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Tuesday Fulham Stuff (22/10/13)...

Started by WhiteJC, October 21, 2013, 08:48:35 PM

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WhiteJC

 
Fulham blog: Are the Whites better off without Dimitar Berbatov?

By kbfulham

Dimitar Berbatov is expected to return against Crystal Palace this evening, having used the international break to get over the knock he picked up against Stoke, but our fan blogger examines whether Martin Jol has the ability to get the most out of his superlative talents...

Fulham escaped their last match against Stoke City with all three points, but the "keep calm and pass me the ball" ethos, unveiled on Dimitar Berbatov's undershirt earlier this season, has consigned the Cottagers to a bottom-of-the-table scrap.

Before you get your hackles up and start railing at the suggestion that Berbatov is anything but an insouciant genius, let me be clear - I like the languid Bulgarian and marvel at least once a match at his unhurried control and sheer class on the ball.

There isn't another player in this Fulham side capable of producing the kinds of honied moments with which Berbatov has defined his career.

That's part of the problem, and we'll get to that, but for now, rest assured this isn't a Berbatov hatchet piece.

Rather, it's an assessment of the manner in which Fulham has played with the Bulgarian as its lynchpin and main conduit of creativity - an indictment of the "keep calm and pass me the ball" ethos that has seen the club wane under Martin Jol and resulted in what looks for all the world like a season-long exercise in hovering just above the bottom three in the Premier League.

Fulham did manage all three points against Mark Hughes' new-look Stoke City a fortnight ago, but even the most optimistic Fulham supporter must surely know that Hughes wasn't far off in his assessment that the Cottagers were lucky to escape the match with a win.

Consider the statistics: Stoke had 16 goal attempts to Fulham's nine, they out-passed the Cottagers 402 to 309, bossed 55.8 per cent of the possession, completed 11 crosses to Fulham's five, and didn't allow a single shot on goal until Sacha Riether's effort in the 66th minute.

The lone Darren Bent goal came in the 83rd minute from a fortuitous deflection that fell to the striker's feet - a poacher's goal if ever there was one - and let's not forget that Bent likely wouldn't have even been on the field if it wasn't for a Berbatov injury that forced Jol's hand.

The margins between their last match and the last minute collapses against Newcastle, Cardiff and West Brom are razor thin. In spite of the win, Fulham is a club still firmly in an attacking malaise that dates well back to last campaign. Central to this attacking impotence stands the louche figure of Berbatov.

It's not that the striker is an inherently destructive presence on the pitch or that his skills an style of play are anathema to a modest club like Fulham, but that the manner in which he has thus far been deployed is simply not working.

Since he joined the club at the beginning of last season, Berbatov has done most of his work in what is essentially an attacking midfield role. He drops deep, often even behind Fulham's holding midfield players, to collect the ball and distribute in the unhurried manner that has become his hallmark.

Consider his statistics from this season's matches: In every match he's completed the majority of his passes in the middle third of the pitch. In the six league matches he's played, his most popular target has been a holding midfield player. In those six matches, he's created only five chances, has no assists, and no goals. He has registered two shots on goal all season.

The acquisition of Bent, a signing I lobbied for in January of last season, was intended to provide Fulham and Berbatov an outlet further up the field - someone to stretch defenses and allow Berbatov, Ruiz, et al space to turn, play wide and forward.

When Bent and Berbatov have been played together, which is precious little, the latter has continued to indulge his penchant to drop deep, play square and back. All this in a ponderous manner that further isolates the England striker by distancing him from any attacking partner and killing his runs behind, through the move's geologic pace.

There is a certain logic to Berbatov's pattern of play. He desperately wants to establish possession and control the pace of the match as giving the ball away cheaply to sides, that are often much more technically blessed, is seemingly a death sentence for a side like Fulham that suddenly finds itself uncharacteristically generous in the back.

However, the side's lack of technical nous is a double-edged sword as the terminally slow pace of Fulham's build-up play allows opposition defences to get behind the ball and establish a solid defensive shape.

Fulham then lack the technical ability, quick passing moves, and pace to break down bunkered defenders. The result is a side that looks static and wholly out of ideas, playing across the face of a well-formed opposition, where few chances are created and hopeful shots are unleashed from distance.

However without Berbatov in the line-up, Fulham have actually at times looked more decisive going forward. Jol's personnel have all the hallmarks of a counter-attacking side. Granted, there's the sticky issue of being relatively devoid of pace, but with quick enough ball movement, that issue is relatively moot, such was the case against Stoke on both Riether's shot and Bent's goal.

With a more rapid and direct approach, aided by the impetus of wanting to avoid yet another disappointing result, Fulham moved the ball quickly into Stoke's defensive third and made use of the space created by Berbatov's withdrawal and therefore Bent's occupation of space further up the pitch.

I'm not suggesting Berbatov should suddenly be relegated to the bench, but Jol must realise the pattern of play that has given Berbatov carte blanche to dawdle on the ball in midfield is simply not working.

A more decisive approach predicated on rapid ball movement from defence to attack seems to be what's needed.

It's up to Jol to get more production from Berbatov's superlative talents and it starts with getting him to play further up the pitch and significantly quicker.

Sure, this is a monumental task as the Bulgarian thus far has appeared completely disinterested in anything but reading from his own sheet of music.

If Jol can't manage this tactical revision, rather than a turning point, the win against Stoke was but a respite.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_blog_are_the_whites_better_off_without_dimitar_berbatov_1_2909862

WhiteJC

 
Fulham U21s 2-2 Newcastle

Moussa Dembele struck his first goals for Fulham U21s but Newcastle hit back to claim a draw at Craven Cottage

Fulham 2-2 Newcastle, Barclays U21 Premier League

Newcastle United Under-21s twice came from behind to claim a point in a 2-2 draw at a chilly Craven Cottage on Friday evening.

Moussa Dembele continued to enhance his rapidly growing reputation with two well-taken strikes, but he was twice cancelled out by players who have tasted first-team football for the Magpies, firstly Adam Campbell and then Haris Vuckic.

Dembele's first was a fine finish on the spin, while Campbell's equaliser came following an unfortunate slip by Tom Richards. The Frenchman's second showed great elegance to flick the ball in, but Vuckic's header ensured the points would be shared.

The Whites had chances to put the game to bed, and Kit Symons will no doubt want to see a greater cutting edge from his side throughout the remainder of the season.

The first chance of the game fell the way of the hosts inside three minutes. After Ange-Freddy Plumain had done well to win a corner down the left, Mananga Jonathan Buatu rose unmarked to meet Chris David's delivery but nodded a yard wide of the far post.

Newcastle responded brightly and their highly rated captain Gael Bigirimana let fly from 20 yards with a ripping effort that beat Neil Etheridge, but thankfully clipped the top of the crossbar.

And after Etheridge had kept out a Bigirimana free-kick in the 12th minute, the Whites countered quickly with Plumain who set Richards through on goal but the left-back's effort was easily claimed by Jak Alnwick, who was in action again seconds later to push David's low effort round the post.

With Fulham playing the better football, it came as little surprise when they took the lead on 22 minutes. The Newcastle defenders attempted to intricately play the ball out of their own area but were caught in possession by Dembele who turned cutely before nestling a peach of a shot in the top right-hand corner of the net.

The Magpies looked for an immediate response and broke with pace after Lasse Vigen Christensen had overrun the ball, but Vuckic lashed at his effort and it flew comfortably wide of Etheridge's near post. Both teams were having chances and Muamer Tankovic almost bagged a spectacular goal but his overhead kick whistled an inch over the bar after a scramble in the box following a corner.

A remarkable diagonal pass from David then found Josh Passley who had sprinted into the Newcastle box – unfortunately the defender's effort flashed across the face of goal. David was bossing the game and went close with a free-kick in the 35th minute after Buomesca Tue Na Bangna had been felled on the edge of the area.

Three minutes into the second half, Dembele's pace sent him clear of the Magpies' backline. He rounded the keeper coolly but lost his footing at the vital moment and sliced wide of the open goal. It was a miss that proved to be crucial as Newcastle went straight up the other end and scored when Richards slipped, allowing Campbell to waltz through on goal and confidently slot the ball beyond Etheridge.

The equaliser buoyed the visitors and Vuckic made sure Etheridge was alert with a bending strike from range, before Adam Armstrong dipped a curling shot just beyond the angle of post and crossbar. Fulham responded with a drilled effort by Tankovic, but it only found the side-netting, with Na Bangna doing likewise minutes later.

A loose ball fell to Tankovic in the 64th minute and the Sweden youth international neatly shifted it away from the advancing defender but blasted his shot high over Alnwick's crossbar. Fulham rustled the net once more four minutes later but, again, it was the wrong side – this time it was Vigen Christensen who was guilty of missing the target after some good footwork from Na Bangna had seen him played in down the right.

The game was very tight but it was the Whites who got their noses in front, with Dembele again the scorer. A quick break from Passley eventually saw the ball worked out to Na Bangna on the right who played in a square cross which Dembele outrageously flicked into the back of the net.

With the Geordies rattled, Fulham went close to extending the lead through substitute Lyle Della Verde, but his powerful effort crashed back off the crossbar. Dembele then saw a shot from distance deflected wide, before David bent a ball over the top as the home side looked to kill the contest.

A great chance to do just that fell to Vigen Christensen with 10 minutes remaining after good work from David. The Dutchman found the Fulham captain but he dragged his shot wide.

And for the second time in the game, the Whites were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal as Vuckic headed in at the other end just a minute later.

It looked as though Vigen Christensen had put his side back in front in the 86th minute, though, but Alnwick pulled off a brilliant stop from close range to deny the Denmark Under-21 international, before he was on hand to prevent Dembele bagging his hat-trick moments later as the game's final chance went begging.

Fulham: Etheridge; Passley, Arthurworrey, Buatu, Richards; Na Bangna, Vigen Christensen, David, Plumain (Della Verde 56); Tankovic (Minkwitz 76); Dembele. Subs (not used): Joronen, O'Reilly, Islamovic

Newcastle: Alnwick; Morgan, Streete, Gillesphey, Haidara (Aird 61); Aarons, Kemen (Quinn 61), Bigirimana, Vuckic; Campbell, Armstrong (Roberts 71). Sub (not used): Pearson.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/21/newcastle-u21s-highlights?

WhiteJC

 
Fulham U18s 0-3 Aston Villa

The young Whites suffered only their second defeat in ten games this season at the hands of Aston Villa at Motspur Park.

Fulham 0-3 Aston Villa, Barclays U18 Premier League

Fulham's Under-18s were beaten 3-0 by Aston Villa at Motspur Park on Saturday.

The Whites failed to really get going against an athletic Midlands side who set the tone for the game with a crunching tackle in the first minute.

The first goal was always going to be crucial and it was Villa who scored it on the half-hour mark when Solomon Sambou was adjudged to have fouled an opposition player as a corner came in. The subsequent spot-kick was planted past Ryan Boot, on loan from Port Vale.

Steve Wigley's half-time team-talk went straight out of the window when Villa made it 2-0 on 46 minutes. Latching onto a loose ball and counter-attacking in numbers, the initial shot was saved by Boot but a Villa player tucked home the rebound.

Play was held up for around 20 minutes on the hour mark when Noe Baba suffered a serious neck injury after landing awkwardly following a tackle by a Villa player. He was stretchered off and taken to hospital.

When play resumed, Villa made sure of the points with 15 minutes left. The Whites failed to clear their lines and the ball was eventually slotted past Boot to cap a disappointing afternoon for Wigley's troops.

Fulham: Boot, Baba (Humphries 60), Burgess, Donnelly, Evans, Smile (Sheckleford 46), Sambou, Hyndman, O'Halloran, Williams, Leacock-McLeod (Elworthy 70).


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/21/aston-villa-u18s-video?


WhiteJC

 
Club owner Shahid Khan wants to build a 'sustainable' Fulham

Use accessible player and disable flyout menus

Fulham owner Shahid Khan tells BBC London 94.9 he wants the club to have a sustainable long-term business model.

Khan also says he believes the Cottagers' results will improve following their poor start to the season.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24613814?

WhiteJC

 
GIF IT: PAJTIM KASAMI'S STUNNING VOLLEYED GOAL (CRYSTAL PALACE VS FULHAM)



Fulham youngster Pajtim Kasami has lit up tonight's Premier League game at Crystal Palace with this outrageous volley.

It's one of those wide angle volleys that just have no right to end up in the net.

Simply stunning.



http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2013/10/video-pajtim-kasamis-stunning-volleyed-goal-crystal-palace-vs-fulham/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29

WhiteJC

 
GIF IT: STEVE SIDWELL'S STUNNING VOLLEY (CRYSTAL PALACE VS FULHAM)



Fulham are halfway towards volleying their way to an away win at Crystal Palace.

Hot on the heels of Pajtim Kasami's spectacular equaliser came another long-range volley, this time from midfielder Steve Sidwell.


http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2013/10/gif-it-steve-sidwells-stunning-volley-crystal-palace-vs-fulham/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29


WhiteJC

 
Fulham owner Shahid Khan evacuated from Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park

Fulham's owner Shahid Khan was forced to watch some of his side's Premier League clash at Crystal Palace from Sainsbury's car park after being evacuated from Selhurst Park.

Executive box holders were forced to leave their seats during the first-half after a fire alarm sounded inside the ground.

However, the billionaire, who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars franchise in the NFL, was back in his seat to see Steve Sidwell's spectacular volley give the Cottagers the lead going into half-time.

Earlier Adrian Mariappa had given the home team the lead before Pajtim Kasami equalised for Martin Jol's side with a contender for goal of the season.



http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/21/fulham-owner-shahid-khan-evacuated-from-crystal-palaces-selhurst-park-4155591/?

WhiteJC

 
Oxford University v Cambridge University varsity match set to return to Fulham's Craven Cottage
The annual varsity football match between Oxford and Cambridge universities is to return to Fulham's Craven Cottage from April
2014

The University football match is to return to Craven Cottage.

Fulham, and their new owner Shahid Khan, are keen to revive the club's link with the historic event and the 130th meeting will be played at the Cottage on the morning of the Boat Race on April 6, 2014.

The annual Oxford University v Cambridge University football fixture has not been played at the Cottage since 2008-09, since being staged at the Abbey Stadium, the Kassam Stadium, the Pro-Edge Stadium Cambridge and Selhurst Park.

The University match has had an itinerant history, starting at the Oval in 1873-74, before moving around via Queens Club and assorted London bases, including Wembley from 1952-53 until 1987-1988, then heading on to the Abbey Stadium, Highbury, the Cottage and occasional moves elsewhere.

Now Fulham want to give the University match a more settled home. "We are in discussions to bring it back,'' said a Fulham spokesman.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/10395031/Oxford-University-v-Cambridge-University-varsity-match-set-to-return-to-Fulhams-Craven-Cottage.html


WhiteJC

 
Pajtim Kasami scores the goal of the season so far

Holy Patjim Kasami.

What does it feel like to be 21 years old and know that you have already scored the best goal of your life? Ask Patjim Kasami.

The Fulham midfielder scored an absolutely mindblowing goal to bring his side level with Crystal Palace at 1-1 on Monday, which was a shame. The goal was so good that it should have been worth two, three or 1,000 goals. The scoreboard may have read 1-1, but the heart read ∞ - 1.



Acceptable reactions to that goal:

1. Silence. Stunned silence.

2. Jaw dislocation it dropped so hard.

3. Any combination of obscenities because you're too amazed to think up actual words.



http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/21/4863250/ajtim-kasami-goal-fulham-crystal-palace?


WhiteJC

 
PHOTO: FULHAM OWNER SHAHID KHAN WATCHING CRYSTAL PALACE GAME FROM A ROOF



New Fulham owner Shahid Khan was forced to watch part of his side's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace from a roof above the Selhurst Park away end after his executive box was evacuated.

A fire alarm in the first half forced Palace staff to ask those in the posh seats to leave their boxes and reassemble in less plush surroundings.

In Khan's case that was the roof/stairwell vantage point shown in the photograph.



http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2013/10/photo-fulham-owner-shahid-khan-watching-crystal-palace-game-from-a-roof/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29

WhiteJC

 
Liverpool Reject Pajtim Kasami Scores A Van Basten For Fulham

Take several bows son, that's goal of the season nailed on...

Kasami 2 Touch Volley | Crystal Palace v Fulham

Jesus wept, now that's a proper belter. At 16 he spent some time on loan at Liverpool but was never offered a contract, and has had a slightly nomadic career until now...

More Liverpool...



http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/liverpool-reject-pajtim-kasami-scores-a-van-basten-for-fulham/?

WhiteJC

 
Former Tottenham star set for a return to the Premier League

Seattle Sounders striker Clint Dempsey could soon stage a return back to the Premier League. According to latest reports in the press, the American is wanted on loan by a number of top-tier English sides like Everton and even former employers Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.

The 30 year old spent over six and a half years in the Premier League, plying his trade for west Londoners Fulham and north Londoners Tottenham, since joining in 2007 from MLS side New England Revolution. Spurs sold him to Seattle Sounders this year and reportedly have the option of first say on recalling him for a period of three months after the MLS season draws to a close.

However, Fulham and Everton would not let it be an easy ride for Spurs with both the aforementioned sides also showing a keen interest in the acquisition of the 30 year old, who is also the captain of the US national team.

Meanwhile, the prime objective for the American would be to decide where he would be able to bag the most opportunities to play. While Tottenham's starting line-up is more or less saturated, at Everton the veteran may still find chances easier to come by. However, Fulham may prove to be the most appealing of all destinations with manager Martin Jol reportedly ready to create space for Dempsey in the team despite the duos history.



http://astralfootball.com/former-tottenham-star-set-for-a-return-to-the-premier-league/23154?


WhiteJC

 
Monday Night Football: Fulham climb Premier League table with win at Crystal Palace


Philippe Senderos: Celebrates scoring the fourth for Fulham at Selhurst Park

Fulham came from behind to hammer Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park and consign the Eagles to a seventh Premier League defeat of the season.

Both managers were reportedly under pressure going in to the game and, with both clubs' respective owners in attendance, Martin Jol will no doubt be the happier of the two managers after goals from Pajtim Kasami, Steve Sidwell, Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos, the first two of which were sumptuous volleys, gave the visitors a valuable three points.

Palace had led early on after Adrian Mariappa headed home his first goal for the club but, despite the first two Fulham goals coming from superb individual efforts, Eagles boss Ian Holloway would have been disappointed to see the third and fourth conceded from set-pieces.

Defeat leaves Palace languishing in 19th place in the table, while Fulham climb to 14th after back-to-back victories.

Much was made of Darren Bent's appearance in a Fulham shirt at Selhurst Park after he came close to joining Palace before opting for a loan move to the Cottagers, but it was Kasami and Sidwell who stole the limelight as both struck memorable volleys to turn the game on its head.

The home side started the brightest with Dwight Gayle drifting inside from the right flank and hitting a tame shot at the returning Maarten Stekelenburg.

Palace's opener came after just seven minutes after a corner was cleared well by the Fulham defence but the Eagles kept the ball alive as it was worked back to Jason Puncheon.

The Southampton loanee delivered a hanging cross which was met by Mariappa, who towered above Brede Hangeland to nod the Eagles ahead despite giving away up to eight inches in height to the Fulham skipper.

If Fulham had been mediocre in the first 15 minutes, their equalising goal was anything but as Kasami collected a long ball forward from Sascha Riether on his chest and, despite the close attention of Mariappa, rifled a volley of the highest calibre past Julian Speroni from the edge of the penalty area.

The goal did not spark either side in to life with both teams struggling to create a chance of note until the closing moments of the first half when Fulham's second goal was scored with aplomb by Sidwell.

A poor Bryan Ruiz free-kick slammed in to the wall and dropped to the 30-year-old midfielder who thrashed a dipping volley past Speroni to put the visitors in front.

Both sides made changes at the interval with Holloway introducing Jerome Thomas in place of Jose Campana and Fulham replacing captain Hangeland with Fernando Amorebieta.

The hosts look to start the second half with the same tempo they set in the early stages and forced an early corner after two deep crosses had been dealt with by the visitors.

Bent should have then done better with a chance gifted to Fulham by Speroni. The goalkeeper's clearance smacked in to Berbatov, who laid the ball in to the path of Bent but the Villa loanee's effort was pushed behind by the Argentinian stopper.

However, Speroni's reprieve did not last for long as Berbatov was on hand to steer Ruiz's resulting corner past the despairing 34-year-old.

Things went from bad to worse for Palace just five minutes later as Senderos was on hand to scissors-kick home another Ruiz corner from close range to give Fulham a truly unassailable lead.

Only a tremendous save from Speroni prevented Kasami adding a fifth with another rasping effort late on, with Fulham having to settle for four and equalling their best away win in the Premier League.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/295708/report?

WhiteJC

 
Report: Palace 1-4 Fulham

A combination of venomous long-range volleys and scrappy set-piece strikes meant that Palace were blown away 4-1 by a deadly Fulham on a miserable Monday night for The Eagles.

Having taken an early lead through Adrian Mariappa, Palace were stunned when Pajtim Kasami blasted home a wonderful volley from the edge of the area and were dealt a hammer blow when Steve Sidwell found the net from long range just before the break, but two converted corner kicks soon after the restart ensured Palace remain entrenched in the relegation zone.

With both sides stranded at the bottom end of the table many inside Selhurst for kick-off could have expected a tight, gritty affair but it took just nine minutes for the deadlock to the broken, and it was the fans in red and blue who were rejoicing.

A corner from Jose Campana was cleared by the visitors but the Spaniard quickly found the ball back at his feet. He then fed a clever ball into the path of Jason Puncheon whose cross was deflected skywards but Mariappa outjumped the man-mountain Brede Hangeland to net his first Eagles goal.

However despite Palace pressing for a second Fulham countered and grabbed an equaliser in breathtaking style on 20 minutes. A long ball by Sascha Riether was controlled on the chest by Pajtim Kasami on the corner of the area, and he attempted a volley on the run from a ridiculous angle which flew past the helpless Julian Speroni to score one of the goals of the Premier League season.

Time and time again Ian Holloway's side threatened to regain the lead, with the biggest threat coming from the twinkle-toed Yannick Bolasie. Handed his first top-flight start, the winger cut inside from the left on 33 minutes and took aim but hardly tested Martin Stekelenberg.

But the Eagles suffered a hammer blow seconds before half-time as the west-Londoners added a second sensational Bryan Ruiz's free-kick smacked off the Palace wall and rebounded straight into the path of Steve Sidwell, and the midfielder lashed a volley high into Speroni's net as the Cottagers celebrated their second sensation strike which gave them an undeserved lead at the interval.

Falling behind seemed to affect the home side as they saw the game slip away by conceding twice from corners in quick succession. Three minutes after the restart a routine clearance by Speroni struck Dimitar Berbatov who casually backheeled into Darren Bent's feet but the former England hitman was thwarted by the Argentine glovesman, but from the resulting set-piece Ruiz whipped in a dangerous ball and the Bulgarian striker outmuscled Mariappa to head into the far corner.

Everything Martin Jol's men threw at Palace ended up in the net and four minutes later Ruiz looked for the back post and found Philippe Senderos who acrobatically scissor-kicked towards goal, and despite the best efforts of Speroni the ball crossed the line as the hosts began to unravel.

With the result in the bag the away side sat back and this allowed the Eagles a few sniffs at goal. Joel Ward dribbled into the area before skying his attempt, Stuart O'Keefe hit the ball straight at Stekelenberg and Jerome Thomas blazed a free-kick over in the latter stages.

Kasami almost added another spectacular goal to his portfolio when he smashed a first-time effort with the outside of his foot towards the top corner which Speroni dived to keep out at full stretch, and prevented the scoreline from getting any uglier for the Selhurst faithful.

Palace: Speroni, Ward, Mariappa, Delaney, Moxey, O'Keefe, Jedinak, Campana (Thomas 46), Puncheon (Chamakh 55), Bolasie, Gayle (Phillips 69). Subs: Price, Gabbidon, Dikgacoi, Kebe.

Fulham: Stekelenburg, Riether, Senderos, Hangeland (Amorebieta 46), Richardson, Parker, Sidwell, Kasami, Ruiz, Berbatov, Bent (Duff 77). Subs: Stockdale, Zverotic, Karagounis, Boateng, Rodallega.



Read more at http://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/article/report-palace-1-4-fulham-1127086.aspx?#7JjXHdf660UE5MGW.99

WhiteJC

 
Pajtim Kasami happy with the best goal of his career in Fulham's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace


Pajtim Kasami: Equalised for Fulham with a stunning volley

Pajtim Kasami acknowledged that his 'unbelievable' goal was the best of his career after Fulham beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park.

Adrian Mariappa had given Palace an early lead before Kasami controlled Sascha Riether's pass on his chest before volleying a superb shot beyond Julian Speroni to draw Fulham level.

Steve Sidwell struck another excellent volley for Fulham before second-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos made sure of the points.

"No, to be honest," Kasami told Sky Sports when asked if he had scored a better goal.

"I'm very pleased that we won that game as we were losing 1-0. Thanks to Sascha for the great ball and it was an unbelievable goal. I'm very pleased.

"I saw Sascha had the ball and saw I could run in the space. It came perfect to my chest and I took it direct with my right foot."

Fulham had beaten Stoke at home prior to the international break and Kasami added: "I'm very pleased for these two great wins. It gives us a lot of confidence if we keep playing like that and we can improve."

Fulham boss Martin Jol has reportedly been under pressure in recent weeks and Sidwell was pleased to contribute to a third Premier League win of the season.

The midfielder said: "Obviously, we've all been under pressure and not just him. We put ourselves under pressure to perform week in, week out.

"We've been disappointed with the results we've taken so far, especially letting in silly goals as well.

"Hopefully now we've got back-to-back wins, it puts a lot of spirit in the camp and takes a bit of pressure off us and the boss himself, and we can go out and play our football."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8984789?


WhiteJC

 
Crystal Palace 1 Fulham 4: Kasami's goal better than Van Basten, says Jol
Crystal Palace 1 Fulham 4: Martin Jol says Pajtim Kasami's wonder goal is better than Marco van Basten iconic Euro final strike

Martin Jol claimed Pajtim Kasami's wonder goal was better than Marco van Basten's famous strike after the Fulham striker prompted a Cottagers comeback at Crystal Palace.

Kasami controlled a lofted pass with his chest before firing a sensational volley past Eagles goalkeeper Julian Speroni after Adrian Mariappa had handed the home side a 19th-minute lead at Selhurst Park.
Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell scored a goal-of-the-season contender of his own before Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos sealed the win in the second half as Palace succumbed to a seventh defeat.
Jol hailed the importance of sealing back-to-back Premier League wins, adding that Kasami's effort was better than Van Basten's famous volley in the 1988 European Cup final.
"It was unbelievably important to get a result. It was a game of importance for Palace too but we needed the three points," said Jol.
"The goal we conceded was sickening but we showed some response and a fantastic Pajtim Kasami goal with his wrong foot. I haven't seen him do that
before!
"It was better than people think because he had to control the ball on his chest and then put it in the other corner, it was a really good goal from a talented boy.
"Marco van Basten's goal was totally different and you can't compare the two but this one was better! He had to sprint 30 yards, take a
touch and then score, it is one of the goals of the season."


http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/2013/10/crystal-palace-1-fulham-4-martin-jol/?

WhiteJC

 
Kasami cracker sparks Fulham fightback
by DAN on OCTOBER 21, 2013

Pajtim Kasami has come a long way since smashing the crossbar with a spot-kick at Stamford Bridge in the Carling Cup. The Swiss midfielder was banished to the reserves by Martin Jol in the aftermath of that incident, but inspired by his manager to prove himself worthy of a place in the starting line-up on the pre-season tour, Kasami has been the brightest spark during Fulham's dismal start to this campaign. Kasami, who won his first cap for Switzerland as they qualified for the World Cup last week, turned the tide of this crucial battle at the bottom of the Premier League with a sensational strike that laid the foundations for Fulham's second away win of the season.

For the first sixteen minutes at Selhurst Park, Fulham looked rattled and caught in the floodlights as Ian Holloway's side stormed out of the blocks. Holloway had targeted this fixture as an opportunity to lift some of the despondency following Palace's poor start and his team seemed eager to the seize the chance, with Yannick Bolasie's pace proving dangerous on his Premier League debut. A barnstorming Bolasie run won a free-kick after the winger drew a foul from Steve Sidwell and, from the corner, that followed the Eagles took the lead. Fulham struggled to clear their lines and Jason Puncheon's deflected cross looped into the air, allowing Adrian Mariappa to outjump Brede Hangeland and head his second top flight goal over the stranded Maarten Stekelenburg.

Fulham responded well to the shock of going behind, forcing a corner almost immediately, but offered little in the way of an attacking threat before Kasami strode on to centre stage. Sacha Riether spotted the 21 year-old's clever crossfield run and, in an instant, volleyed a magnificent right-footed strike over a helpless Julian Speroni and into the top corner from 25 yards. It was a truly breathtaking finish – all the more impressive as it came from Kasami's weaker foot – and it turned the match decisively in Fulham's favour.

Palace were deflated and Fulham headed into the interval in front after another splendid strike, this time from Steve Sidwell. The midfielder's 50th Premier League goal was one to remember as he fired an unstoppable dipping volley from the edge of the box into virtually the same spot as Kasami after Bryan Ruiz's free-kick had come back off the Palace wall. Martin Jol's men had previously gone 25 games without winning a league game in which they had conceded the first goal but after Sidwell's strike – crucially timed just before the break – there was no looking back.

The visitors started the second half on the front foot. Bent should have put them further in front when a weak clearance from Speroni struck Berbatov and bounced into his path. The former England forward, who opted to join Fulham ahead of Palace earlier this year, snatched slightly at his shot and a relieved Speroni made a sharp reaction save. The reprieve was merely temporary. From the ensuing corner, Berbatov cleverly glanced Ruiz's flag-kick into the far corner without even leaving the ground. If there was any doubt about the outcome, it was extinguished five minutes later when Phillipe Senderos, left unattended at the far post, squeezed a volley beneath Speroni from another Ruiz corner.

Fulham, so nervous at the start of the night, were now in complete control. Jol's narrow midfield stroked the ball around majestically and came close to a fifth when Kasami sprinted down the left and sent over a cross that was sliced behind by Mariappa. Their third victory of the campaign was gleefully acclaimed by more than 2,000 travelling supporters and came in front of new chairman Shahid Khan, whose evening was briefly interrupted by a fire alarm that forced an evacuation of the Selhurst Park hospitality boxes midway through the first half. On this evidence, it looks as though Fulham's fire has returned.

CRYSTAL PALACE (4-4-1-1): Speroni; Ward, Moxey, Mariappa, Delaney; Jedinak, O'Keefe, Campaña (Thomas 45), Puncheon (Chamakh 56); Bolasie; Gayle (Phillips 69). Subs (not used): Price, Gabbidon, Dikgacoi, Kebe.

GOAL: Mariappa (7).

FULHAM (4-4-1-1): Stekelenburg; Riether, Richardson, Senderos, Hangeland (Amorebieta 45); Parker, Sidwell, Ruiz, Kasami; Berbatov (Rodallega 90); Bent (Duff 77). Subs (not used): Stockdale, Zverotic, Karagounis, Boateng.

BOOKED: Richardson.

GOALS: Kasami (17), Sidwell (45), Berbatov (50), Senderos (55).

REFEREE: Lee Mason (Bolton).

ATTENDANCE: 24,881


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/10/kasami-cracker-sparks-fulham-fightback/?

WhiteJC

 
Martin Jol said it was vital for Fulham to beat Crystal Palace and praises Pajtim Kasami goal

Martin Jol felt it was 'unbelievably important' for Fulham to beat Crystal Palace and labelled Pajtim Kasami's volley in the 4-1 win as better than Marco van Basten's.

Fulham headed into Monday night's London derby at Selhurst Park with just two wins from their opening seven Premier League games.

Reports had suggested that Jol was under pressure but, after Adrian Mariappa had put Palace in front, Kasami's majestic volley sparked a Fulham comeback which delivered a comfortable victory.

"It was unbelievably important to get a result and, of course, for them it was a game of importance," Jol told Sky Sports.

"We were on seven points and you get under pressure like all the other teams on seven, eight points, so we needed the three points and now we're in a better position for Fulham.

"The media will build it up, but I love to have some pressure and the boys will feel the same. They want to do well for me and the club, and that's what we showed. Everybody is happy again.

"You want 20 points first, then 30 and 40, which is not easy in this league, but I feel we've got the players to do well and I think we're in a better position now."

Jol was also delighted with Kasami's goal after the winger brought Sascha Riether's pass under control on his chest before arrowing a volley over Julian Speroni.

The Fulham boss added: "It was a fantastic Kasami goal, with his wrong foot. It was unbelievable because I haven't seen him do it before.

"I think it's probably better than people feel or think because he had to control the ball on his chest, then with his wrong foot in the other corner. It was a real good goal from a talented boy."

Regarding comparisons to Van Basten's volley for Holland in the 1988 European Championship final, Jol said: "That was totally different, you can't compare the two, but this was better!

"With Van Basten, that was one touch, but I think he (Kasami) sprinted 30 yards, then controlled the ball and to score the goal like that was probably even better. It could be one of the goals of the season."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8984810/?


WhiteJC

 
Kasami: An unbelievable goal
Pajtim Kasami acknowledged that his 'unbelievable' goal was the best of his career after Fulham beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park.

Adrian Mariappa had given Palace an early lead before Kasami controlled Sascha Riether's pass on his chest before volleying a superb shot beyond Julian Speroni to draw Fulham level.

Steve Sidwell struck another excellent volley for Fulham before second-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos made sure of the points.

"No, to be honest," Kasami told Sky Sports when asked if he had scored a better goal.

"I'm very pleased that we won that game as we were losing 1-0. Thanks to Sascha for the great ball and it was an unbelievable goal. I'm very pleased.

"I saw Sascha had the ball and saw I could run in the space. It came perfect to my chest and I took it direct with my right foot."

Fulham had beaten Stoke at home prior to the international break and Kasami added: "I'm very pleased for these two great wins. It gives us a lot of confidence if we keep playing like that and we can improve."

Fulham boss Martin Jol has reportedly been under pressure in recent weeks and Sidwell was pleased to contribute to a third Premier League win of the season.

The midfielder said: "Obviously, we've all been under pressure and not just him. We put ourselves under pressure to perform week in, week out.

"We've been disappointed with the results we've taken so far, especially letting in silly goals as well.

"Hopefully now we've got back-to-back wins, it puts a lot of spirit in the camp and takes a bit of pressure off us and the boss himself, and we can go out and play our football."



http://www.football365.com/premier-league/8984789/-?

WhiteJC

 
The View From South Texas — Crystal Palace v. Fulham FC

by HatterDon

Amazing Performance as Fulham Storm Palace
This was the most enjoyable 90 minutes of football I've seen from Fulham in a very long time. Yes, winning by three goals on the road will make any match more enjoyable, but today's match was all about attitude. Fulham looked ready to attack from the beginning and played aggressively the entire time. The Whites pressed all over the pitch, fought for the ball all over the pitch, and always looked to be the aggressor. Needless to say, we haven't seen anything like this before in 2013.

Palace are a spirited team largely populated by substandard players. On this night, though, spirit wasn't enough – or perhaps more accurately tonight Fulham's spirit balanced out that of the Eagles and the imbalance in overall talent made the difference. Fulham never looked like being controlled, not even after Adrian Mariappa became the latest Premier League player to out-jump Brede Hangeland in the 7th minute. During the following 12 minutes, Palace's tails were up and they expended a ton of effort that Fulham had little trouble controlling. And then came the magic.

I've only been playing close attention to Fulham since the 2003-04 season, and I suppose I've only seen about 150-200 league and cup matches since then, but Pajtim Kasami's equalizer was – by far – the finest goal I've ever seen scored by a player in a Fulham shirt. Not even the 20+ touch, 9 player goal finished by Clint Dempsey against Newcastle two seasons ago comes close. Words can't do justice to this goal, so I'm not going to try. What I will say is when you watch the replay of this goal – which I will do forever – take a look at where Kasami was when Parker got the ball. The boy essentially made his own goal. There's an old story that in his second year in the league, George Best scored a breathtaking goal. The press room at Old Trafford was going crazy when a young reporter shouted, "Time! What's the time of the goal?" An old hand reportedly replied, "Bugger the time, lad. Write down the date."

The wind was truly out of The Eagle's sails when Sidwell scored Fulham's second shortly before half time. Ruiz's free kick pinballed off the Palace wall and came to Steve Sidwell who scored with a glorious volley. Yes, he was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time, but it was also Sidwell who won the free kick in the first place. The predictable cheer followed, sadly. I think it's time to retire that one. We're in the Big Boy league now.

Hangeland was replaced by Amorebieta at half time – injury? – and Fulham did NOT sit back. Instead, the Whites looked hungry for more. Dimitar Berbatov, who was all about working hard, encouraging his teammates, and creating AND exploiting space, showed in the 50th minute what a strong geezer he really is. It was pure upper body strength that allowed him to nod in Fulham's third. Five minutes later, Philippe Senderos got into the act with a tasty little volley off yet another dead ball situation. And that was that.

Fulham looked to go for a fifth, but eventually settled down to play out the string without further excitement. Fulham scored four on the day. Going into the match they'd scored FIVE in the previous seven matches. It was a well-deserved and very well-executed demolition of an inferior neighbor. Fulham not only played up to the level of their talent, but they also played attractive, creative attacking football and, in 2013, matches this pleasurable have been very thin on the ground.

HatterDon's Man of the Match: This is a close one for me. Senderos looked very good today, as did Sidwell, Berbatov, and Parker, but Kasamiset the tone for the team early with his relentless running, his exuberant defense, and his constant effort. Well done, Fulham's latest full international.

COYW


http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=454