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Wednesday Fulham Stuff (15/01/14)...

Started by WhiteJC, January 14, 2014, 10:39:28 PM

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WhiteJC

 
SUFC Blades to face Fulham in FA Cup
   
Sheffield United will face Fulham in the FA Cup Fourth Round after the London side beat Norwich City in their replay at Craven Cottage.

Fulham booked their visit to Bramall Lane with a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Darren Bent, Ashkan Dejagah and Steven Sidwell.

The fourth round tie will take place at Bramall Lane on Sunday January 26th. The game will kick off at 1pm and it is being shown live on BT Sports.


Read more: http://www.sheffutd.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=345488#ixzz2qPoD5jwP

WhiteJC

 
FA Cup: Fulham cruise past Norwich in third round replay at Craven Cottage

Fulham cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a comfortable 3-0 success over sorry Norwich City in their third round replay at Craven Cottage.

Goals from Darren Bent, Ashkan Dejagah and Steve Sidwell saw Rene Meulensteen's men set up a trip to Sheffield United as Fulham went some way to making amends for their miserable home defeat to Sunderland in the Premier League.

The hosts had survived an early scare when Robert Snodgrass rattled the crossbar and took the lead in the 16th minute with Bent converting from 12 yards out after Pajtim Kasami was released down the right and Javier Garrido failed to deal with his pull-back.

And they doubled their lead in the 41st minute when Mark Bunn's poor clearance gave Sascha Riether the chance to play in Kacaniklic and his ball across the face of goal was converted from close range by Dejagah.

As in the first half, Norwich started the second brightly, but they struggled to create any real opportunities to test returning Cottagers goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg before Sidwell made the game safe for the hosts in the 68th minute.

Garrido had made an excellent clearance from under his own bar with Dejagah ready to convert Kacaniklic's cross, but the danger was not over and when Riether swung the ball back in, Sidwell climbed at the far post to convert as Norwich's winless run stretched to eight games.

Stekelenburg was straight into the action from the off, denying Nathan Redmond after Josh Murphy had threaded him clean through on goal.

The Holland keeper could only watch on as Robert Snodgrass cut inside on the edge of the area and launched a curling shot against the crossbar.

Brede Hangeland's slip then allowed Johan Elmander to nip in behind, but his cross eluded a team-mate. The Swede crept his way to another chance moments later, but could only turn a low cross wide of Stekelenburg's right post.

Sidwell fired in Fulham's first shot on the 10-minute mark, but Bunn was alive to the low 20-yard drive.

Snodgrass fed Redmond again, but the former Birmingham man drilled his shot wide from the edge of the area. Josh Murphy skipped clear of Richardson next, only for Burn to clear his near-post cross.

Garrido's foul on Dejagah yielded a 20-yard free kick and a sight of goal for Fulham, but Kasami's effort drew nothing more than a routine stop from Bunn.

So circumspect for the first quarter-hour, suddenly Fulham produced the match's first top-class move, capped with a neat finish from Bent.

Riether sent Kasami down the right flank after a smart flick-off from Dejagah. The Iran midfielder's near-post run and intelligent dummy opened the door for Bent, and the on-loan Aston Villa forward delivered a patient finish.

Criticism of Bent has been commonplace this term, but the 29-year-old began the move that brought Fulham's second goal.

Bent's header capitalised on Bunn's wayward clearance, before Kacaniklic's square ball offered Dejagah a tap-in.

Burn then got just enough to deflect a Norwich cross as far as Riether, who blasted behind for a corner to complete the clearance. Bradley Johnson reached the neat set-piece, but could only nod over the bar.

Hughton sacrificed Redmond's creative talents in favour of a second striker at the break, adding Ricky van Wolfswinkel to the fray.

Fulham's desperation not to concede sucked them ever deeper into their own half as they allowed Norwich to dominate territory.

Captain Sebastien Bassong back-pedalled himself free at the far post from a corner after Sidwell had conceded a needless free kick, But the former Newcastle defender could not generate any power.

Fulham then wrapped up safe passage to the fourth round, thanks to Sidwell's powerful far-post header.

Garrido denied Dejagah with a last-ditch headed clearance, but his despairing interjection only gifted Riether time and space to cross from the right. The German full-back took his time, picked his target, and Sidwell did the rest.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/306702/report

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 3 Norwich 0: Bent on target as Meulensteen's men ease through

Rene Meulensteen was never part of a successful FA Cup campaign in six years as Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand man. He was youth team coach when Manchester United last lifted the trophy in 2004.

His priority this season, with Fulham one point above the relegation places, remains Barclays  Premier League survival of course.

The same could be said of  Norwich boss Chris Hughton but this result has left the former Newcastle in danger of losing his job after his struggling side were easily beaten in this third-round replay. He will be desperate to make amends at home to Hull on Saturday.


On target: Darren Bent opened the scoring for Fulham on what was a rare start for the striker

As each Fulham goal hit the back of the Norwich net there was a  celebration of pumped fists and full gusto from Meulensteen.
Perhaps he wouldn't mind a Cup run after all, to make up for those years of disappointment in this competition.

Clearly, you can expect more changes when he takes his team to Sheffield United at the end of this month, despite the risk of an upset. Nigel Clough's men knocked out Aston Villa, you will remember, after Paul Lambert's somewhat dismissive remarks about where the FA Cup ranks in the list of top-flight managers' priorities.

This was the teams' third meeting in 19 days and only Scott Parker's late goal in the league clash on Boxing Day had separated them thus far. One place and one point is their slender divide in the top flight.

With both managers eyeing the relegation zone, changes were once again as plentiful as they were unsurprising.

Hughton swapped six from the starting XI which lost 2-0 to Everton, while Meulensteen made nine alterations after the 4-1 defeat at home to Sunderland three days previously.

It was the same number as the Dutch head coach made for the first FA Cup match up between these two which ended 1-1. Only Steve Sidwell and Sascha Riether survived the cull.


Lethal in the box: Bent (second right) scores their first goal of the game

In fairness, it meant recalls for important figures in Maarten Stekelenburg, who has been out for three weeks with an ankle injury, and Brede Hangeland, who needed surgery to overcome a back complaint that has sidelined him since October.

Fulham went ahead in the 17th minute. Pajtim Kasami down the right wing and the Swiss international did well to dig out a cross from the byline. Ashkan Dejagah's dummy prevented Sebastien Bassong from clearing and Darren Bent was on hand to sweep home. It was his fifth goal of the season having scored in the original tie.


Finding form: Dejagah scores his second goal of the season as Fulham looked in control

Pick that one out: Dejagah goes off in celebration after beating Mark Bunn to score

Easy does it: Ashkan Dejagah is on hand to make it 2-0 before half time


Four minutes before half-time and the lead was doubled. It again came from the right. Bent's header found Giorgos Karagounis, who played in Alex Kacaniklic. He passed square and Dejagah lashed a finish into the roof of the net.

It looked like it could have twice been offside but each time the runs were inch perfect.


Heads we win: Steve Sidwell rises at the far post to make it 3-0 to Fulham

Game, set and match: Sidwell celebrates heading Fulham into the next round of the FA Cup


Hughton acted at half-time by replacing Redmond with Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and changed formation to 4-4-2. Johan Elmander had found it tough against Hangeland and Dan Burn, the skyscraper defender making his home debut for Fulham, but the Norwich duo were instantly more threatening.

Bassong joined in and went close with a header from Robert Snodgrass's free-kick just after the hour. But Fulham dispelled any  suggestion of a turnaround in the 68th minute. Kasami passed to Riether on the right and Sidwell met his cross with a thumping header.

It is Meulensteen and Fulham who march on.


Beating his man: Fulham's Alex Kacaniklic gets past Robert Snodgrass

Getting stuck in: Joshua Murphy lands on Brede Hangeland as the two fight for the ball

Eyes on the ball: Sebastien Bassong and Pajtim Kasami battle for possession
 
Mixed emotions: Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen celebrates as Norwich's Chris Hughton looks frustrated



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2539425/Fulham-3-Norwich-0-match-report-Bent-Dejagah-Sidwell-fire-Cottagers-through.html#ixzz2qPp8W6T0
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook


WhiteJC

 
West Ham reject Fulham's Morrison bid

West Ham have rejected a bid from Fulham for Ravel Morrison, Rene Meulensteen has confirmed.

Fulham boss Meulensteen was part of Manchester United's coaching team when the midfielder, 20, was at Old Trafford and is keen to sign him during this month's transfer window.

The Dutchman added that he believes Morrison wants to make the move – and indicated that an improved offer could be tabled.

"We got knocked back – rejected," Meuelensteen said after his team's FA Cup third-round replay win against Norwich.

"I've left it with [chief executive] Alistair Mackintosh and explained what I think of the situation.

"I've known him [Morrison] a long time. He'd bring youth, energy, unpredictability – lots of things. We'll have to wait and see what happens."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/west-ham-reject-fulhams-morrison-bid?

WhiteJC

 
Fulham's Brede Hangeland hopes FA Cup shutout is sign of things to come

Fulham captain Brede Hangeland is hoping a clean sheet against Norwich in the FA Cup is a sign the tide is turning for a side struggling at the bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

The Cottagers saw off Norwich 3-0 in their third-round replay in London, and Hangeland believes it was a rare shutout which was the most pleasing thing about a night which saw him making his long-awaited return from injury.

"For sure it's the clean sheet," Hangeland told BT Sport. "We've conceded far too many goals and one of our main targets was to keep that clean sheet today so we've very pleased.

"We need to find the right balance between attack and defence. Lately we've been conceding too many goals so hopefully this is step in the right direction."

Fulham held a 2-0 lead at half-time through goals from Darren Bent and Ashkan Dejagah before Steve Sidwell finished it off in the second half with his fifth goal of the season.

"We didn't feel comfortable at any time but obviously any time you score three goals you know you should win," Hangeland added. "Steve has had a terrific season so far with five or six goals from a central midfielder."

Hangeland had been missing for three months following back surgery, and admitted it had been frustrating watching Fulham's struggles from the sidelines.

"Funnily enough it's my first injury ever in 13 years of professional football, so yes, I'm happy to be back," he said.


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulhams-brede-hangeland-hopes-fa-cup-shutout-is-sign-of-things-to-come-9060023.html

WhiteJC

 
Fulham ease into fourth round
by DAN on JANUARY 14, 2014



If the FA Cup is a distraction to the sides scrapping for their lives at the bottom of the Premier League, somebody forgot to tell Rene Meulensteen. Fulham floated past Norwich City tonight with the minimum of fuss and a straightforward dismissal of fellow strugglers Norwich City featured a timely goal for the off-colour Darren Bent and allowed the sense of despair that had engulfed Craven Cottage following Saturday's shambolic defeat to Sunderland to dissipate somewhat.

Just as importantly, given some of the shoddy defending that has plagued their season, Fulham were led by their captain Brede Hangeland for the first time in three months. The Norwegian international's return from a sciatic nerve problem couldn't be more timely given a tricky trip to league leaders Arsenal on Saturday and another accomplished display from Dan Burn alongside him must have made Meulensten mull over whether to allow the 21 year-old to return to Birmingham City on loan for the remainder of the season. This clean sheet was Fulham's first in five weeks – they have shipped 21 goals in that time – and, although it counts for little as they seek Premier League salvation, it will have encouraged some crucial confidence.

Maarten Stekelenburg, making his first appearance since December, offered an early reminder of his quality, saving sharply from Nathan Redmond at his near post within three minutes. The classy Robert Snodgrass did beat the Dutch international when the ball bounced around the eighteen-yard box, but his swerving strike came back off the crossbar. That encouraging opening was as good as it got for Norwich, who have now failed to beat Fulham in their last fifteen attempts. The home side swiftly assumed control of the midfield battle, with the tigerish Giorgis Karagounis putting forward a compelling case for his inclusion in the crucial league fixtures to come and the impish Steve Sidwell driving forward to great effect from central midfield.

Bent, who has not been without his critics during an underwhelming loan spell from Aston Villa, took his goal with the aplomb expected of a striker with his predatory instincts. He profited from the desire of Pajtim Kasami to reach the by-line, and a clever dummy from Ashkan Dejagah, to fire an instinctive shot through Mark Bunn from close range for his fourth goal of the season. Whilst it might not have been a commanding Fulham performance, they were in control for most of the first half and scored the vital second just before the break from a Norwich corner.

A quick Fulham counter-attack saw Alex Kacaniklic scamper onto Bent's flick-on and cross for Dejagah to steer home his second goal for the club from six yards. Dejagah's interplay with his former Wolfsburg colleague Sascha Riether down the right has been one of the few bright spots during a dismal twelve months for Fulham – which made Martin Jol's decision not to play the pair together all the more baffling. Meulensteen would do well to restore that axis in the critical weeks to come.

Norwich began the second half with more purpose, following a half-time pep talk from Chris Hughton, and the introduction of Ricky van Wolfswinskel. They forced a couple of early corners, but created little in the way of clear-cut chances until Sebastian Bassong escaped his marker to reach a Snodgrass set-piece, but Stekelenburg claimed the header with little alarm. The visitors still struggled for the penetration that Fulham's attacks promised a third goal for the home side in the 69th minute put the contest well and truly beyond the Canaries.

It came from courtesy of the width that Fulham had exploited to great effect throughout the evening. Javier Garrido had done well to clear a dangerous cross from Kacaniklic, but Sascha Riether sent over a superb centre that Steve Sidwell nodded firmly into the far corner after avoiding the attentions of David Fox at the far post. There was still time for Meulensteen to offer late opportunities to impress to some of Fulham's impressive youngsters. Moussa Dembele replaced Bent and showed plenty of eagerness up front, snatching at his only chance as he sent a speculative effort wide from long range, whilst Swedish teenager Muamer Tankovic was also handed a debut and Lasse Vigen Christensen continued his calm ascent into first-team football from the first game at Carrow Road.

FULHAM (4-3-2-1): Stekelenburg; Riether, Richardson, Hangeland, Burn; Karagounis, Sidwell (Christensen 84), Kasami; Dejagah, Kacaniklic (Tankovic 87); Bent (Dembele 79). Subs (not used): Stockdale, Hughes, Dempsey, Rodallega.

BOOKED: Karagounis.

GOALS: Bent (16), Dejagah (41), Sidwell (69).

NORWICH CITY (4-5-1): Bunn; Whittaker, Gariddo, Martin, Bassong; Johnson, Fox, Snodgrass; Redmond (van Wolfswinkel 45), Josh Murphy; Elmander (Becchio 68). Subs (not used): Ruddy, R. Bennett, Fer, Hoolahan, Jacob Murphy.

REFEREE: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

ATTENDANCE: 11,172.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2014/01/fulham-ease-into-fourth-round/?


WhiteJC

 
Meulensteen excited by Hangeland return
by DAN on JANUARY 14, 2014



Rene Meulensteen was delighted that Brede Hangeland managed the full ninety minutes on his return to the Fulham side in their 3-0 FA Cup win over Norwich City at Craven Cottage this evening.

The Fulham captain made his comeback from a sciatic nerve problem ahead of schedule as the Whites booked a fourth round trip to Brammall Lane with a comfortable victory over the Canaries. Meulensteen, whilst pleased with his skipper's assured performance, insisted it was too early to say whether the Norwegian defender would be able to face league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.

It was a big, big boost to have him back. Brede has done ever so well, working really hard to get back. It was great to see that he came through the 90 minutes really well.

We'll now need to look at it, because Arsenal away in the league is obviously a different kettle of fish. We'll review this game with Brede, see how he feels, and go from there.

We know our defensive record needs improving and that's why we very clearly set out to keep a clean sheet. My biggest thing tonight was keeping the clean sheet. I keep telling the players if we keep clean sheets we will start climbing the table, because we've got enough quality

The Fulham head coach was also full of praise for young centre back Dan Burn who acquitted himself excellently on his home debut, describing the 21 year-old's display as 'a breath of fresh air'.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2014/01/meulensteen-excited-by-hangeland-return/?

WhiteJC

 
Bid Rejected But I Think Ravel Morrison Wants To Come – Fulham Boss Rene Meulensteen On West Ham Midfielder

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen has revealed that the club have had a bid for midfielder Ravel Morrison rejected by West Ham.

The Cottagers are keen to snap up the 20-year-old schemer, with whom Meulensteen worked during his time as first team coach at Manchester United.

But the Dutchman confirmed Fulham have had a bid knocked back, despite him being under the impression that Morrison wants to make the move across London.

Meulensteen was quoted as saying by the BBC: "Yes, we did make a bid.

"We have put in a bid for Ravel Morrison that has been knocked back.

"Yes, I think he does want to come.

"He would add pace, power, unpredictability and a real attacking threat."

The Fulham manager has now placed the matter in the hands of the club's chief executive, commenting: "It's back to Alistair Mackintosh and we'll see what happens."

Morrison was snapped up by West Ham from Manchester United in 2012, but shipped out to Birmingham City to gain further first team experience. He has featured in 15 Premier League games for the Hammers in the current campaign, notching three goals and providing a further two assists.

The 20-year-old's contract at Upton Park runs until the summer of 2015.



Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2014/01/14/bid-rejected-but-i-think-ravel-morrison-wants-to-come-fulham-boss-rene-meulensteen-on-west-ham-midfielder/121875/#C8cmmgyegGdHd8XM.99

WhiteJC

 
Bent inspires Fulham victory
Fulham 3 Norwich 0


Darren Bent celebrates scoring the opening goal against Norwich City

Darren Bent masterminded Fulham's 3-0 victory in the FA Cup third-round replay over Norwich at Craven Cottage as the Canaries' winless run reached eight matches.

The 29-year-old former England striker fired home Fulham's first goal, before setting in motion the move that brought the decisive second from Ashkan Dejagah.

Steve Sidwell added a third goal just past the hour as Fulham tied up a fourth-round trip to Sheffield United.

Norwich's second slump of the season shows no signs of abating, this latest loss sure to increase the pressure on boss Chris Hughton.

Non-league Kidderminster will take on Premier League strugglers Sunderland after beating Peterborough 3-2.

Fifth-tier Kidderminster came from behind after Tommy Rowe opened the scoring for the League One club.

Goals from Michael Gash and Jack Byrne within five minutes of the restart put Kidderminster in front and Joe Lolley sealed victory after Britt Assombalonga had levelled for the hosts.

Substitute Joe Garner scored a second-half hat-trick to fire Preston to a 3-2 victory over Ipswich and earn a trip to Nottingham Forest.


http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/bent-inspires-fulham-victory-29917205.html


WhiteJC

 
Cottagers move past Canaries and into Fourth Round

Fulham made sure of their place in The FA Cup Fourth Round on Tuesday night, courtesy of a convincing victory over Norwich City at Craven Cottage.

Rene Meulensteen's men were perhaps fortunate to have a second chance to beat their Premier League rivals following a 1-1 draw in the first tie at Carrow Road ten days ago.

There were no such problems on the banks of the Thames in the replay, as a dominant display from Fulham  saw them set up a trip to Sheffield United in the next round later this month.

Fulham 3-0 Norwich City

The FA Cup with Budweiser
Third Round Proper replay
Tuesday 14 January
Craven Cottage
Winners receive £67,500

Goals from Darren Bent, Ashkan Dejagah and Steve Sidwell proved enough on the night in a confident display which Meulensteen will be hoping can carry over into their Premier League form.

That wasn't the case in the opening exchanges though, with Norwich making a bright start to the game right from the kick-off.

They almost edged ahead within three minutes when Marten Stekelenburg saved smartly with his feet to deny Nathan Redmond in the box, after Josh Murphy had skilfully played him in behind the last defender.

His shot was well blocked by the Dutchman but when ball ricocheted out of the box, it was worked back to Robert Snodgrass whose powerful shot from 25 yards cannoned back off the bar with Stekelenburg beaten.

But after riding their luck in those early stages, Fulham worked their way back into the game and took the lead when Pajtim Kasami drilled a low cross back into the area.

Dejagah's dummy fooled the first defender and when the ball rolled into the path of Bent, he made no mistake by drilling a low shot past Mark Bunn.

The goal brought Fulham to life, giving them a shot of confidence that has perhaps been lacking in recent weeks.

Alex Kacaniklic and Kieran Richardson began to link up more frequently on the left flank, whilst the midfield trio of Sidwell, Kasami and Giorgios Karagounis were dominating their visitors in the middle.

So it came as no surprise when Fulham doubled their lead five minutes before the break, with Karagounis the initial architect by showcasing his vision from centre-field.

His fine pass picked out Kacaniklic on the right flank and the Swede instantly slid a low cross into the middle, where Dejagah had timed his run to perfection to smash home from close range.

Chris Hughton responded at the break, with Ricky Van Wolfswinkel replacing Redmond to partner Johan Elmander up front.

And they made a bright start to the second half, enjoying plenty of the ball and opportunities to pressure their hosts.

But despite their possession, Stekelenburg was never really tested and Fulham secured their win with just over 20 minutes remaining.

A last-gasp clearance from another Kacaniklic cross by Javier Garrido appeared to have cleared the danger following an incisive break. But when Sascha Riether returned a perfect cross to the far post, Sidwell was there to power home a header.

With their place in the Fourth Round secure, Fulham fans even had the chance to enjoy a bit of name nostalgia with the introduction of Moussa Dembele, not the former Cottage favourite and current Spurs midfielder, but a 17-year-old French striker who is already proving a crowd favourite.

With their victory secure, Fulham comfortably saw out the game and will now be able to turn their attentions to a tricky, but undoubtably winnable tie at Bramall Lane on 26 January.

Fulham: 1 Marten Stekelenburg, 5 Brede Hangeland (c), 7 Steve Sidwell (37 Lasse Vigen Christensen, 84), 8 Pajtim Kasami, 11 Alex Kacaniklic (43 Muamer Tankovic, 87), 14 Giorgios Karagounis, 15 Kieran Richardson, 24 Ashkan Dejagah, 27 Sascha Riether, 33 Dan Burn, 39 Darren Bent (45 Moussa Dembele, 79).
Substitutes not used: 13 David Stockdale, 18 Aaron Hughes, 20 Hugo Rodallega, 32 Clint Dempsey.

Head Coach: Rene Meulensteen.

Goals: Darren Bent (17) Ashkan Dejagah (41), Steve Sidwell (68).

Norwich City: 13 Mark Bunn, 2 Russell Martin, 3 Steven Whittaker, 4 Bradley Johnson, 5 Sebastien Bassong (c), 7 Robert Snodgrass, 16 Johann Elmander (19 Luciano Becchio, 68), 18 Javier Garrido, 22 Nathan Redmond (,9 Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, 46), 25 David Fox, 31 Josh Murphy.
Substitutes not used: 1 John Ruddy, 10 Leroy Fer, 14 Wes Hoolahan, 24 Ryan Bennett, 32 Jacob Murphy.

Manager: Chris Hughton

Referee: Lee Mason
Assistant referee: M. Mullarkey & D. Bryan
Fourth official: P. Dowd.



Read more at http://www.thefa.com//news/the-fa-cup/2014/jan/fulham-norwich-city-report-140114?#6GPGcVJDQ3lhZGF3.99

WhiteJC

 
Don't worry Arsenal fans! Podolski will start against Fulham!

When will Poldi play? by Blaz

Lukas Podolski is probably the most accurate striker that Arsenal have in the team. And the owner of one of most lethal left legs in Premier league, so the question arises, why isn't he playing more? Why isn't this left leg of his put to it's deadly use? Wenger always states in his interviews that Podolski will be a very important player for Arsenal, especially now with all the injuries, but for now the German is stuck on the bench.

Against Aston Villa his anger was quite obvious. But there was almost nothing Wenger could have done differently yesterday. I'm sure the plan was to give Poldi 20 odd minutes of play, but injuries made that impossible. So, nothing there then. Had Santi or Olly broken their noses or metatarsals then Poldi would be the man to go to, but this way, he was an unused substitute.

As for the couple of games before, he did just come back from an injury and Wenger always eases the players in. So, even though he felt he could handle 90 minutes, Wenger has his own way. His position is also quite limited. He's a left wing for Arsenal and that's it. He got the chance to play up front but couldn't handle it. Almost every other player in our team plays about three positions, while Poldi is stuck on the left. And that limits his chances of getting games. And Santi did play great in the FA cup, so he also started in the league.

But, the future is bright – at least the near one. Come Saturday, we play Fulham at home and I have absolutely no doubt that Poldi will start. Firstly, Santi had a miserable game yesterday and was also guilty for Villa's goal, so Wenger will want to make a change on the left. And, let's not forget, Fulham is Poldi's team! He plays great against them and also scores. So, on Saturday, he will have a chance to start and star again!

I like Poldi, he's always smiling, cheering, the most positive player since Eboue. He will get his chances, it's just up to his left leg to make the most out of them.

Blaž from Ljubljana (aka Archangel)



http://justarsenal.com/dont-worry-arsenal-fans-podolski-will-start-against-fulham/29751?

WhiteJC

 
Fulham reach FA Cup fourth rund

London - Fulham forgot their Premier League struggles to sweep into the FA Cup fourth round with a 3-0 victory over fellow top-flight strugglers Norwich City in a third-round replay on Tuesday.

Fulham, thrashed 4-1 at home by relegation candidates Sunderland on Saturday, cast off the shackles of their league form to hit top gear with a performance full of attacking intent on a cold night at a half-empty Craven Cottage.

They opened the scoring after 16 minutes through former England striker Darren Bent, who found the net from Pajtim Kasami's cross for his second goal in three games having failed to get on the scoresheet in the previous 10.

Ashkan Dejagah fired into the roof of the net to double the London side's lead four minutes before the break and Steve Sidwell made the result safe with a header in the second half to set up a fourth-round clash at Sheffield United.

Holders Wigan Athletic, who shocked Manchester City to win the Cup last season before being relegated from the top flight, were 11 minutes away from a third-round replay exit at third tier MK Dons before forcing extra time and winning 3-1.

Wigan substitute and Manchester United loanee Nick Powell scored after 79 minutes to cancel out former United midfielder Luke Chadwick's opener. Powell then grabbed a second goal in extra time and Marc-Antoine Fortune added the third.

Wigan are at home to Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace in the fourth round later this month.

Bournemouth beat Burton Albion 4-1 to set up a home tie with Liverpool in the next round while there were also wins for Birmingham City, Kidderminster, Port Vale, Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday and Watford.

Charlton Athletic and Oxford United drew 2-2 in their third round tie and will face a replay. – Reuters



http://www.iol.co.za/sport/soccer/cup-competitions/fulham-reach-fa-cup-fourth-rund-1.1631680?#.UtYwiv0cKbA


WhiteJC

 
Fulham captain Hangeland 'very pleased' with clean sheet win over Norwich in FA Cup



Fulham overwhelmed fellow Premier League strugglers Norwich 3-0 at Craven Cottage to move into the fourth round of the FA Cup on Tuesday.

Former England striker Darren Bent scored Fulham's opener before setting up Ashkan Dejagah's decisive second goal as Norwich's winless run stretched to eight matches.

Steve Sidwell scored Fulham's third goal shortly before the hour to leave the Cottagers with a fourth round tie against third tier Sheffield United.

But it was the clean sheet that most delighted Fulham captain Brede Hangeland following last weekend's 4-1 league defeat by Sunderland.

"For sure it's the clean sheet," Hangeland told BT Sport. "We've conceded far too many goals and one of our main targets was to keep that clean sheet today so we've very pleased.

"We need to find the right balance between attack and defence. Lately we've been conceding too many goals so hopefully this is a step in the right direction."

Elsewhere non-league Kidderminster Harriers won through to a fourth round tie with Premier League Sunderland after a 3-2 replay victory away to third third tier Peterborough United.

Tommy Rowe gave Peterborough an early lead but two goals in four minutes after half-time from Michael Gash and Jack Byrne turned the tide in Conference club Kidderminster's favour.

Britt Assombalonga's penalty levelled the scores with 16 minutes to go but two minutes later Joe Lolley scored Harriers' winner.

Kidderminster are the only non-league side left in this season's FA Cup after Macclesfield suffered a 4-1 defeat by Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, who made it 10 goals in two matches after their 6-0 thrashing of Yorkshire rivals Leeds United.

FA Cup holders Wigan needed extra-time to see off Milton Keynes Dons 3-1 in a third round replay at Stadium MK and avoid becoming only the second holders of the trophy to go out in the third round the following season.

Luke Chadwick put the Dons ahead in the 10th minute and it was a led they held until 11 minutes from time before Nick Powell, on loan from Manchester United equalised.

Extra-time saw Powell score again before Marc-Antoine Fortune sealed Wigan's victory.

Premier League high-flyers Manchester City, last season's losing finalists, face second-tier Blackburn Rovers in a third round replay on Wednesday.

Bournemouth will welcome English giants Liverpool to the south coast in the fourth round after a 4-1 win over fourth-tier Burton Albion.

Two goals from Brett Pitman and strikes from Ryan Fraser and captain Tommy Elphick -- a Liverpool fan -- set up a dream tie for the Championship club.

However, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe promised his side would remain focused on the league, starting with Saturday's match against Watford.

"For me, the Watford game is the biggest of our season because it is the next one," said Howe. "All eyes and attention now goes to that game. We have got to prepare well and try to get back to winning ways at home.

"The league is our priority this season. We want to do well in the FA Cup and the Liverpool one is a game ahead in the calendar that we can look forward to and enjoy, but up until that point we have to do our work in the league.

"We have got a very level-headed group of players who know they have to work hard to get success that they deserve. The Liverpool game is a nice one but it is not what we train to do every day."



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