Thursday Fulham Stuff (31/01/13)...

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Fulham 3 West Ham 1: Offside Berbatov adds to pain as Hammers slide goes on

Sam Allardyce had more than one reason for feeling as though he had been smacked in the mouth.

Not only was there the pain of the dental treatment that caused him to miss his post-match press briefing, but also the simmering injustice he obviously felt about his side's latest defeat.

'We feel hard done by,' said his assistant Neil McDonald.


Back in front: Hugo Rodallega celebrates after restoring Fulham's lead at 2-1, just 71 seconds after West Ham had equalised

It was some understatement. First, there was Dimitar Berbatov's  10th-minute opener which replays showed was offside.

'There were three offside and it was first phase of play,' McDonald added. 'It knocks the stuffing out of you.'

Then there were two penalty appeals that were turned down. 'It's hard to take,' McDonald said.

And yet there should not be too much of a West Ham pity party. On the basis of a truly abject first-half performance, they got the result they deserved, even if they did finally lace up their gloves in the second half.

Kevin Nolan scored a 48th-minute equaliser, but even that respite didn't last. Hugo Rodallega restored the lead within a minute and a Joey O'Brien own goal in stoppage time added the gloss for Fulham.

West Ham have won only two of their past 13 league games and, to judge from some of the full-time boos, hope is wearing thin.

Considering the form of the two clubs, the start was predictably frantic. Arguably desperate. The breakthrough, when it came after 10 minutes, was contentious. Damien Duff created panic with an inswinging free kick from the left and Ruiz got a flick which Berbatov, on his 32nd birthday, met at the far post with a header past Jussi Jaaskelainen. Replays confirmed Allardyce's suspicions.


Going... Dimitar Berbatov nudges the ball past Jussi Jaaskalainen and into the West Ham net to open the scoring on ten minutes


..Gone: But falls over the advertising hoarding in the process

Matt Jarvis headed over in retaliation and then Kevin Nolan nodded wide from a Mohamed Diame cross, which was just about the sum of West Ham's efforts in the first half. Time and again their approach was to work the ball wide where, more often than not, the resulting cross was poor. Their lack of creativity or imagination here was alarming.

Diame had one moment when he came close to looking like the player that Arsenal want, leaving Giorgios Karagounis in a spin after 39 minutes, but even that was followed a hopelessly overhit pass.


Handbags: Players from both sides square up, with Steve Sidwell having to be restrained by teammate Dimitar Berbatov


No way out: Berbatov tries to wriggle his way out of a tight spot between Joey O'Brien and Mark Noble

Fulham were not much better, but again Berbatov was the difference. His run and shot against the outside of a post at the end of the first half was delightful; his marking for West Ham's equaliser less so. Nolan got the goal, collecting Noble's short free-kick and finishing at the near post after Berbatov gave him a healthy headstart.

Fulham needed less than a minute to regain the lead. Duff was again the creator, though McDonald was right to blame his defence.


Equaliser: Kevin Nolan brings the score to 1-1 with a well-taken finish past Mark Schwarzer



The Irishman's cross into the six-yard box was decent enough, but with three West Ham defenders and Jaaskelainen waiting, it was inexplicable that little Rodallega got the touch that settled the game. Fulham added a third in stoppage time when Mladen Petric's shot from an acute angle was deflected in by O'Brien.

'It was a vital win,' said Fulham manager Martin Jol. 'We have had some decisions go against us in recent games. But you win some, you lose some. It was probably the case with that first goal for us.'


Clean break: Hugo Rodallega gets away from West Ham's Guy Demel


Floodlit Fulham: The two teams emerge onto the Craven Cottage pitch


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2270893/Fulham-3-West-Ham-1--match-report--Hugo-Rodallega-Dimitar-Berbatov-Joey-OBrien-goal-win-London-derby.html#ixzz2JWcB3wxD
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Emanuelson in Kasami exchange?

There are reports Urby Emanuelson's move to Fulham is being delayed because Milan want Pajtim Kasami in exchange.

Emanuelson and his agent have confirmed over the last 24 hours that a deal is done for the Dutch winger to see out the rest of the season at Craven Cottage on loan.

However, the transfer has still not been completed and rumours are emerging that there is a reason behind the delay.

Milan have set their sights on Swiss-Albanian midfielder Kasami and are pushing for an exchange of loans.

Still only 20, Kasami is no stranger to Serie A, having played for Palermo and Lazio.


http://www.football-italia.net/30164/emanuelson-kasami-exchange?

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham United beaten at Fulham

West Ham United slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Fulham this evening.

Dimitar Berbatov's early header gave Fulham the lead but the Irons equalised through Kevin Nolan at the start of the second half.

The hosts regained the lead through a Hugo Rodallega header and a late Joey O'Brien own goal sealed the three points.


http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport/westham/westhamnews/10195883._/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Artistry of Dimitar Berbatov steers Fulham to victory against West Ham

While Fulham can breathe a little easier after a welcome victory that lifted them eight points clear of the bottom three, Sam Allardyce should start to worry. This was West Ham's sixth defeat in their last nine league matches and, although it seems fanciful to suggest they could slip into a relegation battle, what began as a minor slump is threatening to turn into a major crisis. West Ham are seven points clear of the bottom three but their form is deeply concerning.

Allardyce left it to his assistant, Neil McDonald, to speak afterwards. "Sam's had some dentistry done today so his mouth's a little bit sore," McDonald explained. That was probably for the best, because West Ham's manager might have turned the air blue if he had been asked to sum up his team's defending.

Anything but a Fulham victory would have been a gross injustice and perhaps the only disappointment was that Martin Jol did not give a debut to the on-loan Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong. But then, who needs the robustness of Frimpong in midfield when you have the sublime artistry of Dimitar Berbatov? The Bulgarian, who would depart with a hamstring complaint that needs to be assessed, was clearly in the mood to party on his 32nd birthday and there were times when his flicks, tricks and sheer class embarrassed West Ham's defenders.

Berbatov could have had a hat-trick and it was a shame that the one goal he did score ought to have been disallowed. He was one of three Fulham players who was offside when Damien Duff swung a deep free-kick to the far post from the right but the flag stayed down and Berbatov stooped to head in from close range after 10 minutes. "It knocks the stuffing out of you," McDonald said. "We expect the officials to get that right."

West Ham also grumbled about penalties not awarded but they deserved little. In defence James Tomkins was a disaster waiting to happen, Marouane Chamakh was anonymous up front and it was difficult to work out why Mohamed Diamé is a transfer target for Arsenal and Tottenham.

The visitors improved after the break, though, and Fulham could have collapsed when Kevin Nolan ran on to Mark Noble's clever free-kick and hooked a volley past Mark Schwarzer from six yards after 48 minutes. Yet West Ham were level for barely a minute. Duff was again the creator, sending in a cross from the left that Hugo Rodallega bundled in. As Jaaskelainen stood and watched Duff's cross, it became obvious why West Ham are in talks to sign the Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Schwarzer then made a stunning save to deny Nolan a second before Andy Carroll came off the bench to make his first appearance since November after his knee injury. However, Fulham's defence, led by the outstanding Brede Hangeland, remained stout and they wrapped up the points in the last minute. Jaaskelainen saved from Rodallega, Mladen Petric hit the rebound against a post from a tight angle and the ball finally rebounded off Joey O'Brien for an own-goal.

"If you saw the last four games at home we lacked a bit of luck and quality," Jol said. "I heard the first goal was irregular. I'm not sure, maybe it was. You win some, you lose some." Or in West Ham's case, lose some, then lose some more.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jan/30/fulham-west-ham-premier-league?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol to strengthen Fulham squad after morale-boosting win over West Ham

Fulham manager Martin Jol is expecting a busy transfer deadline day to follow the 'vital, vital' defeat of West Ham.

After just two wins in 15 Barclays Premier League games, there have been growing rumbles of discontent from sections of the west Londoners' support base.

However, that air of tension has begun to dissipate over the last 24 hours, with news the club has become debt-free followed by a 3-1 win over the Hammers.


Welcome win: Fulham celebrate as they beat West Ham

Dimitar Berbatov celebrated his 32nd birthday with a vital - if offside - opening goal, although Kevin Nolan levelled for the visitors at the start of the second half.

The Whites rallied and regained the lead a minute later through Hugo Rodallega, before Joey O'Brien turned in a Mladen Petric shot in stoppage time.

'The result was very important,' Jol said. 'It was a vital, vital win.

'They were on 27 points, we had 25. Norwich were on 26 so it is a vital win.

'I am a happy customer, especially is you saw this game and the last four games here at home.

'We lacked a bit of luck, sometimes a bit of quality and today the first half we were good.


In the market: Martin Jol expects to be busy on transfer deadline day

'We were happy to score that goal, although I've heard it was irregular but I am not sure.

'Maybe it was offside but I can remember a couple of moments this season when we had the same decisions against us so, as you say in England, you win some, you lose some.

'Hopefully today we won some and that was probably the case with the first goal.'

The only bad news tonight was injury-related, with Jol revealing Berbatov requires a scan on a hamstring injury.

However, Philippe Senderos is fine despite limping through the final 10 minutes, and Jol expects new arrivals.


Jetting in: Urby Emanuelson has joined Fulham on loan from AC Milan

AC Milan's Urby Emanuelson and PSV Eindhoven right-back Stanislav Manolev are closing in on a move to west London, while there could be a few other additions.

Asked if he was close to signing the former, Jol nodded and said: 'It is a loan until the end of the season. It is not easy to get players from AC Milan on a permanent basis.

'I coached him at Ajax. He is a skilful player, very agile. He is very mobile, quick.

'He can play left midfield, wide, play number 10 so I feel we need fresh legs.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2271017/Fulham-busy-transfer-deadline-day.html#ixzz2JZj7hhCs
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Berbatov likely to miss United game

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov is likely to miss Saturday's game against his former club Manchester United.

He scored the Whites' first goal in their 3-1 win against West Ham on Wednesday but picked up a hamstring injury.

Boss Martin Jol is hopeful the problem will not prove to be serious but the Bulgarian faces at least a week on the sidelines.

"We'll have it scanned and I hope it's not too bad, but I think he'll miss the United game," Jol said.

Berbatov's injury aside, it was an excellent night for Fulham, whose derby victory at Craven Cottage was a much-needed boost following their poor recent results.

Jol, who is set to sign AC Milan's Urby Emanuelson on loan, declared: "I am happy because the result was very important.

"They were on 27 points, we had 25 and Norwich were on 26, so it was a vital win."


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/berbatov-likely-to-miss-united-game

[WhiteJC]

 
The View from South Texas — Fulham FC v. West Ham United

by HatterDon

Well, That Was Refreshing
Fulham picked up three vital points at the Cottage today at the expense of fellow strugglers West Ham United. With Norwich City, these two London sides are suffering through the worst form in the league. Today put an end to that – hopefully for a long period of time. And it wasn't a matter of "we sucked less than they did." West Ham came in ready to fight and fight they did. Jarvis, Joe Cole, Diame, and Demel were everywhere. They attacked strongly and defended weakly. So did we.

It was nice to see an attacking formation and an attacking attitude. Why it has taken three managers the better part of four seasons to start Damian Duff on the left wing is a continuing mystery to me, but he started there today and he was the main difference maker. It was also nice to see Dimitar Berbatov so active in front of goal. After the team managed a total of one shot on goal over our last two matches, Bryan Ruiz announced that things would be different with a screamer in the 8th minute. Two minutes later Berbatov celebrated his birthday by being the THIRD Fulham player who might have converted Duff's tasty free kick. I don't think he realized that he'd scored on a header from the narrowest of angles, but there it was.

The rest of the half was back and forth relentlessly. Brede Hangeland had, perhaps, his best half all season, commanding the air almost unchallenged and supporting the attack effectively. Hugo Rodallega ran and ran and ran. It was refreshing to see a Fulham player spring into the penalty area when we had just SURRENDERED possession. The Columbian doesn't have a great touch, isn't a particularly adept passer, and is not possessed of a good shot, but he is strong, resolute, and tough as nails. He may have also had his best match.

Fulham should have scored a second and perhaps a third, but Berbatov and Rodallega both shot fractions of inches wide. And so it was that we came out for the second half with the barest of one-goal leads. West Ham put on the pressure and, three minutes into the second 45, Nolan and Jarvis got the better of Sacha Riether and Philippe Senderos, and Nolan equalized from as narrow an angle as Berbatov had. Two years ago, Mark Schwarzer handles this one with ease. Today, he just had a great view of it.

And then, something miraculous happened. For the first time since early Fall, Fulham reacted to conceding a goal by charging up the field with venom. Duff received a long clearance upfield, drove to the dead ball line, and fired in a strong left footed cross. Ignoring the three West Ham defenders who looked capable of clearing it, Rodallega steamed in and headed home. West Ham's parity lasted 33 seconds. Fulham retook the lead. More to the point, Fulham REACTED – something we've not seen in a very long time.

The rest of the match was a series of interesting battles – Diame and Steve Sidwell, Jarvis and Riether, Carlton Cole and Hangeland. West Ham had their chances – substitute Andy Carroll took two snap shots either of which could have been a second equalizer.

Fulham's third goal came after a series of timely interceptions and accurate passes from distance from, of all people, Philippe Senderos. Ashkan Dejagah – who looked excellent coming on in the second half – looked to be hugging the sideline killing time as the match slipped into stoppage time. He flicked the ball to Riether who obviously didn't understand that Fulham were trying to run out the clock. The German cut into the penalty area and let loose a shot that was parried into the path of Mladen Petrić. Once again, a goal resulted from the narrowest of angles left of the goalmouth. Petrić's effort was fumbled over the line by West Ham's O'Brian, and that was that.

I really enjoyed this match. It had many things we've been missing. First, there was a clear game plan designed to exploit an opponent's weakness. Second, the team played creative attacking football. Third, we reacted to adversity not by pouting or rolling into a ball, but with purpose and aggression. Fourth, the substitutes enhanced the play by taking off players who were weakening and replacing them with stength. Dejagah and Chris Baird impressed mightily in their short stints.

Big Sam is going to complain about handballs that didn't get called and the hint of offside with Fulham's first goal, but I don't really care what that fat, ugly geezer has to say. The better team won on the day. The two goal margin did not flatter us, and if we play with that kind of spirit the rest of the season, I think we'll all be happy.

The only major concern on the day was Berbatov's limping off the field at the end – a sore hamstring perhaps? I wouldn't object if they rested him for the United massacre on Saturday. A nice 4-4-2 with Duff on the left, Dejagah on the right, and Petrić and Rodallega leading the attack would work just fine with me.

I haven't had a look at the table, but I know we move up above West Ham. It's been a while since we've created some distance between us and the bottom ruck. Nice going.

HatterDon's Man of the Match: With strong performances, by Berbatov, Rodallega, Sidwell, Hangeland, Riether, and Schwarzer, it was tough, but for me the best player on the pitch today was the ageless Irishman. Damian Duff had two assists and ruled the left wing like he has done for so much of his career.

Well played, Fulham. COYW



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=251

[WhiteJC]

 
David Ngog linked with £2.5 million Fulham switch

As Deadline Day moves forward (it's not quite in full swing yet), Bolton Wanderers may well be a very busy club for the first time in a few years. The club still have a few deals to confirm, a few to deny, and maybe one or two players to kick out the door. The latest rumor comes from the Daily Mirror, claiming that David Ngog is a transfer target for Martin Jol's Fulham and that talks have begun.

The fee rumored is a very cool £2.5 million and should Fulham offer anywhere near that much money, Bolton Wanderers could easily take the money and run.

Ngog was brought in during the tail end of summer 2011 by Owen Coyle in a (reported) £4 million switch from Liverpool after David Ngog failed to impress with the reds' lofty standards. Since then, he's had some good moments but his Bolton stay can be best described as nothing special for a forward.

In 17 games in the Championship and FA Cup this season, Ngog has had numerous injury issues with his back but has managed fourr goals and two assists for Bolton. In the 2011/12 Premier League campaign, Ngog managed four goals and four assists in 39 appearances across League, FA Cup, and Carling Cup play.

Should Ngog depart, Bolton's strike force would consist of Marvin Sordell, Craig Davies, Kevin Davies, and Tom Eaves.

Fulham had apparently tried for David Ngog last summer, lodging a reported £3 million bid that Owen Coyle and Bolton Wanderers rejected.


http://www.lionofviennasuite.com/transfer-news-rumors-rumours-bolton-wanderers/2013/1/31/3934888/david-ngog-fulham-bolton-wanderers-transfer-news?

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Potentially Unpalatable Condition Placed On Head of Fulham and Liverpool Target Nicolas Isimat-Mirin

English Premier League side Fulham have joined the race for highly-rated Valenciennes defender Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, though the French club have put a condition on any deal which Martin Jol's men may find unpalatable.

Isimat-Mirin is a player in demand, having attracted attention from Liverpool, Newcastle and Lille, with Fulham now firmly in the race and, according to French sports daily L'Equipe, pushing to the front of the queue.

Valenciennes have let it be known that they will consider selling the defender for €2.5M – but there is a catch.

Daniel Sanchez's men will only do the deal this month if the buying club agree to loan Isimat-Mirin back to Valenciennes for the remainder of the season.

This could put off potential suitors, who may well not feel compelled to rush to do a deal before the window closes, and simply wait until the summer.

For Valenciennes, keeping hold of Isimat-Mirin would be good news.

The 21-year-old is a key man and has appeared in 21 Ligue 1 games for the club so far this season.


Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/01/31/potentially-unpalatable-condition-placed-on-head-of-fulham-and-liverpool-target-nicolas-isimat-mirin/78325/#VcJlRiO8zGJ1fjlc.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Berbatov celebrates birthday with goal as Fulham leapfrog freefalling Hammers

FULHAM 3 vs WEST HAM UNITED 1

FULHAM eased their worries with only a third win in 16 games as West Ham's season disintegrated further at Craven Cottage last night.

Forward Dimitar Berbatov headed his eighth Premier League goal of the season, amid suspicions of offside, to give the home side the lead after just 10 minutes.

Hammers captain Kevin Nolan equalised from a tight angle after a quick free-kick early in the second half, but Hugo Rodallega hit back instantly from close range.

Substitute Mladen Petric crowned victory in injury time when his shot hit the post in went in via West Ham's Joey O'Brien.

Berbatov, on his 32nd birthday, went close to scoring his second, as three points lifted Fulham into 12th place, one ahead of Sam Allardyce's visitors, who have now lost seven of their last 11 in all competitions.


http://www.cityam.com/sport/berbatov-celebrates-birthday-goal-fulham-leapfrog-freefalling-hammers?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss plays down Berbatov injury fears

FULHAM boss Martin Jol is hopeful Dimitar Berbatov's hamstring injury isn't as bad as first feared.

The Bulgarian striker pulled up midway through the second half during the 3-1 win against West Ham last night, having given the Whites the lead on his 32nd birthday.

Berbatov will undergo a scan to assess the full extent of the problem, but Jol is keeping his fingers crossed there's no serious damage.

He said: "Dimitar has a problem with his hamstring.

"It's not a tear, it's a minor injury. He will probably miss the Manchester United game [on Saturday]."


http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2013/01/31/82029-32716764/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Huddlestone in Fulham talks

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas expects a quiet transfer deadline day at White Hart Lane, but confirmed Tom Huddlestone is in talks with Fulham.

Villas-Boas said: "There was an interest from Fulham. I'm not sure if they're going to follow on that interest.

"We've allowed the club to speak to the player. He's a player we rate very highly."

Fulham boss Martin Jol, though, played down the chances of getting a deal done on deadline day.

"I think it is awful to get a permanent transfer for someone like Tom Huddlestone on the last day," he said.

"I started five weeks ago and that won't happen on the last day."

Zeki Fryers and Lewis Holtby are the only arrivals at Spurs so far this month and Villas-Boas does not expect any more.

"We look to be quiet in the market," the Portuguese said. "It's not impossible that a couple of things happen. It's highly unlikely.

"We need to add quality to the squad and our quality to the squad is keeping the players we have now and Lewis arriving."

Holtby made his debut as a second-half substitute at Carrow Road and impressed.

Villas-Boas added: "It was extremely good to see him out on the pitch. I think he had the right impact for such a short time."

Spurs were indebted to Gareth Bale for a point as the Welshman's wizardry conjured up an equaliser following a scintillating run, cancelling out Wes Hoolahan's 32nd-minute opener.


http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/165/8457310/huddlestone-in-fulham-talks?