Fulham vs. Crystal Palace League Cup match thread

[BromleyMonkey]

I was at the game, but just watching the highlights I hadn't appreciated the 5 free headers that we gave them during the match.
Great to win of course , but it would be misleading to assume a clean sheet means that the defensive issues have gone away.
Far too much space to opponents is still being given in the box.

No I think most of us are in agreement that Foolham were so bad last night we can’t take a lot from the game apart from we somehow got through to the next round

 

[Willo]

I was at the game, but just watching the highlights I hadn't appreciated the 5 free headers that we gave them during the match.
Great to win of course , but it would be misleading to assume a clean sheet means that the defensive issues have gone away.
Far too much space to opponents is still being given in the box.

The defending gives me great cause for concern.
I would not have flattered Fulham had they raced into a 3 goal lead. We were exceedingly fortunate that they were so wasteful in front of goal.
We emerged victorious but the problems around our goal persist and have to be rectified in short order.

 

[Nicholas91]

The defending gives me great cause for concern.
I would not have flattered Fulham had they raced into a 3 goal lead. We were exceedingly fortunate that they were so wasteful in front of goal.
We emerged victorious but the problems around our goal persist and have to be rectified in short order.

Being reliant upon opponents to so half-heartedly attempt to take their opportunities, and failing to do so, does not strike me as an effective plan for moving forward.

There may well be a few games where this is the case, but not many.

If sanity collapses and my opinion was the only one sought for fixing our issues, I'd place strong emphasis on fixing the defence. We are staying afloat due to the inidividual talent within a long-established PL and now European squad, however sorting the defence should be the first port of call before the implentation of an effective strategy for scoring using said talents.

I am failing to muster any belief that Sage will accomplish this.

 

[palace99]

Apart from that Mrs Lincoln how did you enjoy the play?

So you thought the 1st half performance was acceptable did you?

If so you have ridiculously low standards - even for a Palace fan.

The fact that Fulham couldn't score should not mask our limitations. Similar to Forest a few weeks ago, when we were massively fortunate not to have been 2 or 3 behind before we scored. 1 week later we concede 3 inside the first 10 minutes. These things tend to even out.

 

[pssguy]

The best take from this game was Richard's performance. He is a key player for the spine of the team, which has been very poor this season. Henderson, Timber, Mateta and Sarr have been out for various reasons and god knows what is up with Wharton. The other second-half subs all contributed significantly, but his consistent conceding of possession is getting a bit tiring

 

[OneStevePerrin]

I’m hoping Sage saw enough of Hughes last night to realise he should give him more game time. Wharton either needs him alongside him or after 60/70 minutes being replaced by Hughes? I’m at a loss that Sage doesn’t see how important Hughes is as a squad player and bringing him on when our middle 2 in midfield are knackered / not playing well?

 

[Teddy Eagle]

So you thought the 1st half performance was acceptable did you?

If so you have ridiculously low standards - even for a Palace fan.

The fact that Fulham couldn't score should not mask our limitations. Similar to Forest a few weeks ago, when we were massively fortunate not to have been 2 or 3 behind before we scored. 1 week later we concede 3 inside the first 10 minutes. These things tend to even out.

Yes. I thought the first half was a majestically imperious display of unadulterated footballing brilliance unequaled since Brazil in 1970 and every player deserved a Ballon d'Or for the performance.

 

[doombear]

The first half performance was what I expected from a group of players who hadn't played a real game together previously. They got better as the game went on. I don't suddenly think everything is now ok. Not at all, Saturday will be the real acid test of whether or not Sage is beginning to sort out defensive issues.

 

[Palacesince64]

He finished with his aplomb but Andersen never covered himself in glory with his defending.
Credit to Mingueza for his thrust down the right and his delivery into the box.

Always helps to have a good thrust when delivering it into the box.

 

[silvertop]

I am going to be hopelessly optimistic

Last night was largely attack v defence. I wonder if that was deliberate?

Our defence has been a shambles. A full game where we conceded 75% possession against a peer team and endured wave after wave.could suggest Sage wanted to sharpen the back line in a relatively meaningless game.

Did it work? Partly. The stats say it did, but there are still glaring instances of strikers enjoying a free header at the back post that Fulham (and every other opponent this year) should have buried

It isn't hard. Properly defend the back post for crosses.

 

[Teddy Eagle]

Always helps to have a good thrust when delivering it into the box.

Scuffs and deflections still count if they go in.

 

[silvertop]

Yes. I thought the first half was a majestically imperious display of unadulterated footballing brilliance unequaled since Brazil in 1970 and every player deserved a Ballon d'Or for the performance.

Correct. And the fact that we scored a goal and they did not must prove your point

 

[Teddy Eagle]

I am going to be hopelessly optimistic

Last night was largely attack v defence. I wonder if that was deliberate?

Our defence has been a shambles. A full game where we conceded 75% possession against a peer team and endured wave after wave.could suggest Sage wanted to sharpen the back line in a relatively meaningless game.

Did it work? Partly. The stats say it did, but there are still glaring instances of strikers enjoying a free header at the back post that Fulham (and every other opponent this year) should have buried

It isn't hard. Properly defend the back post for crosses.

The back post is a particular bugbear and has been going on for a long time. Whoever is there invariably leaves a lot of space and just watches the ball. What happened to not letting it bounce in the area?
One difference last night was a greater inclination to clear the ball rather than try to play out all the time - although Hendo's weird punch to the touchline was taking it a bit far.

 

[ASCPFC]

The best take from this game was Richard's performance. He is a key player for the spine of the team, which has been very poor this season. Henderson, Timber, Mateta and Sarr have been out for various reasons and god knows what is up with Wharton. The other second-half subs all contributed significantly, but his consistent conceding of possession is getting a bit tiring

Wharton isn't comfortable in the role he's currently playing. That's quite clear. Maybe he'll grow into it.

 

[TomH_CPFC]

Was at the game. Overrun in the first half but became stronger in the second half. Unlucky not to finish them off in the end after the subs were made. Although they dominated possession I thought we gave them less space and time than we have given other opponents. Lerma should start in defence from now.

Eddie much maligned but does pop up with nice finishes every now and then. As a third striker option not bad for us.

Anyway, me and my boy had a great day out. Away fans generated a loud atmosphere from the start. Always nicer to make the 3.5 hour drive from London back to Shropshire after a win. Up the Palace.