Six pack Fulham tear Port Vale apart as the rain pours down at the Cottage. Warm appreciation for the returning Mickey Adams from the H block 'choir' and all credit to his side, who tried to play the game in the right manner. But Fulham on the night - unstoppable!
Maybe it was the sight of Adams in the dug out, but it felt like a throwback of ten years for Wednesday night's Carling Cup romp. Easy parking a short walk from the ground, a quick trot up to the turnstiles to pay at the gate, and once inside the Hammy End the freedom to sit where you like. For the record I was 10 rows back (just under the roof as the rain hammered down without mercy) and right behind the goal. There were three other fans in my row from a crowd under 10,000 and not one single body in my sightline between my seat and the four fabulous 1st half goals that rippled the net 10 metres in front of me.
It was fantastic! Gera's brave header from young Matthew Briggs excellent cross. The 19-year-old making his first start in place of Paul Konchesky (so we all know where he's heading). Moussa Dembele fizzing one into the bottom corner with an 18 yard cross shot. Bobby Z hammering into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles, and Gera again finding space to spin and ping a shot home off the crossbar on the stroke of half time.
Yes, Mark had made the decision to start Zoltan ahead of Demps. But on came the Yank for Dembele in the 2nd half. Not only did he notch the 6th with a fierce drive, he ran, hustled and posed a constant threat like a man desperate to make a point. Bobby stroked home an impeccable 2nd on the night with his left foot from a free-kick, and white shirts were only guilty of getting in each others way in the box as Vale could easily have shipped 10. Murphy, Duff and Gera all blazing wide from great positions.
I have yet to check the match stats, but it felt like 25 on target efforts against one real save required from the untroubled Stockdale.
Even this early into his reign, it's easy to see that Hughes - who hinted as much in his post-match interview - has added an edge to Fulham's fluent passing game. Yes, it was only Port Vale, but six goals of quality, no gifts, and all from offensive players.
More than a year since our last away win in the Prem? Blackpool here we come!
Were you there? What did you think of this latest performance?
Comments
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Posted by Adam on 08/26/2010
As a Fulham fan living in the States I appreciate your fantastic description of all of the events going on at the Cottage! This looks like it may be another special year for the Cottagers.
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Posted by Michael P on 08/26/2010
Glad to hear they looked good. I was pleased to see 6 up, and Demps in the scoreline.
Some optimism going forward, without doubt.
Two quick thoughts:
Truly, what is the impression of Clint Dempsey in London? It is said over stateside that he's a bit of a favorite player. Is that so, or is that American bias?
And second, a few days ago I left a post that was posted with the message of "huh" where I said you are not to blame Demps for Mr. Green's failure to catch... I was responding to your comment that you are now forgiving Demps for the goal... A poor attempt at a joke on my part.
Blog Central: Didn't realise comment was aimed at Green MP. In London we rate Demps for his attitude and skill levels - he was putting in a few cheeky flicks and feints last night as we were so outtasight...
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Posted by petitmonstre on 08/26/2010
Keep the faith, Phil!
Tell us what you saw of young Briggs. Konchesky is a loss, no doubt, but replaceable?
Algerian defenders don't excite much since they play not to concede even when they need to score. Pantsil and Konchesky ATTACKED v Manu.
Excellent posts lately about Murphy and Dempsey. As solid as Murphy is, his position is the biggest gap between FFC and the top teams. Agreed? And I agree that Dempsey is a "tweener"--not a true striker or a well-rounded midfielder. But his weakness is also his gift: opponents don't know how to defend him. (see: Philoctetes) I will always remember his brace against Chelsea.
Final question: no one is posting about Schwarzer, who we must agree has been excellent in recent campaigns. Can Stockdale deliver? Watching him, I wonder about fitness. Get to the gym and you'll have a long career.
Blog Central: Briggs made a classy debut, assist for 1st goal and crowd rose to him when subbed on 56. But now he's going to be understudy to Salcido. Schwarzer rumoured to have FAILED a medical at Arsenal over weekend. Kept a close eye on Stockdale in 2nd half - little to do but totally calm and assured and looks capable of being our Number 1 if necessary.
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Posted by petitmonstre on 08/26/2010
See below a post from a pool site. Happy days?
All I can say is that this is the beginning of the exodus - we are swapping good players for something sub par. Paul KonChesky is not fit to wear the Liverpool shirt - he's not a top class player, no offense to him. We have seen Aquilani leave, which I think is a shame, he should have been given a stretch in the team, and with Macherano leaving... our midfield is very weak. I don't think some of the players Hodgson has in mind are going to push Liverpool forward.
"But when Roy Hodgson shows an interest in the Fulham players he managed last season then he's not?" - perhaps Hodgson didn't have an agreement because their players are not worth stealing? It looks like we are going backward very quickly with such signings.
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Posted by Charlie on 08/26/2010
Good to see the boys bag six goals ... even if it was against Port Vale. Glad to see Bobby score twice. It's important that his confidence stays high.
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Posted by Taylor on 08/27/2010
A solid post, and thanks for the description. Personally, I'm happy to see Dembele on the scoresheet. If he can come into rich form, we'd have two big, strong strikers to play up top. Then based on the competitions Fulham is in, we could rotate the four (Big Z, Dembele, Demps, and the Hungarian Hammer) to keep them fresh.
Has there been any news on the Andy Johnson front though? If he comes back fit, what does that mean for the other four? Could Gera/Demps play out wide when Davies/Duff need a rest? There is still some concern with me over Davies fitness...need him to stay fit until December after suffering last year with injuries.
Hoping for a win this weekend at Blackpool! First match for a newly promoted squad at their home pitch...if Fulham hope to buck their trend of being TERRIBLE on the road, this would be a good start for three points.
Come on FULHAM!!!!
Blog Central: Andy J interview on FFC site today
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