The View from South Texas -- Norwich City v. Fulham FC

[BarryP]

In Roy Hodgson's day, Fulham would approach a league match at an inferior opponent's ground with the idea of stationing 10 players in their own half and going for the 0-0. This was usually a successful tactic  and only resulted in a few suicides by bored home supporters. Things are different now that Fulham are playing Martin Jol Sexy Football. Now we do our sideways and backwards passing further up the field. Instead of overtly playing negatively as under Hodgson, Fulham now appear to want to make attacking forays, but find it incapable of stringing more that three passes together. Under Hodgson, we had a well-drilled unit where everyone on the pitch knew his role and those of his teammates – all the better to execute the away boredom efficiently. Martin Jol Sexy Football differs as his Fulham have as little interaction among defense, midfield, and attack as possible. Furthermore, it is necessary for the team to appear to be composed of eleven highly skilled players who first met earlier that day.

And so Fulham traveled to Carrow Road to play a dispirited and ragged Norwich City. If there is a team more ripe for the taking on the road, I have no idea who it might be. Lacking two legitimate goal scoring threats, and fielding a defense that is easier to rip apart than a lovesick teenager's heart, Norwich were almost begging to be trampled underfoot. Fulham, not satisfied with disappointing its own fans, also ruined Norwich's date with destiny. Instead, Fulham dropped two points and handed Norwich one they never came close to deserving.

You and I have differing opinions about this one HD. Personally, I don't think any team can expect to rip the Canaries apart on their home pitch. Fulham joined the ranks of United and Arsenal in being shut out at Carrow Road where only Citeh and Liverpool have scored more than one. In fact, with Bassong in the lineup only Citeh have managed that feat in the Prem. I would say that Norwich with Bassong mimic Roy's Fulham with Brede.

[NogoodBoyo]

We won't see Bassong in the Sound of Music after that blow to his wind-pipe.  That is one tough mud-rucker.
Nogood "even if he is a yellow shirt-wearing canary, isit" Boyo

[Forever Fulham]

Brilliantly entertaining and fair report.  "He dived more often than a panicky U-boat skipper."   064.gif

One of the reasons there was little passing was that when a Fulham player had the ball he had no options. Nobody got into a position to receive the ball. You watch a team like Arsenal and when a player has the ball, there are 3 players in space wanting it. Why do our players content themselves with being static, standing close to opponents (its not their marking). This is basic football that you teach to kids.

I agree 100%.  This is my biggest peeve with the players.  Why aren't they constantly moving to get open, to be clear targets for the ball carrier?