We were very unsettled today, and I don't mean by the bullying nature of Stoke's tactics (although that played a part). It was the hurriedness of our play, lacking in any real direction and too often lobbing the ball in the air. Consequently Jol's plan of playing three in the middle didn't work. All three worked hard but to no real effect and with no forward creativity. Unfairly (because nobody had a good game), I'll pick on the three 'necomers' for my main comments. Senderos had a torrid time and won nothing against Crouch, which together with his lack of pace and composure made the back constantly vulnerable. Kara had an okay game but yet again his poor passes when under no pressure are difficult to comprehend. Dejagah disappointed. Although he worked hard for the team and did some decent covering his distribution was very poor. For the fourth game in a row the ref did us no favours. I was particularly incensed when Huth clearly pushed Hughes out of the way before heading against the bar, yet Mr Oliver would obviously have allowed a goal if it had gone in. Also Cameron (already booked) is not booked for a deliberate hand ball. Also Sidwell taken out (twice) just outside their box in the first half and nothing give. Also numerous elbows etc. off the ball not noticed. Huth having a kick at Berba etc. etc. That said, with a tad of more sharpness and awareness our last ten minutes effort might just have nicked a draw. Hey Ho, another day at the Brittania !!
If you're up for it, here are the MOTD video highlights - http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/stoke-1-fulham-0-motd/
C58, i agree for the most part but we needed to play a lot smarter against teams like stoke. We have the ability, just need a win ASAP!
