Fulham at Ipswich Town

Is it time for an early season shake up? Or are we just in the baseball equivalent of a footy slump? I don't know, but it would seem drastic action from the skipper may be in order. What would that look like? Haven't a clue. The cup side he fielded Tuesday evening didn't exactly distinguish itself, did it? Can't really blame the keeper when you're not denting the goal line. A little early for a players only meeting, but who would take charge and lead it?
This may simply be a case of feeling REALLY unlucky so far, which might be remedied by a quick, early goal. The
release of pressure might well lead to a flood of goals. We KNOW these guys can score. Just need to stuff a couple in to get us going. Maybe. Hopefully.

 

Fulham is better than their record and Ipswich isn't as good as their record. Ipswich have faced Birmingham City (nearly relegated last year), Barnsley, Millwall (just promoted), and Brentford (currently at the bottom of the table with 1 point). Their competition to start the season has been pretty weak, but this is still a shocking start for Ipswich. Last season only four teams scored fewer goals than the Tractor Boys but this year they lead the league with 9 goals so far, more than double their scoring previous scoring pace.

Ipswich will be without one of their leading scorers, David McGoldrick. This just puts a highlight on how the season has gone for Fulham since we don't have leading scorers - we have a scorer (singular) and Piazon is out too. If we can stop putting balls wide and high, we could actually start winning some matches. However, the results from the Bristol Rovers match didn't provide any encouragement there since we put only 2 shots out of 15 on target. Rovers managed to get 2 on target with only 5 shots.

If we don't win this match I think we'll be out of the running for automatic promotion. August of 2017 is turning out like September 0f 2016 - a month where we only got 3 points in five matches - and it took us the entire season to dig out of that hole to reach the playoffs. I would say I'm discouraged about this start, but not panicking. A win against an undefeated team, regardless of their opposition, would certainly help improve the outlook.

 

Heading out of town this morning, so fingers crossed we can get a result. Have to think that getting through the window and working through the international break is just what the doctor ordered.

 

Ipswich have apparently netted 9 of their 11 shots on target this season. That's not a sustainable rate. On the other hand, we are having trouble putting our shots on target.

I think if we maintain the bulk of the possession, handle the counters and quick attacks, and put a few more shots on target then we will be looking at 3 points.

Ayite is out and Aluko is in question. Hopefully we get Sess up on the wing opposite Kebano.

 

Fulham sits 19th. Ipswich are 2nd. This is a task tomorrow. COYW

 

We're finally going to wake up. 2-1 good guys.

 

2-0 even better.

 

...and [dancing bananas]!!!!!!!!!!!
Two goals and a clean sheet! Finally going to enjoy some highlights (when they're posted by our competitor on their youtube page)!

But no negativity allowed! Stop and smell the roses and savor, folks! Our boys have won!

Onward!

 

It was great to see (or hear, this was the first time in a year I listed to Gentleman Jim call a match) that this team is still capable of the kind of performances that closed out the 2016-17 season. This is the result that we would have confidently expected last year - hopefully we can continue in that direction. We'll get another good test when we face Cardiff, the Championship's last team with an unblemished record, in two weeks.

 

Super zoomed in highlights in attempt to avoid being taken down for copyright!

 

"His name is Neeskans, Neeskans Kebano
With a single strip of hair, he runs from here to there
He will merangue and do the cha cha
And while he's gonna be a star
First, he's gonna take us far!
He leaves defenders on the floor, now he's knocking on your door...

At the Cottage, at Craaaaven Cottage!"

My new Copa Cabana inspired chant

 

Thank you Ipswich! Please take note of the goalie's reaction to Fonte's score. Looks like he was taken out by a ninja, or a sniper, or Chuck Norris:

 

Possession - check. 69% to Fulham
Handle Ipswich attack - check. 2 shots on target, no goals
Put more shots on target - check. 7 of 18 on target
3 points - check.