Post Match Thread: Fulham 0-3 Arsenal

[TC's Sporran]

In no particular order:

* I'm glad we lost like this because I hope it has taught Parker that this side is NOT good enough to compete in the Premiership
* Moving the ball sideways and backwards in the Premiership doesn't cut it.  It just allows the opposition time to set up and organise behind the ball and we cannot create any chances, we need to be direct.  Several times in the first half, Kebano burnt Odoi by not passing to him on the overlap and just going backwards again.
* Conversely, we are NOT good enough to play out from the back in this league, we don't have the same time on the ball.
* Mitro needs support.  Kamara is not the answer.
*  We have about 5-6 players who would not start for any other Premiership side (Odoi, Ream, Hector, Kamara, BDR, Kebano - I only exclude Cav from this because he has played in the Prem for another side).

On the flip side, I thought Anguissa provided something different when he came on.  He had a certain dynamism and energy with and without the ball.  Perhaps even more impressively, he looked to play the ball forward at times as well. 

I think we've learned that Cairney CANNOT play the deep lying role in the Prem.  He needs to be further up the pitch in support of Mitro.

For me we should drop Cairney for Anguissa and Cavaleiro/AK for Mitro. Need another winger and cb.

I suppose Areola will come in but I don't lay too much blame on Rodak, apart from the 2nd goal that went through his legs.

Anguissa didn't work anywhere near hard enough today, certainly not enough to get in ahead of Cairney

is that a joke?

whats with the anguissa love in?

as posted elsewhere a couple of nice touches was overhsadowed by the ineffectual ariel challenge, the nutmeg and subsequent bad attitude and then trying to dribble when the pass is on

[TC's Sporran]

Ok game. Good reminder that players like Reed and Hector is not necessarily part of a decent spine at this level. Odoi, Cairney and Ream our three best players.

If we keep grinding and trying to play our game, we will get points from lesser teams than Arsenal.

Cairney was average at best.

Couldn't disagree more, I thought he was one of a handful of players who looked comfortable for us today.

im sure people watch the game with an agenda and turn a blind eye to a lot of stuff if it doesnt suit them

[TC's Sporran]

In no particular order:

* I'm glad we lost like this because I hope it has taught Parker that this side is NOT good enough to compete in the Premiership
* Moving the ball sideways and backwards in the Premiership doesn't cut it.  It just allows the opposition time to set up and organise behind the ball and we cannot create any chances, we need to be direct.  Several times in the first half, Kebano burnt Odoi by not passing to him on the overlap and just going backwards again.
* Conversely, we are NOT good enough to play out from the back in this league, we don't have the same time on the ball.
* Mitro needs support.  Kamara is not the answer.
*  We have about 5-6 players who would not start for any other Premiership side (Odoi, Ream, Hector, Kamara, BDR, Kebano - I only exclude Cav from this because he has played in the Prem for another side).

On the flip side, I thought Anguissa provided something different when he came on.  He had a certain dynamism and energy with and without the ball.  Perhaps even more impressively, he looked to play the ball forward at times as well. 

I think we've learned that Cairney CANNOT play the deep lying role in the Prem.  He needs to be further up the pitch in support of Mitro.

For me we should drop Cairney for Anguissa and Cavaleiro/AK for Mitro. Need another winger and cb.

I suppose Areola will come in but I don't lay too much blame on Rodak, apart from the 2nd goal that went through his legs.

Anguissa didn't work anywhere near hard enough today, certainly not enough to get in ahead of Cairney

is that a joke?

Eh?? Maybe I was watching a different game.

Mitro and Frank made a massive difference when they came on. Frank can actually hold players off him whereas Tom can't. At this level there's no point having TC because we're not going to dominate games, play a proper box to box midfielder instead and give us a bigger presence, we need our midfielders driving forward at pace to make things happen, whereas TC's first thought is to stop and make a 5 yard pass or knock it to a full back

lol did you watch the game? how many times was cairney involved in moves going forwards?

i agree he is often guilty of the sideways and backwards stuff

but not today

[Chobby]

The team did the best they could taking into account the opposition and the fact we are in the Premiership now, so I'm proud of the boys today who got us back up into the Premiership; however, now we need to move on and upgrade.

My only gripe currently is we have still not brought in even one CB and this sits squarely with the recruitment in fact I'd say it's

The team did the best they could taking into account the opposition and the fact we are in the Premiership now, so I'm proud of the boys today who got us back up into the Premiership; however, now we need to move on and upgrade.

My only gripe currently is we have still not brought in even one CB and this sits squarely with the recruitment in fact I'd say it's diabolical, inept and quite frankly a disgrace.

But you don't know WHY we haven't brought in a quality CB.   Who are you looking at, and how much are you willing to spend?  Oh, and make sure you know that player wants to come to a relegation battle.    You make it sound very easy to do.

diabolical, inept and quite frankly a disgrace.[/b]

But you don't know WHY we haven't brought in a quality CB.   Who are you looking at, and how much are you willing to spend?  Oh, and make sure you know that player wants to come to a relegation battle.    You make it sound very easy to do.

My argument is they have had plenty of time to plan for different scenarios and make up a rather long list of potential targets that can improve our current central defence department. I do understand where you are coming from but the silence is deafening.

I get what you're saying...   but even with planning for different scenarios...we're still Fulham.

People are saying that we can't even get Chris Smalling...who is better than any CB we have...

...the Arsenal CB that scored against us today...would have been a great signing, but he was probably being courted by the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.   Manchester City...probably could use a CB.   Tons of teams can use a starting CB.   Manchester United have six CBs on their roster and they are looking for a starting CB.

Unlike some that post on this forum, I don't think Fulham FC are run by stupid people who can't see what simple forum posters can see.   They are working on getting a CB.  They've been working on getting a CB for a long time.  (unless they are stupid or blind or both)

It's frustrating...but it's not in our/they're control alone.

TK's team have implemented a form of moneyball where cost, return on investment, player statistics, etc., all have their part to play in player acquisitions but sometimes you can be too cute for your own good when all you need is a wise old head who can marshal the back line and do the basics well, e.g. Dave Mackay when he was at Derby under Brian Clough, though granted he was a sweeper. I honestly believe we need a wisened head at the back as some posters on this forum have already alluded to. It's about team dynamics and not self promotion.

[Barrett487]

Why are people praising Angiusa? When he got nut-megged he decided to stand still and watch the game, he didn't track back, pick a man up, or defend in any guise. It's my only memory of him in his cameo, we don't need players who can't be ar8ed.

[Moltobueno]

Why are people praising Angiusa? When he got nut-megged he decided to stand still and watch the game, he didn't track back, pick a man up, or defend in any guise. It's my only memory of him in his cameo, we don't need players who can't be ar8ed.

Mitrovic did exactly the same without a nutmeg although. Don't we need him aswell?

[Barrett487]

Why are people praising Angiusa? When he got nut-megged he decided to stand still and watch the game, he didn't track back, pick a man up, or defend in any guise. It's my only memory of him in his cameo, we don't need players who can't be ar8ed.

Mitrovic did exactly the same without a nutmeg although. Don't we need him aswell?

Were people praising Mitro for today's performance then?

[Whitestone]

Why are people praising Angiusa? When he got nut-megged he decided to stand still and watch the game, he didn't track back, pick a man up, or defend in any guise. It's my only memory of him in his cameo, we don't need players who can't be ar8ed.

Anguissa was one of the stand out performers today. It seems we have few 'marmite' players in the squad at the moment.

[Barrett487]

Why are people praising Angiusa? When he got nut-megged he decided to stand still and watch the game, he didn't track back, pick a man up, or defend in any guise. It's my only memory of him in his cameo, we don't need players who can't be ar8ed.

Anguissa was one of the stand out performers today. It seems we have few 'marmite' players in the squad at the moment.

Not marmite at all, i like him and hope he fulfills his potential. I'm just pointing out a side to his performance that needs to improve. His attitude when he loses the ball, or is beaten is important.

[Statto]

Why are people praising Angiusa? When he got nut-megged he decided to stand still and watch the game, he didn't track back, pick a man up, or defend in any guise. It's my only memory of him in his cameo, we don't need players who can't be ar8ed.

Anguissa was one of the stand out performers today. It seems we have few 'marmite' players in the squad at the moment.

Can see both sides. Too static at times. Not sure it's laziness... could just be a bit of naivity about what you can get away with in the PL. But overall I thought he looked good. Him and Mitro looked PL quality IMO, and no one else did.

[Carborundum]

Second halves like that happen when a particular dynamic takes over a game.  One team knows they are superior and play with increasing freedom and confidence.  The other team knows they are inferior and clam up, playing progressively worse.  Happens at all levels of football.  As the inferior team you simply have to refuse to accept inferiority and show defiance.  Our team didn't.  They deserve a dressing down of epic proportions. 

[roberto w6]

I didn't see the game so my comment is just based on what I've read here, elsewhere and the "highlights" on youtube.
I had seen the score on my phone and hoped I'd come on here to at least hear how we had a number of wasted chances or players bottling it in front of goal due to first day nerves.
Sadly not, the highlights didn't show one attack, I've not seen any described here and BBC shows -Shots: Fulham 5, Arsenal 13.
Conceding 3 goals against Arsenal was not a total shock given all that we've been saying about the dire need for CBs. But even if we got a rejuvinated Bobby Moore and Franz Beckenbauer and solved the defence, our problems appear to lie deeper.
After today's result, it may well be harder to attract players who were in 2 minds about coming. Then again, do we really want anyone who is not up for a fight. We so need a couple of experienced fighters
All we can do is count on SP to out-think non-top 6 opponents and try and maximise points from them. Unfortunately, I don't think it will be pretty this year and it will be tough but we could do it.
COYW

[Sgt Fulham]

Why are people praising Angiusa? When he got nut-megged he decided to stand still and watch the game, he didn't track back, pick a man up, or defend in any guise. It's my only memory of him in his cameo, we don't need players who can't be ar8ed.

People keep referring to this, but I seem to remember him taking the ball calmly out of danger under pressure seconds later? He has something about him that differentiates him as Premier League class to me and its clear as day. Its hard to pin it down though.

[Matt10]

Why are people praising Angiusa? When he got nut-megged he decided to stand still and watch the game, he didn't track back, pick a man up, or defend in any guise. It's my only memory of him in his cameo, we don't need players who can't be ar8ed.

People keep referring to this, but I seem to remember him taking the ball calmly out of danger under pressure seconds later? He has something about him that differentiates him as Premier League class to me and its clear as day. Its hard to pin it down though.

He's very powerful, you can tell right away. Just the way he moves, there's a lot of confidence there - and dare I say he may think he's better than everyone, which is not necessarily a bad thing - but he needs to back it up.

I have a hard time coming up with who our central midfielders be. Mainly because I am not sure what Lemina can do, and also if Onomah can be moved around to the wing. Just thinking out loud. Genuinely curious to see this team develop. Lots of good things to work from.

[LRCN]

i thought anguissa was class; our entire midfield was out of it until he came on - although it game with a slight shift in formation, so fair play scotty p. carried the ball forward and beat arsenal's press with some good defensive interceptions and movement as well. I would have him to start next week. i am excited by a potential midfield of reed / lemina/ anguissa. i'm not sure how cairney starts on his form and i have doubts about onomah's ability too.

mitrovic not starting was a mistake if he was fit, which suggests to me that he's not certain about his ankle yet.

we should be disappointed with our lack of cutting edge and the way we gave away the first 2 goals, but arsenal will beat a few teams 3-0 and our team contained 3 second-choice players [assuming areola / aina / mitro start. robinson and lemina will compete for first team football, and we will sign some more]. we get up and move on. next week a much stronger indicator of our quality relative to our competitors.

also worth pointing out that yesterday really does show how the prem is a different league in quality. this season is going to be very hard.