Even factoring in the result, we have two good, eloquent interviews from Fulham FC and one repetitive, finger pointing rant from Newcastle.
November 9, 2008
Fulham 2-1 Newcastle
A three part act.
Act one: Fulham in charge.
The Whites start brightly, pass the ball quickly and firmly and are a consistent threat. A goal seems likely and duly arrives. The Newcastle defence gets in a muddle, Cacapa’s stooping headed clearance hits Coloccini’s backside and bounces happily into the path of Johnson, who rams a left footed strike through Given’s legs. Strange that for all our attractive approach play the goal is a result of a bizarre defensive mishap. No matter, Johnson deserves his goal after a very lively start to the game.
Act two: Newcastle take over.
Fulham stop playing and Newcastle take complete control. Either side of half-time Newcastle show themselves to be a decent looking side, with Nicky Butt particularly menacing working around the edge of the Fulham penalty area. At the beginning of the second half Schwarzer is worryingly busy. Newcastle equalise, Shola Ameobi reacting in a goalmouth scramble, thrashing the ball over Schwarzer. Offside perhaps, but a thoroughly deserved equaliser. Newcastle don’t leave it there, pouring forwards and looking like running away with all three points.
Act three: All up for grabs.
Hodgson reacts by bringing on Clint Dempsey for Zoltan Gera. The latter has had a mixed game, some good headers in the Newcastle box, but not featuring enough in the team’s approach play. Simon Davies moves to the left, Dempsey takes over on the right. All of a sudden the game swings back Fulham’s way as Dempsey drifts infield, stabs a through ball into the path of Johnson who, quick as a flash escapes two markers then gets himself tripped. Murphy – after a horrible delay as Newcastle’s players are evacuated from fringes of the penalty area – plants his kick just beyond Shay Given’s dive. Euphoria! How we needed that goal.
The game flies back and forth now, Newcastle bring on Michael Owen and the canny striker finds himself onside eight yards from goal with no Fulham player anywhere near him. Amazingly his volley is woefully directed, a huge escape. Newcastle are driven on by Joey Barton but leave gaps behind them, and both teams now exchange madcap attacks. The rain pelts down, the passing gets ragged, the defensive line gets deeper and deeper. Newcastle throw the kitchen sink at Fulham now, but Paintsil and Hangeland and Hughes and Konchesky are fighting like demons back there, blocking, harrassing, and performing heroics to protect their lead. Danny Murphy – who had another excellent game – is replaced by Chris Baird, who proceeds to have another handy cameo in interrupting several Newcastle moves.
The fourth official signals four minutes of added time and the crowd gasps. The Fulham counter attacks waste valuable moments, but Newcastle launch more desperate attacks but are repelled over and over again. As time runs out they have a free-kick 25 yards out, but Schwarzer hangs on to Barton’s drive and we relax a little. Soon it is over. Exhausting stuff, a terrific display of guts and technique and a well earned win. Bring on Spurs.
Four heroes:
An attacking corner. Zoltan Gera is really good in these situations, but his overall game seems to be lapsing somewhat.
