Fulham may well have an open-ended account
at Harrods but Charlton yesterday showed the virtues of buying at the corner
shop.
Despite being outclassed for much of the first half, Alan Curbishley's bargain-basement
side, further challenged by a seven-man injury list, rolled up their sleeves
after the break and made up with toil and sweat what they lacked in finer
qualities. In the end they were happy to pocket a point, whereas Jean Tigana
declared himself "disappointed" that all Fulham's possession did
not produce more goals.
His new record £11.5m signing Steve Marlet was prevented from making
his debut by injury and his arrival - expected next weekend against Arsenal
- cannot come too soon. Despite spending £32m on new players this
summer Fulham have managed only one victory in four games and more fine-tuning
is required.
Premiership
|
Sunday
September 9, 2001 |
Charlton |
(1)
1 - 1 (1) |
Fulham |
|
Melville (34) og |
|
Boa Morte (37)
|
|
Both these clubs had emerged from different
threats to their very existence to meet in the top flight for the first
time since the 1951-52 season. But at half-time Charlton's record of never
having lost to Fulham in the highest division was decidely under threat.
Fulham's passing and movement punched hole after hole in the Charlton defence
and it took Curbishley just 26 minutes to change from a makeshift 3-5-2
back to the tried and trusted 4-4-2. When Fulham got the ball they attacked
with the dynamic and pacy fluidity that has beome their trademark, and in
defence closed Charlton down with ease. Their best early chance fell to
Louis Saha, who prodded Edwin van der Sar's long kick just wide, the striker
then appealingin vain for a penalty after Dean Kiely's belated challenge.
But returning to 4-4-2 did wonders for Charlton and just past the half-hour
they took a surprise lead. Chris Powell fired in a cross from the left,
Sean Bartlett headed the ball back at the far post and the defender Andy
Melville diverted the ball into his own net.
Unimpressed by Charlton's affrontery, Fulham equalised four minutes later.
Kiely had already saved well from Sylvain Legwinski when the dashing player
with the dashing name was thwarted again by the Charlton goalkeeper. However,
Kiely watched helplesly as the ball fell to Louis Boa Morte, who drilled
the rebound into the net through a crowd of defenders.
Fulham were now in full sail. Saha and the defender Steve Finnan both went
close before Kiely saved a certain second Fulham goal, blocking again from
Legwinksi, then flicking away the loose ball just as Boa Morte shaped to
bulge the net.
Half-time gave Charlton a chance to regroup and with a Curbishley ear-bashing
ringing in their ears, they worked their way back into the game.
But it was Fulham who still created the chances. Boa Morte and the substitute
Steed Malbranque went close and Sean Davis was only denied a late winner
by Paul Konchesky's saving tackle.
Afterwards Tigana said that despite his lavish spending, the priority this
season is to stay in the Premiership. The same goes for Charlton, but with
so many injuries - three long term - they are in danger of losing ground
before the lame return.
Man of the match: Sylvain Legwinski (Fulham)
Charlton Athletic
Kiely; Brown, Fish, Powell, Todd, Young; Parker (Konchesky), Stuart; Bartlett
(Salako), Euell, Lisbie (Robinson).
Fulham
Van der Sar; Brevett, Finnan, Melville, Symons; Clark (Malbranque), Collins,
Davis, Legwinski; Boa Morte, Saha (Hayles).
Referee: J. T. Winter (Stockton-on-Tees)
Attendance: 20,451
Bookings
Charlton Athletic: Brown (40) Bartlett (74)
Fulham: None
Sent off
None
Free-kicks |
Charlton Athletic: 22 Fulham: 12
|
Corners |
Charlton Athletic: 0 Fulham: 2
|
Goal attempts |
Charlton Athletic: 7 Fulham: 16
|
On target |
Charlton Athletic: 4 Fulham: 5
|
Hit woodwork |
Charlton Athletic: 0 Fulham: 0
|
Offsides |
Charlton Athletic: 5 Fulham: 6
|
|