A Howl Of Indifference: Fulham 0 Wolves 0

Following a heartening aggregate victory over Wolfsburg in the Europa League, the lupine theme continued with the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers, two cities that are, unfortunately, not twinned with each other. A missed opportunity by the respective city’s elders, I fear.

The heat of the sun, and a common triumphing over relegation, engendered a suffocating ambience, with both teams slow to anger throughout. In fact, the players demonstrated as much desire to wrestle with fate as the inflatable lamb being tossed around amongst the boisterous Wolves supporters.

With the visitors mimicking Fulham’s typically obdurate away displays, together the two teams conspired to choke any panache out of the game. Despite the impending stalemate, Zoltan Gera’s renaissance continued with an edgy, probing display. Indeed, it was only his effort and creativity that threatened to rupture the indifference gripping the Fulham players.

In the second-half, Damien Duff was granted a golden opportunity to purloin a few more points and make the overhauling of Birmingham City in the league table considerably more achievable. However, when released on goal by Gera he showed a disappointing lack of faith in his right foot, his - now almost trademark - switch to his left allowing Elokobi to intervene. Similarly, Bobby Zamora, on the rare occasion that he escaped from Craddock’s claustrophobic embraces, crafted a fine shot on the turn from 18 yards that glanced from the post.

But this was a training game in all but name. A nonchalant scuffle, and no more. As the second-half proceeded in slow motion, calls for substitutions to inject a little vim increased but, oddly, Hodgson resisted to the end. Although not one to wilfully exploit his bench, it was a curious decision. Despite the lack of urgency, this was an attritional, energy-sapping outing, with an incredibly significant Europa League semi-final against Hamburg approaching. Even if additional Premier League points were deemed dispensable, the logic of withdrawing a few players in preparation for that game would have appeared inarguable. One can only assume that maximising the together-time of the players set to play was considered a greater priority.

Volcanic ash notwithstanding, one hopes that the atmosphere this Thursday is a touch more volatile, and the expansion of lungs considerably more enthused.

Defensive Zen: Liverpool 0 Fulham 0

It is evident that Liverpool’s squad is superior to Fulham’s, in both ability and market value. No debate is required on this. However, at Anfield they were resolutely equal on goals scored, and points taken.

Statistically speaking, Liverpool dominated this game. They had 65% of the possession, compared to Fulham’s 35%, and a similar territorial dominance of 66% to 34%. They had 17 shots and 10 corners while the visitors achieved only 1 of each. And so on.

It appears, then, that Fulham “parked the bus”. At least one match report has reiterated Mourinho's famous gripe, and it still carries all the disapproval it did when the then-Chelsea manager coined it.

Liverpool can at least console themselves with this numerical superiority, then, and talk, as they have done, of “deserving” to win. But did they? Should they be able to claim a moral victory here?

Consider this: whose game plan prevailed, Roy’s or Rafa’s? Which manager optimised their resources, deploying their squad most effectively in view of the aforementioned imbalance between the teams?

Open, aesthetically-attractive football remains the holy grail for all teams and their supporters, but there should be no shame here, and there will be no apologies.

Let’s be clear, this wasn’t a 90-minute circus of defensive confusion, with players flailing around like human flak trying to deflect enemy missiles. This was a disciplined, syncopated display. Fulham’s midfield and back fours were lined up like ranks of soldiers, each player engaging when required, before resuming their position, exactly as drilled.

This was a team committed to their manager’s philosophy, and dedicated to faithfully executing his astute tactics.

In fact, I saw a nobility in the defending, an admirable stoicism. There were periods when watching them repel an attack, only to stand their ground and invite another one forward, became almost hypnotic. Dare I say it, there was poetry in their industry. It was defensive zen.

Thorough my biased prism I even felt they were almost, at times, taking a perverse pleasure in it all, encouraging the opposition to do their worst. Go on, punch me there…I felt nowt!

Strangely, it even brought to mind the 1974 Heavyweight Championship fight in Zaire, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman’s notorious “Rumble in the Jungle”, with Fulham mirroring Ali’s “rope-a-dope” tactics. Early on, the challenger had deliberately backed himself onto the ropes, inviting pressure from hard-hitting World Champion Foreman. Ali had identified his opponent’s strengths and set out to negate them - why try to compete on his terms? In fact, if Fulham’s single goal-bound shot - Damien Duff’s 91st minute finger-stinger - had gone in, it would have replicated what made that fight so spectacular. In the 8th round Ali switched his strategy from defence to attack, and took victory by knockout.

It was not to be for Fulham but, for me, this was a most honourable draw.

Easter Resurrection: Fulham 2 Wigan 1

This was a curiously airless encounter. One that began to peter out from the first whistle, and to leech from the memory soon after the final one.

Gulls hung above the Riverside stand, off-white against the grey clouds drifting through the sunshine. There was only sporadic chanting from the sub-capacity crowd, many of whom were more captivated by their smart phones. In the pockets of silence, players could be heard shouting to each other.

It was strange to consider that this was a Premier League match, with all the largesse and hyperbole that typically entails. It was closer in temper and ambience to a village green cricket match.

There was understandable anxiety that Fulham might be in the midst of another post-european hangover and would concede the game meekly, as they had done against Manchester City a fortnight earlier. On that occasion they were still intoxicated with, and exhausted by, their transcendent victory over Juventus. This time, one hoped that despite their fine win over Wolfsburg, they might still be feeling winded by their late concession in that game, and perhaps be eager to exorcise their frustration with a clinical, unblinking, victory.

Sadly not. A woozy first-half, played out in treacle, had few pulses quickening. It gave one ample time to wonder how a team able to dispatch Shakthar Donetsk and Juventus, could conjur such labour out of overcoming an anaemic outfit like Wigan. Little was happening, and often.

Elm was making a decent fist of being target-man but will only ever be Zamora-lite. However, the post-match revelations that he was still harbouring a virus, clearly negates most criticism. Gera was busy being busy, buzzing around the opposition defence, dropping off for the ball, and displaying a stirring tenacity despite his repeated manhandling.

Danny Murphy’s passing continues to be something of a lucky dip, whilst Dickson Etuhu frequently appears startled by the appearance of a football rolling towards his feet. Damien Duff was the usual brew of drive and dynamism, and Simon Davies again occupied the right-back berth like he was born to it.

Dismissed penalty appeals combining with the paucity of chances had my mind fast-forwarding to the final minutes. I envisioned Wigan rupturing a drab 0-0 with a late goal. With that scenario in mind, it was better for them to score early, and Jason Scotland’s 34th minute drive at least acted to dispel the soporific atmosphere and inject a little urgency.

At half-time, Stefano Okaka replaced the ailing Elm. I immediately began to fear a collision between the Italian loanee and Titus Bramble, concerned that the resultant fission might initiate a tidal wave in the adjacent river Thames. Apparently, ways of harnessing the friction between his huge lycra-clad thighs are being investigated in order to reduce the Craven Cottage electricity tariff. There’s got to be at least a few floodlight’s worth there.

90 seconds into the second-half, the game stirred. Gera stole the ball off the promenading Sharner by the corner flag, and squared it across the box for Okaka to snub the ball over the prostrate Kirkland. 11 minutes later, Brede Hangeland, aware that no-one was marking him, made a determined run at Duff’s corner and angled it, perfectly, towards the far corner of the Wigan goal. It pinged the post and settled in the net.

The rest of the game was a blur of attrition: Fulham continued fairly comfortably, although their concentration did threaten to fracture at times. Often their well-practiced passing and possession can seem to almost hypnotise them, and the need to attack slip their minds.

And so the game expired. Its demeanour, however, should not diminish the importance of the victory. These 3 points almost certainly preserve Fulham’s Premiership tenure whilst providing a fine fillip prior to their match with Wolfsburg this Thursday.

Sky Blue Thinking: Fulham 1 Man City 2

Sometimes, no matter how strong the desire, the body will not respond.

In an understandable slump between the climactic night of passion against Juventus last Thursday, and burgeoning mental preparations for Wednesday’s FA Cup Quarter-Final replay against Spurs, Fulham, trapped within a kind of footballing refractory period, could not perform here.

Only two changes were made (Murphy for Kelly; Smalling for Hangeland) from the preceding Europa League game. Many were surprised that with so many fresh and rested understudies, all eager to impress, that there wasn’t a more substantial re-organisation of the team.

The defeat was no surprise. A draw was almost conjured, but the lacklustre opening half permitted too great a deficit to reverse. The final whistle, then, was met with something of a collective shoulder shrug. Nevertheless, being able to almost nonchalantly write off a home defeat is a remarkable testament to how far the club has come.

That said, the low point for me was that one of their goals happened to be scored by a certain Mr. Tevez. He may possess a mercurial talent, but for one with a sensitive disposition, being exposed to his repulsive sphincter-thrusting routine provided an unnecessarily gruesome distraction.

I’m afraid, that when combined with the cauldron-stirring schtick, and the crazed, leering eyes, it suggests nothing less than a witch from Macbeth on Viagra.

CSKA Sofia 1 Fulham 1

With only 2 of the starters from Sunday’s Premiership victory over Everton lining up tonight, Hodgson’s approach to Fulham’s European “adventure” could be interpreted in one of two ways: it is a liability that, subverting form, has the potential to degrade the team’s Premier League status, and thus an early exit would not be mourned; or, it is an ideal opportunity to exercise squad and academy players, make them feel engaged, and allow their suitability for the first team to further assessed.

Slightly undermining the first, the commentator remarked, was the fact that all Fulham’s outfield players were internationals. As the game kicked off, he then proceeded to refer to “dear old Fulham”, rendering the remainder of his remarks as mere white noise.

Nevertheless, one hoped that the selected players could execute whatever strategy Hodgson had hatched for them, as, uncle Zuberbuhler aside, the bench boasted the same demographic as one from your local shopping centre - exclusively teenage - and one with not a first-team appearance seated upon it.

Along the flanks, the pairings of Painstil and Kelly, and Gera and Davies, instilled some experience. Chris Baird at centre-back would bear the responsibility of chaperoning both sidekick Chris Smalling and goalkeeper David Stockdale. Perhaps the greatest unknown was the central partnership of newcomers Riise and Greening.

Sofia began eagerly with 2 shots on goal in the first 3 minutes. Greening appeared to be adopting a Murphyesque role, dropping back to receive the ball from the defence. His distribution and insight, understandably, is yet to rival the team captain’s.

Although Sofia were working hard to limit space, Fulham slowly secured a grip on the game. Play was becoming increasingly contained within the centre of the pitch, and Sofia’s early forays forward were memories slowly dissolving.

While Riise was struggling to find a meaningful role, Baird was looking steady and assured, setting a fine example for his teenage accomplice.

As expected, fluidity and flair were once again hostages to organisation and containment. With fifteen minutes gone, Riise, Nevland, Kamara, and Davies may have enjoyed just one touch apiece.

As lack of involvement irked, Diomansy Kamara began to drop back to find the ball, before attempting to bedazzle the entire Sofia eleven. He had limited success, but his dynamism at least set an example for the team, and his admirable commitment was sustained through to the final minute of the game.

Fulham, robust, and surprisingly organised considering their unfamiliarity with each other, were slowly gaining ascendancy. The home side’s timidity was allowing them to begin to entertain grander plans.

The final minute of the half saw Fulham’s best chance when a Greening interception in midfield led to a web of tight interplay in the Sofia box, culminating in a Simon Davies shot directly at the goalkeeper.

Sofia began the second half with ambition magnified. As their pressure increased, so Fulham contrived to counter. Another intricate exchange between Kamara, Davies, and Nevland was eventually crowded out by the Sofia defence.

In the 61st minute, a pass was floated enticingly towards the edge of the Fulham box. The ball was cleverly chested on towards substitute Platini, perhaps revealing Smalling to be a little too forgiving in his marking. The striker reacted swiftly, held off the closing centre-back, and maintained his balance well to shoot wide of Stockdale and into the net.

It took Fulham three minutes to reply, and the swiftness of the response appeared to stun Sofia into a daze for the rest of the game.

With the home side committed upfield, a forward ball was hooked instinctively on by Nevland towards the advancing Kamara. With the Sofia defence stranded, their keeper elected to race him to the ball despite it contriving to drop some 25 yards out. Kamara prevailed, executing a deft touch to take the ball past the onrushing keeper. He pursued the ball to the edge of the box, and calmly slotted it into the opposite corner of the unguarded goal, doing well to evade the tackle of the fast-closing defender.

From then on, Fulham earned burgeoning possession, and cultivated increasing poise and creativity. Slowly they stifled Sofia, whose desire was dissipating.

With 15 mintues to go, the home team had a final, golden, opportunity. A pass skidded across the box from the left flank past a defence frozen in mid-appeal for a non-existent offside. A powerful rising strike from 8 yards out demanded an accomplished reaction save from Stockdale.

With a few minutes remaining, Kamara was booked for his over-exuberant closing down. Application that, coupled with his attacking initiative, merited a a share of the man of the match plaudits with the calm and commanding Chris Baird.

Ultimately, however one interprets the manager’s approach, this was a satisfying, and satisfactory, result; one that was, considering the personnel and their lack of common playing time, founded on a performance of surprising cohesion and understanding.

Fulham 2 Everton 1

Fulham’s displays to date ensured that any expectations for this game were replaced by a curious ambivalence. With the demands of the Europa League already, apparently, exerting a deadening effect upon form, attempting predictions was a slippery pursuit. Should we anticipate another anaemic, under-powered display, the team lethargic and strangely lacking in belief or commitment? Or will the side that closed out last season start to swim into focus.

As the game started, the midfields squared up to each other and, with Everton suffering a similarly soporific start to the season, a war of attrition loomed.

Fulham’s passing still lacks the the polish and pizazz it had acquired midway through last season, a quality they so commendably maintained through to the final games. That well-oiled movement, previously so crisp, swift and assured, even in confined spaces, is still undergoing recalibration, still requires a little lubrication. With Everton deploying a high pressing approach, limiting time and space, there was clearly going to be little opportunity here to rediscover that synchronisation.

Early emerging patterns drew attention to Fulham’s wide midfield players, one of whom was behaving strangely like the archetypal winger not seen in white for a while. Indeed, within minutes, Damien Duff was demonstrating one of his in-demand qualities by delivering some teasing crosses across the Everton box - a welcome sight.

Whenever Duff was thus engaged on the right, Dempsey was appearing to drift even further central than usual, taking up a position behind Zamora and Johnson. With this role notoriously difficult to mark, he was enjoying freedom to receive the ball and provide the thus far missing link between the defence and the all-too-often isolated attack. Whether a conscious measure or not, it fostered more fluent build-up play.

Indeed, with defence, as ever, prioritised, the detachment of the front two players has typified Fulham’s performances so far this season. Searching balls are played forward to strikers who, outnumbered, inevitably lose possession before the midfield, based mainly in a different postcode, have reached them. Furthermore, on Sunday, with the Everton centre-backs intent on sharing intimate space with Zamora and Johnson, neither were able to get goal-side and conjur any real threat upon goal.

Indeed, Zamora spent much of the game entwined in a vice-like embrace with Joseph Yobo. At times they between them resembled the cover of a 1940s pulp sci-fi magazine. One where some hapless brylcreemed adventurer is writhing at the mercy of a gaint octopus emerging enraged from the ocean.

Joseph Yobo introduces himself to Bobby Zamora

The referee, a ballroom fan perhaps, appeared unconcerned by their enduring partnership.

Although the strikers’ contribution to the team ethic should not be overlooked, it does blunt their striking efficacy and demand a similarly team-minded approach to score goals. Opportunities for mercurial displays of attacking will continue to be limited for both for a while. Indeed, Hodgson’s philosophy appears to have condemned Zamora and Johnson to a Fulham career comprised of ugly performances.

However, a similar act of imprisonment was being implemented at the other end of the pitch, with Hangeland and Hughes the disciplined jailers. They were doing a reliably efficient job of shackling Everton’s attack, although the lacklustre Jo, whose presence barely disturbed the turf, was not demanding the physical attention being meted out by Everton’s central pair.

Despite the risk of the teams wholly nullifying each other, and industry for the most part replacing artistry, the game was developing into fairly compelling, swashbuckling contest, full of grit and resolve. Indeed, Danny Murphy, not yet his impish, magisterial self, was becoming increasingly irritable as a result of fussy, inconsistent refereeing, his team’s lack of fluidity, and his own wayward distribution. It appeared increasingly unlikely that he would reach the 90th minute without seeing a rectangle of red against the sky.

One particularly clumsy challenge on Pienaar in the 33rd minute led to a free-kick some 35 yards out, and was floated by Baines into the Fulham box. Unfortunately, despite having scored half of his Premiership goals with his head, Cahill’s threat at set-pieces was still clearly under-appreciated by the Fulham defence, as he was allowed in front of Etuhu to perform his party piece once more. His offside position was overlooked by the linesman and off he set to spar with the corner flag.

Deflated, Fulham slowly lost composure. Compasses spinning, the players’ co-ordination faltered, and passes skidded astray. With tempers unravelling, the game began to bristle and spark.

Despite conceding, Fulham’s build-up play continued to lack urgency, the ball repeatedly played sideways or backwards. This leisurely approach allows the opposition time to regroup, and thus limit space in their half. By the time the ball has breached the half-way line, the front players have inevitably have come to rest, by necessity, in line with the oppositions’ defence, rendering runs behind them near impossible. Thus Andy Johnson is robbed of one of his primary weapons. Furthermore, the player carrying the ball forward, often Dempsey, finds himself faced with a group of static team-mates, all being shadowed closely by an opposition player. Hence, a few of his long shots appeared to result as much from a lack of alternatives as anything else.

The delivery of a few eloquent Hodgson epithets at half-time engendered a little more vigour, and the team’s tempo increased as they began the second half. Chances began to half-form, and the crowd’s increasing excitement appeared to energise the team still further. Following a foul by Neville on Paintsil in the 57th minute, a Murphy free-kick was repelled by the wall. Konchesky, loitering, connected sweetly, his powerful half-volley beheading daisies before being deflected away from the stranded Howard and into the goal.

The engaging tussle continued, both teams resilient and combative but hampered somewhat by a lack of flair. The energetic Pienaar, the tormentor in last season’s defeat at the Cottage, endeavoured to penetrate, and was being granted worrying amounts of time and space.

A goal-kick from Fulham’s impressive goalkeeping debutante David Stockdale was edged on by Zamora to Johnson. He deftly laid the ball off to the advancing Duff, before turning and making a diagonal run away from goal, dragging Yobo with him. Duff accelerated into the space created, and from the edge of the box, fired a shot that curved away just enough to elude Howard but not the net.

Received opinion suggests that Duff’s pace has subsided, but he is still clearly able to evade a defender with enough movement to earn the space to shoot, as he had already shown in the first half. It was a goal that, perhaps, only Dempsey amongst the current squad could have scored, and was encouraging evidence of another much-needed addition to the Fulham armoury.

The remaining 11 minutes of the game, extended by 5 minutes as a result of treatment required for Phil Neville’s knee injury, saw some frantic firefighting in the Fulham box, but their lead was preserved.

With the beginning of a worrying sequence of defeats terminated, the final whistle witnessed relief suffusing the celebrations.

Hawthorns In My Side

Humans crave certainty. We don’t like doubt and ambiguity. Not in important matters anyhow. And it’s a prevailing paradox that even football supporters, acolytes of a game ignited from within by it’s very unpredictability, are desperate to know how a season will play out, even in it’s preliminary stages.

It’s the natural tendency of the brain to organise, to categorise, to make sense of incongruent elements. To join the dots into what we believe is a cogent shape.

Fulham fans have been waiting for a sign; they’ve been searching for a pattern. Collectively, we strive to glean sufficient evidence to formulate a prospective fate for the season. This despite there being more than 30 games to be played, together with the vagaries of the transfer market, inconvenient injuries, and who knows what other whims to be visited upon a club that at times appears to be defined by such caprices.

Even after a few games we are eager to extrapolate form across a whole season, to second-guess the remaining games, and to predict our eventual standing. Do we top up our half-full or half-empty glasses, or tip the lot away and hunker down in preparation for long agonising slide into the division below?

Prior to last Saturday’s visit to West Bromwich Albion, forecasting was folly. How to assess the worth of a team that had yielded such disparate results?

A tenacious, stubborn victory against Arsenal, for so long a team for whom Fulham appeared to have been tailor-made, together with an elegant dismantling of Bolton that almost dissipated at the end. A lame surrender against a Hull team that merely dared to believe that they could win, and all-too-familiar scenes of self-destruction against a mediocre West Ham side.

Of course, such divergent swings have constituted a pattern of their own in previous seasons, the only constant being insipid away displays.

Emergent themes have already been proffered: the conceding of late goals; Hodgson’s tactical intransigence; defensive infirmity; and the Murphy/Bullard curate’s egg.

It was intrigues such as these that lured the White Lines charabanc out of London and up towards Birmingham. Pencil poised, lead licked and pointing pitch-wards, I committed the perennial error of allowing myself to feel optimistic before a Fulham game. We were going to win.

The whistle blows. Fulham pass the ball well now. The players are comfortable with the notion, they perform it almost automatically and, for the most part, successfully, even when angles are tight and space is limited.

Dempsey appears keen and, unable to breach the defence, fires off a few speculative 20-yarders. His threat, however, is nullified by opposition changes in the second-half that are not countered. Zamora is thwarted as he tries to turn on the edge of the box a few times. Gera shrugs off his cloak of invisibility to spurn a fine chance, before suffering some kind of Prodigal Son paralysis.

Micro-patterns emerge: build-up is generally patient (i.e. slow); desire for the perfect pass is inhibiting play and reducing openings; first-time crosses are a rarity - actual crosses are over-hit.

It’s a delight to see this team passing so well and with such ease, especially after the steady erosion of this aspect post-Tigana. Consequently one is hesitant to criticise, but at times it can resemble artistry for it’s own sake. There is little urgency, and forward motion is tentative. In fact, it can become somewhat soporific and, like gazing into a fish-tank, one sometimes finds oneself almost hypnotised by the graceful movements being described on the pitch below. Indeed, the players often appear to lull themselves into an almost obsessive-compulsive pattern, taking reassurance from the repetition. A comfort blanket of possession.

Individual players then appear frightened of breaking the spell, of being the weak link in the chain. No-one wants to play the probing ball that might surrender possession. When there is always a backwards or sideways outlet (usually Mr. Bullard on one of the full-back’s shoulders calling for the ball) it can absolve a player from making an offensive-minded decision.

Could it be that without a defensive midfielder we lack confidence in our ability to regain lost possession? Murphy fails to get recognition for his defensive efforts, but they are inconsistent and it’s not in his nature, while Bullard (perhaps understandably) appears happy to never engage in a tackle again. Ball-winning is thus rendered a weakness at present, and certainly dilutes the argument for the Murphy/Bullard partnership.

At the Hawthorns, this hesitance manifested itself most notably in the wide areas. Repeatedly we saw players unwilling to take a player on or deliver an early cross. Instead they check back, and return the ball to the increasingly-crowded central area. Here the recipient, usually Murphy, is then confronted with a forest of players in front of the 18-yard box, the opposition having had ample time to regroup.

Such sights recall the latter days of Tigana’s reign: exquisite passing undermined by an unhurried build-up; time granted to the opposition to re-assemble in their box and nullify all attempts at penetration; Fulham players increasingly static as the ball is passed back and forth 20 yards out.

Just as it can appear churlish to bemoan fluent passing or abundance of possession, so it may be regarded by some as sacrilege to question Jimmy Bullard. It’s his role that I query, though, for Fulham’s current squad can surely not be at a level yet where someone of his ability and drive could be jettisoned as surplus to requirements? Deployed correctly, he is critical.

Bullard enjoys a lot of possession and this always suggests a significant contribution is being made. But is it aimless industry? Much of his work on Saturday comprised fetching and carrying. Does he really need to collect the ball from Hangeland’s feet, ping it over to Konchesky, only to chase after it and demand it back again? Is he no more than a drone, a footballing drudge?

Against Arsenal he appeared to play a much more restricted game positionally, and the team appeared more robust, as they had to be. This team is talented enough to dance through many of it’s rivals, but I fear that Bullard’s insatiable roaming is dulling his creative edge, and diluting his impact.

This is a quandary for Hodgson to reckon with and hopefully resolve. He has questioned Bullard’s discipline before, and one wonders if this remains an issue between them.

Of course, it is to Hodgson that the questioning eyes ultimately return when results are amiss.

Without doubt, his measured manner and equanimity through good times and bad was a critical factor towards the end of last season. His refusal to over-react neither to lumpen defeat, nor thrilling comeback, enabled a calm self-belief to flourish. Such virtues, however, cannot co-exist with a swashbuckling, devil-may-care approach. They are not compatible. Hodgson is, in this respect, the anti-Mourinho. He maintains a stubborn faith that the right choice has been made and that the players and the tactics will come good. Given time.

Over the course of the season his creed may prevail. But supporters regularly stalked by relegation grow twitchy, and understandably seek short-term assurance. And so, as patterns begin to impose themselves, foreboding grows.

Fulham 0 West Ham 1

A blunt, impotent and tactically bemusing performance saw Fulham surrender meekly to a West Ham side that required little more than a modicum of application and functionality to secure a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

The declamatory cry of “every game’s a cup final” appeared merely mock-heroic folly as it dwindled away, consumed by bemused post-match silence, simmering frustration, and no little anger from the Fulham supporters.

Some desire (desperation, even) to shore up curious tactics, or else an inspired game-plan, crafty enough to carry players lacking in confidence, may have sufficed today against limited opponents whose primary approach was a long central ball aimed towards Carlton Cole. Alas, both application and insight were lacking in the home team.

Even the recent resurgence in passing and possession, the calm midfield dominance and measured build-up play, evaporated. The team lacked cohesion, co-ordination, and were disjointed throughout. Nervousness is acceptable given the circumstances, but confusion regarding roles, and an apparent lack of rehearsal of attacking movement, is unforgivable.

Various forays were made to the edge of the opponents’ area, only for moves to break down due either to over-elaboration, hesitance, or a poor choice of final ball. Simply, it is unclear who is supposed to be scoring and how they are supposed to be doing it.

The line-up and formation yields no clues here. McBride was selected as a lone front man, with Bullard pushing far enough forward to be considered a secondary striker. Now, McBride possesses many notable qualities, but he cannot excel as a lone forward. Bullard, likewise, has ability to spare, but is not a striker of any stripe. How these two, then, were meant to combine into a potent stike force is an enigma.

Hodgson suggested recently, as most managers do, that their 4-5-1 formation is designed to adapt into a 4-3-3. However, expecting Dempsey and Kamara to combine with McBride to create some kind of spearhead when they were also being asked to play as (very) wide wingers is fanciful at best. This concept simply never materialised, and the crowd were left to witness McBride toiling away in painful isolation, unable to make an impact. The usual valiantly won flick-ons merely spun off into space for easy collection by the West Ham defence, Dempsey and Kamara distant spectators out on the flanks.

In the second half, the sole adjustment appeared to be the pushing of Andreason up alongside Bullard. The Dane toiled away, that cannot be denied, and he increasingly invokes the ghost of Sean Davis, but although he covered much ground, any impact was negated by the tactical anomalies in force. The availability of Nevland, Johnson, and even Kamara renders this approach all the more bewildering.

Frustration began to seep through the crowd as the manager appeared reluctant to tinker. When Eddie Johnson was brought on (too late for most spectators), this alleged striker was condemned to occupy the wide position of the player he replaced, Clint Dempsey. His chance of making an impact limited, a singular cameo comprised a vicious angled shot from 8 yards that rose from his boot and is rising still.

With Fulham living increasingly dangerously, West Ham eventually broke through with three minutes remaining. Despite Solano’s studs appearing to be up and in Niemi’s face, his goal was given - the final poisonous flourish of an abject performance from referee Webb. Andreasen persisted with his protests until he was dismissed.

With Nevland apparently not even considered until this point (he never made it on), Hodgson’s only other concession to attacking play was throwing Hangeland up front in the dying moments.

Relegation is now beginning to loiter around Stevenge Road like a vagrant that refuses to be moved on. Not only are the brutal and intransigent mathematical formulae beginning to stack up, but performances such as today’s fail to suggest that the resources exist to conjur anything meaningful from the scarce remaining fixtures.

Niemi 6, Konchesky 6, Hughes 6, Hangeland 6, Stalteri 6, Dempsey 6 (Johnson n/a), Murphy 5, Andreasen 6, Bullard 7, Kamara 5, McBride 6.

Substitutions: Johnson for Dempsey (75th minute).

Substitutes Not Used: Keller, Bocanegra, Smertin, Nevland.

Fulham 2 Aston Villa 1

re·viv·al  (r-vvl)
n.
1.
a. The act or an instance of reviving.
b. The condition of being revived.
2. A restoration to use, acceptance, activity, or vigor after a period of obscurity or quiescence.

Synonyms: reactivation, rebirth, renaissance, renewal, resurgence, resurrection, resuscitation, revitalisation, revivification

***

“I copped one across the bugle, no problem.“

Indeed, a bruised protuberance proved no hindrance to Jimmy Bullard, as he underwrote a critical Fulham victory, and firmly announced his return to Premiership football following a 15-month absence through injury. Producing a display of astonishing application and insight, he also provided an assist for Simon Davies’ equaliser after the team had fallen behind through an Aaron Hughes own goal. Then, by virtue of an elegant free-kicked goal, he both secured an elusive win, and announced a glorious return from the wilderness.

Any flavour of victory would have been significant in the current circumstances, but this was a fully-deserved one, founded on industry and skill, against a high-flying team with a robust away record. The victory, and it’s execution, a renaissance revealing encouraging evidence of Roy Hodgson’s ongoing influence on the training ground.

It was also an indication of the manager’s knowledge of the European transfer market. This was his first post-transfer window game, and the efforts of the three new recruits that were included in the starting line-up highlighted, and helped to rectify, pre-Hodgson deficiencies.

Leon Andreasen, whilst not as eye-catching as a Bullard or a Murphy, was mobile and committed, and provided a much-needed aggressive edge to complement his colleagues’ more creative output.

Brede Hangeland appears to be the embodiment of the tall, dominant centre back that the Fulham defence has lacked for so long. He provides an overt physical presence, yet is assured and skilful enough to play his way out of trouble. He possesses the bearings of a future captain.

Erik Nevland, endearing in his pre-transfer desire to play for the club, suggested intelligence through his runs, displayed surprising pace and aerial aptitude, and as admirable a work ethic as his colleagues. His appearance and play suggesting a leaner and more mobile Heidar Helgusson.

In addition to these contributions, Simon Davies added a little bite and tenacity to his usual flair and energy, together with a skillfully taken goal. Dempsey, likewise, was not afraid to blend some aggression with his dexterity.

The whole tenor of Fulham’s play has improved. Players now look comfortable on the ball, and confident of their ability to execute short, quick passes. There are still a few too many misplaced balls, and the team could benefit from some of the sideways movement being replaced with more incisive, forward passing, but the improvement is clear.

The only apparent weak link in the arrangement was the beleaguered Chris Baird, whose position as fall guy du jour was cemented by his creation of the Bullard bruise. However, the rather crass booing of him by his own supporters during the team announcements cannot have done much for his self-confidence. It’s curious that he continues to be deployed at right back, considering Hodsgon’s public recognition that he is a centre back by trade, and the availability of Moritz Volz. It was therefore particularly encouraging that he steadied himself and delivered an assured second half.

With Agbonlahor effectively nullified (before Simon Davies finished the task just before half-time), the overriding threat for the home team was the ease with which the Villa players found Carew, albeit typically with his back to goal, and some 25 yards out. It’s a credit to the Fulham defence that these incidents rarely developed into realistic opportunities.

So, a revival certainly, if not yet a revolution. The contrast with the soulless anti-football of the Sanchez era could not be more stark. It is clear that there still a way to go both in terms of league survival, and team development, but the team now appear to be equipped with the necessary ingredients to realise an escape from the clutches of the Championship.

Niemi 7, Konchesky 6, Hughes 6, Hangeland 7, Baird 5, Davies 8, Murphy 8, Andreasen 7, Bullard 10, Dempsey 8 (Kamara n/a), Nevland 7 (McBride 6).

Substitutions: McBride for Nevland (70th minute); Kamara for Dempsey (79th minute).

Substitutes Not Used: Keller, Volz, Bocanegra.

West Ham 2 Fulham 1

Despite Fulham taking an early lead through a Simon Davies free-kick, West Ham’s efficient and industrious team struck back twice to gain a deserved victory at the Boleyn Ground.

Jimmy Bullard's last game for Fulham was an away win against Newcastle. He was stretchered off with severe trauma to his knee ligaments that required the skill of a world-leading surgeon to repair. After 15 months of rehabilitation, he returned to the first team today. During that time, Fulham have failed to win another away match.

So, the scene was all set for the circle to be closed: Bullard returns, and Fulham win an away game once more.

No.

The team that Bullard returns to is considerably different from the one he was forced to leave in September 2006. In that time, they have changed managers twice, and acquired almost an entire new team, but have made little, if any, progress. Today, they were unable to offer a significant challenge to an organised but unspectacular West Ham side.

Fulham obtained an early lead. A Dempsey flick-on was gathered by Healy on the corner of the West Ham penalty area. He was bundled over for a free-kick, which Simon Davies swerved into the box. Carlos Bocanegra ran towards it and, although he appeared to make no contact, managed to distract Robert Green enough for it continue into the net.

After 13 minutes Bocanegra was replaced by Aaron Hughes, the American apparently injured.

Fulham looked nervous in defence, but were not helped by a referee awarding a stream of free-kicks against them for innocuous challenges. At this stage, Etherington was offering the greatest threat, with Volz and Baird struggling to syncopate sufficiently to nullify the speedy winger.

Slowly, Murphy and Davis attempted to crank their passing game into life, but with their West Ham counterparts giving them little time on the ball, their rushed efforts were yielding frequent errors. As they attempt to reclaim a style of play abandoned for so long they appear, at times, to be playing at the limits of their ability. Hence, only the slightest pressure compromises it’s success.

When play gets compressed they do at least now have the wherewithal, typically through Murphy, to spread the ball via a few lateral passes to the opposite flank to create the space to instigate an attack. This is something not seen since the last days of Tigana, but apart from this there was disappointingly little evidence of any further Hodgson influence today.

With 27 minutes gone, the prevailingly off-colour Konchesky committed himself into a challenge that he failed to win. With free space, Ljungberg floated in a cross that Ashton, his run to the near post too quick for his marker, headed in past the helpless Niemi.

5 minutes later, an Etherington pass traversed the entire Fulham area, watched with interest but no response, by the Fulham players, for Ashton to fire in from the edge. Only a fine save from Niemi onto the bar, prevented West Ham from taking the lead.

Ashton and his partner Carlton Cole were causing problems continually by now, and their performance (together with the presence of Brian McBride amongst the Fulham supporters) highlighted just how lacking are in this area Fulham are. Dempsey and Healy are certainly game but they pose almost no threat to an opposition defence. Dempsey, admittedly not a pure striker, is combative, but lacks the pace to beat players. Healy is unfortunately beginning to resemble the younger brother allowed, as a favour, to play with the older boys.

This gap was demonstrated further when another fierce Ashton shot was palmed over the bar, and a Carlton Cole charge into the box, a clear opportunity, was fired directly at the goal keeper, Hughes having been easily shrugged off. Green had little similar action to occupy him at the other end.

Where a revitalised, reformulated, response was required from Fulham, none was delivered. Indeed, it was the home team who strengthened, while their visitors began to pale. The high tempo of the first half resumed, and the first 10 minutes were end-to-end. It was West Ham producing the more dangerous efforts though, Fulham’s counter-attacks continually breaking down as a result of poor passing, poor control and a general lack of understanding between players. Simon Davies contributed an energetic and enterprising performance, but his willing runs at the opposition defence were rarely rewarded with outlets through which to exploit his efforts.

Volz set up Dempsey for a powerful shot that went just wide but, with 30 minutes of the half gone, a Cole header was cleared off the line by Konchesky, the striker being replaced by Boa Morte shortly after.

Fulham’s defence, unsteady and uncoordindated all day, was slowly unravelling. Stefanovic is rarely elegant but can at times be an effectively direct defender. Today he was lumpen and hapless. Baird was floundering all game, and Konchesky has changed from an authoritative, unflappable presence to an error-prone figure, regularly left for dead.

Yet another cross was allowed to spin into the box unchallenged, for Ferdinand to score from 15 yards out. It was overdue. 2 minutes later, Ashton broke through and should have scored from close range.

With 15 minutes remaining, Dempsey had a fine header from a Davies corner cleared off the line, and Baird headed over from a Murphy free-kick. With the breakthrough appearing increasingly elusive, Smertin replaced the ineffective Healy, and Bullard made his long-awaited return for the eager but unrefined Volz. With Dempsey now on his own, an equaliser appeared even less likely.

Fulham continued to labour but simply lacked the quality to progress. Bullard caught the eye with his ground-covering, and attempts to orchestrate the team, but had little opportunity to make an impact. A deflected shot in injury time would have provided a sweet return from the wilderness, but it would have been more than his team deserved.

Niemi 7, Konchesky 5, Stefanovic 5, Bocanegra n/a (Hughes 5), Baird 4, Davies 7, Davis 6, Murphy 6, Volz 5 (Bullard 6), Dempsey 6, Healy 4 (Smertin 5).

Substitutions: Hughes for Bocanegra (13th minute); Smertin for Healy, Bullard for Volz (76th minute).

Substitutes Not Used: Warner, Ki-Hyeon.

Fulham 2 Bristol Rovers 2

Based on previous cup outings, Fulham made predictably hard work of obtaining a draw with League One side Bristol Rovers, after twice going behind.

Before they had even had time to start playing poorly they conceded, their opponents clearly more motivated and alert than they were. Within three minutes, a failed clearance was stabbed at from 6 yards by Coles and deflected past the stranded Niemi. Amongst the Fulham supporters, resigned through experience to witnessing such scenarios, shock is generally replaced with weary and knowing looks at such times.

Lack of urgency, poor concentration, and slack passing, all suggested that the Premier League team expected a victory to materialise by virtue of their status alone.

Bouazza had started poorly. He wasn’t the only one, but he looked cold, distracted, and failed to progress when in possession. Within 15 minutes he had been moved to a central position. On 23 minutes, he made his first attempt to take on his opponent, and pulled up despite little absence of a challenge, holding his shoulder. There were more knowing looks from the crowd, as what looks like the third dislocation of the season for the Algerian. His prevailing fragility looks like an ongoing problem, but one that was surely avoidable.

The positive aspect to this was, with Baird replacing the departing winger, Volz pushed forward into the right midfield position he so impressed in against Chelsea on New Year’s Day. Another fine performance, full of vigour and application was to follow until his substitution in 72nd minute.

Slowly, Fulham began to loosen and flex, and under the orchestration of Danny Murphy began to fashion opportunities. Dempsey had a headed goal disallowed through a Stefanovic foul after 10 minutes. Healy fired a low shot just past the post following a Murphy free-kick.

However, the crowd became increasingly restless as, despite noticeable post-Sanchez improvements, basic failings persist. There were too many unforced errors, too many mis-hit passes, often compromising team-mates, and the back-four looked worryingly disorganised. Stefanovic was less dominant than in recent games and, after an impressive start to the season, Konchesky’s inconsistent displays continue. He did however contribute a fine free-kick on the half hour following one of several Dempsey runs direct at the Rovers’ defence that drew a free-kick.

Healy’s movements continue to mystify: he either drops back - to the half-way line at times - to pick up the ball, despite not being particularly adept at penetrating defences with the ball at his feet; or he appears way over on the right by-line, where he is similarly ineffective. This is how he played under Sanchez, and it’s unclear if this behaviour is a legacy of the former manager’s approach, or part of his natural play. It makes evaluating his genuine Premier League potential extremely difficult. When he appeared where one would expect him to appear - six yards out - he scored with a well-placed header, courtesy of a Volz cross. 40 minutes gone, and 1-1.

Fulham finished the half strongly and threatened to score again. A glancing Healy header from another Murphy free-kick forced a save, whilst a curling Smertin shot from the edge of the box went marginally wide.

They improved further in the second half and, apart from a few Rovers’ forays, achieved the majority of possession and goal-scoring chances. There are still some of Sanchez’s fingerprints on the team, principally in the guise of the occasional long, high ball hit towards, infuriatingly, the smallest player on the pitch, David Healy.

Murphy continued to be the main creator of Fulham’s moves, collecting and carrying throughout.

Despite the home team’s dominance, on 64 minutes Bristol Rovers took the lead once more, Fulham demonstrating that one of the many fundamental areas that they require improvement in is the defence of set pieces, as Hinton headed in a free-kick unchallenged.

Clint Dempsey is a crucial source of quality and inventiveness (and no little graft) for the Fulham team. He still needs to increase the speed of his decision-making as he is regularly caught in possession, and thwarted in his attempt to pass or shoot. However, along with Danny Murphy, he is not helped when each time he looks up when in possession, he finds himself surrounded by static players, with no available outlets for a pass.

Indeed, it is in attack that the fiercest revolution is required. Deprived of Brian McBride’s opportunism, intelligence, and sheer work-rate, Fulham do not possess any single player that carries enough of a threat to cause consternation in an opposition defence. Hence, all their chances have to be created by virtue of careful build-up play, and delivered on a plate to a player to finish. Healy is in this category: provide him with an opportunity in the box, and he can score; outside of the box, he is willing, but merely functional.

On 72 minutes, the tiring Volz and Smertin were replaced by Ki-Hyeon and Davis. Almost immediately, Davis played an incisive ball to Dempsey, holding off his marker with his back to goal. He laid it off to Murphy, who struck cleanly from 20 yards, the keeper only able to push it into the top corner.

With Ki-Hyeon achieving sporadic success down the right with his rather limited repertoire of step-overs, Fulham continued to threaten to create a winner, but were ultimately forced to accept what was probably the worst outcome for them, a draw.

Niemi 7, Konchesky 5, Stefanovic 5, Bocanegra 6, Volz 7 (Ki-Hyeon 6), Bouazza 4 (Baird 6), Murphy 8, Smertin 7 (Davis 6), Davies 6, Dempsey 7, Healy 6.

Substitutions: Baird for Bouazza (23rd minute); Ki-Hyeon for Volz, Davis for Smertin (72nd minute).

Substitutes Not Used: Batista, Leijer.

Fulham 1 Chelsea 2

With Fulham earning a deserved first-half lead from a Danny Murphy penalty, Ray Hodgson had the opportunity to become an instant cult hero as he began his tenure as Fulham manager with a game against local rivals Chelsea. However, it was not be, as Chelsea emerged from the break to overpower a tiring Fulham team, and proceeded to grind out an efficient victory with goals from Kalou and Ballack.

Worthy Opponents
Looking increasingly comfortable (and happier) in possession these last few games, Fulham today added a touch of tenacity to their play to render themselves far more worthy opponents for Chelsea than respective league positions might suggest.

Despite seeming subdued, and making a surprising number of unforced errors, Chelsea still looked dangerous on the counter-attack, launching high balls towards the eager Solomon Kalou. Joe Cole was another outlet for Chelsea offensive play, being given ample time and space to contrive openings by the Fulham defence.

Volz was making a good impression with a committed and swashbuckling display on the right wing. Within 10 minutes he embarked on one of his cavalier charges into the penalty area, turned a defender, and was brought down for a penalty. Murphy’s precise strike hit the net with Hilario diving in the opposite direction.

A Fragile Lead
As per the Birmingham game, the Fulham supporters were encouraged by an enterprising first-half display, whilst at the same time obliged to ponder the fragility that a 1-goal Fulham lead typically represents.

After the thrust of the first half, Fulham entered their, by now predictable, 45 minute refractory period. With a re-configured Chelsea midfield now including the commanding Mikel (replacing the ineffective Sidwell) alongside Ballack, they began to wilt under their opponents increasing pressure and aggression. Davis and Murphy, so effective previously, looked increasingly lightweight as they were harried, and frequently bustled off the ball.

Yesterday, David Lacey (in a positive piece in The Guardian, here) referred to Murphy, Davies, and Davis as “craftsmen operating the same lathe”, echoing Ray Lewington’s concern that it’s the mixture of the squad that requires modification, rather than the quality.

Today’s second-half display made this fear all too justified: Fulham have no-one comparable in stature to a Ballack or a Mikel; someone with enough authority to dominate the central area and gain possession, but still mobile enough to cover the ground required by a high-tempo game. With the sale of the underperforming Papa Bouba Diop, always expected to assume this role, the club now lack any players with even the potential to satisfy this lack. The transfer window beckons, Mr. Hodgson.

On 54 minutes, Chelsea’s dominance told, as Kalou headed home from a corner. 6 minutes later, Ballack buried a penalty, and the early promise evaporated.

Volz’s energetic start was undermined by his lack of matches and, as he began to tire, he was replaced by Seol Ki-Hyeon. Despite one committed run, riding 3 challenges to deliver a cross, the Korean unfortunately recalls Kamara in his tendency to overcomplicate his play, and he frequently surrenders possession. 2 minutes later Smertin was brought on for the slowly improving Davis, as Fulham battled to regain some measure of midfield influence.

Blunt Attack
They laboured on, but were enduringly blunt in attack. Although Murphy was culpable for some inaccurate passes, he is frequently being made to look worse when, in possession of the ball, he is offered so few outlets by his teammates. Similarly, Dempsey toils away in isolation and appears increasingly aggrieved at the lack of support he receives.

Lacking any semblance of an attacking threat, Fulham’s forward line was refreshed in 77th minute with Healy replacing the increasingly inconsequential Kamara. Although they rallied in the last 10 minutes, they never looked like conjuring enough quality to fashion an equaliser.

Niemi 7, Konchesky 7, Stefanovic 7, Bocanegra 7, Omozusi 8, Davies 6, Davis 6 (Smertin 6), Murphy 7, Volz 7 (Ki-Hyeon 3), Dempsey 7, Kamara 3 (Healy 6).

Substitutions: Ki-Hyeon for Volz (68th minute); Smertin for Davis (70th minute); Healy for Kamara (77th minute).

Substitutes Not Used: Warner, Kuqi.

Birmingham 1 Fulham 1

Fulham’s tendency this season to always be a goal shy and a half short was again their undoing today as they faced fellow relegation scrappers Birmingham at St. Andrews. Despite securing a well-deserved first-half lead, they once more proved unable to sustain form throughout 90 minutes, and succumbed to the burden of their away record. Indeed, they ended up a player short, frantically battling to preserve a point.

Lewington's Final Task
This was Ray Lewingtons’s third game as caretaker manager despite the appointment of Ray Hodgson on Friday, who attended today’s game as an observer only. He will oversee his first training session on Sunday.

The returning Steven Davis sent Smertin to the bench, Healy doing the same to Kamara. Stefanovic replaced the injured Aaron Hughes as both player and captain, with Omozusi selected in place of the injured Chris Baird.

There was much to encourage the incoming manager in the first half, although the quality took a while to surface. After an 18 yard Healy shot within the first 30 seconds, neither team seemed able to impose any measure of care upon their play. On 5 minutes, McSheffrey broke through for a one-on-one with Niemi, but blazed over from 10 yards.

Slowly, Fulham began to piece together the passing game they have been encouraged to rediscover under Lewington. They gradually gained ascendancy, moving through the error-prone Birmingham players repeatedly.

In the 8th minute, Carlos Bocanegra met a Simon Davies corner at the near post for a deserved lead.

Increasing Confidence
With confidence, and ease on the ball, improving, the threat to the Maik Taylor’s goal increased. With 30 minutes gone, Birmingham were looking increasingly fragile, and further Fulham goals appeared a formality.

However, they didn’t materialise. Despite the completion of an impressive half, Fulham supporters know from experience that one goal is never enough, and that 45 minutes is a long time in football.

One can only hope that Mr. Hodgson spurned any half-time refreshment, and instead opted to avail himself of the dressing room debrief, for there are surely many clues to be gleaned from this mysterious gathering. Something truly inexplicable seems to occur during this period, for rarely does the team that emerges resemble the one that departed the field just a short spell previously.

Second-Half Slump
It was therefore with increasing frustration, and no little weariness, that Fulham’s all-too-predictable downturn revealed itself. In the space of 15 minutes they appeared to have lost the ability, or at least the confidence, to pass the ball as they were doing so nonchalantly in the first half.

Birmingham hadn’t suddenly morphed from a crude, lumpen assembly into a slick, gifted affair. All they appeared to be doing differently was closing down a little quicker; giving the Fulham players slightly less time to dwell. This however, seemed to be enough to spook them, to fracture their fragile confidence, and corrupt their recently re-employed skills.

From the start of the half up until Larsson’s deflected goal in the 55th minute, barely a single pass was completed between two white shirts. Balls were blindly hoofed or headed clear, even when time was available to settle and pick out a teammate. Poise was replaced with panic. Everything became frantic and hurried. Birmingham possessed but one tactic - a long central ball down the middle of the pitch – but Fulham were struggling to cope with it, and in the mêlée, their favoured approach had been sacrificed.

Such was the fare for the remainder of the game. Smertin replaced Murphy, presumably in an attempt to restore some calm and structure to a disappearing midfield. His influence was marginal. Dempsey, too, tried to control the ball and hold on to it on occasions, but these were moments of sobriety amid a riot of random and unthinking play.

With the game lumbering on, there was no fear of spoilers: the script is known to all by now. Fulham fingers are never very far from the self-destruct button, and in the 79th minute Bouazza duly picked up a second yellow and was dismissed. Birmingham sensed their chance, and pushed Fulham further and further back, relief only coming with the final whistle.

Typical Performance
Despite a win appearing so achievable, one wonders if the replaying of the typical, off-the-shelf, Fulham performance wasn’t perhaps the preferable outcome, considering the attendance of the new manager.

A freakish display, in which the opponents were dispatched with ease, before half-time, away from home, would have painted an illusory picture before Hodgson. He may have even felt minded to put out a weakened team against Chelsea on Tuesday...

Better, perhaps, that he witnesses at the outset the full breadth of the Fulham experience. From the sublime to the farcical; from dominating, and threatening to close out a game, to ten men blindly hoofing a ball around as they try desperately to preserve a precious point.

Mr. Hodgson, welcome to Fulham.

Niemi 7, Konchesky 5, Stefanovic 7, Bocanegra 7, Omozusi 7, Bouazza 6, Davis 6, Murphy 6 (Smertin 6), Davies 6, Dempsey 7, Healy 6 (Kuqi 4).

Substitutions: Smertin for Murphy (70th minute); Kuqi for Healy (74th minute).

Substitutes Not Used: Warner, Leijer, Kamara.

Spurs 5 Fulham 1

With his tenure at still less than a week in length, this was Ray Lewington’s second game as caretaker manager of Fulham, and it showcased further evidence of his attempts to rehabilitate his team as a passing side. However, a combination of attacking impotence and a porous defence, allowed Spurs to nullify his efforts with ease.

Line-Up and Formation Changes
The starting line-up revealed further divergence from his predecessor: Steven Davis found himself removed from the squad altogether, to be replaced by the popular Alexey Smertin, and Seol Ki-Hyeon returned once more, at the expense of Hameur Bouazza. Moritz Volz’s long absence through injury ended with a substitute berth.

Fulham began with a 4-5-1 formation, the midfield lining up left-to-right, as follows: Ki-Hyeon, Smertin, Murphy, Davies, Dempsey. Kamara was the lone striker.

For the first 10 minutes, Fulham were unable to secure any prolonged possession. Spurs passed the ball around slickly and speedily in tight spaces, with Malbranque pivotal.

Smertin Returns
Fulham gradually steadied, with Smertin soon demonstrating why his prolonged absence has been so mourned, tackling and harrying, ball-winning, and helping to construct the type of moves that have been absent for so long from Fulham’s play. His partner in midfield, Danny Murphy, was having his best game for the team so far, dominating the central area with his Russian colleague.

Despite a continuing improvement in passing and possession, Fulham were unable to create goal-scoring chances as they had done in the first 45 minutes of their previous game.

Offensively, they were unimaginative and impotent. Kamara had reverted to his skittish and frustrating persona, baffling and ineffectual. With Demspey pushed very wide by the 5-man formation, he was struggling to get involved. Ki-Hyeon managed a few half-hearted crosses, but still appears a strangely cold and detached figure.

Repeatedly, the final pass, or the final run, caused a carefully constructed move to break down, rendering Robinson as little more than a spectator.

Increasingly Exposed
Although Niemi was not required to make a save until a Berbatov header after 25 minutes, Spurs consistently found themselves with a free man on their left. This was predominantly Steed Malbranque. Consequently, Spurs started to create Fulham’s defence problems, and the former Fulham midfielder was the source of most of it. Repeatedly, attacking moves were formed down the Spurs left flank, with no remedial action taken, until the overwhelmed Baird was replaced at half-time by Volz. This proved too late, as a Malbranque shot rebounding off the post in the 27th minute was side-footed in by Keane. Huddlestone made it two with a fierce shot from the edge of the box just before the interval. Niemi was frozen as it passed him by.

Lewington’s half-time changes, as well as being timely, were at least encouraging in that they appeared designed to remedy overt shortcomings.

As well as the Baird-Volz exchange, Bouazza came on for the listless Ki-Hyeon. Demspey moved up to join Kamara for a reversion to 4-4-2.

Offensively, Fulham were still failing to click, with passes being made in anticipation of runs that were never made, and runs being made only for passes to be poorly placed.

However, on the hour Dempsey clattered in a Bouazza cross, after his initial shot was parried by Robinson.

A Brief Revival
The revival was painfully short-lived, with no time to build on the resurgence in confidence. Less than a minute later, Bocanegra looped a ball over Niemi’s head. From the corner, an unmarked Berbatov headed down to an unmarked Keane for a tap-in. The die was cast.

Shortly after, the injured Aaaron Hughes was replaced. David Healy joined Kamara in attack. Dempsey reverted to right midfield and Simon Davies shifted to right back, with Volz making his debut at centre back. With such a makeshift defence, the conceding of more goals seemed likely.

Fulham struggled on, but they were by now a simulacrum of a team, and were merely going through the motions. Kamara switched positions with Dempsey and now became virtually invisible. Healy was lightweight and increasingly appears out of his depth. On 70 minutes, Huddlestone, despite having already scored one goal from 20 yards, was allowed to repeat the feat.

The misery was finally complete when Volz, despite impressing in his comeback, received his second yellow card in the 87th minute. In stoppage time, Defoe exploited another twist of defensive confusion for an easy goal.

It can only be hoped that in the hours and days immediately following this game, that the search for a permanent manager has been shifted up another gear. Change is required, and soon. The principal concern is that whatever capabilities any incoming manager may wield, that the changes implemented by Lawrie Sanchez may be too entrenched to be undone in what remains of the season.

Niemi 6, Konchesky 6, Bocanegra 6, Hughes 6 (Healy 4), Baird 4 (Volz 6), Ki-Hyeon 4 (Bouazza 4), Smertin 7, Murphy 7, Davies 6, Dempsey 7, Kamara 3.

Substitutions: Volz for Baird, Bouazza for Ki-Hyeon (HT); Healy for Hughes (64th minute).

Substitutes Not Used: Warner, Kuqi.

Fulham 1 Wigan 1

Fulham’s first game under caretaker manager Ray Lewington saw them fight back to earn a draw against Wigan after a dominant first half had failed to yield any rewards. Despite the creation of a slew of early chances, it was left to Clint Dempsey to equalise with his 5th goal of the season, after Marcus Bent had put the visitors in front.

A New Beginning
The departure on Friday of Lawrie Sanchez, and with it his grim litany of protests and excuses, ensured that the poisonous atmosphere of the last game at Craven Cottage was not replicated for today’s fixture.

Despite uncertainty surrounding the future of both the team, and the managerial role, a sense of relief and renewed optimism prevailed prior to kick-off.

Fulham started the game in 18th position, and development squad duo Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay replaced the outgoing Sanchez, Beasant and Gibson, as caretaker managers.

No Major Changes
Despite Lewington choosing not to use his first 24 hours in charge to implement any significant changes in either starting personnel or formation, the play itself certainly provided a refreshing change. In a pre-match interview he had summarised his ethos by revealing that he had instructed the players to “get the ball down and play”, and this was certainly what they were endeavouring to do.

After months of unstructured, unthinking, slapdash football, they at last seemed to be playing with freedom. Using the full width of the pitch, they were stringing together passes and creating openings. A passer-by wouldn’t have mistaken them for Arsenal, but it represented an encouraging improvement. The shackles, it appeared, were off.

With the cohesion and the possession came goal-scoring chances: Bouazza hit low crosses that Kamara first, and subsequently Dempsey and Davies, missed by inches. A Davies shot from just inside the box forced a good save from Kirkland. Kamara ran on to a Davies free kick, intercepting it just before the keeper was about to gather, but put it just wide.

The increasing confidence was apparent. Picking up the ball just inside the Wigan half, Konchesky continued forward and, with the opposition failing to close him down, shot from 30 yards, only the bar denying him, with Kirkland beaten.

Wigan threatened little, and Niemi had no saves to make, but there were still some occasional moments of panic among the defence. Communication breakdowns between the goalkeeper and the back four not being helped by his seeming refusal to step off his line, except when it was clearly too late.

Dominance But No Breakthrough
It was certainly a dominating 45 minutes of football from Fulham, and they should have been comfortably in front at the break. The crowd appreciated the renaissance and cheered them off with enthusiasm.

Despite the early promise, the adage about teams needing to score when playing well was looming ominously over the team. In the first five minutes it became clear that the snap had gone. Passes weren’t being completed. Reactions seemed slower. Worse, possession was being given up far too easily.

Kamara demonstrated an improvement on his last outing and appears to have at last realised that he’s allowed to pass to other players. He still goes to ground with alarming ease and regularity, however. Dempsey continued to labour with little support, and looked increasingly like the only player with enough guile to create a breakthrough.

Omuzusi convinced once more that he can succeed at this level, but unfortunately an attacking foray ended in injury. Lewington replaced him with Chris Baird, and at the same time sent on Healy for tackling-shy Steven Davis. Davies moved to the centre, Dempsey drooped back to right midfield, and Healy joined Kamara up front.

Declining Quality
As quality dissipated into the frosty air, the game disintegrated into a playground free-for-all; whilst both teams were clearly desperate to progress, neither were prepared to take the time to construct movements with any forethought or incision.

Wigan eventually broke through in the 70th minute. Michael Brown blindly looped a cleared ball over his head and back towards the Fulham area. A Wigan player flicked it back, apparently without challenge, to the waiting Marcus Bent, who lashed the ball past Niemi.

In many areas, Fulham had reverted to type, as Lewington’s pre-game instructions appeared to slip from collective memory. A few long balls were launched up towards Healy, the smallest player on the pitch, all unsurprisingly intercepted. Even the ones hit up to Kuqi he was unable to win – aerial dominance surely being his only justification for being on the pitch, as he lumbered about in vain.

Despite the deteriorating spectacle, the crowd continued to implore Fulham on, creating greater support than they had for many a game. In the 78th minute, a moment of penalty-box pinball lead to Kamara receiving the ball on the left of the Wigan area. His sliced shot spun across the goal to the closing Dempsey who did well to keep the ball down and on target, drilling it past Kirkland into the corner.

While the first half suggested potential for some kind of revival, the second demonstrated that there are still plenty of areas for an incoming manager to address as a matter of urgency. It was a frustrating outcome to a game that had started so positively, and demonstrated that whilst they the club had taken the first step towards survival by dismissing an underachieving manager, his legacy will take a little longer to reverse.

Niemi 7, Konchesky 6, Bocanegra 7, Hughes 7, Omozusi 7 (Baird 6), Bouazza 6 (Kuqi 5), Murphy 6, Davis 5 (Healy 6), Davies 6, Dempsey 8, Kamara 6.

Substitution: Baird for Omozusi, Healy for Davis (59th minute); Kuqi for Bouazza (72th minute).

Substitutes Not Used: Warner, Ki-Hyeon.

Fulham 0 Newcastle 1

After an insipid first half of football, Fulham’s improved application after the break was undone by a 90th minute Newcastle penalty, and condemned them to the relegation zone.

A “winnable” game?
Before this match, Lawrie Sanchez had earmarked it, and the 3 games to follow (Wigan at home, Spurs and Birmingham away) as “winnable”. He hoped that the points acquired from the Christmas spell would see the club entering the New Year higher than the 17th place they occupied at the start of the day.

Having fallen at the first hurdle, his tenure looks increasingly fragile.

Fragile also describes Fulham’s first five minutes. As Newcastle attacked relentlessly, they were unable to escape from their penalty area, let alone their half. Last-ditch clearances were scrambled blindly up field, landing each time at Newcastle feet, only for another attack to be instigated. This happened over and over: it was like watching a tape loop of incompetence.

The storm weathered, Fulham attempted to mount attacks of their own. However, they lacked cohesion and they lacked understanding. Most damning of all, they lacked the ability the pass to each other. Unforgivably, they lacked commitment.

Newcastle pressed high up the pitch and subsequently saw more possession, and it’s always worrying when the opposition appear to have an extra player.

Midfield Shortcomings
As against Blackburn, Fulham’s midfield duo served up tissue-thin, blink-and-you’ll-miss-‘em performances. Murphy, presumably deployed as a “playmaker” of sorts, hit balls that apparently only he knew the purpose of, whilst Davis continues to perfect the art of looking busy whilst achieving nothing. Smertin’s re-appearance on the bench provides a vestige of hope, at least.

Bouazza made sporadic forays down the wing, the occasional completed cross sailing over Healy’s head. The Irishman was desperate to capitalise on a rare starting place, courtesy of the suspended Kamara. Dempsey laboured to inject a little creativity but was repeatedly stifled by opposition players swarming around him.

As the half wore on, Fulham stabilised defensively. Hughes was steady, and Bocanegra thankfully avoided reproducing the drop in performance that we’re used to seeing when he’s switched from centre to left back. Stefanovic was rudimentary but effective, repeatedly intercepting Newcastle balls with his head. Most encouraging of all was Elliot Omozusi, continuing to grow in stature, he played with intelligence, assurance and poise.

Supporter Discontent
As Sanchez left the pitch at half time, a vociferous section of the crowd suggested he leave the club altogether.

The manager may have passed the crowd’s dissatisfaction with him onto his players, for they resumed play with greater intent, and even began to suggest that they actually wanted to win the game. They closed Newcastle down with more eagerness, and pressed them higher up the pitch.

Bouazza in particular appeared re-energised and gained increasing success, one particular cross being marginally too swift for Dempsey’s boot to make contact with as he sprinted in at the near post.

Apart from a few more spells of defensive pressure, Fulham looked the most likely to score. With 15 minutes remaining, Kuqi replaced Davis, Demspey moving to right midfield, Davies into the middle. As well as setting off a few minor earthquakes in SW6, he began flicking on cleanly-won headers, the majority being squandered by his team-mates inability to anticipate them. Kuqi gives everything, but despite being admirably honest, seeing his toil and bluster being deployed in place of panache and guile does sap the spirit somewhat.

Healy In The Premiership
Another honest trier is David Healy, but question marks over his ability to succeed at this level remain. Around the box he carries little threat. He possesses neither the pace nor the skill to beat players, neither has he the physical strength to withstand challenges from imposing centre backs. It’s apparent from his international success that given service within the box he will score, but the same could be said of Collins John.

With this in mind, it is an ongoing mystery why the team continue to launch long high balls up to someone who is comfortably the smallest player on the pitch. Even more perplexing is the sight of him repeatedly materialising out wide on the right wing. True, he often succeeds in providing crosses, but with his qualities in mind it is reasonable to expect that Healy should be the one in the box receiving the crosses, not providing them.

Undone At The Death
When discussing how to improve the team’s record, Sanchez spoke about elements within a game that he could control, and those he couldn’t. There’s little he could have done to avert the awarding of a penalty, in the 90th minute, with a draw just about concluded. A penalty for which none of the away side appealed, and for which no one except for the referee could identify a cause.

It was a messy, frustrating end to the game, and queered the story considerably. For not only did it turn a deserved point into a defeat, but it provided Sanchez with another hook on which to hang an explanation for a defeat; another sleight of hand with which to try to detract from another unsatisfactory performance.

The crowd, however, will not be fooled. He left the pitch to sustained abuse.

Niemi 7, Bocanegra 6, Hughes 6, Stefanovic 7, Omozusi 8, Bouazza 7, Murphy 5, Davis 5 (Kuqi 6), Davies 6, Dempsey 7, Healy 6.

Substitution: Kuqi for Davis (75th).

Fulham 1 Spurs 0 (Reserves)

This game was most notable for showcasing the continuing rehabilitation of Moritz Volz for Fulham, and Ledley King for Spurs.

King was instantly recognisable by virtue of his physique, being one of several imposing Spurs players on show, compared to the comparatively small stature of the Fulham team: only Leijer carrying any kind of physical presence.

The quality of play was dubious in the opening minutes with a slew of unforced errors from both teams.

Wayne Routledge, on his return to the Cottage, was soon demonstrating his deft control and quick wits down the right wing, with left back Anderson the unfortunate victim on a number of occasions. He was moved to a central position by Spurs in the second half with slightly less influence.

Both sides gradually improved throughout the game, with the second half seeing some sustained phases of passing and movement from the visitors: pressure that required, at times, some frantic defending from the Whites. Fulham did create some openings of their own: a defensive error provided Lewis Smith with a fine chance on the edge of the box that was squandered by his taking an extra touch. Alnwick saved the ground shot well with his right foot.

Volz looked comfortable throughout his 60 minute spell, and his fitness appeared adequate for the reduced demands of a reserve game. He produced one trademark overlapping run in the second half, released by a fine ball from the impressive Bradley Hudson-Odoi. The Fulham defender charged into the area and squared the ball to the Ishmael Ehui, eager and willing all game, who put his shot wide.

A stalemate looked an unavoidable, and fitting, outcome when, with a few minutes remaining, Ehui tricked his way past a defender into left side of the box and shot across the keeper for the winning goal.

Fulham’s most notable performer was Leijer who, as captain, looked composed throughout, and always comfortable on the ball, his centre back partner Ashley Thompson also impressing. Rob Milsom was suggestive of Alexei Smertin in his play: covering good ground, showing composure and vision, and with good distribution. Hudson-Odoi looked confident and skilful on the right wing.

So, no epiphanies, no players smashing down the door to the first team, but a few who aren’t that far off, and a few showing some promise.

Warner, Volz (Ashton 60), Thompson, Leijer (captain), Anderson, Hudson-Odoi (Goncalves 75), Saunders, Milsom, Brown, Smith, Ehui

Fulham 2 Blackburn 2

Recently, Fulham have become somewhat notorious for their custom of conceding goals in the last 10 minutes of matches, together with the fact that their half-time scores alone would place them at the top of the Premier League table. The more generous observers attending this game at Craven Cottage might therefore deem congratulations in order, as Lawrie Sanchez’s team successfully avoided adding any more statistical weight to this phenomenon.

The more pragmatic bystanders, however, would no doubt counter that conceding an equalising goal in the 79th minute does not represent a huge progression beyond this sobering record. They would also allude to the continuing fragility of their play, their flimsy midfield, and the enduring enigma that is Diomansy Kamara.

Fulham received an early bonus at the outset of this game: after 3 minutes, Blackburn’s leading goal-scorer and major goal threat, Benni McCarthy, was taken off following a weighty challenge from the imposing Dejan Stefanovic. Santa Cruz had been omitted, leaving the oncoming Jason Roberts as their sole striker.

Fulham appeared eager to exploit this, and embarked upon a spell of neat passing and swiftly executed counter-attacks. Bouazza looked aggressively direct, but still squandered the final ball too often. The occasional glance around would help this.

A magnificent through-ball from Dempsey released Kamara from the traps: a one-on-one should have been academic, but instead of continuing on past Keller, or shooting early, he chose to dither and check, and the chance was gone. It was first of many exasperating moments provided by the striker.

Blackburn, demonstrating that they are continuing to trade-in their previous, overtly physical, approach for informed tactics and fluent passing, looked equally potent.

Indeed, after 20 minutes, they began to eclipse Fulham’s efforts, increasingly by-passing the rather meek and accommodating partnership of Davis and Murphy with clinical passes in to the forward players, repeatedly rendering the entire Fulham midfield redundant.

Steven Davis is a player whose busyness suggests influence. A notion sadly subverted by his repeatedly incomplete passes, unforced errors, and the ease with which he was excised time after time by a neat Blackburn pass. Murphy offered little more.

On a few occasions, a Blackburn player ran from the half-way line to the Fulham box unchallenged. Cue bemused faces as the culprit was sought: an inquest never settled.

It is displays such as these make the popular Alexei Smertin’s continued excommunication a prevailing mystery.

Alarmingly, this failing continued to be exploited throughout the game. The only noticeable response was the late, central deployment of Simon Davies, toiling away in an attempt to shield the aforementioned two.

0-0 was an apt caption for an engaging but inert display at half-time.

Dempsey was an encouraging mixture of insight and industry throughout, and it was the Texan that forced the breakthrough, 5 minutes after the re-start. Chasing a lost cause by the left by-line, he fought for and gained possession, then squared a ball into the area. Kamara was brought down by Nelsen for a penalty that Murphy dispatched with poise.

Increasingly, Fulham floundered, performing the odd vignette of ball-scrambling panic in front of the thankfully restored Niemi.

As well as the central area, Blackburn had been finding space down Fulham’s left flank all game. This pattern, and Fulham’s escalating vulnerability provided the inevitable equaliser as Emerton fired in from a Warnock cross headed on by the offside Jason Roberts.

Nevertheless, this period gave rise to the best move of the game: a series of sharp interchanges lead to a Simon Davies cross/shot hybrid across the goalmouth that was met by Kamara, apparently offside, racing in at the far post.

The failure to address the weakness on the left was Fulham’s undoing once more, as Warnock slipped in unseen by Dempsey, to meet a cross from the right with an easy tap-in.

Sanchez will take encouragement from drawing with a team that he reiterated his admiration for after the game. However, as with the Reading game, the result belies the evidence. Although Blackburn are a few years further into their rebuilding than Fulham, they still constitute a far more robust outfit and, despite their image, conjure more guile than Fulham are able to at present.

Niemi 8, Baird 6, Hughes 6, Stefanovic 8, Konchesky 7, Davies 6, Davis 4, Murphy 5, Bouazza 6, Kamara 4, Dempsey 8.

Substitutions: Kuqi for Bouazza; Seol & Healy for Kamara & Murphy.