Monday, November 03, 2008

Fulham Drop All Three Points At Everton

an 87th minute goal by former Fulham striker Lousi Saha, cost Fulham all three point as Everton topped Fulham 1-0 at Goodison Park. I suppose the worst thing about the whole matter is that Fulham struck the woodwork twice in this match, had a couple of good chances go to waste and had Tim Howard make a couple of fine saves to keep the Whites out of the net.

I didn't see possession stats, but it seemed to me that Fulham had the majority of the possession by a little and Everton had some additional good chances, a couple of which made sure that Mark Schwarzer earned his paycheck. Fulham were, for significant times, moving the ball around well, making use of the 4-4-2 that Hodgson is liking. But the finishing is well off. Both Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora had their share of chances, clear opportunities that got blown. Zamora had probably the howler of the day, missing a chance from the top of the goal area after Howard saved Jimmy Bullard's 25 yard free kick. Zamora hit the post on a, well not quite wide open net. But from that distance, he needs to score.

Zoltan Gera was simply unlucky at about the hour mark. I thought his header was simply beautiful, hitting the crossbar in just the right way to bounce out of teh net and not in. A matter of an inche or two lower and it would have been a goal and a lovely one at that.

Fulham are playing well, with some solid football, creating chances and making life difficult for opposing sides. What Fulham need now is to convert a few of those close ones and they could start stringing together some wins. Fulham was unlucky to have not come away with at least a point.

Fulham will face Newcastle United this upcoming weekend followed by Tottenham, who are flying high with a draw against Arsenel and a win over Liverpool in the past two matches. Tottenham are looking much improved since sacking Juande Ramos.

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