Fulham at Everton

Fulham travels to Goodison park to face Everton on Saturday. Kickoff is at 10am EDT on Peacock.

Fulham comes into this match having lost four league games in a row, something Fulham hasn't done since April of 2021. Fulham hasn't lost five in a row since they dropped nine straight in 2019 - a streak that finally ended against Everton. Since Sean Dyche took over, Everton has earned 12 points over 10 matches compared to Fulham's 8 points over the last 10. If the teams has earned points at that rate over the first 2/3rds of the season their positions would be reversed - Everton would be comfortably mid-table just behind Chelsea and Fulham would be bottom of the table with Southampton.

But fortunately the first 2/3rds of the season did not go that way for Fulham, so there is no need to stress over the outcome of this match. Both teams have struggled to score while their defenses have okay against lesser opposition. The magic has worn off for Fulham and it probably isn't coming back this season, so I expect another 0-0 draw with Everton, just like in October, but at least it won't be a 5th loss in a row.

 

To think I rolled my eyes when I saw Harry Wilson in the starting lineup.

 

Natural order restored. We needed Everton like a soothing balm. James showed that he’s useful in a false 9. Wilson played his heart out. And Marco finally adjusted his formation, if ever so slightly. I don’t expect to see Vinicius in a starting lineup from here on out. 42 points. COYW!

 

The Apocalypse is coming!!! We won at Goodison!!! Would love to know the chants from our traveling supporters. I’m guessing there were some old timers w/tears in their eyes thinking they’d thought they never live to see the day.

 

Who’s your MOTM? For me, it might just be Dan James. His movement made good things possible for us up front. If he were a better finisher, and slightly better with the ball at his feet, he would have been a world class player. As it is, he’s very useful if we need to change things up.

Harry Wilson for the runner-up.

 

I'm going to vote Wilson. It's weird to be pleased with a Dan James performance.

 

I know, right? But I think this is his one optimal role.

 

I did NOT see this coming!


Three goals?! I know it is Everton, but still I didn't think Fulham had a three goal performance in them.

Yeah, I think I'm in the same boat. The commentators did not give enough credit to James' assist on the first goal - and frankly it was magical! He blocked off the defender with his body (given his size, no small feat!) and then dragged his heel to perfectly deflect the ball to Reed. Just wow. His goal was great too with that deft touch off the free kick.

It was nice to see last season's version of Harry Wilson too. I've missed that guy!

I even think the goal that Fulham gave up could have a silver lining. Maybe Ten Hag will see the build-up to it and be reminded that sometimes Palhinha can get sloppy in possession with the ball. Maybe he's not such a good fit for Manchester United. Just let Fulham keep him!

 

How the heck does Fulham go without winning at Everton since the invention of the jet airliner, yet are 2-for-2 in recent trips?

Its wonderful to win and score 3 goals regardless of opponent and location, but it was great to see us so clinical and punish our opposition's mistakes. That is what makes us a premier league side. Our second and third goal were scored were immediately after Everton turnovers and lack of focus. Track Iwobi on their second: he jogs back into the box, letting Wilson just saunter onto the layoff from Willian. Both CBs were not ready for the freekick after Tarkowski fouled Wilson, allowing Dan bleepin' James to split them while controlling the ball.

 

I’m just glad to see the bleeding stopped. To do it on the road at a place where we should be more comptethve but haven’t been is just icing on the cake. I’d vote for Leno as MOTM.