Sorry but I have to get it off my chest first up - Riise was dire. I won't waste space with what he didn't do but simply offer one thought - ever wonder why Hangeland never passes to him even when he's out there on his tod and it appears the obvious pass? Right that's that done. The rest was terrific. A bit of gusto, 3 cracking goals and a fairly good one. The atmosphere was fantastic - even Diddy David got carried along, triumphantly awarding AJ a goal that wasn't. There were two especially pleasing aspects for me. The way the team played for each other and how the (Fulham) crowd responded to the players showing real commitment and desire. Well done lads. COYW
Did folks notice Jol briefing the players coming on - and celebrating goals - looked like part of the team to me. Yes I was disappointed with JAR too. I thought Deuce was quiet first half, but did better in the second. Frei tried hard, but still needs to mature physically, still a good prospect. Kasami was unlucky not to score. Some nice, quick, one touch passing.
A great performance,one of the best team efforts I have seen for a long time, lets hope it carries on into league matches. Must mention my alter ~ ego, AJ who was superb.
Gracious of you to praise AJ (and I agree with you - he was very good). It would have been easy to just say nothing. Fair play to you, Valjing.
Totally agree it was an amazing match to watch. Is jols tactics coming together now or is it cuz of weak opponents? The only gripe I have is Dickson Etuhu. Gave away the ball for their goal didn't pass too well always looking to pass back.
Riise hasn't lived up to my expectations, either. I thought his signing was genius, but he's not been very good for us, either on attack or defense. Etuhu yesterday had what I think was a typical game, by his standards. He gave the ball away at a critical moment, which led to a goal, but generally played well enough. Expecting him to play like Murphy or Sidwell is asking much too much. His role, really, is to break up the other team's attack, and he did that pretty well.
Trouble is Etuhu's distribution is woeful after his has tackled. The times I moaned last night at him passing the ball back to Wisla. He must work harder in training to rectify this. Etuhu does have a good game every so often, so he can do it. But I think we have other players who are better in that position. Like you I think Riise hasn't got back to the standard I'd expected from him. You'd have to say Konchesky was better. Kelly keeps coming in and playing well considering he doesn't get a constant place. Hangeland and Baird are beginning to get a good partnership together.
I agree with others that Riise and Etuhu stood out as being poor in a team in which the other 9 (plus the substitutes) played outstandingly well and AJ looked like he could teach Messi a thing or two. I suppose what I'm saying is, maybe they weren't that poor they just weren't playing to their best when everyone else was. Anyway, I thought it was a fantastic performance with the highlights being both AJ's goals the first because of his incredible skill and the second because it was a great team effort. If we play like that on Sunday then Spurs will have a lot to think about
I think we should start Briggs over JAR against Spurs. We could use Briggs' pace against Spurs. Maybe resting him last night indicates a plan.
Agreed that Riise hasn't lived up to his reputation and early-season promise. I also hope to see Briggs on Sunday. Etuhu looks like the latest member of our Europa-final-reaching squad to lose his way. At least years ago he'd play a safe pass after making a tackle and avoid losing posession, now he seems to make a wayward pass far to often. But he redeemed himself last night with that 'tackle'.
Riise was poor, staying up a few times exposing the defence. Generally the team played well and think AJ should be offered a new contract that is likely to accept...
