Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Welcome back, Matteo
American striker regains form, set to start against West Ham

The news of Lam Matteo's journey back to the Fulham bench has been ongoing the moment he received the red card in the first leg of the Premiership Cup versus City. Now, almost three months later, the young man has found himself back in the starting eleven for Fulham.

"I had no doubt I would be here again," Matteo says, "It was only a matter of time. I've always believed good things will come to those who wait, but I won't deny that during my trials in the reserves I was fairly unsure of where to go from there."

From speculation to speculation, Lam Matteo was the subject of possible transfer to Hull City or West Bromwich Albion:

"Yeah, I didn't much care for either of those teams. I knew where I wanted to be, and that is right here in this squad - part of the tradition that shines so brightly here at Fulham football club."

Glad to have you back, Lam. Now go score some goals.
----------------
Next Match vs :


(10-4-6 - 34pts, 8th)

West Ham United (4-4-1-1): Fabianski, Neill, Davenport, McCartney, Marek Cech, Dyer, Bowyer, Mark Noble, Faubert, Boa Morte, Ashton

Reaction: Judging by their current record, West Ham can score plenty of goals and quickly. The last time these two sides met, it went in favor of the Toppers 5 goals to Fulham's 2. Look for Dean Ashton and Faubert to play critical roles in the attack as Faubert has the playmaking ability and Ashton seems to score from every angle.

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Andreasen, Leijer, Hughes, Konchesky, Bullard, Cook, Seol Ki Hyeon, Lazaros, Agbonlahor, Lam Matteo

Reaction: Starting the second half of the season with a monumental win against a resilient West Brom side was just what Roy Hodgson and Fulham needed. However, they will be without the tall Norwegian, Hangeland, due to yellow card accumulation. On the bright side the team will have two strikers, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Lam Matteo, that are capable of turning something out of nothing.

[Matt10]

-Johnson Peoples, January 2013
--------------------------------------------------
'41 Marek Cech (FK), '63 Ashton
Caution: Marek Cech --- Sent Off: Neill

'17 Lazaros, '86 Matteo
Caution: Cook, Seol Ki Hyeon --- Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (9-4-8, 31pts -- 11th)

Form: Last five, W-W-L-W-D
---------------------------------------------------
Great run. He attacked the ball so viciously today, it was pretty brilliant. When I mean viciously, I mean he did so when the ball was NEAR him - not running around aimlessly at full speed as he had done before. This time around he waited for the game to come to him, and eventually it did. A great low cross by Gabby found Lam's streaking run towards the near post - beat both keeper and defender, and blasted into the 'ol onion bag'. Time for an absolutely real test though, Manchester United...this could be big.





Next Match

vs


(Premiership Cup, Quarter-final, 1st Leg)

Manchester United (4-4-2): Kuszczak, Vidic, Ferdinand, Danny Simpson, Neville, Scholes, Anderson, Nani, Ronaldo, Rooney, Quagliarella

Reaction: New signing, Italian striker, Quagliarella, starts in place of Tevez today. Other than that a full Man United squad that has a grip on what they would like to do to Fulham.

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Hughes, leijer, Volz, Paintsil, Bullard, Steve Davis, Kamara, Giovinco, Agbonlahor, Lam Matteo

Reaction: John Paintsil and Jimmy Bullard are question marks in this match. They have been known this year for being a bit complacent with the ball at their feet. On the other hand, Giovinco and Agbonlahor have been superb and one can only imagine with the strength of those two - how their good play can be fortunate for 'in-form' strike, Lam Matteo.

[Matt10]

Embarrassed. Safe to say every Fulham player wanted the final whistle to blow by the 60th minute, but Matteo looked determined to fight and continue to shoot. However, the United defense was incredibly fast and blocked many of his attempts. The pre-match reaction to Jimmy Bullard and John Paintsil's selection were confirmed when Bullard seemingly decided to pass to every player in red and John Painstil decided to not cover any of the men in red. RED does not mean STOP, John! Oh well, a good ol' fashioned drubbin' - up next is Stoke...then after that, we are not so stoked to host this second leg. Will Hodgson change up the formation? Or put in some youth players to get to say "I played against Man United..."

[kyhadley]

nice pun...

[Matt10]

Roy Hodgson will be hoping the poor play does not seep into Stoke match

Hodgson: "United can be beat if we find their weakness"
Fulham boss senses second leg could exploit something

Sitting down, I realized how droopy Roy's eyes have gotten over the years - he says it's "The wisdom gleaming through." I begin to ask him about the Man United match (or rampage, whatever you want to call it), but he stops me before I ask my question.

"You know, United are first in all competitions except the Premiership? Has to make you wonder...they might have a weakness that we haven't figured out yet."

Whatever weakness United have, they didn't show it against us last weekend.

"There are teams that have beaten them before, they have five losses in the Premiership", was he reading off the stats inside his droopy eyelids, "Nevertheless, on paper they LOOK like an average top tier team...but when you play them - it's like watching a magician, who keeps stealing you lunch money."

I hoped the Fulham gaffer could give me some info on how he planned on stealing points from Stoke City - yet, he looked away and said something about how I should have more pictures of football players on my wall.

Our conversation ended, but before that, he surprised me:

"Stoke? They are class. I don't see us winning to be honest. But I don't see us losing either."

Something tells me Roy isn't a betting man.


Next Match

vs


(2-3-16, 9pts-20th)

Stoke City (4-4-2): Hoult, Shawcross, Wheater, Wilkinson, Dickinson, Lemone, Meriem, Mandzukic, Demar Phillips, Fuller, Pericard

Reaction: Last place Stoke are going to come out with full power - I just do not think they have the finishing capabilities that we do though. Eitherway, I think this could be a match to forget.

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Stefanovic, Leijer, Baird, Kallio, Danny Murphy, Andreasen, Dempsey, Lazaros, Healy, Lam Matteo

Reaction: This will be pure attack by Hodgson's side. Whoever remains from the United match will try to prove to the league that they can still score goals at will. I think Dempsey will make a bid for first team football playing on the right-wing.

[Matt10]

-Johnson Peoples, February 2013
--------------------------------------------------
'14 Leijer, '15 Lam Matteo
Caution: Lam Matteo --- Sent Off: Neill

'19-'33-'60 Pericard, '66 Fuller, '92 Parkin
Caution: Lemoine, Shawcross --- Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (9-4-9, 31pts -- 12th)

Form: Last five, W-L-W-D-L
---------------------------------------------------
David Healy is an abomination. I think Lam Matteo is starting to agree, David Healy does not know how to pass the ball, how to receive or trap the ball - nothing - yet he receives a fuggin 6.5!? And Matteo receives a dreadful 5.5 even though he scored a goal!? Effin A. Effin mother truckin A. As for this game, yes - purely overlooked by the entire Fulham nation, it was pathetic - just pathetic. Seriously though, I hope Roy sells Healy off to some Serie A team - we could use more players like Gio.






Next Match

vs


(Premiership Cup, Quarter-final, 2nd Leg *Fulham losing 8-0)

Manchester United (4-4-2): Gomes, Brown, Ferdinand, Danny Simpson, Neville, Park Ji Sung, Anderson, Nani, Ronaldo, Quagliarella, Tevez

Reaction: United obviously have better things to do - but sir Alex keeps his team in tip top shape. This could possibly be a good warm up to their upcoming Champions League matchup later in the week.

Fulham (4-4-2): Petric, Hughes, Hangeland, Painstil, Konchesky, Steve Davis, Bullard, Bouazza, Giovinco, Agbonlahor, Lam Matteo

Reaction: It's everything or nothing for Fulham. It's unlikely we will see eight goals by the side, so this match should be fairly scrappy. Lam Matteo has confidence coming in considering he will be the only player on the Fulham side who scored last week against Stoke.

[Matt10]

What did you expect? United United...blah...blah..blah. I'm tired of seeing the Devils celebrating! Kudos go to Hodgson though for trying to stay positive throughout the match. He played a 4-4-2 out of the gate, but at the 33rd minute, he decided on a change to 4-3-3 - Bullard out...the great David Healy in. Speaking of greatness, Lam Matteo scored his first goal against the Red Devils - something that he can definitely check off his list of things to do before he dies. I enjoyed viewing it as he had appeared a bit sluggish (he hasn't been subbed in a while), but was pressing hard for a goal and after hitting the post twice, and one inches wide - he found himself in the box, off of a deflection from Wes Brown - and quickly poked the ball past Gomes. Next week, it's back to the drawing board so to speak. Arsenal are in the hunt for a Premiership title, and they come into Craven Cottage looking to get some revenge as a result of losing 2-0 last time the teams played.




Next Match

vs


(13-3-6, 42pts-2nd )

Arsenal (4-4-2): Fontana, Senderos, toure, Nelson, Bale, Diaby, Nasri, Figo, Walcott, Eduardo, Bendtner

Reaction: Figo has obviously made a difference for the side considering he has two goals in two matches already since joining from Inter Milan in January. Strangely enough Arsene Wegner has neglected to place his top scorers, Van Persie and Adebayor, on the pitch. Both players have 24-goals each to their name.

Fulham (4-4-2): Casto, Hangeland, Leijer, Painstil, Kallio, Danny Murphy, Cook, Kamara, Lazaros, Agbonlahor, Lam Matteo

Reaction: Another mix in the lineup from Ol' Roy - could this be the definitive match for some players who are fighting to keep a contract, Lam Matteo for example (has received below 6.0 ratings the last two matches). If Fulham can get out of the mindset that Man United is unbeatable, and everyone else is - they will succeed - after the consistent beating they took has obviously seeped into the confidence of some players - maybe even the Coach...

[Matt10]

-Johnson Peoples, February 2013
--------------------------------------------------
'45 Hangeland, '57 Kallio, '88 Zamora, '92 Leijer
Caution: Zamora --- Sent Off:

'22 Walcott, '35 Eduardo, '53 Diaby, '82 Shaw
Caution: Lemoine, Shawcross --- Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (9-5-9, 32pts -- 12th)

Form: Last five, L-W-D-L-D
---------------------------------------------------
Injured again. First off, a brilliant match in front of a packed Craven Cottage - that was incredible. Second of all, my goodness Matteo can't catch a break with the injury bug - it keeps showing up. I will say though, this comes at a good point because he had not been subbed in quite a while, his fatigue was really starting to set in. So, he will be out next week against Tottenham - but should be back to face Boro. These low ratings are pretty undeserved lately, but I can understand. I just hope he can remain in the starting lineup or even the bench just so we don't have to go through the ciricus that was a month ago.


Next Match

vs


(12-1-10, 37 Pts - 8th)

MATCH TO BE SIMMED

[Matt10]

SIMMED RESULT
Tottenham 5-1 Fulham
Spurs dominate, release fury on helpless and confused Cottagers
-Johnson Peoples, March, 2013

Standings: Fulham (9-5-10, 32 pts - 13th)
Next Match: v Middlesbrough (H)




Lam Matteo continues his up and down battle with injuries and starting for Fulham

Trying to catch a break
Matteo starting to get frustrated with Hodgson's dropping of him from starting lineup

Trying to stay still, Matteo tries to focus on the Tottenham game that he is not participating in. For the second time this year, Matteo has been dropped to the reserves as a result of being injured - the American is starting to question what he has to do to catch a break.

"I don't understand how you can just drop a player because they are injured," he stated, "It's one thing if you're not an asset to the team, but I know I am - I have scored goals for this club. I'm starting to really wonder what it is Roy wants me to do when I get back from injury."

When responding with the notion that possibly Mr. Hodgson would prefer a 100% Matteo, the striker responded: "I will get to 100% by being on the pitch - that's all there is to it. Just because I hurt my leg for a couple of days doesn't mean I'm not reliable."

The last time Matteo was injured it was not too long ago - we covered his journey back to the squad; and the fact that he has to do it all over again has seemed to ruffle some of his feathers.

"Yes, who wouldn't be frustrated. This is a grueling process that I don't think I need to go through to score goals for the club again. I'm missing important matches - matches that I can make a difference in. I want to do what is best for the club."

What will be best for Matteo and Fulham? Is there so much animosity that the striker could abandon ship and head to a different premier league side? We'll have to wait and see how training goes.

*note, Matteo's injury has not been disclosed from Fulham FC's physio.

[Matt10]

LATEST FIXTURE RESULTS

O Fulham 2-1 Middlesbrough
O Sunderland 1-2 Fulham
^ Fulham 0-0 Wigan Athletic
O Fulham 3-1 Bolton
X Aston Villa 4-1 Fulham

11th Place, 42pts (12-6-11)

*Matteo still on reserves

[Matt10]

LATEST FIXTURE RESULTS


^ Portsmouth 1-1 Fulham
O Newcastle 0-1 Fulham


11th Place, 46pts (13-7-12)

Next Match

vs


(16-4-12, 52pts-5th )

Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech, Carvalho, Terry, Rubio, Bridge, Essien, Lampard, Deco, Saha, Menez, Drogba

Reaction: Didier Drogba scored four goals the last time these two rivals met, look for Chelsea to play to his feet a lot more than into space considering Fulham's physical play has been lacking on defense lately.

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Stefanovic, Hughes, Volz, Baird, Andreasen, Simon Davies, Kamara, Giovinco, Lazaros, Agbonlahor

Reaction: The Lazaros and Gabby combination has not proved to be Fulham's strength, but Roy Hodgson believes that the speed of Giovinco and Kamara will be able to balance out the partnership. If he has any problems though, the long-awaited return of striker, Lam Matteo has possibly arrived. Matteo will be a substitute in today's match.

[Matt10]

-Johnson Peoples, May 2013
--------------------------------------------------
'10 Simon Davies, '21 Giovinco (FK), '24 Volz
Caution: --- Sent Off:

'35-68 Lampard, '43 Saha, '75 Terry
Caution: Carvalho --- Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (13-7-12, 46pts -- 12th)

Form: Last three, D-W-L
---------------------------------------------------
Blew it. Fulham blew it today, they continued to try to pressure the Chelsea goal - but were eventually beat out when John Terry's header in the 75th minute (off a corner) was blasted past Riou. Matteo played well as a sub, can tell he was a bit rusty to get back into 'match-mode', but he made some great plays on the flanks (only way to attack Chelsea) and did his part. He had a couple of shots - all on target, but mostly saved by Mr. Cech. Liverpool next, then Man United (ugh) then Man City...after that Blackburn and Everton - and the season will conclude then.

[Matt10]

Next Match

vs


(19-2-12, 59pts-3rd )

Liverpool (4-4-2): Reina, Agger, Hyypia, Degen, Castro, Gerrard, Van Der Vaart, Benayoun, Modric, Torres, Kuyt

Reaction: Grrrr, Torres & Kuyt have always given Fulham trouble - they are known for making every single opportunity count. Look for some blasts outside the box and a quick scramble for its deflection - whether it hits the keeper or the defender, the Reds do not let chances go to waste.

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Hughes, Hangeland, Volz, Painstil, Steve Davis, Teymourian, Lazaros, Giovinco, Agbonlahor, Eddie Johnson

Reaction: Hodgson continues to alter his starting lineup this season, nothing has seemed to work consistent enough for the boss just yet. With 5 matches remaining, the Cottagers will try their best to sustain a Liverpool attack. It could very well be a siege depending on whether or not the midfield of Lazaros and Teymourian become a guidance...or hinderance.

[Matt10]

-Johnson Peoples, May 2013
--------------------------------------------------
'5 Gerrard, '21 Van Der Vaart (FK), '35-48 Torres, '41 Modric, '63 Own goal (Hughes)
Caution: --- Sent Off:


Caution: Teymourian, Steve Davis --- Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (13-7-14, 46pts -- 13th)

Form: Last four, D-W-L-L
---------------------------------------------------
Pathetic. Fulham didn't even put up a fight. Not even a tiny bit. This was a terrible showing - it was a terrible lineup to begin with, and worst of all (personally) was that Matteo didn't get a chance to play. Maybe ol' Roy thought the damage was already done no use in risking injuries...I don't know - all I know is that this game was terrible. I'm not looking forward to the next match either against Man United.

Next Match

vs


(22-4-8, 70pts-1st )

Manchester United (4-4-2): Gomes, Vidic, Ferdinand, Danny Simpson, Evra, Leclerc, Anderson, Park Ji Sung, Nani, Danny Welbeck, Gervinho

Reaction: Gah, this team again. Looks like they put in part of their second team though.

Fulham (4-4-2): Petric, Stefanovic, Leijer, Baird, Painstil, Teymourian, Bullard, Simon Davies, Lazaros, Agbonlahor, Healy

Reaction: Healy over Matteo? Hm, questionable decision there. And Petric over Riou? I can understand that I suppose. Ol' Roy just doesn't seem too interested in sticking to something that works.

[Matt10]

-Johnson Peoples, May 2013
--------------------------------------------------
'43-85 Gervinho, '69 Welbeck
Caution: Ferdinand, Simpson --- Sent Off:

'15 Healy, '44 Agbonlahor
Caution: Lazaros --- Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (13-7-14, 46pts -- 13th)

Form: Last five, D-W-L-L-L
---------------------------------------------------
Losing Streak. Granted the big three will give any team a losing streak - but other than the Liverpool match, the Cottagers have had a chance to beat Man United and Chelsea; but have ended up choking every single time. The match was a good, free-flowing one, but in typical Fulham fashion - they lost their focus and let Gervinho somehow get the ball on the flank...and score. Teymourian's missed pk? Gah, don't remind me. Matteo was tripped hard in the box by Simpson, then Mr. T had his chance to be the hero...and failed.