I realize we have now done two reports on Liverpool games and two reports on Chelsea games, and we promise this will not be a consistent thing. We will add variation, however this week these two games made the most sense to cover: the huge upset by Villa at Anfield, and the ever interesting West London battle (had I been able to watch United’s demolition of Wigan, I would have reported on it, I swear). Anyway, Fulham has played Chelsea tough over the past couple of seasons, working out a draw in the corresponding fixture last season, and the rivalry between the two London clubs always adds an extra dimension.

Unfortunately for Fulham, that extra dimension did not play into Hodgson’s lineup, as he sent out a rather questionable lineup in the eyes of the Fulham faithful. Having Andy Johnson injured midweek against FK Amkar Perm did nothing to help Fulham, as Erik Nevland is not yet 100% and Kamara is rather hit or miss with the Cottagers. Hodgson went with Dempsey up top to partner with Zamora, and while a partnership could be formed there if Dempsey ever played up top for Fulham, the lack of cohesion was evident as both strikers were on different pages throughout the match.

With Dempsey up top, right wing was left up to Zoltan Gera, who had a shocker of a match and was constantly terrorized by the left wing combo of Florent Malouda and Ashley Cole. Cole has seemingly taken on a more attacking approach this season, which is wonderful for the Chelsea attack, especially when they play oppositions who fail to pick him up. Against Fulham it seemed Cole was in more advanced positions than Malouda most of the time, and the defense didn’t know what to do.

Yet the goals the Cottagers conceded were strictly the back line’s fault. After being thwarted by an ill-advised linesman for the first 20 or so minutes, the assistant referee finally made a correct call when Drogba was played through by Anelka for a one-on-one opportunity with Schwarzer. Despite Drogba’s history of missing the easier chances, he slotted the ball well past a stranded Schwarzer and into the side netting.

Schwarzer was unlucky again for the second goal, as Drogba returned the favor to Anelka, playing a brilliant ball through the center for Anelka to touch right past the Australian keeper, and place rather easily into the back of the old onion bag.

Fulham will be disappointed with their performance, as their control and passing often ran strong, straight to Chelsea players. While Chelsea finally looked controlled and poised for the whole game, Fulham seemingly untied themselves after a positive performance on Thursday. Perhaps it was too short of a break between games, or maybe Hodgson felt that sitting back for a draw would be the effective course of action without a true strike partnership up front, either way Fulham will hope to rebound next Sunday, unfortunately they will be up against a revitalized and impressive looking Villa squad.

 

Other Notes:

-Hodgson’s post game interview was one of the most gracious and well spoken reports of the game I have ever heard. I tip my hat to a man that can give full credit to a team that outplayed his own, and at the same time keep the integrity of the team he is managing the way he did.

-What happened to EJ? I thought he had a strong pre-season. He could be a quality partner for Zamora, as AJ was a speed and skill based player, like EJ, while Zamora covers the size portion of the duo. I would have liked to see Hodgson at least try out the other Johnson, especially while there is an opening with AJ out.

-John Obi Mikel almost scored his first Premier League goal with a thundering wonder volley from 35 yards out. It tailed just past the post, but it was a pretty strike. This is only worth mentioning because Mikel is absolutely USELESS at finishing, especially from distance. That might be the closest he gets all season.

 

Man of the Match: Didier Drogba. Scored one, assisted one, overall strong performance by the big Ivorian who looks to be in top form this season.

 

Ratings:

Chelsea

Cech 6.5 – Had very little to do, and did that well. Got the first shutout for the Blues this term, gives him that extra .5 bump.

Bosingwa 6.5 – Was not as effective down the flank as Cole seemed to be this game, but another solid performance.

Terry 7 – Solid at the back, great control and a strange forward run that resulted in a 25 yard effort (that wasn’t too bad of a shot I might add). Possibly a return to true Terry form this term.

Carvalho 6.5 – Wasn’t particularly tested, but it seems Terry stole his trademark run through the center of the pitch.

Cole 7.5 – Absolutely terrorized the right flank of Fulham. While he still doesn’t have the crossing ability that Wayne Bridge had, his speed and touch are intangibles that are finally getting put to good use as he has become much more attacking.

Mikel 7.5 - I was delighted with Mikel’s play. He finally seems more than comfortable in that holding role, granted the Cottagers weren’t putting too much pressure on him, but for moments during the match he reminded me of Makelele as whenever a Blues player would find himself in trouble, Mikel always was available for a safe pass to keep possession and continue the play. Granted Mikel is about a foot taller than Maka was.

Ballack 6 – His form has certainly improved since last season. He seems in better shape and more comfortable with the squad. Other than his free kick early in the match there wasn’t much to note about his performance, but he is an ever-present player as Chelsea move from defense to attack.

Malouda 7.5 – His pace and confidence on the ball, along with Ashley Cole’s help, were consistent threats, and Malouda’s form since the end of last season is to die for.

Lampard 6.5 – Lamps has seemed off this season so far, and this performance was no different, while he wasn’t poor, he simply didn’t have that penetrating edge that makes him so dangerous. Did help in the development of the Drogba goal though.

Drogba 8 – Drogba has been in a master class so far this season. His control and nose for goal right now is incredible and there has been a surprising lack of diving around. It seems staying on his feet actually DOES help him score goals, who would have thought?

Anelka 7.5 - Touch was perfect for the Drogba goal, and did well to open his season account. Finally looked threatening unlike his performance against Hull.

Subs:

Deco 4.5 - Didn’t really have all that much time to do anything, and it is slightly harsh that I’m rating him at all.

Hutchinson N/A – He really didn’t have any time to do anything, but it’s good to see Ancelotti giving the youth players valuable minutes.

 

Fulham

Schwarzer 6 – It would be ridiculously unfair to blame him for either goal. His defense gave him very little help. Performed well to keep it at 2 – 0.

Pantsil 2.5 – Along with Gera was absolutely scorched the entire afternoon by Chelsea’s left wing. Also, got lucky to escape without a yellow after an early brash challenge.

Hangeland 4 – One of my favorite’s on the Fulham squad, unfortunately he had an off night as both the goals were scored with passes through the middle of the defense resulting in one-on-ones.

Hughes 3.5 – Like Hangeland, was really to fault for both goals, plus along with Pantsil, kept Drogba onside for his opening goal.

Konchesky 4.5 – Did not get as destroyed by the Ballack/Bosingwa combo as his right back counterpart did by Malouda/Cole, plus offered some attacking presence for a rather lifeless Fulham squad.

Gera 2 - Constantly Offside’s offside player of the game. Absolutely atrocious and I can’t believe he wasn’t subbed earlier. No defensive presence and even less attacking.

Murphy 6 – I absolutely think Murphy is one of the top midfielders in England. While he might not be good enough for the England squad, his importance to any and every team he has been on is undeniable. Thesecond he was injured was the second Fulham had absolutely no chance left in the match.

Etuhu 5 – Other than being completely and utterly terrifying didn’t do anything too noteworthy. Kept Lampard in check for most of the match.

Duff 4.5 – He was a personal favorite of mine while he was at Chelsea, and I love the fact that he’s back up in the Prem, but he was invisible for most of this match, though he did work harder than the rest of the Fulham team combined.

Dempsey 3 – Another one of those situations where if you don’t give Dempsey service, he won’t do a damn thing for you. When he doesn’t receive the ball he doesn’t work to try and get it, he just becomes a dejected soul on the field, which is something he needs to change.

Zamora 3 – Equally as useless as Demps, Zamora is actually supposed to receive service, and when you don’t get the big man service he really is useless.

Subs:

Kamara 4 – Came on when the Cottagers needed some more life, and gave them it briefly, but it was to no avail.

Baird 4 – Had the unfortunate task of replacing the injured Murphy, which is next to impossible.

Nevland N/A – Not enough time to really make a huge difference, though they absolutely need him healthy, especially before the Villa game on Sunday.

 

Anyone else watch the match? Any Fulham fans want to vent their frustrations? Go ahead below.