Fulham were held to a frustrating draw by Charlton Athletic at The Valley on Wednesday night spurning the opportunity to close the gap on the automatic promotion places to just a solitary point.
The Cottagers dominated possession, 68% compared to the home side’s 32% but they were unable to make it count as Lee Bowyer’s side held on for a valuable point.
The Fulham faithful were understandably disappointed after the game, acknowledging that a huge opportunity had been missed and many opted to aim their frustrations at the club’s captain Tom Cairney.
Should Tom Cairney be stripped of the captaincy mid-season?
Yes
No
We need a new captain ASAP
Cairney puts in no fight and is nothing like a captain. Just slows the ball down and do a little spin around and then pass— Harry (@FFCHarry1) January 22, 2020
Woke up and still hate Cairney hth
— J. (@FFCjack) January 23, 2020
Or captain Cairney for that matter ??? losing my patience with him staring at grass
— Francis (@francis__dj) January 23, 2020
Cairney is a very important player, when we are playing fluid, attacking football.
This attacking football happens for a max of 30 mins each game, leading to Cairney being a passenger for the other hour.
If this is a style we are sticking with, I don’t think you can start him.
— MichaelB (@mbffc) January 23, 2020
Then Cairney went off for StefJo. Right call. TC has been nothing lately, and should be dropped. Controversial I know, but it has to be said…#FFC
— Steve Adams (@LondonDude123) January 23, 2020
Cairney is easily one of my favourite players, but when he plays like he did tonight and has done since October, it’s hard to back him up. Somethings not right. Also not a fan of the way he flung the armband to Kev, whether he meant it meant to look as petty as it did or not
— Ashley (@AF_1308) January 22, 2020
What do we think?
Tom Cairney’s last goal contribution came back in November during the 3-0 victory over Derby County and he’s yet to provide even an assist since. According to WhoScored.com, the player’s performance warranted a rating of 6.8/10 which in comparison to some of his team-mates was by no means disastrous, but the issue here is that the fans expect so much more from a player of the 29-year-old’s talent.
Scott Parker and the club’s supporters will be hoping the former Blackburn midfielder can rediscover his best form as we enter the most crucial part of the season.