FoF MOTM Fulham 3 V 0 Wumbledon and post match thread = Shea Charles

[Matt10]

Good performance although Wimbledon didnt test us nearly enough to give us any real answers concerning Andersen, Tete and so on.

Charles had a really good game and was my man of the match. Very good passer and controlled the game without making much noise.however, yet again: Wimbledon didnt really put up much of a fight and Charles never really was put under any sort of pressure.

Lovely game from Zepa as well. Honourable mention

I think for when he was called upon, Andersen did just fine.

Although I wouldn't mind to see Charles at the RCB spot. I think his composure is good, reads the game well, and he's very strong. I think his passing needs improvement though as he gave the ball away 3x in the first half. I don't mind that from a learning perspective though, but in the same way there was upset about Iwobi doing it in preseason, Charles has to be held to the same standard.

[jayffc]

Seems like a great chance for queens radio gaga :

All I hear is , gonzalo Garcia , Gonzalo Garcia , Gon-zalo

The hammy end has gone with

Gonzalo lo
Always believe in your soul
You got the power to know
You're indestructible
Always believe in
Gonzalo

(To gold by slandeu ballet)

[bahay18]

Yeah it's good maybe opportunity missed as you can get the Mercury hand claps in there too

[bahay18]

It was also important we won tonight, you don't want a manager that doesn't win games . Pleased he is off the mark even if lower league opposition.

[love4ffc]

ESR was our best player today over the 90 minutes.

Was that ESR first 90minutes? 

[@jolslover]

No ones mentioned him yet but I thought Palacios looked brilliant.

Some of his touches and linkup with Garcia looked superb. One outside of boot pass he did was sublime.

Him and Garcia looked a level above - hoping we can get another Madrid player in to join them.

[Porthogs FC]

Today made me feel like Kevin goes bye-bye and if we need to, Berge. But we need another 6 or 8, plus replacing Kevin, plus CB and RW

[Porthogs FC]

Today made me feel like Kevin goes bye-bye and if we need to, Berge. But we need another 6 or 8, plus replacing Kevin, plus CB and RW

Also - the reason I say this is Charles. What a stud.

[ClintDempseysBottleOpener]

Charles was fantastic in his natural position and out of it at cb. Just got on with it, stringing attacks together without being overly noticeable.

Honorable mention to Smith Rowe, mad loads of chances in a demanding CAM role. He will be a great understudy to King this season.

Zepa looks very promising, lots of appetite to attack space and take on his man.

Overall very solid performance from the understudies.

One concern is even against AFC this is a very demanding job for the CBs.

[F(f)CUK]

Went for Tete because of his two crosses combined with his overall play. Could easily have gone for Charles or LDF.

[Woolly Mammoth]

I thought Charles was great, some fantastic passes, some basic passes but did everything 100%

If he isnt the bedrock of the team by the end of the season then I will eat my hat

I hope your hat tastes nice because I will eat it with you. Charles has the makings of a Key player for years to come. These games can be banana skins but I thought overall considering the changes there was a pattern of play. Plenty of positives.
A tougher test Sunday but tonight's performance and result will stand us in good stead.

[Plodder]

Smith-Rowe or Charles for me, but most of the team put in a decent performance.

I am not as carried away with Zepa as others are, who voted him MoM.  I am pleased for him to get a chance so early in his career.  You don't get a contract with  a Premier League team unless you have a lot of talent, so by definition we know he is a talented player.  However, taking into account the quality of the opposition, the amount of space the opposition gave him, and the amount of possession he  was given to attack the tiring, isolated left back, I wasn't in awe of his performance.  Clearly he has ability and potential, but it is way too early to think of him even contending for a place in the matchday squad on a regular basis..

[LC]

I only saw the highlights, I was very impressed with Zepa. I think he's ready to contribute this season

[Deuce]

Good performance although Wimbledon didnt test us nearly enough to give us any real answers concerning Andersen, Tete and so on.

Charles had a really good game and was my man of the match. Very good passer and controlled the game without making much noise.however, yet again: Wimbledon didnt really put up much of a fight and Charles never really was put under any sort of pressure.

Lovely game from Zepa as well. Honourable mention

I think for when he was called upon, Andersen did just fine.

Although I wouldn't mind to see Charles at the RCB spot. I think his composure is good, reads the game well, and he's very strong. I think his passing needs improvement though as he gave the ball away 3x in the first half. I don't mind that from a learning perspective though, but in the same way there was upset about Iwobi doing it in preseason, Charles has to be held to the same standard.

Agree, but it was quite evident that he, and the rest of the team, was just Leagues above Wimbledon (literally as well of course). Wimbledon hoofed it quite a lot of times and that is one of Andersens strengths.

We'll see how he coupes in this system when faced with Brobbey, Adingra.

Same goes for Charles. Interesting to see his passing when under much more pressure. Personally, Id keep him as that deep lying playmaker rather than cb, but its a nice option to have

[Deuce]

Smith-Rowe or Charles for me, but most of the team put in a decent performance.

I am not as carried away with Zepa as others are, who voted him MoM.  I am pleased for him to get a chance so early in his career.  You don't get a contract with  a Premier League team unless you have a lot of talent, so by definition we know he is a talented player.  However, taking into account the quality of the opposition, the amount of space the opposition gave him, and the amount of possession he  was given to attack the tiring, isolated left back, I wasn't in awe of his performance.  Clearly he has ability and potential, but it is way too early to think of him even contending for a place in the matchday squad on a regular basis..

I agree. I think people tend to exaggerate how good we were without taking into consideration that Wimbledon played really cautious and defensive.

However, with a youngster like Zepa you have to take his age into account when judging his performance, and try and see what he can build on. And on that account, I think he showed promise without me wanting him to start against Sunderland. So I agree that his performance on its own wasnt spectacular, but taking everything else into it I was impressed

A loan spell for L1 or Championship side would do him well

[JimmyConway]

Thought the opposition were quite poor on the night expected a bit more of a test as opposed to setting up as if it was The Alamo?
Charles was the standout player personally for me that role looks a natural fit. Tete had a good game and ESR showed good technical ability at times it's a lack of a yard that might see him be more squad than regular starter? though a good balanced midfield might be able to afford the luxury of picking him regularly.
Muniz done well directing the header but overall performance from him was average at best. Reed kept going sideways & back been training with Berge & Lukic to long and it's rubbed off? So many frightened midfielders in todays football.
Saw a glimpse of Bobb going outside the full back to the by line which was encouraging as his trademark has been coming inside since arriving. Zepo & Nwoko both done reasonably well as did Fougerolles though he probably won't get any quieter nights than yesterday's.
Good to get a win as a lost might of seen a early creek what with a new manager new system and the way social media tends to work.

[Fulham 1879]

Some exaggerated praise for Charles. He had a very decent second half but poorly executed three not too difficult passes in the first half. He made himself far more available than Berge, though, which was a big positive.

[Moltobueno]

Went for Tete, good attacking contribution.

Really liked Zepa, fast, sharp and eager to get into box. Don't see any reason why he would be worse option than Kevin/Bobb

[Information]

Attendance: 17,714 (Away: 4,973)

[Count Flapula]

We took time to grow into the match but once we did we totally dominated.

Yes the opposition was limited but so often you see a "second string" side huff and puff/look disjointed - you could see these guys in the main stepped up, bought into the new system and fought for their places. There were so many positives to take.

Agree that Charles, ESR, Tete the main contenders for MOM.

I've made the point previously that ESR's combination play and 1-2's are a key feature of this game so his level raises when playing with better players who are intelligent and on the same wavelength. His passing interchange with GG before the latter shot just wide is a perfect example of that - also of what an intelligent player GG is. Gonzalo has a lot of tools in his locker but the key for me is his football IQ - his speed of thought and decision making with the ball are top class. We have got a hell of a player on our hands - best young striker since Saha.

Great cameos also from Zepa and Palacios. Whilst Zepa is explosive pace and a bit raw with his decision making, a quick turn and through ball for ESR at one point does indicate he has end product in his locker, but does need to work on when to take a player on/shoot and when to realise passing to a better placed team mate is the right option. Palacios on the other hand, while less explosive, already looks very composed with a quick brain, eye for a pass and incredible technique. We really do have some promising youngsters on our hands. Even Nwonkwo looked very lively when he came on in midfield. Having AA in charge should give our academy players real belief that they can truly get a chance if they show promise and improve. It's amazing what a difference belief and opportunity can do for a young player's development.

Was great to see Muniz score a good header after such a tough time last season. You could see he wasn't fit after being out with back surgery and back injuries wasn't something you can rush back from/play through pain with like a broken toe etc. A fit and confident Muniz is a handful at Premier League level as we have seen. Too many people too quick to permanently write off players who are coming back from injury (it's the same with Jedi). Both fit now so let's see what they can do.

Maybe with the likes of Zepa, Iwobi, even Gonzalo (if Muniz can continue to find his feet again) can play RW if Bobb's out so perhaps the lack of names linked indicates AA willing to give the youngsters a chance there?

Hopefully FigRoll's injury won't keep him out too long but AA had his head in his hands after speaking to the physio on the bench at one point. We definitely need that new RCB in - and pronto.