Monday Fulham Stuff - 07/12/20...

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Results

Sunday
West Brom	1-5	Palace
Sheff Utd	1-2	Leicester
Spurs	2-0	Arsenal
Liverpool	4-0	Wolves

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Newcastle United briefly put tickets on sale for Fulham game, but there's an explanation

Newcastle United are continuing to talk to supporters about a potential return to St James' Park

Newcastle United are set to communicate with fans about a possible return to St James' Park this week.

There was brief intrigue on Saturday night when United put hospitality packages on sale for Fulham and Liverpool, with fans asking why £115 tickets had been listed on the club website before season ticket holders had any news on plans for the return of spectators.

But with no news yet on Government plans for the region, it's understood they were uploaded in error and soon withdrawn to avoid confusion.

Newcastle are working to finalise how a return for fans would look after Premier League rivals including Chelsea and West Ham saw limited numbers return this weekend.

Indeed behind-the-scenes it's undersood that plans are ramping up for how spectators being back at St James' Park - there could be further communication about how fans would be selected this week. A random ballot is the likely option.

At the moment Newcastle is in Tier 3, which means no fans will be allowed back into grounds because the area is in "High Alert". But a move into Tier 2 - and the Government will review the tiers in 10 days - would allow 2,000 supporters into St James' Park.

The club are desperate to welcome fans back and discussions have been ongoing since September. The plans were paused when the Government cancelled a series of test events, but talks will start again this week.

If there is a downgrade the first match when fans would be back would be the visit of Fulham on December 19.

It would be a sizeable logistical and administrative effort for the club, with consideration taken for the percentage of corporate tickets, concessions and also access for disabled supporters if it was just 2,000 fans into the ground.

Beyond that the club would have to ensure there was COVID safe entry and exit points into the ground and city, adequate spacing when in the ground and points for regular hand sanitiser stations.

At the moment the media are housed in some of the corporate boxes, so that is another consideration to be looked at.

Original plans were to have a limited number of fans back for the Burnley game, which Newcastle won 2-0.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-briefly-put-tickets-19408616

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Five Thoughts: Manchester City 2-0 Fulham
Manchester City recorded a routine 2-0 victory over a Fulham side that haven't won at the Etihad since April 2009. In fact, the Whites haven't even scored a single solitary goal against City, in all competitions, since December 2013 so, in the words of Liam Gallagher, "as you were".

Was it a penalty? Like love, but this loss came at no surprise, even after our heroics on Monday evening, and with three points under our belts in a sequence of meetings where our goal difference was supposed to take one hell of a thrashing, I'd say we're excelling expectation at a canter.

A depleted Liverpool await us next Sunday but hold back the gulps. We've learnt a great deal about Scott Parker's camp in the past few weeks and from what we've observed, we can't be that worried, can we? Pep Guardiola apparently admires the courage within this relegation-circling club of ours and you know what? I agree with him entirely. Another weekend outside the bottom three, despite the fact we're nailed on for the drop: complete.

Areola Stems Bloodshed
I've said it once, twice, three times and I'll announce it again, just for the ones at the back: Alphonse Areola is a ridiculously talented 'keeper and he stems further bloodshed with show-stopping saves, yet again, to frustrate City's strike force when a deluge of goals was forecast. Rapidly readjusting his posture to palm goal-bound efforts away from danger, charging off his line to close the margin, hugging his near post to narrow the angle, the Frenchman was in fine fettle between the sticks and it's an injustice that his afternoons are blighted so often by scorelines that are out of his control.

In Areola, we have a stopper that's faced the very best of the modern game and in moments of impending risk, he kept his head to deny City on numerous occasions. Aware of his surroundings, Areola commanded from the 18-yard box and sprung into action when he was pleadingly called upon, and you won't see a better stop this weekend, as Kevin De Bruyne, as he bore down on goal with a third in his sight. This for me, is an instance that will define his worth. A 'keeper, credited with a World Cup Winners' medal, derailing the Premier League's dynamic superstar with a blockade that disobeyed logic. One-on-one, eyeballing the darling of European football, Areola was well within his inborn element.

If De Bruyne had netted, capitulation could have infected the Whites and as grand as a goal would've been, a save of that prestige was just as gratifying, and he made several. Areola's a vocal character both on and off the pitch, and he's made it clear to the media that he wants to make his loan spell at the Cottage a successful, memorable one. He's a dedicated professional, our last line of defence, and as our back four develop an understanding, his exploits will become even more pivotal. He's here to prove himself, in an outfit that could fall short come May, but all I've seen of the Paris Saint-Germain stopper is devotion and allegiance, and he is precisely the mould of personality we want at our club, especially in a campaign where graft and enthusiasm will count for a whole lot more.

Damage Limitation Demonstrated
Swept aside in the opening 45, a second half of drudgery seemed imminent but those golden 15 minutes Parker got in the dressing room refocused his men, a rocket up the rectum, because after the interval, Fulham demonstrated a damage-limiting temperament, a convincing solidarity that offset City's rhythmic attack. We failed to lessen the deficit, but we dug deep to ensure that an inevitable loss didn't worsen, and if we're going to take any constructive pluses away from this game, which we undeniably will, recognising that we actually drew the second-half 0-0 is nothing short of extremely satisfying to the spirit and senses, and that's hardly clutching at straws.

Subduing City is not for the fainthearted. Sacrificing progression for preventive resolve, Fulham had to fend off the hosts unremittingly, it was imperative that each department communicated and cooperated in complete unison, and other than a predictable scare, or five, the Whites quelled the swell. De Bruyne tampered with our structure in the early stages, although his relevance reduced as the Whites' preliminary respect for the Belgian's brilliance boiled down to combative resentfulness. Asserting ourselves upon the PFA Player of the Year and his world-class teammates was crucial, we had to manifest a meanness, a confrontational streak and from Joachim Andersen, all the way through to Ivan Cavaleiro, we enacted a hostility that chastened City's innovative architects.

Well, I say hostile, but it wasn't a particularly nice environment for City to tolerate, and that's courtesy of Fulham's camaraderie and obstinacy. The hosts completed passing phases routinely, they surged into promising areas but they couldn't find that third, a goal that would've surely deflated the Whites' rebellious morale. We hear pundits squawk on incessantly about aggression, a warmongering quality that the Whites supposedly lack so severely – did that second-half showing contain the feistiness they're on about? Because from where I was sat, our collective fight and antagonism certainly wasn't absent or lacking. We strapped ourselves in, did our jobs and ended the game with our respectability intact, and if that's how Parker wants his set-up to react, Fulham will reap the fruits of their labour.

Anguissa Astounds, Again
The general, the drill master, the silkiest saucepot with the ball under his spell, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa proved to us fans and the Premier League's footballing hierarchy that he's just too damn good at what he does so naturally in the middle of the park. In a central area adorned with regal reputations, Zambo stole the spotlight with a showing of genuine ascendency, and even when the Whites were chasing shadows and scrambling to re-establish a shallow foothold, the Cameroon international held the flickering torch of resistance aloft, leading by example as per.

Not to be overshadowed by City's exalted contingent, Anguissa's rule was illuminated by lung-busting runs, beguiling trickery and considerate distribution, features that calmed and galvanised Fulham's scattered spells of possession. His outing against the Foxes was distinguished and at the Etihad, Zambo continued to disregard a script that foretold a tedious existence for the Whites' inadequate midfield department. An inital double pivot of Harrison Reed and Anguissa was overrun by City's slick manoeuvres and they broke the deadlock from a central position just 5 minutes into proceedings but, as Fulham settled, With Ruben Loftus-Cheek filling a few vacant gaps as part of a revised trio, Anguissa started to pull the strings.

Comfortable, unperturbed, Anguissa swivelled out of claustrophobic situations, bodying City's would-be dispossessors with deceitful flicks, dips and faints that are banned in at least 15 American states. His confidence in his ability is astounding, but why wouldn't you rate yourself when you've tekkers as filthy as his? Tracking back, as he was obliged to do so regularly, Zambo imposed himself upon City's ball carriers, distracting and robbing them of possession with expertly-times interceptions, snipping out the hosts' calculated intent on the break. His sheer presence bothered the likes of De Bruyne, Gundogan and Rodrigo, who certainly respected resourceful authoritarian's ever-present enterprise.

Channels Cancelled Out
Where Decordova-Reid and Antonee Robinson were very much pertinent along their respective wings against Leicester City, Fulham's progression from wide areas was cancelled out by Benjamin Mendy along the left and Joao Cancelo along the right, and City's dominance was bolstered further by the potent exploits of Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez, who interliked with the immediate support at hand telepathically. The sheer gulf in class meant that Fulham were destined to travail, even the finest wingers and fullbacks in the game toil in the wake of the hosts' presiding approach from the touchline and it was no different for the visitors. Stunting City's movement out wide was just as essential as curbing De Bruyne's influence centrally, and though it wasn't a sparkling display by any means, the Whites weathered stormy waters to prevail relatively unscathed.

Robinson's connection with Ademola Lookman, in recent meetings, has transformed our functionality along the left and the American's tendency to bomb on and fall back within a split second makes him an expansive outlet although on Saturday afternoon, the handbrake jammed, because his Algerian counterpart gave him far too much to think about defensively. For the duration, his defensive wits were examined endlessly, but he did, in fact, stand up to the challenge admirably to stop the rot against a winger in the form of his personal campaign. That was crucial, if we kept Mahrez as quiet and muted as possible, City's incisive combinations would fizzle out of kilter and Robinson remained vigilant in intimidating company. Yes, Cancelo doubled up with Mahrez to fuse consequential patterns at the flick of a switch, but Robinson eagerness, blended with Lookman's commitment in the closing stages, sapped the sting out of City's tail.

Fortunes with BDR and Ola Aina followed suit, the licence to full express their offensive acumen was confiscated and in order to restore and preserve dignity and decency, both held the line to condense the gaps Mendy, Sterling, and occasionally Ilkay Gundogan, had to weave their systematic sequences within. Aina's defensive capabilities have been scrutinised and Decordova-Reid, covering an alien position, was basically a sitting duck, primed for plucking but, emulating the defiant attitude the left side embraced, our right flank hindered the Citizens, just enough, to conserve a defeat that doesn't automatically reek of downtrodden inferiority. Clipping the wings was essential and Fulham stuck to their guns with an assembled, yet flexible, protective endorsement along the outskirts.

Shape-Shifting Remedy
Agreeing with Robbie Savage isn't easy or something that's usually even remotely advised but, begrudgingly, the flawed pundit was actually spot on with his observation of Loftus-Cheek's positioning. RLC, operating in a makeshift striker/centre-forward/false nine capacity offered Fulham next to nothing in the first half and one can only wonder why Aleksandar Mitrovic wasn't fielded from the start. The Whites adopted 5-2-3 formation and it soon became glaringly obvious that City could and would shave through our hourglass shape with the cutting edge of a Gillette Fusion razorblade and, whilst Harrison Reed is a more than capable warden, he and Anguissa required extra cover, or at least an extra body to clog the hosts' thumping midfield arteries.

Heading into the second 45, Parker tinkered with our composition, partnering Lookman and Cavaleiro together up and pushing RLC back into the central third, which was completely necessary. That slight shape-shifting alteration enabled us to shepherd possession more efficiently, albeit without creation but as we've identified, mounting a comeback was not the big all and end all in this game, denying City further joy was. With added offensive impetus (I say that loosely), Fulham did leave themselves open and were susceptible to the Sky Blues' uniformed counter attacks, a symptom of our rejigged composition, although we did regroup briskly to counteract potential moments of jeopardy, and that has to be praised.

Our reformation has introduced new demands and it's also presented notable selection conundrums for Parker to wrangle with. Given the way in which we're currently shaping ourselves up, is there realistically room for Mitro, if he negates the fluent transitions we're vying to achieve? RLC – who was a passenger, anyway – completely evaporated out of proceedings as the game wore on, so does that pave the way for Tom Cairney to return? What of BDR when Kenny Tete's ready for action – does he replace Cav' in the final third, if he's surplus at right wing-back? There are variants to the gaffer's pliable blueprints and from what I've seen in the week that's gone by, I'm supportive of his vision but, now that the founding hardcore's in situ, applying the requisite personnel is his latest enigma code to crack. There is a formula, all Parker has to do is establish a prescription.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-12-06-five-thoughts-manchester-city-2-0-fulham/

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Reports: Newcastle keen to re-sign Nabil Bentaleb, but Fulham want him too

According to The Chronicle, Schalke midfielder Nabil Bentaleb has been offered to Premier League clubs.

Additionally, The Sunday Mirror (06/12, p73) report that Fulham and Newcastle United are both considering moves for him.

Schalke have given Bentaleb an indefinite suspension and claim he will leave in the summer at the latest, when his contract expires.

Bentaleb has challenged the suspension, but a January move is on the cards either for a nominal fee or absolutely nothing.

A Premier League move is being targeted, and it's suggested that Fulham wanted to sign him over the summer.

Newcastle are also weighing up a move, having taken Bentaleb on loan for the second half of last season.

The Algerian didn't make a huge impression in his 15 games at St James' Park, but Steve Bruce may well feel that he can get a tune out of the 26-year-old if given a long-term deal.

Fulham boss Scott Parker was at Tottenham went Bentaleb was emerging, and may well fancy his chances of bringing him back to London in January – but Newcastle will be a threat if they do offer him a return to Tyneside.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/12/06/reports-newcastle-keen-to-re-sign-nabil-bentaleb-but-fulham-want-him-too/

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Jack and Loz Not at the Cottage - Blog 152

Opposition: Manchester City

Score: 2-0

Men of the Match: it is tempting to give the MOTM award solely to Areola who once again had an excellent game, making at least 4 spectacular saves to deny Man City's world class attack and keep Fulham in the match but Alphonse was not a lone bastion, he was part of a six man fortification which combined to repel far more than 4 attacks. Against his former team, Tosin Adarabioyo stood out with his calm head and committed, comprehensive defending

Snacks: Loz - Haribo teddy bears; Jack - triple chocolate cookie

On Saturday afternoon, when Scott Parker named the same team which started at Leicester on Monday no Fulham fan was naive enough (or optimistic enough) to expect the same result. We were, however, hoping for two things - that the Leicester performance wasn't a one off and, more prosaically, that we wouldn't get thrashed.

Fears of the latter were justified. Man City beat Burnley 5-0 last week and of course they have some excellent players: Robbie Savage's inamorata KDB, Jesus himself and the Welsh international, Rhodri. It is fair to say as well that the City team Canceloed out Fulham's counter attacking threat very effectively. City started the game as they meant to go on - with scintillating pace, pin point accurate passes and a ceaseless assault on the Fulham goal. They were so proficient that it often looked like they had an extra man. They had acres of space, we had none. When any Fulham player was going forwards, City managed to get not one or two, but three men on him meaning however fast we ran we were running down blind alleys.

They were confident enough to shoot on sight - accurately and often, they made very few mistakes and if they lost the ball they would race and tussle and scrap until they won it back. City are very fast, very skilful and very good.

As for Fulham, this was always going to be a tough game but a potentially interesting one: a match were never expected to win but, with Premier League giant killing in our recent history, it was another chance to show some progress. We looked untidy compared to City but not slow and rarely disorganised. We made mistakes but they were forced by City's dominance on the ball.

Plan A was presumably to defend assertively and counter attack where possible but this went out of the window in the 5th minute. But, once again, Scott and Joachim's team showed tenacity and resilience. We didn't concede in open play after that because we defended very well. When we said City started as they meant to go on that's just it - they wanted to go on the rampage but Fulham didn't let them. Yes, they had it sewn up at 2-0 but whilst they controlled the game they couldn't control the score. They wanted more goals but they didn't get them.

As losses go, this was a respectable one. The entire defence's discipline and endeavour can't be criticised. Frank was again a powerful force in midfield but he didn't influence play the way he did against Leicester. Harrison Reed worked very hard as did Lookman. Cav had a difficult afternoon but was always trying to get free and make something happen.

Which leaves our eternal weak link. We want to like Ruben Loftus-Cheek. We want him to succeed at Fulham and play for England and have a great career. We saw a glimmer of what he can do against Everton but it was a will-o-the-wisp in the winter dark. Of course we have had doubts about players before and been proved wrong, Josh Onomah being a recent example, but RLC looked dazed and despondent on the Etihad pitch and, Frankly, we would have either started TC or at the very least brought him on at half time to give him 45 minutes to create something rather than 10.

Scott's other subs were dubious too. Lemina played ok but Reed was playing better and we would have preferred to see Mitro over AK. As it was, AK did very little while Mitro sat in the stand looking like a bad tempered bandit.

This is a game to put behind us and learn from. We didn't crumble under pressure, we stood up to an exceptionally good side and we played a strong second half. This was a credible performance from a team which is still improving but while Fulham once again looked like we belong in the Premier League team City, at times, were a world away.

Random musings:-

- the rainbow captain armbands looked great and especially vivid on the yellow away kit

- on the subject of that armband, TC didn't take it from Andersen when he came on. Which was interesting

- Cav has some nice go faster stripes in his hair

- Antoneeee got a friendly hug from Pep when he took a throw-in by the technical area

- Raheem Sterling is a good player but must dread the snow coming - just one flake is sure to knock him over

- even Manchester City can't make short corners work.

Our fate won't be decided by matches against title contenders where we have nothing to lose but our goal difference. Against another team the lack of bite up front would be concerning but instead we should focus on a defensive solidity which would have been unimaginable at the start of the season.

We went up against one of the best in the business and whilst we didn't leave unscathed we walked away with our pride intact. There will be more important battles to come, and it looks like we will be ready for them.



https://werdsmith.com/p/JmrhGHvZm2MuT