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Sunday Fulham Stuff (31/10/10)...

Started by WhiteJC, October 31, 2010, 07:44:52 AM

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WhiteJC

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/dempsey-at-the-double-match-review?

Dempsey at the double: Match Review
Fulham Vs Wigan Athletic,Sat 30 Oct 2010

Clint Dempsey struck both goals in the 2-0 win over Wigan as Fulham avoided a third successive Barclays Premier League defeat to rocket up the table.

Dempsey, paired alongside Moussa Dembele in attack, took his tally for the season to five, with both goals arriving in the first half of an encounter dominated by Mark Hughes' side.

The USA international's brace saw him take centre stage at Craven Cottage, but left-back Carlos Salcido was another outstanding performer.

Salcido, a #1.6million summer signing from PSV Eindhoven, set up the opener for Dempsey and was a constant menace to Wigan's over-worked defence.

The Mexican has become a key attacking weapon and his reputation at Craven Cottage is growing.

Fulham should have claimed their second Premier League victory of the season by a more convincing scoreline given their ascendancy with Zoltan Gera and Brede Hangeland missing chances.

It was Wigan's first defeat in seven games in all competitions and they appeared lethargic, hardly troubling Mark Schwarzer throughout the 90 minutes.

Athletic made five changes to the side that drew with Bolton, among them the return of Gary Caldwell who was making his first Premier League appearance of the season having undergone double hip surgery over the summer.

The Wigan captain was involved in an early goalmouth scramble that was eventually cleared before Hangeland nodded a Simon Davies free-kick over the crossbar.

The lively Davies, who along with Danny Murphy was restored to the midfield after overcoming injury, squared a quickly-taken free-kick when he should have pulled the trigger himself.

Charles N'Zogbia ended a dynamic run by blazing wide of the left post as Wigan enjoyed a rare attacking moment.

N'Zogbia continued to look Wigan's most penetrating player as he darted into space once again, though on this occasion his shot fell straight into the arms of Schwarzer.

Fulham were still the more likely goal scorers, however, and in the 30th minute they crept into the lead through Dempsey.

Murphy sprayed the ball wide to Salcido who dashed forward before delivering a tremendous cross into the six-yard box.

Dempsey drifted in between Antolin Alcaraz and Caldwell before outjumping the latter and heading into the corner to give goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi little chance.

Fulham almost extended their lead but Gera hit the side netting with a sweetly-struck shot and a heartbeat later the Hungarian shook his head in reaction to missing a sitter.

The dangerous Salcido delivered another superb cross which Dempsey appeared to have converted only for Al Habsi to scoop his effort off the line.

The danger was not over as the ball fell to Gera but he somehow nodded over from point blank range.

Fulham were on the rampage and the second arrived a minute before half-time, Chris Baird supplying a wonderful pass that outwitted Caldwell for Dempsey to thump home.

Dembele was eventually crowded out as he zig-zagged his way into Wigan's area before Salcido found the top netting with a speculative lob.

The home defence was largely confined to a watching brief as Wigan struggled to secure any possession.

Fulham continued to dominate but could not produce the decisive ball, though Jonathan Greening caused a few anxious moments with a crafty pass.

Davies slid a ball across goal that the omnipresent Dempsey just failed to meet before stabbing Gera's cross wide.

Gera and Dembele saw attempts foiled by desperate defending as Fulham pressed for a third they richly deserved.

Davies was replaced by Andy Johnson with 10 minutes to go, but the former England striker had little impact as outgunned Wigan focused on damage limitation.

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/October/DempseyWiganReaction.aspx?

Dempsey's Double

Fulham returned to winning ways on Saturday with Clint Dempsey's two goals helping to secure an important win over Wigan Athletic.

In what was a superb performance from the Whites, Mark Hughes' side impressed from the off and brought Wigan's six-game unbeaten run to an end.

The result also moved Fulham above the Latics in the league table jumping from 16th to eighth.

"More than anything today was all about the result," said Dempsey. "We had slipped down the table and that wasn't where we wanted to be.

"This win has put us in a more positive position and we can build on that and move forward."

The 27-year-old tops Fulham's goal scoring chart with four goals in 10 league appearances. He opened the scoring by meeting Carlos Salcido's cross from the left with well-taken header before sweeping home a second from a teasing Chris Baird delivery.

"It was really good service into the box today," he explained. "Without that I wouldn't have been in a position to score. I think the credit should be shared.

"We deserved the win, we were the better side. We showed a lot of intent going forward and did very well not to concede at the back. Right through the team we were strong."

The win also ended the Whites' run of two successive defeats.

"It's a long season so of course, you can't read too much in to that. But obviously it was nice to return to winning ways," he said. "We felt that we are a better team than what was being reflected and we feel that we belong in the top half."

The Whites return to Craven Cottage next Saturday, with Aston Villa making the trip to SW6.

"We want to keep the momentum that we have from this win going and hopefully we can do that," said Clint. "It's important to get as many points as we can and the Cottage has always been good to us.

"It will be a tough game because Villa are a good side, but we have every confidence that we can get the result we need."

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/October/DempseyWiganReaction.aspx?#ixzz13vFR8Gpg

WhiteJC

http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/10/30/clint-dempsey-fires-fulham-to-wigan-win-82029-27572648/?

Clint Dempsey fires Fulham to Wigan win

CLINT Dempsey's double gave Fulham their first win in seven matches against Wigan.

The American scored twice in the first-half to give Mark Hughes's men a comfortable win against the Latics at Craven Cottage.

The hosts made most of the early running, with Brede Hangeland heading over the top, and Zoltan Gera going close with a free-kick.

And their early pressure paid off on the half-hour mark.

Gera sent the ball out wide to Carlos Salcido, and the Mexican put it on a plate for Dempsey, who rose above his marker to head into the far corner.

Salcido was causing havoc down the left, and Fulham should've added a second just before the break through Gera, but his header went over the top.

However, the Whites did double their lead moments later when Dempsey swept home Chris Baird's cross from the right.

Gera and the impressive Mousa Dembele could've added to their lead after the break, but Fulham had to settle for just two as they ran out easy winners to climb up to eighth in the table.


WhiteJC

http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2010/10/karma-works-very-quickly-these-days.html?

Craven Cottagers
Following the 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons at Craven Cottage - recounted by season ticket holders who aren't actually Fulham fans.


Karma works very quickly these days

They say things even themselves out over the course of a season, but seeing the Spurs players surround the linesman and referee at Old Trafford over a goal that involved the latter overruling the former took me back just seven days to similar scenes at the Cottage.

It seems Spurs have already had to pay for their slice of luck last week, although at least the controversial goal wasn't a winner.

All that remains for Karma to balance itself out now is for Fulham to score a dubious goal at Old Trafford and the circle (triangle) will be complete.

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/10/30/fulham-boss-throws-down-the-gauntlet-to-stars-82029-27572997/?

Fulham boss throws down the gauntlet to stars

MARK Hughes challenged his players to reproduce more of the same after their impressive display against Wigan.

American Clint Dempsey's 15-minute brace before half-time was enough to wrap up three much-needed points for the Whites.

And Fulham boss Hughes insisted his side's first-half performance has set the benchmark for the season.

He said: "Straight from the start we were on the front foot and dictated the game which is what we want to do this year.

"I asked the team to be more dynamic and they did just that.

"The boys are enjoying the way they are playing at the moment."

Fulham's deserved win over the lacklustre Latics saw them move out of the bottom five and into eighth.

And Hughes insists there's no reason why they can't stay there.

"We haven't got as many points on the board as we feel our performances have deserved," he added.

"There is no question we are a top-10 side because of what we can produce."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/10/30/fulham-boss-throws-down-the-gauntlet-to-stars-82029-27572997/?#ixzz13vGYCk00

WhiteJC

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/woeful-wigan-spooked-by-dempsey-the-deliverer-2121294.html?

Woeful Wigan spooked by Dempsey the deliverer

Clint Dempsey may be forever remembered as the scourge of England after his goal in the World Cup – not forgetting Rob Green's contribution – but his two strikes here were an impressive demonstration that he does not always need such help from the opposition to get his name on the scoresheet.

A header, guided inside the far post, and a thumping shot 15 minutes later were belated proof that with the American leading the line Fulham can win without Bobby Zamora.

It has been seven weeks and as many games since they lost Zamora to injury, against Wolverhampton early last month, which was also their previous win. If they can beat Aston Villa, the visitors next weekend, that will be more convincing proof of Fulham's credentials, because Wigan offered nothing in the way of a test. On Hallowe'en eve it was frightful stuff, and Roberto Martinez agreed. The Wigan manager said: "We deserved nothing, it was our worst performance of the season. There was no energy, we were flat and very weak."

Fulham's first move of genuine intent brought its deserved reward. Two quick passes saw Zoltan Gera move the ball out to Carlos Salcido and Dempsey angled his header from the Mexican's cross inside Ali al-Habsi's far post. That was after 30 minutes, and in the next 15 minutes Fulham could have scored more – through Gera, who hit the post, and Dempsey again – before Dempsey got his second. Chris Baird's low cross was the cue for the American, who timed his effort perfectly. Al-Habsi could have had Green in goal alongside him and neither would have been able to get anywhere near it.

Mark Hughes, scorer of a fair few goals himself in his heyday, praised the build-up as much as the strikes themselves, claiming that was proof of how his sideare developing.

Dempsey's second goal came just before half-time, but could not have changed the manner of Martinez's team-talk. He took off the ineffective Franco Di Santo and brought on Jordi Gomez, but he would have needed at least double his permitted three substitutionsto make any improvement.

Only Charles N'Zogbia, twice from long range, troubled Mark Schwarzer, with the Australian tipping a free-kick from 35 yards over the crossbar. Not that the referee saw it that way, only giving a goal-kick. That summed up Wigan's afternoon.

Attendance: 25,448

Referee: Andre Marriner

Man of the match: Dempsey

Match rating: 6/10


WhiteJC

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/208542/Fulham-2-Wigan-Athletic-0-Yanks-a-lot-Clint-?

FULHAM 2, WIGAN ATHLETIC 0: YANKS A LOT, CLINT!

Fulham 2, Wigan Athletic 0: IF ever Wigan keeper Ali Al Habsi and Robert Green ever get round to swapping notes, the name Clint Dempsey is sure to pop up.

The American striker, who turned Green's England World Cup dream into a nightmare in South Africa, yesterday gave Al Habsi the promise of a sleepless night by scoring two cracking goals.

The win pushed Fulham up the table and left the Latics looking down towards the Championship.

Dempsey was the big difference yesterday – and not just for his goals. He joyfully cashed in on a woeful Wigan performance that poses huge questions over their Premier League status.

To say they were poor is an understatement. Fulham, quite simply, couldn't have had it easier.

You always knew this was never going to be the headline game on Match Of The Day. In fact, it barely deserved to be shown on telly at all.

Wigan's ambitions patently stretched no further than a point and you almost blinked in surprise when Charles N'Zogbia was the first to stretch a keeper after 27 minutes.

Thankfully, Carlos Salcido and Dempsey between them woke up the slumberers with a classic – if somewhat unexpected – goal.

The Mexican defender showed how well he has settled here with a typically English cross. Dempsey met it with the sort of header that any of those old fashioned, legendary English centre forwards would have been proud of.
   
The Fulham faithful certainly enjoyed it. They hadn't had too many goals to celebrate at Craven Cottage this season.

But to be fair, if either side was going to score, it was going to be Fulham. And Dempsey in particular.

The American would have had a second soon after his first, had Al Habsi not denied him. But the Fulham striker made it a double he deserved just before the break

This time Chris Baird provided the service and Dempsey got on the end of the full back's cross with a stunning volley that the Wigan keeper didn't have a prayer of stopping.

Given that Wigan had been so unadventurous up until then, you could say they got what they deserved. Fulham certainly did.

The same, it must be said, applied to Wigan's Franco Di Santo, who was replaced for the second half by Jordi Gomez after a wretched first 45 minutes back in West London.

You can understand why he never started a first team game in two years at Chelsea if his performance yesterday was anything to go by.

To replace a striker with a midfielder speaks volumes really – about both Di Santo and about Wigan's virtually non-existent attacking ambitions.

And from that point on there was only ever going to be one winner. Fulham simply coasted through the second half with their keeper Mark Schwarzer a virtual spectator throughout.

And manager Mark Hughes even had the luxury of giving Andy Johnson a run-out for the final 10 minutes after he had been out injured for more than nine months.

Johnson could hardly have wished for an easier return and might well have celebrated it with a goal if referee Andre Marriner hadn't spoilt things by waving away pleas for a penalty.

Fulham could and should have had a few more goals to show for their almost total second half dominance.

The fact that they didn't will probably prompt a few searching questions from Hughes at tomorrow's match inquest.

Goodness knows what Wigan boss Roberto Martinez will have to say.

WhiteJC

http://www.tribalfootball.com/hughes-fulham-players-responding-new-playing-style-1214391?

Hughes: Fulham players responding to new playing style

Fulham boss Mark Hughes is delighted with the way the players are responding to his tactics after their 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic.

Clint Dempsey struck twice in the first half to complete an easy victory which has lifted the club into eighth place in the Barclays Premier League.

"We made it easy for ourselves because of the manner of our performance. From the start we were on the front foot," said Fulham boss Hughes. "We had plenty if energy and dictated to the opposition, which is what we want to do this season.

"We're asking the team to be more dynamic this year and not concede ground as readily as they did in the past. We saw the benefit of that today. The guys are enjoying the type of football we're playing and we were rewarded.

"We felt that maybe we haven't been getting the points our performances deserve this season.

"We weren't worried about dropping down the table but you want to be in the top half when you wake up on a Sunday morning.

"I feel we are a top 10 side and I won't be persuaded from that."

Dempsey profited from excellent approach play from full-backs Carlos Salcido and Chris Baird.

The USA forward nodded in Salcido's cross for the opener on the half hour mark before rifling home the second, teed up by a clever pass from Baird.

"Both goals were after good passages of play. The first was an excellent goal that saw us change the focus of attack," said Hughes. "It was a great header from Clint and the second was similar from the other side. At 2-0 we were very comfortable."

WhiteJC

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/160809/Fulham-2-Wigan-1-Clint-s-stint-puts-shaky-Wigan-through-the-mill/?

FULHAM 2 - WIGAN 1: CLINT'S STINT PUTS SHAKY WIGAN THROUGH THE MILL

FULHAM 2 -- WIGAN 0

CLINT DEMPSEY, the American striker who turned Robert Green's World Cup into a nightmare, saved Fulham boss Mark Hughes from one.

Dempsey scored twice as the pressure was mounting on Hughes, with Fulham failing to win any of their last five matches.

It left them teetering above the drop zone and dark whispers were already being heard around west London.

Fulham also had the bonus of striker Andrew Johnson back after almost a year out with a series of injuries.

Dempsey took advantage of Wigan's blatant decision to defend and Fulham really should have won by more. At first they struggled to open doors, leading to a dull opening that didn't explode until the 27th minute.

That was when Wigan striker Charles N'Zogbia, in a rare moment of attack, fired the first shot of the game which Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer stooped low to collect. Fulham's response was to continue going forward and they took the lead three minutes later.

Jonathan Greening swept the ball from midfield to Carlos Salcido on the left and his pin-point cross was headed in by Dempsey.

Dempsey, who earlier had a header punched out by Ali Al Habsi, made it two in the 44th minute, sweeping in a stunning volley from Chris Baird's cross from the right.

Wigan finally realised they had no Plan B and Gera nearly made it three with a 75th-minute shot that Habsi fisted clear.

The win sent Fulham eight places up the table and boss Hughes said: "It shows what a crazy league this is but let's hope we stay there now.

"We haven't been getting the points our play deserved but I was never worried. I knew what this team could offer."
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez had no excuses.

"That was our worst performance of the season, one you hope will never be repeated," he said.

fulham: Schwarzer 6; Baird 6, Hughes 6, Hangeland 6, Salcido 6; Gera 6, Murphy 6 (Dikgacoi 86th), Davies 6 (Johnson 80th); Greening 6; Dembele 7; Dempsey 8

wigan: Habsi 6; Stam 6,Caldwell 6, Alcatraz 6, Figueroa 6; Rodallega 6, Clevereley 6, N'Zogbia 6, Thomas 6; Diame 5 (Moses (73rd) 5); Di Santo 4 (Gomez (45th) 5)

STAR MAN: Clint Dempsey

Ref: A Marriner


WhiteJC

http://www.tribalfootball.com/two-goal-dempsey-deflects-praise-fulham-teammates-1215091?

Two-goal Dempsey deflects praise to Fulham teammates

Clint Dempsey was happy to deflect praise to teammates after his double helped Fulham to victory over Wigan Athletic.

The result moved Fulham above the Latics in the league table jumping from 16th to eighth.

"More than anything today was all about the result," said Dempsey. "We had slipped down the table and that wasn't where we wanted to be.

"This win has put us in a more positive position and we can build on that and move forward."

The 27-year-old tops Fulham's goal scoring chart with four goals in 10 league appearances. He opened the scoring by meeting Carlos Salcido's cross from the left with well-taken header before sweeping home a second from a teasing Chris Baird delivery.

"It was really good service into the box today," he explained to fulhamfc.com. "Without that I wouldn't have been in a position to score. I think the credit should be shared.

"We deserved the win, we were the better side. We showed a lot of intent going forward and did very well not to concede at the back. Right through the team we were strong."

WhiteJC

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/cottagers-clicking-2401332.html?

Cottagers clicking

Mark Hughes believes his Fulham side are beginning to benefit from a change in style -- after Clint Dempsey struck twice in the first half to complete an easy victory, which lifted the club into eighth place in the League.

"We made it easy for ourselves because of the manner of our performance. From the start we were on the front foot," said Hughes. "We had plenty of energy and dictated to the opposition, which is what we want to do this season.

"The guys are enjoying the type of football we're playing and we were rewarded. We felt that maybe we haven't been getting the points our performances deserve."

"We weren't worried about dropping down the table but you want to be in the top half when you wake up on a Sunday morning. I feel we are a top-10 side and I won't be persuaded from that."

Dempsey profited from excellent approach play from full-backs Carlos Salcido and Chris Baird. The USA forward nodded in Salcido's cross for the opener on the half-hour mark before rifling home the second, teed up by a clever pass from Baird.

If Dempsey was man of the match, then the outstanding Salcido was not far behind him. "Salcido is a good player -- everybody could see that today," said Hughes.

"His enjoyment of the Premier League is clear. He likes the intensity and wants to be involved. He's had a real impact for us."

- Duncan Bech

Sunday Independent

WhiteJC

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/hughes-hails-dynamic-cottagers?

Hughes hails dynamic Cottagers

Mark Hughes insisted Fulham are beginning to benefit from a change in style after they swept aside Wigan 2-0 at Craven Cottage.

Clint Dempsey struck twice in the first half to complete an easy victory which has lifted the club into eighth place in the Barclays Premier League.

"We made it easy for ourselves because of the manner of our performance. From the start we were on the front foot," said Fulham boss Hughes.

"We had plenty if energy and dictated to the opposition, which is what we want to do this season.

"We're asking the team to be more dynamic this year and not concede ground as readily as they did in the past.

"We saw the benefit of that today. The guys are enjoying the type of football we're playing and we were rewarded.

"We felt that maybe we haven't been getting the points our performances deserve this season.

"We weren't worried about dropping down the table but you want to be in the top half when you wake up on a Sunday morning.

"I feel we are a top 10 side and I won't be persuaded from that."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.


WhiteJC

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-2-0-Wigan-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Clint-Dempsey-brace-stuns-Lactics-article617145.html

Fulham 2-0 Wigan Athletic: Sunday Mirror match report

Clint Dempsey used to be a rapper called 'Deuce' before he moved to England.

It was the American's quick-fire one-two that left Wigan boss Roberto Martinez singing the blues.

And Dempsey only played up front yesterday because of the lack of striking options, with Andrew Johnson and Diomansy Kamara not match fit.

Mark Hughes' men hadn't won for seven weeks, since losing Bobby Zamora to a broken leg against Wolves.

But Dempsey, who humiliated Rob Green and made a mug of Fabio Capello at the World Cup finals, embarrassed Wigan with two cracking strikes.

Fulham appear to have found a new hero in £2.5-million signing Mexican full-back Carlos Salcido.

The 30-year-old set up Dempsey's first goal with an impressive cross that was met by an equally good header.

The deadly duo combined again, with Dempsey's header hitting the crossbar and Zoltan Gera missing an open goal chance from the rebound.

Chris Baird's wicked cross was lashed home by Dempsey for his fifth goal this term, just before half-time.

But the second-half became a virtual non-event following the two goals.

"We made the win look very easy," admitted Hughes.

"Both goals were excellent and at 2-0 we were comfortable.

We are a top 10 side and we want to stay there."

Wigan boss Martinez was fuming after his side's run of six games without defeat in all competitions came to a sudden halt. The defeat leaves Wigan just a single point and one place above the relegation zone.

"That was our worst performance of the season. We had no energy and looked flat," admitted Martinez. "We really need to make sure that does not happen again."

Charles N'Zogbia's free-kick was well tipped over by keeper Mark Schwarzer, but a record of seven goals scored in 10 Premier League games tells you exactly why Wigan are in trouble.

Although Wigan's problem is scoring goals, they are not too clever at stopping them going in either.

And the visitors had no one to compare to American Dempsey, who was deadly in front of goal, with his bullet header on the half-hour mark.

It was game over when the 27-year-old lashed home just before the break, because Wigan had no answer.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-2-0-Wigan-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Clint-Dempsey-brace-stuns-Lactics-article617145.html#ixzz13vJYmyxT
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WhiteJC

http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloweegan-nightmare-ful-2-0-wig.html?

Craven Cottagers
Following the 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons at Craven Cottage - recounted by season ticket holders who aren't actually Fulham fans.


Halloweegan nightmare - FUL 2-0 WIG

Strange game this weekend. Wigan were incredibly flat for a team unbeaten in 7 matches and Fulham were efficient enough to scoop an essential victory. It was enough to please the natives though, with the Hammy End trying out a few songs dedicated to Mark Hughes. They did seem a bit forced, but maybe in time better ones will develop.

Fulham's first actually came while Wigan were having their best spell of the game - not that they were actually doing anything with it than a couple of speculative long range shots. The visitors were very quick on the break in the first half, although Salcido's tight marking of Nzogbia was effective enough to curtail many of the Wigan forays.

The little Mexican then popped up on the wing to put in a delicous cross that Dempsey knocked in impressively with his head, topping off a great Fulham move. The second, when it came, was more deserving and was the culmination of a good five minutes of strong pressure on the Wigan goal. Again Dempsey's acrobatic volley powered past the very shaky Al Habsi in goal and Fulham enjoyed a two goal cushion in the league for the first time this season. The second half was not much to write home about, so I won't.

Dembele is an interesting player - lots of nice tight control and seems to distract defenders and allow team mates to find more space. I'm just not sure where his direct goal threat comes from. Andy Johnson when he came on as sub was an impressive handful in 10 minutes. It'll just take team mates a while to adjust to the sort of passes that he likes and he will be a potent goal threat. His pace should be especially useful away from home.

Ish - who this season I have challenged to attend ten home matches - forgot the match was on, so didn't show. Which was useful as there were even more mongs on our row than normal, including three people who clearly didn't know where their seats were supposed to be and just sat anywhere - pretty tricky in a sold out stadium. I'm still astounded that the game sold out. Even with the £5 ticket offer to season ticket holders, there were only about 300 Wigan fans attending, so the club should be congratulated for its efforts to maximise capacity. There were even ticket touts with the usual refrain of buy or sell tickets on the walk to the ground. For Fulham v Wigan. Crazy.

WhiteJC

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/46064/Fulham_display_has_Hughes_purring.aspx?

Fulham display has Hughes purring

Fulham manager Mark Hughes hailed his side's performance in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory over Wigan Athletic.

The Cottagers dominated from start to finish and a brace from American international Clint Dempsey was enough to seal all three points in the capital.

Hughes was particularly delighted with the attacking promise his team showed as they grabbed only their second three-point haul of the campaign.

"I'm delighted. We've played well this season and, today, I thought certainly in the first half, it was the best we've produced all year," he said.

"That's saying something because we've played well this year so I was delighted with going in 2-0 to the good and we were good value for that in fairness.

"In the second half Wigan tried to ask more questions of us but in fairness we were quite comfortable and Mark Schwarzer has had very little to do today.

"So, I just thought our intensity to outplay and our real intention and the way we took the initiative in the game was there for everybody to see and we fully deserved the win today.

"We have great movement, we've got a lot of rotation in forward areas.

"What we wanted to do today was to play in the opposition half. Sometimes we've been guilty of conceding a little bit of ground and having too much to do going forward but today we played the vast majority of the game in Wigan's half and they found it very difficult."


WhiteJC

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1325328/Roque-Santa-Cruz-set-Getafe-loan-Fulham-face-battle-land-striker.html?

Roque Santa Cruz set for Getafe loan move as Fulham boss Mark Hughes faces battle to land unsettled Manchester City star

Fulham boss Mark Hughes could miss out on a reunion with Roque Santa Cruz with the Manchester City striker set to be on the verge of sealing a January loan escape to Spanish outfit Getafe.

The Paraguay international has fallen out of favour at Eastlands under manager Roberto Mancini, making just one appearance so far this season in the Carling Cup defeat to West Bromwich Albion.

Hughes, who signed Santa Cruz both for Blackburn and then last year costing City £17million, registered an interest in signing the unsettled forward in the summer.

Having failed to finalise a deal before the window slammed shut in September it is understood the Fulham manager listed the 29-year-old at the top of his transfer wish-list for January.

However it is believed City are reluctant to do business with any of their Barclays Premier League rivals for any of their players unless it is an outright deal.

Leicester boss Sven Goran Eriksson is also said to be keen on a temporary deal for the former Bayern Munich hitman but the Championship side would only be able to offer City a £20,000-a-week contribution - a fraction of the player's weekly salary.

Santa Cruz is deeply frustrated at his lack of playing activity having fallen way down the pecking order behind Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jo.

It is reported that La Liga side Getafe would offer him first team football assurances and president Angel Torresis set to open discussions with City chiefs in a bid to beat off rivals suitors from England and Spain, with Real Mallorca and Espanyol also keen.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1325328/Roque-Santa-Cruz-set-Getafe-loan-Fulham-face-battle-land-striker.html?#ixzz13wjfQXNj

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Roque Santa Cruz set for Getafe loan move as Fulham boss Mark Hughes faces battle to land unsettled Manchester City star


By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 12:59 PM on 31st October 2010

Fulham boss Mark Hughes could miss out on a reunion with Roque Santa Cruz with the Manchester City striker set to be on the verge of sealing a January loan escape to Spanish outfit Getafe.

The Paraguay international has fallen out of favour at Eastlands under manager Roberto Mancini, making just one appearance so far this season in the Carling Cup defeat to West Bromwich Albion.

Hughes, who signed Santa Cruz both for Blackburn and then last year costing City £17million, registered an interest in signing the unsettled forward in the summer.

Having failed to finalise a deal before the window slammed shut in September it is understood the Fulham manager listed the 29-year-old at the top of his transfer wish-list for January.

However it is believed City are reluctant to do business with any of their Barclays Premier League rivals for any of their players unless it is an outright deal.

Leicester boss Sven Goran Eriksson is also said to be keen on a temporary deal for the former Bayern Munich hitman but the Championship side would only be able to offer City a £20,000-a-week contribution - a fraction of the player's weekly salary.

Santa Cruz is deeply frustrated at his lack of playing activity having fallen way down the pecking order behind Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jo.

It is reported that La Liga side Getafe would offer him first team football assurances and president Angel Torresis set to open discussions with City chiefs in a bid to beat off rivals suitors from England and Spain, with Real Mallorca and Espanyol also keen


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1325328/Roque-Santa-Cruz-set-Getafe-loan-Fulham-face-battle-land-striker.html#ixzz13xDGeA8W

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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/10/31/clint-and-bryan-robson/


Clint and Bryan Robson

Filed under: General — rich @ 10:37 am

Clint scores a lot of goals, and furthermore, a huge variety of goals.    I was trying to think who he reminded me of in this sense, and this morning I think I've got it:  Bryan Robson.

Bryan Robson compilation

It's not completely like for like, and obviously they're completely differentt players, but in terms of getting into dangerous areas and finding a way to get the ball in the net, I think I'm onto something.

Clint Dempsey Fulham Star




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http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/10/fulham-v-wigan-player-ratings/



Fulham v Wigan – Player Ratings


by Lork on October 31, 2010

Really good performance yesterday with some fine passing football which has lifted us into the top half of the table from the bottom five. Just goes to show how tight everything is, even 10 games into the season, so we can't really say whereabouts we'll finish in the season. However, if we play like yesterday more often than not, I think we'll end up in the top 10. Anyway, as a I say, we played well yesterday, so here goes a lil bit of player rating:

Schwarzer – 6, can't recall him having to do anything other than collect a few long range shots which he handled well enough.

Salcido – 7, he can't half cross a ball! Some great balls into the box, two footed, and of course got an assist for Dempsey's first. Wasn't really tested too much defensively, although when N'Zogbia or Cleverly came up against him he generally got the better of them. Looks to be settling in well.

Baird – 7, a lovely ball for Dempsey's second, a low delivery on the ground into a very dangerous area which was converted superbly, and in general had another good game. You had to worry a bit whenever N'Zogbia was one on one against him, simply because of the difference in pace between the two players, but Wigan barely had a sniff all game down his side apart from a couple of bursts into the box. So yeah, good performance from someone establishing themselves as a permanent fixture in our first team

Hangeland – 6, usual dominance in the air, but really had little to do.

Hughes – 6, same as Hangeland, wasn't pushed in the game.

Greening – 6, since coming in for Etuhu he's been quite impressive! Not too exciting on the ball but neither is Etuhu, and unlike him Greening isn't really that intimidating a figure. He does however use the ball more intelligently and he's more agile so you can see him, like Murphy actually, skip past players to make space. My highlight of the season so far was seeing Greening nutmeg Sandro in the Tottenham game, made him look silly! He's also really impressed me in the tackle, before this slight run of games he always seemed to be quite Scholes-esque with his rashness (or dirtiness), but he won the ball a fair few times yesterday. It'll be interesting then to see what happens when Etuhu's fit again

Murphy – 7, great to see him back in the team. He has come in for some unjustified stick for his performances but yesterday showed firstly just how key he is to our play and secondly just how good a player he is. I know I've said it before but he's just so intelligent, and he can pass a ball well too, he really is the heartbeat of our team and dominated our midfield. Off the ball he isn't half bad, won his fair share of tackles yesterday, the protection from the midfield for the defence was much better yesterday than against West Brom which I'm sure contributed to our overall good performance. The pattern of Murphy coming off for the last few minutes continued however, replaced by Dikagcoi on 86 minutes, which again brings up the question of how long his performances can continue past this season, but for now the comparison between Wigan and West Brom shows that he should be the first name on the team sheet.

Davies – 7, ran at Stam and won the battle. Davies played well yesterday and looked dangerous all game. Played out on the left again but as I say I prefer him there, although he didn't get too many dangerous crosses into the area. His movement did allow Salcido alot of space to cross the ball though.

Gera – 7, unlucky not to score with some good long range efforts and missed a 2 yard header but that was trickier than it sounds so I'll forgive him. I think I'm right in saying that he made both passes to the full backs for the goals, and he made a number of other incisive, testing passes for the Wigan defence. Completed something silly like 50 of them too. Gera played on the right as opposed to behind the striker but he kept drifting in to the channel instead of staying out wide which allowed him to see alot of the ball and get alot of space to use it. Pleased to see him doing well back in the first team and like Greening and Etuhu, Duff might have a challenge on his hands when he recovers from injury.

Dembele – 7, this fella is class. His balance, strength on the ball, dribbling,  he's just great to watch. He goes past players for fun. However, what we do need to see from him is more shots and passes in dangerous areas because he has the ability to cause problems there's no doubt about that.

Dempsey – 8, two very nice finishes to a very good performance. He's taken a while to warm up I think, he didn't start the season too well, but now he has 5 goals in 10 games (4 in 8 in the league) which is impressive, Kamara take note. Dempsey gets into dangerous areas but I still don't think he should be playing upfront. He gets into goalscoring positions from midfield just as well, and playing upfront limits his ability, but he's only there through necessity and when AJ gets more match fit I think he'll drop back. I loved it when he went out wide later in the second half and beat the Wigan defender twice with some nice quick feet and flicks. Looking at his chalkboard too, 33 passes out of 35 which is impressive but they came all over the pitch. So we do lose a bit of emphasis upfront when he plays there, and had AJ started I think that we would have won even more convincingly.

Subs:

AJ – N/A, only had a quick cameo at the end of the game like at West Brom last week but looked pretty sharp and quick, I wonder if he'll start against Villa. I think he should have won a penalty too. Great to see him back from injury too, his interview on the offal was a really good read, if you haven't seen it make sure you do!

Dikagcoi – N/A, even less time than AJ but good to have another option in midfield. Looked neat but he couldn't show much in 4 minutes so let's not judge.


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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/10/31/fulhams-tackling-interceptions/


Fulham's Tackling Interceptions

Filed under: Analysis — timmyg @ 3:57 pm

Hello there. After writing for TheOffside for the past 2.5 years, Rich has been so kind as to let me join CCN. I hope you're as kind to read and discuss my thoughts. We're all family, no?

Last week against West Brom, Fulham were chastised for "running out of ideas" and the like. Yesterday Fulham were in cruise control from the opening whistle. Wigan and West Brom are two similar sides, so what was the difference? Let's take a look:



The tackling chart on the left-bottom shows that Fulham were essentially ball chasing all around The Hawthornes, and not doing a very effective job at that. Additionally, the interceptions chart at the bottom-right show we were only able to cut out the ball at the top of the box. As Rich wrote about last week, this was all a result of our midfield being overrun and out of position from West Brom's "run-n-gun" offense.

Thankfully,the charts from yesterday show a different story than last week. Danny Murphy's return to the side completely reshaped our formation and kept the ball from ever really threatening our back four. All the interceptions are in the middle third near the center circle. The tackles are still in the middle third but all over the place — proof we were hustling and harrying them all around the Cottage. How we forced Wigan into our trap could be because of their ineptitude on the day (if you have a chance, be sure to dial up their passing chalkboard — not pretty), or Hughes made a point to train on this facet during the week, or maybe it is just down to Danny Murphy. Or maybe all three?

Roy was fantastic at getting our defense and midfield to form a phalanx that proved impenetrable. Hughes has abandoned the phalanx for, well, I'm still not too sure what. But the importance of having a rock in the center like Danny Murphy (who won 7 of 8 tackles) was on display yesterday like never before.

Oh, it also doesn't hurt to have a sidekick like Jonathan Greening with his team-leading 91% pass completion rate.