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

[love4ffc]

Fulham controlled possession throughout the first half, but it still took 37 minutes to break down the AFC Wimbledon defense. The goals from ESR and Muniz were both well taken, with Muniz's finish standing out as especially well worked.

It was also encouraging to see Arbeloa introduce the youth players once Fulham were 2–0 up. Zepa looked particularly bright, nearly capping his appearance with a fine shot that drifted just wide. The only concern was De Fougerolles coming off; hopefully it is nothing serious. 

Garcia looks like the real deal with that lovely third goal.  One would assume that he is the starting #9 going forward.  Most importantly, Fulham are through to the next round against West Ham.

[Southcoastffc]

I voted for Shea Charles.  Albeit 'only' Wimbledon he looked calm, unflustered and solid.

[sunburywhite]

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

[Carborundum]

Tete.  Presented with a resolute low block, it's great when a full back can unpick the lock from out wide.  He did it twice, after which it was never in doubt.

[Chi_FFC]

ESR was our best player today over the 90 minutes.

[sunburywhite]

LDF had a good game

[SimonDaviesEnjoyer]

I didn't watch the game but it's encouraging that everyone on here and on twitter are saying different people.

[KentFulham]

Fulham controlled possession throughout the first half, but it still took 37 minutes to break down the AFC Wimbledon defense. The goals from ESR and Muniz were both well taken, with Muniz's finish standing out as especially well worked.

It was also encouraging to see Arbeloa introduce the youth players once Fulham were 2–0 up. Zepa looked particularly bright, nearly capping his appearance with a fine shot that drifted just wide. The only concern was De Fougerolles coming off; hopefully it is nothing serious. 

Garcia looks like the real deal with that lovely third goal.  One would assume that he is the starting #9 going forward.  Most importantly, Fulham are through to the next round against West Ham.

Garcia is 100% the number 9. He is lightyears ahead

[Fulham 1879]

I'm going to give it to Zepa because it was an opportunity and he took it with both hands. A lot of good performances though. Bobb and, to a lesser extent, Kevin were the only players who were a bit underwhelming. Very pleased with the way we kept a very high tempo for 90 minutes and we showed a lot of variation in attack. Under Silva it was too much wing it and cross it. Let's give AA plenty of time to build a team in his own image.

[General]

Shea Charles for me - admittedly it was against AFC Wimbledon and they're two leagues below, but he looked fantastic - calm, composed, mixed up his duties both as a shield for the CBs, and then even going into CB to replace LDF once he got injured. Played a lovely mix of passes, keeping it simple and then showing off some creativity with some drifted passes and some fizzed ones through the lines. Don't think he put a foot wrong all game.

Definitely would like to see what he'd be like as a starter for us.

Lovely to see Muniz and ESR on the scoresheet and a lovely finish from Garcia too.

All in all a good run out and a professional job. Liking the fact it feels like everyone's bought in to Arbeloa's tactics and style of play. Dominated both games so far.

Noticed he took off Andersen on the hour mark, and Bobb not too soon after, imagine it was protecting them with the weekend in mind.

[General]

Gonalzo's goal for those who've not seen it: https://x.com/futballcenta/status/2093079769839464754

[demeant0r]

Didn't get to watch it. How was the defence today?

[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

[AnOldBrownie]

Tete grew into the game.   MOTM was him or ESR.

Thought Shea Charles looked professional and in control.

[Deuce]

Didn't get to watch it. How was the defence today?

Barely tested by Wimbledon. They had one or two decent chances at the start of the game but overall never really put our defence to the test today. We out played them and they never seemed a threat in transition either so. As I wrote previously, this game didnt give us any answers really other than fitness exercise for the lads

[Woolly Mammoth]

So many good performances from different players.
Wimbledon did not lay down, Fulham had to earn their victory.
ECR, Charles, Garcia, Tete & Zeppa all stood out.
No one had a bad game.
Every time Zeppa got the ball you felt something was going to happen.
Garcia on the two times I have seen him looks sharp, confident, has genuine desire and his anticipation makes him dangerous, creates space with his mobility and he punches his weight.

[Matt10]

ESR was our best player today over the 90 minutes.

Same, just so composed and quick in his decision making, deft with his touches and turns. Could've had a couple goals and assists to his name easily. Happy to see him put in a full match too.

[demeant0r]

So any bets on how many goals GG can get this season? Probably close to 20 in all comps

[bahay18]

Seems like a great chance for queens radio gaga :

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

[jayffc]

Garcia just looks a level above everyone on the pitch
Albeit he joined the game once it had already opened up. But what a class act he is. Palacios nice in flashes too.

Good game from ESR and glad for him and Muniz to get a goal. Both much needed. You could see from Muniz reaction how much he needed that, hopefully it loosens him up but must be hard after the year he's had then watching Gonzalo come in and set things alight

Tete with what might be a parting gift, a wonderful cross in for Muniz goal. When fit he's just a fantastic fullback. And he might bit have endless pace to burn but he is so assured. A class act and one of if not my favourite Fulham RB. If this is goodbye then it was an ever reliable and impressive one

Credit to Zepa, he still has alot of work to do on his decision making but he looks full of confidence this year and as ever he raw potential and pace and strength off a standing start are great as ever. If he can just then pick out his man or finish well he had the raw tools to really ascend. Hope that's something we can coach into him. Fingers crossed

Luc DF was class. Shame about the injury,hope it doesn't stop him getting his loan if that's what we go for.

And Shea Charles, looks a real assured talent. You can tell he's been at a top academy , has that assured feel to him of a top player. So young too, good early signs

Good game in which we completely dominated, love to see it

Credit to Reedy. Unsung and did all the right things for what was required of him