Having not updated my blog over the past few months due to being very busy I have decided to get the ball rolling again.
Expect regular articles including weekly spotlights and reviews.
West Ham spotlight to follow.
Stay tuned.
Friday, 16 January 2009
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Review of Sunderland
Apologies for not posting for a while. I’d like to say I have been busy when in fact I have been slightly lazy but am back to my old ways now.
The Johnny Haynes statue was unveiled before kick off but I will write a feature on that very soon.
During the game Zoltan Gera had chance after chance and could not find the back of the net. He has not yet made a major impression on me since he joined from West Brom. Although his play has been fairly consistent he has not set the Premier League on fire. Every week I expect him to play a major role but it never comes. He has gone down slightly in my estimation of him but with plenty more football to play I hope he can regain the form he had at West Brom.
Sunderland should have walked away with three points after Keiran Richardson had a goal disallowed and hit the post three times. However this is a key point for Fulham and I am hoping it is a wake up call for strikers Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora to start scoring goals.
Both of them are quality players but need to start finding the net soon or things could go from bad to worse and we may join Spurs in the relegation zone.
The back four seem to be gelling nicely and although Fulham had lost their previous four games before Sunderland the defence have not been leaking goals left, right and centre.
Next weekend sees Fulham travel to Portsmouth where their Premier League status was renewed on the last day of the season.
Spotlight on Pompey coming later on in the week.
The Johnny Haynes statue was unveiled before kick off but I will write a feature on that very soon.
During the game Zoltan Gera had chance after chance and could not find the back of the net. He has not yet made a major impression on me since he joined from West Brom. Although his play has been fairly consistent he has not set the Premier League on fire. Every week I expect him to play a major role but it never comes. He has gone down slightly in my estimation of him but with plenty more football to play I hope he can regain the form he had at West Brom.
Sunderland should have walked away with three points after Keiran Richardson had a goal disallowed and hit the post three times. However this is a key point for Fulham and I am hoping it is a wake up call for strikers Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora to start scoring goals.
Both of them are quality players but need to start finding the net soon or things could go from bad to worse and we may join Spurs in the relegation zone.
The back four seem to be gelling nicely and although Fulham had lost their previous four games before Sunderland the defence have not been leaking goals left, right and centre.
Next weekend sees Fulham travel to Portsmouth where their Premier League status was renewed on the last day of the season.
Spotlight on Pompey coming later on in the week.
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Competition Winner
Thank you everyone for your entries.
I have looked at every entry and can confirm that the winner of the Chicago Fire football is Declan Mills.
I have looked at every entry and can confirm that the winner of the Chicago Fire football is Declan Mills.
Thank you to SoccerPro.com for giving me the football.
His captions are below.
"I know you are excited about joining Fitness First but can you start your work out when you are there?"
"Early shower is that way!"
Review of West Brom
With Andy Johnson banned and Bobby Zamora ill it was evident in my opinion that we would not score.
I can not understand why Roy Hodgson does not play Erik Nevland. He has a good scoring record and proved last season to the Fulham fans that he can find the back of the net with goals against Reading and Birmingham.
Instead Hodgson opts to play Seol Ki-Hyeon and Clint Dempsey. Two players who are not up to scratch. They do not have clinical finishing in their armoury, nor do they have vision or a natural striker’s instinct. All of which I believe Nevland has.
This is Fulham’s fourth consecutive loss. Time to worry?
We have played two of the promoted teams this season and lost on both occasions. Albeit away from home they are still points we should not have let slip.
All credit to West Brom they took their chance and came away with the three points.
My only hope now is that Fulham can turn things around. The next three games are crucial. Sunderland at home, Portsmouth away and Wigan at home. Nine points for the taking.
I can not understand why Roy Hodgson does not play Erik Nevland. He has a good scoring record and proved last season to the Fulham fans that he can find the back of the net with goals against Reading and Birmingham.
Instead Hodgson opts to play Seol Ki-Hyeon and Clint Dempsey. Two players who are not up to scratch. They do not have clinical finishing in their armoury, nor do they have vision or a natural striker’s instinct. All of which I believe Nevland has.
This is Fulham’s fourth consecutive loss. Time to worry?
We have played two of the promoted teams this season and lost on both occasions. Albeit away from home they are still points we should not have let slip.
All credit to West Brom they took their chance and came away with the three points.
My only hope now is that Fulham can turn things around. The next three games are crucial. Sunderland at home, Portsmouth away and Wigan at home. Nine points for the taking.
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Spotlight on West Brom
Fulham travel to the Hawthorns on Saturday and after two consecutive losses in the Premier League will be looking to bounce back against West Brom.
The last time the two sides met was in 2006 at Craven Cottage. On the day Fulham won 6-1. At the Hawthorns Fulham have a respectable record and have picked up points there on a couple of occasions since 1999.
Both teams like to play the ball on the pitch and I expect an entertaining game at the weekend.
Although Zoltan Gera has got himself on the score sheet a few times this season he has not overly impressed me. A strong performance against his former club would no doubt kick off his season. Gera will probably be one of the most fired up players in the Fulham side so it will be interesting to see how he plays. I believe he may be the difference between the two sides.
Andy Johnson is unavailable at the weekend so I am undecided who will partner Bobby Zamora up front. I would love to see Erik Nevland play from the start as I can see him and Zamora linking up well. But whether Roy Hodgson will play the two together is a different story.
I have a feeling that Seol Ki-Hyeon will partner Zamora as Hodgson favoured the two before Johnson was fully fit. I prey that Hodgson does not play Seol as I along with many more Fulham fans do not like his style or his mentality of play.
West Brom’s defence has looked dodgy over the past weeks so if the midfield and attack link up well then I think Fulham can penetrate their defence to the full extent.
I would like to see Fulham line up as such: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky, Davies, Bullard, Murphy, Gera, Zamora and Nevland. However as stated before I think Hodgson is likely to play Seol instead of Nevland.
The last time the two sides met was in 2006 at Craven Cottage. On the day Fulham won 6-1. At the Hawthorns Fulham have a respectable record and have picked up points there on a couple of occasions since 1999.
Both teams like to play the ball on the pitch and I expect an entertaining game at the weekend.
Although Zoltan Gera has got himself on the score sheet a few times this season he has not overly impressed me. A strong performance against his former club would no doubt kick off his season. Gera will probably be one of the most fired up players in the Fulham side so it will be interesting to see how he plays. I believe he may be the difference between the two sides.
Andy Johnson is unavailable at the weekend so I am undecided who will partner Bobby Zamora up front. I would love to see Erik Nevland play from the start as I can see him and Zamora linking up well. But whether Roy Hodgson will play the two together is a different story.
I have a feeling that Seol Ki-Hyeon will partner Zamora as Hodgson favoured the two before Johnson was fully fit. I prey that Hodgson does not play Seol as I along with many more Fulham fans do not like his style or his mentality of play.
West Brom’s defence has looked dodgy over the past weeks so if the midfield and attack link up well then I think Fulham can penetrate their defence to the full extent.
I would like to see Fulham line up as such: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky, Davies, Bullard, Murphy, Gera, Zamora and Nevland. However as stated before I think Hodgson is likely to play Seol instead of Nevland.
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Competition Update
A few weeks ago I started a competition to win a Chicago Fire football that I was given from SoccerPro.com.I now have the football in my hands so everything is good to go. The football is still in its packing and has an excellent feel. Incase you have not seen the previous post the entry details are below. Entries for the competition will close at midnight on 5th October.
Because of the American link I have established and that Fulham’s former inspirational captain Brian McBride left to play for Chicago Fire, I am offering the opportunity to win a Chicago Fire football.
Below I have uploaded two photos of McBride in action. To enter all I ask of you is to do a funny caption for either one or both. It can be whatever you want it to be, the choice is yours.
Once you have thought about what you are going to say please leave a comment on this post or email me on smithdaniel8@aol.com. Please give your name, email address and caption.
Whoever I judge to have left the best caption will win. The winner will be notified immediately once I have made my mind up. Any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Photo 1
Photo 2
Review of West Ham
Although I have only seen the goals and Andy Johnson’s bookings which led to his sending off I think Fulham were the better team yesterday.
West Ham were able to finish there chances quite comprehensively whereas Fulham could not do so despite some good solid play. The spell at the end of the first half was terrible for Fulham and in my opinion both goals were poorly defended.
If Mark Schwarzer was five years younger I reckon he could have made it to the ball before Matthew Etherington. Unfortunately he did not and Etherington topped off a superb two minutes to double their lead. Etherington was involved in West Ham’s first goal setting up Carlton Cole, who through a Schwarzer tip on was handed the ball on a plate to slot home.
Andy Johnson did not do himself any favours by getting sent off because of two clumsy challenges. I ask myself whether it may be through frustration because he has not yet justified his £10.5 million price tag. If he has not scored by the end of October then I soon expect the fans to get on his back to try and get some sort of return.
I think the players walked away from the game with pride intact and heads high. Playing, scoring and not conceding with ten men for most of the second half is a respectable feat and could carry to West Brom next weekend.
West Ham were able to finish there chances quite comprehensively whereas Fulham could not do so despite some good solid play. The spell at the end of the first half was terrible for Fulham and in my opinion both goals were poorly defended.
If Mark Schwarzer was five years younger I reckon he could have made it to the ball before Matthew Etherington. Unfortunately he did not and Etherington topped off a superb two minutes to double their lead. Etherington was involved in West Ham’s first goal setting up Carlton Cole, who through a Schwarzer tip on was handed the ball on a plate to slot home.
Andy Johnson did not do himself any favours by getting sent off because of two clumsy challenges. I ask myself whether it may be through frustration because he has not yet justified his £10.5 million price tag. If he has not scored by the end of October then I soon expect the fans to get on his back to try and get some sort of return.
I think the players walked away from the game with pride intact and heads high. Playing, scoring and not conceding with ten men for most of the second half is a respectable feat and could carry to West Brom next weekend.
Puma v1.08 Training Shorts
As part of the partnership between myself and SoccerPro.com I have to review the products I receive.Yesterday I found a crisp pair of shorts delivered to my front door straight from Columbia, MO, USA. The Puma v1.08 Training Shorts are the most comfortable pair I have ever owned and I’m not just saying that for a shameless plug!
They are comfortable, highly durable and have the flexibility required to play football.
Unlike most shorts I have previously owned these ones are not littered with add ons and logos. They have a small rubber Puma logo on the bottom left thigh and that is it. Keeping things simple is the way in which Puma have designed a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing short.
Taken from the SoccerPro website: “The Puma v1.08 Training Shorts are a top competition garment, worn by all Puma National teams and they feature a drawcord in elasticated waistband, contrast side and upper back, gusset insert for freedom of movement, and dropped back hem.”
Friday, 26 September 2008
Spotlight on West Ham
West Ham and Fulham both had disappointing results in the midweek Carling Cup fixtures. Both sides lost to Championship opposition so no doubt this weekend they will field stronger teams at Craven Cottage to make amends.
New signings Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil face their former club and I am sure they will want to impress and have something to prove to the opposing fans. A tip of mine is to put Zamora as first goal scorer as I believe he will go out hard from the off and score within the first half hour.
I also expect to see former Hammer Paul Konchesky feature heavily down the left flank linking up with Zoltan Gera who played on the right side on Tuesday.
Looking at this seasons statistics Fulham have not lost at home and West Ham have not yet won away. But with the Gianfranco Zola managing the Hammers there may well be the ‘feel good factor’ present so they may break their duck.
The same fixture last season caused uproar after Nolberto Solano impeded Antti Niemi in the face before scoring in the 87th minute. I do not expect lightning to strike twice and have a feeling that this could turn out to be a very good game.
Zola is trying to install stylish football into West Ham and since his arrival two weeks ago I hope the players have got to grips with it. If so we could be in for an entertaining game.
Roy Hodgson is more than likely going to stick with the same line up that lost 1 nil to Blackburn last weekend. Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Bullard, Gera, Zamora and Johnson.
My predictions for the game is that it will be a two all draw. Zamora and Johnson both scoring.
New signings Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil face their former club and I am sure they will want to impress and have something to prove to the opposing fans. A tip of mine is to put Zamora as first goal scorer as I believe he will go out hard from the off and score within the first half hour.
I also expect to see former Hammer Paul Konchesky feature heavily down the left flank linking up with Zoltan Gera who played on the right side on Tuesday.
Looking at this seasons statistics Fulham have not lost at home and West Ham have not yet won away. But with the Gianfranco Zola managing the Hammers there may well be the ‘feel good factor’ present so they may break their duck.
The same fixture last season caused uproar after Nolberto Solano impeded Antti Niemi in the face before scoring in the 87th minute. I do not expect lightning to strike twice and have a feeling that this could turn out to be a very good game.
Zola is trying to install stylish football into West Ham and since his arrival two weeks ago I hope the players have got to grips with it. If so we could be in for an entertaining game.
Roy Hodgson is more than likely going to stick with the same line up that lost 1 nil to Blackburn last weekend. Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Bullard, Gera, Zamora and Johnson.
My predictions for the game is that it will be a two all draw. Zamora and Johnson both scoring.
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Review (rant) of Burnley
One word sums up tonight’s performance by Fulham for me and that is dreadful!
I know many people like Clint Dempsey but tonight I believe he was playing for the name on the back of his shirt instead of the badge on the front. Playing on the left wing he drifted in the middle leaving no options down the left flank for Paul Konchesky to pass to.
I try to give Seol Ki-Hyeon a chance every time I see him play. But every time I do see him play he never seems to do anything right. The partnership of Seol and Andy Johnson was destined for failure as soon as I heard the starting line up. Johnson likes to play off a strong partner such as Bobby Zamora so without Zamora’s presence Johnson was not in the game all night long. He had no chances and only created two slight chances from the right flank.
The midfield and attack were abysmal and only got into action once the damage had been done.
I believe there are some positives to take out of the game and that is the performance of the defence. Toni Kallio looked more than capable of covering for Aaron Hughes or Brede Hangeland if they picked up injuries by putting in a solid strong display. To my surprise I was delighted with the performance of Chris Baird. I have always been one to slate the Northern Irishman but tonight he put in a good performance alongside Kallio showing he can also provide cover at the centre back position.
From the outset Burnley played with hunger and truly deserved their victory. They ran every ball down and played with passion and pride that I wish I saw from the Fulham eleven tonight.
I know many people like Clint Dempsey but tonight I believe he was playing for the name on the back of his shirt instead of the badge on the front. Playing on the left wing he drifted in the middle leaving no options down the left flank for Paul Konchesky to pass to.
I try to give Seol Ki-Hyeon a chance every time I see him play. But every time I do see him play he never seems to do anything right. The partnership of Seol and Andy Johnson was destined for failure as soon as I heard the starting line up. Johnson likes to play off a strong partner such as Bobby Zamora so without Zamora’s presence Johnson was not in the game all night long. He had no chances and only created two slight chances from the right flank.
The midfield and attack were abysmal and only got into action once the damage had been done.
I believe there are some positives to take out of the game and that is the performance of the defence. Toni Kallio looked more than capable of covering for Aaron Hughes or Brede Hangeland if they picked up injuries by putting in a solid strong display. To my surprise I was delighted with the performance of Chris Baird. I have always been one to slate the Northern Irishman but tonight he put in a good performance alongside Kallio showing he can also provide cover at the centre back position.
From the outset Burnley played with hunger and truly deserved their victory. They ran every ball down and played with passion and pride that I wish I saw from the Fulham eleven tonight.
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