Rich has got out the chalkboards again to make some perceptive observations after our defeat to Everton.
I wonder if the success that we’ve had this season will encourage Roy to try and shake things up a little next term. I know that sounds absurd but there’s a serious danger that Fulham are becoming a little easy to read. Much of the play comes through Danny Murphy and is particularly narrow. At least having a couple of true wide players might allow us to spread the play a little bit more.
It might also mean Zoltan Gera has to up his game to stay in with a chance of being involved. Granted, the Hungarian did have chances on Sunday but he spurned our best opportunities in the first half. He’s still a little too ponderous on the ball me, waiting before he crosses a ball or picking the wrong pass. There’s no doubt he gets into good positions, but for someone who’s as strong in the air as he is, Gera should have buried that header at the far post early on.
The points about Cahill and Pienaar are well made. We know all about the Australian’s qualities, but the South African is a real livewire. I was also immensely impressed with the calm assurance of Jack Rodwell. Strong in the tackle, as befitting someone who’s played at centre half as he grew up, the youngster is comfortable on the ball. He’s a real prospect.