighting.

True, by the time Lee Mason called an end to proceedings it had developed into a decent enough scrap, but for too long this match flickered like a faulty torch.

It started promisingly enough, with John Pantsil scoring his third own goal of the season, but Villa chose to sit on their lead.

Fulham inevitably found their gear through Andy Johnson, before Kyle Walker put Villa ahead again from 30 yards. But Clint Dempsey rescued a draw with a goal which takes him into double figures for the first time in his career.

"We dropped two points today," said Villa manager Gérard Houllier. "We can be disappointed with ourselves. I am not disappointed with the performance, we passed the ball well, but we need to be more clinical, more ruthless. In the final third we must show more aggression to get to the ball."

Villa went ahead when Stewart Downing's cross reached Pantsil at the far post. The right-back, under pressure from Gabriel Agbonlahor, headed across his goalkeeper into the far corner. It would have been a tidy finish had it been at the other end of the pitch, and Agbonlahor touchingly patted the defender on the back in consolation.

Fulham did come back, with Steve Sidwell testing his former team-mate Brad Friedel with a low shot, but there was too much waste, as set-pieces in promising positions came to nothing because of a lack of accuracy or, worse, a lack of purpose.

Villa cushioned any attack with the ease of a boxer who knows he is in a light sparring session, soaking up the half-hearted jabs then springing back, probing but never over-exerting. They should have been straining for a second, aware that the visitors would not be so meek after 15 minutes in the half-time company of manager Mark Hughes.

Sidwell took it upon himself to raise the tempo in the second half, trying his luck again with another low effort at Friedel. The midfielder knows his man after 2½ years with Villa, and clearly passed on some intel to Johnson, who profited nicely when Friedel failed to smother.

Villa responded through Walker. The right-back likes to surge forward and he let loose in the 72nd minute with a low shot from 30 yards which burrowed into the bottom corner.

The good work was undone six minutes later when Dempsey ghosted in from deep to meet Danny Murphy's corner, levered his way between Richard Dunne and James Collins, and headed in.

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ASTON VILLA 2 - FULHAM 2 - CLINT DEMPSEY CLINCHES THE RESCUE 


Sunday February 6,2011


By Graham Read  Have your say(0)


Aston villa 2 - Fulham 2


CLINT DEMPSEY struck late on to stun Aston Villa as Fulham twice came from behind to earn a draw which leaves both sides still looking anxiously backwards in the battle to avoid the drop.

Villa had taken a 13th-minute lead via John Pantsil's own goal only for Andy Johnson to level shortly after the break at Villa Park.

And Gerard Houllier's team paid the price for their casual approach a second time when Dempsey headed home after 78 minutes, cancelling out a stunning Kyle Walker strike just six minutes earlier.

Both sides look too good to go down and still have breathing space between themselves and the bottom three – Villa five points and Fulham six – yet Houllier and counterpart Mark Hughes will have viewed the draw as a missed opportunity to climb further clear and focus their attentions on a late European push.

Villa's club record signing Darren Bent thought he had his third goal in claret and blue colours in the sixth minute when Mark Schwarzer failed to hold a low Stewart Downing drive to leave him with an empty net, however, the Villa forward was adjudged to be marginally offside.

By the 13th minute Villa were ahead, though, when the excellent Jean Makoun fed Downing on the Villa right and his teasing cross with the outside of the boot was headed beyond the wrong-footed Schwarzer by Pantsil, under pressure from Gabriel Agbonlahor.

It was no more than the home side deserved for their bright start but not even an arm around the shoulder from Agbonlahor could console Pantsil, who has now scored three own goals this season.

While few could argue with Villa's results under Martin O'Neill, one criticism levelled at the Northern Irishman was their more direct style of soccer but, under Houllier, they are at least beginning to play free-flowing football.

January arrivals Walker and Makoun both look comfortable on the ball but Villa still retain the old-fashioned grit which was a hallmark of their play under O'Neill – epitomised in the 31st minute when skipper Stiliyan Petrov and James Collins threw themselves at a vicious Damien Duff shot.

Villa paid the price for their profligacy in the 52nd minute when Friedel failed to hold Steve Sidwell's drive and this time they were punished as Johnson thrust himself at the rebound, heading into the ground and over Friedel to level.

A golden chance for the home side to regain the lead went begging just two minutes later when Ciaran Clark headed a pinpoint Downing delivery wide.

Much to the frustration of the home crowd, Villa lacked urgency but, just seconds after being subjected to groans from their support, they regained the lead when Walker took the initiative, bursting through from the halfway line before drilling a stunning low 30-yard shot inside Schwarzer's left post.

That should have been that but Villa hit the self-destruct button once again in the 78th minute when Dempsey rose highest to head home a Danny Murphy corner.



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http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/02/englands-number-one/

England's Number One

by Tor on February 5, 2011



Well nearly... Congratulations to David Stockdale on a well-deserved call-up to Fabio Capello's England squad for the friendly against Denmark this week. Stockdale has seriously impressed during his two periods between the sticks this season whilst Mark Schwarzer has been otherwise occupied with his own international career, and he was tipped for a place with the national squad last September but an injury sustained at Blackpool put paid to that. It's good to see that a further chance to impress has done exactly that.

Good luck David!

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Aston Villa 2 – Fulham 2

by Tor on February 5, 2011



It's probably safe to say that today has been a surprising day in the Barclays Premier League and this afternoon's match at Villa Park didn't disappoint. If you're a neutral that is. Fulham fans may feel slightly aggrieved by starting the match on the back foot thanks to John Pantsil's record-equalling 3rd own goal of the season. Villa fans, meanwhile, may have been disappointed by their team giving a way a lead not once but twice. Whether either team actually deserved to win the game  I'm not sure.

The first half was pretty scrappy with a couple of chances for Villa. Pantsil's error came from attempting to clear a Downing shot in the 13th minute and Darren Bent had a goal disallowed for offside. That was it for the half really. Fulham were sloppy, there were a few too many silly mistakes and not enough chances. Hardly any in fact. I think Sidwell had a shot that went literally centimeters wide but otherwise the attacking force that have seemed so adventurous in the past few weeks were much quieter.

What a difference 20 minutes and a Sparky half-time chat makes. The boys in White came out determined to fight and it seemed to shock the Villa players somewhat. Seven minutes into the second half Sidwell takes another shot which is blocked by Friedel but Andy Johnson leaps and heads it past him into the goal, much to the delight of the home fans. Two substitutions followed; Pantsil comes off for Salcido to come on, pushing Baird to his favoured right hand side; with Davies replacing Duff five minutes later.  Tactical? Probably. Neither were having a great game, although neither of their replacements set the pitch alight. It was that sort of game.

Credit where it's due though, Villa's second (first really) after 72 minutes was well deserved. Defender Kyle Walker latches on to a ball in the middle of the park, moves towards goal and shoots from 20 yards out tucking it past Schwarzer. A good goal, even if Gatesy reckoned it took a bit of a deflection on the way in. Fulham stepped up the pressure on the Villa defence; more shots from Sidwell, some lovely turns from Dembele and Andy Johnson and Dempsey making a bit of a nuisance of themselves. And boy did it pay off, with Dempsey using his bonce to good effect once again and firing the ball past Friedel twelve minutes from time, taking his season's tally into double figures. A late strike from AJ didn't quite make it into the net and Villa managed to effectively clear a couple of late Fulham corners ensuring a share of the spoils.

Not the finest display of recent weeks but a point is not to be sniffed at. We're 12th in the league with some tricky games coming up. The performances, both individual and team, are coming together and there's comfort to be had from that. Besides, we beat Spurs last week *chuckles*.

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Man On Fire


Saturday 5th February 2011



After a hard-fought encounter at Villa Park on Saturday, Fulham goalscorer Andrew Johnson said his side were deserving of their point.

The Whites twice came from behind with Clint Dempsey adding to Johnson's brave header in what proved to be a positive afternoon for Mark Hughes' side against an in-form Villa.

"This is a difficult place to come," AJ told fulhamfc.com. "They have a strong squad and have recently added to that with some top players. So to come from behind twice against a side like Aston Villa is obviously fantastic and highlighted the commitment that we have here.

"We worked hard for the point and I think we saw what can be achieved by pulling together, never giving up and staying positive. It was entertaining game for sure."

Johnson claimed his second goal of the season to the backdrop of a chorus of boos, with the former Birmingham City man stooping bravely to nod in a leveller on 52 minutes after Brad Friedel parried Steve Sidwell's stinging strike.

"It was a difficult one because initially I was going to volley it," he said. "But then I realised I wouldn't get there. So I had to adjust my feet and managed to head it against the floor. I had to do that because Friedel was well placed and would have got it had I not done that.

"Luckily enough it went where I wanted, and it goes without saying that I was delighted to get us back into the game and to get myself on the score sheet. I've scored two goals in four games now, so I am very pleased.

"And as for the boos, well, I take it as a compliment really. It's nothing personal and it's all a bit of banter isn't it? That comes from playing for their rivals Birmingham, so it was to be expected. You just have to get on with it, and fortunately I managed to play my part."

The 29-year-old is enjoying a fine run of form of late and this was another performance that underlined his undoubted talent as well as doing much to put an injury ravaged 18 months behind him.

"I feel sharp and I'm really enjoying my football again," explained AJ. "I was out for a long time and I missed it so much. You don't realise how much you miss it until something like that happens to you and I'm just making the most of it.

"I'm happy with how things are going for me, but the main thing is that the team is doing very well as well. That's important, especially in terms of climbing the table. I'm delighted really.

"We have been working really hard and we have some tough games coming up now. Our next match is against Chelsea at Craven Cottage a week Monday and we'll go away now and prepare accordingly."




Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/AJVillaReaction.aspx#ixzz1DANnzW8q

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Stockdale For England!

Saturday 5th February 2011



Fulham Football Club is delighted to confirm that goalkeeper David Stockdale has been selected by Fabio Capello for England's squad to face Denmark in Copenhagen on February 9th.

Stockdale has been oustanding for Fulham this season, performing superbly at the start of the season and during the month of January when Mark Schwarzer was involved in international duty with Australia.

Stockdale has enjoyed many memorable performances this season, not least a penalty save against Manchester United that helped Fulham to a 2-2 draw at the Cottage.

In the month of January Mark Hughes handed the No. 1 jersey to Stockdale in Mark Schwarzer's absence and was richly rewarded for his faith in the young keeper, whose impressive displays have now been rewarded with a call-up to Fabio Capello's England squad


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/StockdaleEngland.aspx#ixzz1DAO4N2Dv

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Hughes Praises Desire


Saturday 5th February 2011



Speaking after Fulham's valuable 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Saturday, Manager Mark Hughes praised his side's performance in what was a spirited and determined contest.

Goals from Andrew Johnson and Clint Dempsey handed the Whites a vital away point and having twice gone behind, Hughes' side could well have claimed all three.

He told fulhamfc.com: "Our resilience was evident again today and I was delighted with both the performance and the attitude. My players showed a lot of desire out there, and I really though they took the game to Aston Villa.

"The early own goal was obviously a set back and we had to pick ourselves up from that – which we did. We restricted the home side to few opportunities and it was important that we got a foothold in the game and create our own chances.

"It was a great finish from Andrew Johnson to draw us level and I was very pleased for him.

"We asked questions of Villa as we do against most teams, but unfortunately we went behind again. At 2-1 we kept at it and we weren't going to be denied.

"We showed great quality, and as a result we were rewarded with another good goal from Clint Dempsey – who is now in double figures for the season. He has been exceptional this year and that is a good milestone for the player.

"I actually thought that we finished the stronger of the two sides and perhaps we could have taken the three points. But given the circumstances that we went behind twice, we are reasonably happy with the outcome. We can take a lot from this performance and we are enjoying a nice run at the moment."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/February/HughesVillaReaction.aspx#ixzz1DAOKxNrQ

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Aston Villa 2 - 2 Fulham


Mark Hughes retained the same starting eleven that beat Newcastle United 1-0 at the Cottage on Wednesday evening for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

Fulham's January signings, and a return to fitness of key players, handed Hughes arguably his strongest squad of the campaign so far. Gael Kakuta and Eidur Gudjohnsen were named on Fulham's bench, while former Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell lined up against his old club as Hughes' side looked to build on an impressive start to the second half of the year.

Gerard Houllier's Villa team featured three new recruits, including the club's record signing Darren Bent. The other two new names on Villa's team sheet was that of Cameroon midfielder Jean Makoun and Kyle Walker. There was no place for American international Michael Bradley however, a further signing made during the January transfer window.

Both teams went on the offensive from the first whistle, making for a fine spectacle, with Damien Duff and Ashley Young looking particularly dangerous in the opening exchanges down the flanks. After just six minutes of play Bent latched onto Mark Schwarzer's parry from Stewart Downing's strike to score from close range, but as the striker turned to celebrate, the linesman's flag was raised for offside.

After 13 minutes Villa did open the scoring with John Pantsil the unfortunate recipient of Downing's cross at the far post. Under pressure from Gabriel Agbonlahor, just a few yards from goal, Pantsil headed the ball across goal into the back of Fulham's net to give Villa the lead.

Steve Sidwell almost pulled Fulham level after 18 minutes with a drive from the edge of the area, but Friedel was well positioned to deal with the shot and the minor deflection the ball took on the way to goal.

Villa were constantly looking to utilise the pace and attacking guile of Young and Agbonlahor down the left flank but Villa's most potent threat came down the right hand side, in the form of Downing, whose ability to cut inside and deliver from out wide was a constant menace during the first half.

For all of Villa's attacking intent, the most skilful player on show wore the white shirt of Fulham. Mousa Dembele's close control, balance and vision was a pleasure to watch and the Belgium international left several markers for dead during the first-half exchanges.

The play ebbed and flowed towards the half hour mark as a goal for either side would seemingly tip the balance of the match. Sidwell almost swung it back in Fulham's favour again after 37 minutes with a left footed drive from 20 yards. On this occasion Friedel was not called into action as Sidwell's shot flew wide of goal.

Villa had an opportunity before the break from a set piece but the home side's opportunities were few and far between in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Fulham probed with a number of deliveries from out wide into the box but a final finish proved elusive.

Things looked to take a turn for the worse right before half time when Dembele limped off the pitch injured after taking an apparent knock to his right leg. The striker made it out for the second half in attempt to run the injury off but never looked comfortable.

Fulham made a bright start to the second period though and within five minutes of the restart, Sidwell almost pulled Fulham level once again.

However, Sidwell's fourth strike from distance paid dividends after 51 minutes when Friedel could only parry another stinging shot from 20 yards, with Andrew Johnson first on the scene to bravely head the ball home from six yards. Fulham were back in the game and deservedly so.

On the hour mark Mark Hughes made his first change of the match, replacing Pantsil with Carlos Salcido, with Chris Baird moved to right-back with the Mexican taking up his natural position on the left.

Just how well Andrew Johnson played on Saturday was highlighted by the reception the former Birmingham City striker was given throughout the game by the home supporters. Johnson was back to his best and showed the pace, movement and sharpness in front of goal that has proved so deadly at the top level over the years.

Twenty minutes from time the match was finely balanced with both sides probing for a winner, but it was Villa that took the upper hand with just over 15 minutes remaining. There was little Mark Schwarzer could do to stop Kyle Walker's right-footed strike from 30 yards. Walker's hit was true and arrowed into the far corner of the net.

Fulham came back at Villa from the restart and would just not lie down.
And after 78 minutes Dempsey pulled the game level with a headed goal from Damien Duff's corner. It was the US international's 10th goal of the season and once again, Fulham had earned their reward.
With ten minutes left the game was poised to go either way. Dempsey epitomised Fulham's fighting spirit and his never-say-die attitude was a credit to the man and his team.

Chris Baird was taking no prisoners either and was certainly not letting Ashley Young passed on 87 minutes. The defender picked up a booking for his efforts but Fulham remained resolute and solid during the final stages.
There was a brief appearance for Eidur Gudjohnsen during the final seconds of four minutes of injury time, with the Icelandic striker coming on for goalscorer Andrew Johnson.

Neither side could grab a late winner and a draw was, on reflection, a fair result. Credit must go to Hughes and his team who fought back on two occasions to take a well earned point back to SW6.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/AstonVillaAway.aspx#ixzz1DAOhUdE8

[White Noise]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/02/05/villa-2-2-fulham/


Villa 2-2 Fulham


Filed under: Match reports — rich @ 8:28 pm

Back and forth it went: first up Paintsil collapsed to meet a Downing cross and nodded in his third own goal of the season (13 mins).  Then AJ reacted quickly to a Friedel parry and headed bravely home for 1-1 (52). Then Kyle Walker (the furthest man back at the time) picked up a loose ball, beat Sidwell and blasted a daisy cutter past Mark Schwarzer from (conservatively) 25 yards (72).  Then Clint Dempsey climbed highest in the area and headed in another equaliser (78).  2-2.   Phew.  What a strange game.

Much to ponder, not least:  is Paintsil 'done for'?   In the week Mark Hughes addressed JP's contract situation (it expires this season) by not addressing it ('let's see how he plays'), and today Paintsil ended up being substituted on the hour.  It didn't seem entirely necessary but Paintsil isn't playing all that well.  He's never been particularly good going forwards, but if the defending goes wrong he's in trouble.  His common or garden play today was fair enough, but there were many places he could have headed Downing's cross, and again he was found wanting.   We must not forget that for all its narratives, sub-plots and intrigue, football is a simple game about goals for and against, and handing out cheap concessions is not what good teams do.   (Our own George Cohen reckons he got his England place because Sir Alf Ramsey lost trust in Jimmy Armfield after a dodgy backpass that led to a goal).

Otherwise we played quite well.  Not surprisingly, Villa were alive to what our players could do, so Murphy was forced to rove around in search of space, Dembele never quite broke free of his markers, Dempsey was shut out almost entirely (for the second straight game) and there was a general sense of our players needing at least one furtherpassing option when attacking:  as it was Villa shut down our angles extremely well, and for a long time many of our attempts (and there were a few) were fiercely contested or snuffed out before they became dangerous.

Speaking of fierce, our new number 7 had a stormer:  Steve Sidwell had much to prove, of course, but there was a real snap in his play, the kind of Bryan Robson performance that makes his lack of football in the last couple of years baffling.   He had several shots on goal, most of them decent, and of course it was his drive that Friedel parried for Johnson's equaliser.   He made some serious tackles too. Long may this continue; he looks like a phenomenal signing.

It's all there or thereabouts.   The team's playing well and usually we'd expect nothing from Villa Park.  That we got a point and could have had three says enough, especially given Villa's improvement in recent weeks.

[White Noise]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9388510.stm


Fulham boss Mark Hughes sets sights on top-10 finish 

Fulham manager Mark Hughes has targeted a top-10 finish in the Premier League after a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.

The Cottagers have eased any relegation fears by taking 11 points from a possible 18 and twice came back from a goal down to earn a point.

Hughes said: "The way we are playing we expect to dig something out of every game irrespective of the opposition.

"We want to get into the top 10 as we think that's where our performances and quality deserve to be."

Villa took the lead through a John Pantsil own goal before Andrew Johnson stooped to head the Cottagers level.

Kyle Walker's long-range strike put the hosts back in front only for Clint Dempsey's late header to give the visitors a share of the spoils.

"We had the setback with the own goal in the first 10-15 minutes when Villa were pressing," said Hughes.

"But after that I thought we came back really strongly, certainly in the first half.


Click to play
Click to play
Houllier hopes new players click soon
"We restricted them to very few chances and were in the ascendancy in the second half.

"We needed to get back into the game quickly, which we did after a great finish by Andy Johnson, who showed his quality in understanding what needed to be done to put the ball into the net.

"We had another setback with their second. We went again, showed good qualities and really took the game to Villa and got our reward and that's what we have been showing of late.

"We have got real belief in what we are doing and real determination. If we continue in that vein we will pick up a lot of points.

"We are all committed to what we are doing now. We are really positive home and away and you see that in our play.

"We commit players forward, we try to win games and we look strong physically as well."

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier was left ruing the fact his side were twice pegged back but he was encouraged by the signs of progress from his players.

"We dropped two points," said the Frenchman. "Had we got a second goal at 1-0 the game would have been over.

"But we have to be disappointed with ourselves, we have to blame ourselves.

"I'm disappointed with the result but not the performance. At times we played good football and are improving. But we need to be more clinical and ruthless.

"That was also the case when we played Manchester United here. In the final third, we must show more aggression. But it is a long season and we are learning.

"We could also have avoided both goals we conceded. We have enough height at the back.

"The players were disappointed with themselves but there are positives I can take from the game."

[White Noise]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9385528.stm


Aston Villa   2 - 2   Fulham


Dempsey has scored 10 goals for Fulham so far this season

By Mandeep Sanghera 


Clint Dempsey headed in a late equaliser to earn stubborn Fulham a draw at Aston Villa.

John Pantsil had gifted the home side the lead when he nodded a Stewart Downing cross into his own net.

The visitors hauled themselves level when Andrew Johnson headed in after Steve Sidwell's strike was parried by Villa keeper Brad Friedel.

Kyle Walker's stunning 30-yard drive restored Villa's lead only for Dempsey to equalise in the 78th minute.

It was Dempsey's 10th goal of the season and, although both teams had to settle for a point apiece from a finely balanced game, they provided an entertaining spectacle, showing why they have engineered revivals in form.

Having endured similar fortunes this season with troubled periods in the first half of the campaign - resulting in passing flirtations with the relegation zone - these sides have improved in recent weeks and a draw seemed fitting.

Their respective attacks have played a big part in their recoveries, with Villa splashing the cash on striker Darren Bent to help their cause, while Fulham have looked more of a threat with Moussa Dembele and Johnson leading their line during a sustained run in the side following injury.

With a place in the top half of the table within striking distance for both teams, Villa appeared the more determined to grasp the opportunity early on as they quickly started to overwhelm the visitors.

Downing produced a surging run from the left, cut inside and struck a low drive which Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer managed to get a hand to.

And, despite Bent slotting in the loose ball, he was ruled marginally offside before Villa took the lead.

There was a pace and directness about Downing, who ended another run with a cross which Pantsil nodded across goal and into his own net in the 13th minute.

It was the Fulham right-back's third own goal this season and he has yet to register a goal for the Cottagers at the right end of the pitch.

Villa were showing some slick touches and there was a rugged resoluteness to their play but Fulham were putting in a hard-working shift to keep them at arm's length, ensuring the home side did not add to their lead.

However, the visitors struggled to make an impact in the final third, with a Sidwell shot which swerved the wrong side of the post their main chance of the first half.

It was a different story after the break, as the midfielder, who had left the Midlands club for Fulham in the January transfer window, played an integral part in the equaliser.

He again let loose from long range and, after Friedel parried his stinging strike, ex-Birmingham City striker Johnson stooped to nod in a leveller after 52 minutes.

Just as the Cottagers appeared to be taking control, on-loan Tottenham right-back Walker popped up to drift past Sidwell and fire a low strike into the bottom corner.

The lead lasted just six minutes as Friedel failed to meet a Danny Murphy corner and Dempsey headed in.

Friedel made amends for his mistake by blocking a Johnson strike as Fulham threatened to steal a win before the home side ended up holding on for a draw.

[White Noise]

Gerard Houllier hopes new Villa players 'click' soon - Video Interview -


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/9388727.stm

[White Noise]

Positive Fulham approach delights Mark Hughes - Video interview -


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9388707.stm

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6729492,00.html

Dempsey pleased to reach ten


Fulham forward wants to carry on scoring


Last updated: 5th February 2011   


Dempsey: Reaches double figures


Fulham forward Clint Dempsey is pleased that he has made double figures for goals for the first time in his career at the Cottagers.

The American international scored a vital header at Aston Villa on Saturday to make the game 2-2, despite having a relatively quiet game throughout.

Dempsey joined Fulham in 2007 from New England Revolution, but has never managed to reach more than nine goals for the club.

However, now that he had overtaken that margin, he was eager to continue scoring and see how many he could get this season.

"I always wanted to get to double digits, I came close a few times getting nine, but it feels good and hopefully I'll push on from here," he said.

"We've got some more games left so I'll just see how many I can get.

"I didn't get on the ball as much as I'd have liked and ended up playing a bit more defensive than I'd have liked. But sometimes you've got to grind out results and we've got a good point, especially coming from behind."

Good run

The 27-year-old paid tribute to the team for their fightback, and that the competition for places now at Craven Cottage was making the players work harder and maintain a high standard.

"We're on a good run of form so we'll keep it going right now, we're almost mid-table and looking to push on from there.

"There's more competition for spots and I think we can finish the season strongly.

"When you're down at the bottom it's definitely difficult, but we've got ourselves out of that position and now we're trying to move up."

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3284303,00.html


Plucky Fulham hold Villa

Friedel errors cost home side all three points


Last updated: 5th February 2011    


Johnson: Equalised for Fulham


Man of the match: Steve Sidwell showed Villa boss Gerard Houllier that he may have been hasty in selling him. He was the fulcrum of Fulham's good play and at times looked a better player than his replacement last month - Jean Makoun.

Goal of the match: Kyle Walker's excellent 25-yard bullet that went straight into Mark Schwarzer's bottom corner. Walker made the goal from nothing, bursting through the centre of midfield to unleash a great finish.

Save of the match: Brad Friedel didn't have his best game, but his save at the very end from Andy Johnson with his legs was vital.

Shot of the match: Chris Baird's late volley that went just wide of goal following a corner.

Moment of the match: John Pantsil's bad luck continued as he scored his second own goal in the space of ten days with a header into his own bottom corner.

Talking points: Both sides definitely look too good to go down, but Fulham will go home the happier. Can both teams push for a top half finish?.

Clint Dempsey rescued a point for Fulham as he levelled late on to claim at 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.

In a close match at Villa Park, Villa took the lead through another unfortunate own goal from John Pantsil, before Andy Johnson levelled for the Cottagers shortly after half-time.

Kyle Walker then struck a bullet from around 25 yards into the bottom corner with less than 20 minutes remaining, but Dempsey, who had a quiet game throughout, was on hand to head home Danny Murphy's corner six minutes later.

It will go down as a bad day for Villa keeper Brad Friedel, who was rarely tested, but parried Steve Sidwell's shot straight into Johnson's path to score, before being caught in no-mans land for Dempsey's equaliser.

Villa dominated the first half with winger Stewart Downing causing plenty of problems and linking up well with full-back Walker down the right flank.

Newcomer Jean Makoun also impressed in the middle of the park and Villa deservedly led through the unfortunate Pantsil.

He had also scored an own goal in the corresponding fixture last season.

But it was a different story in the second half as Villa lost momentum and the visitors grew in confidence with skipper Murphy impressive in the middle of the park.

Villa were first to settle and Downing made a powerful run into the Fulham box and saw his low shot parried by Mark Schwarzer.

Record Villa signing Darren Bent was alert to tuck away the rebound but he had strayed marginally offside.

Downing was looking sharp and it was his quality which led to a Pantsil own goal giving Villa the lead after 13 minutes.

Makoun found the England winger on the right flank and he cut inside before delivering a teasing centre with the outside of his left foot.

Pressure
Pantsil, under pressure from Gabriel Agbonlahor, could only head the ball past Schwarzer into the corner of the net.

Former Villa midfielder Sidwell had Fulham's first shot on goal after 18 minutes but Friedel was equal to his swerving drive from 20 yards.

Downing was causing constant problems down the right flank with his runs and testing crosses.

A mistake by Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov allowed Mousa Dembele a free run at the penalty area.

But, after the ball broke to Duff, Villa left-back Ciaran Clark was alert to block his low shot.

Sidwell was only just wide of the target with a low shot which had Friedel scrambling across his goal.

Another error from Petrov played Makoun into trouble and Mousa Dembele tried to take advantage but James Collins made a typical block.

Sidwell brought danger to his side when he brought down Petrov 30 yards out in a central position.

Downing's shot was blocked but Makoun's follow-up effort was only just wide.

Villa began the second half on top and Schwarzer held on to a drive from Agbonlahor.

Bent then failed to make proper contact with a shot after making good ground.

Sidwell was providing the main threat for Fulham and Collins deflected his low attempt for a corner.


Level

But after 52 minutes former Birmingham striker Johnson brought Fulham level.

Friedel parried another shot from Sidwell - and Johnson was first to react to the rebound.

Clark could have restored Villa's lead immediately but failed to make clean contact with his header from Downing's centre.

Agbonlahor then teed up Young but he sliced his shot wide.

Young was yellow carded for a challenge on Sidwell after 62 minutes.

After 72 minutes a long-range strike from Walker restored Villa's lead.

Walker had time to line up a 25-yard shot which flew past Schwarzer into the corner of the net.

Petrov was booked for a foul on Sidwell with 13 minutes remaining and 60 seconds later Fulham levelled for the second time.

Friedel came out for but never reached Murphy's corner and Dempsey headed home.

Tempers became frayed and Makoun was yellow carded for a challenge on Dempsey and then Baird for chopping down Young.

Friedel did however make a fine save to block Johnson's powerful drive with a minute remaining.


Aston Villa
Team Statistics
Fulham

2 Goals
2

1 1st Half Goals
0

3 Shots on Target
5

5 Shots off Target
5

3 Blocked Shots
4

3 Corners
6

15 Fouls
12

2 Offsides
1

3 Yellow Cards
2

0 Red Cards
0

77 Passing Success
78.6

22 Tackles
18

68.2 Tackles Success
72.2

55.9 Possession
44.1

45.7 Territorial Advantage
54.3