Only watched on the box but thought we did enough for the draw. Fulham had a bit more quality than us and were definitely slicker but I thought we played with more heart. Our defence can't really cope with teams attacking at pace though. Luke Freeman was class again but I'm starting to think we are relying on him too much now to dig us out of trouble. We seem to create dozens of nearly moments rather out and out chances. Oh for a consistent striker, Sylla not the answer for me. I'd rather Connor started. Have to echo the comments about Robinson, unlucky for the goal obviously but at times he was our defence. It's a big positive he is getting a good run of games now. Overall I guess we are where we should be, maybe we've deserved a bit more. We could definitely use a win to perk things up again.
We're agreed he's not the most talented, and he was reckless yesterday - but he's scored goals this season and he's a great motivator. And besides, he's the best we can afford.
I believe that he is in the team because Holloway likes his attitude. I really don’t think we don’t have any more talented attacking options than him.
Agree about the attitude. I'm sure he has a positive effect in the dressing room. Sadly, we're not spoiled for choice on attacking options.
Hard to understand the criticism of Mackie. We all know he is a limited footballer but he gives 100% every game, gets in where it hurts and, Austin aside, scores more regularly than most of our strikers over the last few years. Agreed he had a poor game last night and was out-maneuvered by some pretty cynical Fulham tactics but we also tried with Sylla (headless chicken) Smith (dominated by their big CB in the air and therefore useless) and Washington (as usual, very persistent but just not in the right place often enough) so why JM should be taking the stick is a mystery. On the plus side our midfield trio just seem to get better and better and Robinson was a revelation at the back. We really only needed a fair share of the luck last night to take something from the game.
Fulham are a good side and play decent football. I thought we deserved a draw through our endeavour and determination not to give up. However, Mackie is looking a busted flush to me. I like his attitude and I know he's scored a bit this season, but really, he is so far off the pace, gets caught offside too often and is so clumsy. The worry for me is that we may end up saying how unlucky we have been too many times this season and end up too near the wrong end of the table. We desperately need a good centre forward and two good fullbacks.
If Washington can add shouting, exhorting the crowd, and filling in at the kids pre match entertainment when injured, he will be Super Mackie.
I agree he is a bit better. I also think they are rather similar in style and would prefer we only normally play with one of them, Washington of these 2 for me, along with Smith or Sylla, and someone who is good at getting crosses in.
I honestly can’t see any real problems at the back Lynch just needs a couple of games back I really like Baptise and Robinson Bidwell again very stable and supports well The Rat looked a bit leggy last night I maintain our midfield is as good as any other team when on song If I see any problem then it’s as simple as composure up front
Sorry cannot knock Mackie at all We know his ability but he loves the club and defends superbly We should be proud to have him This team just needs a Shane Long type of player cool and experienced A player on his way out who wants to play every week a dream of course but there must be a loan deal somewhere
I have to be honest, I'm not quite understanding this chirpy optimism. We are dropping like a stone it seems to me. Six points from 18, over six matches of which four were are home, isn't going to cut it in this league. I want to be wrong, but I find our form this month very worrying. And we have Sunderland and Bolton away, with Wolves and Sheffield United at home to come in October. Hard to forecast but we could end up with anywhere between one to four points or eight points from 12. If my pessimism were to follow through we would be in serious trouble.
Unfortunately I tend to agree with you SW Our key issue seems to be an inability to score, particularly against supposedly weaker sides. Yesterday we had a couple of excellent opportunities ourselves before Fulham scored their first, but both efforts were so tame our U9s keeper would've stopped them I would be amazed if we finished more than 3 places above the drop zone this season - we just aren't converting early promise in matches into points Our comeback against Millwall was greatly assisted by the sending off and against Burton we could've played another 90 mins without scoring Midfield looks good and the defence is definitely improving, but we urgently need at least 2 regular scorers
I think Ollie was complaining about a change in the rules which stops new loans outside the transfer windows. Think we can only bring in out of contract players now. But I also think we need a natural goal scorer, Sylla hasn't yet repeated last season's form, and an experienced CB.
That’s good, a lot of players I really like are out of contract. Of course they are also drawing their pension. Or dead.
I don't see the improvement in defence. We couldn't cope with Millwall, Burton or Barnsley when they had a go at us, and judging by the commentary and extended highlights of last night's game, it looks like Fulham pulled us apart frequently. I think we do need a natural regular goal scorer, but also an experienced CB, even if the injured defenders all were to get back soon.
I agree that is a concern. Watching us drop today has not been fun. I hope we do not rue dropping the (allegedly) easy points at home. Nevertheless we were unlucky last night.That might change if the team continue with the same level of application since good luck tends to follow hard work.
