Monday Fulham Stuff (06/12/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223739

Fulham - Hughes on Emirates Loss!
Despite the 2-1 reverse, Mark Hughes was enthusiastic about our display at the Emirates Stadium yesterday.

We may well be lurking near the relegation zone but Mark isn`t concerned about the side getting sucked into a relegation battle, remarking in his post match press conference,

"You could see how we are capable of performing."

"It gives me confidence that we won`t have a problem this year. We are missing key attacking players and that will always hurt us."

"In terms of the attitude of the group and the belief we`ll take from today, I think we will be fine."

And as for yesterday, Hughes thought, like us, one man made the difference, further adding,

"That was the difference."

"The boy Nasri is playing at the top of his game."

"There was very little between the teams."

"We probably edged it in terms of chances and the momentum we created."

"After the initial 15 or 20 minutes we gave ourselves a platform. I`m happy enough with the performance."

"We showed real belief in what we wanted to do today and we took the game to Arsenal."

In hindsight does anyone else think we deserved at least a draw?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223739#ixzz17JbvVDju

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223749

Fulham - Money To Spend!
There`s no doubt that injuries have been cruel to us this season.

The loss of Philippe Senderos, for the season, before a ball had been kicked and then the subsequent loss of our top scorer from last season, Bobby Zamora, are two such instances.

January will see the opening of the transfer window and according to the tabloid press Mark Hughes will be given some money to spend to strengthen the squad.

Those who run the club have been gracious to accept that the squad Hughes is operating with isn`t a squad he has shaped and having taken over the club so close to the season starting, there just wasn`t time for Hughes to purchase those players he wanted.

A source close to the club has revealed to the tabloid press that something in the region of £10 million will be made available remarking,

"There is a belief that the team is only a couple of injuries away from being in sixth or seventh place."

"There is money to spend but there`s pressure to make sure they sign the right players."

The problem being you can only declare someone to be a right signing after they`ve signed and made an impact!

Nevertheless, January could be an interesting period don`t you think!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223749#ixzz17JcCG7mA

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223752

Fulham - Kamara Wants Out?
It looks as if, despite getting on the score sheet yesterday, Diomansy Kamara could be leaving Craven Cottage

Kamara, who spent time on loan at Glasgow Celtic last season, was tipped by many to leave Fulham last summer.

But the change of manager probably hampered any chances of that happening.

However, the Sunday press today carries a rumour that Kamara wouldn`t say no to a move to either Greece or Turkey with the player having, reportedly, had enough of the UK climate.

Does anyone know what he means?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223752#ixzz17JcPKCZZ

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6555128,00.html?

Pantsil eyes extended stay
Ghanaian full-back hoping to be offered fresh terms

John Pantsil is prepared to take on a new position at Fulham if it helps him earn a new contract.

The Ghana international is set to see his current deal with the Cottagers expire at the end of the season, but he hopes to be offered fresh terms.

He has seen first-team opportunities severely restricted this term, with the likes of Stephen Kelly and Chris Baird blocking his path to a right-back berth.

Pantsil, though, believes he is capable of operating in a number of positions and has called on Mark Hughes to give him a chance.

He feels that if he were given more of an opportunity to impress, he could show just how much playing for Fulham means to him.

Future

"I can play other positions, and you can't be selfish about where you want to play," he said.

"I can play right wing if wanted, as well as centre-back.

"But I think I have a future here at Fulham. When I came here I said to myself here's a club where I want to finish my career, or finish my contract in the UK.

"But I still have to keep going and fight for a position."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6555365,00.html?

Hughes hopes for double boost
Salcido and Dembele could return against Sunderland

Mark Hughes is hoping Carlos Salcido and Moussa Dembele could be fit for Fulham's game at home to Sunderland next weekend.

Salcido missed Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Arsenal after aggravating an ankle injury against Birmingham City the previous week.

The Mexican full-back had originally hurt his ankle against Aston Villa earlier in November, but is in line to return against Sunderland at Craven Cottage.

Belgium striker Dembele could also be in contention to face the Black Cats after making progress in his recovery from an ankle problem sustained on international duty.

"Hopefully we'll start getting players back," said Hughes.
"Carlos Salcido hopefully will be back next week, Moussa Dembele might be an option for us, so that will help us."

Triple praise

Meanwhile, Hughes picked out Simon Davies,Dickson Etuhu and Diomansy Kamara for praise following Fulham's reverse at Arsenal.

The Fulham boss added: "I thought there were some really good performances.

"Simon Davies did really well, he gave us a good option on the right - probably his best game for us for a number of weeks.

"Dickson Etuhu was obviously very strong in those midfield areas, and 'Joe' Kamara obviously took his goal really well and could've had another one."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/462002639?-11176

Etheridge's Philippines shutout Vietnam 2-0
Filed under: General — timmyg 
This is beginning to get fun, no?

Behind several (more) clutch saves from Neil Etheridge, and goals through Chris Greatwich and Phil Younghusband (what names!) the Philippines pulled off the biggest upset of 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup as they defeated hosts Vietnam 2-0 today, or yesterday, or whatever time zone you're in. Vietnam had won their previous game 7-1 over Myanmar, and are tournament favorites.

The PR Booters now just have to beat or draw with lowly Myanmar, or have Singapore defeat Vietnam, on December 8 to advance to the semifinals.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1335973/Premier-League-Match-Zone-Everything-need-know-Saturdays-action.html?

Premier League Match Zone: Everything you need to know about Saturday's action

Every Monday, Sportsmail delivers a comprehensive guide to all the top-flight action. It's your one-stop shop for all the stats and analysis from our brilliant team of writers.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1335973/Premier-League-Match-Zone-Everything-need-know-Saturdays-action.html#ixzz17Jdqpvjs

[WhiteJC]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/dec/06/arsenal-fulham-premier-league-report?

Samir Nasri evokes memories of Best but Arsenal defence is laid bare
• Samir Nasri's two goals were of the highest quality
• Defending 'bad for the heart-rate' says Arsène Wenger

Arsenal bolted from the sublime to the ridiculous and back on another helter-skelter afternoon that finished with them on top of the Premier League table for the first time since August.

At the heart of their scintillating moments was Samir Nasri, who even took on Fulham in his socks in the 27th minute to go close to laying on a goal. George Best might have smiled down from the heavens. The two goals that Nasri put away were of the highest quality and they established him as Arsenal's leading scorer this season with 11 in all competitions.

Yet the notion of Arsenal as champions-in-waiting still felt flimsy. This game should have been over after 30 minutes, by which time the Fulham manager, Mark Hughes, had been forced to substitute the 19-year-old left-back Matthew Briggs, who was a rabbit in Nasri's full-beams. Time and again, Arsenal tore in on that flank and the final straw for Hughes came when Nasri beat Briggs, lost his boot, tip‑toed on, crossed and almost saw the ball scrambled home.

Arsenal, however, would have trailed at half-time had Diomansy Kamara finished his second one-on-one in the same way that he had done his first. It was an extraordinary turnaround and one that shone a harsh light on the Arsenal defence, which is the team's achilles heel, the reason why the club's fans are sometimes jabbering wrecks and the one that most readily undermines their title credentials. "No, it doesn't do much good for the heart-rate," Wenger said of the afternoon. "It takes a few beats away."

Fulham's equaliser took in farce and horror. Sébastien Squillaci challenged for the same aerial ball as Laurent Koscielny only to butt him. Dazed and confused as he tried to play on, Koscielny allowed Kamara in behind him before collapsing to the ground and leaving on a stretcher.

The unfortunate incident was far from the only one in which the lines of defensive communication were blurred. With the two holding midfielders playing high up the pitch, not to mention the full‑backs, Arsenal had a fragile feel. Simple passes in behind threatened to expose them while they were ever vulnerable to the high ball. Hughes played the big centre-half Brede Hangeland as an auxiliary centre-forward in the dying minutes and he said the crowd were longing for the full-time whistle.

Hughes was asked whether he felt that Arsenal had looked like champions. "Not today in fairness," he replied, "but that is credit to us. You have to ask questions and I thought we did that really well. Their centre-backs are not possibly as strong as they have been in recent years and at times, you can expose them because they are an attacking team. They always get their full-backs advanced, leaving spaces to exploit.

"You have to make sure that Arsenal do not get into a rhythm of playing and passing. You have to break it up, making the goalkeepers kick long and then challenging so it becomes a more difficult game for them."

Two of Arsenal's next three Premier League fixtures are against Manchester United and Chelsea, and Hughes ventured that they would not be able to play particularly freely against his former clubs. "It will be more difficult for them. But I thought we've given a template for teams who have to play them. I'm certain they'll look at how we approached the game and take information from it."

Wenger said he wanted Alex Song and Jack Wilshere to hold a high line to push opposing teams back and permit Arsenal the space to build up the play. He admitted that "sometimes it leaves us open in the middle of the park" and that the strategy had its risks. "If we lose the ball in the build up, we are in trouble."

The bottom line for Wenger is that his team "want to improve our defensive record, that is needed", although with the creative talent in their ranks Arsenal always have the capacity to out-gun rivals.

It was Nasri who stepped up here, and the thought occurred that Arsenal might be benefiting from his controversial exclusion from France's World Cup squad last summer. It is no secret that Nasri and France's marquee player, Franck Ribéry, do not get on.

"The manager [Raymond Domenech] made a choice but I do not think it was for football," said Bacary Sagna, Arsenal's France full-back. "Maybe we should ask the manager. Samir has been one of our best players of the season and we won this game because of him."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Arsenal-defenders-Laurent-Koscielny-and-Sebastien-Squillaci-fail-to-convince-Fulham-boss-Mark-Hughes-article644777.html

Hughes not convinced with Koscielny and Squillaci pairing

Mark Hughes believes he has discovered the template to beat Arsenal.

The Fulham boss warns teams will target Arsenal's central-defensive pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci.

Hughes said: "The centre halves are not as strong as they have been and you can expose them because they are an attacking team and always get their full-backs advanced in spaces to exploit if you can.

"If you put them under pressure sometimes they are not used to it and have to do things they haven't done work on.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Arsenal-defenders-Laurent-Koscielny-and-Sebastien-Squillaci-fail-to-convince-Fulham-boss-Mark-Hughes-article644777.html#ixzz17JennTJN
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[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/clint-dempsey-v-tim-cahill-a-comparison-between-the-two-players/?

Clint Dempsey v Tim Cahill: a comparison between the two players
Filed under: Analysis — rich 
A few days ago someone on TiFF brought up a strange rumour he'd overheard at a hot-dog stand at the Cottage. In the rumour Tim Cahill of Everton and Clint Dempsey of Fulham would be exchanged, with one team sending money as well.

It's a silly rumour with as much chance of coming off as my plans for Stanley to be England's first choice goalkeeper in the 2034 World Cup (to be held in the Lost Kingdom of Atlantis, no doubt (not a problem – Stanley loves bathtime)), but it does raise an interesting question: who gets the better of that deal?

On the boards there was a lot of "I like Dempsey but..." comments, but to me this seemed like a bit of a miss: we overrate other teams' players because we don't see them every week. Put another way, we only see Tim Cahill scoring goals on Match of the Day; we don't see him drifting aimlessly through games like we do with our own players (because no player is at his best every week).

Anyhow, with Colin's top secret data-base I pulled off the stats for both players since 2006. I know, stats again, but these are good ones. These describe everything the two players have done on the pitch. They are facts. They may not tell the whole story, but they give us clues aplenty. Here:


Main thing:  on a minute by minute basis both players score at equal frequencies.   Since that often appears to be all there is to Cahill's game to me, I reckon that's  a decent starting point.    Especially when you consider that Cahill's been on better teams, with better players, in a less defensive setup.   Score 1 for Clint.  1/2 at least.

They also make goals for others at an indentical rate.   Clint shoots more, tackles more, clears less.   Clint touches the ball more but passes successfully less (but part of that will be his centre-forward stint:  giving the ball away is an occupational hazard for CF).

For all the difference it makes you're looking at identical players.     Yes, I know, this is stats, but it's not like I'm claiming that Mr Al Fayed likes hiring Welsh managers (50% of the last four!  Trend!);  these are genuine happenings.   Goals, creativity, passing, that's what the players are doing out there.   And as far as these countable things are concerned, there's nothing between them (for what it's worth the Times' Castrol Index rates Dempsey number 86 in the world, Cahill 64 (Messi and Ronaldo are 1-2)).

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6556235,00.html?

Gera ready for 'massive' game
Cottagers forward targets Black Cats scalp

Zoltan Gera admits Fulham's home date with Sunderland on Saturday has become a 'massive' fixture.

The Cottagers, following a bright opening to the season, have crashed into relegation trouble over recent weeks.

A six-match winless run has seen them tumble out of the top half of the table and into a basement battle.

They now sit just one place above the drop zone, with only goal difference keeping their head above water.

Just two wins all season tells its own story for Mark Hughes' men, with nine draws in 16 outings having held them back.

It is now imperative that they return to winning ways as quickly as possible and Hungarian playmaker Gera is hoping a welcome morale boost can be secured against the Black Cats.

Aggressive

He believes Fulham's showing in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Arsenal has given them cause for optimism and feels if they play like that again next time out they will be fine.

"We have to build on this performance and, if we keep playing like we did today, we will start to pick up more points," said Gera.

"We were unlucky but Samir Nasri scored two fantastic goals. We created chances and were aggressive.

"The Sunderland game is massive for us, especially as we are at home. We need the three points.

"Hopefully we will play well like we did against Arsenal."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/849408-owen-hargreaves-prepares-for-exit-as-fulham-ready-raid-on-united-and-spurs?

Owen Hargreaves prepares for exit as Fulham set to raid United and Spurs
Fulham could be set for a January raid of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, while Owen Hargreaves may be on his way out of Old Trafford.

The south London club are reportedly interested in securing the signature of England cap Michael Carrick and Ireland international Robbie Keane.

Manager Mark Hughes may see Carrick as the lynchpin he needs in midfield to propel his side up the Premier League table and away from the dangers of the relegation zone.

According to the People, Carrick's contract runs out at the end of the 2011-12 season and the Red Devils might be ready to cash in.

Meanwhile, former Celtic, Wolves and Inter Milan striker Keane is a proven goal scorer, but has fallen out of favour at White Hart Lane and could be available after starting just one Premier League game this season.

With just 15 goals in the league this season, Fulham really need some serious firepower up front and the Irishman could be the answer.

In other news, the Sunday Time claimed that England midfielder Owen Hargreaves may soon call time on his Manchester United career, with the Old Trafford club set to release him at the end of his contract.

The former Bayern Munich man has been plagued with injuries and has managed just 40 appearances in his three years at the club.


Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/849408-owen-hargreaves-prepares-for-exit-as-fulham-ready-raid-on-united-and-spurs#ixzz17KL6D2xQ

[WhiteJC]

http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottagers-face-fight-for-eagles-ace-1130270.html?

Cottagers face fight for Eagles ace

Everton are said to be interested in Crystal Palace's highly-rated right-back Nathaniel Clyne, who is a reported target of Fulham.

The Cottagers have been long-term admirers of the England Under-19 defender but they have now been joined by David Moyes at Everton, while Birmingam and Aston Villa are also thought to be interested.

Palace have steadfastly refused all inquiries for the player, but after the 19-year-old turned down a number of fresh contract offers at the club they are now said to be considering a move.

Clyne's current deal runs out next summer and they may decide to take an offer in January rather than wait for a tribunal fee next summer.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/06/diomansy-kamara-ready-for-fulham-forward-fight-82029-27776327/?

Diomansy Kamara ready for Fulham forward fight

DIOMANSY Kamara hopes his goal at Arsenal on Saturday can keep him in the Fulham first-team.

The Senegalese striker scored his second goal in just his fourth start of the season in the 2-1 defeat at the Emirates.

But with Moussa Dembele set to return for this weekend's clash with Sunderland and Andy Johnson coming close to full fitness, the 30-year-old's place is under pressure.

However, he hopes he has done enough to keep him in Mark Hughes's starting XI.

He said: "There's a lot of competition but some strikers are injured at the moment, so it's nice for me to start and get on the scoresheet.

"I've been working hard. We've got a lot of strikers, AJ is back, but I played well and scored."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/12/06/diomansy-kamara-ready-for-fulham-forward-fight-82029-27776327/?#ixzz17L8yyAEB

[WhiteJC]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/3460/3/fulham-facing-fight-£5million-striker-cisse?

Fulham facing fight for £5million striker Cisse

Fulham could have a three-way fight on their hands for striker Demba Cisse.

Reports in Germany suggest the Freiburg striker is now also a target for Italian giants Juventus and Villarreal in Spain's La Liga.

Manager Mark Hughes has seen his attacking unit decimated by injury this season with Mousa Dembele, Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson all suffering problems.

The former Manchester United striker revealed last week he hopes to be active in the January transfer window and a striker will be high on his list of priorities.

The Senegalese striker has now hit 11 goals in 15 games for Freiburg this season and the 25-year-old, who could see his £5m price rise tag if his free-scoring form continues.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6556753,00.html?

Kamara keen on regular role
Senegalese striker hoping to have impressed Hughes

Diomansy Kamara hopes to hold down a regular place in the Fulham side after notching against Arsenal.

The Senegalese striker hauled the Cottagers level at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, before suffering a 2-1 defeat.

That effort was his second in just four starts this term and he drew high praise from boss Mark Hughes after the game.

Kamara is pleased to have caught the eye on his latest outing, with opportunities having been few and far between of late.

The 30-year-old hopes he has done enough to retain a spot in Hughes' starting XI, but is aware that fellow frontmen Andy Johnson and Moussa Dembele are both closing in on full fitness.

He said in the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle: "There's a lot of competition but some strikers are injured at the moment, so it's nice for me to start and get on the scoresheet.

"I've been working hard. We've got a lot of strikers, AJ is back, but I played well and scored."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/dec/06/premier-league-tactical-analysis?

Premier League chalkboard analysis
We look at the passing of Sébastien Squillaci and Brede Hangeland, Leighton Baines's crossing, Bolton's tackling and West Ham's shooting



There was an interesting contrast in the passing styles of two centre-backs at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon. Arsenal's Sébastien Squillaci was up against Fulham's Brede Hangeland, a man frequently linked with Arsène Wenger's side over the summer.

The majority of Squillaci's passes were short balls knocked to his right to Bacary Sagna, or to his left to centre-back partner Laurent Koscielny. Only two passes were hit over the halfway line as Arsenal tried to build attacks gradually.

On the other hand, Hangeland's passes were direct balls hit forward towards Diomansy Kamara. Fulham's strategy was clearly to hit Arsenal with quick forward passes from defence to attack, perhaps having seen the success of Tottenham and Braga in that respect in recent weeks. This is best summed up by the fact that Fulham players were caught offside seven times as Kamara tried to exploit Arsenal's high line, more than any other side at the weekend.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/12/06/liverpool-plan-swoop-for-10m-rated-fulham-man-clint-dempsey/?

Liverpool Plan Swoop for £10m Rated Fulham Man Clint Dempsey

Anfield boss keen on reuniting with former Craven Cottage charge

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson will attempt to lure Fulham attacker Clint Dempsey in January. The former Craven Cottage boss has earmarked a move for the American and the poor start to the season under new boss Mark Hughes may lead the 27 year old to consider a move away from the west London side.

Hodgson is reportedly looking to bring in more attacking options and the adaptable Dempsey could well be a very useful addition to his Anfield squad. The £10m rated Texan can play in a number of positions in the final third and now in his fifth season in the Premier League he has shown what he is capable of and arguably has outgrown the Cottagers.

Fulham currently lie in 17th spot in the table having secured just two wins all season but Dempsey has still managed to impress, netting six goals so far in all competitions. However Roy Hodgson may find it hard to persuade Hughes to sell such an integral part of his side and a move would only have a chance of success if the former New England Revolution man pushed for an exit.

Liverpool have found goals hard to come by this season, scoring just 17 goals in 15 Premier League matches and a move for Clint Dempsey would make a great deal of sense as he has the ability to make opportunities for others as well as net relatively frequently himself.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/FixtureChange.aspx?

Live On Sky

Fulham's game against Manchester City at Eastlands will be shown live on Sky Sports.

The match has been moved from Saturday 26th February to Monday 28th February (kick-off 8pm). This match is subject to change in the event of either Club being involved in an FA Cup 5th round replay.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/December/FixtureChange.aspx?#ixzz17LvxMEbj

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223839

Fulham - Hughes on How to Beat Arsenal!
Mark Hughes proved, on Saturday, that he has a good tactical brain.

The sides performance, at the Emirates Stadium, certainly gave Arsene Wenger a fright with Mark Hughes getting his tactics right and explaining, afterwards how he believes Arsenal can be got at, remarking to the media,

"The centre halves are not as strong as they have been ad you can expose them because they are an attacking team and always get their full-backs advanced in spaces to exploit if you can."

"If you put them under pressure sometimes they are not use do tit and have to do things they haven`t done work on."

"Did they look like champions? Not in this game, but that is credit to us."

You`ve just been rumbled Mr Wenger!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=223839#ixzz17LwAc1np