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DEEP IN MY HEART 17-8-07
Fulham v Middlesbrough, 17th August 2007, Craven Cottage
James Keen
Surrounded by people telling me we're going to be relegated is annoying enough at the best of times, but after a game like the one at the JJB I'm finding it really hard to disagree with them. Or at least, come up with more excuses!
Just to cast a bit of light on this, I don't live in Middlesbrough at the moment. Indeed, I don't even live in anti-Boro places like Newcastle or Sunderland - I live in Huddersfield. A place with no particular interest in Boro, yet seemingly filled with anti-Boro football fans. Perhaps it's the fact that I'm an outsider and their team is rank so they want to make me feel bad. Who knows!?
But watching the debacle at the JJB I really couldn't raise a smile, I had nerves and sickness running through my body, and a despairing feeling of "Oh no." for the entire ninety minutes.
Our backline looked panic ridden when under pressure, allowing Koumas to waltz through them time and time again, and gave Heskey and Sibierski far too much respect in the air. And the few moments of composure we saw from our defence saw them majestically marching from the backline and straight into trouble in the form of Wigan central midfield, both Riggott and Taylor having such moments.
In midfield, Boateng worked hard, but as the pressure built in the latter stages, his passing went awry. Arca looked sluggish and lacking in ideas, and Downing didn't get at his man enough. Tuncay however looked determined, and if we had another ten of him we may have got something from the game.
Up front, Aliadiere picked up a knock and struggled and Yakubu did a Souness. The Yak looked like a man who wanted his club to sell him. But after a performance like that I'm sure his price tag will have dropped by a few million pounds. He was woeful. And if he did it on purpose then he is an idiot, or as some might say, a doyle! Bring back Michael Ricketts!
It was a disappointing result, but not an irreparable situation in terms of league position and points, but the performance was way below par against a side who I have long tipped for relegation.
The arrival of Mido is a big plus. He's young, he's strong, and he knows where the goal is. He will be an attacking focal point, something we have been sadly lacking in both pre-season and the first two league games. And he may be soon joined by two more Egyptian compatriots from Al Ahly. Maybe my purchase of an Egyptian national shirt last summer while on holiday will come in useful in the coming years!
If we can get our backline fit and well I think we will start to see an up-turn in performances. Sooner rather than later I hope.
Our next opponents Fulham have lost the zero point monkey from their backs that Boro will now be carrying like a lead weight. A promising 2-1 victory on Wednesday night against Bolton will have given them immense confidence, especially following a close-run game against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Fulham's new striker, David Healy, is settling in nicely and already has two goals to his name, and should prove a test for the inexperienced and second choice Boro backline.
On top of Healy, Fulham have made some interesting signings. Davis from Villa is a good solid signing, one I'd have been happy with at Boro, Smertin and Kamara are both decent players, and Konchesky will fill the void made by Queudrue's departure to Birmingham.
Fulham have no particular weak link - they have a very solid and dependable side and should provide Boro with a very tough game, particularly considering Boro's travel sickness.
Manager, Lawrie Sanchez has proven with Northern Ireland that he can motivate players and get the best from what he has at his disposal. And now, having had time to settle into his new position after a hasty arrival last season, he is starting to ingrain his style on the side, and although I don't see Fulham being a force, I think they will be comfortably mid-table.
Boro however are struggling for motivation, and I hope beyond all things that we get our first win to ease the pressure from Gareth and his boys and to give our new signings some hope that they made the right choice by signing for unfashionable Boro. Because there is no doubt that those kind of thoughts would've been whizzing round their heads on Wednesday night. Especially Mido's, whilst watching from the sidelines.
On Wednesday Southgate made some 'interesting' substitutions. Tuncay off for Johnson when Aliadiere was clearly struggling was the main one for me. Why not bring Johnson on for Yakubu and move Tuncay up top? Give him a go in the position he plays international football in? And then we still would've had Dong Gook to come on for Aliadiere when he had to come off.
Gareth is learning, and I still think he will be a great manager. He just needs time, something Gibson will afford him, but something the press and fans may not.
As long as he keeps our backing he will keep the faith of the players, and that is vital. We all have to believe in the dream and believe in the path we are on. Because if we get to our destination, not only will we be playing an entertaining, value-for-money, style of football but we will be winning things and moving up the table. It may not happen this season, but it will happen.
It's tough to fight off criticism from non-Boro fans all day long but deep in my heart, I do believe that we shall overcome some day.
Fulham is the start of the future for the Boro. Stay a part of it.
The Outcome: My heart and my head haven't been very reliable this season and although my heart tells me we'll get our first points and a 2-1 win, my head tells me that the revival doesn't start just yet but against Newcastle and we'll come a cropper 2-0.
Last Season: Fulham 2-1 Middlesbrough (Helguson 12 (pen), McBride 35, Viduka 74)
Boro Form (most recent result first): LLWWLD
Fulham Form: WLLWLD
Probable Teams:
Boro: Schwarzer, Davies, Taylor, Wheater, Riggott, Boateng, Arca, Tuncay, Downing, Mido, Aliadiere
Fulham: Warner, Baird, Bocanegra, Knight, Konchesky, Davies, Smertin, Davis, Bouazza, Healy, McBride
Man to Watch: David Healy
RETURN TO DEEP IN MY HEART INDEX HERE
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