Fulham v Arsenal

Tough match out of the Int’l window, but as @daddude7 has reminded us, the team tends to play its best versus the best. Raul didn’t make the trip to El Tri’s camp which hopefully leads to his availability for this one. Big concern is Jedi’s, the fact he didn’t play at all means he’s probably no where close. Other teams had to game plan for his marauding runs and crosses, and frankly we miss his rock solid D as well. I’m beginning to get worried that this minor knee surgery was botched or that he keeps aggravating it.

 

This match will finally be on something other than USA Network! Whoo hoo! Clear my calendar on Saturday! I can watch Fulham live! Nobody come knocking at 12:30 because I will not answer. Although unfortunately, I've got some marching to do on Saturday before the game wraps up. I love America more than Fulham, so I'm prioritizing democracy over the Premier League.

Because there was no football last weekend and because I seek out misery, I watched the replay of the Bournemouth match. It made me really frustrated with Silva. I think he made some really poor decisions. A five at the back was understandable given the circumstances, but it is already a defensive shape so having both Lukic and Berge in the midfield just made it too defensive. I'm disappointed that Lukic is injured, but having Carney come in helped get Fulham out of their own half. Then there was the mind-boggling decision to not bring in Kusi-Asare. Fulham kept putting crosses into the box, but with no target! Kusi-Asare is 6' 5"! Josh King and Harry Wilson are 5' 8".

Which brings us to this match with Arsenal. Fulham will still have the same problems as against Bournemouth, except maybe Raul will be back. There will be no Muniz and no Lukic and no Tete. With all of that, and facing what may be the best team in the league right now, lining up with a back five won't surprise me. Chukwueze was really impressive two weeks ago and he had a great international break helping Nigeria move on in WC Qualification with some assists. Meanwhile Wilson did not look good against the Cherries and suffered through two losses with Wales. So, I'd like to see Chukwueze get the start, but I'm not sure if Silva is there yet.

Fulham really have nothing to lose in this one because getting beaten by Arsenal is expected. I really hope that gives Silva and Fulham the freedom to try something different. They've got a lot of potential with the current players that hasn't been unlocked yet, but I keep hoping each week it will finally come together.

 

Okay, forget what I said earlier. Chukwueze now appears likely to be out. (And I didn't even mention Robinson in my previous list of injuries since we've barely seen him this season) Raul is also doubtful. This could be a rough outing.

 

So, that went about as expected. Given the forced lineup changes, I thought Fulham did relatively well. My first reaction on the corner was being upset that Trossard could be so open, but I have to give credit to a well taken corner from Arsenal. Yes, Cairney or Raul should have been goal side of Trossard, but Gabriel's flick on made that corner difficult to defend.

Fulham had the right idea on counter attacks although I thought Iwobi in particular didn't have his head up or make decisions fast enough. Raul and Wilson made chances, but couldn't get anything on target. They weren't given many clear chances and they didn't have any luck with the difficult shots they had. My main complaint was with the subs. I guess Silva is trying to manage King's playing time, but I would have rather he stayed on with Kevin coming in for Wilson. Traore hasn't done anything productive in a long time and I would much preferred to have King on the field. One last complaint, what was Berge doing with Fulham's last attack?! Raul busts a gut getting to the end line, puts it right back to the spot and no one is there because Berge had zero game awareness to realize that HE was the person who needed to be there despite being a DMF.

Good team play from the back line with Cuenca and Diop both having to play their parts. It looks like Andersen has a hamstring injury and we'll have to wait and see how serious it is. Fortunately though, Diop should be a fine replacement. Tete made the bench so hopefully he'll be back soon. It was also good to see Raul put in a full 90 although I still think it is weird that he was pushed to the limit when he's coming back from injury and Fulham does have a backup striker.