Fulham 2 - West Bromwich Albion 2

WBA Win 3-2 after extra time

Dave Watkin:

The Baggies were more positive than they've been in any of their Premiership away games and it paid off with three goals and an unexpected victory. Fulham may have been missing players, but the fact that Albion had more possession, shots and corners, suggests that we deserved to go through to the next round.

The key to the win was the best individual performance by an Albion outfield player this season. Junichi Inamoto showed great skill, good decision making, crisp passing and to top it all scored what will surely be our goal of the season. He was always an outlet, combined well with Kanu and paired effectively with Ronnie Wallwork. Kamara, playing mostly on the right was another player to shine, cutting inside and running at the opposition. Rob Earnshaw took his goal well and was dangerous throughout. The sending-off of Paul Robinson was unjust, given that he was a victim of a challenge which saw him crash into the hoardings. The only other downer, was our inability to defend set pieces and the lack of threat from our own free kicks and corners.

There's no doubt that a side needs someone to hold the ball up and we've tried doing that with Horsfield and Campbell in an advanced position and Kanu in a slightly withdrawn role. For me, the latter option is the more effective allowing swift attackers, be it Earnshaw, Ellington or Kamara to take advantage. If Inamoto can maintain anywhere near the form he showed last night, then he's well worth his place, providing there's someone, Watson or Wallwork in the holding role. With two from Gera, Greening and Kamara playing wide, Chaplow filling in as necessary and Kirkland plus our regular back four, we've maybe got the basis of a side which can climb the Premiership.

TEAM NEWS

With Chris Kirkland, Martin Albrechtsen, Steve Watson, Zoltan Gera and Nathan Ellington all lacking full fitness and Curtis Davies cup-tied, it was no surprise that there were six changes compared to Bolton forty-eight hours earlier. Other absentees from the starting line-up were Jonathan Greening and Geoff Horsfield as Bryan Robson reverted to a 4-4-2 formation.

Included were Thomasz Kuszczak in goal, Riccardo Scimeca at right back, Ronnie Wallwork and Junichi Inamoto in central midfield and Kanu and Rob Earnshaw up front. As Thomas Gaardsoe and Kevin Campbell joined the bench, the only member of the first team squad unaccounted for was Andy Johnson.

HIGHLIGHTS

Albion got off to a brilliant start in the 3rd minute when Junichi Inamoto threaded a perfect pass through the centre of the home defence for ROB EARNSHAW to run onto. His speed took him clear of the defenders and faced with just the keeper to beat, he threw a dummy, rounded him and calmly slotted the ball between the posts.

The Baggies dominated play throughout most of the first half without adding to their lead, the closest they came was an attempt from Kanu which the keeper just managed to tip over. All their good work was almost wasted just before the break, when from a free kick, an unmarked Fulham player wastefully headed wide from close range with the goal gaping.

Shortly after the restart a limping Darren Carter was replaced by Richard Chaplow. The home side were now much more in the game, but it was Albion who came closest to scoring in a bizarre sequence. Rob Earnshaw received the ball from Kanu, evaded keeper Warner as he rushed out of goal, but saw his shot partially cleared by Knight. Warner, still on the edge of his area, miskicked and Chaplow tried a first time lob which the retreating Knight headed away from under the crossbar.

In the 63rd minute the Baggies paid for not adding to their score whilst on top when Fulham equalised. A ball through the centre of the defence, similar to that for the opening goal, reached MALBRANQUE and he had the simplest of tasks to place his shot past Kuszczak.

Albion were not finished and Earnshaw cut in from the left and almost squeezed a shot in at the foot of the post. Fulham threatened several times, their most memorable effort being an overhead shot comfortably held by Kuszczak.

In the 88th minute it looked as though the Baggies had won it. Fulham keeper Warner failed to control a regulation back pass and KANU pounced to dispossess him and then virtually dribble the ball over the line in front of the delirious travelling support.

A minute later Thomas Gaardsoe substituted Kanu as Albion looked to hold on for four minutes of added time. However halfway through that period Fulham were awarded a free kick wide to their right and when the ball was swung in, HELGUSON rose highest to head home.

The substitution meant a switch to 5-3-2 with Kamara joining Earnshaw up front and Inamoto drifting left. This led indirectly to the moment-of-the-match and the goal-of-the-season so far. In the 99th minute, JUNICHI INAMOTO beat his man and cut in from that side before from fully thirty five yards unleashing an unstoppable shot which swerved away from the keeper before flying into the top corner of the net. The same player almost added another, when again from distance, he hit a low shot which Warner diving to his right pushed around the post.

Kevin Campbell had replaced Kamara just before the last goal. Increasingly in the second half of injury time Albion came under pressure by playing too deep. In the last panic stricken minutes they even had all eleven back when goalkeeper Warner came up for a free kick. However they'd survived the two added minutes of stoppage time when an incident occurred which partially took the gloss off the performance. Knight and Robinson contested possession on the halfway line, but the ball was over the line for a throw-in when Knight pushed the Albion defender into the hoardings. Our calls for the Fulham man to be punished were stifled when amazingly it was Robinson who was shown the red card, allegedly for aiming a kick at Knight.

ALBION FORMRATE : VERY GOOD

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH : JUNICHI INAMOTO

AFTERMATH

Apparently Albion have appealed against the sending-off on the grounds of mistaken identity - no more details as yet!

AND FINALLY

It's got to be the next big craze -"doing the Inamoto"!

Matty_b:

Just returned and a few quick comments: Apart from the obvious "what a win"!!

Great to see Innamoto and Chaplow. Both took time to get going, but ultimately both were the only ones trying to do something and have a few shots. Last time I saw them together was away at Spurs when we outplayed them. For me, they need a good run in the team. Wallwork was ok today. Faded a bit, but was alright.

Kanu played some decent passes and please he snatched his goal.

Dio was man of match for me. Couple of great runs and can do something with the ball. Would like to see Him, Gera, Kanu, Innamota & Chaplow lining up together.

Defence and keeper (abysmal on crosses and kicking)looked very weak. Scimica & Robbo were ok. I think it's Clement switching off and he could do with a rest.

Brendan Clegg:

Not got much to say other than what a difference having a bit of pace and movement upfront makes. Eased the pressure on our midfield as Kamara (from midfield) and Earnie were both outlets in the channels. We looked a threat each time we went forward and as with Bradford the whole game was entertaining. Our defending at set pieces is poor, we never put men on the posts (regardless of which 'keeper plays, which demonstrates the tactic comes from management) and we also give away more free kicks and corners than any other side I've seen this or last season in the top flight. At this level if you give sides ten opportunities at set pieces in and around the box they'll more than likely put one away, as we have seen time and time again against us.

Carter again looked unfit even before he went off injured - as others have pointed out this may be to do with the 1st team players don't play for the reserves policy which gives those on the fringes very little competitive football to get sharp.

The "Pole in goal" looks like a decent understudy but nothing more, woeful kicking and not great on crosses although he does look a fine shot stopper. Anyway..

• Pole - 6.5 did alright
• Scimeca - 7 Handled Boa Morte quite well, looked a better deputy here to Alby than Watson does. Solid and dependable and rarely gave possession away, also gives a bit of extra height.
• Big Dave - 5 We look no stronger defending set pieces with him in the side, despite this being the main reason for his inclusion. Nowhere for both their goals, slow & distribution poor. Effort and bravery never in question though.
• Clement - 6 One or two dodgy moments from Clem who was a bit casual but made up for it with some great interceptions and challenges.
• Robbo - 7 You can put a 7 against his name for every game this season, solid & dependable. Couldn't make out what happened but he went crashing into the boards under challenge. Lets hope the ban is lifted or reduced.
• Kamara - 8 A constant threat, great dribbling at pace and worked hard to track back. Looked shagged when he came off.
• Wallwork - 7 A couple of misplaced passes and I'm his biggest critic but the effort was there tonight, broke things up and covered well. Nobody will criticise him if he applies himself in this manner from now on.
• Ina - 8 Took a bit to get going (but then if you aint played it's only expected) but then was up for the battle, tracked back, passed it well and looked a good all round midfielder. Great goal & must start against Newcastle on this showing.
• Carter - 5 Injured himself in a crunching challenge he instigated. Didn't look comfortable wide left but was solid and robust enough and we had enough pace and creativity in other areas.
• Kanu - 7 Great link up, good effort for chasing keeper for goal, even won a few headers. This is probably the most consistent he has ever been for us and is enjoying having a bit more quality around him.
• Earnie - 7 Worked hard, took goal well, always looked a threat (when can you say that about Cambs or Horse), caused gaps in defence through his running. Even managed to hold up the ball and lay it off several times - something he has improved on since last season.

Subs:

• Chaplow - 7 As with Ina took a while to get going but was then everywhere, full of effort and skill and looks to have a great engine.
• Gaardsoe - 6 didn't have a great deal to do despite pressure around the box. Brought a bit more composure which instigated better breaks.
• Cambell - 5 Hassled and worked hard but won nothing in the air and couldn't outpace players who'd played the full 90 mins.

Anyone else think Robson (unintentionally) plays his best team in the cups. Can see how 'Borough made two finals and got relegated!

AJ-B:

Had a really good night out with my son, combining business - and for once pleasure! We met up at around 6pm at Putney, had an enjoyeable meal before going to the match.

The team announcement was like 'music' to our ears for once, crikey - Inamoto, & Earnie STARTING! Bryan Robsons ears must have been like flaming inferno's after all the stick he has been given lateley, could it be he MUST now agree with 99% of the fans? Come Sunday, he really should give these guys some confidence & play them again from the start. The difference Inamoto alone made was awsome, his skill, vision & execution were masterful & he defended as though his life depended on it. Kanu & Kamara linked superbly and Earnshaw at long last got the service he needs - balls to feet & on the ground down the channels, result - he scores goals - simple isn't it? Only downside really was the very poor defending, we just cannot protect a lead, I thought Nigel Pearson was supposed to be the 'architect' of defensive strategy, seems to me they should practice against dead ball situations every day five days a week until they look remoteley like they can perform in proper matches.

What a great night it turned out, our fans were again terrific, heres hoping Robson got the message about Inamoto loud & clear as the fans chanted continuosly " Inamoto - every week" this together with another new Ina ditty "All do the Inamoto" (based on the Hokey Cokey)!!

The best feature was that we played some really good football - reminiscent of the last few months of last season, even Ronnie Wallwork had his best game - by far - this season, but he had a partner again, as he had in Richardson last season, he now has Inamoto & they gelled very well indeed, each supporting the other with Ina having ability to create space in the tightest of situations, this sureley is a sign of a class player, so come on Bryan Robson the other 90% of Albion fans deserve the right to see our star from Japan, he must play - for the first time- in front of his home crowd, starting Sunday against Newcastle, or did he do too well & is he too good to be in your premier league team?

Chris (Another London Baggie):

Fantastic win. Inamoto was superb "Inamoto every week" - surely he must start now in the Prem. Brilliant winning goal - just seen it on TV and it looks even better than it did live. Kamara, Earnie and Kanu were threats all night and worked their b**** off - once Kanu went off we lost any ability to hold the ball up front Campbell looked off the pace when he came on in extra time. Should have had three or four before Fulham equalised at 1-1 - mind they missed a sitter just before half-time.

Wallwork did well tonight (lets start praising this guy - his confidence must be low after recent events) - solid and broke up play time after time. Maybe the dropping worked. Chaplow did OK - lots of energy and skill but does get shoved off the ball too easily. Carter looked off the pace even before he took a knock - a relief when he went off. Ricci, Dave, Clem and Robbo did OK at the back - but we always looked vulnerable at crosses. Also kept giving away needless free-kicks around the box which just invited pressure - Tommy G gave us a bit more composure when he came on late. Didn't see what happened with Robbo's red card - Robbo was clattered into the sidings by Knight and then suddenly he was off. The "Pole in Goal" did OK (one great save in the second half)- worries me a bit with his clearances.

The great thing about last night was that it was a fantastic game to watch, end to end stuff, loads of chances, OK some poor defending but exciting all the way. Even if we'd lost, the lads gave it their all and that's all you can ask. We've got to bring this style of play to the Prem - OK we'll still lose a fair few games but we'll win our fair share as well. Whatever it would be worth watching rather than the negative c*** we've seen of late.

Team for Sunday (assuming Robbo is banned): Kirkland, Watson, (L or B)Dave, Clem, Albie, Gera, Wallwork, Inamoto, Kamara, Kanu, Earnie. Subs: Tommy G, Chaplow, Hoss (or Ellington), Scim, PiG.

Tom:

A really enjoyable night; end to end stuff, late drama, 5 goals, a stunning winner - and an Albion victory. What more could you ask for? Well, a more convincing display perhaps, and the ability to build on an advantage. We had a good opening spell and just deserved our half time lead but didn't consolidate. We let Fulham do most of the work until the last 10 minutes of the 90 but, thankfully, worked hard in extra time to earn the win.

I was less worried by the opposition attacks than I normally am but I'm not sure if this was a good defensive performance (aside from their two goals) or a fairly poor Fulham attack. I thought Moore was great, Scimeca and Robinson did well but Clement was prone to mistakes. Kuszczak had a decent game and is a really good backup for Kirkland.

Inamoto was the hero of the night obviously. Aside from a fantastic winner he won balls, passed and ran like central midfielder should. He was well supported by Kamara, who had the nerve and almost the skill to run at defenders and take them on. Positionally though he's all over the place and that meant that the midfield, with Walwork and Carter also inconsistent, wasn't as solid as it needs to be and Fulham had too much of the ball. Chaplow put in a good performance when he came on. I'd like to see more of him this season, probably coming off the bench, so that he builds up his experience.

Kanu graced the field as ever, he also worked hard to win headers and make challenges but could still do more in this respect. Earnie, I'm afraid, is a good finisher when it's on a plate but he's got to do more. I know he's only 3 foot tall but i'd still like to see him challenging defenders to hurry them, force an error, or at least give them less time to think about who to play it too. He keeps going though and we do need his pace up front.

The noise at our end was tremendous for 2 hours and it was great to hear some old-school chants alongside some inspired taunting of the oppo fans ("you're supposed to be in bed").

Great win and a great boost for the team and fans. Make no mistake, we can get stay up this season. I'm not the first to say it but there are a lot of poor teams in this league and some decent ones who are underperforming. Worryingly we're often in one or other of those categories. But I'm hopeful.

Stevor Balis:

Decent atmosphere last night and it was good to hear player-specific songs (Inamoto doing particularly well). We were very positive last, got the ball forward well and passed like we haven't done for an age.

In the middle Inamoto and Wallwork both had very good games and were running the show until Papa Baba came on in the 2nd. Carter however was dreadful and needs a long run in the reserves before he even makes the bench for a while. Chaplow was very industrious when he came on but his occasional sloppyness smacks of naivety sometimes.

Up front Kanu was excellent, and a contender for man of the match in my books. Kamara also provived a directness that too many of our players lack, and should be a regular in the team. Earnie didn't have a great game, but I think could still justify a run in the side.

At the back Scimeca doesn't even come close to Albrechtsen and was very average, while Robinson was his usual excellent self. His red card won't be rescinded though as he clearly kicked out at Knight which you just can't do, which makes him a dick head and now we lose him for the Toon. Big Dave was Big Dave (say no more) while Clement did his usual flitter between composed and uncomposed. He worries me sometimes, that boy. Kuszczak is a wonderful keeper but is really going to have his work cut out dislodging Kirkland.

My team for Sunday: (4-3-1-2) Kirkland; Albrechtsen, Davies, Gaardsoe, Clement; Gera, Inamoto, Wallwork; Kanu; Kamara, Earnshaw Bench: Kuszczak, Watson, Greening, Chaplow, Ellington.

One final thing - at 1-0 up I've never heard so many whinging, miserable b'stards. Whatever happened to 'best fans in the world'?

Lord Charles:

I was stood outside Craven Cottage chatting to friends prior to last night?s match. I suddenly starting to ask myself ?What the hell am I doing here?? After the last two away games at Blackburn and Bolton it really was an effort to travel to south London for this game. Like many Supporters I have begun to question why I am travelling all over the country watching a team that does not even try to win games. I half expected another defensive display tonight... little did I know.

The Albion line-up raised a few eye brows and watching the body language of Chaplow showed that he was disappointed to be left out. I could understand that reaction. Carter was dreadful at Bolton and was not much better tonight.

Having said that there were so many positives to come out of this match and it is only fair that having moaned and groaned when things have gone wrong it is only correct that praise should be handed out on this occasion.

Most of the plaudits have been handed out to Inamoto and quite rightly so. Apart from a spell in the second half when he seemed to disappear he was absolutely magnificent. His performance in central midfield was one of the best I have seen in years and I reckon that if he does not start on Sunday Robson will attract even more criticism. Earnshaw, Kanu, Wallwork and Kamara were all outstanding. I was particularly pleased for Wallwork because it was he that helped bring out the best in Inamoto.

We all thought we had seen the goal of the season a couple of weeks ago when Carter scored the magnificent winner against Arsenal but Inamoto?s winner was streets ahead and was worthy of winning any game.

Finally, I actually enjoyed myself at Craven Cottage; now, I have not been able to say that very often this season! More please Albion.

Highbury Baggie:

The Fulham game was a real heart-stopper. There were some very good performances; from Kanu, who held the ball well upfront; from Kamara who was incisive; and from Inomotu who sparkled in patches (although losing his way along with the rest of the midfield just before Fulham's first goal and for some time after).

Albion created a shedload of scoring opportunities and should have buried Fulham in the first half - this was in contrast to Fulham who created virtually nothing, but looked incisive when they did, largely because the Albion defence was yet again suspect at set-pieces and to the ball crossed from the byline.

There were periods when the midfield passed the ball very well and there were times when they were lost or threw away possession (Chaplow). The defence lacked subtlety with their distribution and gave the ball way too often (Big Dave, you are a nightmare). The "Pole in the "goal looked steady, but his distribution virtually never found its target. Come on you Baggies, work on these things and you'll have us in raptures.

Last night the faithful turned in a virtuoso performance - we were immense. Fulham in contrast got nothing from their supporters - they must be the limpest bunch in the league.