The middle of the line

This was a disappointing result for the Whites, especially having taken the lead and held it for most of the game. Nevland saw red shortly into the second half, and soon John Arne Riise was able to cancel out Kamara’s opening goal.

Shortly afterwards, Roma took the lead, and right at the end Konchesky was sent off to sum up how badly the game had gone.

Fulham were the stronger team at first and did dominate the first half, and it’s clear that the sending off of Nevland changed the whole game. The actual offence didn’t look that bad to me, perhaps worth a booking.

So now, Fulham would have to win against CSKA Sofia and FC Basel and still hope that other results go their way if they are to reach the next round.

Still, it’s shown that Fulham can be competitive in Europe – and can beat a team of Roma’s stature with a full team on the pitch – while still having a decent Premiership campaign. At the end of last season, pundits were suggesting that 7th place was a bit of a poisoned chalice, that we wouldn’t have the depth of squad. I must admit I was a bit worried over summer as so few signings were made until quite late, but Hodgson has managed to build up the roster to the point we can put out a pretty good second team, and at least win games without Murphy and Johnson.