by RoyallyFcuked »
29 Oct 2015 19:06
My first trip to Fulham, really nice ground and location so can see why its a fans favourite, and it had all been going so well. First half we were in totally in control and a neat combination between Orlando and Vydra resulted in a quality goal by Piazon, could have been more too, not through clear cut chance misses but I thought at times we were guilty of trying to walk the ball in the net, too many sideways passes across goal when on the edge of the box instead of just one or two killer ones.
A very well taken goal by Orlando a few minutes into the second period and it was looking like another 3 points, until a crazy 5-6 minute spell changed the whole game and we just never really recovered. We had barely finished celebrating when we they sneaked in their first goal and that immediately gave them something to fight for.
We weren't decisive enough in defence for the first two goals and failed to clear the ball properly, but when they scored their second I thought we would wake up and come back at them, but just as we tried to do that, Piazon losing possession allowed them to break quickly and suddenly it was 3-2. Our defensive shape is important and has been good this season, but we completely lost it and it was a bit worrying that we looked leaderless and our captain McShane, who has been near faultless this season, was one of the main culprits when it came to the mistakes (particularly for their 4th).
That's the kind of defensive display we would be complaining about almost weekly this season had Pearce still been leading the back four, thankfully he isnt and this should just be a one off. Still, very important to get at least something against Brighton and not let this become a rut. A win and we would forget it instantly and it would be great for getting that confidence back, I think we can do it.
Some changes I would make though, go back to the front 3 of Vydra, Sa, Blackman, (Blackman is ineffective when played as wide as he was on Saturday as we saw)
Drop Piazon (he's not even playing in best position behind the striker anyway) and go back to the midfield 3 of Norwood, Williams and Tshibola (or Alex?) (Quinn injured obvs)
When Ferdinand is fit he should come back in to partner McShane, not saying Hector has been bad but Ferdy is a better partner for McShane and overal shape looks better with him in the side. Also, its not going to benefit us to keep developing Hector as he is no longer our player, I'd rather see Cooper come in now if need be, he's potentially a better player anyway.
Also Clarkey, don't be afraid to make changes and make them sooner, on 60-80 minutes rather than 70-90 minutes.
Perhaps Clarke should have called you into the dressing room Royal Lady, as you certainly seem to have a way of making your point known. I like your use of the word 'cross' as well. Something that was distinctly lacking into their box on Saturday.
I've wasted enough money on rubbish RFC teams over the years so I don't apologise for being slightly suspicious of hype.
