Fulham away match day thread

[KegCity]

4 minutes ago, bexhill reds said:

Mostly because that is the reason. We are a well run club that made a £36m loss, Fulham, Bournemouth and West Brom will get more than that as ungenerated income. There is no way that Fulham to keep hold of Mitrovic without that cash.

True, doesn’t excuse the schoolboy defending that gifted them a win. All 6 goals were easily preventable.

[Curr Avon]

2 minutes ago, Lorenzos Only Goal said:

Semenyo BRACE! 

 

Terrible on crosses.

[Sleepy1968]

4 minutes ago, Northern Red said:

They might as well ring him anyway and let him rant down the phone for 10 minutes even though it won't be broadcast. Keeps him happy and means no one else has to suffer it.

There will just be a slightly longer rant on the Forever Bristol City Podcast. Got to pity @headhunter.

[054123]

3 minutes ago, Lorenzos Only Goal said:

Semenyo BRACE! 

 

Enjoy it, it’s your last chance anyhow!

[Pippintogg]

What does COD bring to the team? Awful today. Particularly defensively. One great goal away at Norwich, that's it for me. 45 goals shipped in now. Defensively we are terrible. We all know why Fulham are where they are but we are so weak physically. On to Cardiff. 

[bexhill reds]

Just now, Super said:

In a one off game it isn't. It's a convenient excuse.

It’s not an excuse though it is a fact. Sometimes you play teams that are streets ahead of you, this was one of them. Why are Fulham that far ahead, why are they able to recruit players like they have, why are they able to keep the players they have?
 

We gave them a game for 20mins or so, which is something to build on. Fulham won’t lose too many games this season playing like that

[eardun]

5 minutes ago, M.D said:

Take this out on Cardiff

Cardiff game is massive. We could go 10 points above them - or 4.

[Bar BS3]

Hard to read too much into that end result. 

Fulham are one of the divisions elite - but conceding 6 is never OK in a league match. 

First 30 mins seemed so positive - yet it was only a matter of time until Fulham over powered us.

Happy to write this on off.... As long as we get some positive results in the upcoming matches. 

6 games up next that SHOULD all be winnable. 

I'd expect us to get an absolute minimum of 8 points from those 6 games - should really be hoping for 10 points from them, but let's set an achievable target. 

If we can't return that, that you can't really point to any tangible improvement atall. 

Better that and we'll be heading nicely to safety target. 

Let's judge ourselves against the middle pack of the division, rather than the elite ones, where any result can be classed as a bonus. 

Still utterly unsure about NP, but let's judge more after the next 6 games. 

[Super]

1 minute ago, bexhill reds said:

It’s not an excuse though it is a fact. Sometimes you play teams that are streets ahead of you, this was one of them. Why are Fulham that far ahead, why are they able to recruit players like they have, why are they able to keep the players they have?
 

We gave them a game for 20mins or so, which is something to build on. Fulham won’t lose too many games this season playing like that

Let's just concede the game before then if we can't compete. Anyway let's move on.

[bexhill reds]

4 minutes ago, KegCity said:

True, doesn’t excuse the schoolboy defending that gifted them a win. All 6 goals were easily preventable.

I’d argue that 2 were preventable, and Vyner aside, the defenders mostly did ok, Fulham had too much movement and guile.

[bexhill reds]

Just now, Super said:

Let's just concede the game before then if we can't compete. Anyway let's move on.

Did you honestly think we’d win? Someone else described the first half today as is being like a boxer who was so outclassed they came out punching, I think that was a pretty accurate description. We certainly gave them a game for 20-25 mins.

Surely you must agree that parachute payments make this league more difficult each season we’re in it?

[Super]

2 minutes ago, bexhill reds said:

Did you honestly think we’d win? Someone else described the first half today as is being like a boxer who was so outclassed they came out punching, I think that was a pretty accurate description. We certainly gave them a game for 20-25 mins.

Surely you must agree that parachute payments make this league more difficult each season we’re in it?

I thought we may get a point. Derby did recently and Luton.

 

[054123]

It’ll be interesting to hear the match reports from those who went

[Bodiesaffer]

Move on. 

[WECANDO]

14 minutes ago, Curr Avon said:

Terrible on crosses.

Said that to my lad that we were weak in the air by leaving out Atkinson. Atkinson did well afainst Mitrovic last Saturday.

[KegCity]

8 minutes ago, bexhill reds said:

I’d argue that 2 were preventable, and Vyner aside, the defenders mostly did ok, Fulham had too much movement and guile.

? Two goals came from standing off a man to let them run in and curl it, all of mitrovic’s goals came from shit organisation at the back. Kalas and Vyner can’t deal with aerial pressure.

[KegCity]

“Fulham are a good side” is no excuse for any of the goals conceded today. Completely fell apart at 2-2 after matching Fulham for the first half hour. If you stand off the opposition and let them pass it round you you’ll get punished, whether you’re playing Fulham or Manor Farm.

[WECANDO]

2 minutes ago, KegCity said:

? Two goals came from standing off a man to let them run in and curl it, all of mitrovic’s goals came from shit organisation at the back. Kalas and Vyner can’t deal with aerial pressure.

Thats why I felt Atkinson should have started.

[bexhill reds]

1 minute ago, KegCity said:

? Two goals came from standing off a man to let them run in and curl it, all of mitrovic’s goals came from shit organisation at the back. Kalas and Vyner can’t deal with aerial pressure.

I think Mitrovic was very cute, the first goal was a foul but disguised it well, the corner was clever by Fulham as they blocked off O’Dowda who was tracking him, and the 3rd came from him picking that ball up in a position you would not expect him to be in. I’d agree about Vyner, aerially he is poor, leaving Kalas with too much to do in that department.    

[chinapig]

6 minutes ago, Super said:

I thought we may get a point. Derby did recently and Luton.

 

One thing Rooney has proved is that he knows how to organise a defence. Nigel has yet to do the same with ours.

[bexhill reds]

Just now, chinapig said:

One thing Rooney has proved is that he knows how to organise a defence. Nigel has yet to do the same with ours.

He certainly has not found the correct combination of the resources available, we could do with a take no shit centre half, Baker could be it, but clearly concerns with the head injuries.

[RedM]

Pearson came over and clapped the fans after the match, I've only missed one away match and I've never seen him to that. He also waved the players to come over and do the same 

[redsquirrel]

nige is missing one of his 2 main defenders.cant expect kalas to do it all. time to part company with baker and bring  in another decent partner for kalas if atkinson cant do it regularly

[KegCity]

3 minutes ago, bexhill reds said:

I think Mitrovic was very cute, the first goal was a foul but disguised it well, the corner was clever by Fulham as they blocked off O’Dowda who was tracking him, and the 3rd came from him picking that ball up in a position you would not expect him to be in. I’d agree about Vyner, aerially he is poor, leaving Kalas with too much to do in that department.    

They’ve both been piss poor with dealing with crosses since Holden took charge. Can dress it up however you like but mitrovic wasn’t challenged at any point today.

I wasn’t expecting anything today, but if you defend like that against anyone you’ll get beat. Such a shame after the first half hour where it looked like we’d turned a corner

[Supersonic Robin]

Well, today felt like it was going to be a bit of a free hit. That said, still shouldn't be conceding 6 against a side in the same division as you.

Worth noting that Fulham seemed to bring their shooting boots today - on another day I'm not sure that their chances would have produced 6 goals. Perhaps a testament to the incredible talent within their squad too. *Insert criticism of parachute payments*

Contrary to popular belief ("We urgently need to sign a striker!"), we continue to be limited by our defending more than anything else IMO. Only Peterborough have conceded more than us this season (Reading have also conceded the same number as us). It's the number of "soft" goals conceded that frustrates most.

Saw a number of posters referencing the results of Derby, P'boro, Reading etc during the game - I'm still confident that we'll stay up, and that it's entirely in our hands.
Hopefully we can bounce back for the Cardiff game next weekend.

[chinapig]

Just now, bexhill reds said:

He certainly has not found the correct combination of the resources available, we could do with a take no shit centre half, Baker could be it, but clearly concerns with the head injuries.

Agreed that should be the priority this window. Though I can't see anyone coming in unless somebody leaves.

Perhaps Stoke could spare us one of their 42 centre halves?

[eardun]

5 minutes ago, chinapig said:

One thing Rooney has proved is that he knows how to organise a defence. Nigel has yet to do the same with ours.

He has had more defensive experience at his disposal though. We are too reliant on younger players or attackers playing at wing back in my view.  

[chinapig]

Just now, eardun said:

He has had more defensive experience at his disposal though. We are too reliant on younger players or attackers playing at wing back in my view.  

Yep, fair comment. I'd take Curtis Davies like a shot for instance.

He has still done a remarkable job with limited resources though.

[Top Robin]

DaSilva is as bad on the right as he is on the left

[eardun]

3 minutes ago, chinapig said:

Yep, fair comment. I'd take Curtis Davies like a shot for instance.

He has still done a remarkable job with limited resources though.

Agree. They’ve let in 24. We’ve let in 45. Only Posh have conceded more than us. Needs to be the priority this window. 

[KegCity]

Talk of signing a striker is nonsense. Desperately need a secure back line.

[East Londoner]

8 minutes ago, Top Robin said:

DaSilva is as bad on the right as he is on the left

Should’ve had a penalty though 

2 minutes ago, KegCity said:

Talk of signing a striker is nonsense. Desperately need a secure back line.

And a midfield 

[Southport Red]

1 hour ago, Super said:

Nobody agrees with it but it can be used as a lazy excuse at times.

Well, maybe. However it remains a fact that Mitrovic probs cost more than our team. 

[KegCity]

3 minutes ago, East Londoner said:

 

And a midfield 

Scott, Massengo and King weren’t looking too bad aside from standing off the guys shooting from range. Bizarre call from Pearson to take Massengo off and take away the legs in the side.

[bcfc01]

17 minutes ago, Supersonic Robin said:

 

Worth noting that Fulham seemed to bring their shooting boots today - on another day I'm not sure that their chances would have produced 6 goals. Perhaps a testament to the incredible talent within their squad too. *Insert criticism of parachute payments*

 

They had 8 shots on target, we had 5. Only they scored six of those eight...

[East Londoner]

2 minutes ago, KegCity said:

Scott, Massengo and King weren’t looking too bad aside from standing off the guys shooting from range. Bizarre call from Pearson to take Massengo off and take away the legs in the side.

It’s days like today we miss Joe Williams, remember in the return fixture how he changed the game when he came on. We need a midfielder who’s legs haven’t gone and who can put himself about as Fulham played through us too many times today 

[Mr Popodopolous]

I certainly thought one of their goals could have been seen as a foul- but we lost to a much better side, yet our 2 goals were really well worked- great breakaway/quick transition and finish,

Edited January 15, 2022 by Mr Popodopolous

[AshtonGreat]

31 minutes ago, Supersonic Robin said:

Well, today felt like it was going to be a bit of a free hit. That said, still shouldn't be conceding 6 against a side in the same division as you.

Worth noting that Fulham seemed to bring their shooting boots today - on another day I'm not sure that their chances would have produced 6 goals. Perhaps a testament to the incredible talent within their squad too. *Insert criticism of parachute payments*

Contrary to popular belief ("We urgently need to sign a striker!"), we continue to be limited by our defending more than anything else IMO. Only Peterborough have conceded more than us this season (Reading have also conceded the same number as us). It's the number of "soft" goals conceded that frustrates most.

Saw a number of posters referencing the results of Derby, P'boro, Reading etc during the game - I'm still confident that we'll stay up, and that it's entirely in our hands.
Hopefully we can bounce back for the Cardiff game next weekend.

It shouldn't have felt like that, considering Preston, Derby and Sheff United have all got results against Fulham recently

[Supersonic Robin]

29 minutes ago, chinapig said:

One thing Rooney has proved is that he knows how to organise a defence. Nigel has yet to do the same with ours.

 

14 minutes ago, eardun said:

Agree. They’ve let in 24. We’ve let in 45. Only Posh have conceded more than us. Needs to be the priority this window. 

Re WRDC, worth bearing in mind that (IIRC) their underlying numbers going forward are some of the worst in the league. Their defensive solidity has come at the expense of attacking threat.

In fact, I think their xGA (expected goals against) is worse than one might expect too. Bit of a statistical miracle that they've not conceded more.

[Malago]

3 minutes ago, AshtonGreat said:

It shouldn't have felt like that, considering Preston, Derby and Sheff United have all got results against Fulham recently

Yes, but those were before they had a 2/3 week break due to postponements.  They’ve come back much stronger after their enforced rest.

[Mr Popodopolous]

2 minutes ago, Malago said:

Yes, but those were before they had a 2/3 week break due to postponements.  They’ve come back much stronger after their enforced rest.

Yep- good point. Probably the deepest squad in the division, a nice break- they won at us with a fair few changes but calling on some of the cavalry, hit 7 at Reading and then today- they'll hammer better sides than us, already have tbh given the 7-0 at Blackburn!

[cidercity1987]

Absolutely pathetic defending for the majority of those goals, all avoidable.  Odowda and Vyner the prime culprits

I'm a big fan of OLeary but he seemed to get nowhere near any of them, a problem with his positioning?

Edited January 15, 2022 by cidercity1987

[fairweather]

46 minutes ago, Top Robin said:

DaSilva is as bad on the right as he is on the left

I spent the first 20 minutes thinking he was playing right back and wondering where he was. 

Neither he nor O’Dowda gave any cover to the back 3. I assumed he was there to track Cabano but we were open down that side the whole first half (as well as through the middle and down the other side a bit too)

[northsomersetred]

Warning bad language

 

 

[The Dolman Pragmatist]

Just for once I don’t feel at all critical of Pearson, nor of the team for that matter.  If Fulham aren’t already intimidating enough, we went in with a severely weakened team (Dasilva at left back?) and people should give our players some credit for keeping the margin to only four goals.  And I hate to see any player who’s come up through our academy subject to vitriol and abuse, so give Zak Vyner a break, eh?

[Merrick's Marvels]

16 minutes ago, northsomersetred said:

Warning bad language

 

 

Standard gallows humour. Nothing to see here. Next. 

[KegCity]

20 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Just for once I don’t feel at all critical of Pearson, nor of the team for that matter.  If Fulham aren’t already intimidating enough, we went in with a severely weakened team (Dasilva at left back?) and people should give our players some credit for keeping the margin to only four goals.  And I hate to see any player who’s come up through our academy subject to vitriol and abuse, so give Zak Vyner a break, eh?

?

[EstoniaTallinnRed]

4 hours ago, Red Ferret said:

Try logging out and back in again. That sorted a similar issue for me the other week 

Thanks, I sorted it out in the end, although, I wish I hadn't after that result. It turned out that as Robins TV was only available for overseas the audio was only the commentary and not as usual the RB one and they did start the audio later than usual. this is the first time I have used the phone app for the commentary and wasn't used to hearing the prattle from the TV boys.

[EstoniaTallinnRed]

1 hour ago, KegCity said:

Talk of signing a striker is nonsense. Desperately need a secure back line.

Quite right, you build a good team from the back.

[Sleepy1968]

4 minutes ago, EstoniaTallinnRed said:

Thanks, I sorted it out in the end, although, I wish I hadn't after that result. It turned out that as Robins TV was only available for overseas the audio was only the commentary and not as usual the RB one and they did start the audio later than usual. this is the first time I have used the phone app for the commentary and wasn't used to hearing the prattle from the TV boys.

Its bad enough with a picture to go alongside it. I doubt you had much idea where the ball was for 90% of the game.

[EstoniaTallinnRed]

1 minute ago, Sleepy1968 said:

Its bad enough with a picture to go alongside it. I doubt you had much idea where the ball was for 90% of the game.

Wasn't it in our net!

[Reigate Red]

10 hours ago, cityexile said:

For whatever reason we are a bogey side for them at home, so who knows?

I think it was picked today and flicked back at us 

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Just for once I don’t feel at all critical of Pearson, nor of the team for that matter.  If Fulham aren’t already intimidating enough, we went in with a severely weakened team (Dasilva at left back?) and people should give our players some credit for keeping the margin to only four goals.  And I hate to see any player who’s come up through our academy subject to vitriol and abuse, so give Zak Vyner a break, eh?

See, I think Nige deserves a bit of stick tonight for exposing Vyner to pick up Mitrovic.  I’m not down about 1 result in a context of 26 league games, I got to shout rather loudly on two occasions today, and again when we should’ve got a penalty at 2-3 down.

Edited January 15, 2022 by Davefevs

[RedM]

It's HT but I made it! Bears I understand are winning so I might just see a bit of happiness today

[daored]

58 minutes ago, RedM said:

It's HT but I made it! Bears I understand are winning so I might just see a bit of happiness today

@RedMthats some going

[bcfc01]

2 hours ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Just for once I don’t feel at all critical of Pearson, nor of the team for that matter.  If Fulham aren’t already intimidating enough, we went in with a severely weakened team (Dasilva at left back?) and people should give our players some credit for keeping the margin to only four goals.  And I hate to see any player who’s come up through our academy subject to vitriol and abuse, so give Zak Vyner a break, eh?

Agreed.

I hope NP gives Vyner a break.

He had a mare, not for the first time.

Switches off far to often.

 

[Davefevs]

@ExiledAjax

[ExiledAjax]

14 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

@ExiledAjax

Yeh I saw the xG figures. I think it shows that we matched them for 30 minutes...and then they just went through the gears for 15, and killed the game with some very, very good finishes. And some of those were made easier by our defending.

The 6 goals mostly just gets our GA back in line with our xGA.

This was a far cry from the 6-0 Watford game last season.

Edited January 15, 2022 by ExiledAjax

[BigTone]

16 hours ago, Marina's Rolls Royce said:

Condensed version:

Your house floods

So that's why the carpet is always a tad damp

[Marina's Rolls Royce]

14 minutes ago, BigTone said:

So that's why the carpet is always a tad damp

Not necessarily- check where you've been sitting

[Red-Robbo]

Ha! Listened to a bit of the first half on Radio Bristol and then, when it was 2-2, took the dog for a long walk somewhere where there is no phone signal.

Thought to myself, 'the way Fulham are pressing it could be 5-2 at h/t'.  If there'd been a betting shop on top of the Mendips, I could've made a few bob. 

Was too scared to read the f/t score when I returned until about 8pm. 

You know, as we sometimes say if the U23s get a pasting, matches like this can teach the players and manager more than if we'd lost 3-2 but Fulham had still dominated.  A brutal lesson, yes, but still part of the learning curve: especially for young players.

And ultimately, in the fullness of things, I'd rather lose 6-2 than 4-0. Semenyo's goals and some of our forward breaks can give us hope against easier sides. 

Getting a brace yesterday and in such a fashion might open up the scoring floodgates for AS in the way I was hoping for in a recent post.  Of all the steps up in ability we've seen this season, his has been the one that's most surprised and delighted me. 

[Major Isewater]

Fulham were quick and accurate in their attacking play . Our midfield and defence were all at sea and couldn’t get near them.

We don’t have enough hard nuts in our side who refuse to let the opposition pass. Players who win over more skillful opponents with their physicality and edge. It’s a mentality thing. 
 

It was a very entertaining game of football, a shame about the result but we are light years away from Fulham as a club although the future is looking good with the youngsters getting experience at this very high level.

[pillred]

On 15/01/2022 at 16:45, Dullmoan Tone said:

This is a strange take - they are now competing each week with a team that costs a fraction of ours. They are penalised every week for the quality of players they can field but show commitment and motivation can still do well in this league. We should be thankful that teams can still overcome the PP handicap.

Yes they are playing well, but doesn't change the facts that if they somehow stay up they will have escaped sanction for past misdemeanours. I'm pretty sure when they where docked points it was to show that breaking the rules does not pay, in their case it might.   

[Davefevs]

On 15/01/2022 at 16:45, Dullmoan Tone said:

This is a strange take - they are now competing each week with a team that costs a fraction of ours. They are penalised every week for the quality of players they can field but show commitment and motivation can still do well in this league. We should be thankful that teams can still overcome the PP handicap.

I’m not sure their team does cost a fraction of ours?

Bielik £8-10m big wage

Lawtence £5m big wage

Joswiak £3.5m

Rooney £5m p.a. In wages don’t forget!

Just got rid of Marshall who was allegedly on £25k p.w, Shinnie who I saw earlier was possibly on as much as £15k p.w.

I do agree that their squad cost less than ours but not as much as you’d think….imho.

They have significant quality in their squad don’t forget….they don’t need the violins out just yet!

[BCFC Rich]

It was interesting seeing what the Fulham fans thought.

We go one up:

oh brother...down early

Great pressure by them when we have the ball

Oh well we aren't going to win 7 nil today!

they are straight onto us

They look much sharper than us

Bristol are working really hard pressing. Surely wont be able to keep this up all game

After the made it 1:1

Thank god. Please let us score the next goal.

Thank goodness

Phew. Lets hope that puts Bristol heads down and give us a kick up the backside.

We go  1:2 up:

Jesus

WTF

Ream should just haul him down there. What a strange strange goal

Appaling defending…

What a finish by that man!

For god's sake

For go

The guy got a bit lucky with the touch, but hes also super fast. I don't blame Ream entirely here.

Wtf is this game. Why has one of their youth players turned into prime Cristiano Ronaldo?

2:2 they level it:

Get in

What a game!!

We might win this one 7-6

What the hell haha

This game is so open

They go 3:2 up :

Carv?? Amazing

Oh ma goodness

Yeeeeees.3-2

Wow!! I hope that's the excitement over for this game.

Feels like there will be at least another 3 goals in this game. Really open.

After that they don't mention us much just get excited about their goals - which is understandable.  Just a few mentions:

In reference to the foul on Dasilva (I think) - Stonewall pen. So lucky.

That Semenyo bloke looks good though. I'd be having a proper scout of him

Imagine leaving Mitro, on a hattrick unmarked in the box.. what did they think would happen

They also have a thread on Semenyo: https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?topic=84683.0