Dempsey’s deflected shot off Zamora was enough for Fulham to win 1-0 over Pompey in a rather uneventful, if not typical away, match. Standard Hodgson.

Portsmouth occasionally threatened, attempting to stretch our defense with crosses from the wings but Schwarzer gobbled them up while Hangeland and Hughes smacked them away.

The only jaw dropping moment came when Pompey defender Marc Wilson whiffed on a header leaving little AJ a clear chance on goal. Either misjudging the bounce or hitting too hard, the gift sailed wide right.

For those wondering why I didn’t preview the team and season before today, I did it on purpose. I’m going to write a season preview once the transfer windows ends. Sure, it may be cheating as we’ll have played three matches — all against good opposition — and may be in or out of Europe by then.

But its sort of silly to write season previews before the window closes. Why? Because everything could be completely dated as of September 1. Look back at ManCity previews last year, or even Tottenhams — they were old news within a week. Not because they were over/underrated, but the actors changed.

Although I don’t see mountains moving for us before September 1, Duff is reportedly coming to town, KG is still stuck in a tribunal — I think — and may not be able to sign for us, and Arsenal could lodge a successful 15 million quid bid for Hangeland. Or Dempsey may even receive a similar deal from Everton. There’s just too many variables to be accurate or lasting.

No midweek Prem action, as the lads host Perm in the Europa League. Derby next weekend — should be a good one.

But yeah, Fulham won away and I’m not completely stunned. Strange days, indeed.

I was just concerned while he was downright upset that Clint’s performance for the Yanks was a little lacking. Yet according to FIFA’s Castrol Index, he’s the second best midfielder behind Kaka.

For an explanation, here’s a cool video. But long story short, its another mathematical formula to rate players.

How suspect is it system? Well there are three South Africans in the top 10, and just 2 Brazilians and Spainairds.Conversely, there are no Italians in the top 10 and just one Iraqi — the goalie. Which could mean that their tactics are more team and system oriented than player.

But still, it seems Clint isn’t as off as we thought. Or do numbers hide what we can see with our eyes?

This isn’t the Fulham Clint Dempsey we’re seeing in the Red, White, and Swoosh.

The Fulham Clint doesn’t do silly tricks, dribbles, passes etc for the sake of doing silly tricks, dribbles, passes etc — especially ones that lead to fast breaks and goals.

The Fulham Clint also appears to hustle, enjoy his teammates, and argue with opposing players. And break JT’s jaw and ruin Micah Richard’s career.

Since the (crap)fiesta in the ‘Rica up to today’s demolition by Brazil, Clint seems more than exhausted. His body language is reminding me of Craig Bellamy in a Wales Shirt, or Juan Román Riquelme in an Argentina kit. Its the inexplicable “I’m beyond this” gait and aura.

Statistically Clint is better with the Yanks (13 goals in 50 caps versus 14 goals in 81 appearances) than with Fulham. But there still seems to be a difference in favor of the Fulham version.

Maybe with the Nats he is releasing his inner self, a self that is presumably quelled under the schoolmaster Roy. Or maybe he just has respect for and of his peers with the Whites and not the Nats.

I really don’t know. But if I was granted media access , I’d like to follow him around and figure it out.

I like him, but I don’t like this disparity.

In case us fans, or this blog, didn’t need another reason to love the Aussie, turns out he wrote a childrens book (which evidently isn’t new news), replete with it’s own website, and teaching tools therein.

The book, the first of three, is about Edward ‘Megs’ Morrison who moves to Australia from England, but finds commonality through the game of soccer. Or something. The flash website almost crashed my browser.

Sadly, none of the three are available stateside, but can be ordered through the UK Amazon.

Nice to hear the family man has a positive hobby and is looking out for the next generation.

After all, we all need to give back to society. Like when Clint rapped. Oh, wait, he might again?

Clint Dempsey has promised to record an FA Cup final song if Fulham reach the Wembley final. The American midfielder goes by the alias ‘Deuce’ and says his rapping will eclipse the efforts of Liverpool players in the 1990s. “I’ve heard about FA Cup final songs – especially that Anfield Rap,” he said. “I was thinking about hanging up my mic and retiring, but if we get to Wembley I can do better than that.”

Crap.

The victory over Boro was to be expected. The draw at White Hart Lane was a mixed bag — glad to get a point, but frustrated we couldn’t get three. Drawing against Chelsea at the death thanks to Clint GI JOE Dempsey, the best Christmas gift any fan could’ve asked for.

Although I missed most of the Liverpool match, and it seemed like Villa had flashes of scoring while at their park, this was the first match I saw Fulham face a complete onslaught. Drogba, Bosingwa, Anelka, Cole (thanks Scolari for subbing him and not Deco!!!!!), and Fat Fred all ran rampant through the midfield and defense. Although Hangeland, Hughes, Schwarzer (MOTM), and Etuhu all kept their wits about them, there was no denying who was the more talented side out there.

But thankfully, this match showed it wasn’t about sheer talent. Embodying the American spirit (or so we’re told what it used to be anyway), Clint Dempsey was opportunistic, prepared, courageous, and most of all undaunted. Remember, this is the guy who broke JT’s jaw. His brace from set pieces gave hope twice in a game us fans surely felt was a foregone conclusion.

Lastly, thanks the Canuck Edgar scoring at St. James’ Fulham now have second best away defense!

Highlights. Photos. Woy.

Soccernet is describing it as a bore fest, but the match was really anything but. There were some clear chances that neither Fulham nor Spurs executed, but the two also didn’t blow it.

With Baird subbing for the sick Hangeland, my pulse raced each time Tottenham threw men forward. But the Ulster lad did well deputizing for the Rock, as the defense never cracked. Although some matches still need to be played we’re tied for the third best defense, and tied for the second-best away defense with Liverpool, and Man United!

The ebb and flow of the offense seemed to dissipate when Bullard went down with a hammy. His replacement Etuhu, despite doing well defensively, just seemed to take up open space that Murphy runs rampant in, and effectively cancelled him out. Davies had himself a poor match, and Dempsey blew hot for the first and cold for the second half.

It was frustrating to see Woy settle for the point at about the 70th minute, but a point at the Lane is well taken, especially considering we were without two of our best players.

All Hail Roy!

Although I wasn’t a fan of even footy then, I’m sure today’s 3-0 victory over Boro was equally as dominant.

The MOTM must go to Zamora, whose introduction changed the game and gave some the offense some teeth up front — so much so the first goal was scored ten minutes after he was introduced.

The defense again played well, and chances from Boro were more sniffs at goal instead of clear-cut chances (excluding Tuncay’s open, missed header). Davies, who has become Mr. Anonymous as of late, had an integral part in supporting the offense. Need I even compliment Bullard and Murphy? And lastly, even Etuhu and Andreasen got some PT in garbage time.

These three points come at a vital time, as the holiday fixtures aren’t appetizing. Away to Spurs on Boxing Day and home to Chelsea next weekend doesn’t bode well for me.

Here’s some highlights for ya.

And it wasn’t because of Clint Dempsey starting, which is a celebration in of itself.

Its because there were teeth up front, the one area of the pitch we have struggled in so much so far. Although he hasn’t scored many goals, Zamora’s play up front has earned him at least 5. And accolades must go out to Jimmy Bullard, who I’ve criticized here a lot for regressing in form. But yesterday his shots were on point, and had it not been for Gomes’ amazing saves (which, howler aside, there were some). I expect big things from him from now on.

With a third of the way through the season, our point totals are (obviously) ahead of where they were last year. But we’re also taking more points off teams than last year, which bodes well for our future. And our defense is 4th best in the league (!!!).

Fulham are still 10th, but were able to separate themselves even further from clubs stuck in the mire. The next two fixtures, away to Liverpool and ‘Villa, are going to be tough and I’m not expecting much from them (honestly, a point will make me happy).

And thats okay, because I’m quite content with where the club is.

Yet today the club showed some grit and determination to snatch a point out of the jaws of defeat. And by the club I’m really referring to two substitutes: Erik “Iceman” Nevland and Clint Dempsey.

The additions of these two players turned the game on its head. Dempsey had a pioneering endeavor that us American’s are taught to possess in grade school. Nevland was precise, cool, and methodical in his passes and crosses. Up until their entrances, the club looked destined to another non-embarrassing but non-valiant goalless defeat. They two personally took the points from on an on-form but unmanaged Pompey.

What was also displayed was Bullard’s regression, Murphy’s volatility, and cardboard tactics. What I mean by that last point is every pass between each player to was that person, not to space. Each pass was always on the back heel, and countless individual seconds were lost as each player had to recoup while receiving. Then there were those awful crosses by Davies and Bullard.

If Dempsey doesn’t start on Wednesday, I’m going to give up on this coaching staff. Same goes for Nevland.

Speaking of which, Wednesday’s match against Wigan is huge. A win, and we’ll jump up in the table (finally). A loss, and we’re in the mire. A tie, and more prolonged agony.

If Zaki and Valencia can be contained — a HUGE if — then we should win it. But all chips are in the air with this coaching staff.

First, let’s not get carried away. We beat Arsenal, yes. But, this Arsenal had no Fabergas, Rosicky, or Eduardo. So, Fulham beat a offensively handicapped Arsenal. You know what? I’ll take it anyway. Fulham’s midfield controlled play, and shut down Arsenal entirely. Passing was good, and the defense played better than against Hull. Brede Hangeland scored a ninja goal, scoring with the bottom of his shoes on a Jimmy Bullard cross. After that, with the help of the post and Arsenal’s finishing issues, Fulham held on. Think about it, barring a stupid mistake by Konchesky (who was dropped from the team against Arsenal…coincidence?), Fulham would be sitting at 4 points, tied for third. To avoid the relegation scrap, Fulham needs to capitalize on its games against the Hull City, Stoke, and Leicester teams, and hope for a draw against these upper echelon teams. This weekend, Fulham got lucky and took three.

On the news front, Eddie Johnson, Mr. All Speed, No Finish, was loaned out to Cardiff City with an option to be brought back in January. I hope he gets a starting place with Cardiff, and can get some confidence. It’s not like Fulham is brimming with quality up top right now. (Here’s an interview with Eddie about the move.)

Andy Johnson is still out with a leg injury. David Healy is off to Sunderland. So, we’ve got Zamora and Neveland as the two top choice forwards. I’d still like to see Clint Dempsey in that mix, as he filled in admirably with 6 goals in place of Brian McBride.

Evidentally, we’re signing a guy named Kagiso Dikcacoi from South Africa. He scored two times in World Cup qualifiers, and plays for a club team in S.A. called Bafana Bafana. Welcome, Kagiso.

On Wednesday, Fulham has a Carling Cup match against Leicester City, a League One side currently sitting second in the table with a +4 goal difference. No one else has articles about the upcoming game, so I’ve got no information. Come back before game day…