Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Next Match

vs

(11-10-14, 43pts-15th )

Manchester City(4-4-1-1): James, Lorenz, Dunne, Corluka, Ball, Fernandes, Michael Johnson, Gouffran, Castillo, Elano, Rolando Bianchi

Reaction: Surprising that this caliber of players is playing in 15th position.

Fulham (4-4-2): Petric, Stefanovic, Hangeland, Painsil, Hughes, Simon Davies, Danny Murphy, Kamara, Giovinco, Agbonlahor, Eddie Johnson

Reaction: Can they get ouf of this rut?

 

[Matt10]

-Johnson Peoples, June 2013
--------------------------------------------------

'1 Danny Murphy (PK), '22 Giovinco, '34 Hangeland, '81 Kamara
Caution: Simon Davies, Kamara, Hughes --- Sent Off: Hangeland, Paintsil

'2 Corluka, '23-24 Rolando Bianchi
Caution: Dunne, Johnson--- Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (14-7-15, 49pts -- 13th)

Form: Last five, W-L-L-L-W
---------------------------------------------------
Luck. Matteo's shot in the 80th minute kareemed off of David James' fingers and Kamara was there to clean up the mess in the air - a much needed victory, but honestly it doesn't matter anymore at this point.

Next Match

vs

(18-2-18, 56pts-6th )

Blackburn (4-4-1-1): Gordon, Nelsen, Ooijer, Kane, Warnock, Ballack, Villanueva, Peter, Treacy, Rosicky, Rigters

Reaction: R2 = Rosicky and Rigters...which equals to deadly threat for the Cottagers.

Fulham (4-4-2): Petric, Leijer, Hughes, Baird, Konchesky, Steve Davis, Cook, Lazaros, Giovinco, Agbonlahor, Eddie Johnson

Reaction: No Matteo to start yet? Last match of the season would have been nice to start.

 

[Rylo]

Your guy is a beast.

 

[Matt10]

-Johnson Peoples, June 2013
--------------------------------------------------

'57 Lam Matteo, '87 Agbonlahor
Caution: Lazaros --- Sent Off:

'22 Rigters, '59 Kane
Caution: Rosicky, Peter, Warnock--- Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (14-8-15, 50pts -- 13th)

Form: Last five, L-L-L-W-D
---------------------------------------------------
Ending on a good note. The season concludes next week against Everton, the much needed momentum boost came in the form of Lam Matteo and then Gabriel Agbonlahor.

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[Matt10]

Final Match

vs

(14-6-17, 48pts-15th )

Everton(4-4-1-1): Howard, Lescott, Yobo, Hibbert, Ashley Cole, Aaltonen, Cahill, Valbuena, Pienaar, Arshavin, Yakubu

Reaction: Battle of the lower part of the table. Everton have a solid keeper in Tim Howard, and a consistent striker in Yakubu. Arshavin and Cahill pose threats through the center while Cole and Lescott will join up in attack.

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Stefanovic, Hangeland, hughes, Kallio, Steve Davis, Andreasen, Kamara, Giovinco, Healy, Lam Matteo

Reaction: With some salvaging of points last week, Fulham are looking to finish the season on a high. Striker Lam Matteo starts up with David Healy, as Matteo has been playing superbly since coming back from injury. The midfield will be dictated by the elusive Kamara and playmaker Giovinco on the left side.

 

[Matt10]

-Johnson Peoples, July 2013
--------------------------------------------------

'12 Cahill (PK)
Caution: --- Sent Off:

'19 Giovinco (FK)
Caution: --- Sent Off:

Final Standings: Fulham (14-9-15, 51pts -- 13th)

Form: Last five, L-L-W-D-D
---------------------------------------------------
Good Note. The 2012 Premiership season has ended, where is Matteo going - did he end on a good note? Is Ol' Roy going to keep the lad - stay tuned.

 

[Matt10]

Another year with the Cottagers, will Matteo make a difference?

"I'm staying"
Lam Matteo accepts renewal contract from Fulham

It was probably one of the easiest decisions he has ever had to make in the offseason. American striker, Lam Matteo, has accepted a 1-year contract that will allow him to remain with Fulham.

"There was no hesitation on my part," reflects Matteo, "I have wanted to play for Fulham since I started playing this game. I think the club is going in a good direction. It's just a matter of making smarter decisions more consistently."

Matteo, who is almost 22, recorded 12 goals in 25 matches played; including one assist and 4 Man of the Match awards. The 2012 season was one that Matteo also grew as a player, when he had to battle through injury twice - to eventually make it back to Roy Hodgson's first team.

Before signing on the dotted line for Fulham, Matteo was approached by two Premiership sides in Middlesbrough (offering 1150 P) and Stoke City (offering 1170 P). But it was Fulham who stood out, offering 1250 P - and the American refused to hear any more offers - thus committing for another year.

"If they offered a longer contract for less money - I don't think I would have refused to be perfectly honest."

We will see if the increase in salary will improve the striker's form this coming year. In addition to the new contract, Matteo has also been offered a new kit number - from #28 to #8 (previously worn by now retired player, Smertin).

"I think the kit number signifies resepect - and I believe that is what I've received in full from Fulham FC."

 

[Matt10]

Manchester United win 2012 Premiership
--------------------------------
Back to back titles for the Red Devils. Will a wave of transfers come in to further strengthen the side? Is Sir Alex ready to hang it up yet?

Arsenal's Adebayor edges out fellow teammate, Van Persie for top scorer
--------------------------------

1. Adebayor - Arsenal - 32
2. Van Persie - Arsenal - 31
3. Rooney - Man United - 30
4. Torres - Liverpool - 27
5. Drogba - Chelsea - 26

Man City's Elano receives Top Assists award
--------------------------------
1. Elano - Man City - 14
2. Nasri - Arsenal - 12
2. Wilson Palacios - Wigan - 11
4. Deco - Chelsea - 10
4. Yakubu - Everton - 10

TRANSFERS
--------------------------------
*TO BE UPDATED end of offseason

Sunderland -
Newcastle -
Liverpool -
Man United -
West Brom -
Tottenham -
Man City -
West Ham -
Aston Villa -
Middlesbrough -
Chelsea -
Bolton -
Stoke City -
Portsmouth -
Hull City -
Fulham -
Wigan Athletic -
Arsenal -
Everton -
Blackburn -

 

[Matt10]

A questionable decision by Fulham management - the supporters want a defender; so why is there is so much buzz about another Gabriel?

Another Angel?
Gabriel Obertan joins Fulham from Bourdeaux

About two years ago, Obertan was highly sought after by giants, Manchester United and Chelsea. However, after a stint with injury and lack of playing time, the striker has found a home at the Cottage; becoming the second "Gabriel" for the club since Agbonlahor transferred from Villa last year.

"I would like to thank Fulham for giving me the opportunity to join their team. I believe I can bring an excitement to the game not seen before."

As for what Ol' Roy had to say:

"Yeah, Gabriel is a strong character on the field. He possesses some talent with the football at his feet that some people have never seen. He can score some goals - and that is what we need more of this coming year."

Obertan has been rumored to start the first match of the season coming in a couple of months against Chelsea, the question is...who with? Lam Matteo (who just re-signed with the club) or Gabriel Agbonlahor.

 

[Matt10]

A questionable decision by Fulham management - the supporters want a defender; so why is there is so much buzz about another Gabriel?

Another Angel?
Gabriel Obertan joins Fulham from Bourdeaux

About two years ago, Obertan was highly sought after by giants, Manchester United and Chelsea. However, after a stint with injury and lack of playing time, the striker has found a home at the Cottage; becoming the second "Gabriel" for the club since Agbonlahor transferred from Villa last year.

"I would like to thank Fulham for giving me the opportunity to join their team. I believe I can bring an excitement to the game not seen before."

As for what Ol' Roy had to say:

"Yeah, Gabriel is a strong character on the field. He possesses some talent with the football at his feet that some people have never seen. He can score some goals - and that is what we need more of this coming year."

Obertan has been rumored to start the first match of the season coming in a couple of months against Blackburn, the question is...who with? Lam Matteo (who just re-signed with the club) or Gabriel Agbonlahor.

 

[Matt10]

TRANSFERS
--------------------------------
*Signifcant transfers only

Sunderland -
Newcastle - (In) WF Ashley Young from Aston Villa, (In) GK Toldo
Liverpool - (In) MF Essien from Chelsea
Man United -
West Brom -
Tottenham -
Man City - (In) Clichy
West Ham - (In) Huddlestone from Tottenham
Aston Villa - (Out) WF Ashley Young to Newcastle
Middlesbrough -
Chelsea - (Out) GK Cech to Barcelona; (Out) MF Lampard to Arsenal; (In) Gouvou from Lyon
Bolton -
Stoke City -
Portsmouth - (In) MF Torres (USA International)
Hull City -
Fulham - (In) SS Obertan from Bordeaux
Wigan Athletic -
Arsenal - (In) MF Lampard from Chelsea
Everton - (In) GK Van Der Sar
Blackburn -

 

[Matt10]

Craven cottage has seen its plenty of upsets; but at the same time - it has seen the worst of the club.

Is this the year for the Cottagers?
Roy Hodgson believes it very well could be

"I think this group of men...they aren't scared of anything - which makes them fairly dangerous if you ask me" - those were the words of Fulham boss, Roy Hodgson at the press conference before the opening match of the season begins tomorrow at Ewood Park versus Blackburn.

"I haven't dealt much in transfers this year," he went on, "Because my plan was to establish a relationship among them. I think if you play for your brother rather than a co-worker; you will get more out of the experience."

Finishing in 13th place last year, including an 8-0 defeat and 6-0 defeat to Man United and Chelsea respectively, the Cottagers' manager doesn't think there will be many high scorelines against them this year.

"We have trained hard on defense. I am still working on achieving a consistent lineup; but when you have as much skill on the bench than you do on the field - it's hard not to toy around with the squad."

Fulham, asmentioned before, open their 2013 Premiership season versus the surprise of last year, Blackburn Rovers, who finished in 6th place.

"I think this opening match is going to set the tone for the rest of the year. We are not going to take this game easy. I hope to beat every opponent we play pretty significantly."

First Match

vs

(2013 Meeting: Draw 2-2)

Blackburn (4-4-1-1): Gordon, Nelsen, Winnard, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Ballack, Villanueva, Pedersen, Bentley, Rosicky, Jamie Clarke

Reaction: No Rigters, but Roisicky, Bentley and Ballack will give Fulham's midfield some trouble. Jamie Clarke somehow find himself in the lineup - #38 is unproven so look for his aggressiveness to really kick into gear.

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Leijer, Hughes, Volz, Paintsil, Danny Murphy, Bullard, Obertan, Giovinco, Kamara, Eddie Johnson

Reaction: Suprising move by Roy Hodgson to place Matteo and Agbonlahor on the bench, instead placing Eddie Johnson - a man who has only two goals in 2 years for the side - alongside Kamara. Obertan will have his debut right away playing in the midfield - look for the French transfer to be very aggressive as he will want to prove he belongs.

 

[Matt10]

-Johnson Peoples, August 2013
--------------------------------------------------

'8 Jamie Clarke, '31 Pedersen
Caution: --- Sent Off:

'20 Eddie Johnson, '56-59 Lam Matteo
Caution: Paintsil --- Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (1-0-0, 3pts -- 4th)

Form: Last match, won 3-2 vs Blackburn
---------------------------------------------------
That'll do. Lam Matteo scored two goals - already a great start, just like last year. I'm not going to hop on the train just yet as I don't want to jinx the young man, but an 8.0 for the first time in his career - that can't hurt. Will he start against Wigan?

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[Matt10]

Matteo to start versus Wigan
Hopes to fair well alongside Agbonlahor

The change from #28 to #8 was definitely an improvement for Lam Matteo; but even better was the upgrade from the bench to starting - after only one game.

Last week, his game winning goal put the Cottagers off to a great start in the Premiership, and today he will be hoping to do the same against an aggressive Wigan side.

"I finally had a good match this year," says Matteo, "I'm glad this is the way I've started things though. I think Wigan will be a tough game because they are a very aggressive team. I hope I just don't get injured."

The Wigan match will be the regular season opener for Fulham, the last time the two teams played - Wigan won comfortably 2-0.

------------------------
Next Match (Fixture 2)

vs

(1-0-0, 3pts--3rd)

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Hguhes, leijer, volz, Paintsil, Teymourian, Steve Davis, Lazaros, Obertan, Agbonlahor, Lam Matteo

Reaction: Always a positive when Agbonlahor and Matteo are paired up together. The speed and precision of Gabriel Obertan will not hurt matters either as the Frenchman makes his home debut.

Wigan Athletic (4-4-1-1): Isaksson, Raggi, Micah Richards, Bonnart, Edman, Coutadeur, Schweinsteiger, Ryan Taylor, Koumas, Valencia, Heskey

Reaction: Wigan have made some leaps and bounds than when they last were promoted to the Premiership - obviously becoming a club that buys their talent; and succeeding. Coutadeur is the orchestrator of the team despite the presence of Schweinsteiger, who is known to stay up in the forwards position than defending.

 

[Matt10]

Johnson Peoples, June 2013

Fulham's Lam Matteo continued his scoring form this season, and helped the home side Cottagers win over a strong Wigan side.

"Yeah, it was a match that we needed to win - they have some strong players that I was concerned with," reflected the striker, "But thankfully we outlasted them when it counted and got the victory."

A beautifully crossed ball from the corner flag by Lazaros found the unlikely head of Matteo who made a darting run in front of Wigan defender Bonnart, the ball screamed past keeper Isaksson to put the home side up 1-0.

Wigan instantly made their comeback and the moment of truth fell to the feet of midfielder Coutadeur when he collected a scramble in the box and tried an outside of the foot shot that was pushed just wide of Riou's goal.

Manager Roy Hodgson looked quite relieved when the final whistle blew at Craven Cottage:

"Right, that was a match that we deserved to win. We possesed the ball nicely and were very strong on our 50-50 tackles. I think our boys played their heart out today and we were rewarded with three points."

--------------------------------------------------

'73 Lam Matteo
Caution: --- Sent Off:

Caution: Koumas, Valencia --- Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (2-0-0, 6pts -- 4th)

Form: Last two, W-W
---------------------------------------------------

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[Matt10]

Cottagers prepare for Premiership Cup
Sunderland come to visit Craven Cottage for first leg

After their rude dismissal by eventual champions, Manchester United, Fulham are set to regain momentum deep into the Premiership Cup - but standing in their way is a resilient Sunderland side.

With Kieran Richardson doing the playmaking and Daniel Chopra scoring at will - Sunderland could be the team that ruins all hopes for the Cottagers.

"There's no questioin they can find the back of the net," said Fulham keeper, Riou, "But we can also find goals and I believe we are the stronger defending team this year. Granted, it is early - but I have full confidence we will get past Sunderland FC."

Kieran Richardson noted the inconsistencies in a constructive manner of Sunderland's defense:

"When you move players around, such as McShane moving from the right mid to playing right back - you tend to lose focus at the game at hand. Sometimes it's our tactical approach that wins games - I think that is something we excel in over Fulham to be honest."

The Cottagers may have to watch out for other 'inconsistencies' as this Sunderland side can attack at will - but at the same time leave gaps open. As Richardson mentioned, McShane was a critical part of the offense at right mid - so his attacking mentality will most likely prevail over his defensive obligations.

Prediction: Fulham 3-0 Sunderland

------------------------
Next Match (Premiership Cup, 1st Leg v Sunderland)

vs

(Form: W-W)

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Hangeland, Leijer, Baird, Konchesky, Danny Murphy, Bullard, Obertan, Lazaros, Kamara, Lam Matteo

Reaction: Shuffling the lineup is what Roy Hodgson does best it seems. Most Fulham faithful are waiting for the day the man works with just one setup - but with the immense amount of talent on the bench, it's no surprise. I would say this is a very attack-minded setup in regards to personel with Lazaros and Obertan - then Kamara and red hot Lam Matteo.

Sunderland (4-4-2): Fulop, Hartley, ANDerson, McShane, Danny Collins, Deroin, Whitehead, Arda Turan, Richardson, Chopra, Prica

Reaction: Richardson will be the focal point facing up against Paul Konchesky mainly. Sunderland will try to keep the ball on the ground more often than the air due to the incredible height of Fulham's center back, Breda Hangeland.

 

[Matt10]

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[Matt10]

Fixture 3, Barclays Premiership League

11|

(1-0-1)

03|

(2-0-0)

Fulham travel to Goodison Park
A hope to continue winning streak versus Everton

The Cottagers have a battle to face when they travel to Goodison Park today to face 11th place Everton. Everton have lost one match and won a match. Their loss was against Liverpool in a close duel that ended 3-2 in favor of the Reds. The victory was another close match, a seven-goal thriller against Tottenham, in which the Blues won - 5 to 4.

Everton are a side that is equipped with personnel that will not surprise the stadium occupants. Arshavin is one of the bigger names, as are Tim Cahill and new English defender, Ashley Cole - who partners with Lescott.

Fulham bring in a similar squad that won 3-0 versus Sunderland last wekend in the first leg of the Premiership Cup. Striker Lam Matteo has three goals through four matches this year and is looking for more as he is paired alongside Gabriel Agbonlahor. Outstanding free-kick specialist, Giovinco will be placed on the outside right wing - a spot that he has never played.

Prediction: Everton 2-2 Fulham

------------------------
Everton (4-4-1-1): Cuypers, Irving, Lescott, Terossidis, Ashley Cole, Aaltonen, Cahill, Valbuena, Pienaar, Arshavin, Jutkiewicz

Fulham (4-4-2): Petric, Leijer, Stefanovic, Hughes, Painstil, Andreasen, Simon Davies, Giovinco, Lazaros, Agbonlahor, Lam Matteo

 

[Matt10]

Jutkiewicz and Toffees spoil Cottagers streak
Johnson Peoples, July 2013

It wasn't the most graceful match of the season, but Everton got the job done against Fulham - who were without the services of Lam Matteo for 75 minutes since the striker crumpled down to injury...again.

A match that was dictated by the rainy conditions - the ball slipped among the slick turf, and both teams struggled to keep hold of their markers.

"It was brutal," says Fulham forward, Gabriel Agbonlahor, "There was no real possession, it was a scrum for every loose ball."

Eventually it was Everton who would gain somewhat control when they took the lead thanks to a lucky shot that was deflected from Tim Cahill. The ball, after bouncing off of Leijer's knee - trickled into Petric's near post to put the Toffees up 1-0.

Soon after, John Painstil was giving his marching orders when he took down Pienaar in the box at the half-hour mark. Aaltonen made no mistake and converted the penalty kick - sending Petric the wrong way.

Immediately at the start of the second half, the Cottagers pressed on. Center back Leijer would come up for a free kick and initially, Agbonlahor's shot was saved, but the center back would catch the ball in stride off the rebound - and finish with ease.

They were rewarded a great chance to tie when Gabriel Ogbonlahor beat the offside trap, but the England international's shot sailed just high on Cuypers' far post.

Agbonlahor would make no mistake on his second chance, when Giovinco crossed the ball to an open space in the box - unchallenged, Agbonlahor rushed into space and slid into the ball - which found the back of the net.

After a back and forth of possession, both sides continuing to struggle controlling the ball, it would be Everton who would find the back of the net via forward Jutkiewicz.

Jutkiewicz's first goal came when Valbuena's cross was deflected and ended up being a perfect pass to the forward, who volleyed the ball into the near post - surprising Petric, who had no chance.

Everton would put the nail in the coffin through Jutkiewicz after second half sub, Baines would cross in a beauty that the striker put his head on - and into the back of the goal, leaving Petric nothing to grasp for.

The loss doesn't hurt Fulham as much as the win means for Everton. However, pride is hurting as the Cottagers will be without Matteo's services next week when they face Hull City due to a sprained ankle.
--------------------------------------------------
Standings: Fulham (2-0-1, 6pts -- 7th)

Form: Last three, W-W-L
---------------------------------------------------

 

[Matt10]

Fixture 4, Loss to Hull City 5-1 (Simmed)
---------------------

Fixture 5, Barclays Premiership League

20|

(0-0-4, 0 pts)

14|

(2-0-2, 6 pts)

West Brom host Cottagers
Fulham hoping to regain form versus bottom of the table

West Brom have failed to manage any points so far this season, essentially picking up where they left off from last year when they finished 18th with 34 points.

Fulham come into the match off of two disappointing losses against Everton (4-2) and Hull City (5-1). The Cottagers are looking to regain some composure as the two substantial losses has seemed to hurt the direction of the team.

"We will get back to the basics," says manager, Roy Hodgson, "That is the only thing that we can really do at this point. We have been complacent with finishing these past matches, so I am hoping we can find some much needed goals today."

Fulham's Lam Matteo returns to the bench after a brief stint with an ankle injury suffered in the Everton match.

"Yeah, it's good to be back," said the American, "I am frustrated to be on the bench - but boss says I'm not 100% yet. Hopefully I can find some playing time yeah."

With Matteo on the bench, David Healy gets the go ahead alongside Gabriel Agbonlahor. Fulham's midfield is one of their strengths with Obertan and Danny Murphy being one of the more regular starters, while Cook and Seol Ki Hyeon are given some playing experience.

Prediction: West Brom 1-4 Fulham

------------------------
West Brom (4-4-2): Volkan, Barnett, Andreolli, Hodgkiss, Isidoro, Vargas, Ji Parana, Frei, Capi, MacDonaldo, Ching

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Baird, Hangeland, Paintsil, Kallio, Danny Murphy, Cook, Seol Ki Hyeon, Obertan, Agbonlahor, Healy