Many Fulham fans would have been happy with the first three games of the season when the fixtures were announced which included entertaining Aston Villa at home, travelling to Wolves and Newcastle away and thought there are points there to be taken. That would not be the case. not many fans would have predicted only taking one point with a string of poor performances. The loss of Zamora for both away games proved costly and the evidence is there for all to see, Fulham can’t cope without him.
The big number 25 is a crucial part of Fulham’s front line and has formed an effective partnership with Andy Johnson, whom has found it difficult of late to find the net. Both strikers started the Aston Villa game and both looked to rekindle the partnership which saw us finish 7th under Roy Hodgson. Although there weren’t any goals scored in the Villa game, there were enough positives to be confident of a good result at the Molineux; This would prove to not be the case. The game against Wolves has to go down as one of the worst performances in the 11 year reign in the Premiership due to a lack of hunger, a questionable starting 11 and signs of tiredness (after only 2 premier league games…worrying).
The long trip up to Newcastle was the last thing any Fulham fan wanted after watching the previous two performances. The starting line up consisted of no out and out striker, no John Arne Riise and a rusty Chris Baird who made his first Premier League start of the campaign. With AJ left on the bench, questions had to be asked about Martin Jol who needs to try and get the best out of Andy Johnson before its a little too late. The game ended with yet another away loss, but a performance which was a little better than Wolves, but nothing to get excited about.
So, we’re left with one point from three games, not the best of performances and only 1 goal. But, on a positive note, the capture of Bryan Ruiz, 26, from FC Twente may bring some much needed enthusiasm around Craven Cottage when Blackburn Rovers come to town on Sunday 11th September, 16:00 KO.
Although we are doing well in Europe, the Premier League must, and will always be our main priority so lets hope for a good performance and a positive result on Sunday. COYW!!!
I don’t tend to worry after 3 matches. Ask me how we are doing in December.
Afraid to say AJs just not good enough any more. Jol was right not to play him, he’s too weak on the ball to play the loan front man, especially away from home. He gets too isolated, and the pace that once troubled defenders is fading fast. The key to our season is how we are going to cope in the games Zamora doesn’t play. Will be interesting to see whether Sa is able to fill his shoes once he gets up to match fitness.
couldn’t agree more. let’s save our judgements until christmas…
I tend to worry when we have been so poor. The Newcastle game was the only one we looked as if we wanted to play. Villa was a paper bag tearing competition that both clubs failed and Wolves was indeed awful. I hope the new players help. Otherwise I fear for the season already. Wait by all means. I like to worry nice and early.
I’m not convinced the team has hit anything like the level required or the levels of recent seasons – maybe the lack of a decent pre season and the Europa games were a poisoned chalice? Whatever the issues we need to up our game.
Martin Jol is a decent manager, I don’t understand where he’s taking the team but I learnt from the Hughes experience that it can pay to be patient – I hope that’s the case this time round!