Fulham vs Norwich City

They're on an early track for promotion. We are on course for a slightly below mid-table finish. I'm hoping we see the spunky side that displayed some hope in the season opening win against Newcastle, who also appear to have righted the ship. Hopefully the four goals at Oakwell have opened the gates to more. I'm still concerned about the defense. Too many changes, many forced by injury. Need to find a back four that works and stats together for an extended run of matches. As much as I might want it to, I'm not sure if that includes Tim Ream. Although he played the entire match against Barnsley, his errant pass led directly to their first goal. We also need Ayite and Kalas healthy. Our slide coincided with their departures.

 

I have to take a slightly contrarian point of view. In October we've already more than DOUBLED the number of league goals we recorded in all of September (5 vs. 2) and I'd like to see that continue. You can't win many games if you score only twice. Yes the defense has lacked some stability, but they have generally done well to keep us in matches for as long as possible. Saturday was the first time this year we let in more than one goal in the first half and was only the third match with any goals allowed in the first half. Perhaps we need to let teams score earlier to light a fire under the offense? We've also only lost once by more than one goal. Defense can always be better, but I'd prefer scoring more goals at this point.

 

AND...Canaries are top of the table with 8 wins (we have 4) and 1 less defeat than Newcastle and Huddersfield. They may get Robbie Brady back from a concussion (he's a N. Ireland midfielder), and they are the current employers of Cameron Jerome, who always seems to score against us or, at the very least, give us fits.
It's difficult to call this a must win match, but it will, in my humble opinion, be a bellweather as to our chances of competing for promotion this season. They've earned promotion and been re-relegated since going down with us in '14. I suppose if you're going to be a "yo-yo" club, it might as well be between the top two tiers. Would drive me batty (OK, battier) I think, but I'd gladly trade places with them. Anyway, we'll find out where we stand for the rest of the season I believe.

 

You know it's a bizarre season when you wish they were playing Norwich at Carrow Road instead of Craven Cottage. Hard to predict a win when the home record is this putrid....However, Fulham has been Norwich's bogey team over the year. Hoping to stay away from the dreaded red card, put in a good shift, and snag a point or 3.

 

Lineup looks similar, but an unusual three in the attacking midfield. Cairney is replaced with Johansen who moves up to make way for McDonald

Button
Odoi, Sigurdsson, Ream, Malone
Parker, McDonald
Aluko, Johansen, Piazon
Martin

Bettinelli, Madl, Sessegnon, Tunnicliffe, Kebano, Fredericks, Smith

 

Was wondering about Cairney's availability after that nasty challenge that led to Barnsley's red card near the end of the match. Been looking all over the interweb...nothing. We can ill afford for him to be out for an extended period. Anybody know anything?
And.....IT'S A RYAN FREDERICKS SIGHTING!

 

And we're down on a penalty. @*%$~!!!

 

Here we go again. Miss...miss...miss...miss......

 

I thought the red card was for a foul against Parker? Anyway...

I'll take a draw against top of the table Norwich. If only we hadn't given up two PK's!

 

I know this much. Last year's team (before Joka's arrival) and the season's before would have rolled over and given up after going down multiple times and by multiple goals. We're at least showing some character now. I'll be interested to see the penalties, although it's always academic, isn't it? They were called, and converted. It doesn't matter what you deserve in this game. It's also what you get. Just wish we could have gotten that third. It takes balls for a ref to call two penalties on the same player and not send him off. Makes me think at least one of them was questionable, if not both.

 

Penalties looked legit with one time viewing at normal speed, but I'd still like to have seen multiple angles and slo-mo. Loved our goals. Very good play and finishing by Martin. Although his first was deflected in by Johansen, Martin showed some real class with his move to tee up the second. The old stop and pop! Still works! http://eachgoal.com/2016/10/fulham-vs-norwich-city-2-2-highlights/

 

I agree with MicahMan in that seeing the resolve to fight back is a good sign. Thanks for the highlights Jump. COYW

 

I think it was Jump who said that, but I agree with what he said, so I will accept your preemptive agreement with me!

 

So let me get this straight..last home match Fulham misses 2 penalties..this home match Fulham (or should I just say Malone ) gives up 2 penalties...Good Lawd it can be tough being a FFC fan. From the reports the team played well and the fight back is indeed positive, but 1 win in 7 league home matches has to be tough on the home supporters.

 

Longer highlights from Norwich City's youtube channel. (Why is it that other teams can/are posting current highlights, but Fulham aren't?)

 

I was just about to post the same video with the same question.

With this replay, the first PK was clearly warranted. I still can't tell if the second was a flop.