EPL News: Andy Carroll earns praise from Hughton and Hughes as Newcastle and Fulham draw
Andy Carroll was the star of the show as Fulham and Newcastle United played out an interesting goalless draw at the Saint James’s Park in Tyneside, England. Both the teams gained a point each from the encounter which saw Carroll feature
for Newcastle United. Carroll came closest to breaking the stalemate during the matchup but the striker failed to get the win that mattered for his club side.
Mark Schwarzer was on hand to deny Carroll in the match that saw both sides settle for a draw at the end. Chris Hughton, Newcastle United’s manager was expressive about Carroll’s ability at the end of the match as he said, "He is a young
player who we have wanted to make very good progress - he has done exactly that. He has added goals to his game. He is very different to most other strikers and he couldn't have done any more this season to stake a claim (for England). When we decided to give
him that number nine shirt, it was because we felt he could very much develop into that role, and he couldn't have done any more than he has done."
Mark Hughes, who was once a striker himself for Manchester United praised Carroll in his post match, comments as well. However, the Fulham manager was more pleased with his back line which did very well to contain a rampant Newcastle United
attack on the day. Hughes said, "He (Andy Carroll) will certainly make an impression. Whether or not he would be able to go straight in and cement a place long-term, that's a different debate. But if he was involved, he would certainly make people sit up and
take notice of him, certainly in opposition. He's a difficult player to deal with and if he gets the right service, which on occasions he has had this season, then he's a real threat and you have to acknowledge that."
Andy Carroll was denied his eighth goal of the season by Schwarzer. The goalkeeper who hails from Australia became Fulham’s hero during the match in the 52nd minute as he denied Carroll a goal. Hughes confirmed
that he was happy with the way his team performed as he said, "We are pleased with what we have produced. It was important we came here and were really positive, and I think we were. From our point of view, we very much view it as a very good, professional
away performance today."
On the other hand, Hughton was a bit flustered as his assistant manager at Newcastle, Colin Calderwood departed from the club. Newcastle are still looking for a new assistant manager. Hughton commented on the situation saying, "It is frustrating
because it's a demanding job, certainly at this level. What I do have is a very good staff. It's a small staff, but it is a very good staff, and there are some advantages to that. But we have lost a very good number two and we do need to replace him.”
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