FoF MOTM Man United 3 v 2 Fulham and post match thread = Berge

[Matt10]

I've watched the sequence again. Yes, Sess is out wide covering Diallo after Raul's put no pressure on Martinez who switched the ball to him. Then Kevin's fallen asleep with Mazraoui's first time pass to Bruno. Bassey is way too tight, looked a fool, and doubled down on being a fool in trying to tackle with his nearest foot (right) rather than his left that has a higher chance of deflecting the path of the ball.

Regarding Sesko, it's not that he wasn't marked, in fact, he's in between Castagne and Andersen. It's a position for a perfect cross into his stride for another headed chance (hit the post earlier), but Bruno's brilliance was sending it low and behind the momentum of the defenders.

Despite all that, Andersen still manages to get in front, and with the ball being behind Sesko - there's only one direction his shot can go. Leno seems prepared for a near post shot, yet when the shot is struck, it's not super powerful, but Leno just drops to his knees. Furthermore, despite my praise for him as MOTM, Berge is in a position to at least try a slide tackle/deflection.

So that's a complete defensive breakdown - not one individual. It starts from the front with Raul all the way to Leno being fooled. By no means do I think any player was terrible, but I definitely think there was lack of effort in the wrong moments in each of the goals we conceded.   

[Sgt Fulham]

My god United fans are the most insufferable of the bunch. You'd think they had won the Champions League.

[SimonDaviesEnjoyer]

Sadly  after scoring a wonder goal to take us level , we simply weren't good enough to retain the status quo . We fell short because we are not good enough . I hate saying it but it's a fact

Hard disagree. By and large the team was the equal of United and the scoreline flattered them in the end.

[DadCreature]

I've watched the sequence again. Yes, Sess is out wide covering Diallo after Raul's put no pressure on Martinez who switched the ball to him. Then Kevin's fallen asleep with Mazraoui's first time pass to Bruno. Bassey is way too tight, looked a fool, and doubled down on being a fool in trying to tackle with his nearest foot (right) rather than his left that has a higher chance of deflecting the path of the ball.

Regarding Sesko, it's not that he wasn't marked, in fact, he's in between Castagne and Andersen. It's a position for a perfect cross into his stride for another headed chance (hit the post earlier), but Bruno's brilliance was sending it low and behind the momentum of the defenders.

Despite all that, Andersen still manages to get in front, and with the ball being behind Sesko - there's only one direction his shot can go. Leno seems prepared for a near post shot, yet when the shot is struck, it's not super powerful, but Leno just drops to his knees. Furthermore, despite my praise for him as MOTM, Berge is in a position to at least try a slide tackle/deflection.

So that's a complete defensive breakdown - not one individual. It starts from the front with Raul all the way to Leno being fooled. By no means do I think any player was terrible, but I definitely think there was lack of effort in the wrong moments in each of the goals we conceded.   

we went all offense at the end. Our better defenders were out.  This is what happens.  We scored. Twice.  But we gave up a goal.  More importantly, VAR ****** us again.

[HV71]

Sadly  after scoring a wonder goal to take us level , we simply weren't good enough to retain the status quo . We fell short because we are not good enough . I hate saying it but it's a fact

Hard disagree. By and large the team was the equal of United and the scoreline flattered them in the end.

I don't necessarily disagree  with what you said but if you can't see out seven minutes or so , at this level , then you will never win anything . We defended badly from front to back

[FFC1987]

I've watched the sequence again. Yes, Sess is out wide covering Diallo after Raul's put no pressure on Martinez who switched the ball to him. Then Kevin's fallen asleep with Mazraoui's first time pass to Bruno. Bassey is way too tight, looked a fool, and doubled down on being a fool in trying to tackle with his nearest foot (right) rather than his left that has a higher chance of deflecting the path of the ball.

Regarding Sesko, it's not that he wasn't marked, in fact, he's in between Castagne and Andersen. It's a position for a perfect cross into his stride for another headed chance (hit the post earlier), but Bruno's brilliance was sending it low and behind the momentum of the defenders.

Despite all that, Andersen still manages to get in front, and with the ball being behind Sesko - there's only one direction his shot can go. Leno seems prepared for a near post shot, yet when the shot is struck, it's not super powerful, but Leno just drops to his knees. Furthermore, despite my praise for him as MOTM, Berge is in a position to at least try a slide tackle/deflection.

So that's a complete defensive breakdown - not one individual. It starts from the front with Raul all the way to Leno being fooled. By no means do I think any player was terrible, but I definitely think there was lack of effort in the wrong moments in each of the goals we conceded.   

Agree with most of that other than the genius ball in being genius, off balance and dragged, combined with still, the complete lack of marking. Andersen doesn't even look at any point, where the lone striker for United is. Timmy arguably is watching the man running in late whereas Andersen is just darting into the space but at no point tracking the lone striker. That's shoddy defending, I can't accept any other review of that. Sorry.

[Matt10]

I've watched the sequence again. Yes, Sess is out wide covering Diallo after Raul's put no pressure on Martinez who switched the ball to him. Then Kevin's fallen asleep with Mazraoui's first time pass to Bruno. Bassey is way too tight, looked a fool, and doubled down on being a fool in trying to tackle with his nearest foot (right) rather than his left that has a higher chance of deflecting the path of the ball.

Regarding Sesko, it's not that he wasn't marked, in fact, he's in between Castagne and Andersen. It's a position for a perfect cross into his stride for another headed chance (hit the post earlier), but Bruno's brilliance was sending it low and behind the momentum of the defenders.

Despite all that, Andersen still manages to get in front, and with the ball being behind Sesko - there's only one direction his shot can go. Leno seems prepared for a near post shot, yet when the shot is struck, it's not super powerful, but Leno just drops to his knees. Furthermore, despite my praise for him as MOTM, Berge is in a position to at least try a slide tackle/deflection.

So that's a complete defensive breakdown - not one individual. It starts from the front with Raul all the way to Leno being fooled. By no means do I think any player was terrible, but I definitely think there was lack of effort in the wrong moments in each of the goals we conceded.   

Agree with most of that other than the genius ball in being genius, off balance and dragged, combined with still, the complete lack of marking. Andersen doesn't even look at any point, where the lone striker for United is. Timmy arguably is watching the man running in late whereas Andersen is just darting into the space but at no point tracking the lone striker. That's shoddy defending, I can't accept any other review of that. Sorry.

Andersen does in fact look at 93:09 and again at 93:11. As I said, the position of the striker is one where a cross into his stride is perfect and ideal. That's the most obvious and direct choice for someone to cross into. Andersen is there if that cross is played - because it has to be inch perfect. But that's why Bruno is who he is and went against that - playing a ball that throws everyone off with perfect pace that only Sesko can collect.

I have to give credit where it's due, but that's just my opinion - accept it or don't - it's the internet afterall, I'm not trying to convince anyone.

[Nero]

Well, I've discounted anyone who played in the back 4, so that narrows the choice down

[alfie]

That was some dreadful defending by us, and two of our worst players were defenders: Jedi and Cuenca. Have to say, Bassey wasn't much better than Cuenca, letting his man get that cross for the third and I've no idea what Andersen was doing for the third either.

Gutted for Kevin that his first PL goal amounted to nought. Really special goal though.

Oh well, let's smash Everton next Saturday!

Oh, and Chuk was definitely our most dangerous player so he gets the MOTM for me.

Andersen was not to blame for that goal, the ball was played behind him, he had no chance.

Don't take this personally Alfie, but that's a shocking take. We had at least two players in the box, to Uniteds one and only, and the scuffed and dragged cross managed to find him so he could take a touch, then finish. Tim and Andersen marking no one. Sure it was played out of his reach, but the point was he was so out of position and not marking, it gave Sesko so much time and space to finish.

Nothing personal about it, it's your opinion not going to argue.

[MickTheBeard]

A lot of people say we have 4 good centre backs but I think we have 4 average centre backs but not great,Anderson is slow,diop big but lacks composure,Bassey big and strong but seems brain dead when it comes to making a vital interception.When in training videos his play acting is a bit  boyish definitely not a leader of men and the Spaniard we need to persevere to see at the end of the season if he is the next step up,their definitely isn't a leader of men amongst them,and three from the same country in African nations cup is too risky at least amonth a way and a month to adjust it seems more like a holiday away,a club of our size can't have 3 on wage's missing up to 2 months the euro type players seem more professional.

[AnOldBrownie]

Went with Kevin, as that was the best moment of the match, from either team and it came from a player that has been harshly criticised by a lot of fans.

Btw, there's a mistake in the graphics. ESR didn't score a goal today, but Kevin did.

Agreed.

[Woolly Mammoth]

Man of the match Berge for me closely followed by Chuck.
The scoreline did not reflect the play, Fulham showed their ability and quality.
We did give away some soft goals which is so frustrating.
Credit to Fulham for going for the winner after the well deserved and fabulous equaliser.
Perhaps with hindsight it would been wiser with so little time left to settle for a draw.
But when your playing against 13 individuals, with the referee and VAR working in accordance with Sky's hidden agenda, it no longer becomes a level playing field
It turns my stomach to have to swallow this outcome.
But it also shows that we already have the foundations laid of a quality footballing team and that warms my heart.
But also shows that we do need another striker and midfield playmaker to add to our squad to complete the jigsaw.
There is of course room for improvement when defending set pieces and keeping depth, shape and balance in defence which shows we are not the finished article.
Nevertheless for me overall I felt I witnessed a fine performance by mighty Fulham and despite the final score, I am proud of our players.
Football can be very cruel and it does not help when the establishment achieve a result that suits their own narrative.
With certain sponsors complicit with the establishment in achieving this target in the name of greed, which is the only snake that cannot be charmed.

[KentFulham]

I find it odd people think the score flatters UTD, at no point did they look like drawing/losing.

We pulled it back out of nowhere with some moments of magic from Kevin and Raul, but defensively we were a total shambles.

Also Leno is was poor today on his positioning. I do think we need to start prepping for a new keeper for the long term

[FFCAli]

Both their 1st and 3rd goals came when we'd relaxed due to what had happened just before. The 1st one we were so relieved it wasn't a penalty and the 3rd when we were celebrating our equaliser. I think we need a good psychologist.

[KentFulham]

Fact is we have just played 3 shockers back to back, despite picking 3 points last week. We need to improve next week and that starts by dropping AR and probably Anderson

[FFC1987]

Fair play Matt and Alfie. Will have to agree to disagree on that in regards to Andersen.

I appreciate there's more going on but at any standard, leaving a man free in the box will get you conceding goals, like it did. Just how it is.

[demeant0r]

Fact is we have just played 3 shockers back to back, despite picking 3 points last week. We need to improve next week and that starts by dropping AR and probably Anderson

The only players having a shocker today were the defenders and it was Jedi and Cuenca with the majority of blame.

[AnOldBrownie]

Fact is we have just played 3 shockers back to back, despite picking 3 points last week. We need to improve next week and that starts by dropping AR and probably Anderson

The only players having a shocker today were the defenders and it was Jedi and Cuenca with the majority of blame.

While today you're not wrong...the losing goal had nothing to do with either of them.  And the two did lead to it, have been average all season. (Anderson, Bassey)

Defending in general has been poor this season.   There are too many momentary brain farts happening...players appearing to go to sleep for a second or two when the opposing team is threatening.   Not sure if it's just the players...or below average defensive coaching.

[WolverineFFC]

Fact is we have just played 3 shockers back to back, despite picking 3 points last week. We need to improve next week and that starts by dropping AR and probably Anderson

The only players having a shocker today were the defenders and it was Jedi and Cuenca with the majority of blame.

Agree on AR. He doesn't look like he trusts his recovery speed defensively and it is an issue since he has never been that good positionally.

Disagree somewhat on Cuenca. Yes, Cuenca got the better of him down the channel twice. I think that was mostly down to zero pressure on the passer more than his defending though.

[demeant0r]

Fact is we have just played 3 shockers back to back, despite picking 3 points last week. We need to improve next week and that starts by dropping AR and probably Anderson

The only players having a shocker today were the defenders and it was Jedi and Cuenca with the majority of blame.

While today you're not wrong...the losing goal had nothing to do with either of them.  And the two did lead to it, have been average all season. (Anderson, Bassey)

Defending in general has been poor this season.   There are too many momentary brain farts happening...players appearing to go to sleep for a second or two when the opposing team is threatening.   Not sure if it's just the players...or below average defensive coaching.

Well Cuenca conceded the FK for the first and then we couldn't defend a simple cross. Cuenca then moved back ever so slightly for the pass for the second which made Cunha onside. And before that Jedi making an awful clearance for the second.