A good win against a poor team.

Where has the press gone ? In such a game of high consequence, it was strange for us to be so pedestrian in large stages of the first half, especially when we saw what could be achieved with the pressing just after the goal.
It was as if we were dropping to their level, or certain players were too scared of making errors, so preferred to play it safe.
It was certainly a deserved win and we looked a little more organised at the back, despite still letting Mitrovic in a couple of times. 3 defenders to mark 1 striker - someone please take the responsibility and mark him !! Yoshi was definitely an improvement on Stephens tonight.
Would have liked a bit more attack at the end to improve the goal difference on Brighton, instead we dropped so deep and resorted to hoofing it and hoping it would go to Red or Long.
Who cares though, we won and are now out of the bottom 3.
Great showings from Yoshi, JWP and Hojbjerg and even better to have a clean sheet !!
We need to play better than this on Saturday, but hopefully United picked up a few more injuries or suspensions tonight and we can battle it out for a draw. Maybe Ings will be back too - and even Lemina, as he had Pogba in his pocket in the game at St Marys and a repeat at Old Trafford would really give us a chance. Onwards and Upwards.

-1

First...thank goodness! Beating Fulham at home may not be a terribly impressive feat, but it was desperately needed. Yoshida was virtually flawless in his return; here's hoping Ralph sees fit to play him in the center of the back line from here on in. JWP has really taken this aggression idea to heart--can't believe his thunderous tackle in their half in the first half that led to a Redmond chance. Romeu was massive as well. Long again was a disappointment. I've been a staunch defender of his over the years--although he is flat-out poor in front of goal his endeavor has always been inspiring and not infrequently led to goals...often for others.

Perhaps it's just that Fulham is so poor, but how refreshing was it to have a two-goal lead and actually hold comfortable possession for long stretches rather than play from inside our own penalty area. Glad that six blown two-goal leads in the last 12 months didn't turn into 7. Hopefully that will become more the norm. It was nice not feeling sick to my stomach with a second-half lead.

0

What a relief. It might be argued that Fulham were very poor on the night and we can one beat poor sides but Fulham were so comprehensively out-played by Saints that they were made to look very poor. Our energy and intensity overwhelmed them and one e Romeu's goal went it there was one ever going to be one result. Mitrovic in our team instead of the carthorse would have seen us win b at least 6 clear goals.

Yes, I know, Austin worked his socks off tiling away for no reward but that's what carthorses do for a living. Pity he isn't a footballer.

Hojberg simply outstanding, great leader and MotM by a country mile. Even you Nick must accept that Yoshi was magnificent in the centre of defence and what more is there to say about the excellent Bertie surely our most gifted footballer. How we have missed him. So good to see these two back with real appetite and commitment to the cause.

3

Ralph isn't perfect - no one is, but he is showing encouraging flexibility. We stopped Fulham doing the only thing they do well and snapped up the inevitable mistakes at the back. Bertrand's absence was overshadowed by the CB problems but his return could be a key moment for us. We have one of the best mid-fields outside the top six and they need to keep chipping in with goals. Yoshi has to stay in ahead of Stephens. He will make mistakes but he is far better overall. A word in praise of JWP - he doesn't get a lot, certainly not from me, but he is playing better and has scored some important goals.

Manure is now a free shot with goal difference matters probably most important. Spuds on the other hand could be a bonus point (or who knows, even 3) if we play well.

0

Fantastic commitment from the whole team, especially midfield. Hojbjerg and Romeu top class, but MOM for me was JWP. Never seen him play better. 2nd half was a missed opportunity to really take them apart, and in doing so boosting confidence, improving GD and making a statement.

1

Phew. Thank gawd for that. I'd like to say I enjoyed it but I only started relaxing with 20 seconds to go. No point in running down the opposition they've already done that themselves.

0

Went from best effort of the season to 'Oh no not again' in 5 mins. Hojbjerg gave the point away with a pathetic attempt at a tackle.

-6

Great effort by ALL the team, including Austin!
We deserved at least a draw and a more competent referee would have given us two penalties. It was so disappointing to lose but we played with spirit and commitment and as a supporter that is what I want to see.
Valery is becoming one helluva player and with more experience will be a target for the top clubs.
A rare game that I enjoyed even with a defeat.

9

Such a shame we were so close but typically Utd find a way to win and we find a way to lose. But a valiant effort none the less,a good shift put in by all just one lapse by PEH and who had a fantastic game up till then cost us.This is the effort we need for the rest of the games.Also Valery scored what could be goal of the season for us shame it did not get the result we deserved.

13

What a super game to watch, totally enthralling. What might have been eh? Gives hope for next Saturday and with the crowd behind the team and singing OUR song we could just give Spurs a tonking.

11