Yesterday, I left Craven Cottage shell-shocked.
I knew that facing an Arsenal side in good form would be a tough test, but I never dreamed we’d end up getting thrashed.
All seemed to be going okay when Andre Schurrle equalised but then the wheels came off the wagon in spectacular style with Arsenal demonstrating the difference between a side hoping to finish mid-table and a side harbouring Champions League qualification aspirations.
Once again, our failings were in defence and the statistics show that Fulham are the only side, in the Premier League yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
Furthermore, the five goals conceded make it 21 for the season, the highest number of goals conceded by a Premier League side this season.
As we pointed out last week, some major work requires carrying out on our defensive organisation during this international break.
Following the thrashing, Slavisa Jokanovic fulfilled his media obligations by facing the media and had this to say, as reported by the BBC;
“It is without any doubt a hard defeat for us, we tried to create things but showed many weaknesses as they scored easy goals.
“We tried to be offensive and play high with two full-backs to find a solution – but from the second goal it is clear the plan was not working. We really need to work on the weaknesses in the defensive side.”
Exactly, we cannot go on conceding as regularly as we have done.
But, trying to put a positive spin on proceedings, Jokanovic added:
“Conceding goals has to be a worry always. It is a hard result, but today Arsenal showed their quality and pace. We have 90 possible points ahead of us and we need to be brave and keep on fighting.”
As far as our points tally goes, Fulham currently have the joint-lowest points total they’ve ever accumulated after eight Premier League games.
Worried?
I certainly am.