Fulham vs Charlton Athletic

I hate to call any match a must win, but this very well may fit the category. An inferior opponent at home after our first win in forever followed by a very poor effort away. Anything but 3 points is a loss. And I think the fallout would steer us ever so slightly toward another relegation scrap, which would cause a collective rise in everyone's blood pressure. I hope Joka's been repeating defense, and especially set piece defense, drills in training this week. By hook or crook, we MUST get three points from this one, or it could be a very long run out to the end of the season. I'd be very tempted to go back to the starting lineup versus QPR, with Garbutt replacing Lasse, of course. Hate that he and Kaca keep getting hurt, especially considering their relatively young ages. I just hope we win, regardless of how we play. As the old cliche' goes, I'd rather be lucky than good. Let's hope it's both tomorrow at the Cottage. COYW!

 

Gawd forbid Charlton gets on the board first, since they changed managers they've been organized and solid in their half of the pitch (giving up only 1 goal per match and a clean sheet in last 4). Would gladly take an ugly 1-0 win and push away from the bottom.

 

True, but they're still getting outshot exponentially, with a TSR of .338 & SoT Share of .325. That's on par with what we putting out right before Jol got fired.

We should absolutely win this match, but considering both defense's are godawful who knows...

 

I agree, a win at this juncture is looking more and more like a "must." 1 point isn't the end of the world, but a loss will send every supporter headed for the liquor cabinet, or the block of knives. If the manager feels comfortable enough to apologize to the supporters through the media, we can only imagine what the players heard, and have been hearing, since that loss to Blackburn. Hopefully there's an impetus in the squad to show heart and perform for the home supporters.

COYW - win one at home.

 

That's the kind of comprehensive, bounce back win Fulham fans were looking for against an opponent like Charlton. Now the trick is to avoid another letdown.

I know the wins have been slow in coming, but I like what Jokanovic is doing with the team. Unfortunately he doesn't just have to fix the quality of the football, he has to eliminate the loser mentality that we've developed. Hopefully the return of Bairdinho helps to that end (I haven't seen him play more than a snippet in several years).

 

Thanks to Heather for giving me updates in the Chat since GJ kept bugging out on me. HUGE win for the boys (and in dominating fashion), and a positive response to Joka's calling them out after the Blackburn performance. Quick turnaround to the away game at Leeds so hope the team puts in a shift closer to this and at QPR than at Rovers. That said, it feels like the dark clouds are finally lifting.

 

Now THAT'S more like it! And a clean sheet to boot. Encouraging, but not quite as exciting otherwise, had we done better at Blackburn. Still, I'll gladly take it. Agree, Matt, that what happens next is more important, although I'm not sure we've truly developed a loser mentality that needs attention. There may be a "me first, team second" mentality amongst certain players who seemingly don't really want to be at Fulham, but we can't afford not to play them. I also think Joka has the boat rowing in the right direction, we just need more guys to stroke better to the same tune. For now, I'll take a solid performance against an inferior opponent with a proper result. That's taking care of business. Now we have to become consistent at it.

 

Here is one of Cairney's goals:

 

Here is Madl's goal:

 

Actual highlights -> http://thefootballcouch.com/fulham-vs-charlton-athletic-highlights/

 

Might have been lucky for them not to score in the first half, but the goals were well taken and 2 non-goals (Ross going over after the great build-up and Moose II's marauding run and smash off the bar) were beauties.

 

Totally agree with that assessment and the official highlights below show a few more opportunities that Charlton missed out on. As much as I enjoy getting three points, we let them get too many open shots. Many other teams would have been up 2-0 on us early with those kinds of opportunities.

The lead-up to Dembele's shot off the crossbar is hilarious when Amorebietta just shoves a guy off the ball. When GJ described it as a crucial block, I figured he had intercepted a pass, but this was more of a pointy-football block.

 

Spot on MM & Joe. My thoughts to s "T."

 

The good news is that the manager agrees with us too. Here is Jokanovic describing his first half strategy:

I liked Kit a lot, but one thing he did not do well is adjust. In multiple matches Jokanovic has clearly shown he's willing to make changes.

http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-admits-first-half-10923196

 

It is refreshing to have someone in charge who's willing to change when things aren't working, isn't it?