We looked the better team, tbut Fulham looked he more likely threat. Zamora, who incidentally missed ou 2-0 win over them, was found far too easily, and he brought the ball down far too easily. We could have done with getting a man infront as well as behind him.
Its a bit of a concern how easily the opposition's target man can get the ball played into their feet (or chest) whereas we can only knock it high, or knock it over the top. Its one area of Crouch's game that needs improvement - his off the ball movement around the halfway line isnt good enough.
That said, our defence were far too deep, like against Bolton in the first half at the Reebok. We didnt put their defence under enough pressure, the midfield had to cover too much ground, and it ultimately meant that our attacks lacked pace as they started too deep.
As has been said, benny needed to overlap Bale a lot more. Fulham did a job on Bale like a lot of teams do against Lennon. The right side lacked pace.
Pav looked a bit out of sorts, but as long as we keep smacking balls up to Crouch we will not get the best out of any of our offensive players - Crouch included.
But a draw, clean sheet, and much better performance than in the league. A few new partnerships that lacked the understanding to really gel, but not bad really.
Hats off to those at the game in the temporary stand, sounded like an home game.
I wonder how many Fulham fans make it all the way across London?
:clap::clap::clap:All those faithful were a real credit to the CLUB ! Well done to all ! CoYS !!
StartingPoint most be royally pissed off with both BAE (LB)and BAle (LM) playing together in the same match!!
especially when he plays against Hangeland....1.94cmPav looked a bit out of sorts, but as long as we keep smacking balls up to Crouch we will not get the best out of any of our offensive players - Crouch included.
I think today showed Bale is a left back.
I think today went to show how Bale is so effective as a full back because Fulham immediately stuck 2 men on him and nullified his game, you can't do this to full backs and that is why I think he is so much better there, where he can run from deep, and overlap Modric/Kranjcar where we can expose him at the opposition full back.
Team also did this to Lennon when he was in the team.
What would they do if Bale and Lennon were both in the team?
BAE didn't offer much support from LB, and might have done if he hadn't been out for so long.
Still think Bale can become a great LM/W but has been far more effective from LB this season than he was today.
But then Corluka wasn't effective at RB, Modric wasn't as influential in CM and Pav and Crouch up top didn't relay work.
Kranjcar didn't have a good game at all either i felt.
Gomes, Dawson, Bassong, Palacios and Bale i felt all had good games today
Wilson was fantastic :clap:
Wasn't this a criticism of Harry of Lennon ether at the start of the season or last season?The difference is that Lennon is a winger, and knows how to create space for himself there, and make the right runs etc. Bale can play well there, but he'll never be a top winger. He's so much better at coming from deep, today showed that clearly. Saying that though, he was still good, and his energy levels and desire are great.
Modric wasn't terrible, I thought he did alright, usually used the ball well, a couple of misplaced passes, but wasn't over run at all, and with a few more options infront of him (Defoe/Lennon/Kranjcar/Bale) and we'd be able to make a better judgement on him a central midfielder.