FoF MOTM Fulham 2 V 1 Brighton and post match thread = Wilson

[Woolly Mammoth]

One day Kent will say something positive about FFC. 

I doubt it.

[Deeping_white]

Seeing a lot of Brighton fans claiming Welbeck wasn't offside, which I really don't get because his foot and entire arm were offside and it wasn't anywhere near as close as some decisions in recent weeks

[demeant0r]

Seeing a lot of Brighton fans claiming Welbeck wasn't offside, which I really don't get because his foot and entire arm were offside and it wasn't anywhere near as close as some decisions in recent weeks

Probably wanted the 5cm treatment Liverpool got

[iansthailand]

It's a good job we're only 7th. God help is if we drop to 10h on here.

WE WON, I don't CARE how we won, we took the 3 points and that's all that matters.

We move on to the next match.

oh and Chukkie for me.

Only difference, voted for Andersen

[iansthailand]

It's a good job we're only 7th. God help is if we drop to 10h on here.

WE WON, I don't CARE how we won, we took the 3 points and that's all that matters.

We move on to the next match.

oh and Chukkie for me.

Only difference, voted for Andersen

Though Wilson wins it for us I voted Raul for two reasons. First being the only one I would not have substituted after the first half and second he puts in such a shift considering his age most weeks. Had it been him injured I doubt we would be in the position we currently are.

Thought his hold up play was a bit off today but give him his due he battles for 90+ minutes.

[Matt10]

It was a MOTM moment for Wilson, so I went with him. However, I'd just as soon give it to Castagne who got us out of a lot of trouble multiple times. Yes, he did some of his own in causing that trouble early on, but after being settled into the match, he was absolutely incredible. It's not easy having to mark someone like Mitoma and the center forward at the same time, and he did it brilliantly.

[jayffc]

Seeing a lot of Brighton fans claiming Welbeck wasn't offside, which I really don't get because his foot and entire arm were offside and it wasn't anywhere near as close as some decisions in recent weeks

Agree, super weird and assuming it can only be for clicks? Cos both whole arm and foot look well off. Certainly not a 5cm situation so not getting the moaning really

[bencher]

Seeing a lot of Brighton fans claiming Welbeck wasn't offside, which I really don't get because his foot and entire arm were offside and it wasn't anywhere near as close as some decisions in recent weeks

Agree, super weird and assuming it can only be for clicks? Cos both whole arm and foot look well off. Certainly not a 5cm situation so not getting the moaning really

Hurzeler's comments post-match mentioned it depends on when you freeze the frame for the moment of the pass. I suppose there's some credibility to that point in theory but assuming the same method for determining the moment of the pass is used in every VAR check then you have to just stick to a system, and these marginal cases will sometimes be onside and sometimes offside.

I accept the argument that these probably should all be treated as level and onside because what actual advantage does the attacker gain, but the rules are what they are.

[Angus Telford]

Seeing a lot of Brighton fans claiming Welbeck wasn't offside, which I really don't get because his foot and entire arm were offside and it wasn't anywhere near as close as some decisions in recent weeks

Agree, super weird and assuming it can only be for clicks? Cos both whole arm and foot look well off. Certainly not a 5cm situation so not getting the moaning really

Hurzeler's comments post-match mentioned it depends on when you freeze the frame for the moment of the pass. I suppose there's some credibility to that point in theory but assuming the same method for determining the moment of the pass is used in every VAR check then you have to just stick to a system, and these marginal cases will sometimes be onside and sometimes offside.

I accept the argument that these probably should all be treated as level and onside because what actual advantage does the attacker gain, but the rules are what they are.

Swings and roundabouts.
Went against us vs Liverpool, in our favour yesterday.
Ultimately we were battering them until switching off and letting them score a freak goal against the run of play - had it not been for that, we looked like cruising to a solid 2-0 or 3-0 win.
They can't really complain.

[Andrew]

I know wilson scored a brilliant winner and we all live him but he had a poor game and probably should have been subbed for his lack of any worthwhile input. the goal was brilliant I obviously loved it but dies that really mean he is MoM? Chukka made a real impact when he was on the right, much more influential than Wilson and I think he is the only one capable of scoring that goal.

That is my opinion.

[WindyCity]

I agree with many here that this wasn't one of FFC's better moments, but three points gained is always welcome, and the lads should be happy with that result, and so am I and fans in the forum.  My vote for motm went to Chukwueze.  The team seemed (along with other subs) more in tune when he came on, and a terrific goal scored to equalize.  Going full speed and controlling the ball, and settling it down to easily slot home was exceptional, the kid really has some talent.  Also, of course, well done to Wilson on the game winner.  He's in great form. 

Thought Chuckwueze, Sessegnon, Jimenez had good games.  One thing you can always say about Jimenez is that he always puts in a shift, even at his advanced age.
Thought poor games from Robinson, Kevin, Berge, ESR, Castagne.  Iwobi also not at his best.
Leno should have done much better on the goal allowed.  Though he did make a very good save near end of game to keep score tied.

[Matt10]

Other than the momentum they got when they scored the goal, I'm not sure exactly how we are said to have played poor. I think it was fairly even, with good matchups all-around. Both teams were able to hold onto the ball and try their best to break each defenses down. We did quite well against the press, allowing multiple runs to be freed up. Just because some things didn't work it doesn't mean it was poor - it just means those players learned the patterns of play. For me, Berge consistently figures those patterns out the soonest than anyone.

This was the same type of issue that individuals had with Pereira. His moments didn't always come off, but he would try them regardless, to learn the patterns. Now individuals are upset with Berge because he doesn't take those same chances. I mean, where is he supposed to play forward to? Into the midpoint of the high press? Here, let's play a square ball to a man right on your back Iwobi. No, what Berge does is he changes the point of attack by absorbing the press, does a quick scan and a half-turn later - good bye - you won't get the ball of of him. He is as classic of a pivot/anchor as they come. Drops between the center backs to create that 3 v 2 + 1 (Keeper) that attracts all the press. He lost the ball 1 time in yesterday's match...as a 6 who had to play on the left and right side of the center midfield. The response will be "Yes, but he's passed it backwards", correct - you're absolutely correct - but why would a pass backwards be dangerous against a press? To isolate those who stay further up. That's exactly how we created our chances, and that's exactly how Andersen found Chuk for the 1st goal.

Where we struggled vs Leeds was because of their mid-block against us. Much less space for us to exploit. We tried the same type of move where the ball goes backwards and Andersen can try a long ball or play it out wide to Castagne. He opted to play Castagne because Leeds central midfielders are always prepared to drop back after trying to trap press (1 ball carrier, 3-4 defending players), not to mention they had an entire 5 across that prevented us from getting deep enough unless we managed some combination play. So we had more possession in the middle third as they dropped into their shape, but the lack of strong width on the right side in the Sess vs Gudmundsson battle, that hard work done by Castagne and Andersen went wasted. Wilson played the 10 role just how he did in the Chuk goal vs Brighton, and even tried the same movements such as dropping deep onto the right hand side to support Castagne, with no such luck.

[copthornemike]

I think we need a new RB to compete with Tete because Castagne is not very good,

Agree, although I'd say at this point we know Tete is only good for a part season so really I'd like to see us sign a new first choice

Wouldn't mind a return for Van Ewijk in the summer
I think Castagne has generally been a good backup prem RB. But Marcos system doesn't really suit him, by his own admission. So think we'd do well to explore other options and let him get his move this summer

When Robinson and Tete are playing at their top levels then Castagne does look poor in comparison as he does not have either's out and out pace. But when either has been injured then I cannot think of many better back ups in the EPL.
Mitoma has made a fool of many a FB but, bearing in mind Brighton double teamed out wide on our right, he did pretty well, put in a few good crosses and made a vital goal clearance when Brighton were 1-0 ahead.
As a squad we are really fortunate to have his versatility.

[iansthailand]

Seeing a lot of Brighton fans claiming Welbeck wasn't offside, which I really don't get because his foot and entire arm were offside and it wasn't anywhere near as close as some decisions in recent weeks

Agree, super weird and assuming it can only be for clicks? Cos both whole arm and foot look well off. Certainly not a 5cm situation so not getting the moaning really

Hurzeler's comments post-match mentioned it depends on when you freeze the frame for the moment of the pass. I suppose there's some credibility to that point in theory but assuming the same method for determining the moment of the pass is used in every VAR check then you have to just stick to a system, and these marginal cases will sometimes be onside and sometimes offside.

I accept the argument that these probably should all be treated as level and onside because what actual advantage does the attacker gain, but the rules are what they are.

Much the same with the Wirtz goal for Liverpool against us.
Sorry Angus should read to the end before opening my big mouth.

[perry geyton]

Anderson a well earned MOTM for me, Castagne bad passing, Kenny is so much better, Cuenca solid again, Robinson huffing and puffing but crossing woeful per usual, kevin a few bright sparks but faded, ESR playing well no complaints, Berge solid per usual, Iwobi good, Wilson ok game but that free kick 🔥
Raul great hold up play, put in a good shift, Sess far more effective then AR can cross a ball and defended well, TC game changer, came on and steadied the ship took control of the game, Chuck brilliant sign him on a permanent, Josh came on and caused havoc very efficient, Adama did he come on I can't remember ?
Leno quality as always

[KentFulham]

Anderson a well earned MOTM for me, Castagne bad passing, Kenny is so much better, Cuenca solid again, Robinson huffing and puffing but crossing woeful per usual, kevin a few bright sparks but faded, ESR playing well no complaints, Berge solid per usual, Iwobi good, Wilson ok game but that free kick 🔥
Raul great hold up play, put in a good shift, Sess far more effective then AR can cross a ball and defended well, TC game changer, came on and steadied the ship took control of the game, Chuck brilliant sign him on a permanent, Josh came on and caused havoc very efficient, Adama did he come on I can't remember ?
Leno quality as always

Don't remember Adama coming on. Mostly agree except Berge who had a stinker and Leno should be doing better at the near post from distance

[Twig]

Anderson a well earned MOTM for me, Castagne bad passing, Kenny is so much better, Cuenca solid again, Robinson huffing and puffing but crossing woeful per usual, kevin a few bright sparks but faded, ESR playing well no complaints, Berge solid per usual, Iwobi good, Wilson ok game but that free kick 🔥
Raul great hold up play, put in a good shift, Sess far more effective then AR can cross a ball and defended well, TC game changer, came on and steadied the ship took control of the game, Chuck brilliant sign him on a permanent, Josh came on and caused havoc very efficient, Adama did he come on I can't remember ?
Leno quality as always

Adama was not on the bench.

[Woolly Mammoth]

It was a MOTM moment for Wilson, so I went with him. However, I'd just as soon give it to Castagne who got us out of a lot of trouble multiple times. Yes, he did some of his own in causing that trouble early on, but after being settled into the match, he was absolutely incredible. It's not easy having to mark someone like Mitoma and the center forward at the same time, and he did it brilliantly.

Yes I take your point and agree, and although Castagne can have an indifferent game at times. On Saturday he had the ability to recover from set backs and mistakes, and contributed to Fulham winning this match.
That shows a fighting character and strong mentality.
We have match winners like Wilson and match savers like Castagne.
Not a bad ingredient.
May I emphasise and I am sure you will agree, that it is important that we have characters and warriors in our team to recover from set backs and errors, That is what successful teams do with the right Leadership.
Despite our blips at times we are in a lofty position in the League and still in the FA Cup which gives the players the carrot they need to fight on two fronts, injuries permitting and purchasing a playmaker in midfield and another striker this week if negotiations go well this coming week.

[keith]

Watching the game again, couldn't help
 Being impressed by Anderson. He's always talking to the players, like Berge and his pass for the first goal was top class .

[Woolly Mammoth]

Watching the game again, couldn't help
 Being impressed by Anderson. He's always talking to the players, like Berge and his pass for the first goal was top class .

Yes Anderson masters the defence well and is a Leader, and leadership is important.
I note that the last time I looked, if I have checked properly there were only 7 other teams with a better goals against record than us, which is encouraging.
Our goals for record shows there is room for improvement and I hope our crack recruitment unit has also identified that ongoing issue which half the population this side of the equator are fully aware.