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Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 20/04/21...

Started by WhiteJC, April 20, 2021, 12:25:25 AM

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WhiteJC


WhiteJC

Jack and Loz Not At the Cottage- Blog 176

Date: 18th April 2021
Opposition: Arsenal
Score: 1-1
Fulham goal scorer: Josh Maja (pen)
MOTM: Alphonse Areola showed, as he so often does, what an outstanding goalkeeper he is, keeping Fulham in the game with great saves in both halves. His clean sheet wasn't to be but, without him, we wouldn't have come away with a point either. Shout out to Maja for the best Fulham penalty we've seen for a long time
Lunch: Jack - leek and potato soup; Loz - cheese and tomato muffins

At any other time, in any other circumstances we'd have been pleased with a draw away at the Emirates. When you're staring relegation in the face and you conceded the equaliser in the 97th minute, however, its hard to feel anything except disappointment. In fact, it is hard to feel anything at all - this drawn out stumble into the abyss has left us numb.

As so often recently, Scott confused everyone with the starting line-up: a start for Maja, the return of Tosin, BDR back at RWB and no Harrison Reed or Mitro. Skulking on the bench was the dubious figure of RLC.

The first half was by no means a classic. Fulham did not look like a team fighting for survival. We sat back, invited pressure, dealt with it reasonably well but (deflected shot from Maja aside) never looked threatening. In the warm spring sunshine the match felt like a kick about in the park for much of the time, although Arsenal showed glimmers of a dangerous edge despite the Fulham defenders' best attempts to hypnotise them as they passed the ball rhythmically back and forth, getting ever closer to their own goal.

For the third game in a row, the first half ended with VAR swooping to our rescue, cape swirling, parallel lines all over the place. This time, at least, we heeded the warning and began the second half with more intensity, if not more creativity.

We got lucky with the penalty but we won it because we managed to put together an effective attack. Maja had to wait about.....7 minutes was it?......to take it but when he was finally allowed to step up his shot was devastating - a combination power and placement into the roof of the net. Unstoppable.

And then it began: that very Fulhamish period of hanging on. And suddenly it was there - the urgency, the fight, the spirit, the zygote of a Great Escape. Harrison Reed, bursting onto the pitch replacing the tiring (and less than effective) Lookman, was the embodiment of the never say die spirit we needed. He hustled and bustled, intercepted and interrupted. His injury time block showed his guts as well as his quality. We defended corners, we foiled free kicks, we fought a rearguard action in the very mouth of the goal. It began to look possible, like the rollercoaster ride of the season wasn't over, like if we believed hard enough we could somehow see it though....

But then it happened. Scott Parker made his second sub. And the Championship's Trojan Horse stalked onto the stage.

This isn't the time to dissect the season, and it's fair to say that we won't go down because we didn't beat Arsenal, but we might well have beaten them if Ruben Loftus-Cheek had done the job required of him. While the defence fought with their backs to the wall, RLC was supposed to be the outlet. All he had to do was take the ball toward's Arsenal's goal and not lose it. He lost it twice, the second time with disastrous consequences.

Arsenal didn't give up (a trait which will serve them well in the new European Super League no doubt) and a combination of the endless 7 minutes of extra time and RLC's ineptitude meant the Gunners got their reward for their bombardment. Areola claimed, perhaps justifiably, that an offside player interfered with play but whilst we were rescued by VAR once, it was never going to happen twice.

We acknowledge it's easy to blame RLC (doesn't he care? Is he actually just a bit rubbish at football?) and whoever agreed the clause in the loan contract which dictates the minutes he has to play, but, once again, the reality is that we didn't win the game because we couldn't score more than one goal. Which makes it all the more baffling why we didn't see Mitro. What does Serbia's greatest ever goal scorer have to do to get a game?

It is a shame, because in this match we finally began to see the players fight for survival, but now the end is close and it is just a matter of time.

Random musings:-

- so that's another London Derby we didn't win

- we don't want to detract from Areola's excellent performance but what was all that business with the boot and the gloves? Time wasting always comes back to bite you - we've seen it time and time again

- it was good to see Tosin back. Even if his reinstatement was forced by Kongolo's latest injury, Tosin looked calm and controlled and his first half block was a sight to behold

- we liked Scott's classic Aran Cardigan but his smart standards seem to be slipping - will he be in a tracksuit by the end of the season?

- It was incongruous to see the 'Visit Rwanda' ads on Arsenal shirts and in stands. Most of us would be happy just to get to Southend for a change of scene.

- Gareth Southgate couldn't have been there to look at any of our players by any chance?

- we don't think Fulham should join the European Super League. Sorry for any disappointment caused to the organisers.

That was Scott's 100th game in charge and his wry smile at the end said it all. It feels like the post mortem of this season started several games ago, even before we were doomed. Recriminations grip social media and knee jerk reactions turn vicious after every match. Scott is always in the firing line - that's the manager's job after all - but he's far from being the only one at fault.

After relegation will be the reckoning, and its hard to know which will be worse.



https://werdsmith.com/p/kNyuTMUK2fWBe

WhiteJC

ExWHUemployee claims West Ham are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola

West Ham United are interested in signing Fulham's on-loan goalkeeper Alphonse Areola this summer according to ExWHUemployee.

He is currently owned by Paris Saint-Germain and his future is very much up in the air.

Hammers boss David Moyes may well be keen to bolster his goalkeeping department at the London Stadium over the course of the next 12 months or so.

Lukasz Fabianski is out of contract in the summer of 2022 and is clearly in decline.

The 35-year-old has been a very good player for us over the past three years. The odd mistake is creeping into his game now, however.

West Ham could target a move to sign Alphonse Areola

The 28-year-old Cottagers stopper is a target for the Hammers ahead of the summer transfer window.

The France international joined Fulham on loan from PSG in the summer of 2020. The West London outfit have an option to buy the 28-year-old. With Fulham set for relegation, however, there is no chance Areola will want to join a Championship club (Evening Standard).

Enter West Ham.

ExWHUemployee claimed that the Hammers are keen to sign the Paris Saint-Germain owned stopper in the summer, when speaking on the West Ham Way podcast last night (April 18th):

"We do have an interest in Areola, Fulham's keeper who's on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. He's had a decent season, he's someone else we might look at."

Areola has really impressed in the Premier League this season.

The Frenchman is a fine shot-stopper. He is calm and authoritative and is a very good organiser.

Areola could be available for around £20 million this summer (The Sun).

That sounds like a lot of money for someone deemed surplus to requirements by PSG.

Perhaps if West Ham could pick him up for closer to £10-12 million, it would be worth pursing.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/exwhuemployee-claims-west-ham-are-interested-in-signing-paris-saint-germain-goalkeeper-alphonse-areola/


WhiteJC

Report: Some at Sheffield United want current PL boss as Chris Wilder's replacement

Sheffield United could make a move for Scott Parker if Fulham join the Blades in dropping out of the Premier League before the end of the season, according to the Sun (18 April, page 67).

Relegation does not have to be disastrous for a manager's reputation.

Sean Dyche and Daniel Farke both bounced back in style after plummeting into the Championship, honing their talents, sharpening their minds and growing as managers in the second tier.

Although Fulham's survival hopes suffered another major blow on Sunday, conceding a 97th-minute equaliser at Arsenal just a day after Newcastle defeated West Ham, there is no suggestion that Scott Parker is in danger of paying with his job.

If Fulham go down, they will back Parker to take them up again.

Then again, that does not mean the former England international is guaranteed to stay at Craven Cottage.

The Sun reports that Parker has admirers within the walls of Bramall Lane too.

And Sheffield United could make an enquiry about his availability as they continue to scour the market for a coach capable of succeeding the legendary Chris Wilder in the Steel City.

Parker, unlike the highly-rated Oostende boss Alexander Blessin, would arrive with a proven track record in the Championship, having guided Fulham to promotion via the play-offs in 2019/20.

Furthermore, the 40-year-old appears to be improving all the time, transforming Fulham from top-flight whipping boys into a genuinely well-drilled and competitive outfit with a few ingenious tactical tweaks. 

Parker is under contract at Fulham until 2023.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/04/19/report-some-at-sheffield-united-want-current-pl-boss-as-chris-wilders-replacement/

WhiteJC

Liverpool Fan Groups Want Flags Removed For Newcastle Match On Saturday

Newcastle are on a three-match unbeaten run in which we've collected 7 points. The gut-wrenching win on Saturday against West Ham coupled with Fulham's devastating draw at Arsenal, in which they conceded in the closing minute, has brought a sense of relief to Tyneside.

Newcastle are now 8 points clear with a game in hand over the Cottagers. We've also jumped both Burnley and Brighton in the table, though the Seagulls invite Everton to the AMEX tomorrow.

Next on the docket is a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool. The Reds have had a disappointing campaign after winning the league quite comfortably last season. They are currently 6th in the league table but a win at Leeds this evening will see them into 4th.

When Newcastle take the pitch on Saturday, Anfield could provide a stark setting. The Athletic is reporting that multiple Liverpool fan groups are demanding their flags be removed from the stadium for Saturday's match.

This is in reaction to Liverpool signing on to become a founding member of the European Super League. The league has 12 members who have reportedly signed 23-year contracts to be part of the league, which hopes to add three more charter members.

Spion Kop 1906 and Spirit of Shankly have backed plans to remove flags from Anfield. Other supporters have unveiled black banners outside the stadium that read 'Shame On You. RIP LFC 1892 – 2021' and 'LFC Fans Against European Super League.'



https://www.nufcblog.com/2021/04/19/liverpool-fan-groups-want-flags-removed-for-newcastle-match-on-saturday/

WhiteJC

Tell the Premier League's 'Big Six' what you really think of European Super League plans

Is the European Super League the next stage in football's economic and global development, or is it purely motivated by greed with no regard for fans? Here, you have the chance to have your say.

The footballing world is still reeling from the announcement of the European Super League on Sunday night.

The Premier League's 'Big Six' make up half of the 12 founding members of the new competition, with all clubs involved no longer taking part in UEFA's Champions League or Europa League.

The Premier League's rulebook stipulates that Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelseawill need to split from the English top flight in order to sign up for the European Super League.

The three teams from Italy - AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus - and the Spanish trident of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have received a similar warning from their respective divisions and UEFA.

The European Super League proposals have received widespread criticism from fans, politicians, clubs not involved and from football's governing bodies.

Supporters' groups from all of the Premier League's 'Big Six' have penned letters condemning the breakaway division, citing greed and lack of sporting merit - as the founding clubs cannot be relegated - among their many major concerns.

Liverpool fans have removed their banners from the Kop and staged a protest outside Anfield, with one poster reading: "Shame on you. R.I.P LFC. 1892-2021."

It is feared the proposals will result in financial catastrophe for other domestic clubs not involved in the breakaway division.

But what do you think about the plans for the European Super League? Is it the next stage in football's economic and global development, or is it purely motivated by greed with no regard for fans? Have your say in the survey below.

It remains to be seen if the Premier League will kick out its 'Big Six' clubs as they continue to push ahead with their European Super League plans.

The latest reports suggest the sides involved believe they are too big for the English top flight to part ways with, and as such they are confident of competing in the European Super League and Premier League simultaneously.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/big-six-european-super-league-23941568


WhiteJC

Fulham owner Shahid Khan denounces European Super League



Fulham owner and chairman Shahid Khan has denounced proposals for a breakaway European Super League.

Khan, who also owns NFL franchise the Jacksonville Jaguars, said in a statement that he shares the sentiments of the other 13 Premier League sides and that the proposals "will not serve the game or its most important stakeholders, the fans".

Six English clubs, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool, have all declared they will be signing up for the breakaway tournament.

What has Khan said?
In a statement published on Monday evening Khan said: "I join with the entirety of Fulham Football Club, and 13 fellow Premier League clubs, in denouncing the proposed European Super League.

"The concept will not serve the game or our most important stakeholders – the generations of football fans here in England and throughout Europe who have been as loyal to their domestic leagues, and the opportunities they offer, as they are to their favourite teams."

What about the Premier League's other teams?
The Premier League has called a meeting on Tuesday of the 14 clubs not involved in a proposed European Super League.

The Athletic understands the meeting will be chaired by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and will see the 14 invited clubs discuss how to react to the Super League announcement.

The Premier League has already published a statement in which they condemned the plans.

"The Premier League condemns any proposal that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are at the heart of the domestic and European football pyramid," the statement said.

"A European Super League will undermine the appeal of the whole game, and have a deeply damaging impact on the immediate and future prospects of the Premier League and its member clubs, and all those in football who rely on our funding and solidarity to prosper."

Which clubs are involved in Super League discussions?
As well as the Premier League's 'Big Six', AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid have been confirmed as the 12 founding members of the Super League.

Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are among those who have condemned the proposal and said they will not participate in any breakaway competition.

How have fans of Premier League clubs reacted?
Liverpool fan groups have said they will remove their flags and banners from the famous Kop End at Anfield in protest at their club's participation in the Super League.

Spion Kop 1906 branded Liverpool's decision as "disgraceful".

Arsenal fans have also requested flags be removed from The Emirates, with some going so far as taking steps to remove their family plaques outside the stadium.

Supporters groups from all six participating Premier League clubs have expressed their disapproval at the Super League proposal.

(Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images)



https://theathletic.com/news/european-super-league-fulham-shahid-khan/jKQYeB4KfIWr

WhiteJC

A Message From Mr Khan

Our Chairman Shahid Khan provides a statement on the proposed European Super League.

I join with the entirety of Fulham Football Club, and 13 fellow Premier League clubs, in denouncing the proposed European Super League.  The concept will not serve the game or our most important stakeholders – the generations of football fans here in England and throughout Europe who have been as loyal to their domestic leagues, and the opportunities they offer, as they are faithful to their favourite team.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/april/A-Message-From-Mr-Khan/

Andy S

All clubs should be given notice that should they defect to the super league their registration for membership of the Premier League will be terminated. They would however be allowed to enter a team at level 4. None of the players could play for both teams at the same time and a maximum of two teams per season would be accepted in this way. This would work by putting something back in the lower leagues