Fulham 0-0 Southampton - Match Thread

[Gloucester Saint]

11 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Seems odd? Maybe shouting BREEE sounds like a boo. 

Support was good mostly, Fulham supporters good impression of a mural in complete silence for 90 mins, walking back after the game they were having a right old moan about not beating us 

Probably frustrated as well at not picking up their three points before Martin got the tin tack. I didn’t hear anything getting on the players backs at all. There was the ironic ‘we had a shot’ chant but we can be allowed some gallows humour at the very least.

[sadoldgit]

7 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

Nathan Wood played well again today.  Really taking his chance.

He looks like a better option than Cap’n Jack.

[beatlesaint]

7 minutes ago, sadoldgit said:

He looks like a better option than Cap’n Jack.

Long John Silver’s parrot would be a better option than Cap’n Jack !

But yes, he’s taken his chance well 

Edited 22 December, 2024 by beatlesaint

[Lighthouse]

1 minute ago, beatlesaint said:

Long John Silver’s parrot would be a better option than Cap’n Jack !

Our team would be better with Captain Morgan than Captain Jack.

[Oldandtired]

1 hour ago, Micky said:

Never watched it but a point away anywhere is not to be sniffed at.  I'm kinda hoping that we get easily relegated, because if we do make a fight of this and then get relegated by a few points, we are going to be very, very pissed off that we humoured Russell Martin for so long. 

There's an awful lot of us are already.

[rooney]

Clean sheet was a positive and defending good because midfielders helping out all the time  and as a result creating nothing for the strikers. We simply lack quality for Premier League.

 

 

 

 

[Katalinic]

37 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Seems odd? Maybe shouting BREEE sounds like a boo. 

Support was good mostly, Fulham supporters good impression of a mural in complete silence for 90 mins, walking back after the game they were having a right old moan about not beating us 

It is odd, didn't hear anyone getting on the player's backs at all. Crowd reacted well to players giving everything, which is all we ask as fans. Felt far more resilient today.

[Katalinic]

5 minutes ago, rooney said:

Clean sheet was a positive and defending good because midfielders helping out all the time  and as a result creating nothing for the strikers. We simply lack quality for Premier League.

 

 

 

 

We need an outlet up front for sure. There were times today where the players got in promising attacking positions but appear to have been so brainwashed by Martin-ball that they didn't really know what to do.

[trousers]

3 hours ago, saintant said:

A plus for me was Big Les but last I heard he wanted to return to Chelsea. Criminal misuse of him by Russell.

You'd like to think Juric can persuade him to change his mind if the issue was "Russball" rather than any generic problem with the player...

Edited 22 December, 2024 by trousers

[trousers]

3 hours ago, Lord Duckhunter said:

we looked like a proper relegation battling team at last…

Indeed... And that's all we've ever asked for over the last few months...

Edited 22 December, 2024 by trousers

[Sheaf Saint]

31 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

Nathan Wood played well again today.  Really taking his chance.

Ironic isn't it. There was very little enthusiasm when he signed, with many claiming he was crap and only joining because Russ liked him, and he's only getting his chance to shine now that Russ has gone.

But yes, I agree. He was good again today, except for the moment when he slipped which nearly led to a chance for Fulham.

[sadoldgit]

4 minutes ago, Katalinic said:

We need an outlet up front for sure. There were times today where the players got in promising attacking positions but appear to have been so brainwashed by Martin-ball that they didn't really know what to do.

Archer made some good moves off the shoulder of the defender but the ball wasn’t played to him. It must be soul destroying playing up front for us at the moment.

[SNSUN]

14 minutes ago, rooney said:

Clean sheet was a positive and defending good because midfielders helping out all the time  and as a result creating nothing for the strikers. We simply lack quality for Premier League.

 

 

 

 

That's my issue with 3 CBs, you shouldn't need the midfield dropping deep all the time as you already have 3 CBs to do that job. Personally I prefer two CBs with a DM dropping deep if necessary (when the full backs go forward for instance) then you have an extra midfielder or attacker at the other end of the pitch. If we're stopping fannying about with the ball at the back, and I hope we do, then there isn't really any need for 3 CBs any more, no matter how well they did today. I'd rather have two CBs and play a bit more gung ho in an attacking sense because draws won't get us the points we need (if you even consider survival as an option still). That should be even more doable now we're not playing Russball and passing it around at the back in dangerous fashion. 

If Juric persists with a back 3 then that's his prerogative but we either need the wing backs to get forward more or stop the midfield from sitting deeper otherwise we are never going to score many goals.

[saintant]

17 minutes ago, SNSUN said:

That's my issue with 3 CBs, you shouldn't need the midfield dropping deep all the time as you already have 3 CBs to do that job. Personally I prefer two CBs with a DM dropping deep if necessary (when the full backs go forward for instance) then you have an extra midfielder or attacker at the other end of the pitch. If we're stopping fannying about with the ball at the back, and I hope we do, then there isn't really any need for 3 CBs any more, no matter how well they did today. I'd rather have two CBs and play a bit more gung ho in an attacking sense because draws won't get us the points we need (if you even consider survival as an option still). That should be even more doable now we're not playing Russball and passing it around at the back in dangerous fashion. 

If Juric persists with a back 3 then that's his prerogative but we either need the wing backs to get forward more or stop the midfield from sitting deeper otherwise we are never going to score many goals.

I think he will be demanding this because it's his preferred way of playing and he'll put in a double pivot as cover for when the wing backs raid down the wings. I thought we started to do this a bit more once Big Les came on to partner Downes and I think it's likely the way Juric will be setting us up. Of course it'll need a lot of drilling to get it working properly but we'll be better for it.

[derry]

That's more like it. For a start Ramsdale wasn't pissing about and mostly played long. Because we had two vertically challenged players up front his mostly long balls went into touch in Fulham's half. That in itself is fine despite giving the ball away it stops the game and forces opponents to reset. don't kick it down the middle because it goes through to the keeper.

Archer comes from the non pressing don't get too close to challenge group. Dibling looks out of his depth anywhere but on the wing. Armstrong looks like he doesn't have a clue, If we're going long it's Onuachu all day long. The three centre backs were fine. Both full backs weren't great. Bree looked fine. I'm not a lover of the totally one footed Aribo. We looked better with Downes and Les who had easily his best performance.

If we're going in to play combat football, great. There might also be room for Brereton-Diaz, ABK and Sulemana. A clean sheet away is a great start. Today was a bit of transition in styles. I'm looking forward to what I hope is a ruthless manager.

Edited 22 December, 2024 by derry

[SWLondon Saint]

I actually thought both KWP and Suga did OK today considering they were clearly asked to be more aggressive, play much further up the pitch and have a CB cover for them. There was definitely some confusion running back to defend with switching Vs staying with their man but it's not that surprising since they had no training time. Suga for my money still stands off too far from their wide players compared to Bree who tries to be in their back the whole time.

[Saint Fan CaM]

A point is a point and we’re in transition, but we need more going forwards which Juric may be able to squeeze out the side. Let’s make no mistake - the formation may have kept Fulham at bay (just), but it did nothing to suggest we’ve got goals in us. We basically need an extra man in midfield to help get attacks going and perhaps equally importantly to ensure the high press is effective. Expecting defenders to venture too far forwards will leave us exposed at the back for counters.

In short - a good point gained and a performance moving in the right direction. Much more of both needed…time is most definitely running out.

[Graffito]

10 minutes ago, SWLondon Saint said:

I actually thought both KWP and Suga did OK today considering they were clearly asked to be more aggressive, play much further up the pitch and have a CB cover for them. There was definitely some confusion running back to defend with switching Vs staying with their man but it's not that surprising since they had no training time. Suga for my money still stands off too far from their wide players compared to Bree who tries to be in their back the whole time.

To the best of my recollection Sugawara failed to block a single cross today. 

[Saint Fan CaM]

4 minutes ago, Graffito said:

To the best of my recollection Sugawara failed to block a single cross today. 

To be fair to Suga, he gets forward more than Bree so needs more defensive help from midfield ideally.

[Galway saint]

RM was a poor coach but the totally abject nature of our forward line is and has been since they arrived on SR. I can’t be bothered to look but has there been a team at this stage of the season with less shots on target than us?

Signing the Sheff united strike force was inexplicable really 

 

 

 

[manji]

Yes this is me saying this. I reckon it was a good performance it’s going to be difficult for some players. They’ve literally been brainwashed to play Russball . I bet there was more than one time a player was thinking shit I shouldn’t be doing this then realising it’s OK. In some ways it could be seen as amusing but that moment of hesitation could make all the difference. 
I think Juric is an inspired selection but he’s going to need some time to really turn this teams mentality around and may the lord forgive me for saying this SR had better have said they are prepared to back him financially. Sure they’ve spent some money but let’s face it we are going down and probably in danger of losing our better players . 
I like the cut of Jurics jib the film of him having a punch up with Torino’s director or whoever he is it’s well worth looking for on X and anyone that’s gone to a Ministry gig has to be be alright . 

[SWLondon Saint]

23 minutes ago, Graffito said:

To the best of my recollection Sugawara failed to block a single cross today. 

That's been my main complaint about him all season, but the exact same has been going on down the left when Manning / Fraser play there so I dunno if it's RM instructions or he just left it entirely up to the individual as Bree and KWP play much tighter. Either way it doesn't reflect well on the manager improving or even communicating  with players.

[Football Special]

1 hour ago, Katalinic said:

It is odd, didn't hear anyone getting on the player's backs at all. Crowd reacted well to players giving everything, which is all we ask as fans. Felt far more resilient today.

Agree, considering we're adrift at the bottom we are a  positive set of fans really compared to some other clubs , most seemed to be enjoying themselves today, if Uguchukwu header had gone in at the end would have been bedlam 

[Football Special]

26 minutes ago, manji said:

Yes this is me saying this. I reckon it was a good performance it’s going to be difficult for some players. They’ve literally been brainwashed to play Russball . I bet there was more than one time a player was thinking shit I shouldn’t be doing this then realising it’s OK. In some ways it could be seen as amusing but that moment of hesitation could make all the difference. 
I think Juric is an inspired selection but he’s going to need some time to really turn this teams mentality around and may the lord forgive me for saying this SR had better have said they are prepared to back him financially. Sure they’ve spent some money but let’s face it we are going down and probably in danger of losing our better players . 
I like the cut of Jurics jib the film of him having a punch up with Torino’s director or whoever he is it’s well worth looking for on X and anyone that’s gone to a Ministry gig has to be be alright . 

Completely agree, we have no fluidity moving forwards, combination of lack of movement and uncertainty on the ball, still too many moments where players took comfort from a safe pass backwards than take a risk and drive forwards 

[Football Special]

35 minutes ago, Galway saint said:

RM was a poor coach but the totally abject nature of our forward line is and has been since they arrived on SR. I can’t be bothered to look but has there been a team at this stage of the season with less shots on target than us?

Signing the Sheff united strike force was inexplicable really 

 

 

 

Crying out for a forward who can make something out of nothing , Broja in his prime when we first got him, quick, strong. You look at Armstrong and he just gets brushed aside by defenders , Archer was the same when he came on unable to establish any presence on the pitch , looks so easy to defend against, poor service doesn't help 

[Lord Duckhunter]

I thought the centre halves were a bit more aggressive when the ball was knocked up. They seemed to get there quicker and be a bit tighter when the Fulham players had the ball with their backs to goal. We certainly looked better at the ugly side of the game today. I’m hoping Ivan gets hold of Downes and gives him some defensive nous, because he still floats about too much for me. If he can get a tune out of big Les & knock Lego ball out of the wing backs, we’ll be decent defensively with some threat out wide. The big problem is clearly the CF. Maybe we can find a way of getting Archer into the channels isolating the centre halves wider, because he looks lost if we’re going to knock it into his feet. I’m not convinced TP is the answer, he’s become a cult hero because he’s the Anti Lego ball option, but I think deep down we all know he’s pretty shite

Edited 22 December, 2024 by Lord Duckhunter

[Saint_clark]

4 minutes ago, Lord Duckhunter said:

I thought the centre halves were a bit more aggressive when the ball was knocked up. They seemed to get there quicker and be a bit tighter when the Fulham players had the ball with their backs to goal. We certainly looked better at the ugly side of the game today. I’m hoping Ivan gets hold of Downes and gives him some defensive nous, because he still floats about too much for me. If he can get a tune out of big Les & knock Lego ball out of the wing backs, we’ll be decent defensively with some threat out wide. The big problem is clearly the CF. Maybe we can find a way of getting Archer into the channels isolating the centre halves wider, because he looks lost if we’re going to knock it into his feet. I’m not convinced TP is the answer, he’s become a cult hero because he’s the Anti Lego, but I think deep down we all know he’s pretty shite

Onuachu has looked the most effective at leading the line this season. If Armstrong while continuously shite deserves to keep starting, Onuachu definitely deserves a run of starts after actually causing problems for defenders.

[saintant]

A point at Fulham is a start and I'm sure we were more pleased with the result than they were - I bet Marco Silva was fuming that we came away with a clean sheet and a point.

[Whitey Grandad]

3 hours ago, beatlesaint said:

Long John Silver’s parrot would be a better option than Cap’n Jack !

But yes, he’s taken his chance well 

Even Long John Silver would be better and he's got a wooden leg.

[skintsaint]

Good point on the road in the context of things. Need to beat the Hammers to get the excitement of the #greatescape2025 going though.

[Forester]

A good clean sheet, defended well and minimised risk by generally only playing out from the back when safe to do so.  Otherwise, played the ball long.  All three centre backs and Ramsdale the highlights for me, and a pleasant surprise to see Big Les perform so well when he came on.

As others have said, the glaring omission is someone to play back to goal and be able to hold the ball up.  This is particularly important if we are going to play short less often.  An outlet becomes so important and I think only Tall Paul and Stewart (if fit) can do this from current squad.  We need to pick up some more points before the window opens if we are to attract the right calibre of player then.  Centre forward will surely be the priority.

[Fabrice29]

Think Ramsdales interview afterwards summed it up nicely, fine for today but cant and wont keep doing that.

[waylander]

A point more than I expected

[Tommy Mulgrew]

😆 x 3

(Fabrice)

Edited 22 December, 2024 by Tommy Mulgrew
clarity

[Roo1976]

Just seen the highlights (there were none) Juric looks like Robert Di Nero................

[trousers]

33 minutes ago, Forester said:

A good clean sheet, defended well and minimised risk by generally only playing out from the back when safe to do so.  Otherwise, played the ball long.  All three centre backs and Ramsdale the highlights for me, and a pleasant surprise to see Big Les perform so well when he came on.

As others have said, the glaring omission is someone to play back to goal and be able to hold the ball up.  This is particularly important if we are going to play short less often.  An outlet becomes so important and I think only Tall Paul and Stewart (if fit) can do this from current squad.  We need to pick up some more points before the window opens if we are to attract the right calibre of player then.  Centre forward will surely be the priority.

That's a very bold statement 

[Cabrone]

Good to get a clean sheet and the defence already looks better not having to play tippy tappy football. Must be a big relief for them.

Not going to keep us up but it's a start towards getting our mojo back ready for next season.

[benjii]

2 hours ago, Roo1976 said:

Just seen the highlights (there were none) Juric looks like Robert Di Nero................

I was speaking with a friend of his yesterday (de Niro, not Juric).

#benjiifacts 

[Saint86]

6 hours ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Ironic isn't it. There was very little enthusiasm when he signed, with many claiming he was crap and only joining because Russ liked him, and he's only getting his chance to shine now that Russ has gone.

But yes, I agree. He was good again today, except for the moment when he slipped which nearly led to a chance for Fulham.

Were people moaning about Woods. I thought the fanbase was pretty unanimous that getting Woods and Edwards in so cheap was excellent business as its two promising young CBs that should see us in good stead - particularly if we got relegated.

[Give it to Ron]

3 hours ago, benjii said:

I was speaking with a friend of his yesterday (de Niro, not Juric).

#benjiifacts 

Was he waiting for you……talking Italian 

https://www.streetdirectory.com/lyricadvisor/song/cepcpf/robert_de_niros_waiting/

[inspectorfrost]

9 hours ago, Lord Duckhunter said:

I thought the centre halves were a bit more aggressive when the ball was knocked up. They seemed to get there quicker and be a bit tighter when the Fulham players had the ball with their backs to goal. We certainly looked better at the ugly side of the game today. I’m hoping Ivan gets hold of Downes and gives him some defensive nous, because he still floats about too much for me. If he can get a tune out of big Les & knock Lego ball out of the wing backs, we’ll be decent defensively with some threat out wide. The big problem is clearly the CF. Maybe we can find a way of getting Archer into the channels isolating the centre halves wider, because he looks lost if we’re going to knock it into his feet. I’m not convinced TP is the answer, he’s become a cult hero because he’s the Anti Lego ball option, but I think deep down we all know he’s pretty shite

Last time he got any significant game time he was our best player by a distance and got a standing ovation when going off. People are fans because he's worked his way back into the team and offered more than most of our forwards this season despite limited game time.

[Sheaf Saint]

5 hours ago, Saint86 said:

Were people moaning about Woods. I thought the fanbase was pretty unanimous that getting Woods and Edwards in so cheap was excellent business as its two promising young CBs that should see us in good stead - particularly if we got relegated.

I guess it depends who/what you read. What you say was certainly true of Edwards, but the narrative around Wood, from what I remember, was that he looked poor for Swansea and it looked very much like a 'jobs for the boys' signing from Russ.

Anyway, I'm pleased that he's stepped up recently and started to show some real quality. Anything that reduces the likelihood of Captain Shoehorn getting on the pitch can only be a good thing. 

[SaintBobby]

Am still 100% reconciled to relegation, but was good to see us look pretty competitive.

We still seemed willing to do a bit of tippy tappy in our own third, but not - thank God - in our own six yard box.

Given our limitations up front, I think I'd start with Tall Paul.

[lambtiss]

6 hours ago, Saint86 said:

Were people moaning about Woods. I thought the fanbase was pretty unanimous that getting Woods and Edwards in so cheap was excellent business as its two promising young CBs that should see us in good stead - particularly if we got relegated.

Originally, people said that but there were plenty of critics of Woods after his first few outings for Saints. 

[Fabrice29]

1 hour ago, inspectorfrost said:

Last time he got any significant game time he was our best player by a distance and got a standing ovation when going off. People are fans because he's worked his way back into the team and offered more than most of our forwards this season despite limited game time.

Since signing for us I think you could count the amount of times he’s looked like scoring for us on one hand. The idea that he’s looked our best player by a distance at any point or offered more than most our forwards is absurd. I’m not adverse to starting him and giving him a chance but let’s not rewrite history. 

[Mr Nimbus]

It's almost certainly too late for us at this stage, but that's the exactly the type of result that keeps teams in the division. Teams like us will more often than not play poorly in comparison to the opposition. That's fine. You have to find a way to stay in games and not lose. 

A few more of those this season and we would have been in a much healthier position. Newcastle away, Leicester at home (should have won I know), Villa away. There are probably a couple more I am forgetting.

That puts us on 9 points, which is still not great but it's in touching distance. 

The way we've played the last two games to me smacks of needs must. I can't imagine any U21 managers these days would get hired by being as direct as what we have been. Rusk has done well in his short stint and I was grateful to see us looking more solid and compact.

[saintoaks]

Shout out to Uguchukwu, new manager syndrome and all that !! Thought he did well and looked a presence when he came on.

[Dman]

So it turns out (regardless of if they keep it for 6 minutes) clearing the danger and giving the ball to the opposition in their own half, is a load less likley to result in a goal than trying to keep it and giving it to them on the edge of your own box.... funny that. 

[Dman]

8 minutes ago, saintoaks said:

Shout out to Uguchukwu, new manager syndrome and all that !! Thought he did well and looked a presence when he came on.

Was being 'played' (I say played loosely as hardly got a sniff) in the wrong role and system. 

We'd be mad to send him back to chelsea without taking a look first. From what I've seen, he'll be a shit load more suited to IJ system than Aribo will. 

[Roo1976]

2 hours ago, inspectorfrost said:

Last time he got any significant game time he was our best player by a distance and got a standing ovation when going off. People are fans because he's worked his way back into the team and offered more than most of our forwards this season despite limited game time.

Not totally convinced hes worked his way back into contention,i think RM had to do something because the complete shitness of how BBD has worked out or not performed,alongside Cornet as-well. Fuck me our scouting has been atrocious,fans thought Big Les played well yesterday,well that may have been the case but hes back in London maybe trying for a move elsewhere?,who knows what thoughts go through these young wanna be have it all millionaires eh?.......COME ON YOU SAINTS.

Merry Christmas all.