Mmmm now that is interesting. Psychologically a win could be immense for us, they can go and play freely against city now. Great to get a win. Well done.
At last a smile on out face Saturday afternoon! Stockdale and Woodrow showed the future. Well done to Magath to drop Bent altogether! The guy has some balls!
Glad to see you win and Holtby get another assist. I rate him highly, and thought he would be key in keeping you up. There's obviously a lot of work that still needs to be done, but it's good to see you got off the mark.
So what is the German for: "Sascha, you've had a rest for 80 minutes, now I want you run around all over the centre of the park to break up the Newcastle play as soon as they come into our half - And I want you as knackered as if you'd played 90".? Unusual position, but it worked. Could not imagine MJ doing such a thing.
Great result - delighted with the day Newcastle were very poor but Woodrow looks a talent and some good movement amongst attacking players. Kvist had a nightmare game - so many mistakes - surprised he made it to the end. Thought they were going to score from the corner he conceded d in last minute. Will see how this leaves us at the end of the season -
A Double Yeah Day. I managed to make the game and we WON. The starting line-up was a bit of a surprise and the subs weird. Not as weird though as some of Mr Webb’s decisions and the linesman on the Johnny Haynes side. A key one was the Heitinga cracker that hit the bar (not sure why/if the goal line technology was used but it looked over from where I was) and the subsequent disallowed goal. What a confidence boost that would have been for Cauley Woodrow. Which is the perfect opportunity to talk about the MOTM. Didn’t he lead the line well; intelligent lay offs, didn’t let himself get bullied and above all great energy. The ground he covered in those last ten minutes, harrying and pressing arguably ensured we got all three points. At the expense of turning this into the Cauley Woodrow column, here are his stats: Shots: 2, with 1 on target (not including his offside goal) Passes: 22/28 passes. Attacking passes: 13/17 - More than any other Fulham player Take ons: 2 attempted, 1 successful Ball recoveries: 3 - joint with Kasami Clearances: 2 Aerial duels: 13 attempted, 3 successful... Fouls committed: 2 Fouls suffered: 1 When was the last time we had a striker with so much involvement in a game? And well done Felix for retaining confidence in the young man. There is a wee criticism though. But first a confession. At an U21 game last year I was a little vocal about his shooting until that is I discovered his mum was sitting in front of me - mumbled apologies all round. And that’s the small flaw at the moment anyway - he’s not a natural goal scorer. Early on today for instance, he could have had two with a bit more determination. That does not take anything away from a mature and very professional display today however. David Stockdale was one of the starting surprises. However he ran a very close second to Cauley for my MOTM. Johnny Heitinga also put in a decent shift. William Kvist had some poor touches and worse passing but he gave stability in front of the back four. Beyond them a few dodgy performances I’m afraid. Was particularly worried about Brede in the last 20 minutes and not sure he wasn’t feeling that back injury again. Fair play to Felix. Some brave selections that in the end paid off. My last word has to be on his subs though and particularly that Dan Burn one into central midfield!?
Cottager think you summed it well. It was a selection for a fight. And what a fight it was! Woodrow showed to Bent and the rest how to lead a line! Stockdale, stability. Never seen him play with such confidence. Kvist did well despite some mistakes. Brede a worry! Overall hope for the last 8 games!
Funny, I thought Brede looked like his back might be playing him up - as a fellow sufferer you get to know the slightly pained walk. When they announced Stockdale in goal I turned to my son and said "we'll lose this now." Wrong. Best I've seen him play. Woodrow looks like he could be a real player in a couple of years. If we are in the Championship next year we could do worse than let him lead the line. Kvist - bloody liability. Passing is shocking. But I'll put it down to an off day. Holtby is superb. Shame he is only on loan but he got a hell of a reception when he was subbed which he seemed to appreciate. Hope he decides to stay whatever happens.
Blimey, if this isn't over the line ....then how unlucky can you be. please log in to view this image It was one helluva shot from Heitinga and certainly deserved to be given. Edit: The picture seems to disappear, so here's a link as well - would welcome thoughts, cos I still believe it was over: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BiyPWmCIMAASlTp.jpg
A couple of observations today. Today was a sunny day, and again the linesman on the Johnny Haynes side was facing the sun with his hand over his eyes, was he right about Sidwell being offside for the first disallowed goal. In my opinion we need to kick towards the Hammersmith first on a sunny day, and keep putting high balls out there, as there were a few times I think he was guessing and gave very few offside calls. We need to practice taking better corners, again today they were woeful. I don't understand always putting it to the near post for a flick-on, it rarely gets to a Fulham player.
I've not seen it yet, but on Final Score they said it looks over to the naked eye, but 'a smidgeon' of the ball wasn't over. Their verdict was no goal was the correct decision, but one that wouldn't have been ruled out before the introduction of goal-line technology. At least it didn't cost us the points.
MOTD was disappointing. That was a terrific game for Fulham. Full of spirit and fight but the TV seemed to be all about Newcastle! Not to worry though I'll take 3 points over a poor MOTD. Woodrow was terrific, Stockdale was grea. The finer margins of the game could not be seen more when Stockdale makes a save 1 on 1 and then 30 seconds later we score. Well done to FM for making some big calls on selection. Its nice to get a win. COYW
Felix on why he dropped Stekelenburg in favour of Stockdale: âThe idea was that Maarten is a quiet keeper and David is louder and more exciting. I thought we needed someone who gives more excitement to the players,â Magath explained. âIt was a hard decision for Maarten but he has taken it very well. Fortunately it worked and David made some excellent saves. He was very good and we can thank him for his very good performance.â Source: http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-explains-keeper-decision There was one perfect example of Stockdale doing exactly this. Late in the second half with us looking a tad nervous he clearly called for Brede to leave the ball and caught it at tummy height around the penalty spot. It all looked very simple. However but for that "shout" who knows what mayhem there might have been.
The computer says, "no". However this video says, "yes" - [video]https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/93FC38CE671056652757580894208_1655f1888b5.4.8.1586 5553723842626944.mp4?versionId=c8zn_V5l4abgGzAo1OY jAnyQ7Wopd0Zo[/video]
The happy chappy on his way home (by tube) after the game - please log in to view this image Image link: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BiyxNOIIYAAufez.jpg
I was on the way home so didn't see MOTD, but we were rubbish and got what we deserved out of the game. Nothing! We were pathetic and I'd rather have stayed at home.
Well, I won't pretend not to be glad of the points, but I hope you have a better time in the rest of your matches - particularly the ones against our fellow strugglers.
