Monday Fulham Stuff (21/11/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Inspired Schwarzer salvages draw for Fulham

Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer earned Fulham a 0-0 draw at Sunderland with a superb save in stoppage time at the Stadium of Light overnight.

Schwarzer ensured the Cottagers returned to London with a point when he managed to block Stephane Sessegnon's goal-bound shot with his leg despite being sent the wrong way by a wicked deflection.

The former Middlesbrough star's heroics were tough on Sunderland, who had earlier hit the woodwork through Kieran Richardson and Jack Colback.Sunderland have now won only two of their 12 Premier League games this season and, like Fulham, they remain just two points above the relegation zone.

The Black Cats might have gone in at the break two goals to the good, but equally could have headed for the dressing room trailing by the same margin after a half in which both sides created chances.

Richardson was the unlucky man with nine minutes gone when he met Sessegnon's left-wing cross with a header which wrong-footed Schwarzer, but clipped the top of the crossbar.

Seven minutes later, it was Colback who was left cursing the frame of the goal when he blocked Damien Duff's attempted clearance before spinning and drilling a left-foot shot against it.

Fulham striker Moussa Dembele had earlier forced a fine reaction save from Keiren Westwood after skipping past Lee Cattermole and Michael Turner on the edge of the penalty area.

It took a good save by Westwood to deny Chris Baird after he had drilled in a low drive from Zamora's clever 51st-minute free-kick.

However, it took an even more stunning stop from Schwarzer to keep out Sessegnon's goal-bound effort after it had clipped Philippe Senderos with just seconds remaining.
AFP


Read more: http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/soccer/inspired-schwarzer-salvages-draw-for-fulham-20111120-1now4.html#ixzz1eK491Oo5

[WhiteJC]

 
Sunderland 0 Fulham 0

SUNDERLAND drew a blank against Fulham for the FIFTH game in a row, as they had to settle for a point at the Stadium of Light.

This was the third goalless draw in the last four games between these sides and you have to look back as far as January 2009 to find Sunderland's last goal against the Cottagers.

But it certainly wasn't for the want of trying yesterday.

The Black Cats rattled the woodwork twice in the first half and forced Fulham's veteran Aussie keeper Mark Schwarzer – formerly of Middlesbrough – into a desperate stop with his legs in injury-time, but there was no breakthrough for Steve Bruce's side.

It may have ended in stalemate but this was no bore draw and it was only Sunderland's failings in front of goal, and Ahmed Elmohamady's dismal delivery from wide positions, that let them down.

If Fulham had punished them in the latter stages when Sunderland were pushing forward for a winner, though, it could have been disastrous.

Thankfully, Fulham's finishing was no better.

But Sunderland's lack of goals is a major worry for Bruce, particularly as his attacking options are paper-thin, at least until injury victims Fraizer Campbell and Connor Wickham return – and that is unlikely to be this side of Christmas.

After an awkward start to the season that has already pitted Sunderland against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool, this was the first of a run of four games against more modest opposition, with clashes with Wigan Athletic, Wolves and Blackburn coming up over the next few weeks.

Bruce pinpointed these games as the ones that needed to produce the points return that would lift the Black Cats away from the lower reaches of the table.

However, their failure to convert a dominant display against the Londoners into a victory has only cranked up the pressure on the next three matches.

With Wickham injured and influential winger Seb Larsson serving a one-match ban, Bruce made two changes to the side that started the defeat at Manchester United a fortnight ago.

Elmohamady came in as a straight replacement for Larsson on the right side of midfield, but the return of defender John O'Shea in place of frontman Wickham meant a major reshuffle.

O'Shea, who was returning after a hamstring problem robbed him of a return to Old Trafford, came in at right-back with Phil Bardsley moving across to left-back.

That meant Kieran Richardson was pushed forward to the left flank, with Stephane Sessegnon advancing to partner Nicklas Bendtner up front.

Fulham boss Martin Jol made three changes to the side that lost at home to Spurs before the international break, with Aaron Hughes, Philippe Senderos and former Sunderland man Dickson Etuhu replacing Zdenek Grygera, John Arne Riise and Steve Sidwell.

Both sides had early chances, with Bardsley firing wide of the target from long range, while Moussa Dembele warmed keeper Keiren Westwood's hands with a strike from the edge of the box after easily shrugging off the attentions of Lee Cattermole and Michael Turner.

But Sunderland soon seized control and could have been three goals to the good by the 20-minute mark. First Richardson hit the angle of post and bar with a header in the ninth minute, after Sessegnon had found space to stand the ball up from the left side of the penalty area.

Two minutes later, Jack Colback beat Fulham's offside trap and latched on to Bendtner's throughball into the right-hand channel, but his low ball across the face of goal was too close to Schwarzer, when a better pass would have picked out Richardson racing in at the far post for a tap-in.

And in the 17th minute the Black Cats hit the woodwork again after Colback blocked Hughes' clearance inside the box, then turned and smashed the loose ball beyond the ex-Boro goalkeeper – but against the crossbar and over.

Sessegnon headed straight at the keeper from 10 yards and Bendtner was pulled up for offside when clear of the defence and through on goal, with replays showing that call was wrong.

Etuhu was lucky to stay on the pitch seven minutes before the break when he clattered Bendtner, less than two minutes after being booked for a foul on Cattermole.

And Sunderland would have had even more reason to feel aggrieved had Etuhu's header from a Damien Duff corner found the net in injury-time, but Cattermole was in the right spot to head off the line.

Westwood was called into action soon after half-time, diving low to his left to beat away a shot from Chris Baird after Bobby Zamora had rolled a free-kick into the path of the full-back.

Sessegnon shot wide of the target from close range after Fulham made a hash of clearing a corner.

And at the other end, visiting skipper Danny Murphy pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the area but could only fire straight at a grateful Westwood.

Bendtner was a whisker away from getting his head to a Sessegnon cross 15 minutes from time – but when the on-loan Arsenal man did connect with a cross eight minutes later, he could only nod it harmlessly back to Schwarzer.

Sunderland were lucky not to be caught by a sucker-punch four minutes from time when Schwarzer claimed a corner and launched a counter-attack with a quick throw to Dembele.

He raced down the left and played the ball across for Clint Dempsey, but he screwed his shot across goal and wide when he should have scored.

Sunderland almost won it in injury-time when Sessegnon's shot deflected off Senderos, which wrongfooted Schwarzer – but as the big keeper dived to his left, he stuck out his right leg and kept the ball out of the net.

It just wasn't Sunderland's day.


http://www.sundaysun.co.uk/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-match-reports/2011/11/20/sunderland-0-fulham-0-79310-29807196/2/

[WhiteJC]

 
Simpson Interest

The Sunday tabloid press have Fulham linked with a move for the Newcastle United right-back Danny Simpson.

Simpson is yet to sign a new deal with the Premier League top four side and with a mere eighteen months left on his contract is attracting interest from several parties, ourselves included.

The tabloid goes on to explain that with regards to a new contract at Newcastle, Simpson is unhappy at putting pen-to-paper on a five year deal that would leave him as one of the clubs lowest earners.

We`ll be keeping an eye on this one!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=263001#ixzz1eK585us8

[WhiteJC]

 
£15 Million Price Tag?

Now he`s pulled on an England shirt at Wembley, there are mutterings that Fulham could be preparing to off-load Bobby Zamora, as long as the price is right.

One Sunday tabloid, aware that some clubs are showing an interest in the thirty-year old, is torn between the suggestion that Fulham would offload him at that price or that it is simply a price to frighten other clubs away.

This amateur hack, although an admirer of Zamora, reckons both suggestions could apply!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=263002#ixzz1eK5KO6US

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol`s Reaction

Twenty-five games into our season, courtesy of the Europa League, and things are not all tickety-boo.

The relegation zone is far too close for my liking and with a tough trip to Arsenal beckoning, I`m fearful we could approach the Christmas period, in those bottom three places.

Up at the Stadium of light, it was one of those all too familiar uninspiring away performances an done in which you really do hope that a bit of luck goes our way and we pull off the improbable.

Therefore, I`m a little puzzled by one post match remark from Martin Jol, a remark in which he seems a little reluctant to grab a bit of good fortune when it does come our way, with Jol saying,

"Really I have mixed feelings because we needed the three points but it probably would have been undeserved if we had won it at the end through Clint Dempsey."

What?

All`s fair in love and war Martin!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=263003#ixzz1eK5YBsEx

[WhiteJC]

 
Sunderland 0-0 Fulham

FOOTBALL: The smallish number of fans who chanted "Bruce out" would surely have grown considerably if Clint Dempsey hadn't pulled his late shot wide when left with only Keiren Westwood to beat.

Not that Fulham deserved to win this contest, as neither side did enough to justify taking all three points from a match that confirmed that both could go down at the end of the season.

Early on Westwood had kept the hosts level with a fine save from Mousa Dembele before twice Sunderland, through a Kieran Richardson header and Jack Colback left foot effort, struck the woodwork.

That was about it in terms of goalmouth action until late on Lee Cattermole headed Dickson Etuhu's header off the line, Dempsey screwed wide and Stephane Sessegnon saw his shot deflect off Philippe Senderos to produce a great save from Mark Schwarzer.

Next week the Black Cats host Bruce's old side Wigan Athletic in what might prove the definitive match of the Sunderland manager's reign.

The crowd at the Stadium of Light, an amazing 38,000 for a side that has won just two of its last 15 at home, is quickly running out of patience for a manager who has had plenty of money to spend.

Defeat to the bottom club could see things turn nasty, especially after this latest toothless disappointment.



http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/112141?

[WhiteJC]

 
Defender content with Fulham draw

Michael Turner insists Sunderland can take nothing for granted as they attempt to kickstart their season.

The Black Cats embarked upon a run of four Premier League games they believed were winnable with Saturday's visit of Fulham to the Stadium of Light.

However, anyone expecting a maximum 12-point return from home clashes with the Londoners - which are followed by home games with Wigan and Blackburn and a trip to Wolves sandwiched in between - were left disappointed as Martin Jol's side emerged with a hard-earned 0-0 draw.

Turner said: "People have made a lot of these four games that we have got and think we should be winning them all, but they are all tough games.

"It doesn't matter who you are playing, home or away, it's a tough game in the Premier League.

"Fulham have got some very experienced Premier League players. We knew it was going to be a tough game and I felt we slightly edged it and we did deserve to win the game, but we didn't do so. But we need to keep cracking on."



http://www.clubcall.com/sunderland/defender-content-with-fulham-draw-1338548.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Blackburn set to raid Fulham for £2m contract rebel Johnson

Blackburn will offer Andy Johnson a two-year contract on wages of around £40,000 a week if they can persuade Fulham to sell in January.

Sportsmail revealed Blackburn's interest earlier this month and, although Martin Jol says Johnson is not for sale, a £2million bid may be enough for a player who will be free in the summer.


In demand: Blackburn are set to offer £2m for the services of Andrew Johnson


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2064048/Andrew-Johnson-wanted-Blackburn.html#ixzz1eK6RFY7p

[WhiteJC]

No Spark at Stadium of Light

It was underwhelming to say the least. For our sixth away game of a frustrating season the Whites were yet again second best, and this against a very modest Sunderland outfit


© S'land Echo

Let's be brutally honest, once Dembele blazed his shot straight at Sunderland's third choice keeper after five minutes, we surrendered the initiative and never threatened until Etuhu's firm header was cleared off the line right on half time. We improved marginally in the second half, although Bruce was forced to re-jig his front line, and created three further chances. Danny was furious with himself for putting a tame shot straight at the keeper from 18 yards, The same free-kick routine we saw against Spurs saw Westwood get down well to Baird's low effort, while at the death Dembele fed Dempsey on the counter only for the Texan to drag his shot across goal and wide. It would have been very harsh on the home side, but last season's Player of the Year should have scored.

Before I get stuck into Fulham's effort, please don't think me negative. The Mackems are screaming for Bruce's head, they had a number of key players missing, are woefully short on confidence, yet were twice denied by the bar and a miraculous diving block by Mark off Sessegnon's deflected shot at the end. Yes, as in every match up on the road so far this season, Fulham failed to turn up.

Here's how the Sunderland Echo saw it. Sunderland suffered an afternoon of frustration after completely dominating the game against Fulham. Kieran Richardson and Jack Colback both hit the woodwork in the first half as the unambitious Londoners set out to defend in numbers throughout. Which all leaves us hovering just above the relegation zone and facing some fearsome fixtures in the next six weeks - Arsenal twice, Liverpool, Chelsea and Man Utd. Oh yes, an awayday to Swansea will no doubt yield nothing, so you could say only for Bolton at home on Dec 17th will Fulham start favourites between now and the New Year.
My, but the coming weeks are really going to test resolve inside the club. If he's looked at the calendar Jol must know he's about to face the severest test of his credentials to still be considered a top flight manager. Bottom three going into January and the board will be looking around for a replacement...come back Roy, all is forgiven???

We are one third into the fixture list but since we opened with that 0-0 against Villa the side has actually gone backwards. I don't think Jol has embraced the Fulham ethic, sold the players on his tactical vision, nor really worked out his ideal starting eleven. We cut Hughes some slack this time last year because he had two weeks to prepare the side and then lost Zamora just as the transfer window shut - the focal point of his attack. Jol had all summer, and the Europa League minnows to lay out his plans and deal in the market. And where has it got us? That your £10 million pound top transfer target from the summer is barely getting game time when the team is struggling surely indicates something has gone drastically wrong. Why didn't we go out and re-sign Helguson for 25 grand???

It's becoming redundant to keep criticising individuals, because I sense the problems are inherent from what takes place during the week at Motspur in terms of tactics, training and team bonding. Jol's in danger of adopting a bunker mentality. Unsure in himself, he'll be reluctant to draft the kids into a side playing so poorly. Hence, the law of diminishing returns means keeping faith with the ageing legs now struggling to stabilise the good ship Fulham.

How can the vibrancy we saw against Poland's champions Wisla - a team certainly more skilful than Sunderland - fail to materialise for bread and butter games in the league? Duff only seems capable these days of playing one decent game in three. Both he and Danny would have been hauled off after an hour in my book. AJ's energy suggests he should be starting over Dembele (who had the whole goal to Westwood's right hand to aim at with that snatched early shot). As for Clint, was he in a trance? OK, I've been in Paris, Ljubljana, London and now Sunderland in the past 8 days...er, hey guys, anyone seen my mobile, I don't know who I am anymore...

Had our manager wanted to show real ambition to win the game, Alexander Kacaniklic would have been sent on for the last 25 mniutes. Just to remind you, he is that forgotten breed at the club, a winger. So bizarre is our imbalance in building attacks only up the right we offer no threat whatsover from the opposite flank unless BZ drifts out there. Why construct play across just two thirds of the playing surface?

Honest defenders they may be, but neither Hughes or Baird are specialist full-backs. If they are the chosen pairing for Saturday at the Emirates we are in trouble from the off. Etuhu actually didn't have a bad game. Being told to push forward more, as in the 2nd half, unleashes the beast in him, and at least he shows some aggression. The centre back pairing did OK after some poor early positional play, and the opposition were pretty feeble up front, but for me the biggest collective crime were so many misplaced passes. We've built our reputation on being a passing team. If that goes out the window we are stuffed! Saturday we repeatedly gave the ball back, seemingly incapable of finding another white shirt with routine 10-15 yard passes out of defence.

I'm struggling to remind myself that we've garnered another point on the road, and that surely Wigan, Wolves, Bolton and Blackburn have even bigger issues than us. But unless there is a major sea change in attitude and approach we are going to start taking some beatings from the top teams. And there's me with my four tickets for Man United dropping onto the doormat last week...I know one thing, it's no fun seeing QPR win at places like Everton and Stoke, where we count ourself lucky to force a corner - and all three promoted sides currently show far more gusto than us.

Right, your turn to tell me I'm right, wrong or just plain pessimistic. Enjoy your week, and try not to let that image of van Persie in full flight keep you awake...

Twitter@fulhamphil



http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/11/no_spark_at_stadium_of_light.php?

[WhiteJC]

 
Schwarzer in no hurry to call it a day after heroics save Fulham
Sunderland 0 Fulham 0

In the 93rd minute of the Premier League contest on Wearside on Saturday, Mark Schwarzer managed to change direction to keep out Stéphane Sessègnon's wickedly deflected shot with an outstretched leg. In contrast, though, Fulham's Australian goalkeeper had no answer when asked how long he might be defying time, the tide and the opposition on the top-flight stage.

"That's a very good question," the Sydneysider pondered in the aftermath of his match-saving feat. "I can't answer it. There is no deadline.

"I have a goal to get to the World Cup in 2014 but there is no age-limit. I look at Brad Friedel. He is older than me and he has told me he will play for two more seasons, so I have to at least match that."

Schwarzer turned 39 last month. Friedel was 40 in May. Both men have some way to go yet before they match John Burridge, who kept goal for Manchester City in the Premier League as a 43-year-old in 1995.

The frame of Schwarzer's goal also frustrated Sunderland on Saturday, keeping out a Kieran Richardson header and a rasping Jack Colback drive as Steve Bruce's side passed up chance after chance in the first half. After petering out in the second period, and being thwarted by Schwarzer at the death, the home side and their manager ended up getting the bird. There were isolated cries of "Bruce out" at the final whistle.

"Let's make no mistake: there's more pressure here than at Bolton or Blackburn or Fulham or Wigan," Bruce said. "That's because the support we have is unique; it's fantastic. It's up to us to give them something to shout about at home."

Sunderland, who face Wigan this weekend, have won just two of 15 League and cup games at the Stadium of Light since New Year's Day.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/schwarzer-in-no-hurry-to-call-it-a-day-after-heroics-save-fulham-6265338.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
SUNDERLAND 0 - FULHAM 0: MARK SCHWARZER'S CHILLING PLEDGE

STEVE BRUCE hardly needed more bad news after a stalemate that keeps the pressure on the Sunderland boss.

But it came from Mark Schwarzer, who plans to haunt him for a few more years.

Bruce is sick of seeing him pull off great saves against his teams, with the latest coming in stoppage-time as the Aussie ­reacted ­brilliantly to kick away a deflected shot from Stephane Sessegnon.

The Sunderland boss said: "My record over Fulham is horrific and it just seems to be him. He's been a proven goalkeeper in the Premier League for years.

"Mark's been remarkably ­consistent, as good as you get. The save at the death was typical of him and what he can produce."

And while Schwarzer is now 39, the former Middlesbrough keeper intends to be around for a lot ­ longer to further frustrate Bruce.

He said: "There is no deadline. I have a goal in international football to get to the World Cup in 2014.

"Whether that is possible or not, we will have to wait and see. It is small steps at a time.

"I am enjoying my football now more than any time in my career. It has given me a big new lease of life, moving down south.

"I had a fantastic time at ­Middlesbrough, probably the most successful time in the club's history and I loved every minute of it, but it was time for a change.

"I realised quite a while ago what a great life I've got. You have to ­realise how privileged we are to play football for a living.

"Brazil is my goal. I like to set myself targets to work towards and so far the ­international scene is going very well.

"We have qualified for the next stage with a game in hand and the manager of the national team is very supportive of me and he wants me to continue to play."

Schwarzer's late save capped a good day for keepers, with ­Sunderland's Keiren Westwood ­responsible for two equally ­impressive efforts in only his ­second Premier League start.

The Aussie liked the look of his rival, saying: "He was very ­confident. I had a word with him and told him he did very well.

"I told him keep coming for those crosses, I liked it when he did that."

Westwood was assisted by a ­terrific back-four display epitomised by Michael Turner, who looks back to his best after knee problems.

Bruce, who knows a win against Wigan next week is crucial to avoid another backlash from fans, was delighted with Turner.

He said: "He's got a badly broken nose but was adamant that he wasn't ­coming off.

"To stop the bleeding we had to stitch him and pack his nose, which is not very nice.

"Often in this day and age you see them carted off to hospitals, but he's made of stern stuff."

For Fulham manager Martin Jol, this was a deserved point in their 25th game of the season, nearly double the number played by a Sunderland team who are not ­involved in the Europa League.

Jol said: "We have played a lot of games and Sunderland have played half as many, a big ­advantage.

"Fatigue was a worry from the start of the season. We had to play the same team, even in the Europa League qualifiers in June.

"The biggest problem is international duty involving my players.

"Damien Duff played twice in a week and couldn't run in the last 10 minutes ­because he was so tired."



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/221772/Sunderland-0-Fulham-0-Mark-Schwarzer-s-chilling-pledge/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dan on Cottage Talk
by DAN on NOVEMBER 18, 2011

I joined Russ Goldman and David Wilson of the Braveheart Sports Network on Cottage Talk this afternoon to discuss all the latest Fulham news and preview the Sunderland game this afternoon. Thanks for all the nice comments already, but if you missed it you can listen to the show again here.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/dan-on-cottage-talk-2/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Peak Performance

Mark Schwarzer produced a world class goalkeeping performance at the Stadium of Light on Saturday as Fulham played out a goalless draw against Sunderland.

Schwarzer's injury time save from Stephane Sessegnon's deflected strike was a sight to behold and the Australian international was evidently delighted to have helped secure Fulham a Barclays Premier League point from a tough away fixture.

"It's a very difficult place to go to and it was a hard earned point," Schwarzer told fulhamfc.com. "On Saturday we were very compact and defensively switched on.

"We were very dogged and we didn't want to concede. There was more emphasis on that on Saturday and on another day we could have scored a goal or two.

"Saturday was one of those prime examples where we said we need to get back to being impossible to break down and make sure we get at least a point."

Manager Martin was full of praise for Schwarzer during his post-match press conference on Saturday evening and Fulham's goalkeeper was trypically modest in his reaction as he spoke of his desire to continue playing at the highest level for a good few years yet.

"It's always nice when people speak highly of you," said Schwarzer. "You just have to work hard and I'm enjoying my football as much as ever and I try to maximise every opportunity I get. The saying I use is 'I'll be a long time retired', so I want to do the best job I can. There's plenty of time to feel tired when you're retired – now is the time to enjoy it.

"I realized a long time ago what a great life I have and you have to be realistic and realise how privileged we are to play football for a living, at this level on the Premier League. In my opinion it's still the best league in the world.

"I look at Brad Freidel and he's older than me so I'll keep going as long as he's going! He said to me he's going to play for at least another two seasons so I've got at least that.

"I like to set myself targets and the 2014 World Cup is my goal without a doubt. So far on the international scene it's going really well and we've qualified for the next stage. The manager for the national team is very supportive of me and wants me to continue to play. I love playing and want to continue for as long as possible as long as the performances are there."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/SchwarzerSunderlandReaction.aspx?#ixzz1eLDL1M9a

[WhiteJC]

 
Echo Jury: Stuart Hall look back on Saturday's draw with Fulham

I'M not sure I can find the words to adequately describe Saturday's match against Fulham – it was dreadful from start to finish.

Barring Richardson and Colback both being unlucky and hitting the woodwork early on, I don't think either side created anything worthwhile until Sessegnon was unlucky with virtually the last kick of the game.

Fulham looked a very poor side and looked as though they weren't interested in scoring. Packed full of six-foot plus footballers, they reminded me of Stoke City.

I thought Schwarzer constantly wasted time while taking his goal-kicks, which was the probably the highlight of Fulham's afternoon.

I have a little bit of sympathy with Bruce over the lack of strikers, but surely Ji or even Noble after his midweek hat-trick for the reserves deserved a go from the start. And why Elmohamady gets a game is beyond me.

We really didn't look like scoring and while Bendtner looks a good footballer, we didn't play to his strengths. Neither Sessegnon nor Richardson were anywhere near him for most of the afternoon.

Time has to be running out for Bruce. He's signed the majority of players who start on a regular basis now and we just don't look good enough. Let's hope for a better home performance this Saturday.

To read the rest of the Echo Jury, please see tonight's Sunderland Echo.



http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/chris-young-column/echo_jury_stuart_hall_look_back_on_saturday_s_draw_with_fulham_1_3988379

[WhiteJC]

 
Lee Cattermole believes draw was fair result

LEE CATTERMOLE felt a 0-0 draw was a fair result for Sunderland against Fulham.

The Black Cats captain said: "It was a good point in the end against a good team.

"Fulham maybe came here looking for a point and in the end they managed to get it.

"We hit the bar twice and thought we had it at the end before Mark Schwarzer made a great save, but we have to move on because there are a lot of games coming up and lots of points up for grabs."

Cattermole made a key intervention just before half time, clearing Dickson Etuhu's header off the line.

The Teesside-born midfielder said tightening up at set pieces has been a priority for Sunderland in recent weeks and was pleased to see his side register another clean sheet.

'He added: "We have been conceding goals from set- pieces and that is something the gaffer has mentioned.

"The team was excellent at Manchester United but conceded a goal from a corner. We have wanted to put that to bed."

Cattermole is looking to see a measured approach from his team when trying to break down defensive opponents.

He said: "Fulham came here, got set up and we needed to be patient.

"Maybe we rushed things too much and ended up getting caught at the back.

"The lads were so eager to score a goal. That is not a bad thing, but we need to use our experience and nous.

"If we keep believing in ourselves and doing the right thing in matches, I am sure the goals will come."



Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-news/2011/11/21/lee-cattermole-believes-draw-was-fair-result-72703-29811262/?#ixzz1eLDrLCDW

[WhiteJC]

 
Rovers could tempt England striker

Blackburn are understood to be lining up a bid to sign Andy Johnson, who is due to run out of contract with Fulham next summer.
The Cottagers are keen to keep the former Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Everton striker but, so far, have been unable to agree terms on a contract extension.

With Johnson able to leave Craven Cottage on a free transfer at the end of the season, there is plenty of speculation circulating over the 30-year-old's future.

Blackburn are believed to be keen on the England international and are hoping that they will be able to persuade their Premier League rivals to sell in January, rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Steve Kean is understood to be ready to offer Johnson a two-year deal at Ewood Park, with reports claiming that it could be worth around £40,000 a week to the striker.


http://www.eatsleepsport.com/blackburn-rovers/rovers-could-tempt-england-striker-1339233.html?#.TspN8mAlE98

[WhiteJC]

 
Match report: Sunderland 0 Fulham 0


NO WAY THROUGH ... Stephane Sessegnon sees an effort blcoked.

IT is death by a thousand cuts for Sunderland at the moment as they struggle, but fail, to get their season out of second gear.

They are a 'nearly-but-not-quite' team – a side that just needs a spark here or a missing ingredient there to suddenly start motoring.

But until they find the rhythm or the reinforcement that's required, they are doomed to games like these – no different from the defeat at Old Trafford in their previous outing, or the draw at Liverpool and loss to Newcastle which opened their season.

All games where Sunderland played well and so nearly got over the line.

Nearly, but not quite.

These sort of sides are the most frustrating for fans to follow - supporters never sure whether to cheer or jeer; recognising their team is a work in progress but still with no idea whether the side they're watching is a masterpiece in the making or mediocrity in waiting.

The weekend's game against Fulham may have gone down as something of a bore-draw for most neutrals – a damp squib which occasionally flashed brightly into life before smouldering again.

But for veteran watchers of the 'nearly-not-quites' – and let's face it, Sunderland fans over the years certainly fall into that category – this was a classic of its kind, with both sides working hard in their own way to get the win which could help light the blue touch-paper of their campaign but both failing to do so.

Fulham arrived on Wearside with only one win on the road and no full-backs on the day – centre-halves Aaron Hughes and Philippe Senderos filling in to the right and left.

So perhaps understandably, they were not inclined to be ambitious or expansive – and virtually the whole game they were content to defend very, very deep and look to capitalise on occasional forages upfield or breakaway moves.

Their first opportunity arrived after only three minutes and was their best of the first half, Mousa Dembele brushing off Lee Cattermole and stepping inside Michael Turner to drive a powerful rising shot from 20 yards out which Keiren Westwood parried superbly before punching away the follow-up.

Before and after that though, it was pretty much one-way traffic with Sunderland twice hitting the woodwork in the opening quarter of an hour.


Kieran Richardson went desperately close in the ninth minute, leaning back on a header from Stephane Sessegnon's chip in from the left, the ball looping over Mark Schwarzer but hitting the crossbar.

And on 15 minutes, Jack Colback picked up an uncleared Ahmed Elmohamady cross from the right, swivelled on a volley and cracked a shot against the same piece of woodwork.

As well as those two clear-cut chances, Fulham had to resist almost non-stop pressure. That they did so did them credit, but Sunderland helped by not being able to produce the killer ball.

Dickson Etuhu picked up a yellow card for a foul on Lee Cattermole in the 36th minute before somehow avoiding a second yellow a minute later when he completely cleaned out Nicklas Bendtner.

Given the fact Anthony Taylor was the same referee who had sent off Cattermole for two yellow card offences before half-time in the opening day game against Birmingham City last season, he should have had no problem flourishing the cards again.

If Fulham had been reduced to 10 men at that stage it would almost certainly have been game over, so on top had Sunderland been up to then.

But having kept a full complement on the pitch, they might even have snatched an unlikely lead with the very last move of the half – Etuhu getting a close range header in on goal from a corner from the right, only to find Cattermole perfectly placed to head off the line.

Sunderland started the second half well but could easily have found themselves a goal down in the 49th minute, Westwood saving from Chris Baird.

Sunderland upped their game and Wes Brown saw a header cleared off the line and Sessegnon, prone on the ground, stabbed a shot wide from eight yards a minute later.

With the scoreline still level going into the last 10 minutes and the home team pushing for that winner, there was always the prospect of the visitors pinching the points – and twice Fulham went close through Etuhu's header and Clint Dempsey's effort after a swift counter-attack.

There was still time for one final twist in the tail though as Sunderland almost snatched all three points at the death – Sessegnon taking a return pass from Bardsley and rifling in a shot which deflected off Phillipe Senderos.

Schwarzer was going completely the wrong way at the time and that deflected goal could have been just what Sunderland needed to kick-start their season, however fortuitous.

But it was not to be. The Australian stuck out a trailing leg and somehow deflected the ball away.

Sunderland had come so near to the sort of win which would have put a completely different complexion on their season.

Nearly, but not quite.

[email protected]

SUNDERLAND: Westwood 7; O'Shea 5, Brown 6, Turner 7, Bardsley 6; Elmohamady 4 (Noble 88), Colback 6 (Ji 73, 5), Cattermole 7, Richardson 6; Sessegnon 7, Bendtner 5. Not used: Carson, Egan, Gardner, Vaughan, Meyler.

FULHAM: Schwarzer 7, Baird 6, Senderos 6, Hangeland 8, Hughes 6, Duff 6 (Ruiz 87), Murphy 6, Etuhu 6, Dempsey 6 (Briggs 90), Dembele 6, Zamora 6 (Johnson 68, 6). Not used: Etheridge, Kasami, Gecov, Kacaniklic.

Man of the match: Keiren Westwood.Three excellent games in a row now since being introduced to the side – on the day, top-class saves from Dembele in the first half and Baird in the second.

Highlight: Stephane Sessgenon's last-minute shot, spectacularly blocked by the wrong-footed Mark Schwarzer, was the final bitter sting in the tale for Sunderland fans.

Lowlight: Ahmed Elmohamady's erratic crossing.

Scorers: None.

Bookings: Cattermole 28, Etuhu 35.

Ref: Anthony Taylor (Manchester)

Att: 37,688.



http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/match_report_sunderland_0_fulham_0_1_3989702

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham game dedicated to Save The Children

The Arsenal and Save the Children partnership supports education projects at home and overseas. Make a donation

Arsenal Football Club has announced it is dedicating its Premier League match against Fulham this Saturday, 26th November (kick-off 5.30pm), to its Global Charity Partner, Save the Children.  The partnership with Save the Children is aimed at helping the poorest children get a better start in life and give them the chance to grow and fulfil their potential.

As part of the day, players will be donating a day's wages along with many Arsenal staff to help raise funds for the charity. Supporters are also encouraged to get involved and give what they can to contribute to the partnership which will help to support a range of education projects in the UK and overseas.

To celebrate the announcement, Arsenal first-team players Andre Santos, Gervinho and Johan Djourou will visit Emirates Stadium today to take part in a special Families and Schools Together (FAST) session run by the charity. The programme, which is one of the UK education projects being supported by Arsenal during the partnership, aims to help increase parents' engagement in their children's education by encouraging them to perform everyday tasks and develop their skills together.

A number of fundraising initiatives will be taking place in and around Emirates Stadium on Saturday too. The Armoury and The Arsenal at Highbury House stores will be selling exclusive co-branded sportsbands, with at least £2 from each sale being donated directly to Save the Children. 50p from the sale of each matchday programme will also be donated to the partnership.

A special matchday raffle will also take place with prizes ranging from a signed Arsenal shirt and a personalised stone in the new North Bank Terrace at Emirates Stadium to a pair of tickets to see Coldplay live in concert at Arsenal's home in June 2012.

Arsenal Football Club CEO, Ivan Gazidis said: "Arsenal has a tradition on and off the pitch of bringing the best out of young people and our partnership with Save the Children is built on the shared belief that every child deserves a basic education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential. I hope all supporters will take the opportunity to rally behind the dedicated matchday this Saturday and help to make the day a huge success."

Justin Forsyth, Chief Executive of Save the Children said: "Arsenal players and supporters should be very proud that this dedicated matchday will help transform children's lives at home and abroad through education.  At Save the Children we are very excited at this next step in our partnership with the Club and all of its amazing fans. Together we are a powerful force for children."

To find out more about Save the Children's work, visit www.savethechildren.org.uk



http://www.arsenal.com/savethechildren?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arsenal-news+%28News+Feed%29

[WhiteJC]

 
Go Vote!

Just a self-serving reminder to get your votes in for our 2011-12 Third of Season Awards: Readers Poll if you haven't already!

Vote in the comments section here.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/2011-12-third-of-season-awards-readers-poll/

Polls may close Wednesday, or Thursday. Depends when I can get a free moment over the Thanksgiving Holiday to conjure up some wit and humor.

Happy voting!


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/go-vote/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Why no subs?
by JOSEPHUS on NOVEMBER 21, 2011

An enigma from Sunderland v Fulham 19.11.2011
I have to admit I was somewhat mystified by manager Martin Jol's policy in making (or rather in not making) tactically appropriate substitutions in last Saturday's away fixture against Sunderland. During the course of the game Fulham made the following four substitutions: Andy Johnson for Bobby Zamora at 68 minutes; Bryan Ruiz for Damian Duff at 87 minutes; and Mathew Briggs for Clint Dempsey at 90 minutes. It is not easy to understand the rational for the timings of these changes, or why earlier tactical substitutions were not made.

I outline below the changes which should have been considered.

1.As Dan points out in his excellent succinct report of the match, (Makeshift defence stifles Sunderland – posted November 19,) Fulham's back four for this game comprised three central defenders (Messrs Hangeland, Senderos, and Hughes,) plus a central defender / right back (Chris Baird) positioned at left back. Although this scratch unit operated reasonably well defensively, it quickly became evident that neither of the makeshift fullbacks had the ability and/or the inclination to get forward in an endeavour to provide the width which was conspicuously lacking in Fulham's attacking play. A strategic change could have been made at half time by subbing off Senderos, moving Baird to central defence, and bringing on Mathew Briggs to play at left back with a remit to get forward and provide crosses. Fulham's Under 21 international is genuinely quick and would have added an important attacking dimension.

2. It is questionable whether Damian Duff should have started this game at all, given that during the previous week he had been involved in two strenuous and vitally important international games for The Republic of Ireland. A bold and imaginative strategy would l have been to field in his place that most exciting young prospect Kerim Frei, following his introduction to the Premiership in the second half against Spurs last week. However Frei was left at home; Duff started and had a subdued game throughout. Given that his slight contribution to the game, surely the opportunity should have been taken to sub him for Pajtim Kasami at half time. Kasami is another exciting young prospect who's all out commitment and energy could well have lifted the team's performance.

3.Why was Bryan Ruiz not introduced until the 87th minute, – and indeed what positive purpose was there in bringing him on for Duff at this very late point? A creative move would have been to substitute Bryan, (a naturally left sided player with an eye for goal,) for Dempsey early in the second half. (As anyone who viewed the France v USA in the week will know, Dempsey had a very tough time playing up-front in that game, with the French players taking turns to thump into him.) If not then, why not put on Bryan when it was 20 minutes from time with the scores level and the chance of three points if he could poach a goal?

4.Why was A.J.'s substitution for Bobby Zamora delayed until the 68th minute, when it was clear by half time that Bobby was off the pace?

5.Why wasn't Danny Murphy subbed for the last 20 minutes, by when it was becoming apparent that he was beginning to fade?

The spine to the Fulham squad remains a number of relatively old players who are approaching the final stages of their respective careers. At the same time Fulham have some truly outstanding young prospects both within,(Marcel Gecov, Kasami, Sa, and Ruiz,) and also on the fringes of the squad, (for example Kerim Frei and Dan Burn). It is vitally important if they are to achieve their potential, that these young players gain playing experience at the highest level.

In the Cup games earlier this season it was encouraging to see that Martin Jol was introducing a few new young players. However this practice has not yet been carried forward to any extent in Premiership games, and seems also to have ceased in the Europa cup if the last home game against Wislow Krakow is anything to go by. It is now a matter of real concern that Martin Jol has used fewer players (20 in total) than any other manager of a premier league side. It is not as if Fulham were a settled side which is doing particularly well at present.

Should the manager have been less cautious and made timely substitutions in this game? This is an issue which I pondered over long and hard during the tedious coach journey home from Sunderland. (The trip this time seemed so much longer than that back from Sunderland late last season following our splendid nil-three victory.) I do appreciate that whether or not to sub is often a difficult judgement call. However it does seem to me, on balance, that subs giving greater width and variation in attack might just have done it, and most importantly that a point against Sunderland is not really 'a result'. If Fulham are to aspire to be a contender in the top half of the Premiership then, this is the sort of game we need to win.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/why-no-subs/?