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Wow! The scribes had run out of hyperbole by Wednesday praising United's demolition of Schalke, then with everyone fixated on events at the Bernabeu, up stepped Fulham with the performance of the week.
© Getty Images
Oh yes my friends, it was indeed 'just like watching Barcelona' at the Cottage as Fulham turned in their best display since the Cup tie with Spurs. Bolton could count themselves fortunate to only lose by three, but all credit to Owen Coyle for being gracious in defeat and generous in his praise of our side. In fact, Bolton more than played their part in a match that held one's attention from the off, and were still looking to attack at the death.
I am happy to hold my hands up and say, after all the brickbats thrown around for the timid effort at Wolves, Mark Hughes clearly knows far more about the capabilities of the first team than I do and was fully vindicated in picking the same side again to start. What a transformation we saw though from the Wolves draw. Here the ball was moved with purpose and at a much higher tempo. The passing was crisp, running off the ball intelligent, while we hunted in packs to close down the opposition whenever we lost the ball.
I'd be interested to know what both teams had for their pre-match meal. Bolton should have been ahead on 35 seconds, poor final shot from Muamba when well placed. Then, after Danny lost possession three times in dangerous areas we got the bit between our teeth and were soon pouring forward at the other end. Although Eidur made a real hash of an opening at the near post from Clint's cutback, it was about the last mistake he made.
Not one man in white failed to impress. Outstanding for my money though was Simon Davies. I've not seen him run with such direct purpose like that for three seasons - he was very unlucky not to win a penalty for his shot that deflected just wide off Zat's arm. We had two against the woodwork on the night, and - from where I was watching - a legitimate strike from BZ harshly chalked off. Clint's early volley that lit up the place is surely contender for goal of the season, his second a piece of brilliant anticipation on the 6 yard line - a pure poacher's gem of a finish. And how rewarding to see Brede add another goal to his collection. He was as ever immense at the back.
Redemption came for Gudjohnsen, showing that all he needed was a few starts to find his feet. Great intelligence and link play from the Icelander, exemplified by the early run he made, indicating to Baird where he wanted the long ball played, and agonisingly close to a deserved goal (to break that long drought of his). He combined particularly well with Dembele.
Man of the match hounours must go to Demps for his double, now making him Fulham's all time top Prem goalscorer. 33 goals over five seasons when he hasn't always been an automatic choice, and playing from midfield, is one hell of an achievement. He was admirably modest afterwards in saying the 'team ethic' is more valuable than any personal glory.
Mark has insisted since the winter - how distant that dark day against West Ham now seems - that FFC are a top ten team. Last night we looked a real force for anyone to reckon with. Let's make sure we really do finish as high as possible. Taking this kind of form up to Sunderland on Saturday should make us unstoppable for that 2nd away win.
Have I really been moaning too much on ths blog lately? Shame on me! Six wins and a draw at home since the Boxing Day debacle v West Ham says it all. Congratulations to Mark and the boys for a magnificent performance. I wonder, just looking at the bench we had last night, can real competition now for places have something to do with it?
I look forward to hearing your views on one of our most satisfying all round performances in the league this season.
COYW!
Twitter @fulhamphil
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Comments
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Posted by charlie on 04/28/2011
Trotter fan here. I was hugely impressed with what I saw last night from Fulham. Even if we hadn't been terrible, I don't think we could have matched you playing so well.
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Posted by Jonathan on 04/28/2011
It was a brilliant performance last night. I like AJ coming off the bench, too. I had a thought: that was have Zamora start and rough up the defense throughout the game and then when they are worn out from fighting with him, put AJ in and have him run right past them. It could be pretty dangerous.
Hopefully we keep this tip-top form through the rest of the season so that we can head into next season with possible European play with a lot of momentum.
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Posted by Bobert on 04/28/2011
I have to admit I was expecting a draw from this match due to us missing out against Bolton in the FA Cup at home, and them being so much higher than us in the league table (Not anymore of course!) I am both pleased and angry with this performance. Pleased because it was a great triumph over a formidable opponent and we're finally where we belong. Angry because I missed such a brilliant performance by Fulham to watch the "El Classico" which ended up becoming an "Ay, caramba!" Nicely done by my fellow American and a fantastic result by Fulham.
Are we still an underdog? The league table would suggest otherwise ;)
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Posted by Vital_Teddy_KGB on 04/28/2011
Not what I expected at all. Much more entertaining match that you normally get with Fulham v. Bolton. Must say that I was unthrilled when I saw the starting eleven, but I can't complain about a 3-0 win. Could've easily been 6-0 were it not for some great play from Jaskelainen, the woodwork and a missed sitter by Gudjohnsen. Bolton seem to have picked up our habit of tanking away from home. They put up precious little resistance.
Well done, lads. Great performance. Let's keep it going at Sunderland on Saturday.
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Posted by Jessica on 04/28/2011
Wow. What a difference four days make. That was the most comprehensive and best overall performance I've see from the lads all season. Maybe Sparkey just needed some time. Maybe- as you expertly suggest- the competition for playing time has brought out the best in everyone. I was impressed to hear BZ's quote about Greening being a beast in training but not being able to sniff the pitch because everyone else is playing so well. Or maybe there is a magic spell cast over The Cottage. Seriously- why are the Whites so much better- almost a different team- at home? Never having had the honor of being there in person, please explain. It is the dimensions, the fans, the crisp river breeze? Whatever it is, I like it and hope they can bottle it and start taking it on the road. Speaking of road woes, BWFC better hope they have no more trips to London this season. Yikes.
I am bursting with pride for Clint. Now I'm scared we might not be able to hold on to him. Perish the thought!
COYW!!
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Posted by 'Sota Dan on 04/28/2011
Can we say it was the most complete game the Whites have played all season? Salcido's defending has been questoned (and perhaps rightly so), but he must be accounted for by the defending side when he moves into the play and whips crosses in or shoots from 25.
Now, let's take that performance and confidence into Saturday and get an away 3!
COYW
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Posted by Drago on 04/28/2011
Where would FFC be without Clint and Brede? They've been incredible this year...solid from beginning to end.
To my mind, though, a top 10 finish would be attributable more to Roy Hodgson than to Mark Hughes. For all Hughes' talk of positive play, it has been Roy's principles -- defense and goal-keeping (36 GA in 34 matches)-- that have kept us up. Dembele, Salcido and Sidwell have been nice additions, but Roy built the Cottage into a home fortress and assembled much of this squad.
Hughes has not impressed me with his tactics or team selection. He will have impressed me when he takes the club a step further and starts winning away matches consistently.
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Posted by Vital_Teddy_KGB on 04/29/2011
Drago, I couldn't agree more. Your comments are spot on.
In the absense of Zamora, Dempsey has stepped up & shouldered the scoring load, and I'd put Hangeland & Aaron Hughes up against any central defensive pairing in the league. Schwarzer has not been as dominant as he was in 08/09, but solid enough. Stockdale is really pushing him for the #1 jersey, so I'm curious what his fate will be this summer.
I'm not impressed with Mark Hughes, at all, & I wouldn't be bothered if he left this summer; provided we could land someone like Martin Jol to replace him. That being said, perhaps I need to be more patient with Hughes & let him have the summer to make additions to the squad to better support his style of play. After all, he did get the job late & didn't have much time to craft the squad.
Since Hangeland's arrival, I been waiting for a bigger club to come after him, & that's still a concern, but as Jessica mentioned, now I wonder if we need to worry about Dempsey as well.
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Posted by Ray on 04/29/2011
"The team Roy built" ? he inherited most of them, but made vital additions the same as Mark Hughes has.
Hodgson relies on strict & rigid formations, & leaves little room for free flowing football - which is one of the reasons he was disliked so much up in Scouseland.
Posted by Vital_Teddy_KGB on 04/29/2011
Beg to differ, Ray. Of the current squad, Roy brought in Hangeland, Zamora, AJ, Gera, Pantsil, Etuhu, Duff, Senderos, Kelly, Greening, Stockdale, Zuberbühler and Schwarzer, not to mention a host of players who are currently on loan or who have left the club.
Of the regular first teamers, he inherited Dempsey, Murphy, Davies, Hughes, Kamara, Konchesky and Baird; a solid group, but one that was about to be relegated when Roy took over.
Despite Mark Hughes' additions, it's still substantially Roy's personnel at the heart of the squad.
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Phil Mison is a lifelong follower of Fulham FC. As a broadcaster, writer and sports producer he has supplied past club videos and numerous articles on FFC. LBC Radio's Fulham correspondent 1988-1993 and Sky Sports’ reporter for the 1996-97 promotion season. Professionally Phil delivers football content to the highest level both overseas and across the UK via TV, radio and mobile.
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