Sunday Fulham Stuff (03/02/18)...

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Results

Friday
Bolton	1 - 0	Bristol City
Saturday
Aston Villa	3 - 2	Burton
Derby	3 - 0	Brentford
Fulham	2 - 0	Nottm Forest
Leeds	1 - 4	Cardiff
Norwich	1 - 0	Middlesborough
Preston NE	2 - 1	Hull
QPR	1 - 0	Barnsley
Reading	0 - 2	Millwall
Sheff Wed	1 - 3	Birmingham City
Sunderland	0 - 2	Ipswich
Wolves	3 - 0	Sheff Utd

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović praised his side's current run of good form, but the Head Coach cautioned his team that it's not important where his team are in February and encouraged them to keep pushing themselves to get better.

Second-half goals from Lucas Piazon and Stefan Johansen led the Whites to victory over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage as Fulham continued their excellent run of form.

When asked how he felt about the team's current winning streak, Jokanović responded: "Five wins in a row, and six straight wins at home—this is a positive sensation.

"We knew today wasn't going to be an easy game for us and at the end my team showed quality, trust, and that they can play good football. We scored two goals and got three points, which is very important."

The Head Coach credited his team's spirit for their recent turnaround. "We believe we can play good football. We believe if we can support each other we can win the game," the Head Coach said.

"This encourages me because it shows the team is ready for a fight, has fantastic spirit, and is ready to try and win the next game.

"We cannot compare this season to last season. It's a different team now. We've definitely improved, but we've done nothing yet. Right now we're fifth in the table. Other teams have done a better job so far and we have to be focused on the next game, that's it."

Still, Jokanović preached caution and wanted to make sure his team kept looking forward. "This fantastic day is behind us," he said. "Bolton is a fantastic team and they just beat Bristol City, who are a top Championship team. So we must be ready for the next game.

"We are only thinking about the next game. It's not important that in the beginning of February we are fifth. What's important is the next game. That's it."

Aleksandar Mitrović made his Fulham debut today, and Jokanović spoke highly of the striker: "He showed he's a strong man. He brings a physical presence to the pitch," the Head Coach said.

"This is that extra quality we expect he can bring to our team."

Jokanović also stressed that the entire team has worked hard, and that the three January signings were only adding onto an already strong base. "We brought three good players in and we expect they can help us. On the other hand, the team that started the season with us have also worked hard over the past months," the Head Coach said.

"So we expect Targett, Christie, and Mitrović can push the whole team to be even stronger. You have to give credit to everyone in the squad. But I expect these three to be a great help to my team, and to help us win the next game."

Late in the game, Marcus Bettinelli made two rapid-fire saves to preserve Fulham's slender advantage. It was a pivotal moment in the match and the Head Coach was full of praise for his keeper. "Marcus is in great form right now, just like the rest of the team," Jokanović said.

"Marcus made a fantastic save, and the other people around him helped to try and fix this problem. It was a great save and that's it."

"Now we are more confident," Jokanović reflected. "We believe in ourselves and everything is going in a positive direction.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/03/head-coach-nottingham-forest

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Fulham 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Lucas Piazon has scored four goals in 11 Fulham games this season

Fulham beat Nottingham Forest to extend their winning run to four games and climb to fifth in the Championship.

The hosts started the stronger of the two sides, but Forest had the best first-half chance when Matty Cash's effort was saved by Marcus Bettinelli.

Joe Worrall headed against the post for the Reds after the break, while Ryan Sessegnon went close at the other end.

Fulham took the lead when Lucas Piazon fired in from 12 yards, before Stefan Johansen slotted in a second late on.

The home side struggled to break down Aitor Karanka's resilient Forest defence in the first half despite dominating possession, and they introduced new signing Aleksandar Mitrovic early in the second period.

The on-loan Newcastle striker almost marked his debut with a goal, but his header was cleared off the line by Worrall.

Forest offered little attacking threat for much of the game and they have now failed to score in six of their past seven Championship games.

The Reds, who gave debuts to four of their six deadline day signings, slipped to 16th in the table, having lost four of Karanka's first five games in charge.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic told BBC London:

"We played a good game today, we knew we were going to find it a tough opponent.

"We showed quality and patience, created some chances in the first half. In the second half, we didn't start so good. With some movement from the bench we started to play well.

"This is our sixth consecutive win at home, the sensation is good, but we need to be quiet, calm, show humility, keep working hard and be ready for the next game."

Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka told BBC Radio Nottingham:

"I'm never happy when I lose a game but I think the performance today has been completely different to our last game.

"We can't forget that we've played against one of the best, if not the best, team in the league and the performance has been good.

"Today is a completely different feeling, today is a really positive feeling because the players showed me that I can trust them."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42841901

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Fulham 2-0 Nottingham Forest: Player ratings as the Cottagers win again

Goals from Lucas Piazon and Stefan Johansen meant that Fulham's winning run stretched one game longer

Lucas Piazon and Stefan Johansen goals was enough to keep Fulham's unbeaten run going as they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0.

Slavisa Jokanovic made just the one change for today's game, handing Matt Targett his Cottage debut, while new boys Aleksandar Mitrovic and Cyrus Christie were on the bench.

The first half was one of little chances, with Forest limiting their Fulham counterparts to long strikes through Oliver Norwood and Stefan Johansen.

Jokanovic threw new signing Mitrovic into the action ten minutes into the second half as Fulham looked for that opening goal, and it was Piazon who got it.

He picked the ball up and charged at the Forest defence, smashing it past Costel Pantilimon and into the back of the net, while Johansen made it two with a late break.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 8: Had little to do in the first half but was alert to make a good save after a Ream mistake. The same sort of second half from the number one, who was there when called upon. Stunning double save late in the game.

Fredericks 7: Attacked and attacked down the right but did little with the ball put into the box. Caused Forest a lot of problems in the second half down his right hand flank.

Kalas 7: Looked solid in defence and broke from centre back a few times to get Fulham moving. Was a rock at the back and kept Forest at bay.

Ream 7: Made two bad mistakes in the first half and was lucky to get away with them. Recovered well from the early errors and produced another good performance

Targett 8: Looked dangerous down the left in the first half and was the standout player, Quietened second half as Fulham attacked more down the right.

Johansen 8: Hassled and harried all half and looked a lot fitter than he has done previously. Was a real pain to the Forest defence when chasing down balls. Got his rewards with a goal.

Norwood 7: Looked to dictate the tempo and direction of play and looked better this week. Played the Cairney role well.

McDonald 7: Mr Reliable - it was another assured performance from McDonald in the middle of the park.

Sessegnon 7: Linked well with Targett down the left and looked in the mood during the first 45 and continued to play well in the second half.

Piazon 7: Looked decent on the ball and tied to link play. Nice solo goal from the Brazilian in the second half.

Fonte 6: Was making intelligent runs once again and getting into good positions but was replaced for Mitrovic after 54 minutes.

Subs -

Mitrovic 7: Certainly had an impact on proceedings when he came on, causing a nuisance of himself with the Forest defence. His positioning and willingness to get into the box was impressive.

Ayite: N/A: Wasn't on long enough for a score

Odoi N/A: Like Ayite, wasn't on long enough.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-2-0-nottingham-forest-14241691

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Fulham fifth after beating Forest

Fulham 2 Nottingham Forest 0

Fulham made it five wins in a row in the Championship to move up to fifth in the table.

Lucas Piazon's fourth goal of the season broke the deadlock at the Cottage after 68 minutes and Stefan Johansen wrapped things up with a breakaway goal in the last minute.

There looked to be little on as former Chelsea man Piazon wriggled into space and let fly from an angle, virtually straight at Costel Pantilimon, but the former Manchester City keeper could only waft at the ball as it brushed past him.

The Whites were mostly in charge throughout, but survived a scare at the start of the second half when Joe Worrall's header at a corner came back off a post and it needed a fine double save from Bettinelli to deny first Ben Osborn, then Apostolos Vellios on the rebound at 1-0.

New loan signing Aleksandar Mitrovic came on for a struggling Rui Fonte after 55 minutes and had one goalbound header kept out by Worrall, on the line, but it was Johansen who made the game safe with his sixth of the campaign.

Fulham had few clear chances to show for their first half dominance – An Oliver Norwood effort from 25 yards which Pantilimon stretched to turn aside was the closest they came.

And the Whites might even have fallen behind when a dithering Tim Ream was caught out by Matt Cash and only Bettinelli's legs kept out the Forest winger's low strike.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Targett (Odoi 90); Norwood, McDonald; Piazon (Ayite 88), Johansen, Sessegnon; Rui Font (Mitrovic 55). Subs not used: Button, Kebano, Christie, Kamara.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-fifth-seeing-off-nottingham-forest

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Aston Villa Tickets

The Whites are next in action at Craven Cottage on Saturday 17th February, when we take on Aston Villa (kick-off 3pm).

With both teams currently occupying a spot in the Play-Offs, it's sure to be a thriller in SW6!

Tickets are available for supporters to purchase on General Sale and start from £15 for juniors and £35 for adults.

Secure your seat today online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/03/aston-villa-tickets

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Fulham 2-0 Forest

Nottingham Forest suffered a 2-0 defeat against Fulham on a wet and miserable afternoon at Craven Cottage.

In an evenly-contested game in the capital, it was The Cottagers who came out on top thanks to second-half goals from Lucas Piazon and Stefan Johansen.

Manager Aitor Karanka named three of the January deadline-day signings in the starting line-up. Costel Pantilimon replaced Jordan Smith in goal, while Adlene Guedioura was named ahead of David Vaughan. Jack Colback, on-loan from Newcastle, was the third addition in place of Apostolos Vellios.

Debutant Pantilimon was called into action early on after a long-range effort from Fulham's Oliver Norwood which the Romanian guided past his left-hand post.

The contest was evenly poised after the opening 20 minutes, with the home side looking dangerous through Ryan Sessegnon on the left, while Matty Cash was lively for Forest.

And it was through the latter that Forest nearly went ahead on 21. Cash nipped the ball off Tim Ream and drove at goal on the angle but was denied after Marcus Bettinelli saved with his legs.

The home side were dominating possession without creating any clear-cut chances as the Forest back line remained resolute. Fulham's frustration was summed up in injury time of the first half when Norwood blasted an effort high and wide from distance.

Despite the home side's bright start to the second half, it was the visitors who nearly went in front on 52. Joe Worrall met a corner from the left but saw his header rebound off the post with Bettinelli beaten and the Fulham defence managed to scramble clear.

But the pressure continued from the home side as Piazon had an effort which sailed wide and Sessegnon headed over the bar and the pressure told on 67 as Fulham took the lead.

Piazon broke down the right-hand side and struck a powerful effort at goal. Pantilimon got a hand to the ball but could only parry it into the net to give the home side the advantage.

This prompted Forest to introduce two more debutants into the match. Lee Tomlin replaced Kieran Dowell first, with Ashkan Dejagah coming on for Guedioura as the match entered the final 10 minutes.

The visitors were enjoying their best period of possession in the match and nearly found an equaliser with five minutes to go.

After winning the ball off McDonald in the Fulham defence, Vellios, on for Ben Brereton, played in Ben Osborn whose close-range effort was well saved by Bettinelli and then Vellios was unable to turn the rebound in as the Fulham keeper dived across his goal to save again.

Forest were now streaming forward in numbers at every attack in search of the leveller but that left gaps at the back and Fulham capitalised as the game headed into injury time. Worrall took a heavy touch from a high ball, Johansen stole the ball off his toe and raced through on goal to slot past Pantilimon and seal the points for Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

Forest: Panitlimon, Lichaj, Worrall, Mancienne (c), Fox, Colback, Cash, Guedioura (Dejagah 76'), Osborn, Dowell (Tomlin 70'), Brereton (Vellios 81')

Unused subs: Smith, Figueiredo, Vaughan, Darikwa

Bookings: Dowell 47', Mancienne 70'

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Targett (Odoi 90'), Johansen, McDonald (c), Norwood, Piazon (Ayite 88'), Fonte (Mitrovic 55'), Sessegnon

Unused subs: Button, Kebano, Christie, Kamara

Goals: Piazon 68', Johansen 90'

Booking: McDonald 73'

Referee: Tim Robinson

Attendance: TBC



https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/2018/february/fulham-2-0-forest-match-report/

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Fulham 2-0 Nottingham Forest: Lucas Piazon and Stefan Johansen seal win

Fulham maintained their push for promotion as second-half goals from Lucas Piazon and Stefan Johansen sealed a 2-0 win over a new-look Nottingham Forest.

Piazon and Johansen seized on mistakes to make it five wins in a row in the Sky Bet Championship for in-form Fulham, extending their unbeaten league run to eight games in the process.

After keeping players including Tom Cairney, Ryan Sessegnon and Ryan Fredericks on Deadline Day, Fulham looked a good bet to maintain their promotion push under Slavisa Jovanovic.

Forest manager Aitor Karanka, in contrast, had decided to overhaul his new team, with six players leaving and seven joining this week. There were three debutants in the starting line-up but it was a familiar face in defender Joe Worrall who kept Forest level after 11 minutes.

A corner, via a training ground routine, saw Johansen cut the ball back for Piazon and his goal-bound shot was cleared off the line by Worrall.

Fulham were on top as the visitors struggled to stem the tide. Oliver Norwood forced Costel Pantilimon, another making his debut in goal, into a save at full stretch from the midfielder's 20-yard shot.

Forest had barely had a kick but Fulham, so comfortable in possession, were almost the architects of their own downfall after 22 minutes.

Matt Targett was guilty of overplaying in the wrong areas but Matthew Cash's shot lacked conviction and it was too close to Marcus Bettinelli in the Fulham goal.

Forest had already beaten Wolves on their own patch and they were out to ensure Fulham would not have it all their own way. Worrall, who had been their saviour, almost broke the deadlock at the other end. The defender met Kieran Dowell's corner but the ball bounced back off the post and Fulham just scrambled the ball clear.

Jokanovic had seen enough and he sent for fellow Serbian Aleksandar Mitrovic, one of their two signings on deadline day, after just 54 minutes.

The striker had barely played for Newcastle this season but he has previous of helping the Magpies up from this division last year. He was immediately involved as Piazon fired wide before Sessegnon's header from Fredericks' cross just cleared the crossbar.

But Fulham were gifted the lead when Pantilimon failed to hold Piazon's shot and the ball squirmed past him for the 67th-minute opener. It was a moment the Romanian keeper would choose to forget, with the wet conditions perhaps playing a part in the error.

Forest introduced three new players and it almost worked as they were denied an 85th-minute leveller by Bettinelli's double save from Ben Osborn and substitute Apostolos Vellios.

But Johansen clinched the win in the 90th minute, keeping his cool after seizing on a Worrall mistake.

The managers
Slavisa Jokanovic: "We knew today was not going to be easy for us. At the end my team showed the quality, the trust and played good football. We started to believe in ourselves two months ago. We believe we can play good football. We believe if we support each other we can win the game.

"We are just thinking about the next game because we are at the beginning of February. We haven't done anything yet."

Aitor Karanka: "I'm never happy when I lose games. But the performance and attitude has been completely different compared to the last game against Preston. The attitude has been really good.

"We have played against one of the best, if not the best. I have watched the league and they have a lot of confidence."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11727/11229245/fulham-2-0-nottingham-forest-slavisa-jokanovics-side-win-again

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Everything Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic said after the 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest

Here's everything Slavisa Jokanovic said in his post Nottingham Forest press conference

Fulham made it five wins in a row as they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0, thanks to goals from Lucas Piazon and Stefan Johansen.

Here's everything the gaffer had to say on the win:
Delighted to make it five league wins in a row?

"Yeah it's five wins, six at home, this sensation is positive and we know today it wouldn't be easy. At the end my team showed quality and trust and that they can play good football and at the end we scored two goals and win the game."
What do you put turnaround in form down to?

"We start believing in ourselves two months ago or something like that, we believe we can play good football and believe if we support each other we can win the game.

"We made one important mistake five minutes from the end of the game but in this moment this team showed great spirit.

"We tried to fix this problem with many players, at the end Marcus Bettinelli made a fantastic save and this moment is encouraging to believe that is a team ready for fight, good spirit and ready to try win the next game."

Are team getting close to form of last season?

"We cannot compare, this is now a different team and we try to find best way for the team.

"We definitely improve, but we didn't do anything, we're fifth in the table and other teams have done better jobs than us and at the end we must be focused on next step."
First goal inspired your team?

"It's great strike and I see this kind of goal so many times.

"The pitch is fast and Lucas Piazon finished this situation well - we expect my keepers will save everything but we showed if you shoot you can create chances for score the goals and that's it.

"It's not necessary to go so deep."



Second goal was a good finish though?

"It's true, they start to push harder and we kill the game with second goal.

"It can be fantastic if you can do before, but at the beginning of the season we arrive many times at home without some points - now we are more confident and believe in ourselves and everything is going in positive direction.

"But it's fantastic days behind of us, Bolton are a strong team who played well against Bristol and we must be ready for the next game."
Is it important your players don't get carried away?

"We are thinking of next game, it's not important because we are at the start of February, fifth, fourth, first or seventh - the next game is important and we are thinking we have enough power to win next three points."
What difference can Mitrovic make?

"He showed his a strong man, he bring physciality onto the pitch and at the end he controlled a few balls and can be some situations where Forest defence made some kind of penalty, I didn't have the opportunity to watch this and he missed one.

"We find a way to finish some set pieces and this is extra quality what we expect he can bring.

"For another side, he's been without many action on the pitch and he may need some days working hard to out himself in optimal physical level and be in the opportunity to offer himself a better performance."



Surprised he didn't play more at Newcastle?

"I don't care, Mitrovic is my player and fortunately he didn't play enough and I have opportunity to bring him because I believe he can help my team.

"We are talking so much about Mitrovic, we bring three new players and expect they can help us but another part of the team, I understand transfer window is over and we have interest about these players, my team who has started working this season with us, they offer great work during these few months and at the end Matt Targett, Christie and Mitrovic, we expect they can push the team stronger.

"Credit for all the people and I thought Targett played very good game today and I expect they will be great help for my team for fighting for win the next game."
How important was Bettinelli save?

"It's very important, Marcus is in great moment right now like the team and it's true, we made an important mistake five minutes before the end but Marcus made fantastic save like other people around him showed great spirit to try fix this problem

"It's great save, Bettinelli tries to make his job better each time."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everything-fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-14242975

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Jokanovic: New signings will all boost Fulham

Slavisa Jokanovic believes Fulham's new signings will all make a telling contribution to the team's promotion push.

The Whites gave a second-half debut to on-loan striker Aleksandar Mitrovic during the 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage, where Matt Targett also featured and Cyrus Christie was an unused substitute.

"Mitrovic showed he is a strong man. He brings on the pitch physical presence and I believe he can help my team," said the Fulham boss.

"We bring in three new players and we expect they can all help us.

"The team that started working with us this season, they can offer more great work, but we expect the new players can push the team still further.

"Matt Targett played today a very good game. I didn't use Cyrus Christie but I expect they will be a great help for my team, for fighting for the next games."

Fulham's win, secured by goals from Lucas Piazon and Stefan Johansen, was their fifth in a row.

"We showed the quality and the trust, that we can play good football," Jokanovic said.

"We started to believe in ourselves two months ago. We believe we can play good football and support each other to win.

"In this moment, the team shows great spirit, and it encourages my belief that we are ready for the fight and ready to try to win the next games.

"We are more confident. We believe in ourselves and are going in a positive direction. There are fantastic days ahead of us."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jokanovic-predicts-fantastic-days-ahead-new-signings-will-make-difference-fulham

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Fulham 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Fulham maintained their push for promotion as second-half goals from Lucas Piazon and Stefan Johansen sealed a 2-0 win over a new-look Nottingham Forest.
Piazon and Johansen seized on mistakes to make it five wins in a row in the Sky Bet Championship for in-form Fulham, extending their unbeaten league run to eight games in the process.
After keeping the likes of Tom Cairney, Ryan Sessegnon and Ryan Fredericks on deadline day, Fulham looked a good bet to maintain their promotion push under Slavisa Jokanovic.
Forest manager Aitor Karanka, in contrast, had decided to overhaul his new team, with six players leaving and seven joining this week. There were three debutants in the starting line-up but it was a familiar face in defender Joe Worrall who kept Forest level after 11 minutes.
A corner, via a training ground routine, saw Johansen cut the ball back for Piazon and his goal-bound shot was cleared off the line by Worrall.
Fulham were on top as the visitors struggled to stem the tide. Oliver Norwood forced Costel Pantilimon, another making his debut in goal, into a save at full stretch from the midfielder's 20-yard shot.
Forest had barely had a kick but Fulham, so comfortable in possession, were almost the architects of their own downfall after 22 minutes.
Matt Targett was guilty of overplaying in the wrong areas but Matthew Cash's shot lacked conviction and it was too close to Marcus Bettinelli in the Fulham goal.
Forest had already beaten Wolves on their own patch and they were out to ensure Fulham would not have it all their own way. Worrall, who had been their saviour, almost broke the deadlock at the other end. The defender met Kieran Dowell's corner but the ball bounced back off the post and Fulham just scrambled the ball clear.
Jokanovic had seen enough and he sent for fellow Serbian Aleksandar Mitrovic, one of their two signings on deadline day, after just 54 minutes.
The striker had barely played for Newcastle this season but he has previous of helping the Magpies up from this division last year. He was immediately involved as Piazon fired wide before Sessegnon's header from Fredericks' cross just cleared the crossbar.
But Fulham were gifted the lead when Pantilimon failed to hold Piazon's shot and the ball squirmed past him for the 67th-minute opener. It was a moment the Romanian keeper would choose to forget, with the wet conditions perhaps playing a part in the error.
Forest introduced three new players and it almost worked as they were denied an 85th-minute leveller by Bettinelli's double save from Ben Osborn and substitute Apostolos Vellios.
But Johansen clinched the win in the 90th minute, keeping his cool after seizing on a Worrall mistake.



http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=483350

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Bring In 25 Y/O Championship Hotshot to Bolster Defence: Right Fit For Jokanovic's Plans?

Fulham have bolstered their squad further through the signing of Middlesbrough right-back, Cyrus Christie. The 25-year-old has arrived at Craven Cottage permanently on a three-and-a-half-year contract and this comes as a huge boost for the Lillywhites. When asked about Christie's transfer deal, Fulham director of football, Tony Khan was quoted, "He is a fantastic young player who brings both an international pedigree and a wealth of Championship experience with him," Khan said of Christie. I can't wait for him to join us and help the squad continue to push for promotion."

Christie started his professional career with Coventry City and made his debut 7 years ago in the 2-0 defeat to Morecambe in the EFL League Cup. But that was not enough to help him break into the first into the first team. Christie had to develop his game first and was sent out on loan to Nuneaton Town and Hinckley Town in the 2010/11 season which eventually helped him make 119 appearances for the Sky Blues. But it was at Derby County where Christie really came into the limelight of EFL Championship football.

Fulham have bolstered their squad further through the signing of Middlesbrough right-back, Cyrus Christie. The 25-year-old has arrived at Craven Cottage permanently on a three-and-a-half-year contract and this comes as a huge boost for the Lillywhites. When asked about Christie's transfer deal, Fulham director of football, Tony Khan was quoted, "He is a fantastic young player who brings both an international pedigree and a wealth of Championship experience with him," Khan said of Christie. I can't wait for him to join us and help the squad continue to push for promotion."

Christie started his professional career with Coventry City and made his debut 7 years ago in the 2-0 defeat to Morecambe in the EFL League Cup. But that was not enough to help him break into the first into the first team. Christie had to develop his game first and was sent out on loan to Nuneaton Town and Hinckley Town in the 2010/11 season which eventually helped him make 119 appearances for the Sky Blues. But it was at Derby County where Christie really came into the limelight of EFL Championship football.

Fulham have slid into the last playoff spot after going on an incredible 4-game lossless run. They thrashed Burton Albion 6 goals to nil before the 1-3 showing against Barnsley last Saturday at Oakwell. Slavisa Jokanovic has been successful in fending interests from other sides over his number 10 – Tom Cairney.

Ryan Fredericks has played every game except one in the Championship this season for the Cottagers. And Christie has come in as an all-important second option. The defence has been solid most of the time but still has looked a bit vulnerable.

After spending 3 and a half seasons in the Championship the fans at Craven Cottage are pushing the team for the promotion chase. The top 6 clubs have shuffled around in the playoff spots for some time now with Wolves at the top. Now with quality additions they are well equipped to face whatever challenges are thrown their way.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/02/fulham-bring-25-yo-championship-hotshot-bolster-defence-right-fit-jokanovics-plans/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham move into fifth after felling Forest
by Dan on February 3, 2018

Second half goals from Lucas Piazon and Stefan Johansen secured a fifth successive league win for Fulham – as what turned into a routine victory over Nottingham Forest lifted Slavisa Jokanovic's side into fifth place in the Championship. The home side were frustrated for more than a hour on a miserable afternoon at Craven Cottage before Costil Pantilmon marked his Forest debut by allowing a seemingly straightforward shot from Lucas Piazon to slip through his grasp – and the Romanian was beaten again by the rampaging Johansen in the last minute of normal time as his team-mates pushed forward in search of a late leveller.

For much of the contest, there was little between the sides – with Fulham's football the sharper and more fluent, but Jokanovic's men were indebted to a remarkable double save from Marcus Bettinelli for preserving their lead four minutes from time. The Fulham academy graduate, who had earlier spread himself bravely at his near post to prevent Matty Cash from punishing a defensive error, saved splendidly from Ben Osborn and then flung himself across goal to also block the follow-up from substitute Apostolos Vellios.

The magnitude of the moment was recognised by both the home crowd and Bettinelli's team-mates, who rushed in to celebrate their reprieve. Forest – who had been battering at the door with commendable persistence throughout – couldn't summon another chance of note and, instead, had their pocket picked as the clock ticked towards injury time. Johansen stole possession from Joe Worrall on the halfway line and, despite seeming out on his feet, sprinted into the penalty area and slotted past Pantilmon to make certain of a vital victory.

That joyous ending had little in common with Fulham's frustrating first 45 minutes. The Whites began at a high tempo with most of their threat coming down the left flank, where Ryan Sessegnon linked up delightfully with Matt Targett, who was handed a first Fulham start after impressing off the bench at Barnsley last weekend. Sessegnon served notice of his intentions with a couple of surging runs before being clattered into by Cash long after the ball had gone – one of a number of heavy challenges that went unpunished by referee Tim Robinson.

Fulham enjoyed plenty of possession but much less penetration. A well-worked corner which saw Johansen's low delivery swept goalwards from ten yards out by Piazon represented the home side's first real chance, but the ball was diverted behind by Michael Mancienne. Pantilmon produced a magnificent save a minute later to preserve parity – with the former Manchester City goalkeeper diving to his right to repel Ollie Norwood's curler from 25 yards.

The visitors then almost took the lead after Tim Ream got himself into a tangle, striking a clearance against Cash, who raced through on goal and was denied by the onrushing Bettinelli. Forest were workmanlike and, having been freshened up by three of the deadline day arrivals, Aitor Karanka's side were full of energy and endeavour, even if most of it was applied to preventing Fulham from getting a flying start.

It was a different story after the interval when Forest were quick out of the blocks and won a succession of early corners. It was one from one of those set-plays that Worrall outjumped Tomas Kalas and planted a powerful header past Bettinelli that came back off the far post. The visitors continued to pose a real threat from dead ball situations throughout and it took Fulham a while to recover the poise of their first half performance. They were certainly enlivened by the introduction of Aleksandar Mitrovic ten minutes into the second half.

Sessegnon felt he should have put the Whites in front instead of heading over the bar when he leapt above Danny Fox to meet Ryan Fredericks' looping cross from the right after fine approach play from Piazon. But the frustration didn't last too long after Piazon darted past a couple of Forest defenders on his way into the penalty area before powering in a shot that burst through Pantilmon's hands at his near post.

Fulham searched for a second with Mitrovic – desperate to make an impact on his debut – going close on a couple of occasions before Karanka threw on Lee Tomlin and Ashkan Dejagah, who made his first Forest appearance nearly four years after leaving Craven Cottage, to try and inspire a Forest equaliser. The double change nearly did the trick but for Bettinelli's barely believable heroics before Johansen put the game beyond the plucky visitors right at the death.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Targett (Odoi 90+2), Kalas, Ream; McDonald, Norwood, Johansen; Piazon (Ayite 88), R. Sessegnon, Fonte (Mitrovic 55). Subs (not used): Button, Christie, Kebano, Kamara.

BOOKED: McDonald.

GOALS: Piazon (67), Johansen (90).

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4-2-3-1): Pantilmon; Lichaj, Fox, Worrall, Mancienne; Colback, Guedioura (Dejagah 76); Cash, Dowell (Tomlin 70), Osborn; Brereton (Velios 81). Subs (not used): Smith, Figueiredo, Darikwa, Vaughan.

BOOKED: Dowell.

REFEREE: Tim Robinson (West Sussex).

ATTENDANCE: 22,076



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[WhiteJC]

Jokanovic delighted by Fulham's five in a row
by Dan on February 3, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic hailed Fulham's character and quality after watching his side record their fifth win in a row by beating Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The Serbian head coach is delighted with Fulham's excellent run of form since the turn of the year and the fact that his side have strung together six successive home wins. He was pleased with his team's consistency but insisted during his post-match press conference that Fulham know better than to get too carried away in February.

    Five wins in a row, and six straight wins at home—this is a positive sensation. We knew today wasn't going to be an easy game for us and at the end my team showed quality, trust, and that they can play good football. We scored two goals and got three points, which is very important.

    We believe we can play good football. We believe if we can support each other we can win the game. This encourages me because it shows the team is ready for a fight, has fantastic spirit, and is ready to try and win the next game.

Jokanovic also swatted aside any comparison of the current campaign to the second half of last season where Fulham swept into the top six on the back of Championship-winning form.

    We cannot compare this season to last season. It's a different team now. We've definitely improved, but we've done nothing yet. Right now we're fifth in the table. Other teams have done a better job so far and we have to be focused on the next game, that's it.

    This fantastic day is behind us. We are only thinking about the next game. It's not important that in the beginning of February we are fifth. What's important is the next game. That's it.

The Fulham boss saved special words of praise for goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, who made a magnificent double save to keep the Whites in front with four minutes left to play.

    Marcus is in great form right now, just like the rest of the team. Marcus made a fantastic save, and the other people around him helped to try and fix this problem. It was a great save and that's it.



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[WhiteJC]

Fuham are 'full of confidence,' says Bettinelli
by Dan on February 3, 2018

Marcus Bettinelli believes Fulham are on the cusp of something special after the Whites won their fifth successive league game by beating Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The Fulham goalkeeper, who produced a sensational double save to help the Whites' record another clean sheet, told BBC Radio London that the winning run has only served to increase the confidence among Slavisa Jokanovic's squad as they contemplate another promotion push from the Championship. Bettinelli, who overcome a knock in the warm up to turn in another excellent display, played down his own part in another vital win after the final whistle:

    Before the game we said in the changing room, 'Let's go out there and get another clean sheet'. We were unlucky not to get one at Barnsley last week. The boys are defending really, really well at the moment and letting the attacking players go forward and do their stuff. Overall today, a really solid performance from the lads. It wasn't easy. Forest are a really good side – they recruited a lot of players in January and we weren't sure who was going to start for them. It was a tough game. Thankfully, we kept this run going, got another clean sheet but the most important thing is the three points.

The former England under-21 international was also quick to downplay his personal role in keeping Fulham ahead when he denied Ben Osborn and Apostolos Vellios in quick succession from close range following a slip up by Tomas Kalas.

    That is always going to happen with the way we play. We like to play football and that can lead to mistakes. The reaction from the lads when Kalas makes the mistake – obviously I make the save, but from what I remember, there's three or four lads on that goal-line with me. If I don't save it, I'm sure someone else does. I think that's what we've shown really well lately – a real commitment and desire to keep clean sheets. I'm glad the save led to us getting three points. At the end of the day, it's not about me making saves, it's about us winning games.

Bettinelli was adamant that Fulham can kick on and potentially challenge for an automatic promotion spot if they don't take their current league position for granted.

    Absolutely. We're full of confidence in training and going into games we're so confident. I think at the start of the season we struggled a little bit, we were trying to find our feet and our way of playing but we're on this run at the moment – we've got to keep it going. We've got to keep on grafting out results – not every game is going to be like when we played Burton. The most important thing is we didn't drop points and we can't worry about anyone else, we've just got to keep winning for us,

The Fulham academy graduate also believes the club's promotion chances are much stronger after Jokanovic brought in three new faces in the final week of the January transfer window.

    Matty [Targett] came last week and we signed Cyrus [Christie] and Mitro on the last day. I'm sure all three of them are going to be great additions to the squad. I played with Matty before, he's technically very, very good. I've not played with Cyrus but I've trained with him, I'm sure he was edging to get on today and make his debut but his time will come I'm sure of it. Mitro's come on today and done really well for us. Held the ball up really well. We're going to need everyone. It's not just about eleven players. It's about everyone sticking together and digging deep. Today we've done that and we've shown that in the last four or five games.



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[WhiteJC]

Fulham 2-0 Nottingham Forest: Player ratings
by Dan on February 4, 2018

Marks out of ten for Slavisa Jokanovic's side after Fulham recorded their tenth win in thirteen games by beating Nottingham Forest to move into fifth in the Championship yesterday afternoon ...

Marcus Bettinelli: Not the Fulham goalkeeper's busiest afternoon, but boy, didn't he come up big when called upon? Bailed out Tim Ream in the first half by racing off his line to save with his feet from Matty Cash and then produced a stupendous double save when Tomas Kalas was robbed outside his own box. Looked for all the world as though he was beaten when Apostilos Velios applied the finishing touch after Bettinelli had denied Ben Osborn, but the Fulham keeper made a magnificent save. A man of the match performance. 8

Ryan Fredericks: Buzzed up and down the right flank effectively, but will probably concede he could have done better with his final ball. Fizzed a few dangerous crosses over in the first half, but really came into his own as an attacking threat after half time. Produced a fine ball that Ryan Sessegnon headed over at the far post, but never stopped running and helped to contain Forest's fluid line of three behind Ben Brereton. 7

Matty Targett: An outstanding home debut. Targett fully deserved his opportunity at Craven Cottage after impressing off the bench at Barnsley last weekend and he combined superbly with Sessegnon throughout. Looked the liveliest man in a white shirt before the break and put in a solid defensive shift as well – frequently winning the ball in the air despite clearly being targeted by Aitor Karanka and his coaching staff. 7

Tomas Kalas: Utterly imperious in the air – heading away forward ball after forward ball – and gave Brereton no change throughout the afternoon. Seemed eager to bring the ball out from the back and carry it forward, although this did bring about a couple of iffy moments. The clearest of examples of this came when Velios robbed him of possession 20 yards from the Fulham goal, only for Bettinelli to make that brilliant double stop. 7

Tim Ream: Uncharacteristically for the American, Ream made two dreadful first half mistakes that should have been punished by more predatory finishing. He tried to shepherd a long ball behind for a corner and was surprised by Brereton's persistence to keep the ball alive, but a combination of Kalas and Bettinelli got Fulham out of jail. Then, Cash charged down a Ream clearance and Bettinelli had to come charging off his line to save with his feet. Much more composed in the second half and started a number of strong attacks from the heart of the defence. 7

Kevin McDonald: Another commanding display from the Scottish schemer, who stood in again as skipper for the injured Tom Cairney. He lost an early duel with Adlène Guedioura that almost presented a clear chance for the Algerian on the edge of the box, but this was a real rarity as he broke up a number of promising attacks and distributed the ball well to present team-mates with good opportunities. Good forward well to exert further pressure on Forest in the second half and eventually that endeavour told. 7

Ollie Norwood: The Northern Irish midfielder played a more advanced role in the absence of Cairney and was far more effective than he had been at Oakwell last week. Might have given Fulham the lead within the first ten minutes with a bending effort from 25 yards but for a superb save from Pantilmon, but began to dictate the play with real assertiveness from a deeper-lying position. Drove over from long range in first half stoppage time, but continued to move the ball impressively in the second half and spread the ball well for Piazon out to the right for the opening goal. 7

Stefan Johansen: More like the Johansen of last season. The Norwegian set the tone by shutting down Pantilmon and his defenders from the final whistle and gone on the ball in advanced areas more than he has done previously this term, looking a lot sharper as well. Linked well with Targett and Sessegnon down the left in the first period and drove forward from deep after the break. Settled the contest in the last minute of normal time, summoning up reserves of energy to sprint clear of Worrall after stripping him of the ball on the halfway and tucked a measured finish past Pantilmon after a lung-busting run. 7

Lucas Piazon: The Brazilian buzzed around the midfield with real energy from the right side of a fluid front three from the offset. He might have broken the deadlock from a smartly worked corner when his low shot from ten yards was blocked behind on its way towards goal. Piazon never stopped running and got his reward midway through the second half when he cut inside, beat two defenders and shot from the right edge of the box – surprising Pantilmon with the venom of his drive. 7

Ryan Sessegnon: The teenager looked lively from the left, linking up effectively with Targett from the outset, and was understandably quietened by a number of crunching tackles from the Forest midfield. Recovered well after making a number of forays deep into Forest territory and penned the visitors back with his pace and precision in the second half. Might have broken the deadlock with a prodigious leap at the back post to connect with a Fredericks cross, but Fulham's frustration didn't last too long. 7

Rui Fonte: The Portuguese striker got very little change out of the Forest centre backs who nullified his presence with imposing physical play from the outset. Made a number of clever runs to find space but barely had a sight of goal in anger, before being replaced by Mitrovic ten minutes into the second half. The Serbian provided more bite and engaged in a battle with the Forest centre halves from the off to keep up the pressure on the visitors. 6

Substitutes:

Aleksandr Mitrovic: A vibrant debut from the Newcastle loanee, who enlivened Fulham in the final third almost as soon as he replaced Fonte. Worked the visiting back four with a number of determined runs right across the pitch and carried the ball forward at pace to unsettle the defence. Might have scored with a couple of headers, but his mere presence occupied defenders – as exemplified when he drew men away from both Piazon and Johansen as they moved in goal for their second half strikes. 7

Floyd Ayite: Brought energy and pace when he stepped off the bench to replace the exhausted Piazon with a couple of minutes left. Nearly extended the lead with almost his first touch, taking an ambitious shot from outside the box when he might have carried the ball into the area – and ran at a tiring Forest defence as Fulham broke forward on the break in the closing stages. 6

Denis Odoi: The Belgian full back came on as a very late replacement for the impressive Targett deep into the stoppage time, but had less than a minute to make an impression after Johansen had sealed the victory. 6



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