Fulham thoughts

A common theme I have posted about this season is expectation - where victories become a formality. This is what can ultimately separate teams who do, and don't make it to the top four.

Whilst the media focus on defeats (as we have seen with Liverpool recently), too many draws can be equally damaging in terms of ambition. Today's result is of course three draws on the spin now, and whilst a point at Villa Park could be seen as a credible return the results against Wigan and at home to Fulham are undoubtedly points dropped.

Prior to today, we had not dropped any points having led in a game so to let a 2-0 lead slip (and so soon after going ahead) at home is disappointing and a missed opportunity, particularly given results elsewhere over the weekend when a top four spot was up for grabs.

Of most concern is the goals we are leaking. We started off the season looking secure at the back, but it is now six league games (plus one in the Carling Cup) since we shut a side out. The past three games (taking three points from nine) shows the value of this is, and how costly it can be if you don't get it right.

It goes without saying that unless we can remedy this aspect of our game, the heights of our ambition this season will be severely checked.

Hayward on Barry

There's a interview with Gareth Barry in today's Observer by Paul Hayward ahead of the Fulham game, in which he discusses - amongst other things - his summer move. Hayward is clearly a fan, and there is an interesting paragraph that details a recent observation of Barry:

In a recent City home game I began listing the variety of Barry's passes and charting his influence on team-mates in an expensive, attack-minded side. He played the short prod and the sweeping curl to an overlapping colleague; he slid, stroked and clipped the ball on both sides of the pitch; he linked attacking play and tracked back to assist in defensive positions, tackling, screening and looking to start forward moves again with intelligent balls from deep areas.

Although Craig Bellamy is taking many of the plaudits as the standout player so far this season, Barry's contribution can be considered every bit as important. The paragraph I took from the article sums Barry's abilities up precisely and I have been hugely impressed with him right from the opening day of the season.

Seeing him at close quarters, you do get an appreciation for just how good a player he is - something I underestimated during his time Villa - and not even ten games into his City career he has effortlessly fitted into the side (operating in more than one role) and looks as though he will become an integral part of what Mark Hughes expects the side will achieve.

Fulham matchday thread

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Fulham preview

I've posted previously about a changing mentality in this City side, whereby if we are to make a genuine attempt at a top six (or higher) position there needs to be an expectation of achieving victory heading into games - in that the three points become a formality rather than something hoped for.

A home game versus Fulham has to be such a game. They are undoubtedly a useful side - which Thursday nights draw against Roma in the Europa League showed - and have the upper hand over us in recent times. Brede Hangeland looks a towering presence at the back, and perhaps more worryingly, a threat from set pieces. They are a hard working unit and capable of creating opportunities, yet I feel lack a real cutting edge in attack for all their industry.

An advantage for ourselves heading into the game is that they have played twice this week already - Monday night against Hull and then in Europe on Thursday, and as we ourselves experienced last season it is difficult to balance both competitions effectively and we should be the fitter, sharper side on Sunday.

Sides who harbour realistic hopes of success do not drop points in these circumstances and recent form evidences our dominance at home, having won the past six and twelve out of thirteen on home soil.

Team wise, we still have doubts over Bellamy and Toure who both missed out against Wigan whilst Pablo Zabaleta serves a one-match suspension. With Bellamy possibly absent, Hughes may well stick to the 4-4-2 we have seen in recent games, although my preference would be to adopt a less rigid 4-3-3 formation which has served us well at home and offers a more fluid and potent attacking threat.

The Carling Cup tie is proof that Fulham (then with a much changed side) are not to be taken lightly but our home form has been nothing short of superb (and as good as anything in the league) of late and I will take us to win by a margin of 3-1.

Game notes:

• We have gone twenty-six home league games without a draw.
• We have not dropped points from a leading position so far this season.
• Fulham have won three of their past four visits to the City of Manchester Stadium.

Hughes praise for Fulham win

Mark Hughes heaped on the praise following last night's 2-1 victory over Fulham:

"It was a difficult night. Fulham scoring first was exactly what they wanted. They were very well organised, with plenty of players behind the ball and difficult to break down.

"We had to be patient, keep the ball moving and create things, because with Craig, Carlos and Shaun up front knocking high balls into their penalty box isn't an option. But we stuck at it and we are in the next round, which was the object.

"There was a lot of physical and emotional effort at the weekend. At times we looked drained because of that, and we were up against a team with a lot of energy fielding players who didn't play at the weekend."

It didn't catch the game last night but it doesn't appear to have been one of our better, or free flowing performances. As Hughes states though, the game did come on the back of a draining game on Sunday, with Pablo Zabaleta in for Micah Richards the only change.

Whilst Fulham made plenty of changes, there side was far fresher than ours which could have been telling once the game went into extra-time.

Perhaps then, we should be praising the victory, for it being achieved in a gutsy manner and the side finding a way to win when on plenty of occasions in the past we have surrendered meekly in this competition. Even more so given that the sides toughness in situations such as last night was called into question when Hughes began assembling the high profile and costly additions.

And again, it was set-pieces that brought the goals - a facet of our game that has been non-existence until the start of the season but it such a vital component of any sides make up given the percentage of goals scored from dead ball situations. This fact was not lost on Hughes either:

"We have not done badly this season - in the early part of last year we did not look a threat from set plays. In games so far we look like a team that can now.

"We have told the players where we want the ball delivered and how they need to be a bit more dynamic in the box and make sure they get first contact.

"Invariably if you get that first contact something happens for you. That is what we have tried to emphasise to the players."

Whilst extra-time was perhaps unwanted, it did allow for some extended playing time for both Martin Petrov and Vladimir Weiss who have seen little action so far. We do also have an additional recovery period given the West Ham is not until Monday night.

Fulham open thread

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Fulham preview

A quick opportunity then to put the derby defeat behind us and get back on track.

There has been a huge media focus on us in recent times, mainly for non-footballing issues it has to be said, so it would be nice to focus solely on on-pitch matters and this competition does offer us the best opportunity to land a trophy.

Fulham are a useful side though and for me, Roy Hodgson doesn't get nearly the credit he deserves for the turnaround he has presided over at Craven Cottage since he replaced Lawrie Sanchez. Perhaps as a result of our insular Premier League view, we don't measure the success he has achieved in a variety of positions abroad to the same degree we should do.

Fulham had a successful 2008/09 campaign and as a result of this we may have an easier task on our hands should they sit out a large chunk of their strongest eleven - although they did field an under-strength side in the Europa League opener so maybe the Carling Cup will be treated with some importance. They have also fared relatively well against us in recent times and it certainly isn't a game we can look past.

Team wise, maybe Hughes will make changes, although maybe he won't given the side that was fielded at Crystal Palace. Injuries and suspension will force his hand in one or two areas though and I'd like him to take the opportunity to give some of those fringe players a run out. He has already hinted that Martin Petrov could get a start, especially so given that Carlos Tevez may not be risked twice in quick succession.

Defensively, Pablo Zabaleta must be hoping for an opportunity and I would sit out Richards for this game. Valdimir Weiss, Javier Garrido and Sylvinho may also be set to see some action.

Despite the setback at United, I am confident of a victory tomorrow despite the probably lack of weapons in attack. We may make heavy going of it at times but I'll take us to progess with a 2-1 victory.

Onouha ruled out

Disappointing news for Nedum Onouha ahead of tomorrow's Carling Cup tie at home to Fulham:

"Unfortunately Nedum is injured at the moment," said Hughes.

"He pulled a thigh during the reserves game last week. He played around 55 minutes but felt a bit of discomfort.

"There is a tear in there and he will be out for three or four weeks."

I'm sure Onouha would have been in the frame for a start, but considering we have conceded six in our past two games Hughes may look to keep the same defence (certainly centrally) to iron out any concerns.

Santa Cruz set for return

From the MEN, ahead of tomorrow's Carling Cup tie against Fulham:

ROQUE Santa Cruz could make his long-awaited debut for City in the Carling Cup clash with Fulham.

The £17.5m striker has completed his rehab following a knee operation in April and now just needs games to regain full match fitness.

And his return can't come soon enough for Mark Hughes, who is without the suspended Emanuel Adebayor, while Craig Bellamy could also be hit with an FA ban after Sunday's explosive derby.

Robinho is also sidelined with injury.

How many changes we may see is unknown, but in the previous round at Crystal Palace Hughes fielded a full-strength side.

Given we are a few more games into the season now, I do suspect that those who have remained on the bench so far will get to see some playing time tomorrow evening.

Carling Cup draw

MANCHESTER City have been drawn at home against Fulham in the third round of the Carling Cup.

The game is scheduled for the week commencing September 21. City play in the Manchester derby on September 20.

>>MEN.

A winable game for me.

Fulham are a useful side and Roy Hodgson has done a fine job since taking over, but given their involvement in the Europa League, they may view this as further down their list of priorities.

Given home advantage I would take us to progress through to round 4.

City 1 Fulham 3

I think it is safe to say the race for seventh and European qualification via a league position is now gone.

A win today and we would have been right back in the mix, but todays defeat renders it inconceivable that we can now claw back a six point margin in our remaining fixtures, and you do wonder what what effect the loss will have on confidence within the side heading into Thursday's clash with Hamburg.

It was a much changed side that Mark Hughes put out today - most of it enforced, but with Robinho axed/rested (depending upon your standpoint) it meant a return for Martin Petrov following his long lay off through injury. Whilst Petrov's return was welcome it was perhaps too much to expect a seamless return to the side after such an absence.

Hughes spoke prior to the game of having a strong first eleven, but a significant drop off thereafter and I'm sure he feels his comments were vindicated by today's performance which featured a number of players who may not be amongst the first on the team sheet.

However, after going ahead - not against the run of the play, but hardly after dominating the opening stages - to lose control of what would have been a vital win is once again a disappointment. Especially so against a Fulham side who have struggled mightily away from home in recent times.

Tiredness (both mental and physical) can be cited and is justified to a degree, but the manner in which we conceded the goals was so frustrating and the defensive solidity that coincided with the arrival of Shay Given has dissipated. Going forward, apart from the tireless Stephen Ireland (backing up his own recent comments) we lacked the drive and creativity to close the game out and in some respects the ease in which Fulham came back to take all three points was ridiculously easy, having similar amounts of space and time in going forward that Hamburg enjoyed on Thursday.

It really is our last chance on Thursday now as what appeared to be a promising finish to the season could well be set for similar ignominy as we saw last season. There were plenty of empty seats at the final whistle, and for those that remained there was much dischord.

If we exit from the UEFA Cup this week, expect that dischord to increase.

Robinho left out

Amongst five other changes from Thursday night's defeat in Hamburg. An interesting forward line, with Etuhu, Bojinov and Petrov all starting.

Man City: Given, Richards, Onuoha, Dunne, Garrido, Etuhu, Zabaleta, Ireland, De Jong, Petrov, Bojinov. Subs: Hart, Robinho, Elano, Fernandes, Evans, Sturridge, McGivern.

Fulham preview and open thread

[telegraph.co.uk preview, guardian.co.uk preview, bbc sport preview]

Given West Ham's defeat at home to Tottenham today, a tricky decision lies ahead for Mark Hughes tomorrow in terms of team selection. A victory over Fulham - rivals of ours in the race for seventh position - would see us move back within 3 points of that all important UEFA Cup spot. 

However, we are beset by injuries at present with several players ruled out already and if there are any doubts tomorrow, Hughes must way up the value of their involvement against the importance of the UEFA Cup second leg at home to Hamburg on Thursday. 

Judging by Hughes's comments prior to the game, it does seem as though he is still aiming for seventh spot though and I'd back our home form of this season to carry us to another three points.

Fulham 1 City 1

• A goal apiece. A point apiece. A fair result on reflection given that whilst both sides were solid and compact, they lacked the wherewithal today to go on and win the game, although in truth Fulham probably went closer than ourselves.
  
  
• What was a concern was how Andy Johnson managed to get behind the pairing of Dunne and Ben Haim once too often today. Maybe long term, Kompany playing in central defence is the way Hughes will go.
  
  
• Zabaleta was impressive throughout today. Arguably our most creative outlet going forward he could even have won the game for us with a couple of good chances.
  
  
• Hughes had mixed feelings after the game, that whilst it was disappointing to lose an early lead, given the players we had unavailable a point was a good return considering Fulham's record this season.
  
  
• A lot of the posters on the MEN message board were very critical of both the side and Hughes, but I feel this is a little unfair. Missing from today were Richards, Elano, Robinho, Bojinov, Petrov and Johnson - all players who would make an impact on this side. It is also worth pointing out that although Wright-Phillips was ruled fit, he didn't quite look 100%.
  
  
• We did look light today, and the players probably deserve some credit for the way they stuck at the task. It was mentioned after the game that this was our first point following midweek European action. I did doubt this but checking back over the fixtures it is true of the group stage games at least and does lend weight to the argument that we are suffering a little as a result of our participation in the UEFA Cup this season.
  
  
• Rumours this weekend have linked Jo with a loan move back to CSKA Moscow. I'm not sure what truth there is in these, but how telling was the fact that he remained on the bench whilst Evans got a(nother) chance when Benjani was withdrawn. My brother raised perhaps a telling point in that his demeanour and approach looks eerily similar to that of Samaras when he was at the club. Maybe Jo isn't (at this stage) cut out for the Premier League.

Reports

Jimmy Bullard scored his first league goal of the season to earn Fulham a point at home to Manchester City and extend their unbeaten run to five matches. >>daily mail.

CITY earned a point at Fulham after Benjani's early goal was equalised by Jimmy Bullard's effort. >>MEN

Fulham and Manchester City shared an open 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage as Jimmy Bullard's first Premier League goal of the season cancelled out Benjani Mwurawari's early opening strike. >>guardian.co.uk

Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at Fulham as Jimmy Bullard cancelled out Benjani Mwaruwari's opener for the visitors. >>times online

Fulham open thread

Open thread for any comments for today's game.

Fulham prediction

A lunchtime trip to perhaps the most scenic settings in the Premier League, and a ground that we have had a degree of success in recent seasons.

Roy Hodgson has built on last seasons relegation escape this campaign, and they look a useful side and certainly one that is difficult to beat, improving their defence this season and they currently reside in tenth place in the table.

Injuries are hitting us hard at the moment with the hope that key trio Robinho, Wright-Phillips and Richards will be fit to return after sitting out the PSG game in midweek. MCFC.co.uk states that whilst Ball, Onouha and Wright-Phillips returned to training, Richards and Robinho are likely doubtful.

What was evident on Wednesday night against PSG was that without Robinho or Wright-Phillips we lacked the ability to really attack or penetrate an opposing defence, leaving a lot in Stephen Ireland's shoulders.

This is a game that I could see us struggling in - particularly if Robinho and/or Wright-Phillips miss out, but I'll tip us to come away with a 2-1 victory.

Game stats:

Team	Fulham	Manchester City
Games Played	14	15
Goal Attempts
Goals	12	29
Ave Goals per game	0.86	1.93
Shots (excl blocked shots)	142	175
% Shots on Target	42%	51%
% Goals to Shots	8%	17%
Passing
Short Passes	4,741	5,478
Long Passes	877	798
Overall Pass Completion %	75%	79%
Crossing
Total Crosses	335	266
Cross Completion %	23%	27%
Defending
Goals Conceded	11	23
Ave goals conceded per game	0.79	1.53
Tackles	342	400
Tackles Won %	70%	73%
Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions	910	878
Discipline
Fouls	179	230
Yellow Cards	13	19
Red Cards	1	3

City 2 Fulham 3

The phrase 'typical City' has not been uttered too often (if at all) this season, such is the manner of progress that has been made of late but contriving to throw away a 2-0 half time lead against a side with one foot in the Championship bore the hallmarks of the days of old.

Perhaps it was not too surprising given a defence that lined up as Elano-Corluka-Ball-Sun Jihai, but each of the goals we allowed was as a result of either poor defensive positioning or a seeming lack of commitment in the challenge.

All a far cry of course to the first half when we carved Fulham apart and were well worth our lead, despite Joe Hart making a couple of smart saves to enhance his growing reputation. Both the goals we scored were excellent, with Ireland's a fine individual finish and Benjani scoring the type of goal many think he is not capable of - sliding home from Vassell's good work and Elano's precision pass.

To allow Fulham back in at the stage was terrible, and as Sven alluded to in the post match interview a sign of how far we have to go by (correctly) stating a 'big, big side' would not have lost the game, meaning that a side with real conviction and a desire to get into the European positions and challenge for titles would have not have surrendered the lead.

The biggest concern was perhaps the way in which we lost the game, with the side seemingly switching off in the second half and allowing Fulham to get back into the game with desire and spirit we did not show, with Sven also saying:

"We lost a game we should have won. We controlled most of it, and we thought it was done. If you don't defend, you lose the ball and you give them chances. They fought until the end, but we stopped fighting. We can't blame anyone but ourselves for losing a game like this."

Inevitably, the defeat (with a watching Thaksin looking on) has re-ignited the Sven out theories, and now Thaksin is back at the club he needs to quash these immediately and announce his commitment to his original plan, and Sven himself.

After all, although there are two games left to play this season is all but done and dusted.

Fulham prediction

Two wins on the bounce and a nice, late surge to hopefully end the season on a high note following the second half slump.

Currently sat in eighth position, depending on results elsewhere we have an opportunity to go level with Aston Villa in sixth place but realistically we have to win out to guarantee that Inter Toto position, as whilst it is clear Portsmouth have more than one eye on the FA Cup final, Villa's final three games are winnable (although Everton this weekend will be tricky).

Team wise, defensively we are still struggling with a late decision expected on Richard Dunne, which prompted Shaleum Logan to be recalled from a loan spell at Stockport but elsewhere we are relatively 100% with key players returning to form.

As for Fulham, it is looking extremely grim and anything other than a win could see them relegated this weekend. The introduction of Roy Hodgson to replace Lawrie Sanchez hasn't paid the dividends it was hoped and a shocking run of form away from home has been their achilees heel.

Although Brian McBride and Jimmy Bullard are back in the line-up, their absence has been felt this season and their comeback has been too late in the day and their overall squad depth is light on quality with too many players not at Premier League level.

Prediction? Not a good day for Fulham as a 2-0 defeat sends them on the brink of relegation.

Fulham 3 City 3

I didn't catch the majority of Saturday's game, having been glued to preceedings down at The Oval so only the caught the radio coverage over the last twenty minutes or so.

From listening to it, it gave the impression that it was a game that would continue to have goals in it. Despite Fulham games seeing a lot of goals this season, I thought our record would ensure a fairly low-scoring affair but how wrong I was.

Plenty of positives from the game with three goals being scored - Petrov notching two, and us showing the steel to twice come from behind but it is disappointing to concede three goals in any Premiership game if we have genuine ambitions of being a top six side - merely coincidence that we were without the presence of Hans Back? They were errors rather than as a result of play that was overly attacking or gung-ho, and perhaps they are inevitable from a side which is by an large still gelling and taking shape with several new faces and a new philosphy.

Reaction:

"I am a little bit disappointed. I am not worried, concerned
or sleepless.
"I know that we are a new team and a gelling team, and
probably we must count on doing some mistakes. But it's much more positive than
negative things in the games we've played."
He added: "We will stick to the
system because we are doing rather well and I can't see any reasons why we
should change that. The type and style of play will be the same.
"We play
good football, in almost all the games we play good football. In many games we
created a lot of occasions but haven't scored many goals.
"This time we
created and scored, but you are never completely happy because we conceded goals
a little bit more easily than we did in the past.
"But 3-3, as a show, is
better than 0-0."

-Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"They have had a good start and kept clean sheets but they
have also had a bit of good fortune. If they maintain that good fortune then
they will stay up there but it's a marathon not a sprint and anyone can be up
there after five or six games. I would think they would be looking for a
top-eight finish."

- Lawrie Sanchez.

Reports:

Substitute Danny Murphy scored to earn Fulham a point from a thrilling Premier League clash with Manchester City at Craven Cottage. -Sky Sports.

Funny game, football. Just when it seemed we were about to endure another of those formless duels for midfield control, Simon Davies scored a peach of a goal for Fulham: the overture to an hour of bumper-car fun. -The Telegraph.

Well I wanted excitement this season and we’re definitely getting that. A second 3-3 draw in consecutive home games and whilst we’re struggling to hold on to leads we are at least proving difficult to beat. -Hammy End Chronicle.

Fulham prediction

A game that in our current position we should be expected to win. Fulham have undergone somewhat of a transition over the summer with new manager Lawrie Sanchez clearing out some of the old guard and seemingly re-creating his Northern Ireland side at Craven Cottage.

Whilst they are undefeated in three games (in all competitions), they have managed to throw away eleven points from winning positions this season - largely the reason they hover above the relegation zone at present.

Recent history shows us doing the double over them last season, whilst they 'doubled' us the year before. Fulham have averaged plenty of goals in their games this season, whilst in ours you may as well blow for full time once the first goal goes in.

We bounced back well at home last week, and will look to avoid a third away defeat on the spin. Despite not managing a score draw for a little while I'm going to take this game to be 1-1, with Fulham getting a late equaliser.