Monday Fulham Stuff (19/08/13)...

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Hughes hails team effort
by DAN on AUGUST 18, 2013



Aaron Hughes hailed his team-mates' discipline and determination as being a big part of the solid defensive effort that secured three points on the opening day at Sunderland.

The Northern Ireland defender felt Fulham defended excellently from the front, which allowed them to profit fully from Pajtim Kasami's second-half header.

It was a clean sheet, which we were able to win with – not just the defenders, the whole team, I think were pretty solid today. We worked very hard from the front back. Then we got a good set piece, Pato [Pajtim Kasami] got his head on the end of it to nick us a goal and we've come away with all three points, so we're over the moon with it.
Although the visitors were on the back foot for much of the contest, Hughes revealed that Fulham were expecting to be put under pressure by the home side at the start of proceedings and believed that his side stood firm in the face of Sunderland's bright start.
We were expecting a tough game up here. We're away from home, so we can't expect to dominate possession all the time and we knew they were going to be times in the game when they were going to have a lot of pressure and really come at us and we knew they were going to be times when we had to be patient and keep our shape and, as you say, keep ourselves in the game and make sure not to do anything silly and find ourselves one or two goals behind. We did that. It was a great ball in by Duff from the set piece, Pato got his head on the end of it, which was fantastic for him and, after that, again it was something to hold onto then and I thought we did really well holding on to it.

Hughes admitted that it was far from a flawless Fulham performance, but the character and application shown made it a particularly pleasing afternoon.

It certainly wasn't vintage from us today. I certainly wouldn't put it down as our best performance but, in terms of being resolute and strong and determined and showing a lot of character, I thought it was up there with any that I've played in. To come up here for the first game of the season and to come away with three points is a big achievement, so we've done really well today to do that and everyone goes away really happy.

It was a tough start for us, up here first and back up here in a couple of weeks – Newcastle – will be a tough game and Arsenal at home in between that, that's not an easy start. To come away today with three points already on the board is a nice, little confidence booster for us. We look forward to next week and see if we can repeat that and get another one.

The 33 year-old resumed his familiar partnership with captain Brede Hangeland at the heart of the Fulham defence, in the absence of new signing Fernando Amorebieta, and Hughes says he is now almost able to read the Norwegian's came having spent so much time alongside Hangeland.

When you play together and you play alongside each other, not even just in games but in training as well every day with someone for that long you get to know their game pretty well, so from a defender's point of view today, to come away with a clean sheet – those are like goals for us, that's what our game's all about, trying to keep the ball out, so to have come away today with a clean sheet everyone's really happy.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/08/hughes-hails-team-effort/?

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Fulham sweating over Stekelenburg

Fulham face a nervous wait over the fitness of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg after he was forced off with an injury against Sunderland.

The Dutchman arrived at Craven Cottage from Roma during the close-season but he lasted just 76 minutes of his first Premier League outing at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

A shoulder problem, sustained in a seemingly innocuous tangle with Jozy Altidore, meant that he could not continue, with David Stockdale taking over in goal.

Despite that blow, Fulham held on to snatch a valuable opening-day 1-0 win courtesy of Pajtim Kasami's headed goal - their only on-target effort of the entire match, which the hosts dominated for large spells, but were routinely frustrated by the Dutchman.

Stekelenburg saved spectacularly from Sunderland debutant Ondrej Celustka's dipping volley to keep the scores level in the first half before midfielder Kasami struck after the break.

Manager Martin Jol admitted afterwards that he is unsure exactly how long the Netherlands international could now be ruled out.

"Hopefully he will be okay," Jol said. "But we'll have to wait and see."



http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2013/August/18/fulham-sweating-over-stekelenburg/?

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Fulham boss Jol pleased for Kasami

Fulham manager Martin Jol said he was pleased for Pajtim Kasami after the Swiss youngster's winner against Sunderland.

Kasami's second-half header – his first goal for the Whites – gave them an opening-day victory at the Stadium of Light.

The 21-year-old, who ended last season on loan with Lucerne, is hoping to establish himself in Jol's first team this term.


Kasami scored early in the second half.

And he responded well to being brought in for Bryan Ruiz, who was rested after being on international duty with Costa Rica.

"For a young kid to score his first Premier League goal and the winning goal – of course it is what I want for him," Jol declared.

"I sent him to Switzerland last season because he's got talent and is a strong kid. He came back and did well in pre-season.

"Because Bryan Ruiz didn't come back until Friday, I thought maybe it was good to start with Kasami.

"He was happy that I chose him and I was happy with him."

Despite the excellent result, Jol insisted there was still plenty of room for improvement.

Sunderland dominated large spells of the match before Kasami netted against the run of play.

"I think it was a perfect away result but not a perfect performance," Jol admitted.

"We had to grind out the result. It was a very scrappy game for us. We didn't do well at times.

"We have to try to control the midfield. We didn't do that in the first half and couldn't keep the ball."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-jol-pleased-for-kasami?

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Another Chance?
   
The Fulham career of Mahamadou Diarra was hardly a success.

His spell at Craven Cottage was blighted by injury and he never really did himself justice before he was released at the end of last season.

But, the 32 year-old midfielder may be on the verge of earning himself another chance with it being reported that Diarra had been training with Fulham, with Martin Jol remarking about the situation,

"He is doing ball work. He is not under contract."

An interesting situation I think you`ll agree.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=329106#ixzz2cNu7971F

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Baird Waits
   
Another player released by Fulham in May, is still to settle into a deal elsewhere.

Baird has been training with Queens Park Rangers but has yet to put pen-to-paper on a deal despite Harry Redknapp admitting,

"He`s good, I`d like to do something."

Rumour has it that Another Championship club are also interested and that Baird is mulling over the offer on the table.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=329105#ixzz2cNuGYMFC

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Sunderland 0 Fulham 1: James Hunter's big match verdict

James Hunter gives his verdict on Sunderland's first game of the new season against Fulham at the Stadium of Light


Sunderland's Stephane Sessegnon battles for the ball with Fulham's Aaron Hughes

Paolo Di Canio's Sunderland revolution was floored by a sucker-punch as Fulham snatched all three points at the Stadium of Light.

Head coach Di Canio recruited nine new signings over the summer and had promised the Black Cats fans positive, attacking, football right from the off in his first season in charge.

And they certainly took the game to their opponents, although they found it tough to fashion clear-cut chances were unable to convert any of the handful they did create,

But they were undone by a classic smash-and-grab raid from an otherwise unambitious Fulham side.

Macedonian midfielder Pajtim Kasami stole in to score what turned out to be the winner with what turned out to be Fulham's one and only shot on target of the game, heading home from a corner early in the second half.

It was a kick in the teeth for Sunderland, who had never looked in any danger up to that point.

However, result apart, there were plenty of positives for Di Canio to take from the first game of the season.

His new-look side showed promise, and will only get better as his overseas imports settle.

He gave debuts to five new arrivals, with Ondrej Celustka, Valentin Roberge, Cabral, Emanuele Giaccherini and Jozy Altidore all included in his starting XI.

The other four new faces - Vito Mannone, David Moberg Karlsson, Modibo Diakite and El-Hadji Ba - were amongst the substitutes.

With no specialist left-back signed as yet, Jack Colback filled in, while experienced centre-back John O'Shea succeeded Lee Cattermole - who was injured in any case - as captain.

There were three debutants for Fulham, as boss Martin Jol brought in summer signings Maarten Stekelenburg, Derek Boateng and Adel Taraabt,

Former Sunderland man Darren Bent, who joined the Cottagers on a season-long loan this week, was on the bench,

Another ex-Black Cats man, Kieran Richardson, started at left-back, although his outing lasted just 20 minutes before a hamstring injury forced him off.

Sunderland started strongly with USA striker Altidore, Cape Verde midfielder Cabral and Italian winger Giaccherini all trying their luck from distance, but without testing Stekelenburg.

The Black Cats had to wait until after the half-hour before they made the Dutchman work, with Giaccherini firing in a powerful drive that Stekelenburg was well-placed to stop.

And the keeper made a terrific save on 36 minutes, leaping to his left to tip Ondrej Celustka's 25-yard strike over the bar when it looked destined for the top corner.

Sunderland ended the first-half strongly, and Republic of Ireland keeper Westwood went off at half-time having been a virtual spectator.

The pattern was unchanged at the start of the second period, with the Black Cats still in the ascendancy as Giaccherini caused Fulham all kinds of problems down the left.

But a rare Fulham attack saw Dimitar Berbatov win a corner kick - the Cottagers' only one of the match - and from that set-piece Kasami struck.

Ex-Newcastle man Damien Duff delivered the ball from the right and Kasami got above Roberge all too easily at the far post to plant a firm header inside the left-hand post.

That goal briefly rocked Sunderland, who lost their way for the next five minutes.

But they soon regained control and went in search of an equaliser.

Adam Johnson fired a half-volley wide just before the hour, and afew minutes later the former Manchester City winger drove a free-kick into the wall after Altidore's strength had drawn a foul from Brede Hangeland just outside the box on the right.

On 74 minutes, a Giaccherini shot from inside the box took a deflection and looked to be falling perfectly for Altidore but Stekelenburg got their just ahead of the striker - injuring his shoulder in the process, which meant he had to go off to be replaced by ex-Darlington man David Stockdale.

The best chance fell to sub Ji Dong-Won in the final minute, though, when Johnson picked him out with a cross but the South Korean blew his chance to be a hero, heading wide from seven yardsout.



http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/sunderland-0-fulham-1-james-5747238?

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Jol delighted as Kasami rewards his faith
by DAN on AUGUST 18, 2013



Martin Jol was delighted that Pajtim Kasami rewarded his faith after opting to include the Swiss midfielder in his first Fulham starting line-up of the season.

The 21 year-old headed his first Fulham goal as the Whites held on to claim a narrow victory at Sunderland on the opening day and certainly made the most of his first Premier League start for two years. Kasami, who ended last season on loan at Lucerne, replaced Bryan Ruiz in the starting line-up and produced a superb performance full of tireless running and endeavour.

Jol was delighted with Kasami's impact and has challenged him to maintain that level of performance:

For a young kid to score his first Premier League goal and the winning goal – of course it is what I want for him. I sent him to Switzerland last season because he's got talent and is a strong kid. He came back and did well in pre-season.

Because Bryan Ruiz didn't come back until Friday, I thought maybe it was good to start with Kasami. He was happy that I chose him and I was happy with him.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/08/jol-delighted-as-kasami-rewards-his-faith/?

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Tottenham tell Fulham to double offer for Scott Parker

FULHAM boss Martin Jol suffered a shock during his attempts to sign Tottenham's England midfielder, Scott Parker.


Fulham must pay more for Parker (left)

The club thought that after matching QPR's successful £2million offer for the player they would be be granted permission to talk to him.

But they had not allowed for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy's tough negotiating stance. Levy told Fulham that they would have to pay double the fee agreed with QPR to take Parker from White Hart Lane.

Levy insisted that the £2m figure was a reduced price because QPR were in the Championship. Premier League clubs would be asked to shell out £4million.

But that has not put off Jol, who is still hoping to beat QPR boss Harry Redknapp to the signing.



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/422925/Tottenham-tell-Fulham-to-double-offer-for-Scott-Parker?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-express-sport-news+%28Daily+Express+%3A%3A+Sport+Feed%29

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From the Opposition Camp - Sunderland (a)
   
Daylight robbery they`ve screamed and Paulo Di Canio isn`t a happy chap either.

The Italian was very vociferous after seeing Fulham beat his side 1-0 and he had this to say to the media after the game,

"We were the only team that tried to play football and create chances."

"Only one team set out to win and we were in their half for 80 minutes and had some good chances."

"Now our new players will understand that it is the best and toughest league in the world, especially at set plays."

Indeed it is and on other days it would have been us reflecting on a defeat.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=329120#ixzz2cNvnhRPQ

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Kasami Shines
   
Okay, in the cold light of day, I`ll admit the win up at the Stadium of Light was daylight robbery.

To take all three points, with our only shot of the game, must have been a real blow for Paulo Di Canio, but that`s the way the game goes.

One player who would have left the pitch absolutely delighted would have been our talented young Swiss star Pajtim Kasami who scored his first ever Premier League goal for Fulham.

Speaking about the youngster, Martin Jol had this to say after the match,

"It`s what I wanted for him - to be happy and enjoy his football."

"I sent him to Switzerland last season because he`s came back and done well in pre-season."

"It was good to start him. He was happy that I chose him and I was happy with him."

A memorable day for all concerned I`d say.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=329121#ixzz2cNvwq0YJ

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Southampton set to clinch the signing of Tottenham and Fulham target Pablo Osvaldo
PABLO OSVALDO is on the verge of joining Southampton after a series of phone calls with Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The Italian international has been one of the most in-demand strikers during the summer transfer window with Fulham, Tottenham and Inter Milan also interested in acquiring his services.

Southampton last week agreed an €18m fee with Roma for the 27-year-old, however the Argentinian-born player was unsure over a move to the south-coast with Spurs readying a bid.

But according to reports in Italy, Osvaldo has been convinced by Pochettino and his project at Southampton.

The striker missed his current club's 2-1 friendly win over Ternana due to a muscle complaint, however the injury is not thought to be a serious concern to the transfer.

Darren Bent's arrival on a season-long loan at Craven Cottage has seen Fulham's interest in Osvaldo cool.

Spurs manager Andre Vilas-Boas, who is still actively looking for more firepower to his forward line, was keen to strike a deal to add to the club record signing of Roberto Soldado.

However Osvaldo's club record move to St.Mary's will see him link up with England hero Rickie Lambert as well as Jay Rodriguez and Gaston Ramirez.




http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/333261/Southampton-set-to-clinch-the-signing-of-Tottenham-and-Fulham-target-Pablo-Osvaldo

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Fulham: The Season Preview

Major transfers IN: Maarten Stekelenburg – £4.7 Million- Roma; Sasha Riether – £1.2 million- Cologne; Fernando Amorebieta – Free – Athletic Bilbao; Derek Boateng – Free – Dnipro

Major Transfers OUT: Mark Schwarzer- Free – Chelsea; Simon Davies – Released; Mladen Petric- Released


Martin Jol has a big job on his hands to keep Fulham in the Premier League for their 12th consecutive year and their comfortable mid table finishes of the past 5 years may be a thing of the past if their second half of the season form was anything to go by, along with uninspiring transfers.

Fulham started last season well and it was their early season form which saw them finish (what seemed like) comfortably mid-table but most of their points were gained in the first half of the season and in a good spell over Easter before a really terrible run of form towards the end of the season saw them briefly flirt with relegation, which made Fulham's season somewhat of a rollercoaster.

Their form dipped terribly after periods of strong form, so much so that Fulham's season can be broken down into 4 distinct stages: First 11 matches, only 3 losses. Next 9 matches, only 1 win. Next 10 games heralded 5 wins before a terrible end of season run of 4 points in their last 8 games.

This kind of roller coaster form makes it hard to analyse what kind of season the Cottagers will have but with teams who finished around them strengthening more impressively, Fulham may be left behind some of their bottom half of the table rivals.

The one man who is key to Fulham's season is obviously Dimitar Berbatov who looked a good singing no paper and proved to be just that with 15 goals scored in just 32 league games, a brilliant return for a player who would not have cost the club too much money.

Berbatov's goal scoring record should come as no surprise as he averages 0.44 goals over the course of his career, and showed that he can do it in a team which does not provide him with as much ammunition as he used to like his spells at Man Utd, Spurs and Bayer Leverkeusen.

Berbatov's contribution to Fulham's season was enormous, and after he had signed for Fulham he scored 15 of the 43 goals they scored. His importance to the team can be seen when you look at Fulham's results without him, they only won one game all season, and that was the opening day victory against Norwich.

An injury to Berbatov would be catastrophic to Fulham with the only other out-and-out striker being Hugo Rodellaga, who managed just 3 goals all season despite taking part in 29 league games. Behind the Bulgarian is normally Bryan Ruiz who has shown he is a creative and talented footballer who managed 7 assists last season, alongside his 5 league goals too for a decent campaign.

The rest of the midfield is probably the area where Fulham are the weakest with Damien Duff now 34, and the 36 year old Giorgios Karagounis coming in and playing 25 games last season, showing how weak the midfield is, and may explain the dip in form towards the end of the season.

Steve Sidwell is a steady if not spectacular player and will joined in the middle by Derek Boateng who is a good free signing from Dnipro after they paid nearly £6 million to take him from Getafe two years ago, however he only played 23 times in total for the Ukrainians.

Alex Kacaniklic is a potential creative spark for Fulham who has looked a tricky winger on occasions, and was in favour towards the back end of last season, and looks set for a starting berth on the left hand side of an uninspiring midfield. For what looks a pretty solid defence, Fulham leaked 60 goals last season, the same as QPR.

The aging Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird may finally have had their day as Fernando Amorebieta has been bought in from Athletic Bilbao and has to be an improvement on the formers, and should be solid next to Brede Hangeland. One of two paid transfers Fulham have made is that of Sasha Riether from Cologne for just £1.2 million, after he had a good loan spell last season missing just 3 games in total, but again is a pretty uninspiring signing, even if a good piece of business.

The biggest transfer Fuham have made is that of Maarten Stekelenburg from Roma after Mark Schwarzer left the club on a free to join Chelsea. Stekelenburg is a good signing who has frequently been linked with top European clubs, and at 30 is ten years younger than his predecessor and at nearly £5 million is again good business for a keeper who has long been considered one of Europe's best.

Considering Fulham's recent take over a total outlay of around £6 million is not what the supporters want to see, even if Martin Jol is doing pretty solid business.

A move for Darren Bent has been muted but I can't see him fitting into a team which really does revolved around Berbatov, and he sat on the bench all of last season at Aston Villa. Fulham should look to bring in a more creative midfield player or wide midfielders as their strength in depth is worrying in a number of areas.



Betting recommendation

It is pretty hard to be enthusiastic about Fulham's season with a very average team who revolve around one world class player in Berbatov. Fulham are a definite runner in the relegation market and have been priced up as short as 4/1 with Ladbrokes and are a standout 8/1 with Bet Victor which looks huge value considering their terrible run at the end of last season and a lack of significant improvements.

It is really hard to know what to expect out of Fulham and the goals of Berbatov are going to be crucial in keeping them afloat in a division which does tno have much between the 14 clubs outside of the "Big 6". Martin Jol is second favourite in the first manager to go market at around 8/1 and a tricky start is not going to help him either, but it would be a surprise if no one was to go before him.

In a wide open relegation market in which there is likely to be bigger price team go down I think it is worth taking Fulham to go down. With a huge over reliance on Berbatov an injury would see them woefully short upfront, and with no reinforcements coming in so far the 8/1 with Bet Victor is way too big considering they are half that price in places.



Fulham to be relegated- 1pt Bet Victor.



http://www.o-posts.net/news/teams/uk/fulham-season-preview/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+O-posts-news+%28O-Posts+-+Football+News%29

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Fulham: 3 Potential Signings Before The Window Closes

Matin Jol quickly showed Fulham's intentions for the upcoming season with impressive early signings such as Maarten Stekelenberg, although recently that early window spark has flickered out. With barely any rumours circulating around, it appears Fulham's business this window could nearly be over.

Jol is making all the right moves by looking to improve all aspects of his current Fulham team and the loan signing of Adel Taarabt could be an exciting addition to his squad.

Fulham managed to secure Sascha Riether after a superb season as a loanee at Craven Cottage. Sascha has himself said that Fulham are targeting a top 10 finish, which with a few more signings should be in their reach. Let's see who they could potentially bring in.

Walter Gargano (Midfielder, Napoli)

Despite recent interest from Sunderland, Fulham still have a good chance of signing the Uruguayan international. He missed out on a move to Inter Milan and has since turned down clubs to keep his options open. A move to the Premier League could be what he is holding out for. A defensive midfielder with great vision and 56 international caps, Gargano could anchor Fulham's midfield superbly. The 29 year old should cost around the £6 million mark, and if they can keep him away for Sunderland he would add class and protection to their midfield. Another option could be Eyong Enoh, who joined Fulham on loan in January. He has since returned to Ajax and if Fulham can negotiate lower than the £3 million asking price he could well return permanently.

Scott Dann (Defender, Blackburn Rovers)

The English defender wants to leave the championship club and Fulham are keen on signing him. Despite captaining Blackburn this season, he wants to step up to the Premier League and Blackburn seem happy to get him off their big wage bill. Due to this they would even consider a loan offer. Everton are also rumoured to have an eye on the big defender. Prone to chipping in with the occasional goal, he would add further depth to their defensive options.

Pablo Osvaldo (Striker, Roma)

The Italian international has gained a lot of attention recently, with a long list of clubs fighting for his signature. After a solid season, scoring 16 goals in 29 league appearances, it's easy to see why. A capable finisher with both feet and head it appears he will be playing elsewhere next season. Tottenham emerged as early front runners but have since faded away. Fulham are in competition with Benfica, Southampton and Inter Milan to secure his talents. Roma seem reluctant to sell to a rival, so Inter Milan could be out. Saying that, Osvaldo seems as though he would prefer to stay in Serie A, to help him gain more international caps. If the controversial striker can live up to his potential Fulham fans could adore him. Another option could be Watford striker Troy Deeney who has started the season superbly. Though with Darren Bent's loan move nearing completion, another striker may not even be needed.



http://www.kettlemag.com/article/fulham-3-potential-signings-window-closes?

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Fulham recruit Adel Taarabt insists he has found a family at Craven Cottage after QPR's 'collection of strangers'
Adel Taarabt has painted a bleak picture of life at Queens Park Rangers, insisting he's left a team of strangers at Loftus Road for a 'family' at Fulham.


Under fire: Fulham new boy Adel Taarabt says he feels at home, and has dismissed allegations that he is a lazy player
Photo: ACTION IMAGES

The Moroccan international needed no second invitation to accept the opportunity earlier this month to join Queens Park Rangers West London rivals Fulham on a season-long loan. In a successful debut he then helped them puncture the sense of optimism on Wearside with a utilitarian 1-0 win over Sunderland that was effective, rather than pleasing on the eye.

"Fulham is a very different club to QPR," Taarabt claimed. "There are so many players here who have been here a long time — four or five years — and it's more of a family club. Everyone is friends with each other. You sense it as soon as you walk in. Last year, QPR signed 12 players and there were many strangers. It was difficult."

Sunderland almost emulated that figure this summer, hitting double figures of new recruits, and it showed as a side with five debutants inevitably took time to gel.

Taarabt added: "Here, there's more of a team spirit. I've only been at Fulham a few weeks, but everyone has made me welcome. It's not just about the players, but the backroom staff. Everyone at the club is so friendly.

"It's one big happy family. That's why people like to stay here, and it's known as a friendly club for a good reason."

The addition of Taarabt to a side already possessing Dimitar Berbatov is surely one luxury player too many, but not according to Martin Jol, who is happy to accommodate high-maintenance performers who he claims are imbued with a work ethic for which they are not given credit.

"The defensive side of the game isn't Adel's favourite hobby," the Dutchman conceded after his side secured victory courtesy of a first Premier League goal from Pajtim Kasami, the Swiss Under-21 international easily out-jumping defender Valentin Roberge to head in Damien Duff's corner.

The Fulham manager added: "Players like Adel are blamed when results go wrong, but he worked hard and that's the most important thing. Likewise with Berbatov, he worked as hard as he ever has. If you give him one finger he gives you his hand."

Taarabt arguably spent too much time attempting to buy bogus free-kicks with ridiculous dives, but he remained adamant he had put in a shift for his new employers.

"It was the perfect debut for me," he said. "It was a fantastic result and a great start to the season. I certainly put in a lot of work. People who say I'm a lazy player won't be saying that now. I did everything asked of me and didn't complain.

"People criticise me and give me a bad image. I don't know why. I'm not this guy they paint a bad picture of. They call me lazy and I only play when I feel like it, but that's not true.

"Saying I don't want to play in the Championship does not make me a bad person. I was lucky coming here because Martin knows me not just as a footballer but as a person. He knows the real me. Everyone says I'm a bad boy, but not Martin. Yes I can get a bit upset on the pitch, who doesn't?"

Sunderland weren't without their opportunities. A notable save to deny Ondrej Celustka by Maarten Stekelenburg, the Fulham goalkeeper forced off towards the end with a shoulder injury, in addition to a glaring late miss from substitute Ji Dong-won gave rise to hope that Paolo Di Canio is making progress with his wide-ranging changes at the Stadium of Light.

"Defeat's a lot easier to take when someone smashes one in from 35 yards," Adam Johnson, who provided the cross which Ji should have headed in as injury-time approached, said. The England midfield player added: "It was a sloppy goal to concede from a set-piece, and a harsh lesson."

Di Canio declined to shield debutant Roberge from blame for a non-jump that left Kasami with a simple finish for the winner. "My central defender lost the guy at the back post without jumping," the Sunderland head coach said.

"You may think it's not fair to point the finger at the player who makes a mistake, but if means that he improves, it can help."
Money well spent?

Sunderland
Cabral made a promising debut start, while Ondrej Celustka looked as if he had been in the Premier League for years. Valentin Roberge was at fault for the only goal and Emanuele Giaccherini faded.

Fulham
Maarten Stekelenburg was outstanding in goal and Adel Taarabt showed glimpses of inspiration.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/10250922/Fulham-recruit-Adel-Taarabt-insists-he-has-found-a-family-at-Craven-Cottage-after-QPRs-collection-of-strangers.html

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Five players that stood out in the Premier League opening weekend

Players from Everton, Fulham, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Liverpool all feature.

Although Manchester City and Newcastle are still to play, the opening weekend of Premier League football reminded us why we love the game in England so much.

There were a number of notable standout performances from teams and players, with these five proving that they can be important men for their respective sides this season.


Ross Barkley

I have previously indicated that it could well Barkley's break-through campaign this year, and the England under-21 star put in an outstanding performance in Everton's 2-2 draw with Norwich at Carrow Road.

A rasping effort from outside the box got the Toffees back into contention after falling 1-0 down, however the midfielder showed excellent technique, work-rate and passing ability all day long.

The 19-year-old can be a real superstar this season if managed properly by Roberto Martinez.

Maarten Stekelenburg

The giant Dutch keeper pulled off a string of saves on his debut for Fulham that led to his side's victory away to Sunderland.

The former Roma man has big gloves to fill at Craven Cottage, with Mark Schwarzer a consistent performer over the last five seasons, and countryman Edwin van der Sar leaving a legacy behind from his stint at the London club.

Despite being withdrawn with an injury, Stekelenburg's saves will show the Fulham fans that they have a top-drawer stopper between their sticks, and his first game was an overwhelming success.

Gabriel Agbonlahor

Something of a forgotten man due to the heroics of Christian Benteke at Aston Villa last season, Agbonlahor showed that it is not a one-man show in the Birmingham-based side's attack with an excellent display against Arsenal.

Villa could only have dreamed of a 3-1 win at the Emirates last season, but there collective performance was worthy of a victory here. Coming back from 1-0 down was commendable also, and Agbonlahor's superb all-round showing was the cherry on the cake.

Danny Welbeck

Although Robin van Persie will take a lot of the plaudits following United's win over Swansea, Danny Welbeck deserves to be mentioned also.

The England international has had a fine start to the season for club and country, and is clearly a man full of confidence at the moment. He took both of his goals at the Liberty Stadium with aplomb, and his overall display was positive.

He has already scored more Premier League goals this season than he did last term, and can be a driving force in United's efforts to retain their Premier League crown.

Simon Mignolet

A number of eyebrows were raised when Mignolet was brought in to replace Pepe Reina at Liverpool this summer, but Saturday's performance in his side's win over Stoke shows exactly why Brendan Rodgers opted to do so.

A fantastic penalty save rounded off an impressive debut for the ex-Sunderland man, who made some excellent stops throughout the 1-0 win.

Mignolet will look to command his Jamie Carragher-less Reds defence this season, and has started life at Anfield in fine fashion.



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