Carroll completely overshadowed Fulton in every sense of the word. I lost count of the amount of times Fulton lost the ball - which against a struggling League 2 side is criminal. He also looked unfit, similar to Shelvey, in that he didn't move well into space when we had the ball - resulting in our back four regularly not having options to pass the ball out. He would regularly point to others for people to pass to instead of trying to make himself available to receive the ball. He did put in a couple of good tackles, but I fail to remember him doing much decent with the ball, and he also stuck a leg out and blocked a certain goal from Barrow's shot. No abuse from me, but it's fair to say he had a stinker. He looked good in the PL at the end of last season though so fingers crossed it's a confidence issue, rather than a matter of ability.
To give Fulton that sort of praise, Wathan must have been smoking some extra strength rollups. The lad was not in the game - yes he hasn't played much for us but he has played in nearly 100 senior games here and in Scotland - yes I expect him to be rusty after his injury and yes so many changes made it difficult for everyone. But, just as Donnelley was getting praise heaped on him and excuses made for him so we see the same for Fulton. And, in my opinion (last season and this) he has not shown he has the ability or the potential to be a regular Premier League player, he looks out of place - as dies Donnelley. As he is coming up to 21 I would like to see him going on loan for the rest of the season to get regular first team experience in League 1 or Championship. Then he can come back and prove his detractors wrong.
That is about as close to accurate as you will get on Fulton's performance, not having a go just being honest. I commented on him being very similar to Jonjo in as much as he did little but still found time to stand around pointing to others - I just hope he hasn't been taken under Shelvey's wing.
Joint man of the match....WOW ... Wathan must have matched a few joints to say something so crazy , you cant be serious
Reading some of the posts on here I get the impression that some think our under 21 players should be able to walk into the first team and play at the level of our established players. People need to be more realistic as this is never going to be the case. Barrow for instance is showing promise but in my view needs at least ten games in the first team to start to realise his potential. Until we reach the magic 40 point mark Monk is unlikely to take a chance, unless circumstances force it, on these players.
I was almost with you there (Fulton has played nearly 100 senior games and should be showing greater awareness IMO) until, 'Until we reach the magic 40 point mark Monk is unlikely to take a chance' If we get to 40 points mid Feb I really would hope we'd go all out for a high finish - I doubt European places will be up for grabs but each place represents greater security next season, in cash terms. And players who might be looking to move (Wilf & Bafe will be looking to improve their goals tally - if still here - with possibly Montero, Siggy and Ki considering big money transfers possible) won't be happy playing out the season in a less than competitive team.
By 21st Feb - 3 pts West Ham Home 0 pts Chelsea Home 1 pt Soton Away 3 pts Sunderland Home 3 pts WBA Away 1 pt ManU Home 11 points
