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Thursday Fulham Stuff (14/09/17)...

Started by WhiteJC, September 14, 2017, 06:59:51 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Fulham 2-1 Hull City: Hosts see off tough Tigers challenge to go above their visitors in the Championship

    Floyd Ayite scored the opening goal for Fulham as the hosts led at half-time 
    Jarrod Bowen levelled the scores in the second half with a powerful header
    Stefan Johansen put the hosts back ahead with a composed finish

Speed was at the heart of a breathless encounter at Craven Cottage as Fulham's first home win of the season fired their play-off push and left Hull's season at risk of grinding to a halt.

Stefan Johansen fired home a fine second-half winner after Jarrod Bowen's close-range effort had cancelled out Floyd Ayite's opening strike for Fulham.

Despite both sides being among the pre-season favourites for promotion from the Championship, Fulham and Hull have struggled for consistency this season, but it was the visitors who travelled to London in need of a lift after a 5-0 demolition against Derby County last week.


Stefan Johansen (centre) scores Fulham's second to see off Hull City's challenge



Fulham: Button, Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, R Sessegnon, Johansen, McDonald, Norwood, Ojo (Kamara, 90), Ayite, Kebano (Mollo, 68)

Subs not used: Bettinelli, Odoi, Graham, Djalo, Cisse

Hull: McGregor, Tomori, Dawson, Hector, Aina, Meyler (Toral, 65), Larsson, Kingsley (Diomande, 82), Bowen, Dicko (Campbell, 68), Grosicki

Subs not used: Irvine, Marshall, Henriksen, Clark

Referee: Tim Robinson

After his side were repeatedly punished on the break at Pride Park, Hull boss Leonid Slutsky spoke of the need to deal with Fulham's 'very fast players', but it was speed on the flanks that undid them again.

Fulham's fluid front three of Ayite, Neeskens Kebano and Sheyi Ojo caused Hull's defence trouble throughout, and it was Ayite who opened the scoring.

A drop of the shoulder and a burst of acceleration was all Ojo needed to beat Ola Aina, make room for a cross and give Ayite a simple tap-in just before half-time.


Jarrod Bowen heads in Hull's equaliser moments after Fulham failed to double their lead

Speaking after the match, Slavisa Jokanovic admitted he set up his side to attack Hull with pace.

He said: 'They played with big centre halves and we ran at them. We made a plan about how to organise the attack and we created so many chances in the transitions.

'I can be satisfied with the result, with the spirit, but still we must improve.'


Floyd Ayite scored Fulham's opening goal after tapping in from Sheyi Ojo's cross

Fulham continued to make hay on the flanks after the break, with Sessegnon guilty of missing a simple headed chance from Ayite's whipped ball, but it was their inability to deal with Hull's wide play that threatened to be their downfall.

Kamil Grosicki found space just outside the area and angled the ball towards Jarrod Bowen, who scored at the second time of asking.

So composed in the first half, Fulham suddenly looked rattled. Just as it looked like the game was getting away from them, Johansen provided the breakthrough. Ryan Fredericks escaped down the right, floated the ball into the area for Johansen, who chested the ball down before toe-poking home off the crossbar.


Allan McGregor prevents the hosts from taking the lead with a fine instinctive save


Jarrod Bowen controls the ball for Hull as both sides struggle to find the breakthrough


However, the goal failed to settle Fulham's nerves or repress Hull's determination. Grosicki's deliveries continued to cause havoc, but it was Fulham who came closest to scoring again, as Yohan Mollo rattled the crossbar after a quickfire break.

Fulham held out to leave Slutsky admitting he still does not know his best team.

He said: 'We have a lot of new players. I don't have 100 per cent of the information about each player yet. I'm building a new team. It's very difficult, but we don't have time to be frustrated. We must look forward.'

Time might not be running out for Slutsky just yet, but Fulham and Hull looked to be heading in opposite directions - and fast - on the banks of the Thames last night.


Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic watches on at Craven Cottage




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4881470/Fulham-2-1-Hull-City-Hosts-Tigers-challenge.html#ixzz4sd8HgkNQ
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

WhiteJC

 
Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović insists there is better to come from Fulham after securing a first home win of the 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship campaign.

Goals from Floyd Ayité and Stefan Johansen either side of Jarrod Bowen's equaliser earned the three points against Hull City, but it was a tense encounter at Craven Cottage.

The Tigers threatened to turn the game on its head after restoring parity, and the hosts had to defend stoutly in the closing stages to see out the win.


"It's the best news for us tonight because we've won a game in our stadium," Jokanović stated. "We had many minutes where we played good football and created many chances.

"We didn't start the second half well and we could have been in danger of losing the game. Fortunately we scored the goal, we created many chances, we caught them many times in an offensive transition too, but we were not finishing.

"We offered some quality but to be a more serious team, a more competitive team, we must improve. This is not enough and we must keep working."

The Whites have been guilty of letting leads slip late on in fixtures this season, and while Jokanović was pleased that wasn't the case against Hull, he's keen for his side to put matches to bed sooner.

"We didn't control the situation well enough, but fortunately we won the game, which is the best news for us," he explained. "We played better against Ipswich.

"Many people think that when we win the game we've played fantastic football and when we've lost the game nothing is working well.

"I am not satisfied today with our performance, I am satisfied with three points but today we were under a big risk, we didn't finish what we needed to in the right moment and this kind of risk you can pay such an expensive price for, which we have paid in the past.

"We must be more brave, more solid, more adult, if you want, in some situations. In football, during 90-something minutes there is always some moments where you are not comfortable during the game where the other team dominates you.

"In this moment we must understand, interpret the situation better and finish the game in an easier way. All the other games at home are heart-attack games, which is not healthy!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/september/13/head-coach-reaction-hull

WhiteJC

 
Stefan Johansen earns Fulham victory over Hull City

Fulham claimed a first home win of the Championship season as Stefan Johansen's second-half goal helped them beat Hull 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

Norwegian Johansen struck after Jarrod Bowen had cancelled out Floyd Ayite's first-half effort.

Hull came into this game on the back of a disappointing 5-0 defeat Derby last Saturday and they struggled to get hold of the ball early on.

It was Fulham who enjoyed much of the possession and looked to create the chances as Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo shot over on his return from an ankle problem while Ayite's deflected effort nearly caught out Allan McGregor.

Ayite was then denied by a miraculous stop by McGregor from an Oliver Norwood corner, seeing his close-range shot kept out by the Hull keeper.

Neeskens Kebano's free-kick went just over the crossbar while Ojo side-footed wide again as Fulham dominated.


Ashley Western - CameraSport via Getty Images

Hull finally found a foothold and the impressive Bowen came close to a goal on the break when his curling effort just missed a post.

Fulham were to get the goal three minutes before the break, though, and it was their pace that created the chance.

Ojo's run down the left and cross fell perfectly to Ayite who had the straightforward task of finishing from six yards out.

They missed a great chance for number two within moments of the restart as young left back Ryan Sessegnon headed wide unmarked following Ayite's cross from the right.

And it was Hull who levelled on 53 minutes through Bowen, who nodded home at the second attempt for his fifth goal of the season after his initial header from Kamil Grosicki's cross had been saved.

Within seconds, Ola Aina could have turned things around completely, but his shot was cleared off the line by Ryan Fredericks.

Fulham went on to regain the lead on 62 minutes. Ayite failed with a bicycle kick from Fredericks' cross but Johansen was on hand to fire home the loose ball via the crossbar.

Ayite's volley was then kept out by McGregor as Fulham pushed for a third while the Hull keeper bravely dived at Tomas Kalas' feet to deny the central defender.

Ayite then missed the target again after finding space down the left side as Fulham failed to convert their chances.

That forced an unnecessary nervy stoppage-time period of five minutes in which Sessegnon came close to heading into his own net from Grosicki's cross.

Still Fulham continued to create chances on the break, with substitute Yohan Mollo's deflected effort coming off the bar.




http://www.espn.co.uk/football/report?gameId=483623
Ashley Western - CameraSport via Getty Images


WhiteJC

 
Hull City suffer narrow 2-1 defeat at Fulham: The 30-second verdict

The Tigers were second best at Craven Cottage


Floyd Ayite of Fulham scores his sides 1st goal against Hull City (Image: Focus)

Hull City's rotten away run continued at Craven Cottage as they extend their winless streak to 22 league games with a 2-1 defeat to Fulham.

Analysis
A much-improved City side came up short once again away from home as they lost 2-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Fulham were the more lively of the two sides from the off on their home turf as they pressed well, making life difficult for Leonid Slutsky's side and the chances came with them.

Sheyi Ojo missed a fine chance early in the game, being in the right place at the right time to collect a cleared corner on the edge of the area before drilling the ball high and wide.

Floyd Ayite was a thorn in City's side all game, and after cutting inside from the left he had Allan McGregor worried when his long-range shot cannoned off Dawson and just around the post.

As the first half wore on, City were growing into the game, but a resolute defence kept them at bay, in fact it says a lot that the Tigers' best chance in the opening half was a 25-yard strike from Nouha Dicko that stung the palms of David Button.

With half-time looming though City finally caved. Ojo beat Michael Hector down the left before crossing for the unmarked Ayite to stick the ball past McGregor.

The Tigers came out firing in the second half and got their reward when Jarrod Bowen got on the end of Kamil Grosicki's lofted through ball to nod the Tigers level.

But City were level for just eight minutes as City once again came undone at a cross. The ball came in and Stefan Johansen was there to finish.

Key Moment
Stefan Johansen's goal came at a critical moment for City. Having just drawn themselves level, City's hard work unravelled when the midfielder was left unmarked in the area to fire the hosts ahead once more.

City were not able to recover.

Good day for...
Jarrod Bowen. The youngster bagged his fifth goal of the season as he continues to impress in a black and amber shirt.

Bad day for...
Michael Dawson. The captain is rapidly becoming City's weak link in the back line. Twice Fulham players were left unmarked in the middle to score while Dawson was left ball watching.

Bigger picture
The defeat leaves City deep in the second half of the table closer to the bottom than the top of the table.

Nevertheless it was an improvement from last Friday and with three games coming up at home over the next three weeks, City have it in them to turn it around.



http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/hull-city-suffer-narrow-2-473664

WhiteJC

 
Johansen's goal gives Fulham victory over Hull

Fulham 2 Hull City 1


Stefan Johansen scored a second-half winner for Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Whites led at half-time courtesy of Floyd Ayite's tap-in at the far post from Sheyi Ojo's cross.

Jarrod Bowen headed Hull level eight minutes into the second half but Johansen put Fulham back in front.

Johansen pounced on the loose ball after Ayite's attempted overhead kick, and fired in off the bar.

On-loan Liverpool winger Ojo was passed fit to play following an ankle injury.

He was in the thick of the action from the start, shooting over in the opening minutes.

Neeskens Kebano also went close for the Whites, and Ayite was denied by a save from Hull keeper Allan McGregor before eventually opening the scoring with his first goal of the season.

McGregor prevented a third Fulham goal when he produced a superb save to deny Yohan Mollo by pushing the Frenchman's injury-time effort on to the bar.

Fulham: Button, Fredericks (Odoi 90), Ream, Kalas, Sessegnon, McDonald, Johansen, Norwood, Ojo (Kamara 90), Ayite, Kebano (Mollo 67).
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Djalo, Cisse, Graham.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-news-fulham-hull-city-report-14917

WhiteJC

 
SUMMARY: Fulham 2-1 Hull City

Hull City have not enjoyed their double header on the road, as for the second time in succession, the Tigers suffered defeat on their travels. The latest of which was Wednesday night's trip to Fulham - although it saw a marked improvement on the debacle in Derby five days earlier - ultimately, the match ended in another opportunity lost to record a first win on the road.

The first half was a fast and free flowing segment of football that the hosts enjoyed the lion's share of. Enjoying most of the possession, the Cottagers fashioned a couple of decent chances, but Hector in defence and McGregor in goal kept the home team at bay. City looked much the punchier when getting forward, content to counter attack, with Dicko seeing a good effort palmed past the post. But Fulham finally made their possession pay, when Ayite netted three minutes before the break.

City improved after the break and got their rewards when Grosicki's cross found Bowen. The initial effort was parried by goalkeeper Button but the youngster followed up the rebound and levelled affairs on 54 minutes. Yet, the night was never destined to be City's, as just 8 minutes later, the Tigers fell behind again to a Johansen goal to record back to back defeats for Slutsky's men.



http://www.hullcityindependent.net/?page=news&news_id=2066


WhiteJC

 
Middlesbrough Tickets

Fulham return to Craven Cottage on Saturday 23rd September when we entertain Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship (kick-off 3pm).

You can be there to watch all the action with tickets for the match starting from £15 for juniors and £35 for adults.

What's more, prior to kick-off you can join us for our Fun Day in Bishop's Park, with a number of free activities taking place for both adults and juniors to enjoy!

Secure your tickets to this fixture today online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/september/13/next-up-middlesbrough

WhiteJC

 
Report: More Away Day Woes For Tigers At Fulham


The Tigers suffered more disappointment on the road as they were beaten 2-1 by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night.

Falling behind just before the break, Jarrod Bowen's fifth goal of the season brought Leonid Slutsky's side level but Fulham regained the lead just after the hour before seeing the game out.

Slutsky made two changes to his side as defender Fikayo Tomori came in to make his debut and David Meyler also came into the starting eleven with Markus Henriksen and Jon Toral dropping to the bench.

Tomori's inclusion meant the Tigers went with three at the back, the on-loan Chelsea man alongside Michael Dawson and Michael Hector. Ola Aina and Stephen Kingsley operated as wing-backs with Bowen and Kamil Grosicki ahead of them in wide areas. Meyler and Seb Larsson were the central midfield two, while Nouha Dicko was in the forward role.

A chilly evening by the Thames almost got off to a poor start when Fulham created the first opening inside four minutes, Oliver Norwood being teed up inside the box but Hector was there to throw himself in the way of the midfielder's shot.

The Tigers had a couple of lively moments in attack through Bowen and Grosicki, before Hector produced another important block as he deflected Floyd Ayite's shot just wide. From the resulting corner Ayite had another chance but Allan McGregor's fine save diverted the ball over the bar.

Dicko was denied by goalkeeper David Button at the other end as the visitors broke away quickly before the Tigers conceded a free kick in almost exactly the same position that led to Derby opening the scoring last Friday. This time, thankfully, Fulham's Neeskens Kebano fired over the bar.

Bowen sent a shot wide from distance before McGregor was back in action at the other end, clawing the ball off the head of Sheyi Ojo to deny the Fulham man a simple chance at the far post.

Fulham took the lead just before half time. Ojo popped up on the left and when he pulled the ball back, Ayite was there to finish from six yards.

The home side really should have doubled their lead early in the second half when a lovely passing move took them from one end of the field to the other before Ryan Sessegnon headed wide at the far post with the goal at his mercy.

It proved a costly miss as the Tigers dragged themselves level on 53 minutes. Grosicki floated a delightful ball beyond the Fulham defence to find the run of Bowen and although his first header was saved, he followed up to nod the rebound in from close range.

It was the start of a spell of pressure from away side as Aina and Dicko both went close within minutes of the equaliser.

However, defensive frailties soon resurfaced as Fulham retook the lead just after the hour. Stefan Johansen had time to control an incoming cross from the right and send a shot into the net via the underside of the bar from ten yards.


The first change of the night followed as Toral replaced Meyler for the Tigers before Fraizer Campbell came on for Dicko.

McGregor reacted well to keep out Ayite and Tim Ream as Fulham threatened to add a third before the Tigers' third and final change saw Adama Diomande come on for Kingsley.

Despite throwing men forward late on, Sessegnon's header just over his own bar was as close as the Tigers came to levelling as they went down to a third away defeat of the season.



Fulham: David Button, Ryan Fredericks (Denis Odoi 90), Tomas Kalas, Tim Ream, Ryan Sessegnon, Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen, Oliver Norwood, Sheyi Ojo (Aboubakar Kamara 90), Floyd Ayite, Neeskens Kebano (Yohan Mollo 68).

Subs Not Used: Marcus Bettinelli, Marcelo Djalo, Ibrahima Cisse, Jordan Graham.

Hull City: Allan McGregor, Ola Aina, Fikayo Tomori, Michael Dawson, Michael Hector, Stephen Kingsley (Adama Diomande 82), David Meyler (Jon Toral 65), Sebastian Larsson, Jarrod Bowen, Kamil Grosicki, Nouha Dicko (Fraizer Campbell 68).

Subs Not Used: David Marshall, Jackson Irvine, Markus Henriksen, Max Clark.

Referee: Mr T. Robinson.

Attendance: 15,792.



https://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/articles/2017/201718-fulham-a-report/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 2-1 Hull City: Stefan Johansen seals first Craven Cottage win of the season

Fulham claimed a first home win of the Sky Bet Championship season as Stefan Johansen's second-half goal helped them beat Hull 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

Norwegian Johansen struck after Jarrod Bowen had cancelled out Floyd Ayite's first-half effort.

Hull came into this game on the back of a disappointing 5-0 defeat Derby last Saturday and they struggled to get hold of the ball early on.

It was Fulham who enjoyed much of the possession and looked to create the chances as Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo shot over on his return from an ankle problem while Ayite's deflected effort nearly caught out Allan McGregor.

Ayite was then denied by a miraculous stop by McGregor from an Oliver Norwood corner, seeing his close-range shot kept out by the Hull keeper.

Neeskens Kebano's free-kick went just over the crossbar while Ojo side-footed wide again as Fulham dominated.

Hull finally found a foothold and the impressive Bowen came close to a goal on the break when his curling effort just missed a post.

Fulham were to get the goal three minutes before the break, though, and it was their pace that created the chance.

Ojo's run down the left and cross fell perfectly to Ayite who had the straightforward task of finishing from six yards out.

They missed a great chance for number two within moments of the restart as young left back Ryan Sessegnon headed wide unmarked following Ayite's cross from the right.

And it was Hull who levelled on 53 minutes through Bowen, who nodded home at the second attempt for his fifth goal of the season after his initial header from Kamil Grosicki's cross had been saved.

Within seconds, Ola Aina could have turned things around completely, but his shot was cleared off the line by Ryan Fredericks.

Fulham went on to regain the lead on 62 minutes. Ayite failed with a bicycle kick from Fredericks' cross but Johansen was on hand to fire home the loose ball via the crossbar.

Ayite's volley was then kept out by McGregor as Fulham pushed for a third while the Hull keeper bravely dived at Tomas Kalas' feet to deny the central defender.

Ayite then missed the target again after finding space down the left side as Fulham failed to convert their chances.

That forced an unnecessary nervy stoppage-time period of five minutes in which Sessegnon came close to heading into his own net from Grosicki's cross.

Still Fulham continued to create chances on the break, with substitute Yohan Mollo's deflected effort coming off the bar.




http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-hull-city/374694


WhiteJC

 
Hull City second best at Craven Cottage as Fulham prove worthy victors

A Jarrod Bowen goal was not enough for the Tigers in west London


Ola Aina of Hull City looks dejected as the Fulham players celebrate their side's second goal (Image: Focus)

If Leonid Slutsky is correct and Hull City have quickly become a club under "serious pressure" during these formative stages of a new season, a much-needed release eluded them at Craven Cottage.

A second defeat in five days served as another reality check for a club struggling to come to terms with life back in the Championship. Unable to quell a slick and adventurous Fulham side, the Tigers were again made to look ordinary by an opponent sharing the same lofty ambitions of promotion.

There was none of the embarrassment that had come in a 5-0 loss at Derby County as City showed improved resilience but another fruitless away day offered scant cause for satisfaction for Slutsky.

Fulham, in truth, ought to have won by a greater margin. Goals from Floyd Ayite and Stefan Johansen sandwiched Jarrod Bowen's fifth of the season to earn three deserved points for Slavisa Jokanovic's men, leaving the Tigers with few complaints when chalking up a 22 away game without a victory.

Although this marathon is only just beginning, City's start offers cause for concern. Seven points from seven games constitutes a slovenly pace for a club targeting promotion, with four of the last five outings lost.

Placed in context, it took until the first weekend of December for the Tigers to rack up a fourth defeat when last at this level two years ago. This season it has taken seven games where it previously needed 19.

The visit of Sunderland, a fallen Premier League club showing even worse form, ought to provide the platform for a reaction on Saturday but Slutsky's worry lines are deepening.

The head coach had not been afraid to shine the spotlight on his side after the sorry defeat at Derby, nor on his own stuttering progress as head coach. His reaction was to switch systems, returning to the 3-4-3 that had inspired an excellent win over Bolton. David Meyler was handed a recall in midfield, while Fikayo Tomori was drafted in for his debut in defence.

Fulham were not without problems of their own after winning just one of their first six games this season but there was no obvious shortage of confidence in the home ranks during a vibrant start.

Only a brave block from Michael Hector, so badly off-colour at Derby, denied Oliver Norwood from capitalising on Ryan Sessegnon's cross from the left, before City's defender was again to thank when Ayite cut inside. A looping deflection took the ball just wide of the target.

Fulham's resulting corner took them closer still and it needed a magnificent save from Allan McGregor to keep City level. Ayite was the man presented with a gilded opportunity but after an initial loose touch his left-foot shot was tipped over from point-blank range.

City's pursuit of a win was built upon their potency on the counter attack and that almost delivered an opener twice in the first half. One rapid break ended with Nouha Dicko being denied at the near post by David Button, before another led by David Meyler set up Bowen to fire wide from 25 yards out.

A free-kick from Neeskens Kebano was wasted, as was a decent opportunity for Sheyi Ojo as Fulham consistently carried the greater threat through the first half and the reward eventually came three minutes before the break.

Fulham's tactic of exploiting space in behind City's wing-back proved the difference as Sheyi Ojo proved too quick for the covering Hector and his cross picked out Ayite to finish unchallenged past the helpless McGregor. After the stretched defending witnessed at Pride Park, it was another lamentable goal conceded by City.


Floyd Ayite of Fulham scores his sides 1st goal against Hull City (Image: Focus)

Slutsky will have been irritated by the timing of Fulham's opener. The Tigers had kept their hosts at arm's length for long spells, serving up a solid, if unspectacular, performance that had threatened to invite frustration into those wooden stands on the banks of the Thames.

The need to press higher up the field was clear in the second half but it almost led to City's downfall in the 50 minute. A sweeping passing move from one end of the pitch to another opened the visitors up but Ayite's precise cross from the right was somehow headed wide by the unmarked Sessegnon.

The inexplicable miss became a costly one within minutes as City drew themselves level out of nothing. Grosicki's curling cross picked out the run of Bowen and though his first header was saved brilliantly by Button, City's bright young thing was alert to bundle in the loose ball in front of the 600 or so travelling fans.

Ola Aina almost sent those supporters wild when a scuffed shot was cleared off the line by Ryan Fredericks but a sober mood would quickly return with Fulham's second just after the hour mark. Norwood's cross had Ayite attempting a spectacular overhead kick but none had accounted for Johansen, who controlled on his chest and volleyed in under minimal pressure.

Johansen almost had a second and a decisive third when curling a free-kick just wide, before McGregor was to thank for denying Ayite again. Fulham could not be accused of resting on their laurels when pushing on and on for another and struck the bar through substitute Yohan Mollo deep into added time.

City had almost snatched an equaliser before that when Sessegnon's cross landed on the roof of his net after Denis Odoi had produced a wonderful clearing header under pressure but Fulham were worthy winners.



http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/hull-city-second-best-craven-473710

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 2 Hull 1: Cottagers first win at home this season heaps pressure on Leonid Slutsky

STEFAN JOHANSEN'S cool finish handed Fulham their first Championship win this season at Craven Cottage.

In a breathless match in which Fulham attacked at pace throughout, it was Johansen's moment of calm that made the difference.

An Oliver Norwood cross was missed by Floyd Ayite, who tried a spectacular overhead kick, but when it fell to Johansen the Norwegian fired in off the underside of the bar.

It was no more than the hosts deserved for the audacity of their tactics. Jokanovic used Ayite, Neeskens Kebano and Sheyi Ojo to run tirelessly at their less mobile opponents.

And they might have gone in front after just two minutes but Norwood's shot from a Ryan Sessegnon cross was blocked by Michael Hector.

The defender, on loan from Chelsea, denied Fulham again in the 16th minute, flinging himself at Ayite to deflect the striker's shot away for a corner.

From it, Ayite had another attempt but was this time denied by a superb reaction save from Hull keeper Allan McGregor.

Most of the Tigers' attacking play stemmed from the lively Jarrod Bowen, who flashed a shot wide after being set up by David Meyler.

But just when it seemed the first half would pass without a goal, Fulham took the lead.

This time Ojo found himself in space down the left. His low cross evaded everyone except Ayite, who gleefully tapped home.

Sessegnon should have put Fulham in total control early in the second half but he somehow allowed his header from an Ayite cross to skim just wide.

Within minutes Hull were level when Bowen headed in a Kamil Grosicki cross.

His first effort was blocked by Fulham keeper David Button but rebounded off his own shoulder for him to nod home at the second attempt.

It was left to Johansen to clinch the points for Fulham



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/644723/Fulham-Hull-Leonid-Slutsky-Stefan-Johansen-Slavisa-Jokanovic-Craven-Cottage-Championship

WhiteJC

 
Sky Bet Championship: Cottagers victorious


Fulham picked up their first home league victory of the campaign on Wednesday evening, defeating Hull City 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

Stefan Johansen's second-half strike proved to be the difference for the Cottagers, who had led earlier in the game through Floyd Ayité.

They were pegged back at the start of the second period however, as Jarrod Bowen headed home from close range.

After chances at both ends, it looked as though the two teams would head in at the break level —however, Ayité had other ideas.

The midfielder had the simplest of tasks as has tapped home Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo's pinpoint cross at the far post.

It didn't take long for Hull to level things up though, as, eight minutes after the restart, Bowen's finish drew them level.

Slaviša Jokanović's men would soon be celebrating once more and, on 63 minutes Johansen scored what ultimately turned out to be the winning goal.

Ayité initially tried his luck at getting a second of the night, but after his spectacular attempt fell to the Norwegian, he made no mistake — scoring expertly with the outside of his foot.

That would be that in terms of goals, with the hosts rattling the crossbar in stoppage time through Yohan Mollo.



https://www.efl.com/news/2017/september/sky-bet-championship-cottagers-victorious/


WhiteJC

 
Fulham 2-1 Hull: Cottagers 11/4 for promotion after defeating struggling Tigers in the Sky Bet Championship

Fulham claimed a first home win of the Sky Bet Championship season as Stefan Johansen's second-half goal helped them beat Hull 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

The hosts opened the scoring three minutes before the break, though, and it was their pace that created the chance.

Sheyi Ojo's run down the left and cross fell perfectly to Floyd Ayite, who had the straightforward task of finishing from six yards out.

Hull levelled on 53 minutes through Jarrod Bowen, nodding home at the second attempt for his fifth goal of the season after his initial header from Kamil Grosicki's cross had been saved.

But Fulham got what proved to be the winner on 62 minutes, as Johansen fired home a loose ball after Ayite failed with a bicycle kick from Ryan Fredericks' cross.

It's been a sluggish start to the season for the Cottagers, who lie 13th in the table on 10 points, but Sky Bet now make them 11/4 to earn promotion after this success while they are still regarded title contenders at 11/1.

Hull are three points further back in 16th and you can back them at 11/1 to go up and 12/1 for relegation.



https://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/fulham-114-for-promotion/106074

WhiteJC

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic 'not satisfied' with victory over Hull City

Goals from Floyd Ayite and Stefan Johansen secure victory at Craven Cottage

Fulham ran out 2-1 winners over Hull City at Craven Cottage tonight.

But manager Slavisa Jokanovic was not entirely impressed.

Goals from Floyd Ayite in the first half and Stefan Johansen in the second, either side of a Stephen Bowen strike for the Tigers, ensured the Whites picked up their first three points at home this season.

But Jokanovic knows his team can be even better.

The boss said: "To be a more serious and competitive team we must improve, this is not enough.

"I am not satisfied with our performance, I am satisfied with three points but today we were under a big risk, we didn't finish what we needed to in the right moment and this kind of risk you can pay such an expensive price for, which we have paid in the past.

"We must be more brave, more solid, more adult, if you want, in some situations. In football, during 90-something minutes there is always some moments where you are not comfortable during the game where the other team dominates you.

"This is not enough for me, this is not enough for our supporters and this is not enough for my team too. We must work harder."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-not-13617694

WhiteJC


Johansen guides Fulham to first home win
by Dan on September 14, 2017


Slavisa Jokanovic wasn't satisfied but his Wednesday evening finished far happier once Stefan Johansen's fantastic volley steered Fulham past a spirited Hull City and secured their first home win of a fitful Championship campaign. The Serbian head coach, difficult to please at the best of times, fretted about more frenetic defending and a whole host of missed chances but hard-fought victory over opponents who showed far more fortitude at Craven Cottage than they managed at Derby on Friday night might just ignite Fulham's season.

True to form, Fulham made heavy weather of procuring all three points. They could have put well ahead before Floyd Ayite, who buzzed around as bright false nine at the head of a home attack still missing Rui Fonte, diverted in a dangerous cross from the lively Sheyi Ojo and certainly should have extended their lead prior to Jarrod Bowen's headed leveller. Ryan Sessegnon somehow contrived to miss the target with half the goal to aim at head when heading in Ojo's cross from four yards out – and Hull quickly equalised. Leonid Slutsky's side might have gone in front themselves but for David Button's smart save from Ola Aina.

In what turned into a remarkably open second period after a staid first half, both sides had further opportunities to go in front. Johansen, who delivered the sort of rampaging display from an advanced midfield role that epitomised the drive and desire he has brought to SW6 since signing from Celtic last August, eventually landed the dealing blow. The Norwegian arrived throw a crowd of players to meet Ryan Fredericks' cross after Ayite had failed to connect with an overhead kick, but Johansen's instinctive chest touch and volley flew in off the underside of the bar.

It was no more than Fulham's dominance deserved but Jokanovic's charges still had major problems in seeing out the victory, befitting a team that had surrendered winning positions here against Norwich and Cardiff. Allan McGregor, who was outstanding in the Hull goal, made excellent saves to deny Ayite and Tim Ream and when the Scottish international was finally beaten in stoppage time a deflection took substitute Yohan Mollo's fierce drive onto the crossbar. All of that meant Fulham had to endure a traumatic five minutes of stoppage time within which Sessegnon almost put through his own net with a back header from Kamil Grosicki's cross and a succession of Hull set plays eventually come to naught.

Jokanovic admitted afterwards that his new-look side have struggled to get to grips with the demanding nature of the early-season programme and Fulham initially struggled for fluency without the injured Hull academy graduate Tom Cairney in their midfield. Sheyi Ojo had the first sight of goal but shot over and Ayite's deflected drive nearly embarrassed McGregor before the goalkeeper made a stupendous reaction save to somehow turn the Togolese international's shot-on-the-spin over the bar at a corner.

From Fulham's next corner, the visitors ended up on the edge of their penalty area after a lightning first break which culminated in Nouha Dicko's venomous drive being palmed away by Button. Bowen, who has now registered five Championship goals in seven starts, almost bent a curling effort around the Fulham goalkeeper but it was the hosts who took the lead shortly before the interval. Sessegnon surged forward from left back – not for the first time – and clever interplay between Neeskens Kebano and Ojo saw the Liverpool loanee fire in a low cross that Ayite instinctively prodded home at the near post.

By the time Bowen pounced to punish some statesque defending after Button had brilliant kept out his initial header, the visitors were good value for their equaliser. In a ten-minute spell of concerted pressure that followed immediately afterwards, Hull could easily have gone in front. Button stood up well to thwart Chelsea loanee Aina and, in the ensuing scramble, Fredericks had to hook a loose ball away from the goal-line after it had spun back off Kebano. Former Wolves striker Dicko will also feel that he should have tested the Fulham keeper further when found by a clever pass from Seb Larsson, but the tide turned again with Johansen's moment of magic.

This wasn't the flawless display that Jokanovic might have dreamed about but given the Whites were without a number of key players through injury, Fulham will settle for the sort of gutsy success that has eluded them in a frustrating first six weeks of the new season. Hull were doughty opponents, understandably low on confidence following the Derby debacle, as Slutsky conceded afterwards. If the Russian can help his side rediscover their verve, this shouldn't prove as testing a season as it may appear currently for the Tigers either.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Button; Fredericks (Odoi 90), R. Sessegnon, Kalas, Ream; McDonald, Norwood Johansen; Ojo (Kamara 90), Kebano (Mollo 68), Ayite. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Djalo, Cisse, Graham.

GOALS: Ayite (43), Johansen (62).

HULL CITY (5-3-2): McGregor; Aina, Kingsley (Diomande 82), Tomori, Dawson, Hector; Meyler (Toral 65), Larsson, Grosicki; Bowen, Dicko (Campbell 58). Subs (not used): Marshall, Clark, Irvine, Henriksen.

GOAL: Bowen (53).

REFEREE: Tim Robinson (West Sussex).

ATTENDANCE: 15,792



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/09/johansen-guides-fulham-to-first-home-win/


WhiteJC


Jokanovic urges Fulham to 'improve'
by Dan on September 14, 2017


Slavisa Jokanovic was pleased to secure Fulham's first home win of the season – but recognised his side needed to improve if they were challenge for promotion and urged his team to avoid any more 'heart-attack' games.

The Serbian head coach was speaking after the Whites edged a nervy contest against Hull City courtesy of a second half strike from Stefan Johansen. Jokanovic admitted he wasn't fully satisfied with the manner of the victory, especially after Fulham led another lead slip and failed to replicate their first half dominance after the break at Craven Cottage. He told his post-match press conference:

    It's the best news for us tonight because we've won a game in our stadium. We had many minutes where we played good football and created many chances.

    We didn't start the second half well and we could have been in danger of losing the game. Fortunately we scored the goal, we created many chances, we caught them many times in an offensive transition too, but we were not finishing. We offered some quality but to be a more serious team, a more competitive team, we must improve. This is not enough and we must keep working.

    We didn't control the situation well enough, but fortunately we won the game, which is the best news for us. We played better against Ipswich. Many people think that when we win the game we've played fantastic football and when we've lost the game nothing is working well.

    I am not satisfied today with our performance, I am satisfied with three points but today we were under a big risk, we didn't finish what we needed to in the right moment and this kind of risk you can pay such an expensive price for, which we have paid in the past.

    We must be more brave, more solid, more adult, if you want, in some situations. In football, during 90-something minutes there is always some moments where you are not comfortable during the game where the other team dominates you. In this moment we must understand, interpret the situation better and finish the game in an easier way. All the other games at home are heart-attack games, which is not healthy!



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/09/jokanovic-urges-fulham-to-improve/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham fans pleased with star's performance against Hull: "Immense", "Class player"

Fulham managed to get their first home win of the season against Hull City, by defeating the Tigers 2-1 on Wednesday night in the Championship clash – with the Cottagers supporters praised Stefan Johansen in the aftermath.

Their form at home has been patchy as of late, with the side having drawn two and losing the other against Sheffield Wednesday, so manager Slavisa Jokanovic will be pleased to finally get a positive result at Craven Cottage.

Leonid Slutsky's Hull side has had a dip in form recently themselves, having watched his side be destroyed against Derby County in a 5-0 defeat last weekend, however, they were unable to bounce back as they would have liked.

Fulham had much of the ball and created more of the opportunities, with Hull finding it extremely difficult to get a stranglehold in the fixture.

The Cottagers took the lead in the first-half when Floyd Ayite tapped in a close-range effort just before the half-time whistle.

Hull came back into the match almost ten minutes after the restart, with Jarrod Bowen heading home, before midfielder Johansen ensured the West Londoners would take all three points.

The Norway international's performance delighted many of the Fulham faithful, with them praising his display on social media.

Supporters took to Twitter to provide reactions of their midfielder, with some saying that they felt Johansen was "underrated", whilst others commented on how "immense" he has been throughout the season, not just for this one game.



https://ninetyminutesonline.com/fulham-fans-pleased-stars-performance-hull-immense-class-player/