Well, there are precious few eminating from that performance at Villa Park, but I’m trying so here goes.
The other day I turned my attention to Fulham’s Europa League opponents. Well, Roma’s game with Juventus was live on ESPN this afternoon but clashed with the coverage of our game. I’ve just caught up with the score, but have set the video and will consult in when time allows before sending my thoughts to Roy down at Motspur Park. Roma were well beaten at the Stadio Olimpico, despite being level briefly thanks to Daniele De Rossi’s rocket of a shot. Two Brazilians took the game away from the home side. Diego scored twice (his first goals in Italian football since joining from Werder Bremen) and Felipe Melo’s 25-yarder in injury-time secured the win. Arguably our strongest Europa League foes remain pointless.
FC Basel continued their horrid start to the season as they lost 2-1 at home to Young Boys. It’s been a difficult month for the Swiss side who have also had to fine goalkeeper Franco Costanzo, the club captain, for his attack on a teammate just after the final whistle of a draw with FC Zurich. Not the best preparation for their European campaign.
CSKA Sofia did win, however, thumping Lokomotiv Mezdra 4-0 at home to remain two points clear at the top of the Bulgarian League, with a flawless four wins from their first four matches.