Sunday Fulham Stuff (06.02.11)

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6729369,00.html

Houllier disappointed to draw

Villa boss gutted to see team twice throw away lead


By Mike Barton - Follow me on Twitter @Ssports_mbarton   Last updated: 5th February 2011

   
Gerard Houllier has admitted he and his Aston Villa team were "extremely disappointed" to twice surrender a lead to draw 2-2 with Fulham.

Villa looked on course to beat the Cottagers at Villa Park on Saturday, leading at half-time thanks to a John Pantsil own goal, but Andy Johnson equalised shortly after the interval.

They then took the lead again with less than 20 minutes to go thanks to Kyle Walker's superb effort, but Clint Dempsey took advantage of some slack defending from a corner six minutes later to bring the scores level.

Despite being a good game to watch, Houllier was gutted to have seen his team draw after such a strong first-half showing, with the visitors coming back strongly after the break and looked the more likely winners.

"The entertainment is one side of the game, but the other side is that we feel extremely disappointed because we played extremely well first half and could have done better in terms of goals," said Houllier.

"Even before they equalised we had a great move and could have been 2-0 up but once they equalised it looked as if it affected a bit of morale.

"We managed to get back in front but I thought we only have ourselves to blame for not holding on to the result, because Fulham at the moment is full of confidence. In the second half they deserved their equaliser."

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel had a rare off-day in goal for Villa, where he failed to push out Steve Sidwell's shot sufficiently and allowed Johnson to score, as well as being caught in no-man's land for Dempsey's header from Danny Murphy's set-piece.

The Frenchman however refused to blame Friedel for the result, stating that it was down to the entire team.

Unlucky
"We win as a team and we lose as a team. Brad had a good game, he was a bit unlucky with the shot off Sidwell but apart from that, the header from the corner could have been dealt with in a different way," he added.

"We probably lost control of the game particularly after they got the equaliser, which was a bit unexpected because it was practically their first chance.

"That swung the confidence on the other side, but we keep working, we know that we need to be a bit mentally stronger than what we are at the moment. The team's play was good, it's just a shame that we conceded as well.

Commenting on Walker and new signing Jean Makoun, Houllier felt their contributions to the team were having a positive affect.

"He's not only a great full-back and good defender but he can also score a few goals, he did that against his former club (Sheffield United in the FA Cup third round.)

"I thought Jean had a good game, he played last Tuesday against Manchester (United) and did well, but he looked a bit tired at the end.

"Obviously when you have new players you need better connections and the links were not the best at time, but I thought on the whole we produced some good football."

[White Noise]

Reports from Aston Villa official site -

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2286386,00.html

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2286378,00.html

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2286273,00.html

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http://astonvillacentral.com/2011/02/aston-villa-2-fulham-2-points-dropped-at-villa-park/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+astonvillacentral+%28Aston+Villa+Central%29


Aston Villa 2 Fulham 2: Points squandered after failure to capitalise on strong 1st half


Feb 201105.

By: Dan


Comments: 8



It was honours even at Villa Park after a frustrating performance led to points being dropped for the second time against Fulham this season. An own goal from John Pantsil and a superb goal from Kyle Walker were both cancelled out by goals from Andrew Johnson and Clint Dempsey. Brad Friedel won't want to watch the replays.

It started extremely promisingly, some exceptionally fluid play from Villa at times, Jean Makoun at the heart of much that was positive. An early effort from Darren Bent, slotting home Downing's parried shot, was chalked off for being marginally offside, but it was an encouraging sign of intent.

Downing was a force to be reckoned with down the right, driving toward Fulham's back line with every opportunity, fitting that the opening goal came from his outside of the boot delivery, Pantsil nodding into his own net with Gabby charging in behind.

Fulham were allowed to assert themselves towards the end of the half, Steve Sidwell in particular playing like a man with a point to prove, but they were barely able to worry Friedel by the time the break came.

The second half looked to be more of the same with Gabby and Darren Bent both being set up for chances that they should really have done better with. Somehow though, and Sidwell playing a better game than most of us have seen might have much to do with it, Fulham grew in confidence and began to stake a claim.

It's was Sidwell's 4th shot from distance, parried by Friedel straight back where it came from, that was pounced on by Andrew Johnson diving low to head in. No one in claret and blue covered themselves in glory, but Friedel really should have palmed the shot to the side. Johnson did well to get on the end of the chance, it has to be said.

Villa showed flashes of their early form, but some of the fire seemed to have died down. With legs starting to look tired, Houllier switched Gabby into a more central role and Ash out to the left and the benefits were felt almost immediately as Ash won a free kick from Danny Murphy attempting to charge up the flank.

The free kick was cleared and fell to Downing on the other flank and he sent the ball back to Stiliyan Petrov who quite lazily laid the ball off to Kyle Walker, seemingly exasperated at a lack of alternative options. It didn't go down well with the home support, but Walker responded in positive fashion, setting off on another arrow-like run toward goal before unleashing a powerful low drive to the bottom corner that Schwarzer had no chance of saving.

With 18 minutes left on the clock, the game was far from safe, Fulham's central partnership of Sidwell and Murphy were winning the battle over Makoun and the tired looking Petrov.

In the end, the equaliser came from a corner, Clint Dempsey delaying his run just enough to ghost into empty space, Brad Friedel the only player able to make a challenge, but unfortunately he was second to the ball and Dempsey headed in.

From there, the game tapered out. Marc Albrighton came on for Petrov with barely more than five minutes left on the clock, Emile Heskey ran on to replace Gabby at a corner in the 87th minute, but it didn't make any difference. There was the usual frantic chase for a winner, leaving worrying amounts of space at the back, but neither side were able to break the deadlock.

OverallOnce again much to be positive about in terms of individual performances. Downing was excellent, particularly during the first half, as was Ashley Young playing just behind Darren Bent. Bent himself and Gabby were largely ineffectual, the logic of employing Gabby out wide now lost on just about everyone, myself included.

Jean Makoun was again the heart of the team, although he didn't quite manage to match the impressive passing numbers from Old Trafford; just the 61 complete passes for an 83% success rate today. Petrov, I thought, was much better during the first half, but faded badly; he simply does not have the fitness to keep up with the pace in the Premiership for a full game and in the end made Sidwell look better than he is.

Kyle Walker was excellent for the most part, although he frustrated by wasting some great positions with poor crosses, he must have made up for that with a great goal. He still looks a little suspect defensively at times, but that's not uncommon for an attacking full back.

Tactically, Houllier threatens to erode a lot of the goodwill he's amassed during January with an insistence of playing Gabby wide and Ash centrally despite neither player being offered the chance to work to their strengths. Whatever the underlying rationale behind sticking with this approach, sooner or later the manager must concede that it isn't the most effective use of the personnel at his disposal.

Today, although I wouldn't claim that Fulham weren't decent value for their point, it still feels a lot like two points were dropped and we're just not in position to be that generous. The positive vibe might be back, and rightly so, but we can't get complacent, there's still much work to be done.

On to the next oneNow we look to the next one, away to Blackpool next Saturday. Holloway's men were beaten 5-3 in an incredible game at Goodison, as he said himself, Blackpool are in danger of slipping into the part of the table most would have predicted they'd occupy and they're now one place below us in 15th.

We were less than convincing in beating a weakened Blackpool at Villa Park, their determination alone is enough to cause concern about the reverse fixture, especially since we still don't seem to have the ability to kill off a stubborn opponent or, indeed, hold out against a determined one.

As today served to prove, still moving in the right direction, still a long way to go. Next time, Petrov's place has to be at risk to Michael Bradley who was paraded in front of the Villa Park crowd, but not included in the 18 man squad.

Aston Villa starting XI: Friedel, Walker, Dunne, Collins, Clark, Petrov, Makoun, Downing, Agbonlahor, Young, Bent. Subs: Marshall, Delfouneso, Pires, Cuellar, Heskey, Reo-Coker, Albrighton.
Opponent starting XI: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Pantsil, Dempsey, Sidwell, Murphy, Duff, A Johnson, Dembele. Subs: Stockdale, Salcido, Gera, Gudjohnsen, Kakuta, Greening, Davies.

[White Noise]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dempsey-rescues-point-for-fulham-at-villa-park-2205590.html


Dempsey rescues point for Fulham at Villa Park

Aston Villa 2 Fulham 2

By John Curtis, PA


Saturday, 5 February 2011


Clint Dempsey's 10th goal of the campaign rescued a point for Fulham, after they had twice trailed to Aston Villa in a ding-dong Barclays Premier League clash at Villa Park.

Villa twice looked set for victory after a John Pantsil own goal and Kyle Walker's first ever league goal put them in the ascendancy.

But Andy Johnson and then Dempsey struck back for Mark Hughes's side.

Villa dominated the first half with winger Stewart Downing causing plenty of problems and linking up well with full-back Walker down the right flank.

Newcomer Jean Makoun also impressed in the middle of the park and Villa deservedly led through the unfortunate Pantsil.

He had also scored an own goal in the corresponding fixture last season.

But it was a different story in the second half as Villa lost momentum and the visitors grew in confidence with skipper David Murphy impressive in the middle of the park.

Villa were first to settle and Downing made a powerful run into the Fulham box and saw his low shot parried by Mark Schwarzer.

Record Villa signing Darren Bent was alert to tuck away the rebound but he had strayed marginally offside.

Downing was looking sharp and it was his quality which led to a Pantsil own goal giving Villa the lead after 13 minutes.

Makoun found the England winger on the right flank and he cut inside before delivering a teasing centre with the outside of his left foot.

Pantsil, under pressure from Gabriel Agbonlahor, could only head the ball past Schwarzer into the corner of the net.

Former Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell had Fulham's first shot on goal after 18 minutes but Brad Friedel was equal to his swerving drive from 20 yards.

Downing was causing constant problems down the right flank with his runs and testing crosses.

A mistake by Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov allowed Mousa Dembele a free run at the penalty area.

But, after the ball broke to Duff, Villa left-back Ciaran Clark was alert to block his low shot.

Sidwell was only just wide of the target with a low shot which had Friedel scrambling across his goal.

Another error from Petrov played Makoun into trouble and Mousa Dembele tried to take advantage but James Collins made a typical block.

Sidwell brought danger to his side when he brought down Petrov 30 yards out in a central position.

Downing's shot was blocked but Makoun's follow-up effort was only just wide.

Villa began the second half on top and Schwarzer held on to a drive from Agbonlahor.

Bent then failed to make proper contact with a shot after making good ground.

Sidwell was providing the main threat for Fulham and Collins deflected his low attempt for a corner.

But after 52 minutes former Birmingham striker Andy Johnson brought Fulham level.

Friedel parried another shot from Sidwell - and Johnson was first to react to the rebound.

Clark could have restored Villa's lead immediately but failed to make clean contact with his header from Downing's centre.

Agbonlahor then teed up Young but he sliced his shot wide.

Young was yellow carded for a challenge on Sidwell after 62 minutes.

After 72 minutes a long-range strike from Walker restored Villa's lead.

Walker had time to line up a 30-yard shot which flew past Schwarzer into the corner of the net.

Petrov was booked for a foul on Sidwell with 13 minutes remaining and 60 seconds later Fulham levelled for the second time.

Friedel came out for but never reached Murphy's corner and Dempsey headed home.

Tempers became frayed and Makoun was yellow carded for a challenge on Dempsey and then Baird for chopping down Young.

Friedel made a fine save to block Johnson's powerful drive with a minute remaining.

[White Noise]

Aston Villa 2 Fulham 2: Clint Dempsey salvages a point for stubborn Cottagers


By Mark Ryan


Last updated at 11:09 PM on 5th February 2011


An angry fan hurled abuse at Gerard Houllier as he walked towards the tunnel. There were more appropriate targets on a day laced with delicious farce.

'Somebody shouted at me but he pays for his ticket so he is allowed to shout,' said the Frenchman. 'Nice words,' he added sarcastically.

The manager held out his hands in response as if to ask the disgruntled supporter what precisely he was supposed to have done about Villa twice losing their lead.


Mobbed: Fulham rush to congratulate Clint Dempsey (left) following his equaliser

The answer, perhaps, was to put a respectful arm around Brad Friedel and politely suggest that it might be better to follow Manchester United legend Gary Neville into retirement before he hits 40.

The American goalkeeper, who has been one of the Premier League's finest servants, fumbled Villa oldboy Steve Sidwell's 52ndminute effort and allowed Andy Johnson to head home.


Handy Andy: Johnson celebrates his goal for Fulham

Kyle Walker then appeared to have won the game for the home side with a bobbling 30-yarder, but Friedel went missing when he should have been collecting Danny Murphy's 78th-minute corner and his fellow-American, Clint Dempsey, headed home.

Houllier said: 'It would be inappropriate to incriminate anyone.' It was hard not to 'incriminate' Fulham's John Pantsil, who took his tally of own-goals this season to three.


Run chase: Kyle Walker scores Villa's second goal


Villa v Fulham - teams
Villa (4-4-1-1): Friedel; Walker, Dunne, Collins, Clark; Downing, Makoun, Petrov (Albrighton 83min), Agbonlahor (Heskey 86); Young; Bent. Subs (not used): Marshall, Pires, Delfouneso, Reo-Coker, Cuellar.

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil (Salcido 62), Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Duff (Davies 67), Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey; Dembele, Johnson (Gudjohnsen 90). Subs (not used): Stockdale, Gera, Kakuta, Greening. Referee: L Mason (Lancashire)

He also put though his own net at Villa Park last term and after 13 minutes yesterday, he nodded beyond a baffled Mark Schwarzer under pressure from Gabriel Agbonlahor.

A merciful Mark Hughes substituted Pantsil in the 62nd minute and the player acknowledged a pocket of applauding fans near the dug-out. It wasn't clear which team those fans were following.

'He was obviously disappointed at half-time and I felt it was affecting him somewhat,' said the Fulham boss. 'It can affect your confidence so I made a decision to take him off.'

Can Hughes stop this otherwise competent defender from scoring repeatedly in the wrong net? 'You always review every little detail and hopefully we will stop it happening in the future,' said Hughes without a trace of irony.

Football is a serious business. Except that yesterday you had to laugh at times.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1353973/Aston-Villa-2-Fulham-2-Clint-Dempsey-salvages-point-stubborn-Cottagers.html#ixzz1DAQ1wl5q

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6726264,00.html

Hughes pleased with progress


Fulham boss believes competition for places is helping good run


By Mike Barton - Follow me on Twitter @Ssports_mbarton   Last updated: 5th February 2011

   


Hughes: Pleased with point

Fulham boss Mark Hughes was pleased that his side managed to win a point at Aston Villa and praised their spirit.

Hughes' team twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Villa Park, with Andy Johnson and Clint Dempsey cancelling out a John Pantsil first-half own goal and Kyle Walker's brilliant strike.

The Welsh boss was happy his side did not allow Pantsil's unfortunate blunder to make their heads drop and felt that they had the better of the second half and could have won.

"I'm pleased with the performance, obviously we had a setback of an own goal early in the first half and that could have knocked us out of our stride," he said.

"But it didn't, we came back strong in the first half and for the last 20-25 minutes restricted them to very few chances.

"I thought we were excellent in the way we took the game to Villa and the way we came back twice shows great character and great resolve.

"That what we've been showing in recent weeks and from our point of view it's a good result. It's a difficult place to get a point but we did really well.

Stronger
"You see in our play we finish games stronger and that's a quality that's been growing since we've come into the new year.

"We're playing well, we're driving the game, we try and ask questions of the opposition home and away. And if you keep on knocking on the door then you'll get some reward

"We obviously have to keep picking up points because we want to get in the top half. If results had been a little bit more than expected then we could have got in the top ten."

Hughes also felt that with the additions of the likes of Steve Sidwell, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Gael Kakuta at Craven Cottage, the players were stepping up their game as competition for places gets stronger.


Competition
"I think it's helping the guys in that they know there is competition for places now and you have to perform," Hughes added.

"That's what you want at a football club. Just driving people on. Today saw some good performances. The two centre halves have been playing really well for a number of weeks now. I thought they were excellent again today.

"Clint Dempsey has reached double figures for goals and I don't think he's ever achieved that before, so he's had a great season, so a lot of positives."

[White Noise]

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/175477/Aston-Villa-2-Fulham-2/

ASTON VILLA 2 FULHAM 2

6th February 2011

By Richard SydenhamYour Shout ( 0 )

TWO blunders by veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel cost Villa a win as battling Fulham twice came from behind to snatch a point.

The errors allowed Andy Johnson and Clint Dempsey to score after Villa led through John Pantsil's third own goal of the season and then defender Kyle Walker.

The ageing Friedel cost rookie Walker his moment of glory as his long range strike should have been enough to see off Fulham, but it was not to be.

The result summed up Villa's season, as they continue to hover uncomfortably above the drop zone, while Fulham will be pleased with their fighting spirit.

"I'm delighted with the performance, attitude and desire of the players to come back," said Fulham boss Mark Hughes. "In the end I felt we were the strongest team and could have even nicked the three points."

But Villa boss Gerard Houllier disagreed, saying: "Whatever Mark says we dropped two points. I'm disappointed with the result but not with the performance.

"We need to be more clinical, ruthless, and more aggressive in the final third."

But he refused to blame Friedel, saying: "Both goals could have been avoided but I don't think it's appropriate to incriminate anyone."

Villa's England internationals Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darren Bent were anonymous for long periods and lacked the killer touch.

The first-half started brightly when Villa had the ball in the net in the fifth minute but Bent's neatly-taken finish was ruled out for offside.

Stewart Downing, operating on the right, had unleashed a firm strike that goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer could only parry as Bent fed on the loose ball and slotted in only to be denied by the flag.

Villa didn't have to wait too long before they did take the lead.

Downing crossed with the outside of his left foot for clumsy Pantsil to head into his own net while under pressure from Agbonlahor.

The hapless Pantsil also scored an own goal against Villa last season but Villa failed to build on their lead and sat back, allowing the Cottagers into the game.

Ex-Villa man Steve Sidwell twice went close with long range shots before helping to bring Fulham level in the 52nd minute.

The normally reliable Friedel couldn't hold his shot and poacher Johnson nodded in the rebound.

Former Birmingham City player Johnson had received his fair share of abuse for his links with Villa's bitter rivals and celebrated in style.

It took right-back Kyle Walker, on loan from Tottenham, to put Villa ahead again with a stunning strike in the 72nd minute.

Walker, who scored on his Villa debut last month with another cracker, was allowed to advance from half-way and held off Sidwell before hitting a bobbling 25-yard shot that Schwarzer would probably feel he should have done better with.

Again Villa failed to keep hold of the lead and Mark Hughes's team were level once more six minutes later through another Friedel blunder.

The American, 39, still to decide if he will play on beyond this season, tried to punch Danny Murphy's corner but got nowhere near the ball, leaving his compatriot Clint Dempsey to head into an empty net.

Friedel redeemed himself to some extent at the end when he blocked Johnson's shot that could so easily have stolen the points for Fulham and left him even more red-faced.

[White Noise]

http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/227412/Aston-villa-2-Fulham-2-Clint-Dempsey-clinches-the-rescue


ASTON VILLA 2 - FULHAM 2 - CLINT DEMPSEY CLINCHES THE RESCUE 

Sunday February 6,2011


By Graham Read 


CLINT DEMPSEY struck late on to stun Aston Villa as Fulham twice came from behind to earn a draw which leaves both sides still looking anxiously backwards in the battle to avoid the drop.

Villa had taken a 13th-minute lead via John Pantsil's own goal only for Andy Johnson to level shortly after the break at Villa Park.

And Gerard Houllier's team paid the price for their casual approach a second time when Dempsey headed home after 78 minutes, cancelling out a stunning Kyle Walker strike just six minutes earlier.

Both sides look too good to go down and still have breathing space between themselves and the bottom three – Villa five points and Fulham six – yet Houllier and counterpart Mark Hughes will have viewed the draw as a missed opportunity to climb further clear and focus their attentions on a late European push.

Villa's club record signing Darren Bent thought he had his third goal in claret and blue colours in the sixth minute when Mark Schwarzer failed to hold a low Stewart Downing drive to leave him with an empty net, however, the Villa forward was adjudged to be marginally offside.

By the 13th minute Villa were ahead, though, when the excellent Jean Makoun fed Downing on the Villa right and his teasing cross with the outside of the boot was headed beyond the wrong-footed Schwarzer by Pantsil, under pressure from Gabriel Agbonlahor.

It was no more than the home side deserved for their bright start but not even an arm around the shoulder from Agbonlahor could console Pantsil, who has now scored three own goals this season.

While few could argue with Villa's results under Martin O'Neill, one criticism levelled at the Northern Irishman was their more direct style of soccer but, under Houllier, they are at least beginning to play free-flowing football.

January arrivals Walker and Makoun both look comfortable on the ball but Villa still retain the old-fashioned grit which was a hallmark of their play under O'Neill – epitomised in the 31st minute when skipper Stiliyan Petrov and James Collins threw themselves at a vicious Damien Duff shot.

Villa paid the price for their profligacy in the 52nd minute when Friedel failed to hold Steve Sidwell's drive and this time they were punished as Johnson thrust himself at the rebound, heading into the ground and over Friedel to level.

A golden chance for the home side to regain the lead went begging just two minutes later when Ciaran Clark headed a pinpoint Downing delivery wide.

Much to the frustration of the home crowd, Villa lacked urgency but, just seconds after being subjected to groans from their support, they regained the lead when Walker took the initiative, bursting through from the halfway line before drilling a stunning low 30-yard shot inside Schwarzer's left post.

That should have been that but Villa hit the self-destruct button once again in the 78th minute when Dempsey rose highest to head home a Danny Murphy corner.

Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/227412/Aston-villa-2-Fulham-2-Clint-Dempsey-clinches-the-rescueAston-villa-2-Fulham-2-Clint-Dempsey-clinches-the-rescue#ixzz1DAfwNecx

[White Noise]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/48960/aston-villa-vs-fulham/player-ratings

Player Ratings: Aston Villa 2-2 Fulham

By Ben Bradley


Brad Friedel045.5He should have done better with the Fulham equaliser.a shot from 25 yards by Steven Sidwell saw Friedel parry the ball right into the path of Andy Johnson. Although he got a hand to the ball he couldn't keep it out. Will have been disappointed that his attempted clearance from a Danny Murphy corner resulted in a Fulham equaliser. Other than that the Villa no. 1 was rarely called upon

Richard Dunne216.0Good game in the heart of the Villa defence for Dunne. He managed to prevent Andy Johnson from creating any clear-cut chances and will be encouraged by his performance.

Ciaran Clark116.0Played his part in keeping out the Fulham attack and Gerrard Houllier will be pleased with his attempts. Passed the ball well around the field and cleared any danger that came near him.

James Collins216.0Struggled at times to deal with the threat of Damien Duff but ensured that the tricky winger was unable to get the better of him most of the game. As a result Duff was replaced in the second half.

Kyle Walker426.5Helped Villa regain their lead as a run from near enough the halfway line saw an audacious low hit shot find its way through a host of players and beyond Schwarzer via a very kind bounce in the ground. Played well on his home debut and his forward runs were encouraging for the home side.

Stewart Downing117.5Was easily Villa's best player. He showed excellent control in the sixth minute to take the ball past the Fulham defence and allow Bent to slot home from six yards, only for it to be given as offside. Just moments later a quality cross with the outside of his left foot caused Pantsil to panic and give Villa a 1-0 lead.

Jean II Makoun326.5Had a good home debut for Villa and managed to make his presence on the game known. Linked up well with Petrov in the centre of the pitch and had a good battle with Steven Sidwell and Danny Murphy all game. Shown the yellow card for a 50/50 with Clint Dempsey in the 80th minute.

Stilian Petrov116.0Linked up well with Makoun in the heart of the Villa midfield. As a captain he led by example but unfortunately was shown the yellow card in the 77th minute for a late challenge on Steve Sidwell. He was replaced by Marc Albrighton in the 83rd minnute.

Ashley Young247.0Had an excellent game on the left hand side of midfield for Villa and managed to run at the Fulham defence numerous times,causing a handful of chances. Linked up well with other midfielders and will be pleased with his perrformance.

Gabriel Agbonlahor147.0Had a good game in midfield for the home side and an excellent piece of pressure from the England international caused John Pantsil to head the ball into his own net in the 13th minute. Was replaced by Emile Heskey in the 86th minute.

Darren Bent146.5Really unfortunate to have had offside given against him in the sixth minute as replays showed he was in an onside position when Stewart Downing took his shot. That didn't stop the striker,who kept battling and caused the Fulham back line havoc all game.

• Substitutions
Marc Albrighton116.0Came on as an 83rd minute replacement for Stiliyan Petrov and had little time to make an impact.

Emile Heskey036.0Replaced Gabby Agbonlahor in the 86th minute but didn't see much of the ball.

Fulham
Mark Schwarzer106.0There wasn't much the Australian 'keeper could do about the Villa opener. Pantsil's headed goal suprised the 'keeper and caught him unaware. Schwarzer can count himself lucky that his parried clearance that allowed Darren Bent to slot home in the sixth minute was ruled offside. Again the same with the second goal. A shot from long range saw him beaten.

John PaintsilFlop of the Match125.0Gave Villa a 1-0 lead after good pressure on a Stewart Downing cross from Gabby Agbonlahor saw the defender panic and head the ball into his own net in the 13th minute. Struggled with the pace of Young and was replaced in the 62nd minute by Carlos Salcido.

Brede Hangeland116.5Was a rock at the centre of the Fulham defence and did well to keep Darren Bent quiet in the second half. Would have been more had it not been for the way Hangeland dealt with the threat.

Chris Baird105.5Held his position in the Fulham defence well although he struggled for pace at times. He was shown the yellow card in the 87th minute for a challenge on Young.

Aaron Hughes115.5Struggled at times to cope with the pace of the Villa attack and was terrorised all game.The Fulham defender will be disappointed with his performance in this game.

Steve Sidwell316.5The midfielder had a good game in the centre of the park for the visitors and battled tirelessly all game. It was his shot that saw Brad Friedel parry the ball right into the path of Andy Johnson who equalised in the 52nd minute.

Danny Murphy116.5Looked steady in the centre of midfield for Fulham and gave an assured performance for the visitors. It was his corner that allowed Clint Dempsey to equalise and give Fulham a share of the spoils.

Damien Duff106.5There were glimpses of trickery from the Irish winger, as he looked like Fulham's best source of attacking supply. The experienced winger ran at the Villa defence quite a lot but was replaced by Simon Davies in the 68th minute.

Clint Dempsey417.0Equalised for Fulham in the 78th minute as a Danny Murphy corner allowed him to rise highest and head past Brad Friedel. Had a good game in midfield and he deserved his goal.

Moussa Dembele206.0Was fairly annonymous for his standards.managed to link up with Andy Johnson well and play the supporting role. The striker will have been disappointed he didnt create many chances for himself.

Andy JohnsonTop of the Match218.0Fulham's best player by a mile. He was greeted with boos by the home support as the former Birmingham city striker gave a strong performance to stake a claim for a place in Fabio Capello's squad for the upcoming friendly with Denmark. The way he held up the ball made it difficult for the Villa defence to cope at times. Took his goal well despite pressure from dunne, thoroughly deserved. Replaced by Gudjohnsen in injury time.

• Substitutions

Carlos Amoldo Salcido 216.0Came on as a 62nd minute replacement for John Pantsil and seemed to steady a shaky defence. The defender put in a good performance and will be pleased.

Simon Davies116.0The Welsh midfielder came on as a 68th minute replacement for Damien Duff and helped add to an already pressing Fulham team. He slotted in well and produced some good balls.

Eidur Smari Gudjohnsen 316.0Came on as an injury time replacement for Andy Johnson.

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http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/02/05/aston-villa-2-fulham-2-late-clint-dempsey-strike-denies-villans/

Aston Villa 2 Fulham 2: Late Clint Dempsey Strike Denies Villans Victory


05/2/2011 12:10 PM GMT


By Brendan McLoughlin


Steve Sidwell was in inspired form on his return to Aston Villa as Fulham twice came from behind to earn a draw that left both sides still in a battle to avoid Premier League relegation.

Villa had taken a 13th-minute lead via John Pantsil's own goal only for Andy Johnson to level shortly after the break, and they were pegged back for a second time when Clint Dempsey headed home with 12 minutes to go, cancelling out a stunning Kyle Walker strike just six minutes earlier.

While both sides still have some breathing space to the relegation zone (Villa five points and Fulham six), both Gerard Houllier and Mark Hughes will view the draw as a missed opportunity to have all but ended any fears of being dragged back into a scrap to beat the drop.

Despite playing some attractive football, Villa were far too casual in their approach, while the Cottagers undid a hard-working display, particularly from the excellent Sidwell, with some defensive lapses.

Darren Bent thought he had his third goal in claret and blue colours in the sixth minute when Mark Schwarzer failed to hold on to a low Stewart Downing drive to leave him with an empty net, however the Villa forward was adjudged to be marginally offside.

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Villa were celebrating by the 13th-minute, though, when Jean Makoun fed Downing down the Villa right and his teasing cross with the outside of the boot was headed behind the wrong-footed Schwarzer by Pantsil, under pressure from Agbonlahor.

Sidwell, making his return to Villa Park following his January move to the Cottagers, troubled Brad Friedel with a swerving low shot that the veteran American failed to hold

Villa still retain the old-fashioned grit that was a hallmark of their play under Martin O'Neill, however, and it was epitomised in the 31st minute when skipper Stiliyan Petrov and James Collins both bravely threw themselves at a vicious Damien Duff shot from the edge of the area to protect Friedel's goal.

The veteran American should have done better for Fulham's 52nd-minute equaliser, however, after he failed to hold on to another Sidwell low drive and Johnson thrust himself at the rebound, heading into the ground and over Friedel to level matters.

A golden chance for the home side to regain the lead went begging just two minutes later when the unmarked Ciaran Clark headed a pinpoint Downing delivery disappointingly wide of the goal.

Much to the frustration of the home crowd, Villa lacked urgency but, just seconds after being subjected to groans from their support, they regained the lead when Walker took the initiative, bursting through from the halfway line before drilling a stunning low 30-yard shot inside Schwarzer's left post.

That should have been that but Villa hit the self-destruct button once again in the 78th minute when Dempsey rose highest to head home a Danny Murphy corner and ensure the sides finished level for the second time this season.

REACTION:
Gerard Houllier insisted his side should have walked away with three points and bemoaned their missed opportunities:
"Whatever Mark says, I think we dropped two points today. First of all, we had a chance of 2-0, there was a movement down the right and unfortunately we couldn't get to the end of the cross.

"It could have been a 2-0 lead before they equalised. But then we managed to get the second goal and I thought the game would be over. But we just have to be disappointed with ourselves, that's all.

"Maybe we should have made the changes a bit before because I thought the midfield were suffering. I am disappointed with the result, not the performance."

On the passing game he is trying to implement:
"At times we played some good football. We are improving, we passed the ball better and we prepare better but I feel at the end of our movement we need to be more clinical and more ruthless. This was exactly the same case when we played against Manchester United. In the final third we must show more aggression to get to the ball and to get to the goal. But it's a long season."

On Makoun, who made his home debut:
"He is an experienced player. I thought he was tired at the end. But he is a proper link between the midfield and the strikers. He gets on well with everybody. He has played in the Champions League and he has caps for Cameroon. He'll be a good asset for the future. He, Kyle and Darren need to gel with the rest of the team."

On the positives to take from the game:
"Don't get me wrong, I am disappointed with the result but they are positives from the game. I know some journalists don't like that but I am not going to put the head deeper in the water. At times we played some good football. At some stage, we could have done better as a team to avoid the goals."

Fulham manager Hughes was thrilled with his team's character after seeing them twice come from behind:
"I was delighted with the performance. I thought the lads really took the game to Villa. We resricted Villa to very few opportunities. It was important we got a foothold, which we were able to do."

On the finishes by Johnson and Dempsey:
"It was a great finish by Andrew Johnson. I was pleased for him. We asked questions of them, as we have against most teams this season. Clint Dempsey took his goal very well. He's in double figures for the first time which is a great milestone for him. We even had a couple of opportunities where we could have had the three points."

On Pantsil:
"He was obviously disappointed at half-time. It thought it was affecting him so I took the decision to take him off. It was a difficult ball to deal with."

WHAT IT MEANS:
Hughes will have been the happier of the two managers after seeing his side trail twice. This is the sort of game Houllier would be expected to win and, if they are to make a late surge up the table, they will have to play with more tempo and ruthlessness. Neither should be dragged back into a relegation scrap, yet a European push also looks unlikely on this evidence.

ASTON VILLA 2 (Pantsil OG 13, Walker 72) FULHAM 2 (Johnson 52, Dempsey 78)

PLAYER MARKING:

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Friedel 7; Walker 7, Collins 7, Dunne 6, Clark 6; Petrov 7 (Albrighton 83, 5), Makoun 7; Agbonlahor 7 (Heskey 86, 5), A Young, 7 Downing 7, Bent 7
Subs (not used): Marshall, Pires, Delfouneso, Cuellar

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer 6; Pantsil 6 (Salcido 62, 7), Hangeland 7, Hughes 7, Baird 6; Duff 7 (Davies 68, 6), Murphy 7, Sidwell 9, Dempsey 7; Dembele 6, Johnson 7 (Gudjohnsen 90, 5)
Subs (not used): Stockdale, Gera, Kakuta, Greening

REFEREE: Lee Mason

ATTENDANCE: 35,899

UP NEXT:
- Blackpool v Aston Villa (away) Premier League, 12/2 1500 GMT
- Fulham v Chelsea (home) Premier League, 14/2 2000 GMT

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Steve Sidwell (Fulham): Offered a reminder of why Villa bought him in the first place with a combative and energetic display in the middle of the park.

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Chris Baird video interview -

Baird Interview - Premier League World

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http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3393697/Aston-Villa-2-Fulham-2.html

Aston Villa 2 Fulham 2


Published: 05 Feb 2011

Add a comment (6)

 
Kyle Walker's first Aston Villa goal put the home side 2-1 in front with 18 minutes remaining.

But Dempsey leapt highest to head home on 78 minutes as Fulham built on their midweek win over Newcastle.
   
Earlier, John Pantsil scored his second own goal in four games to gift Villa the lead.

Andy Johnson's second goal of the season brought the visitors back into it before the late drama.

And Cottagers boss Mark Hughes praised his side's resilience for twice coming from behind.

He said: "John was disappointed at half-time. It was affecting him so I made the early decision to take him off.

"It was a difficult ball for him to deal with but he got it wrong and it can affect your confidence.

"You always review every goal you concede to try to erase any little defaults.

"But I was pleased with the way the team came back twice and kicked on and in the end we could have taken three points."

Hughes added: "We picked ourselves up from the own goal and restricted Villa to very few opportunities in the first half.

"It was a great finish by Andrew Johnson and we then really took the game to Villa and asked questions of them.

"We went behind again but we kept going, weren't to be denied and showed great quality."

Villa chief Gerard Houllier groaned: "We dropped two points today. Had we got a second goal at 1-0 the game would have been over.

"But we have to be disappointed with ourselves, we have to blame ourselves.

"I'm disappointed with the result but not the performance. At times we played good football and are improving. But we need to be more clinical and ruthless.

"That was also the case when we played Manchester United here. In the final third, we must show more aggression. But it is a long season and we are learning.

"We could also have avoided both goals we conceded. We have enough height at the back.

"The players were disappointed with themselves but there are positives I can take from the game."

Danny Murphy tried his luck early on with a volley that went well wide but Stewart Downing took centre stage as Villa started to dominate.

The winger saw a low shot parried by Mark Schwarzer with Darren Bent offside as he tucked home the rebound.

But on 13 minutes Downing's cross pressurised Pantsil and he could only head past Schwarzer with Gabby Agbonlahor lurking.

Former Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell had Fulham's first shot on goal after 18 minutes but Brad Friedel was equal to his swerving 20-yarder.

A mistake by Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov allowed Moussa Dembele a free run at the penalty area. But, after the ball broke to Damien Duff, Villa left-back Ciaran Clark was alert to block his low shot.

Sidwell was only just wide of the target with a low shot which had Friedel scrambling across his goal.

Another error from Petrov played Jean Makoun into trouble and Dembele tried to take advantage but James Collins made the block.

Sidwell brought down Petrov 30 yards out in a central position. Downing's shot was blocked but Makoun's follow-up effort was only just wide.

Villa began the second half on top and Schwarzer held on to a drive from Agbonlahor before Bent wasted a good chance.

Sidwell ralled for Fulham and his low attempt was deflected behind by James Collins.

But after 52 minutes former Birmingham striker Johnson brought Fulham level.

Friedel parried another shot from Sidwell and Johnson was first to react to the rebound.

Clark could have restored Villa's lead immediately but failed to make clean contact with his header from Downing's centre. Agbonlahor then teed up Young who sliced his shot wide.

A long-range strike from Walker after 72 minutes restored Villa's lead. The on-loan Tottenham player had time to line up a 30-yard shot which flew past Schwarzer into the corner of the net.

But with 12 minutes left, Fulham levelled for the second time as Dempsey got to Murphy's corner before Friedel to nod into an empty net.

And Villa needed Friedel to be at his best to keep hold of a point with a minute left when he blocked Johnson's powerful drive.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Walker, Dunne, Collins, Clark, Petrov (Albrighton 83), Makoun, Downing, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor (Heskey 86), Bent. Subs not used: Marshall, Pires, Delfouneso, Reo-Coker, Cuellar. Booked: Ashley Young, Petrov, Makoun. Goals: Pantsil 13 og, Walker 72.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil (Salcido 62), Hughes, Hangeland, Baird, Duff (Davies 67), Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey, Dembele, Johnson (Gudjohnsen 90). Subs not used: Stockdale, Gera, Kakuta, Greening. Booked: Murphy, Baird. Goals: Johnson 52, Dempsey 78.

Att: 35,899

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

[White Noise]

HUGHES: MURPHY CAN BE TOP-10 HIT





Fulham boss Mark Hughes believes has identified skipper Danny Murphy as the man who can drive his side to a top-10 finish.

The Cottagers have revived their fortunes in recent weeks after being too close to the bottom of the table for comfort.

But even through their lean times, 33-year-old Murphy was a consistent performer and he drew praise from Hughes and his former boss Gerard Houllier after Saturday's 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.

Hughes said: "Danny was excellent again. He has been really consistent this year in fairness.

"Early in the season, we weren't getting many plaudits because we were struggling to pick up points.

"Right through the season from the start to now, Danny has put consistently excellent performances together.

"He has driven the team on. At the moment we are getting positive results and people are recognising the job that Danny has done this year."

Houllier, who was Murphy's boss at Liverpool, said: "I thought Danny Murphy was good. I am sorry to say that!

"Danny is playing with his head. I understand why they gave him a new contract because he is a tremendous passer.

"I know Danny and he's always looked after himself. He's not a silly boy, he loves the game and he wants to play."

Fulham have won only one of their last 31 away games but there were encouraging signs at Villa Park as they twice recovered to earn a share of the spoils.

An own goal from John Pantsil and Kyle Walker's first ever league goals were cancelled out by Andrew Johnson and Clint Dempsey.

Hughes said: "In our games now, we finish stronger. That is a quality that has been growing since we came into the New Year.

"We are playing well, driving games, and trying to ask questions of the opposition.

"We have to keep picking up points because we want to get into that top half of the table.

"If results had been a little bit more as we expected this weekend, then possibly we would have been in that top 10 position already.

"But we are happy enough with where we are at the moment, we are playing well and picking up points."

Fulham's former Villa midfielder, Steve Sidwell, said: "The need to improve their away record was drummed into the boys as soon as I went there.

"Craven Cottage is a fortress, but we need to pick up points away and slowly but surely we're doing that.

"It's something to improve and build on."

Houllier looks to have unearthed a class midfielder in Jean Makoun - a £5 million signing from Lyon - who impressed on his home league debut.

He said: "Jean is an experienced player. I thought he was tired at the end. But he is a proper link between the midfield and the strikers.

"He gets on well with everybody. He has played in the Champions League and he has caps for Cameroon.

"He'll be a good asset for the future."

Pantsil's own goal was his third of the season but Johnson's clinical finish brought Fulham level.

Walker's powerful low shot restored Villa's lead only for Dempsey to score his 10th goal of the campaign - the first time he has reached double figures.

[White Noise]

http://www.villatalk.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4195


Fulham fail to match their heroes of 1966!       

Posted by: John on Sunday, February 06, 2011 - 03:50 PM

It has been 45 years since a Fulham team won a top flight league game at Villa Park. But, although that run remains unbroken after yesterday they did come back twice to take a point that keeps them above us and us just five points clear of each of the clubs who currently hold the three relegation places at the foot of the table.

We had a much better first half than second. We played some lovely flowing football against a Fulham side which like us have through recent results put some points between themselves and the main relegation candidates. But, the second half was a different story and we always looked like needing a two goal cushion that never really looked like coming on a day when not everyone on our side was quite at the races. They came back twice from a goal down to peg us back and they looked the more likely winners at the end.

Three points would have put us mid table and just 3 wins from relative safety. We now need to go to Blackpool, show their manager that we are a big team after all and by doing so claim back the two points we dropped yesterday because two goals at home really should have been enough to have secured us a win had our defence not been so fragile. Still at least unlike others yesterday we did not lose a 4 goal lead or lose a long unbeaten run to the bottom team in our division!

By the way, players get booked for celebrating a goal in front of their own fans but yesterday we had an example of a player goading opposition fans by running in front of them after equalising and then gesticulating in their direction after celebrating in the corner with the away fans that had made the trip. But, what else would we expect from ex-Nose Johnson who has done this at Villa Park before and seems to feel he is immune from punishment? Let's hope he gets a bit of retrospective justice but I doubt that he will.

My player ratings from a game that we would have seen us go twelfth in the league and over 30 points had we won are:

Brad Friedel – 5 – A Brad day at the office for the oldest ever Aston Villa player. Brad will have been disappointed not to have pushed Sidwell's 52nd minute shot away from the goal mouth rather than back into the middle where Johnson's reaction was quicker than Dunne's as he stooped to head the ball downwards which then bounced over Brad and into the net despite Dunne's attempts to reach it. He then came off his line to try to claim the ball from a 78th minute corner but got nowhere near it as Dempsey rose all too easily between Collins and Dunne to head a second equaliser into the corner of an unguarded net and to once again expose our defensive fallibilities from corners. Brad did stop a 17th minute Sidwell shot that appeared to move in the wind or did it hit him? But, he did do very well to block an 88th minute Johnson effort with his legs that had "late winner" written all over it.

Kyle Walker - 8 – A place in the England squad and a goal that deserved to win any match. Kyle was at his best yesterday, he linked well with Downing, showed good pace when moving forward and unlike his defensive colleagues gave no cause for defensive anxiety. Ran from just inside his own half past Sidwell before hitting a screamer from at least 30 yards that found its way into the corner of the net for what should have been our winner.

Richard Dunne – 5 – His lack of pace is an ongoing concern this season and he needs to see whether he can step up a gear again to give us the level of performance that he produced so consistently last season.

James Collins – 5 – This was strikingly different from his man of the match against Manchester City. Neither he nor Dunne looked at all confident or accomplished in the centre of our defence.

Ciaran Clark - 6 – A couple of lapses of concentration one of which led to possession being lost and not regained prior to their first equaliser. Should have been on target with an unchallenged header on 53 minutes that he miscued from a good Downing cross. But, our soon to be Irish international is doing a job that does not come naturally to him.

Stewart Downing – 8 – The best of our forward players by some way today. Some very good runs and some very decent crosses as demonstrated with a great cross with the outside of his foot that just eluded Bent's head but not Pantsil's who applied a splendid finish to put us ahead on 13 minutes and to claim his third own goal of the season.

Stiliyan Petrov – 5 – Did not make much of an impression on this one and looked weary in the last half an hour again. Might just have had a cunning plan on 72 minutes though when he fed the ball back to Walker who then went on the run that led to our second goal rather than pump it forward as he was being invited to by us!

Jean Makoun – 9 – MOTM – Rarely put a pass astray or was caught in possession. He shows foresight and has the ability that only highest quality players have of instinctively seeming to know what he will do with the ball before he actually gets it. Nice one touch football and an eye for a pass as shown when he fed Downing for our opener. Our man of the match by a county mile!

Ashley Young - 6 – Quiet today and looked better when wide as for me he always does.

Gabby Agbonlahor – 5 – He really looks out of place out wide and unhappy to be there. Hit a decent ball through to Bent that was just too long for him on 39 minutes and then found Ash well on the edge of the box whose effort went wide under challenge on 57 minutes. His one shot on target was not caught right and was easily gathered by their keeper.

Darren Bent – 6 – Inches away from scoring an opener on 6 minutes when Downing went on a good run and hit a shot from the edge of the box that Schwarzer was only able to push out for Darren to pounce and put into the net but to be adjudged very marginally offside. Lacked service and what he had proved often just beyond his reach such as on 69 minutes when a decent Downing ball in just passed out of his reach. Screwed a shot wide at the start of the second half that he might have done better to have taken a touch on rather than to hit it first time.

Substitutes:

Marc Albrighton – Unlucky not to have started for me replaced Petrov on 83 minutes and did not have enough time to make a real impression or to earn a rating.

Emile Heskey – Replaced Gabby on 86 minutes. It would have been nice to see how he might have gone playing alongside Bent today but he was on too late to demonstrate that or to rate.

Up the Villa!
John Lewis

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http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/02/proving_a_point.php

Proving a Point


Posted by Phil Mison 6 hours, 59 minutes ago


© mirroruk

Winning home games and nicking draws on the road is all we can ask for cementing our position in the Premiership. Hughes keeps Fulham moving in the right directon at Villa.

We'll start with the laurels. Big shout out to David Stockdale for breaking into the England squad. Recognition well deserved for his composed attitude when getting his chance. Fulham have a world class keeper waiting in the wings who is good for the next ten years if we keep him sweet. And well done to Dempsey for his 10th goal of a very impressive season. Braveheart as ever totally committed, going in hard where it hurts to thunder home our second equaliser with his head. Even when not having an outstanding game, Clint continues to show his value to the cause. What a return we've had from the Texan since 2007 for an outlay of just £1.5 million.

I don't think we'll be hearing from the cocky Villa posters in a hurry who predicted a comfortable home win. Although we failed to break our duck on this ground, only a desperate block by Friedel with his legs at the death denied AJ a winner we might just have deserved for our spirited response to twice going behind. On paper Houllier's side have relied on a fluke of an own goal from the accident-prone Pants and a wonder blast from distance by the full-back. Walker won't repeat that in a hurry I'll wager. As for 'superstar' Bent, apart from his early off-side effort - close call - he was kept very quiet by our immaculate defence. How many times was Schwarzer really tested?

From a neutral's perspective a draw was about right. As predicted Villa moved the ball out to the wings at every opportunity. Downing was the danger against our makeshift left-back. Hughes understandably switched Baird in the 2nd half, sacrificed John, and asked Salcido to try and shackle Downing. We just about got away with it, and late on the tide turned.

The home fans were getting restless as they realised Fulham had turned up to make a game of it. Petrov and Makoun both faded while Sidwell and Danny got stronger. If Villa took the first half, the 2nd belonged to the Whites. Sidwell did what I asked of him, testing Freidel from range. The 39 year-old has been a fantastic fixture in the Prem for so long now, but he didn't show up well for either goal. That should not detract however from two brave headers by the Fulham boys to make sure they were first to the ball.

Not sure why Kakuta didn't get on the pitch. Felt he could have made the difference late on, especially as Moussa looked a little tentative after taking a whack on his ankle before half-time.

Man of the match honours among the travelling support divided opinion. Sidwell, AJ and Brede all got votes. Top marks though for the Black and White Army, we made plenty of noise and enjoyed celebrating the two goals at 'our' end.

On a bumper weekend for goals and incident, let's end talking penalties. Phil Dowd was at it again at St James Park, penalising Arsenal twice and putting United back in the game. He was on the spot and decisive last Sunday in our favour against Spurs. Tell me this. If the challenges yesterday by Koscielny and Rosicky were deemed foul play, can the referee from Wednesday along with his pitiful linesman please explain why assualts on Brede in the box went unpunished. Does the addition of numerous bodies around such incidents inside the box render officials blind for some reason? A foul is a foul on every part of the pitch. Ref Mike Jones stay behind and write out 100 times.

Hughes is certainly tempering a new mood at the club. No longer the fatherly approach of Uncle Roy, not that Hodgson didn't get results that way. He's stated Bobby is not going to march straight back into the side and that Pants has to work hard for a new contract. He's denied Gera a move away, is not afraid to keep Stockdale on ice, and has really added competition for places with his loanees. Talk about keeping the players on their toes. If Hughes gets it right and results keep improving, we could see Fulham turning into a very steely proposition in the Prem. That's a word rarely associated with FFC since our elevation. Villa fans turned up yesterday, looked at our away record, and settled back for their customary win. We gave them a run for their money. Now let's do the same to our next opponents...Yes, you know who.

COYW - Top 10 finish and a good Cup run is on the cards!
Twitter@fulhamphil

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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/02/06/loaner-report-2611/


Loaner Report 2/6/11

Filed under: General — timmyg @ 3:16 pm


It's back!

It's crazy to think that not a single player was loaned out during the first part of the season, as that may be a record for Fulham.

Anyway, Eddie Johnson re-joins the loaner ranks for the third time in his illustrious 3 year stint with the club. Also joining is youngin' Keanu Marsh-Brown.

Eddie Johnson started and played 90 minutes in Preston North End's 4-0 loss to Bristol City on Saturday. He had 4 shots, none on goal.

Keanu Marsh-Brown started and played 62 minutes in MK Dons' 2-2 tie at Sheffield Wednesday.