08 Mar 2021 00:56:17
Putting aside the emotion of yet another home loss, i didn't see a lot of what people are complaining about.
Theres mass criticism of our 'useless' defence and players not being arsed and downing tools.
Our defence did a job last night, even though it was makeshift. Fulham scored one goal that, except for Salah's dawdling, was impossible to defend against. No defender was at fault and they otherwise kept a clean sheet.
I also thought we matched Fulham for energy and commitment, especially once Fabinho was introduced. I didn't see players downing tools. Even Shaqiri was running around like a nutter at one point.
Our biggest issue, as it has been for the past months, is penetration and finishing. We get the ball to the wings but the crossing is poor or there's noone in the box. The chances we have in the penalty box are not getting buried. My favorite player, Mane, has been abysmal with his finishing and Salah has to constantly deal with 2 or 3 defenders at a time when he gets the ball.
Its no coincidence that we have scored only one penalty at home all year and numerous games have ended with just one or two attempts on target.
I see the work rate and the commitment from the players to change our slump but, for me, the problem lies more with our forwards not making runs and finishing chances, than poor defending or lack of energy.

1.) 08 Mar 2021
08 Mar 2021 08:01:02
Fulham didn’t need to attack once they had scored. The game followed the last few. Go one nil down and the opponent sits back and wins easily. Fabs made very little difference but why only give him 13 minutes.

{Ed077's Note - coming back from injury, isn't he?

2.) 08 Mar 2021
08 Mar 2021 08:06:35
We didn't match Fulham for energy. Or pace. Or quality.

3.) 08 Mar 2021
08 Mar 2021 08:42:35
The lineup should have told you all you needed to know. Not sure why people are surprised, really.

4.) 08 Mar 2021
08 Mar 2021 08:42:37
As soon as you see a midfield of Milner, Keita and Wijnaldum you can just as well presume that a defeat is on its way.

5.) 08 Mar 2021
08 Mar 2021 10:45:37
Bit off topic, but a question for Ed001 - what do you think of Lookman? He's looked fairly dangerous whenever I have watched Fulham this season. Do you think he has what it takes to play for a bigger club?
Cheers.

{Ed001's Note - I always liked him to be honest, I thought Everton had made a great signing when they got him from Charlton. I am very surprised he never made it there. He is good enough to play for a bigger club, but maybe he is just happier and settled in London, as he went through a difficult spell with RBL before the loan.}

6.) 08 Mar 2021
08 Mar 2021 10:48:15
I disagree Rigsby. We matched Fulham but were let down by poor supply and finishing whereas they were gifted an advantage of playing against a very poor RB. Most their chances came from Neco getting skinned.