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Tuesday Fulham Stuff (18/04/17)...

Started by WhiteJC, April 18, 2017, 07:26:51 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Results















Monday
Barnsley
1 - 1 Brentford
Fulham
3 - 1 Aston Villa
Ipswich
3 - 1 Newcastle
Birmingham
0 - 2 Burton
Brighton
2 - 1 Wigan
Cardiff
1 - 0 Nottm Forest
Leeds
0 - 1 Wolves
Preston NE
1 - 3 Norwich
QPR
1 - 2 Sheff Wed
Reading
2 - 1 Rotherham
Derby
1 - 1 Huddersfiels

WhiteJC

 
"You have to send the Fulham player off too" – Aston Villa fans react to Kodjia seeing red

Aston Villa's hopes of getting a result at Craven Cottage took a major dent when key striker Jonathan Kodjia saw red in the first half.

Fulham had enjoyed much of the early possession and took a deserved lead when Ryan Sessegnon latched onto a rebound and netted after his initial effort struck the crossbar.

And Aston Villa were hit with a double whammy shortly after when star striker Jonathan Kodjia picked up a red card for an off the ball tussle.

Ryan Fredericks was caught late while trying to clear the ball and then the two players clashed angrily.

Jonathan Kodjia was adjudged to have kicked out at the Fulham defender and was shown a straight red card, which will see him suspended for the next three games, including the upcoming Second City derby against Birmingham.


https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/you-have-to-send-the-fulham-player-off-too-aston-villa-fans-react-to-kodjia-seeing-red/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham into top six after win over 10-man Villa

Fulham 3 Aston Villa 1


Fulham moved back into play-off contention with a comfortable win over Aston Villa, who had top scorer Jonathan Kodjia sent-off.

Ryan Sessegnon scored the fifth goal of his first season in professional football to put the Whites in front before Kodjia was sent-off midway through the first half after a kick out at Ryan Fredericks.

Despite being down to 10 men, the visitors equalised shortly after the break thanks to Jack Grealish's curling effort.

However, Sone Aluko struck via a deflection to restore Fulham's lead and substitute Neeskens Kebano swept home late on.

Although long-time play-off rivals Sheffield Wednesday also won, 2-1 at QPR, defeat for Leeds at home to Wolves meant they slipped out of the top six.

With Chris Martin suspended following his red card on Friday, Aluko moved up front with Sessegnon – who does not turn 17 until next month – restored to the team in the left-wing position.

And the move paid dividends when a Fredericks cross found him at the far post, he crashed a shot back off the crossbar and then reacted quickest to slam in the rebound.

Kodjia's dismissal not long afterwards blunted Villa's attack so it came as a bolt from the blue when they equalised on 50 minutes – Grealish picking out the top corner after cutting in from the left.

Parity did not last long though with Fulham's pace once again causing Villa problems. Floyd Ayite exchanged passes with Stefan Johansen and pulled the ball back for Aluko, whose deflected shot wrong-footed Villa keeper Sam Johnstone, who failed to keep it out.

The Whites kept the pressure on with a series of half chances before Kebano put the seal on the win with a crisp finish across Johnstone and in at the far post.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Malone (Kebano 54); McDonald, Johansen; Aluko (Piazon 86), Cairney, Sessegnon; Ayite.
Subs not used: Button, Madl, Sigurdsson, Parker, Cyriac.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-cruise-past-10-man-aston-villa


WhiteJC

 
Fulham 3-1 Aston Villa: Teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon scores again as Cottagers boost play-off hopes against 10-man visitors

    16-year-old Ryan Sessegnon opened scoring with scruffy goal at back post
    Jonathan Kodjia sent off after just 23 minutes for kicking out at Ryan Fredericks
    Jack Grealish fired equaliser for 10-men with sensational curled finish
    Sone Aluko restored advantage with deflected volley beating Sam Johnstone
    Neeskens Kebano rifled in Fulham's third as visitors began to tire late on 

Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham pride themselves on being the Championship's 'Great Entertainers', but at this stage of the season it doesn't matter how the wins come.

This was far from a vintage performance against 10-man Aston Villa but there won't be too many complaints as goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Sone Aluko and Neeskens Kebano kept them firmly in the play-off hunt.

But it wasn't all as straightforward as the scoreline might suggest, and when Jack Grealish scored a screamer just after half-time it looked as though Villa might make light of Jonathan Kodjia's stupid red card for kicking out at Ryan Fredericks.


Ryan Sessegnon celebrates with his Fulham team-mates after scoring the game's opener


Sessegnon's initial volley came back off the crossbar but he managed to convert the rebound


The 16-year-old added another goal to his tally and is attracting Premier League interest


Jonathan Kodjia was dismissed for the visitors after kicking out at Ryan Fredericks


Fulham:  Bettinelli; Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Malone (Kebano 55); McDonald, Johansen; Aluko (Piazon 87), Cairney (c), Sessegnon; Ayite

Subs not used: Button (GK); Madl, Sigurdsson, Parker, Cyriac

Goals: Sessegnon 17; Aluko 56; Kebano 79

Aston Villa:  Johnstone; Bree (Hutton 70), Chester (c), Elphick, Baker; Amavi (Hepburn-Murphy 77), Jedinak, Gardner, Grealish; Hogan (Hourinhane 81), Kodjia

Subs not used: Bunn (GK); Lansbury, Bacuna, Adomah

Goal: Grealish 50

Booked: Amavi, Gardner, Hogan

Sent off: Kodjia 22

Referee: David Coote

Attendance: 23,891



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4418760/Fulham-3-1-Aston-Villa-Report.html#ixzz4ea2eqX8E
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 3 - 1 Aston Villa


Aston Villa's Jonathan Kodjia was sent off after just 22 minutes

Fulham maintained their Championship play-off hopes with victory over 10-man Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

Teenage full-back Ryan Sessegnon put the hosts in front, bundling in after his first shot bounced off the bar.

Villa's Jonathan Kodjia was then sent off on 22 minutes after seeming to kick Ryan Fredericks as the pair tussled.

Jack Grealish equalised with a superb 25-yard curler, but Sone Aluko's deflected effort and Neeskens Kebano's low finish earned a vital win.

Aluko's close-range strike took a huge diversion off the head of Villa defender Nathan Baker, wrongfooting goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, while victory was no more than the hosts deserved after dominating for large periods.

Ivory Coast forward Kodjia can count himself a little unlucky to have been dismissed, as Fredericks appeared to aim his own kick at the 27-year-old while falling to the floor.

Referee David Coote consulted with one of his assistants before deciding to send off Kodjia and not issue any punishment to full-back Fredericks.

Midfielder Grealish bent home a stunning effort from the left-hand side of the box to equalise for Villa, but Aluko and Kebano ensured Fulham are still in with a chance of a Premier League return for the first time since 2013-14.

Leeds' home defeat against Wolves means Fulham move up into sixth, level on points with Garry Monk's side who are seventh.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic:
"Today was a fantastic atmosphere at Craven Cottage, my players believe, and I believe we can finish in the top six.

"We showed the quality and the character. We believe in the way we want to play football. It will encourage us for the last three games.

"It's important for the next steps to concentrate on the next game. I'm not thinking who will be chasing us or which team we will be chasing. We need to concentrate on our work and the next game."

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce:
"It [Jonathan Kodja's red card] cannot be deemed as violent conduct, surely. I hope the referee looks at it, because the referee didn't give it - the fourth official did.

"We have 3,500 people spending their hard-earned money, it's live on the telly and you never want to see it. They want to see the players perform.

"Two games in 48 hours has cost us the match. We still may not be good enough to beat them but it's still a hell of an advantage for them. It was too much for us."


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39549919

WhiteJC

 
£25m-rated player outshone by 16-year-old: Three things we learned from Aston Villa loss v Fulham

Football Insider analyses the three talking points after Aston Villa suffer a 3-1 defeat against Fulham on Easter Monday.

Kodjia to miss Birmingham clash

It was an utterly stupid decision from Jonathan Kodjia to react to Ryan Fredericks' sly kick at him while the Fulham player went to the ground. Kodjia's reaction kick and sending off at, Fredricks means Villa's star man will now miss the final three matches of the season, including the crucial encounter against Birmingham this Sunday.

Amavi outshone by Sessegnon

Both Jordan Amavi and Ryan Sessegnon are left-backs, who have played in more advanced positions this season. 16-year-old sensation Sessegnon, who found the back of the net against Villa, did just that on Easter Monday. Meanwhile, Amavi played in a wing-back role and was truly outshone by his counterpart. Sessegnon's reading of the game, positional play and calmness on the ball is outstanding for a player of his age. By contrast, Amavi couldn't even control the ball correctly during the game as he produced a horror display. At the start of the season, Villa owner Tony Xia stated that the club rejected a £25million offer for the Frenchman. Well, they will be regretting that decision now.

Reaction needed for Birmingham game

Villa have been extremely poor in their last two matches and simply need to buck up their ideas and produce the goods against Birmingham this Sunday. Promotion may be out of the window but Steve Bruce's side needs to put in a performance and record a win against their bitter rivals. A point or even a defeat simply won't be expected. Amavi needs to be axed for that match as Bruce should revert to his usual 4-3-3 formation.


http://www.footballinsider247.com/three-things-we-learned-from-aston-villa-defeat-v-fulham/


WhiteJC

 
Fulham 3-1 Aston Villa: Ryan Sessegnon shines again as hosts boost Championship playoff hopes - 5 things we learned
Sessegnon, Neeskens Kebano and Sone Aluko struck for the hosts while Jack Grealish scored a screamer for the losing side


Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring the opener (Photo: Rex Features)

Fulham boosted their play-off hopes with victory against 10-man Aston Villa.

The visitors were forced to play more than an hour a man short after striker Jonathan Kodjia received a straight red card for kicking out at Ryan Fredericks.

By that stage Villa were already trailing to Ryan Sessegnon's opener, and although they levelled after the break through Jack Grealish's stunner, Fulham ran out deserved winners.

Sone Aluko restored Fulham's lead on 56 minutes when his volley squirmed through Sam Johnstone's grasp.


The teenager is mobbed by his team-mates after Fulham took the lead (Photo: Rex Features)


Kodjia heads off for an early shower (Photo: Rex Features)


Neeskens Kebano put the game to bed (Photo: Rex Features)


Neeskens Kebano made the points safe late on when he climbed off the bench to fire a third.

Here's five things we learned

1. Sessegnon shines again

The 16-year-old is lifted after firing home through traffic (Photo: Rex Features)

The Fulham teenager has earned rave reviews for his performances this season and is being courted by some of the biggest clubs in the country

Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs are among those who have been linked with a mega-money move for the 16-year-old.

Slavisa Jokanovic claims Sessegnon is not for sale, but money talks, and Fulham could have their work cut out hanging on to the starlet this summer.

2. Villa's Monday blues continue

Jonathan Kodjia was dismissed for this apparent stamp on Ryan Fredericks (Photo: Rex Features)

The Villans haven't won a league game on the road on a Monday for almost eight years.

Not since August 2009 when they beat Liverpool at Anfield have the Midlanders returned home with three points in the bag at the start of a week.

A trip to in-form Fulham was always going to be a tough ask to end that barren run, but their cause wasn't helped by Kodjia's moment of madness.

3. Hogan starved of service

Grealish scored a stunner but Villa struggled in attack (Photo: Aston Villa FC via Getty)

Scott Hogan has endured a frustrating start to his Villa career since his £15million January move from Brentford.

Injury has hampered his progress, and this was just his sixth start for his new club at the Cottage.

Hogan has great movement, but his teammates failed to give him anything to feed off, and he was isolated in attack, especially after Kodjia's red.

The former Bees hotshot didn't get a sniff and picked up a booking for obstructing Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli.

4. Fulham lack focal point

Fulham bagged three, but need a centre-forward (Photo: Rex Features)

The Cottagers just about got by without joint top scorer Chris Martin, who missed out through suspension.

Sone Aluko led the line for Fulham instead, and although he found the scoresheet, he is not a like-for-like replacement for the on-loan Derby forward, who provides a focal point to the attack.

Scott Malone sent over a string of teasing crosses before the break that were asking for someone to throw themselves at.

5. Championship still a big pull

Sone Aluko celebrates bagging (Photo: Rex Features)

This was a Premier League fixture when the two sides met three seasons ago.

There was 22,288 at Craven Cottage that day as goals from Steve Sidwell and Dimitar Berbatov earned Fulham a 2-0 win.

Support for neither side appears to have waned much on this evidence, despite relegation to the Championship.

Villa fans could have been forgiven for spending the day out shopping in Birmingham's Bullring instead given their mid-table league position, but Steve Bruce's side were roared on by more than 7,000 fans in the bumper 24k crowd at the Cottage.


http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-3-1-aston-villa-10243491

WhiteJC

 
Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović reckons there is now a real belief around SW6 that Fulham can achieve their Play-Off targets this season.

Victory over Aston Villa moved the Whites into the top-six, and our Head Coach was pleased with the manner in which his side secured the three points.


"We showed quality, we showed character, and we showed that we believe in our way of playing football," he stated. "This really encourages us for the last three games in the regular part of the Championship.

"Today there was a fantastic atmosphere in Craven Cottage. I believe we can do important things, my players believe this too. And today I start to believe our supporters also believe we can finish in the top-six and fight for the Premier League.

"Now the next step is the most important, and we must be focused and concentrated on Huddersfield.

"We must be satisfied, I believe Fulham play attractive football. The most important thing is to win the game, I understand perfectly, but we believe this is the best way for us, and we're going to try and finish this Championship in a similar style."

Leeds United's loss on Easter Monday meant Fulham replaced them in the Play-Offs, and when asked if his team will now be looking over their shoulder, Jokanović replied: "I am not thinking about who's chasing us, or which teams we're chasing. We need to concentrate on our work and concentrate on the next game.

"In this competition it's not easy to win any game, and we're facing a top Championship team [Huddersfield] who's still fighting for promotion to the Premier League.

"Leeds are going to play against Burton who are fighting in a relegation battle, and both games are complicated."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/april/17/head-coach-reaction

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 3 Aston Villa 1: Jonathan Kodjia sent off as Villa stumble at Craven Cottage
Gregg Evans reports from Craven Cottage as Villa fall to another 3-1 defeat to a play-off contender

They call themselves 'The Entertainers' and it's easy to see why.

Fulham have this free-flowing style that is so hard to contain right now and a play-off place looks likely if they can maintain the form they've showed in recent weeks.

A 3-1 victory over Villa was their fourth in five games as goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Sone Aluko and Neeskens Kebano cancelled out Jack Grealish's equaliser.

It could have been so different had Jonathan Kodjia not seen red for losing his cool and kicking out at Ryan Fredericks in the first-half.

But, even then, Fulham, in front of a sell-out crowd, would still have been a difficult bunch to see off.

They came out all guns blazing and deservedly went in front.

The all-action right-back, Fredericks, dinked a ball to the back post that found Sessegnon as James Bree jumped and missed the ball.

Sessegnon's first-time volley crashed off the crossbar but he steered the rebound home via a deflection off Nathan Baker.

The big talking point came when Fredericks collided with Kodjia soon after.

First the Fulham defender appeared to connect his boot with Kodjia's chest but as he tumbled to the floor Villa's top goalscorer kicked out and was given his marching orders.

Villa stuck at it in the first half and went close to equalising through Tommy Elphick but again it was that man Fredricks, seemingly at the heart of all the action, who kept his effort out on the line.

After the break Villa turned it up a notch and got their reward.

Keeping possession with careful and measured passing in their own half, they moved forward as a unit and found Grealish on the left.

He took one touch, cut inside and curled in a stunning equaliser, giving Marcus Bettinelli no chance whatsoever.

Villa were level for just five minutes, though, as Fulham hit back.

Bree, who had a difficult afternoon, struggled to keep hold of Floyd Ayite as he raced forward. His cross found Aluko and he acrobatically fired in the shot, minus a deflection from Baker, which wrong-footed Sam Johnstone.

Other chances went begging as the Cottagers enjoyed long spells of possession but the game was wrapped up with Kebano's strike after good work from Stefan Johansen.

ANALYSIS:

Villa played with an extra centre-back but it was the full-backs who struggled to deal with the onslaught from the Fulham attack. Losing Kodjia made a difference and even though Villa stuck at the task, the man disadvantage took it's toll.

TEAMS:

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Ream, Kalas, Malone (Kebano, 55) Sessegnon, McDonald, Cairney, Johansen, Ayite, Aluko (Piazon, 86) Subs: Button, Parker, Cyriac, Madl, Sigurdsson.

Villa: Johnstone, Bree (Hutton, 69) Chester, Baker, Elphick, Amavi (Hepburn-Murphy, 70) Jedinak, Gardner, Grealish, Hogan (Hourihane, 74) Kodjia. Subs: Bunn, Lansbury, Bacuna, Adomah.

CROWD WATCH: Brilliant atmosphere inside the old ground as both sets of supporters really got behind their team. Attendance: 23,891

BIGGER PICTURE:

Villa may have lost this game but the big one is next week when they take on relegation-threatened rivals Blues at Villa Park.


http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-3-aston-villa-1-12904748


WhiteJC

 
Instant Recap: Fulham 3-1 Aston Villa
Early red card dooms Villa

Aston Villa took on Fulham this afternoon, after just one day's rest after the Reading game, and it didn't really go according to plan (unless this actually was the plan, in which case wtf Steve?).

Here's how things played out:

The first half
Well that was painful. Fulham started well, with their fullbacks and wingers doubling up on Villa wing backs James Bree and Jordan Amavi. Amavi in particular looked vulnerable, as Ryan Fredricks was persistent in his forward movement.

Fulham scoring seemed inevitable, and sure enough, it happened. Sam Johnstone made a decent save, but Villa couldn't clear their lines, and the ball fell to 16 year old Ryan Sessegnon, who scored at the second time of asking. Not really sure there was much that could be done to prevent it, save for having a better team.

The half went from bad to worse as Jonathan Kodjia collided with Fredricks. The Fulham man seemed to kick out at Kodjia, who fired back with a kick of his own. Unfortunately, the referee only saw the latter, and Kodjia received his marching orders, and will get a three match ban for his troubles. Yes, he was fouled, but his reaction was oh so stupid, and it has cost Villa dearly.

The rest of the half played out with Villa on the back foot, though Elphick had a header cleared off the line. Otherwise, it was pretty much all Fulham, with Scott Hogan looked very isolated up top. Could Steve Bruce rejuvenate the side at half time?

The second half
Things improved, if just for a while. The atmosphere was pretty dead at Craven Cottage, until Jack Grealish cut inside from the left and rifled the ball into the top corner. A lovely goal from the Jack Grealish that we know and love, even if we don't see this from him enough. Nonetheless, it earns him a spot in the starting XI to play Birmingham, and honestly.

Sadly, we weren't level for long, partly thanks to a terrible referee call (again, the ref was awful today, sucks that we have to endure another season of Championship officiating). Gary Gardner made a perfect tackle, which was wrongly given as a foul, and from that, Sone Aluko hit a volley that deflected past Johnstone. Not really sure that he could've done much about that.

Chasing the game, Steve Bruce lost the plot. Alan Hutton came on for James Bree, which is fair enough. But bringing Rushian Hepburn-Murphy on for Jordan Amavi was MADNESS. No Villa player switched over to the left, and within seconds, Fulham's Kebano was unmarked out there and fired home, with all the time in the world. What made it even worse, was that Bruce would later replace Scott Hogan with Conor Hourihane. Why not bring Hourihane on for Amavi, retaining a man on the left, and then brining RHM on for Hogan? Along with playing three at the back against a team who are strong out wide, it's fair to say that Bruce got this one wrong.

What's next?
The derby match, of course. Villa welcome Birmingham City to Villa Park on April 23, in a game which could sink the boys from Small Heath even further into the relegation mix. Wouldn't that be nice.

With Jonathan Kodjia out, it would be interesting to see Hepburn-Murphy join Hogan up top. Not sure if Neil Taylor will be fit to play, but I sure hope so, as Jordan Amavi has seriously regressed defensively. Grealish and Gardner probably did enough to retain their places, but I would consider switching Elphick out for Hourihane, if only because three at the back is a failure.

However we line up, next Sunday is arguably the last game of the season that actually means something, so it would be nice if Villa could turn up for this one.


http://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2017/4/17/15325976/instant-recap-fulham-3-1-aston-villa

WhiteJC

 
'Sign him up' - Spurs fans rave about Ryan Sessegnon's performance for Fulham
The England U19 full back was outstanding again

Ryan Sessegnon has earned rave reviews for his performances this season and continues to be linked with a Premier League move.

The Fulham teenager is wanted by the likes of Spurs and Manchester City but football.london understands that Liverpool are in pole position to sign the talented 16 year-old.

Sessegnon was impressive again in Fulham's 3-1 win over Aston Villa, scoring his seventh goal of the season.

His display prompted many Spurs fans to tweet that they want the club to sign the teenager in the summer.


http://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/sign-him-up-spurs-fans-12904974

WhiteJC

 
Slavisa Jokanovic felt it was important Fulham showed character and belief in 3-1 Aston Villa win
Goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Sone Aluko and Neeskens Kebano ensured Fulham leaped above Leeds into the play off places after beating Villa 3-1

Slavisa Jokanovic feels it was important his Fulham side showed "character and belief" in their 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

Ryan Sessegnon put the Cottagers ahead before Jonathan Kodjia was sent off, but it was the away side who grabbed the next goal when Jack Grealish curled the ball into Marcu Bettinelli's top right hand corner.

But Fulham rallied and goals from Sone Aluko and Neeskens Kebano made sure Fulham leapfrogged Leeds into the play off places after the Yorkshire side lost 1-0 to Wolves at Elland Road.

And the manager believes his side can finish in the top six of the Championship and that his side can make "important things."

He said: "It's important for us to show the quality, character and belief. It was a fantastic atmosphere. I believe we can make important things. I believe it too we can finish in the top six and fight for the Premier League. We need to focus and concentrate.

We have this benefit for play many minute with one player more. It's part of football.

"We didn't press them enough. I put more aggressive players and don't give them the chance to dominate us after they scored.

"I'm not thinking about who is chasing us. We need to concentrate about our work and the next game. In this competition it is not easy. At the end we are playing against top Championship tea who are still fighting directly for promotion. We will try and take control ourselves."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-felt-important-fulham-12905001


WhiteJC

 
Emmanuel Emenike wants England move but could Sunderland have advantage over Fulham?

Sunderland were reportedly offered Fenerbache's Emmanuel Emenike in exchange for Jeremain Lens - so Fulham could have a problem.

Almost as soon as the Premier League table began to take shape, it became quickly apparent that Sunderland's hopes of survival rested almost entirely on the shoulders of Jermain Defoe.

With The Black Cats giving away goals for fun at one end, at least they could rely on the evergreen 34-year-old to take almost each and every chance that came his way at the other. And with Defoe in the midst of a seven game barren run, Sunderland's relegation looks all but secured.

Therefore, reports in The Chronicle that Defoe has an exit clause allowing him to leave for free if and when the Wearsiders go down doesn't bare thinking about. The veteran has scored 60 per cent of their Premier League goals and, with Sunderland's debts restricting their transfer activity, they may find that the irreplaceable is, indeed, irreplaceable.

However, with one of the club's reported January targets desperate to engineer a move to England, Sunderland could at least stumble across a handy alternative. Turkish publication Fotomac claims that Fenerbache striker Emmanuel Emenike has instructed his agent to sound out offers from the Premier League or the Championship with Fulham recently linked.

Slavisa Jokanovic's Cottagers can boast the joint-second most prolific attack in the Championship but, with Derby County loanee Chris Martin seemingly unlikely to stay on a permanent basis, Fulham will need to replace him in the summer.

And 29-year-old Emenike, who has reportedly fallen out with Fenerbache coach Dick Advocaat, could replace Martin's power and presence at the centre of Jokanovic's favoured three-pronged attack.

However, The Chronicle reported in January that Fener would be open to offering Emenike to Sunderland as part of the deal to sign loanee Jeremain Lens permanently. The Nigerian international may not have scored a league goal during a loan at West Ham last season but, if he is available on the cheap, Sunderland should at least give him a second chance.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/04/11/emmanuel-emenike-wants-england-move-but-could-sunderland-have-ad/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham fans now believe – Jokanovic

Slavisa Jokanovic says Fulham's fans are now starting to believe the club can make the Championship play-offs.

The Whites moved back into the top six with three matches to play after victory over Aston Villa on Monday.

Before the game, Jokanovic said he and his players were confident of securing a play-off spot.

And the Fulham boss was delighted with the noise the supporters generated during the 3-1 win over Villa, which he sees as a sign of nerves being lifted.

He said: "Today was a fantastic atmosphere in Craven Cottage.

"I believe we can make important things, my players believe too – today I started to believe our supporters believe we can finish in the top six and fight for the Premier League.

"We need to be focused and concentrated for Huddersfield, which is the next step for us."

Jokanovic was pleased with the display against Villa, who were sunk by goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Sone Aluko and Neeskens Kebano.

He said: "We showed the quality, we showed the character and we showed we believe in our way of playing football.

"This kind of situation encourages us for this last three game in the regular part of the Championship."


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-fans-now-believe-jokanovic

WhiteJC

 
Fulham boss explains substitution against Villa

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic revealed he took Scott Malone off and brought on Neeskens Kebano because he feared 10-man Aston Villa were beginning to "dominate" the ball.

Despite being 1-0 down and a man short after Jonathan Kodjia's sending-off, Villa began the second half well and equalised through Jack Grealish's superb curling strike.

After another spell of possession, Jokanovic brought on Kebano to play on the wing and pushed first goalscorer Ryan Sessegnon to left-back – and the change worked as Villa were overwhelmed by the extra attacker, with Sone Aluko restoring the lead.

Kebano himself sealed the victory late on and the Whites boss was pleased to see the change have the desired effect.

Jokanovic said: "We gave them 50 seconds possession of the ball, we didn't press them enough and they equalised.

"They controlled and dominated us around the time they scored the goal.

"I decided to put on one more aggressive player and don't give them so many chances to move us around.

"At the end we found some benefits from this change. I didn't change Scott Malone because he didn't play a good game – I needed to make this decision for the benefit of my team."

Jokanovic also revealed he hoped to have a fully-fit squad to choose from when they travel to Huddersfield on Saturday, with full-back Denis Odoi close to a return.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/sport/fulham-boss-wls-explains-substitution-aston-villa-gives-injury-update-ahead-huddersfield-trip


WhiteJC

 
The Last Three Games: Projecting the Championship playoff race
Fulham did what they needed to do, but they didn't get as much help as from others as they would have hoped for. What does this do to the state of the race?

How things stand

Fulham played two games and earned six points, including winning 3-1 on the road while playing most of the game down a man. The managed to just squeak into the playoff spots on goal differential because Reading and Sheffield Wednesday just won't stop winning. Here's the look of the current standings.
Current Playoff Race
Team   Position   Games Played   Points   Points Per Game   Goals For   Goals Against   Goal Differential   Pythagorean Points   Pythagorean PPG
Reading    3    43    79    1.84    61    59    2    60.68    1.41
Huddersfield    4    42    78    1.86    54    49    5    61.26    1.46
Sheffield Wednesday    5    43    75    1.74    56    42    14    69.90    1.63
Fulham    6    43    73    1.70    78    54    24    74.01    1.72
Leeds United    7    43    73    1.70    56    41    15    70.79    1.65
Norwich City    8    43    63    1.47    76    66    10    65.33    1.52
Derby County    9    43    62    1.44    48    45    3    61.20    1.42
Preston North End    10    43    61    1.42    62    57    5    62.61    1.46

Fulham and Leeds United continue to lead the contending teams in Pythagorean Points, but Wednesday is catching up fast. The smoke and mirrors approach may be finally running out for Leeds as they have started to struggle mightily. Regression to the mean can be a bad thing when you've been overperforming. Looking at the advanced stats makes this much clearer.
Current Playoff Race Advanced Stats
Team   Position   Games Played   Points   Points Per Game   xGF   xGA   xGD   Pythagorean Points   Pythagorean PPG
Reading    3    43    79    1.84    53.75    67.94    -14.19    50.68    1.18
Huddersfield    4    42    78    1.86    57.12    46.2    10.92    65.60    1.56
Sheffield Wednesday    5    43    75    1.74    63.64    41.71    21.93    75.33    1.75
Fulham    6    43    73    1.70    73.53    54.18    19.35    71.46    1.66
Leeds United    7    43    73    1.70    52.89    54.18    -1.29    58.20    1.35
Norwich City    8    43    63    1.47    64.07    56.33    7.74    64.38    1.50
Derby County    9    43    62    1.44    58.48    49.02    9.46    65.90    1.53
Preston North End    10    43    61    1.42    59.77    54.61    5.16    62.74    1.46

Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday remain the class of the contenders by the advanced stats. The most interesting thing is that almost everyone is within a few points of their projections; except Leeds, Reading and Huddersfield. Leeds and and Huddersfield are gaining .34 PPG more than we would expect; while Reading is gaining .66 PPG more! They are all at least 15 points better than you would expect to see them.
Projecting the Future

Running these results forward makes the playoff race look like this.
Playoff Projections
Team   Points   Points Per Game   Pythagorean PPG   xG Pythagorean PPG   Games Remaining   Projected Points   Pythagorean Points   xG Pythagorean Points
Reading    79    1.84    1.41    1.18    3    85    83    83
Huddersfield    78    1.86    1.46    1.56    4    85    84    84
Sheffield Wednesday    75    1.74    1.63    1.75    3    80    80    80
Leeds United    73    1.7    1.65    1.35    3    78    78    77
Fulham    73    1.7    1.72    1.66    3    78    78    78
Preston North End    63    1.47    1.52    1.5    3    67    68    68
Derby County    62    1.44    1.42    1.53    3    66    66    67
Norwich City    61    1.42    1.46    1.46    3    65    65    65

It doesn't matter how you run the projection. If you say Fulham will finish out with their current PPG, if they'll finish with their Pythagorean PPG, or if they'll finish with a PPG based on xG; we always project them to finish on 78 points. They've improved their projected finish by three points over the last two games. Every projection system we're using has them finishing 6th. Though two of those require the GD tie breaker.

However, the projections just look at how Fulham teams would finish if they kept up their current pace. They don't look at the schedules. Remember that Fulham and Wednesday face off in the final match. All of the projections have Fulham either two or three points back of Wednesday going into that game. 78 points also seems to be one of the least likely totals for Fulham to get.
What do Fulham need to do?

Fulham have three games left: Huddersfield Town (A), Brentford (H), and Sheffield Wednesday (A). If Fulham win just their home game, they'd finish on 76 points. Could that be enough? Wednesday could easily lose two in a row as they host Derby and travel to Ipswich. A draw against Fulham in their final game would put them at 76 (of course then Fulham would have 77). Leeds would need to win just one out of their final three to finish on 76. They travel to Burton Albion, host Norwich, and then travel to a Wigan side who might just need a win to avoid relegation on the final day. It wouldn't shock me to see them end of 76.

Reading continues to astound everyone, and I just don't see how they don't make the playoffs now. I can't see anyway all three of Fulham, Leeds, and Sheffield get to 79 while they pick up 0 points from Burton, Wigan, and Nottingham Forest.

Fulham control their own destiny. Win all three of the remaining matches and they are in. But do they need to get to 82 points to make it? If they win two in a row, a draw at Wednesday might put both teams in the playoffs (and make for a boring game). Dropping any points in the first two matches might make the final day a must win.

How many points do you think Fulham end with? Do they end on 78 like we project? Do they have a good run and end higher? Do they collapse and end with 73? Let us know.


http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/4/17/15328138/the-last-three-games-projecting-the-english-championship-playoff-race

WhiteJC

 
Fulham's Aluko Has Contributed To 20 Goals This Season After Scoring Against

Fulham strengthened their playoff chances after beating Aston Villa 3-1 at Craven Cottage on game week 43.

Nigeria national-teamer Sone Aluko helped Fulham to secure their third win on the bounce after netting his eighth goal in the second-tier on 56 minutes.

A cross found the winger and his volley hit Aston Villa goalkeeper Johnstone but still crossed the line, giving the Cottagers a crucial 2-1 lead in the process.

Aluko had a big chance to open the scoring for Fulham in the 17th minute but the goalkeeper made a magnificent save to deny him, and he saw his shot blocked in the 67th minute before drawing another save from the keeper with 11 minutes left on the clock.

The former Hull City and Rangers star has contributed to 20 goals (8 goals, 12 assists) in 42 appearances for Fulham this season.

Fulham, who occupy the last playoff spot, are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Huddersfield Town.

Igho Kingsley


http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22750

WhiteJC

 
Sessegnon, Aluko and Kebano fire Fulham into top six
by Dan on April 17, 2017


The tension has been ratcheted up a couple of notches since Fulham were last at Craven Cottage, as the Championship play-off tussle enters the back straight, and the euphoria of a quite remarkable win at Norwich gave way to genuine belief that Slavisa Jokanovic's side could finish in the top six after a season of outrageous flirting with the prospect of an extension to the campaign. Not that the pressure bothered sixteen year-old Ryan Sessegnon, who has already become the division's youngest scorer and bagged a brace at St. James' Park.

Nothing seems to faze the latest precocious talent off the Motspur Park production line. Offered another chance to strut his stuff on the left wing after Jokanovic rejigged his side in the absence of the suspended Chris Martin, the supremely talented teenager enhanced his burgeoning reputation with another splendidly taken goal that set Fulham on the way to a vital win over Aston Villa. Such is the confidence that his manager has in him that Sessegnon was switched to left back as the visitors threatened to force their way back into the contest during a spirited second half rally – with the youngster looking as if he had been dealing with the big games for decades instead of months.

Confidence is high in the Fulham ranks right now. Even without Martin, who will miss two more crucial fixtures in the run-in after his dismissal at Carrow Road, Jokanovic's side possess an effervescent threat up front with the eager Floyd Ayite tormenting full-backs and drifting into dangerous positions. The Togolese winger might not have scored this afternoon but his tremendous wing play down the right laid on a crucial second for the lively Sone Aluko, deployed as an interchangeable false nine, at a time when the Whites appeared ready to wobble in the face of a fierce Villa onslaught and substitute Neeskens Kebano, who has enjoyed an excellent second half of the season, supplied the third goal with a precise finish after a storming run from Stefan Johansen.

Not that Fulham had it all their own way against Steve Bruce's side, who showed plenty of application and fight for the cause, despite their season appearing in danger of petering out before the local derby against relegation-threatened Birmingham. Perhaps a little too much fight in the case of Jonathan Kodija, who was sent off for kicking out at Ryan Fredericks midway through the first period (a decision that enraged Bruce), but the desire to find a route back into the contest after Sessegnon's opener, when he followed up an initial volley that had crashed off the crossbar with a predator finish, remained. Craig Gardner saw a speculative shot deflected wide and, from the resulting corner, Tommy Elphick powered a free header past the post.

The home side finished the first half stronger but they would ultimately pay for not extending their lead. Fredericks, who had also been clattered by Jordan Amavi in a tempestuous first period, drove wide of goal from outside the box before Tim Ream passed up a glorious chance in stoppage time – dragging a shot across the face of goal when it seemed easier to score after Tom Cairney had scuffed his own effort right to the American's feet. Bruce enlivened his side at half-time and the mercurial Jack Grealish, whose work ethic was exemplary all afternoon, levelled matters within five minutes of the restart making the most of the oceans of space he was afforded by Fredericks to bend a peach of a shot beyond Marcus Bettinelli.

Fulham could ill afford to drop points to ten man as the play-off picture is getting unbearably tight. Jokanovic through on Kebano for Scott Malone in attempt to galvanise his charges – and, soon after, the hosts were back in front. The goal arrived down the right, with Ayite tricking his way brilliantly to the byline and keeping his composure to lift a cross in the direction of Aluko. The former Hull forward's volley appeared to heading for Sam Johnstone at the near post – only for the ball to take a hefty deflection off the unfortunate Nathan Baker and entirely wrongfoot the goalkeeper.

The game became far more open as Bruce sent on Alan Hutton and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy as reinforcements but Fulham were largely frustrated in their search for a killer third. James Bree blocked bravely from Aluko, who also extended Johnstone, before Kebano sent a tantalising cross flying across the six-yard box. Johansen, whose drive from midfield has arguably been the missing ingredient that has turned Fulham side that were always easy on the eye into genuine promotion contenders, had been purring efficiently in the central areas all afternoon. He took matters in his own hands, embarking on a lung-bursting run from midfield and using the clever run of Ayite as a decoy, and delaying his defence splitting pass for Kebano until the optimum moment when the little Congolese winger scurried into the inside left position and tucked a fine finish inside the far post.

There is still an awful lot of football to be played this season, especially with the final day seeing Fulham having to travel to fellow play-off contenders Sheffield Wednesday. But Jokanovic's side looked to have saved some pulsating form for the best possible moment – and their timing has also coincided with Leeds' first major wobble for a while. Their home defeat at the hands of Wolves sent Fulham into the top six on goal difference, but it could all change around again at the weekend with the Whites facing a testing trip to Huddersfield.

FULHAM (4-1-2-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Malone (Kebano 55), Kalas, Ream; McDonald; Johansen, Cairney; Ayite, R. Sessegnon, Aluko (Piazon 85). Subs (not used): Button, Madl, Sigurdsson, Parker, Cyriac.

GOALS: Sessegnon (17), Aluko (56), Kebano (79).

ASTON VILLA (5-3-2): Johnstone; Bree (Hutton 70), Baker, Chester, Elphick; Jedinak, Gardiner, Amavi (Hepburn-Murphy 77), Grealish; Kodija, Hogan (Hourihane 81). Subs (not used): Bunn, Bacuna, Lansbury, Adomoah.

BOOKED: Amavi, Gardiner, Hogan.

SENT OFF: Kodija (23).

GOAL: Grealish (50).

REFEREE: David Coote (Nottinghamshire).

ATTENDANCE: 23,891.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/04/sessegnon-aluko-and-kebano-fire-fulham-into-top-six/


WhiteJC

 
Groningen attempted to sign Janssen and Huntelaar after Fulham bid for Mahi

Groningen managing director Hans Nijland has revealed that the club failed with bids to sign Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Vincent Janssen on loan in January.

Groningen received an offer of €3.3 million from Fulham for top scorer Mimoun Mahi in January which led to the club exploring potential options for a new striker.

Hans Nijland has revealed to RTVNoord that they enquired about the chances of signing Tottenham's Vincent Janssen or Schalke's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on loan. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." said the director.

However, when both offers failed they then said no to the offer from Fulham for Mahi.


http://www.football-oranje.com/groningen-attempted-sign-janssen-huntelaar-fulham-bid-mahi/

WhiteJC

 
Jokanovic feels belief flowing through Fulham
by Dan on April 17, 2017


Slavisa Jokanovic believes both his players and the fans believe that Fulham can make a late run for the Premier League after the Whites saw off ten-man Aston Villa 3-1 at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The Serbian head coach was encouraged by the quality of Fulham's display and has identified a new mood of optimism sweeping around Craven Cottage. Goals from the recalled Ryan Sessegnon, Sone Aluko and Neeskens Kebano – coupled with Leeds' home defeat by Wolves – took Fulham into the top six by the close of play.

    We showed quality, we showed character, and we showed that we believe in our way of playing football. This really encourages us for the last three games in the regular part of the Championship.

    Today there was a fantastic atmosphere in Craven Cottage. I believe we can do important things, my players believe this too. And today I start to believe our supporters also believe we can finish in the top-six and fight for the Premier League. Now the next step is the most important, and we must be focused and concentrated on Huddersfield.

Jokanovic is delighted that Fulham's free flowing football is delivering results in tense end-of-season encounters and wants his side to finish the campaign in the same way.

    We must be satisfied, I believe Fulham play attractive football. The most important thing is to win the game, I understand perfectly, but we believe this is the best way for us, and we're going to try and finish this Championship in a similar style.

The Fulham boss is too wily to take any for granted and knows that Leeds will be eager to leapfrog Fulham when they take on Burton Albion at the weekend whilst the Whites face a tricky assignment at Huddersfield.

    In this competition it's not easy to win any game, and we're facing a top Championship team [Huddersfield] who's still fighting for promotion to the Premier League. Leeds are going to play against Burton who are fighting in a relegation battle, and both games are complicated.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/04/jokanovic-feels-belief-flowing-through-fulham/