Thursday Fulham Stuff (23/02/17)...

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Fulham edge closer to play-offs with win at Bristol City

Bristol City 0 Fulham 2

Lucas Piazon and Tom Cairney struck in either half as Fulham recorded their third successive league victory.

The Whites enjoyed the better of the chances throughout and went in front after 16 minutes, when Cairney found Piazon in the box and the Brazilian finished coolly past Robins keeper Fabian Giefer.

Full-backs Denis Odoi and Ryan Sessegnon both went close before the break with Milan Djuric nodding over in City's best opportunity of the first half.

Sessegnon – named among the top 30 most promising teenagers in Europe by Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport – produced a save from Giefer early in the second half.

But it was not long before the Whites doubled their lead. Floyd Ayite picked up a loose City pass and fed Cairney, who fired into the top right-hand corner.

David Button was assertive in the Fulham goal, claiming several balls into the box and also gathering at the second attempt after failing to hold Bobby Reid's shot from distance.

His defence kept City at bay, ensuring a victory which puts Fulham up into seventh and within six points of the play-off places.

Fulham: Button; Odoi, Kalas, Ream, Sessegnon; McDonald, Johansen; Cairney, Ayite (Martin 62), Piazon (Fredericks 70); Kebano (Aluko 76).
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Malone, Parker, Cyriac.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-edge-closer-to-play-offs-with-win-at-bristol-city

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Fulham, Charlton, Cardiff, Millwall and Notts Forest chasing FA Cup star Roarie Deacon

Former Crawley Town striker Roarie Deacon is being chased by a pack of Championship clubs....

It is understood Fulham, Charlton, Cardiff, Millwall and Nottingham Forest are all interested in signing him. This follows his outstanding performance for National League club Sutton United in the FA Cup fifth round against Arsenal on Monday night. Although the Gunners won 2-0, Deacon, 25, looked impressive throughout and sent a 25-yard shot crashing against crossbar during the match which was shown live on BBC TV. His agent Liam Bowes revealed to the Sun he received enquiries about his availability while the game was still going. Deacon was a youth at Arsenal and later was signed by Sunderland and Stevenage before coming to Crawley Town. He made 23 appearances for the Reds last season, 16 of which were from the bench, and scored five goals.


Read more at: http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-charlton-cardiff-millwall-and-notts-forest-chasing-fa-cup-star-roarie-deacon-1-7834558

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Fulham boss Jokanovic set to sign new two-year deal – report

Slavisa Jokanovic is set to extend his stay at Fulham by signing a new two-year contract with the club.

Jokanovic's current deal is set to expire at the end of the season but he is poised to extend his stay at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2019, as reported by the Mirror.

Several foreign sides, including Werder Bremen, are reported to be interested in bringing in Jokanovic, who helped Fulham to stave off the threat of relegation to the Championship.

This season Fulham have also fared rather well and are currently eighth in the table, with Jokanovic's preferred style of play having impressed the club's supporters.


Read more at http://www.squawka.com/news/fulham-boss-jokanovic-set-to-sign-new-two-year-deal-report/907729#CqRh0vByaHtSmqIX.99

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Slavisa Jokanovic close to signing new deal at Fulham

Fulham's Serbian manager Slavisa Jokanovic is reportedly set to extend his stay at Craven Cottage, according to Squawka.

The 48-year-old's current deal with the London club is set to expire at the end of the current season, but he is expected to sign a two-year extension to his contract in the coming days.

This comes after a number of foreign sides, including Bundesliga strugglers Werder Bremen, were said to be looking to poach Jokanovic after being impressed by his managerial performances at Fulham.

He made a name for himself in English football during his spell at Watford, guiding the Hornets to Premier League promotion for the first time since 2006.

After leaving the club shortly afterwards, due to not being able to agree a contract, he had a brief spell with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, but returned to Britain soon after with his current club Fulham.

After taking over from Kit Symonds in 2015, he managed to steer the club clear of the drop zone in the second half of the season, and avoid an embarrassing relegation to the third tier for the first time since the turn of the century.

This season, he has built on last year's success with an impressive surge towards the top of the table.

The Cottagers currently sit in eighth position in the Championship table, and are very much still in the hunt for promotion; they are just nine points adrift of the playoffs.

Jokanovic has received praise from supporters for his implementation of an attractive style of football, characterised by free-flowing attacking movement and passing with purpose, which has been effective this season.


http://the72.co.uk/75970/slavisa-jokanovic-close-to-signing-new-deal-at-fulham/

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Result: Fulham close in on playoff places with win at Bristol City

Fulham have narrowed the gap separating them from the Championship playoff positions with a comfortable 2-0 win over Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Goals either side of the interval from Lucas Piazon and Tom Cairney put the Robins to the sword and moved Slavisa Jokanovic's men within six points of Sheffield Wednesday in sixth place, who have played one game more.

The Whites created a handful of early chances before taking the lead on 17 minutes through Piazon, who slotted home Cairney's square pass from close range.

Fulham continued to ask questions of their opponents right up to the half-time whistle, coming closest to a second in the 38th minute when Neeskens Kebano's whipped cross was turned just wide by Denis Odoi.

The visitors picked up where they left off in the second period and deservedly extended their advantage in the 54th minute when Floyd Ayite latched onto a loose ball and lined up Cairney, who bent one into the top corner from a tight angle to make it 2-0.

Bobby Reid had the chance to pull one back for Bristol late on as David Button spilt his first-time strike, but the Fulham goalkeeper recovered and claimed the ball at the second time of asking.

Fulham have the chance to further close the gap on Wednesday and the other teams in the chasing pack when they take on Cardiff City away this weekend.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/result-fulham-close-in-on-playoffs-with-win_292366.html

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Bristol City 0-2 Fulham: Lucas Piazon and Tom Cairney strike to boost Cottagers play-off hopes
Slavisa Jokanovic's men move up to seventh as they close the gap on the play-off places


Tom Cairney celebrates scoring Fulham's second goal (Photo: Getty Images Europe)

Lee Johnson's job as Bristol City head coach was left hanging by a slender thread as Fulham coasted to victory.

The visitors took a 17th minute lead when a patient passing move ended with Tom Cairney splitting City's defence with a through ball for Lucas Piazon to shoot past Fabian Giefer from ten yards.

A dreadful error by Adam Matthews allowed Tom Cairney to double the advantage on 54 minutes with a clinical finish from a Neeskens Kebano pass.

That sparked chants of "we want Johnson out" from home fans, with relegation-threatened City looking a shambles.


Chelsea loanee Pizaon got the ball rolling in the 17th minute (Photo: PA)


Piazon celebrates his opener (Photo: PA)

The home side were off the pace in the first half and Fulham would have been out of sight with better finishing.

Milan Djuric headed over for City when he should have converted Dave Cotterill's 22nd minute cross, but otherwise it was all too easy for Fulham to create openings.


Cairney's goal after the break sealed the points (Photo: Getty Images Europe)

Giefer had to go full stretch to tip wide a low drive from Piazon while Ryan Sessegnon was inches wide with an effort from the left corner of the box.

Home supporters became increasingly restive as their team failed to compete in midfield and the half time whistle brought jeers.

It was little better after the break and Kevin McDonald almost made it 3-0 to Fulham with an 85th minute header.


http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/bristol-city-0-2-fulham-9900156

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was pleased by the way that his side bounced back from The FA Cup loss after Fulham defeated Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Wednesday night.

"I must be satisfied with the performance and the change of focus after the FA Cup exit on the weekend.

"We knew we had to be mentally strong and have strong concentration to execute our game plan.

"We moved the ball well and created a lot of chances. We could have scored more goals in the first half but we lacked the killer instinct in the final third.

"I know we have to be more clinical in those situations

"We knew it was going to be a tricky game as Bristol City needed the three points but we followed our style of play. It is a very good night for us as we kept a clean sheet and we played well."

Slaviša Jokanović was then asked about the influence that Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon had on the result after the Brazilian slotted home in the 17th minute to give the Whites the lead.

"Lucas Piazon is a good example of someone who works hard and shows a lot of ambition - he played an important role in our performance tonight."

Jokanović also reiterated his belief that his team has a chance of claiming a playoff place before the end of the season.

"Our target tonight was to try and cut the distance between us and the teams above.

"We have to be ready to fight for maximum points. The championship is famous for not knowing what is going to happen in the future. We cannot be sixth on Saturday, but we will try to close the gap."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/february/22/head-coach-reaction

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Fluent Fulham ease to victory at struggling Bristol City

Bristol City fans called for the dismissal of head coach Lee Johnson as Fulham coasted to a comfortable 2-0 victory in the Championship.

The home side turned in a shambolic display in the absence of injured top scorer Tammy Abraham as Fulham moved to seventh in the table, one place outside the playoffs.

The Londoners went in front on 17 minutes when a patient passing move ended with Tom Cairney setting up Lucas Piazon to shoot past Fabian Giefer from 10 yards.

A dreadful mistake by full-back Adam Matthews allowed Cairney to make it 2-0 on 54 minutes with a clinical finish from a Neeskens Kebano pass.

That sparked chants of for Johnson to go, with relegation-threatened City looking second best in all departments.

The home side were well off the pace in the first half and Fulham would have been out of sight with better finishing.

Milan Djuric headed over for City from David Cotterill's 22nd-minute cross, but that was one of few threatening moments for visiting goalkeeper David Button.

At the other end it was all too easy for Fulham to create openings as they passed their way through the home midfield at will.

Giefer had to tip a low drive from Piazon wide while Ryan Sessegnon was inches away with an effort from the left corner of the box.

Johnson responded by sending on Bobby Reid for Josh Brownhill and later sent on two more replacements in Lee Tomlin and Gary O'Neil.

But it made little difference as Fulham continued to play their passing game as Cairney added the second.

Matt Taylor had a shot blocked on 65 minutes but was given little chance to show the scoring ability that had made him Bristol Rovers' top marksman before his controversial move across the city.

Djuric shot wide from distance, but City remained wide open to the counter-attack and Kevin McDonald almost made it 3-0 with an 85th-minute header.

City now face away games against Newcastle and Aston Villa.


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=452822

[WhiteJC]

 
Bristol City 0-2 Fulham

Lucas Piazon has now scored six goals for Fulham following his summer loan move from west London rivals Chelsea

Fulham claimed a third Championship win in a row with a comfortable victory at Ashton Gate that left Bristol City just two points above the relegation zone.

Lucas Piazon's calm finish gave the visitors a deserved 1-0 half-time lead.

Fulham's Floyd Ayite capitalised on sloppy defending to feed Tom Cairney, who fired in the second.

The win lifted Slavisa Jokanovic's side to within six points of the top six, with a game in hand, while City have lost 10 of their past 13 league games.

Milan Djuric had arguably the hosts' best chance before the break, but he headed David Cotterill's dangerous cross narrowly over the crossbar.

The visitors had time on the ball early on and some neat passing fed Piazon, who delicately lifted the ball past the on-rushing Fabian Giefer for the opener.

A poor clearance from Adam Matthews then led to Fulham's second, as Cairney lashed Ayite's pass into the top corner.

Fulham, who have now won five of their past seven games in all competitions, could have added to their tally, but Kevin McDonald glanced a corner just over the bar.

Boos greeted the half-time and full-time whistles at Ashton Gate, as well as the second goal, with the Robins fans venting their frustration as they watched their side lose for a 13th time in 17 league games.

Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol: "I'm obviously angry, hurting and disappointed.

"We didn't have the team energy today. I've got to find a team and a formation that gives us the talent and the energy to go and get close to people.

"I don't think some players did enough, in terms of energy. But we have to go back to the drawing board.

"I understand the fans' frustrations completely. 100%, I'm with them."

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic: "We played a very good game. We won three points, we took a clean sheet and we cut the distance between us and the top teams in the Championship.

"I have to be satisfied with how my team is fighting and how they concentrated after our FA Cup exit a few days ago.

"Lucas Piazon is fighting for every ball. He has been working very hard all season and today he scored a very nice goal."


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38977339

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham and the five things learned from great Bristol City win
Whites triumph 2-0 at Ashton Gate with a few points to consider from a decent away day

It's a comfortable win for Fulham - and if you were or weren't there - you may like this.

Opposition managers don't need scouts at Fulham games
All they need to know is Whites will hold the ball and pass it forever from the off.

The hope is that like a snake's hypnosis, they will draw their prey in and eventually strike, in this case on 17 minutes though Lucas Piazon.

The half-time possession statistic was telling: City 39%-Whites 61%.


Ball boys: Neeskens Kebano (L) and Bailey Wright

We love this
Former Bristol City midfielder Gary Owers on BBC Radio Bristol

"It's great attacking play by Fulham at the moment – they look a good side.

"Ryan Sessegnon is having a field day out there on the left-hand side.

"Their technical ability is outstanding, and the best sides like Barcelona make 400 or 500 passes and run the legs out of the opposition."

Did he say Barcelona!!!

Makes you wonder why Fulham are still six points short of the play-offs?

Maybe Owers should have seen some of the early performances – especially at home.

Can we start again, please?

The trouble with Lucas Piazon and Tomas Kalas playing well
The obvious: the fact that other clubs will come in for the pair at the end of the season and offer Chelsea big money for the loanees – not to mention trumping what Whites are prepared to pay in wages.

Piazon was on the money in this game, and Kalas, while not 100 per cent on top form, is still the best central defender the club has got.


Strain: Tomas Kalas (R) and David Cotterill go neck and neck

OK, stating the obvious, but...
...Bristol City are no Spurs. In fact, they are not just 48 places apart on the league ladder, they are 20 divisions different in terms of class.

This is just what Fulham wanted after a Sunday slip: a side who are suffering and headed to League One unless they can turn their form around.

How did Fulham lose 4-0 at home to City in September when only four players of that starting line-up was different to this one?

Well done to the 632 souls on their way back up the M4
It's a Wednesday night in February, but Fulham fans travel in numbers despite a poor result on Sunday.

The result was a reward for coughing up hard cash and time.


Knee: Josh Brownhill (R) is tackled by Stefan Johansen

And the match...
Goals from Lucas Piazon and Tom Cairney was the perfect Fulham tonic as they bounced back from FA Cup defeat to Spurs on Sunday.

The suffering Robins were no match to a Whites unit who passed the home side out of the game long before the final whistle.

Fulham first mesmerised City to open the scoring on 17 minutes.

Stefan Johansen started the move to find Cairney who in turn squeezed the ball through the eye of the needle for Piazon to run on and slot right-footed past the keeper.

Robins had a chance to level from a great flighted cross, but Milan Djuric's header was over when it was easier to hit the target.

Jens Hegeler saw his header fumbled by keeper David Button - but the chance was hacked clear.

Whites reasserted domination when Piazon clipped the outside edge of the post, and seconds later the marauding Denis Odoi got a foot on a Kebano cross that inches wide.


Chase: Floyd Ayite (C) battles Bailey Wright and Aden Flint

A demoralised City pressed the self-destruct on 54 minutes when a poor pass-out from keeper Fabian Giefer to right-back Adam Matthews was picked off that saw merciless Cairney thump a sublime hit into the top corner for 2-0.

Two tired sides played out the remainder, but the reward for Fulham is a move up the Championship table to seventh - one place outside the play-offs.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-five-things-learned-great-12643915

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Bristol City 0-2 Fulham: Visitors boost play-off hopes against hopeless Robins

Bristol City fans called for the dismissal of head coach Lee Johnson as Fulham coasted to a comfortable 2-0 victory in the Sky Bet Championship.

The home side turned in a shambolic display in the absence of injured top scorer Tammy Abraham and made it an easy three points for the play-off-chasing visitors.

Fulham went in front on 17 minutes when a patient passing move ended with Tom Cairney's through ball for Lucas Piazon to shoot past Fabian Giefer from 10 yards.

A dreadful mistake by full-back Adam Matthews allowed Cairney to make it 2-0 on 54 minutes with a clinical finish from a Neeskens Kebano pass.

That sparked chants of "we want Johnson out" from home fans, with relegation-threatened City looking second best in all departments.

The home side were well off the pace in the first half and Fulham would have been out of sight with better finishing.

Milan Djuric headed over for City when he should have scored from David Cotterill's 22nd-minute cross, but it was one of few threatening moments for visiting goalkeeper David Button.

At the other end it was all too easy for Fulham to create openings as they passed their way through midfield at will.

Giefer had to go full stretch to tip wide a low drive from Piazon while Ryan Sessegnon was inches wide with an effort from the left corner of the box.

Home supporters became increasingly restive as their team failed to compete and the half-time whistle brought jeers.

Johnson responded by sending on Bobby Reid for Josh Brownhill and later sent on two more replacements in Lee Tomlin and Gary O'Neil.

It made little difference as Fulham continued to play their passing game with little pressure on the ball from their opponents and Cairney added a second.

Matt Taylor had a shot blocked on 65 minutes, but was given little chance to show the scoring ability that had made him Bristol Rovers' top marksman before his controversial move across town.

Djuric shot wide from distance, but City remained wide open to the counter-attack against opponents too talented to be allowed time on the ball.

Kevin McDonald almost made it 3-0 to Fulham with an 85th-minute header and Giefer remained the busier keeper throughout.

It was a slick display by the Londoners, who moved to within six points of sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday, but a disaster for Johnson, who has been under pressure for some time.

At the final whistle City supporters made clear their feelings and, with successive away games coming up against Newcastle and Aston Villa, it is unlikely to get any easier.


Read more at http://talksport.com/football/bristol-city-0-2-fulham-visitors-boost-play-hopes-against-hopeless-robins-170222228909#JO5XoYjCRAbp3GtJ.99

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Fulham boss praises Chelsea loanee's performance in win at Bristol City

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic said Lucas Piazon fully deserved the goal he scored in the win at Bristol City for all his hard work this season.

The Brazilian struck the opener in a relatively comfortable 2-0 win at Ashton Gate that leaves the Whites just six points off the play-offs.

It was Piazon's third league goal of 2017 but rather than just focus on his return, Jokanovic preferred to praise the on-loan Chelsea winger's commitment to the team.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic said Lucas Piazon fully deserved the goal he scored in the win at Bristol City for all his hard work this season.

The Brazilian struck the opener in a relatively comfortable 2-0 win at Ashton Gate that leaves the Whites just six points off the play-offs.

It was Piazon's third league goal of 2017 but rather than just focus on his return, Jokanovic preferred to praise the on-loan Chelsea winger's commitment to the team.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-praises-chelsea-loanees-performance-win-bristol-city

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Fulham bounce back with win at Bristol City
by DAN on FEBRUARY 22, 2017

Match report by Kevin Walters

Fulham moved closer towards the Championship play-off positions after fine strikes from Lucas Piazon and Tom Cairney saw the visitors comfortably past a lacklustre Bristol City at Ashton Gate tonight.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side put the disappointment of Sunday's FA Cup exit at the hands of a superior Tottenham side behind them with a display of energetic and attractive football that will have boosted belief that the Whites can genuinely reach the top six. The visitors were much the livelier side from the off and Cairney, influential at the heart of the Fulham midfielder throughout, registered the first effort at goal with a speculative drive from distance that flew just over the bar.

City, with just one league win in thirteen games, were desperate for a lift and seemed toothless without the prodigious talent of injured striker Tammy Abraham. When Joe Bryan did find himself with the time and space to measure a cross inside the area, the coolness of Tomas Kalas – so badly missed during his recent spell out of the side – came to Fulham's rescue as he slid in to avert the danger. A minute later and Fulham were in front due to a sweeping 24-pass move that began with Kevin McDonald at the base of the Whites' midfield. A clever pass from Stefan Johansen located Cairney, who despite being closed down by three red shirts, still played a delicious ball through to Piazon and the Brazilian's measured low finish gave the visitors a crucial advantage.

The home side's clearest opening came just after going behind. A superb cross from David Cotterill found Milan Duric unattended in the centre, but the striker's header went fractionally over the bar. Matty Taylor saw a shot bounce back off the post after City had forced a succession of corners, but Fulham themselves spurned several glorious opportunities before the break. Neeskens Kebano had a goal ruled out for offside whilst a deflected effort from Piazon went agonisingly wide and the frighteningly talented teenager Ryan Sessegnon, who had sprinted the length of the pitch, also went close.

Johnson introduced Bobby Reid at half-time in a bid to enliven the home side, but the second period followed the pattern of the first. Sessegnon showed another devastating turn of pace to fire in a cross-cum-shot that Fabian Giefer parried back into the danger area, but the goalkeeper's reprieve proved only temporary. A dreadful defensive mistake from Adam Matthews gifted possession to Floyd Ayite, who slipped in Cairney with a quick pass. The Fulham captain made a difficult finish look straightforward, finding the top right corner in style, and a chorus of boos rang round Ashton Gate from the home fans.

Jokanovic rang the changes as the clock ticked down with Sone Aluko and former City defender Ryan Fredericks coming off the bench and it was only in the latter stages that the Robins extended David Button. The Fulham goalkeeper saved at point blank range from Taylor, as the former Rovers striker surged towards goal, and then also repelled a powerful effort from Reid, smothering the loose ball at the second attempt.

Fulham, who moved up to seventh following this victory which leaves them six points off the play-off places with a game in hand, almost grabbed a third in stoppage time but McDonald powered a free header at a corner over the crossbar. The visitors were content to settle for a third straight win – and they were good value for a success that must have put a smile back on the face of Jokanovic, who is a notoriously difficult man to please.

BRISTOL CITY (4-4-2): Giefer; Matthews (Tomlin 57′), Golbourne, Flint, Wright; Cotterill, Brownhill (Reid 45′), Hegeler (O'Neil 62′), Bryan; Taylor, Djuric. Subs (not used): Fielding, Magnusson, Pack, Wilbraham.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Button; Odoi, R. Sessegnon, Kalas, Ream; McDonald, Johansen; Cairney; Kebano (Aluko 76), Ayite (Martin 62); Piazon (Fredericks 70). Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Malone, Parker, Cyriac.

BOOKED: Johansen, Ream.

GOALS: Piazon (17), Cairney 54).

REFEREE: Tim Robinson (West Sussex).

ATTENDANCE: 17,272.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/02/fulham-bounce-back-with-win-at-bristol-city/

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Bristol City 0-2 Fulham: Whites Claim Third Straight League Win
Goals from Lucas Piazon and Tom Cairney give Fulham their third straight Championship victory as Fulham climb to seventh.

Tom Cairney doubles Fulham's advantage in the 2-0 win against Bristol City. Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images

Three straight league wins in a row. Four wins out of the last five league matches. The third-best goal differential in the league. These are the ingredients for a genuine playoff push, and with Fulham's victory at Bristol on Wednesday night, the Whites took another step towards the battle for sixth place.

Fulham had travelled to Ashton Gate with mixed momentum. The Whites had won their previous two Championship matches in dramatic fashion, triumphing over Wigan and Nottingham Forest 3-2, yet had also been thrashed 3-0 by Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend in the FA Cup.

Much was made of the Spurs performance, but in all fairness the Cottagers were matched up against one of the best teams in the country in fine form. Little fight was evident in the Fulham side, but the loss was no great harbinger of an imminent collapse.

Nonetheless, Fulham needed to bounce back quickly in order to gain ground on their promotion contenders, and bounce back they did. The Whites easily dealt with lowly Bristol City, breezing to a comprehensive 2-0 away victory.

The Whites claimed the lead with 16 minutes gone at Ashton Gate, and never looked back. A patient passing move was finished with aplomb when Cairney slipped Piazon through on goal, and the on-loan Brazilian coolly swept home into the bottom corner.

Cairney switched from provider to finisher for the second goal, collecting an intelligent pass from Floyd Ayite before firing into the top corner to double Fulham's advantage in the 54th minute. Fulham produced a complete performance, dominating possession, keeping a clean sheet, and grabbing a valuable three points to move into seventh place.

Fulham now sit on 52 points with 32 matches played, six points behind Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday. The Whites have a game in hand on both and can narrow that gap to three points with a win.

Next, Fulham travel to Cardiff on the weekend, followed by a home match against Preston. Then comes a massive match: Leeds at home on March 7th. If results go their way and Fulham continue their impressive run of form, they might just find themselves in the playoff positions come mid-March.

COYW!


http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/2/23/14703900/bristol-city-0-2-fulham-whites-claim-third-straight-league-win

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic hails Fulham's concentration
by DAN on FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic professed himself pleased with the way his Fulham side put their FA Cup defeat to Tottenham behind them with a comfortable victory at Ashton Gate last night.

Goals from Lucas Piazon and Tom Cairney set the Whites on their way to a crucial third consecutive league win as they closed the gap between themselves and the Championship's top six. The Fulham head coach lauded his players' concentration and desire in his post-match press conference:

I must be satisfied with the performance and the change of focus after the FA Cup exit on the weekend. We knew we had to be mentally strong and have strong concentration to execute our game plan.

We moved the ball well and created a lot of chances. We could have scored more goals in the first half but we lacked the killer instinct in the final third. I know we have to be more clinical in those situations.

We knew it was going to be a tricky game as Bristol City needed the three points but we followed our style of play. It is a very good night for us as we kept a clean sheet and we played well.

He also heaped praise on Chelsea loanee Piazon, whose cool finish to give Fulham the lead capped an energetic display.

Lucas Piazon is a good example of someone who works hard and shows a lot of ambition – he played an important role in our performance tonight.

Jokanovic believes Fulham can make the play-offs with a strong finish to the season, but is continuing to focus on the next challenge in which of his side, which comes at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.

Our target tonight was to try and cut the distance between us and the teams above. We have to be ready to fight for maximum points. The Championship is famous for not knowing what is going to happen in the future. We cannot be sixth on Saturday, but we will try to close the gap.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/02/jokanovic-hails-fulhams-concentration/