Thanks! Chukwueze was certainly my MOTM, and as you've said there's something very reaffirming about having a player that, despite the obvious fatigue they're feeling over having to start every match, keeps throwing themselves at the challenge across the pitch.
This is a really good point - speed and pace is crucial in the marginal moments of games like today. Kevin, for all his struggles in the finishing department, had the better of Hume at RWB more than Wilson did Reinildo, and Chukwueze demonstrated what would have happened if there'd been more quality control in the dribbles/crosses/shots.
If Lukic comes back for Tottenham and City, two games where we'll likely be playing more without the ball, do you think Iwobi maintains his starting berth at LM, or drops to the bench? It feels wrong to take him out of the line-up, but against these sides we need rapid players to attack the space they'll leave open, which is suited to Kevin, Chukwueze, King and Wilson to a degree. The other somewhat radical option would be leaving Jimenez out and playing without a recognised striker to get the pace into the team, but that feels a bit of a stretch (especially with Raul having scored our winner here!)
Maybe drop King from the starting 11 for Lukic and start Chuckueze on the right in lieu of Wilson - defensively playing more of a 4-5-1 and offensively a 4-3-3. I'd even consider inserting Castagne for his transitional accuracy and overlaps + pullback crosses to avoid van de Ven.
City is a different kettle-of-fish. Despite their D can be bullied - can't forget Adama's triple threat from the left (!) at the Etihad last year - more importantly though is to contain Doku which even Tete's tackling will need help. Perhaps Iwobi almost man marking on the right may thwart that. Set prices could bring glory although Silva's staff aren't listening.
Iwobi is ace and I do think we underrate him massively sometimes - his intelligence on the ball really helps us build our attacks, and his stats are very favourable. I do think that at times in the CM role he does have a little vulnerability when a more physical, direct opponent takes him on (like after HT when Sunderland were on top) but he's definitely someone the team benefits from having around the starting XI, and if we'd found our shooting boots earlier we'd have been out of sight!
Thank you for giving us a very enjoyable read Owen. Such a pleasant turnaround after the Everton debacle. A day can certainly be a long time in football. Keep up the good work!
Exactly - it's amazing how much our feelings about the season change after a single result. We've had some poor performances, but they've also come in games we were never favourites to win, and amidst several significant injuries to the playing squad. There's a long way before we can say we're truly satisfied with how Fulham have been this season, but as you've said the turnaround following events before the international break is significant. And thanks for the nice comment!
Another lovely analysis, and delivered pronto! I thought Chuk was the difference today, and Raúl's efforts continue to inspire. Many thanks, Owen!
Thanks! Chukwueze was certainly my MOTM, and as you've said there's something very reaffirming about having a player that, despite the obvious fatigue they're feeling over having to start every match, keeps throwing themselves at the challenge across the pitch.
Quite frankly when playing against a low-block team we ought to start quick-footed forwards like Samu, ESR, Kevin King.
Bring on more direct players when the other side whilts like Raul, Wilson, Traore.
Also, the Berge-Iwobi is a better pivot to breakdown a defensive side with TC off the bench. Save Lukic for City et al.
This is a really good point - speed and pace is crucial in the marginal moments of games like today. Kevin, for all his struggles in the finishing department, had the better of Hume at RWB more than Wilson did Reinildo, and Chukwueze demonstrated what would have happened if there'd been more quality control in the dribbles/crosses/shots.
If Lukic comes back for Tottenham and City, two games where we'll likely be playing more without the ball, do you think Iwobi maintains his starting berth at LM, or drops to the bench? It feels wrong to take him out of the line-up, but against these sides we need rapid players to attack the space they'll leave open, which is suited to Kevin, Chukwueze, King and Wilson to a degree. The other somewhat radical option would be leaving Jimenez out and playing without a recognised striker to get the pace into the team, but that feels a bit of a stretch (especially with Raul having scored our winner here!)
Food for thought, anyhow!
Maybe drop King from the starting 11 for Lukic and start Chuckueze on the right in lieu of Wilson - defensively playing more of a 4-5-1 and offensively a 4-3-3. I'd even consider inserting Castagne for his transitional accuracy and overlaps + pullback crosses to avoid van de Ven.
City is a different kettle-of-fish. Despite their D can be bullied - can't forget Adama's triple threat from the left (!) at the Etihad last year - more importantly though is to contain Doku which even Tete's tackling will need help. Perhaps Iwobi almost man marking on the right may thwart that. Set prices could bring glory although Silva's staff aren't listening.
Great addition to the Fulhamish lineup . . . COYW
Excellent review. I thought Iwobi had an excellent game in midfield and was our man of the match, so that’s my only disagreement.
Thanks!
Iwobi is ace and I do think we underrate him massively sometimes - his intelligence on the ball really helps us build our attacks, and his stats are very favourable. I do think that at times in the CM role he does have a little vulnerability when a more physical, direct opponent takes him on (like after HT when Sunderland were on top) but he's definitely someone the team benefits from having around the starting XI, and if we'd found our shooting boots earlier we'd have been out of sight!
Yeah, they had the shooting boots on the wrong feet until that Raul moment.
Thank you for giving us a very enjoyable read Owen. Such a pleasant turnaround after the Everton debacle. A day can certainly be a long time in football. Keep up the good work!
Exactly - it's amazing how much our feelings about the season change after a single result. We've had some poor performances, but they've also come in games we were never favourites to win, and amidst several significant injuries to the playing squad. There's a long way before we can say we're truly satisfied with how Fulham have been this season, but as you've said the turnaround following events before the international break is significant. And thanks for the nice comment!