WTF are we talking about El Burro in this thread? That kid has no business in the EPL and will sink faster than Altidore. Fulham have 99 problems but don't need El Burro to be one of them. Glad Ream had a good game, sad that they lost the lead late on. You can see in Ream's reaction the frustration that exists in the side.
With Mitrovic, Schurrle, Kamara, they have some quality up front. They really should have scored in the first half.
The 11 points and worst goal differential (-26) after 19 games don't suggest some issues at Craven Cottage?
They have the most goals-against of any Premiership team: 43. By comparison, the Terriers only got scored on 34 times. The Fulham defense is terrible, and Ream is part of the problem usually, but not in the Wolves game.
And not in the game before that either. They've been a mess defensively this season, but the hope is that Ranieri might help turn that around. 1 goal against in the past 2 games is a good start (obviously a super small sample size, but they hadn't posted a shutout or gone two games without conceding at least 3 goals prior to that) and Ranieri seems to like Ream in that LCB role right now. I'm holding on to tiny glimmers of hope right now, because I have such fond memories of Fulhamerica over the year, including fond memories of Yanks helping them avoid the drop when all seemed lost.
I thought they just started using him recently because he was injured to start the season and Raineri just took over not all that long ago.
He was injured to start the season, but he then got a run of 4 games prior to Ranieri's arrival, and Fulham gave up a shocking 15 goals in that span (a few of which he wasn't on the field for due to being subbed off early). Again, here's hoping they've turned a corner since then.
Starts: 🔙 @ThomasCairney & @LucianoVietto Two changes for #FFC this afternoon as we take on @htafcdotcom ⚫️⚪️ #COYW #FULHUD pic.twitter.com/8V1sScQlxq— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 29, 2018
I'm listening to this one in the background. It sounds like an incredibly dull game. Huddersfield are dominating possession, but neither team is willing to commit numbers forward, so there are very few opportunities being created by either side right now.
Really interesting sequence just now. Fulham won a penalty. Mitrovic stepped up to take the PK (as per Ranieri's instructions apparently). Kamara took the ball away from him and claimed the PK for himself. There was a bit of argument, but Mitrovic eventually gave him his blessing. And then Kamara couldn't convert. Still 0-0. However, Fulham have been in complete control this half, creating a couple very good opportunities.
And Mitrovic converts an absolutely priceless goal for the full three at 90. Huge result for Fulham, but after that Penalty there will appear to be a bit of drama.
Ream played the full match. With hints of a turnaround, and definite signs of improvement - it's great that Ream is playing during this change in fortunes.
I would think so. They asked Ranieri about the incident after the game: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/46709734 His response?
yeah......... Kamara is officially in the sell window for Fulham looks like. Rainieri was never going to tolerate something like that.
Ranieri probably has a big checkbook for the transfer window, or else he would not have taken the job. He will probably bench Kamara for two games and then they will make up. Kamara has a long term contract, and he is an aggressive, physical player.
Yeah, but he doesn't score, doesn't assist, and flagrantly disregarded the manager's instructions. Ranieri has no loyalty to him; if he stays, it's because no one wanted him. You can maybe pull that stunt if you're a star (and if you score the penalty), but if you're a guy who has made 5 league starts all season and you've got a new manager in charge, you cannot.
Rainieri can ask Klinsmann about El Burro. To stay up you want to take 3 points off the bad teams. Donkey can score on Huddersfield, ffs.
Sessegnon is wasted in a team like Fulham. He came in and changed the tone of the game. He scared the Hudders defense enough to give up a stupid penalty (handball) & created the play for the goal. When they go down, they can sell him for a lot of $$$ to some team staying in the EPL.