Monday Fulham Stuff (04/02/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 0-1 Manchester United: Player ratings
by DAN on FEBRUARY 3, 2013

There was plenty to be positive about at Craven Cottage last night as Fulham put the poor display at Old Trafford behind them and attacked the league leaders with gusto. While the Whites rode their luck defensively on occasions, Bryan Ruiz might have scored twice on another day and Hugo Rodallega delivered a performance full of energy and endeavour up front in the absence of Dimitar Berbatov. Credit too must be given to the work of Giorgos Karagounis and Chris Baird in midfield, while the outstanding Sascha Riether had another storming game from right back.

Schwarzer: The big Australian kept Fulham in the contest on several occasions. He made a brilliant reaction save from Nani to prevent United taking the lead as a corner caused chaos in the six-yard box and his positioning proved perfect enough to pluck efforts out of the air from van Persie and Hernandez in the second half. He had little chance of stopping a sublime finish from Rooney that ultimately proved decisive, but this was a far more assured performance than some we've seen this season. 7

Riether: We'll soon be running out of superlatives for the German. Arguably Fulham's finest right back since Steve Finnan (and that's some accolade as he's only been at Craven Cottage for six months), Riether delivered another performance brimming with both energy and desire. He handled Nani expertly, miraculously cleared off the line from Rooney and reserved his most telling impact for the final third, surging forward to provide vital width down the right. 8

Riise: Since his recall to the side, John Arne Riise seems to have rediscovered some of the zest that accompanied that upturn in form this time last year. The Norwegian seems destined not to score for Fulham, with David De Gea producing a stunning save to claw away a dipping 30-yarder – and he kept an admittedly below-par Antonio Valencia largely quiet. There wasn't as much raiding forward as we've come to expect from Riise, although he was understandably more focused on keeping the league leaders at bay. 7

Hangeland: The Norwegian was Fulham's most composed defender in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch, making Robin van Persie something of a peripheral figure. Apart from almost heading a curling corner into his own net, Hangeland barely put a foot wrong and produced one superb sliding tackle just as it appeared as though Valencia was about to stroll through the Fulham defence. This was a return to the commanding form we've seen too little of this season – and we can only hope that the Achilles injury won't keep him out for too long. 7

Senderos: It was such a shame that Senderos misjudged that hopeful ball from Patrice Evra that led to United's winner as this was probably one of his best performances in a white shirt. Picked ahead of Aaron Hughes again, his aerial ability and physical presence came to the fore as the visitors switched to a more direct approach later in the second period. He was doubly unfortunate as a injury-time header seemed destined for the far corner until van Persie intervened. 6

Karagounis: The Greek warhorse has carried Fulham's midfield during a rather bleak winter and his gusto and desire typified this battling performance once again. Although he might be more of a playmaker than a ball-winner, Karagounis went toe-to-toe with Cleverley and Carrick and throw a spanner into the heart of United's engine room. While he might not be able to last ninety minutes now given the Premier League's intensity, he's been a real find and was slightly unlucky to drag a second half shot wide from twenty yards after another determined run. 7

Baird: Such is the madness of the modern football that, on Thursday, Chris Baird appeared to be close to the exit door and on Saturday he was preparing to take on the leaders at the heart of Fulham's midfield. As usual, the boy from Ballymena didn't let anyone down, although he operated a little deeper than Steve Sidwell at times. This was an understated and yet calm performance but Baird nearly surprised De Gea when a second half daisycutter almost crept inside the Spaniard's near post. 7

Dejagah: Recalled to the side to offer pace down the flanks, Dejagah's running frightened the United defence at times, especially during a frenetic start. He linked well with Hugo Rodallega in the early stages – racing onto the Colombian's pass before having a shot blocked – and an untimely airshot spoiled another dangerous run. While his ball control and decision making still need improving, this was the Iranian's best performance in a Fulham shirt and hinted at more to come. 7

Duff: In previous years when United have had a fright or more at the Cottage, Damien Duff has been to the fore. This time he was fairly quiet, while marshalled by the excellent Rafael De Silva, who actually forced the Irish winger to do plenty of defensive work. Duff stuck to his task diligently but his impact on proceedings was largely limited to set-piece deliveries and the odd dribble down the left flank. Still a tireless worker who remains an integral part of Jol's side as he approaches his 34th birthday. 6

Ruiz: People will see what they want to see in this performance from Bryan Ruiz. Those who feel the Costa Rican wants too much time on the ball and doesn't deliver enough will point to some poor decision making and how he surrendered possession too easily at times, but I think that's a little unfair on the one man who looked likely to unlock the United defence. He saw a low shot cannon back off the far post and had another effort bundled off the line and kept running all evening. The simple fact is that Fulham look a far better side with him involved. 7

Rodallega: The Colombian followed up a fine display against West Ham with an evening of eager running and surprising levels of aerial supremacy against both Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand. While he snatched at the few opportunities that came his way – the best chance was a difficult volley that went wide in the first half – Rodallega held the ball up superbly and brought his team-mates into play in a manner that meant Fulham created far more chances than many expected yesterday. It was earnest rather than excellent, but pleasing nonetheless. 7

Substitutes:

Hughes: Dropped after the Old Trafford shambles (for which he was hardly the only one to blame), Aaron Hughes replaced the injured Hangeland at half time and struggled at times after United went to a 4-3-3 with the arrival of Javier Hernandez. It looked as though Fulham might have held out for a point until Senderos missed his header and Hughes backed off the onrushing Rooney, allowing the England striker to come inside onto his right foot. 6

Emmanuelson: An encouraging cameo from our latest loanee, who slotted into central midfield as if he'd been operating there all his life. Used the ball smartly and sent over a couple of dangerous crosses and when he carried the ball at speed, it looked as if he might be able to raise the tempo of Fulham's attacks. Given that he'd had just a single training session with his new team-mates, this was an impressive start. 6

Petric: Sent on to try and sniff out an equaliser, the Croatian – who looked Fulham's most likely source of a goal in August – spent most of his ten minutes on the field scrapping for the ball on the edge of the box. His frustration mirrored Fulham's but in a frantic finale, the hosts' just couldn't deliver the kind of service on which Petric thrives. 6



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/02/fulham-0-1-manchester-united-player-ratings/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol's Message Should Be "Don't Let Up"


There have been plenty of smiles around Craven Cottage the past few days, but it's what Fulham convert those smiles into that matter most.

It's been a while since Fulham fans have felt this way.  They've just lost 1-0 to Manchester United.  However, the club can justifiably use the following word for the first time since the end of October and beginning of November:

Momentum.

I can't back this up with stats. It's not something you can measure or score. But it sure as hell is something you can see and feel. Momentum is such a huge part of not only soccer, but sports in general.  It can fill up a team with confidence like a faucet fills a cup.  But if the manager doesn't use it properly, it can go to waste.

And wasting momentum is one of the most egregious mistakes a manager can make, especially when it's as rare as it has been around Craven Cottage this season.

If that's not enough, the momentum has appeared after a defeat.  It's not often you're gifted such a valuable asset after grabbing 0 points from a match. Even Martin Jol, who is a very results-oriented manager, could feel the confidence coursing through the veins of the club after the match:

"I thought this was one of our best performances at home this year – we were very good and organized. We had a lot of players who have played all these games in the last few weeks and still we looked fresh and energetic. I thought we did ever so well."

To hear that from Jol after a loss is incredibly telling, because we know Martin almost always wants the results no matter how the team plays.  Sometimes he gives excuses, but they don't always come off as excuses because he follows them up with something to the effect of, "we were good because of [insert excuse here] but ultimately lost so we need to work harder on [blank]."  None of that today.

It's been a long time since Fulham have put together back-to-back solid performances, probably since a 4-game stretch where we beat Villa 1-0 at home, then the disappointing draw to Reading, followed by 2 big draws against Everton and Arsenal (that one at the Emirates).  That's the last time they've put at least 2 good performances together.  After that, the draw at Stamford Bridge was good, the win over Newcastle was decent, the win at West Brom was solid, but the team couldn't follow any of them up with anything but a whole lot of nothing.  After Chelsea? 3-0 demolition at the hands of Spurs.  After Newcastle? Losing 2-1 to become QPR's first win of the year.  After West Brom? A piece of dirt draw with Blackpool, only saved by Giorgis Karagounis's screamer with the clock ticking down.  No run of good form.  No solid streaks.  Just consistent inconsistency.  Just a bunch of one-and-done's.

If Martin Jol wants to pull away from the relegation zone, now's the time to do it.  While not the easiest stretch in the world, Fulham's next 3 matches are at Norwich (14th), home against Stoke (10th), and at Sunderland (12th).

Following a pretty solid win over West Ham and one of the most positive losses that I've ever seen, this could be the time.  There's been energy, there's been creativity, and there's been a spark.  Coming up could be the stretch that Martin Jol secures this season (and next) for Fulham. But first, he has to send the message to the team that in order to make that happen, they have to continue doing what they're doing, not change too much, and use their energy.  If not, this could be a very difficult season to swallow.



http://fulhamsfinest.com/2013/02/03/jols-message-should-be-dont-let-up/?

[WhiteJC]

 
David Stockdale: Time for Hull City to 'knuckle down' for automatic promotion

On loan Hull keeper David Stockdale said he is eyeing up an automatic promotion spot in the Championship after a 1-0 win at Millwall put them level on points with Leicester City in third.

The keeper, who rejoined the Tigers in January after being recalled to Fulham over Christmas, told Football First: "We've done the hard work through the seven eight months of the season. You've just got to knuckle down now and this is where it gets to the bit where you want to make the right end of the table."

The 27 year old said he was pleased to be back at the KC Stadium after finding opportunites scarce between the sticks for the Cottagers.

"Unfortunately at Fulham I've had a great keeper in Mark Schwarzer and it's been hard to get past him," he added.

"But the good thing is when I've gone in I've done well and people have said 'is he the long term replacement?' That's only a good thing to say."



Read more: http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/football-first/130203/david-stockdale-time-hull-city-knuckle-down-automatic-promotion-190853?#ixzz2JtzcoLNG
Follow us: @talksport on Twitter
Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/football-first/130203/david-stockdale-time-hull-city-knuckle-down-automatic-promotion-190853?#hxRoj6Kye08RoPID.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol hopeful Hangeland injury is 'not a long one'
The Fulham boss praised his side's performance despite their 1-0 defeat to the Premier League leaders Manchester United and backs Sir Alex Ferguson's team to win the title

Fulham manager Martin Jol has expressed his hope that experienced centre-back Brede Hangeland will not be injured for long after sustaining an Achilles injury in Fulham's 1-0 defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Speaking about the injury, the Fulham boss told reporters: "Hopefully it is not a long one."

Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game, with a late strike, to increase United' lead at the top of the table to 10 points.

Despite the defeat, Jol was full of praise for his side, who created a host of chances in a tight game in west London.

The former Tottenham manager added: "We did well in midfield and at the back, it was one of our better performances this season.
"But they are capable of creating something out of nothing, as Rooney did. Now, I think they will win it."

The contest was briefly paused before half-time as Craven Cottage was plunged into darkness following a floodlight failure, leaving the 56-year-old Dutchman concerned that his side would lose their focus.

He added: "We did well to get the lights on again normally it takes a long time.
"I feared when we came back our concentration was down and we would end up conceding a goal but it wasn't a problem."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2013/02/03/3723905/-?

[WhiteJC]

 
Borrowed time: Martin Jol sees Fulham robbed but backs loan stars to shine

Manchester United pinched the points at Craven Cottage but Cottagers boss liked what he saw from his new signings


Loan star: Javier Hernandez of Manchester United and Urby Emanuelson of Fulham
Jamie McDonald

Fulham boss Martin Jol believes his January trolley dash will keep him out of managerial intensive care in May.

The Craven Cottage chief captured four loan signings in the last 24 hours before the window shut, including Dutch midfielder Urby Emanuelson who made an impressive debut cameo in the harsh defeat by Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Jol said: "We have to be honest. Most of these players haven't played a lot for their clubs. That's what you have to do take them when they are bad, when they are left-overs.

"We had targets on the left and in midfield and we couldn't get them but I was still happy to get Urby, who is a character and good player, and also Eyong Enoh.

"First you need 36, 37 points. After that you know about 40 points, it's always the same. If we'd beaten United and had 31 points now it would be finished.

"But if you've got to wait for that until the last game of the season, you'll probably end up in hospital just before that, which is not what you want!"

Despite the 1-0 defeat by Manchester United, Jol's players were roared off the pitch by the Craven Cottage fans, who knew they had given everything and German right-back Sascha Riether said: "We had a great performance and we deserved a point.

"But at least we saw a team on the pitch - and that's important. The fans saw that were 11 players who fought and who wanted to win against the best team in the league

"We understand that the fans were not happy earlier, because he had not been fighting to the end. But in the last two games there has been a change. There was a team with a fighting spirit."

How they rated:

Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer 7; Riether 7, Senderos 5, Hangeland 6 (Hughes, 46, 5), Riise 6; Dejagah 5 (Petric 82, 5), Baird 7, Karagounis 6 (Emanuelson, 68, 7), Duff 5; Ruiz 7; Rodallega 5

Manchester United (4-4-2): De Gea 8; Rafael 6, Ferdinand 8, Evans 7, Evra 7; Valencia 6 (Hernandez, 66, 6), Carrick 6, Cleverley 6 (Giggs, 75, 6), Nani 6 (Welbeck, 84, 6); Rooney 7, Van Persie 6

Referee: Kevin Friend

Man of the Match: Ferdinand - oozed class throughout



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-0-1-manchester-united-martin-1572770?

[WhiteJC]

 
Man United performance shows Fulham are on the up


Jamie McDonald

It may not have been a result to turn many a head but the display against United could well shape Fulham's season

If there's a good way to lose, then we know how to do it at Fulham. We know the bad way, too, and there's plenty of evidence around to support that but on Saturday, against Manchester United, we showed a sizeable slab of dignity in defeat and it was hugely welcome.

For, despite the lack of points, it was a performance we badly needed. It hasn't been a pretty few months at Craven Cottage but with the resilience on show against United, there's hope yet that we can, beyond avoiding relegation, keep an eye on the table's higher echelons. Not top ten, of course, but eleventh, twelfth; something that refutes the widely-held notion that we are a side that merely makes up the numbers.

We're not, and we haven't been for a while now.

No, we are a respectable team that, as Sir Alex Ferguson took great pleasure in pointing out at the weekend, can fight with the best and land a great many punches. No team particularly enjoys Fulham away. We can be compact, incisive and nimble all in one go.

We can even, believe it or not, defend sometimes. The job done in keeping Robin van Persie quiet was a particularly remarkable, even if the idea didn't exactly spill over onto Wayne Rooney as well.

That said, though, the onslaught aimed at Phillippe Senderos in the aftermath is, I feel, a little harsh. He made a bad call with his positioning but it wasn't a mistake, in the broadest sense of the word. Aaron Hughes was as much to blame in reusing to close down the England international but, again, you'd be hard pushed to find any significant faults in either player's game on Saturday.

And that's encouraging because it has been one of Fulham's most concerning areas. It never used to be but, as regimes change, so will, inevitably, tactics. We're not the slow-moving, positionally adept side we used to be under Hodgson and, to a lesser extent, under Hughes. We're more expansive now and take a few more risks and, with risk, eventually comes reward.

Hopefully, that reward will show later in the season, much like it usually does. Martin Jol is not one to flounce on his ideologies and more performances like the one we witnessed against United will inevitably find their way into our remaining thirteen league games.

All the more encouraging, too, is the knowledge that January actually went pretty well for Fulham. Yes, no notable signings - although this is arguable, as Urby Emanuelson on loan is a rather dapper piece of business in my opinion - but no major departures either.

We retained Brede Hangeland which, regardless of his contract situation, is essential and, more importantly, we invested in the right areas. Three central midfielders and a right back - all positions in which we were short. A striker would have been nice, but necessary? No. And Stekelenburg, he would have been nice, but necessary? No, that can wait until the summer.

So we have a bright few months ahead for us at Fulham. It won't involve the glitz and glamour of the top ten but it will still have a warm and fuzzy feeling. The feeling that you're building for the future, pulling out your compass and setting your direction. All without debt, as well.



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2013/2/3/3948558/man-united-performance-shows-fulham-are-on-the-up?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Martin Jol wants to reach 40-point mark as soon as possible

Fulham boss Martin Jol has called on his players to reach the 40-point mark as soon as possible to secure Premier League safety.

The Craven Cottage side currently have 28 points on the board and could find themselves dragged into a relegation battle.

Fulham were unlucky not to pick up at least a point from the narrow defeat to Manchester United at the weekend and Jol hopes they can secure survival before the final day of the season for the sake of his health.

"First you need 36, 37 points," said Jol. "After that you know about 40 points, it's always the same. If we'd beaten United and had 31 points now it would be finished.

"But if you've got to wait for that until the last game of the season, you'll probably end up in hospital just before that, which is not what you want!"

Meanwhile, Jol believes their business in last month's transfer window will help them steer clear of trouble after bringing in five new faces.

"Normally I hate the transfer window but this time it was a good one for us because we could do a lot," added Jol

"Last time we were robbed of our best players a day before the window finished when Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey left.

"We needed this window but it wasn't easy because we didn't have a lot of money. However I still wanted to strengthen the squad."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8469531?

[WhiteJC]

 
Lucky Programme Number

The lucky programme number from Fulham's game with Manchester United on Saturday is 05951.

The winner will receive two match tickets and Official Coach travel to Fulham's fixture at Norwich City this weekend - so check the back of your programme to see if you've struck lucky.

To claim your prize, email [email protected] with a scan or picture of the winning number on your programme and we'll get in touch.

Copies of this season's programme can be purchased here, while the digital version is also available to download.

Available on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android devices alongside PC and Mac, the digital edition comes with all the content from the printed programme, plus some exciting extras. Individual versions of the digital programme are just £1.99.

The programme is also available via the PocketMags app on Kindle Fire and Blackberry Playbook.

Click the links below to order your digital programme now.

Apple

Android

PC and Mac



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/04/copy-of-lucky-programme-number?

[WhiteJC]

 
Urby's Fulham Bow

Fulham debutant Urby Emanuelson believes his new side were unfortunate not to come away with something from Saturday's clash with Manchester United.

Wayne Rooney's late strike saw United earn a 1-0 win against a plucky Fulham side who pushed the league leaders every step of the way.

And Emanuelson, who made his Fulham bow in the game as a 68th-minute substitute, was impressed by what he saw from his new teammates.

"It wasn't an easy game to make my debut in," he told the official website. "It was a tough match, but in the second half we really fought well and it looked like we would get at least a point.

"We fought as a team. You saw in the second half that we were getting stronger and stronger. We were unlucky in the box as well. But with the strikers they have, they can always score goals.

"We can be happy with the way we played but, of course, the result was not what we wanted."

A deadline-day loan signing from AC Milan, Emanuelson replaced Giorgos Karagounis in the middle of the park – a position the Dutchman is more than happy to fill.

"I'm comfortable playing there," he stated. "I'm used to playing in a lot of positions and with my style of play I can play anywhere in the midfield. It's started for me now and I want to grow as a player and help the Team.

"The result wasn't to be but I'm really happy that I got some minutes on the pitch and it went well.

"It's a good feeling to make my debut. I just want to play more than I was in Milan. I'd only trained once with Fulham before the game so I'm happy that I could play 25 minutes."

Capped 16 times by the Netherlands, Emanuelson played under Martin Jol during the Fulham Manager's time as boss at Ajax and the 26-year-old admits the Whites gaffer was a key factor in his move to SW6.

"Martin Jol was a big part of the move as I'd worked already with him," he said. "I need a little bit of trust at the moment and he's a coach who believes in me. That is one of the big reasons why I came here."

He added: "It feels like a great group of players here. Everybody is making jokes and I've been made to feel very welcome. I'm really happy that I'm here and I'm looking forward to showing the fans what I can do on the pitch."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/04/urbys-fulham-bow?

[WhiteJC]

 
Baba's Award

Academy defender Noe Baba was named Under-16 International Player of the Year at the FAI International Football Awards on Sunday.

The highly-rated youngster joined Fulham earlier in the season as the Whites beat off a host of clubs competing for his signature.

Born in Cameroon, he excelled for the Republic of Ireland U19s in their UEFA Championship preliminary qualification tournament where they beat Luxembourg and Romania, and drew with Germany.

He also became the first African-born player to captain a Republic of Ireland age group when he led the Under-17s.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/04/babas-award?

[WhiteJC]

 
Right-back woes no more
by LYDIA on FEBRUARY 4, 2013



For years Fulham seemed to struggle to find a settled right-back. Ever since the days of Steve Finnan, quite a number of players played there and sometimes players have been played out of their owned favourite position to play there. But I believe that Jol has found an absolute gem in Sascha Riether. The German has been, for me, Fulham most consistent player this season. There is no denying that our defence this season hasn't been as water tight as in previous seasons but the addition of Riether has certainly been a positive one. He is committed, vocal (I can sometimes hear his voice above the fans when I'm watching the games on TV), he can tackle and those over lapping runs to assist the attack have caused many a defence a problem.

As regular readers will know, I am a keen hockey player. I played right-back for seven full years during my school days and the positions are played very similarly across the two sports. In hockey, the ball is very rarely lifted above everybody's head so this is similar to the way Fulham play as Jol's footballing philosophy is to play the ball along the ground. From my time as a right-back, I was aware that my coach wanted me to support the attack as much as a could as long as I remembered that my primary objective was to defend. This is where positioning comes into the picture. Being caught out of position as a defender can be devastating. How many times have we seen it in the league, a stray pass or a badly played offside trap leaving the goal right open for an on coming striker? This is one of Riether's greatest strengths, he is rarely caught out of position despite the amount of work he does up the field. Riise is less adapt at this, but Riether, time and time again, is in the right place to push an attacker out wide or make an important block even after having to track back after a marauding run forward.

Another strength in Riether's play is his consistent passing. Sometimes defenders panic and just punt the ball forward but for Riether this really is a last resort. He likes to play the ball out of danger by passing the ball across short distances and then making himself available for the return pass. A lot of this obviously comes down to other players as well, such as Duff and Ruiz, who regularly play close to Riether but it tells me that the communication that Riether has with his team mates is very good. He always seems to be talking to someone and this sort of presence on the pitch is important. Berbatov gets a lot of praise for this, as we can always see him barking orders at the other players so I think it's about time that the likes of Riether also get some praise. I can't express enough just how important communication is on any sports field!

Another thing I noticed while researching Riether was that he doesn't seem to have ever had a red card! This season alone he has only picked up two yellow cards so this tells me that his tackling is good and is fair a vast majority of the time. Very reassuring for a right-back!

Our one problem with Riether is that we only have him on loan. I think that in the summer, the first person I hope to see sign permanently will be Sascha Riether, the best right-back Fulham have had in years! Let's hope he keeps putting in the performances throughout the rest of the season.

COYW


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/02/right-back-woes-no-more/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stoke Tickets

Next at home for Martin Jol's Whites are Stoke City on Saturday 23rd February (12.45pm) and match tickets are on General Sale now!

What's more, there are some fantastic special offers available for our Season Ticket Holder and Members. Hurry though, tickets are selling fast and these special offers expire soon!

Season Ticket Holders: Two Mates For £5 Each

Our loyal Season Ticket Holders are able to purchase two additional tickets for just £5 each in the Putney End! These tickets can now be purchased online and this offer will expire at 5pm on Wednesday 13th February.

Members: Save £5 On Up To Two Tickets

As a special thank you to all of our loyal Fulham Members, the Club is offering £5 off either one or two adult tickets. This offer is valid in all areas of the ground and can be purchased online. This offer will expire at 5pm on Wednesday 13th February.

*All tickets are subject to availability.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/04/stoke-tickets?