Positives and Negatives: Palace (H)

Nick MacNee

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2 min read

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Aug 12, 2018

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Positives

• Jean Michael Seri: Looked excellent in possession and wasn’t afraid to make a tackle. Very capable at linking up play and showed off a lot of flicks and smart, intricate passing to keep Fulham’s attack ticking in the first half. Did fade slightly in the second half however.
• Joe Bryan: Looked a natural fit at LB and comfortable in the XI despite only a single training session with the side. That Fulham’s defensive frailties showed on the left side after he was subbed off was testament to how well he had done against Townsend and Schlupp. Subbed off due to injury but does not seem to be seriously hurt, which is a relief given that baptism of fire that we will face against Spurs away.
• The First Half: Fulham were able to generate shots and get Mitrovic in positions to fire away. Against keepers who won’t have as good a day as Wayne Hennessey did, Fulham will be able to score goals. With a bit more defensive organisation and mobility coming in in Anguissa, Fulham should be able to establish themselves as a tougher proposition in the Premier League.

Negatives

• Ryan Sessegnon: Despite a bright start, the young winger faded badly and was at fault for Fulham’s second after being shifted to left back by allowing Aaron Wan-Bissaka to pass him too easily to lay off for Wilfried Zaha. He struggled against the right back all afternoon and could never get close to Mitrovic when playing left wing. Big improvement needed.
• Fabri: Despite making seven saves, it’s hard not to think that the second goal could’ve been avoided had he not rushed off his line so early and allowed Le Marchand to pressure him. His eagerness to come off his line is also a worry for a team not expected to finish in the top half. However, I strongly feel that there was little he could do for the first goal with the amount of power behind Schlupp’s shot.
• Kevin McDonald: His lack of pace was brutally exposed numerous times by Zaha and Townsend constantly being able to turn him and sprint away. Failed to provide the defensive midfield cover that he did so well in the Championship. A more mobile DM in Zambo Anguissa will be needed against quicker teams in the PL, of which there are many more to come in the Premier League.