Sunday Fulham Stuff (03/11/13)...

[WhiteJC]

 
United put Fulham to the sword

David Moyes oversaw back-to-back league victories for the first time as Manchester United manager as Martin Jol's position at the Fulham helm became increasingly precarious.

Life after Sir Alex Ferguson has proved difficult, with the reigning champions enduring a topsy-turvy start to the season that saw them head to Craven Cottage eight points off the lead. United are slowly quietening the naysayers, though, with a 3-1 defeat of Fulham their fourth successive win in all competitions.

The pressure on Moyes may be alleviating, but Jol's position at the Fulham helm will come under increasing scrutiny after a third defeat in the space of a week. Antonio Valencia opened the scoring with worrying ease after nine minutes, with Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney - players Moyes has said are the best two strikers in the world - extending that lead further by the 22nd minute.

It was hardly the morale-boosting performance Jol had called for in his programme notes and led to a number of 'Jol out' chants reverberating around the ground. Fulham improved greatly in the second half and substitute Alex Kacaniklic saw a strike deflect home off Rooney, but it proved to be a consolation goal.

The Whites ended the match on top but may well face losing Sascha Riether to a ban after a late stamp on Adnan Januzaj was not punished by referee Lee Probert. The hosts ultimately paid for a first-half capitulation that came after a bright opening, with Pajtim Kasami testing David de Gea from 25 yards. United spent the early stages looking clumsy - but not quite as ponderous as Philippe Senderos.

Van Persie's through ball caught out the centre-back and found Rooney, whose squared ball from the left was directed home by Valencia. The ninth-minute goal shell-shocked the hosts, although only a fine Rafael challenge denied them a chance at an equaliser. Scott Parker sent a superb ball to Dimitar Berbatov, only for the Brazilian right-back to thwart the Bulgarian as he prepared to pull the trigger.

It was a missed opportunity that Fulham were made to pay for. Parker looked to have been fouled by Januzaj but referee Probert allowed play to continue. The teenager played through Van Persie and, despite looking to have been offside, continued to lash home past countryman Maarten Stekelenburg.

Fulham fans aimed boos at the officials, although their ire turned to Jol two minutes later. This time Fernando Amorebieta was the guilty offender, with Van Persie getting behind his man and squaring for Rooney to slot home from close range.

A smattering of 'Jol out' chants could be heard from the home faithful, who were fortunate to see unmarked Rooney head into the side-netting from a Van Persie corner soon after. United academy graduate Kieran Richardson tried to reduce the deficit with a 25-yard effort, before De Gea denied Berbatov after some fine team interplay.

Rafael and Januzaj received treatment for knocks as the second half came to a close, with the half-time whistle met by a lot of anger from the home fans. Perhaps with Tuesday's Champions League tie with Real Socieded in mind, Marouane Fellaini, Shinji Kagawa and former Fulham defender Chris Smalling came on for the second half.

Fulham looked rejuvenated after the restart, with Kasami drilling a shot just wide as the Whites pushed for a goal that came in the 65th minute. After Fellaini headed into the side-netting at the other end, Kacaniklic, four minutes after coming on, saw his strike from the edge of the box turned past De Gea by Rooney.

Januzaj saw a penalty appeal waved away seven minutes later, before Smalling headed away an effort from United's record signing Berbatov. Bryan Ruiz's substitution was roundly cheered moments before that chance, with his replacement Adel Taarabt claiming a penalty after a coming together with Nemanja Vidic soon after his introduction.

Kacaniklic scooped over as the match entered the final 10 minutes, with chants of 'you don't know what you're doing' aimed at Jol after he replaced Parker with Darren Bent. The on-loan striker soon hushed those fans up with a header that hit the crossbar, while Taarabt forced De Gea into a late save and Richardson headed just wide.

Tempers frayed when United kept the ball in the corner in stoppage time, with Riether perhaps fortunate not to enter Probert's notebook for the altercation with Januzaj. It was the last moment of note in a match and one which might result in retrospective action - hardly a scenario Jol, booed again at the final whistle, will relish as he pours over this latest defeat.



Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/253869.html#YMdYKDJD0pevEel5.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Next At Home: Swansea

Next up for the Whites at Craven Cottage is the visit of Swansea City, when Martin Jol's boys will be looking to pull off a similar result to the previous meeting which saw Fulham came away from Wales with all three points, having scored three times.

Tickets are available on General Sale but are selling quickly. Supporters can buy up to six tickets each which are priced from £35 for adults and £15 for juniors.

Our Digital and Junior Members can also buy a ticket for this match for just £10 - that's a saving of £25 on the adult price and £5 on the junior price.

Members can buy their tickets online or by calling 0843 208 1234 (option 1). To find out more about becoming a Member, visit fulhamfc.com/membership.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/november/02/next-at-home-swansea?

[WhiteJC]

 
First-half horror show sees Fulham crash to United

Cottagers concede three goals in 13 first-half minutes as champions cruised to victory

Fulham 1-3 Manchester United

Fulham crashed to their third-straight defeat as Manchester United cruised to victory at Craven Cottage to turn up the heat on manager Martin Jol.

Goals from Antonio Valencia, Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney saw the champions race into a 3-0 lead, before Alex Kacaniklic's second-half strike restored some pride for the hosts.

Jol made one change from the side that lost to Southampton last weekend, with Ashkan Dejagah handed a rare start in place of Darren Bent, who dropped to the bench.

The hosts started brightly, with Pajtim Kasami forcing an early save out of David De Gea.

However, it was the visitors who took the lead inside 10 minutes. Van Persie played in Rooney, who picked out Valencia to tap the ball in from close range.

Fulham went close on 18 minutes, but Rafael's last-ditch tackle denied Dimitar Berbatov after Scott Parker's defence-splitting pass.

The home side were dealt a hammer blow moments later when Van Persie smashed home an unstoppable second, although Fulham felt Parker was fouled by Adnan Januzaj in the build up.

Fulham improved after the break, with Kasami firing a long shot wide at the beginning of De Gea's left post.

And they pulled one back through sub Kacaniklic, whose shot took a wicked deflection off Rooney to leave De Gea stranded.

The Cottagers almost scored a second on 75 minutes, but Chris Smalling was in the right place to clear Berbatov's effort.

Sub Bent was denied by the woodwork 60 seconds after coming on, with his header from a Berbatov cross clipping the bar.

Fulham: Stekelenburg, Riether, Senderos, Amorebieta, Richardson, Ruiz (Taarabt 74), Parker (Bent 83), Sidwell, Dejagah (Kacaniklic 61), Kasami, Berbatov.

Subs (not used): Stockdale, Karagounis, Hughes, Boateng.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-crash-manchester-united-defeat-6265985?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 1 Manchester United 3: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Saturday Nov 2 2013, kick-off 15.00 (GMT).

At one point, after scoring three goals from well created chances inside the opening 22 minutes, it looked as though Manchester United were poised to make a telling statement of intent.

Instead, the combination of the need to preserve minds and bodies ahead of the Champions League trip to face Real Sociedad and. Fulham's improved second-half showing ensured this was simply a satisfactory afternoon's work for David Moyes and his team.

That, though, was welcomed by the United manager who has already endured more frustration than he would like during a difficult start to his United career. On this occasion he was able to savour a much more comfortable performance from his side, illuminated by exciting first-half performances from Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, satisfied that the United's defence of their title appears to finally be gathering pace after recording back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.

Early goals from Antonio Valencia, Van Persie and Rooney laid the foundation and while Alex Kacaniklic brought one back for the home side midway through the second half, Fulham were never likely to claw their way back.

"I think we knew we would have to pick up points as we went along and I was always confident that would happen," said Moyes. "It was an important victory, it got us three points and hopefully we will just carry on and keep the momentum going.

"Our job is to climb the league table. We want to be nearer the top and I have no doubt that by the end of the season we will.
"Where we are just now I don't think is really that important, except that you don't want to let the teams get too far away from you. We've got to make sure they don't. We have to keep building on recent performances."

Relief, then, for Moyes. Less for Martin Jol, the Fulham manager, who was forced to endure boos from the home side. The improved second-half showing from his side ensured manager and players recovered pride but these are clearly testing times at Craven Cottage.

With Chelsea having lost at Newcastle earlier in the day and Arsenal and Liverpool due to face each other shortly after the final whistle had gone at Craven Cottage, this was a chance for Moyes's side to state their case which they did convincingly.

Moyes had talked up the qualities of Rooney and Van Persie as a partnership before the game and the pair combined fluently for United's ninth-minute opening goal with the Dutchman releasing his team-mate beyond Philippe Senderos, the Fulham centre-back. Rooney raced into the area, paused while waiting for support, and then squared for Valencia who scored his first league goal of the campaign.

Fulham were convinced they had grounds for complaint about the 20th-minute second. Scott Parker appeared to be fouled by Adnan Januzaj and Van Persie got the benefit of a borderline offside call when he collected the United's youngster's pass. There was nothing wrong with Van Persie's excellent finish that flew into the roof of the net though.

Two minutes later, the game was effectively over with Van Persie cast in the role of provider, again getting in behind Fulham's high defensive line and making his way to the byline before squaring for Rooney, who emulated Valencia's earlier routine finish.

"I thought there were real signs of great combination between them, and they made the goals for each other," said Moyes when assessing the performance of his front two. "There was good link-up play and I just started to see really good signs from the two of them. It was great they both got on the scoresheet because that is what forwards do and I have always said you need these boys to get a hat load of goals if you are to be successful."

Tom Cleverley, Jonny Evans and Rafael were all replaced because of injuries at half time, but Moyes expects all three to recover in time for midweek, with Rafael the major doubt.

Fulham at last found some urgency after the break and deservedly reduced the arrears when Kacaniklic cut in from the left and beat David De Gea with the help of Rooney's boot. But they were never likely to recover and Jol was forced to contemplate a third successive defeat.

"I used to save have no fear, Martin is hear," said Jol. "Sometimes I think it s better that the fans are on my back than the players back. You could how well we played in the second half."

Match details:
Fulham (4-4-2): Stekelenburg 6; Riether 5, Senderos 4, Amorebieta 6, Richardson 5; Dejagah 5 (Kacaniklic 61, 7), Sidwell 6, Parker 8 (Bent 84), Kasami 7; Ruiz 5 (Taarabt 74), Berbatov 6.
Subs: Stockdale, Karagounis, Hughes, Boateng.
Goal: Kacaniklic 65
Bookings: Amorebieta, Dejagah

Man Utd (4-4-2): De Gea 7; R da Silva 7 (Kagawa 46, 5), Evans 6 (Fellaini 46, 6), Vidic 7, Evra 7, Valencia 7, Jones 7, Cleverley 6 (Smalling 46, 6), Januzaj 7, Rooney 8, van Persie 9.
Subs: Lindegaard, Hernandez, Nani, Young
Goals: Valencia 9, Van Persie 20, Rooney 22
Bookings: Valencia

Referee: L Probert (Wiltshire)



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10418306/Fulham-1-Manchester-United-3-match-report.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United turn heat up on under-fire Jol

Premier League: Fulham 1 Manchester United 3

Martin Jol's position at the Fulham helm became increasingly precarious as David Moyes oversaw back-to-back league victories for the first time as Manchester United manager.

Life after Sir Alex Ferguson has proved difficult, with the reigning champions enduring a topsy-turvy start to the season that saw them head to Craven Cottage eight points off the lead.

United are slowly quietening the naysayers, though, with a 3-1 defeat of Fulham their fourth successive win in all competitions.

The pressure on Moyes may be alleviating, but Jol's position at the Fulham helm will come under increasing scrutiny after a third defeat in the space of a week.

Antonio Valencia opened the scoring with worrying ease after nine minutes, with Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney - players Moyes has said are the best two strikers in the world - extending that lead further by the 22nd minute.

It was hardly the morale-boosting performance Jol had called for in his programme notes and led to a number of 'Jol out' chants reverberating around the ground.

Fulham improved greatly in the second half and substitute Alex Kacaniklic saw a strike deflect home off Rooney, but it proved to be a consolation goal.

The Whites ended the match on top but may well face losing Sascha Riether to a ban after a late stamp on Adnan Januzaj was not punished by referee Lee Probert.

The hosts ultimately paid for a first-half capitulation that came after a bright opening, with Pajtim Kasami testing David de Gea from 25 yards.

United spent the early stages looking clumsy - but not quite as ponderous as Philippe Senderos.

Van Persie's through ball caught out the centre-back and found Rooney, whose squared ball from the left was directed home by Valencia.

The ninth-minute goal shell-shocked the hosts, although only a fine Rafael challenge denied them a chance at an equaliser. Scott Parker sent a superb ball to Dimitar Berbatov, only for the Brazilian right-back to thwart the Bulgarian as he prepared to pull the trigger.

It was a missed opportunity that Fulham were made to pay for.

Parker looked to have been fouled by Januzaj but referee Probert allowed play to continue. The teenager played through Van Persie and, despite looking to have been offside, continued to lash home past countryman Maarten Stekelenburg.

Fulham fans aimed boos at the officials, although their ire turned to Jol two minutes later.

This time Fernando Amorebieta was the guilty offender, with Van Persie getting behind his man and squaring for Rooney to slot home from close range.

A smattering of 'Jol out' chants could be heard from the home faithful, who were fortunate to see unmarked Rooney head into the side-netting from a Van Persie corner soon after.

United academy graduate Kieran Richardson tried to reduce the deficit with a 25-yard effort, before De Gea denied Berbatov after some fine team interplay.

Rafael and Januzaj received treatment for knocks as the second half came to a close, with the half-time whistle met by a lot of anger from the home fans.

Perhaps with Tuesday's Champions League tie with Real Socieded in mind, Marouane Fellaini, Shinji Kagawa and former Fulham defender Chris Smalling came on for the second half.

Fulham looked rejuvenated after the restart, with Kasami drilling a shot just wide as the Whites pushed for a goal that came in the 65th minute.

After Fellaini headed into the side-netting at the other end, Kacaniklic, four minutes after coming on, saw his strike from the edge of the box turned past De Gea by Rooney.

Januzaj saw a penalty appeal waved away seven minutes later, before Smalling headed away an effort from United's record signing Berbatov.

Bryan Ruiz's substitution was roundly cheered moments before that chance, with his replacement Adel Taarabt claiming a penalty after a coming together with Nemanja Vidic soon after his introduction.

Kacaniklic scooped over as the match entered the final 10 minutes, with chants of 'you don't know what you're doing' aimed at Jol after he replaced Parker with Darren Bent.

The on-loan striker soon hushed those fans up with a header that hit the crossbar, while Taarabt forced De Gea into a late save and Richardson headed just wide.

Tempers frayed when United kept the ball in the corner in stoppage time, with Riether perhaps fortunate not to enter Probert's notebook for the altercation with Januzaj.

It was the last moment of note in a match and one which might result in retrospective action - hardly a scenario Jol, booed again at the final whistle, will relish as he pours over this latest defeat.


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/manchester_united_turn_heat_up_on_under_fire_jol_1_2961005

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol jeered as United beat Fulham
David Moyes oversaw back-to-back league victories for the first time as Manchester United manager as the Red Devils triumphed 3-1 to place yet more pressure on Fulham manager Martin Jol.

Life after Sir Alex Ferguson has proved difficult, with the reigning champions enduring a topsy-turvy start to the season that saw them head to Craven Cottage eight points off the lead.

United are slowly quietening the naysayers, though, with a defeat of Fulham their fourth successive win in all competitions.

The pressure on Moyes may be alleviating, but Jol's position at the Fulham helm will come under increasing scrutiny after a third defeat in the space of a week.

Antonio Valencia opened the scoring with worrying ease after nine minutes, with Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney - players Moyes has said are the best two strikers in the world - extending that lead further by the 22nd minute.

It was hardly the morale-boosting performance Jol had called for in his programme notes and led to a number of 'Jol out' chants reverberating around the ground.

Fulham improved greatly in the second half and substitute Alex Kacaniklic saw a strike deflect home off Rooney, but it proved to be a consolation goal.

The Whites ended the match on top but may well face losing Sascha Riether to a ban after a late stamp on Adnan Januzaj was not punished by referee Lee Probert.

The hosts ultimately paid for a first-half capitulation that came after a bright opening, with Pajtim Kasami testing David de Gea from 25 yards.

United spent the early stages looking clumsy - but not quite as ponderous as Philippe Senderos.

Van Persie's through ball caught out the centre-back and found Rooney, whose squared ball from the left was directed home by Valencia.

The ninth-minute goal shell-shocked the hosts, although only a fine Rafael challenge denied them a chance at an equaliser. Scott Parker sent a superb ball to Dimitar Berbatov, only for the Brazilian right-back to thwart the Bulgarian as he prepared to pull the trigger.

It was a missed opportunity that Fulham were made to pay for.

Parker looked to have been fouled by Januzaj but referee Probert allowed play to continue. The teenager played through Van Persie and, despite looking offside, he continued to lash home past countryman Maarten Stekelenburg.

Fulham fans aimed boos at the officials, although their ire turned to Jol two minutes later.

This time Fernando Amorebieta was the guilty offender, with Van Persie getting behind his man and squaring for Rooney to slot home from close range.

A smattering of 'Jol out' chants could be heard from the home faithful, who were fortunate to see unmarked Rooney head into the side-netting from a Van Persie corner soon after.

United academy graduate Kieran Richardson tried to reduce the deficit with a 25-yard effort, before De Gea denied Berbatov after some fine team interplay.

Rafael and Januzaj received treatment for knocks as the first half came to a close, with the half-time whistle met by a lot of anger from the home fans.

Perhaps with Tuesday's Champions League tie with Real Socieded in mind, Marouane Fellaini, Shinji Kagawa and former Fulham defender Chris Smalling came on for the second half.

Fulham looked rejuvenated after the restart, with Kasami drilling a shot just wide as the Whites pushed for a goal that came in the 65th minute.

After Fellaini headed into the side-netting at the other end, Kacaniklic, four minutes after coming on, saw his strike from the edge of the box turned past De Gea by Rooney.

Januzaj saw a penalty appeal waved away seven minutes later, before Smalling headed away an effort from United's record signing Berbatov.

Bryan Ruiz's substitution was roundly cheered moments before that chance, with his replacement Adel Taarabt claiming a penalty after a coming together with Nemanja Vidic soon after his introduction.

Kacaniklic scooped over as the match entered the final 10 minutes, with chants of 'you don't know what you're doing' aimed at Jol after he replaced Parker with Darren Bent.

The on-loan striker soon hushed those fans up with a header that hit the crossbar, while Taarabt forced De Gea into a late save and Richardson headed just wide.

Tempers frayed when United kept the ball in the corner in stoppage time, with Riether perhaps fortunate not to enter Probert's notebook for the altercation with Januzaj.

It was the last moment of note in a match and one which might result in retrospective action - hardly a scenario Jol, booed again at the final whistle, will relish as he pours over this latest defeat.



http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/uk-sport/2013/11/02/jol-jeered-as-united-beat-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
GIF: Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj Clashes with Fulham's Sascha Riether

Adnan Januzaj played his part in Manchester United's 3-1 win over Fulham, and he was involved in a controversial moment at the end of the game.

The midfielder, who teed up Robin van Persie for his goal, was attempting to run down time with the ball in the corner.



A couple of Fulham players, Pajtim Kasami and Sascha Riether, took exception to the tactics and steamed in on Januzaj.

The youngster was toppled over, and while on the ground, it appeared as if Riether stepped on his ankle.

Marouane Fellaini took exception to the treatment of Januzaj, and it became a little testy for a moment.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1834753-gif-manchester-uniteds-adnan-januzaj-clashes-with-riether-as-tempers-flare?

[WhiteJC]

 
Shocking stamp! Fulham's Sascha Riether gets away with attack on Adnan Januzaj

Surely the Premier League will act on this heinous attack from Fulham right back Sascha Riether on Manchester United starlet Adnan Januzaj?!

The youngster put in another fine display for United as David Moyes' side won 3-1 – the personal highlight, an assist for Robin van Persie's goal.

But, in the final few seconds Januzaj found himself on the wrong end of an assault by Riether who cynically stamped on him during a tussle in the corner.

Referee Lee Probert did not flash any card at Riether but we are sure to hear about this challenge in the coming days.

For the German defender, he could not have picked a worse opponent in the Premier League to attack on the blindside.



http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/shocking-stamp-fulhams-sascha-reither-gets-away-with-attack-on-adnan-januzaj-gif/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Martin Jol happy with second-half performance against Manchester United

Martin Jol was taking the positives from Fulham's second-half performance following a 3-1 home defeat by Manchester United.

Goals from Antonio Valencia, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney in the space of 13 first-half minutes were enough to give United a sixth successive Premier League win over Fulham.

The home side pulled a goal back through Alex Kacaniklic's deflected strike on 65 minutes before Darren Bent headed against the crossbar and Kieran Richardson glanced wide.

Jol was left to rue the failure of Fulham's offside trap for the three United goals, but was at least happy to see his team show character at Craven Cottage.

"We started off well, but there was too much space for them in midfield and they took advantage of it," Jol told Sky Sports.

"The first goal was not offside, the second goal was maybe a foot or a shoulder, and the third goal was exactly the same, they beat the offside trap.

"We gave them too much space and they cut through the defence like a knife through butter.

"But we were better after that, and we showed a lot of pride and character, and we tried to show people we can play. We showed some good performances in the second half, but not enough to win against Man Utd.

"We've got a good team and good team spirit. It could have gone either way at half-time as at 3-0 it could go wrong as well.

"If we had scored a second goal, we could have maybe got a result. The second half was probably the positive thing today."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/9005235?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss felt 'very lonely' over 'Jol out' chants during Man Utd defeat

Fulham boss Martin Jol admitted he felt "lonely" sat in the Craven Cottage dugout as the Whites fan aimed their anger aimed at him for their 3-1 defeat to Premier League champions Manchester United.

The reverse came courtesy of three goals in 13 first-half minutes, with dodgy defending and clinical finishing allowing Antonio Valencia, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney to net.

Fulham pulled one back when Alex Kacaniklic's shot deflected in off Rooney, with the hosts impressing in a second half in which United started with the enforced substitutions of Tom Cleverley, Jonny Evans and Rafael.

But they couldn't add to their tally and "Jol out" was chanted from the stands on several occasions, making Jol's position at the helm look increasingly precarious.

Asked how he felt on the touchline after United scored their three goals, the Dutchman said: "Lonely, very lonely.

"We had aspirations, we were ambitious before the game. We really wanted to do well.

"I've got a great team with a great team spirit. Dimitar Berbatov was skippering us again, so he wanted to win as a captain.

"The players wanted to win for him and maybe a little bit for me and for the club. To concede goals like that looked horrendous."

As if a third straight loss was not bad enough, Fulham may well now lose Sascha Riether to a ban after a late stamp on Adnan Januzaj was not punished by referee Lee Probert - an incident missed by Moyes and Jol.

"That would be disappointing," Jol said about a potential ban. "If it is true, then we have to talk to him.

"I have got some good back-up players as well, so that is not a disaster. The result is a disaster."


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_boss_felt_very_lonely_over_jol_out_chants_during_man_utd_defeat_1_2961047

[WhiteJC]

 
More tactical mishaps from Martin Jol leave Fulham exposed against Manchester United

'It's essential that we get a performance today, one that we can proud of,' said Martin Jol in his programme notes.

Inevitably, it didn't materialise.

For the record, we weren't the same dismal entity that came so extraordinarily unstuck at Southampton a week ago, when we garnered one shot at goal and eternal ridicule.

Here, against Manchester United, Jol at least had the verve to play Ashkan Dejagah, a winger so far out in the periphery over recent weeks that you had reason to question whether he did indeed exist.

And it paid off to an extent because, at times, we did look like a coherent team. We did pass the ball. We did create chances.

But then, of course, our defence was tested. And then it all fell apart with such crushing haste.

Phillippe Senderos was culpable for some of our woeful organisation, as he so often is, but Fernando Amorebieta should also shoulder some blame, going in too tightly on his man for United's opener.

Sascha Riether hardly covered himself in glory either, stamping quite unnecessarily on Adnan Januzaj.

But the erratically high line was Fulham's ultimate undoing.

It gave the likes of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney ample time and space to carve open an already sluggish back line.

Why would you deploy such tactics against a side of United's calibre? More pertinently, why would you even consider such a style given the personnel at our disposal?

Senderos works at a snail's pace at the best of times, while Amorebieta is hardly known for his pace. Pressing high in their own half just does not suit them, and our manager should know that.

It just further adds to a damning list of tactical misdemeanours under Jol and to the burgeoning list of reasons for Jol's dismissal. Under him, Fulham are becoming a wretched shadow of their former, steely selves.

It's all okay though, fans, because, as Jol said post-match, 'we are a better team than six or seven others.'

Let's all take it easy then. No need to work on your tactics, Martin, 'cos it'll sort itself out.



http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/02/more-tactical-mishaps-from-martin-jol-leave-fulham-exposed-against-manchester-united-4170945/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Martin Jol Needs To Find A Balance At Fulham

I've just watched the first half of the Fulham - Manchester United game and I am bored of seeing Fulham playing this badly now.


I rarely find a football match boring that includes an abundance of wonderful goals in the opening thirty minutes of play, but this situation at Fulham seems to be a demonstration for the introduction of the mercy rule in football. I've never seen a wounded animal like this Fulham side and, when they're playing against a team who aren't really setting the world alight despite being expected to, it really does pain me to see the Cottagers slide faster and faster into a situation where big old Martin Jol will be undone and inevitably sacked due to a poor transfer window.


I refuse to believe you can fill a team full of flairy technical players with a non-existent work rate and expect to do well in the Premier League, which is shrouded in a "run about a lot and you're a good footballer" mentality. This mentality has lead to an influx of footballers who have just got a tank full of gas and will run themselves into the ground, with Stephen Hunt being the archetype of this stereotype.

Maybe on the continent Fulham's new philosophy would be more effective, perhaps Serie A (more likely B at this rate thinking about it) where it's more tactically astute and played at a slower pace meaning Sidwell and Parker could seem like whippets. The typical Fulham lineup includes three midfielders behind one striker, whilst the wide midfielders don't normally tend to be legitimate wingers and are typically number tens played on the flank. This leads to three of the same players effectively doing the combined defensive duties of none of them; there is no doubling up with fullbacks or pressing as they all seem to be deployed in a free role.


Unfortunately, Sidders and Scotty P will be putting up with this until January at least, because I don't think Martin Jol, who seems to be the most soft-centred man on the planet, can change the mentality of Taarabt, Ruiz and Berbatov for love nor money.


http://www.footballfriendsonline.com/blogs/2013/11/2/why-martin-jol-needs-to-find-a-balance-at-fulham.html?