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

Started by WhiteJC, February 17, 2018, 01:56:23 PM

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WhiteJC

#20
 
The Aston Villa injury news everyone was dreading ahead of Preston game

The injuries are not looking good at Villa Park at the moment

Aston Villa's injuries are starting to build again and there's further bad news after today's 2-0 defeat at Fulham.

Jack Grealish missed out with a calf injury and is also unlikely to be available for Tuesday's home game with Preston North End after sitting on the sidelines in training this week.

Albert Adomah, who joked last week that he's never picked up a hamstring injury, has sustained that very problem and is also unlikely to make the midweek meeting.

Andre Green would be Villa's usual replacement on the left but he's also injured a hamstring on his left leg hence why he wasn't involved at Craven Cottage today.

The minor good news is that it's the opposite leg to earlier in the season when he required surgery on a hamstring issue, but still, it isn't ideal.

Elsewhere, Ahmed Elmohamady was withdrawn at half-time following a challenge with Fulham's Matt Targett and will be assessed ahead of the next game.

Boss Steve Bruce said: "For me they have been the catalyst in terms of what we have achieved, with the penetration of Adomah and scoring the goals and then Grealish in the middle of the pitch.

"It's the creativity we lacked today and that penetration which we have had in abundance over the last few weeks.

"We missed it. We were dealt that blow and weren't able to cope with it."

Asked about Elmohamady, he said: "We had to change again, losing Elmo.

"It has been a cruel blow on us losing Albert and Grealish.

"They give us penetration and a forward threat.

"Take away Elmo as well and we did not have that penetration.

"When I opened us up and got a couple of strikers, they enjoyed that.

"But Fulham are a good side, they have some good players. They are ones to beat."

Report
Aston Villa's unbeaten run in the Championship this year came to an abrupt end at Fulham.

Goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite gave the hosts a deserved win and cut the gap on the claret and blues to four points.

Villa kept it tight in the first-half with man-of-the-match Axel Tuanzebe impressing on his first start for the club.

But without the injured Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah, Villa lacked punch up top and were pinned back for long periods of the game.

After the break Fulham got their breakthrough.

Ryan Fredericks crossed for Sessegnon who drifted into the centre to steer past Sam Johnstone.

The Villa goalkeeper won't want to see the second goal back, either.

His clearance from outside of the box fell to Ayite's feet and from 45 yards out the Fulham attacker drove the ball into an empty net.

With Cardiff beating Middlesbrough, Villa surrendered second place and dropped down into third.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-injury-news-everyone-14304169

WhiteJC

 
'Mind the gap,' 'Coming for us?' – Wolves fans mock Aston Villa after defeat v Fulham

Aston Villa slipped to a 2-0 defeat away at Fulham on Saturday in a disappointing Championship result for the Birmingham based club.

An uneventful first half sprung to life in the second and goals from Ryan Sessegnon in the 52nd minute and Floyd Ayite in the 71st minute ended a run of seven straight league wins for Steve Bruce's side.

Considering that Derby County lost earlier in the day, it was an opportunity to put more daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.

Bruce had Jack Grealish missing in the centre of the park whose class and passing ability was sorely missed from the start and in his absence it highlighted the side's lack of strength in depth.

The defeat saw Cardiff City replaced Villa in the second automatic promotion spot and a two-point gap needs now to be overhauled if the Birmingham outfit are going to get back up second.

However, the Claret and Blues can quickly put the result behind them with three points against Preston on Tuesday.

There were plenty of football supporters that were pleased with Fulham's victory on Saturday.

The win was music to the ears of Wolves supporters who took the opportunity to mock their rival supporters in light of the loss.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/wolves-fans-mock-aston-villa-defeat-v-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 2 Aston Villa 0: Ryan Sessegnon strikes again to lift hosts into top six

Fulham won a seventh home league game in a row for the first time since 2000 to reinforce their place in the top six as Villa dropped out of the automatic promotion places.

Ryan Sessegnon scored his seventh league goal of 2018 and Floyd Ayite added a bizarre second as Slavisa  Jokanovic's side deservedly triumphed.

"For us, it is going to be a big  surprise if we finish in the top two," said Jokanovic, whose team are fifth but charging up the table. "Everything is possible. I am not talking about the play-offs or anything. It is only about how we prepare for the next game."

Prolonged runs of good form since the turn of the year have propelled each of these pre-season promotion contenders right into the midst of the top six after underwhelming first halves of the season.

Villa, without the influential Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah, adopted a conservative approach as they looked to win an eighth successive game for the first time since 1975. The challenge for manager Steve Bruce has been maintaining on-pitch consistency while facing personal trauma following the death of his father, Joe, last week and his mother, Sheenagh, being taken ill at the beginning of the month.

"When you lose your father and you've got a really sick mum at home too, it puts it in perspective," said Bruce. "Yes we want to win games, yes we want to get promoted but it's not everything. They are the one to beat, Fulham. I predicted that at the start and I still think the same way."

Fulham had near 100 per cent of the possession in the opening ten minutes but the first chance went the way of Villa, with Scott Hogan firing narrowly over the angle of post and bar after good work from Robert Snodgrass.

It was a cagey affair with  neither side able to create anything of note in the first half. The prodigious Sessegnon, January's Championship Player of the Month, was kept quiet by Axel Tuanzebe, the Manchester United loanee who was coping admirably at right-back. Bruce this week thanked the Villa's fans for their support of him in recent weeks and 4,000 made the journey south to roar their team on in the Thames-side sunshine.

However, they were silenced seven minutes after the break when Ryan Fredericks raced to the byeline and pulled the ball back for Sessegnon to sweep low into the bottom corner – his 12th goal of the season.

"He has definitely improved every day," said Jokanovic. "He played fantastically at 16, now at 17 and he's probably going to play better at 18. He is really talented, he tries to push himself, he is never satisfied."

Villa had set up to contain so required a change of approach to their game plan but they lost the match in calamitous circumstances.

A dreadful clearance from goalkeeper Sam Johnstone fell straight to Ayite who controlled it and then chipped into the empty net from 45 yards. Game over.

It could have got worse for Villa. Fredericks lashed across goal while Aboubakar Kamara came close but the home side had done more than enough. The Fulham fans were content to see out the final minutes singing "Terry, what's the score?" to the former Chelsea captain, John.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/02/17/fulham-2-aston-villa-0-ryan-sessegnon-strikes-lift-hosts-top/


WhiteJC

 
Fulham 2 Aston Villa 0: Ryan Sessegnon shines as Villa's winning run ends

JOHN TERRY'S return to west London was upstaged by a teenager who was not even born when he was starting out.

Ryan Sessegnon – the latest name off the Fulham production line – enhanced his glowing reputation and scored the opening goal.

And then Floyd Ayite's 45-yard wonder strike caught Villa keeper Sam Johnstone off his line to settle this thriller which saw the the race at the top of the Championship table intensify.

With Wolves virtually over the line already, the contenders are ripping each other apart to join them.

Villa, in second place, have made a decent fist of it, arriving on a seven-match unbeaten run.

But fifth-placed Fulham can now match that feat and – on this form – look hard to stop.

The cards did not fall right for ex-Chelsea skipper Terry on his return to an area of London where he became a legend.

He was mercilessly booed by Fulham fans, but it seemed more out of respect than anger. They were too busy cheering their own local hero Sessegnon, who showed just why he is wanted by top clubs.

Head coach Slavisa Jokanovic said: "Sessegnon is a wonderful talent.

"He was fantastic at 16, now better at 18. He is an important player in my team. In his mind he is trying to push himself all the time.

"I have no idea how much he would be worth in the market. I don't want to sell."

This was always going to be a high-octane game. Moves flowed, tackles bit and little separated the teams until Sessegnon's breakthrough.

Then, Fulham really took off.

Their midfield was the most inventive, with Villa holding two stiff lines and hoping to shock on the break.


Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon opened the scoring against Aston Villa

Steve Bruce's outfit almost achieved their objective when Birkir Bjarnason broke clear and sent a thunderous shot just wide of Fulham's goal in the 15th minute.

The highly vocal travelling support, officially recorded at 4,000, never stopped offering support, adding fervour, flavour and fire on a sun-kissed afternoon.

But Fulham's football was more fluent, passes went swiftly to foot and forward.

And Villa did well to hold on in the first half, with Cottagers skipper Tom Cairney pulling the strings.

He said in his programme notes this game was the biggest of the season so far and the next six could define it. They certainly made a statement yesterday.

Jokanovic said: "We showed ambition to win the game. We scored two, should have got a third, but I am still satisfied.

We now have to keep it going and fight for more points. We beat a side who had won seven games in a row but our job is still not done.

"We must show some solidarity."

It was a fierce start from both sides and referee Tony Harrington had to stop the game in the 31st minute to talk to the benches as passions rose in a frenzied game.

That all changed in the 51st minute when Ryan Fredericks broke on the right and crossed low for Sessegnon to skilfully turn home without breaking stride.

Fulham finally settled nerves when Ayite, just inside his own half, found the ball at his feet following a sloppy clearance and launched it back over the luckless Johnstone.

He went off late to a tremendous reception.


Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic doesn't want to sell Ryan Sessegnon

"I always thought whoever got the first goal would decide it," said Bruce.

"They had quality in the first half. As soon as they opened us up it changed.

"Fulham played very well, particularly after their opening goal. I always said they are the team to beat. I said that at the start and this confirms it. We've been dealt a blow. We have to live with it. Sessegnon is a great talent for them."

Bruce, who is mourning the recent death of his father, saw his side drop out of the top-two.

He added: "Is football an escape after what you've been through? No. When you lose your father it puts it into perspective. It is life and you have to get on with it."

Both these sides have graced the Premier League before. It would not be an injustice if they both go up.



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/682687/Fulham-news-Aston-Villa-news-Ryan-Sessegnon-Floyd-Ayite-John-Terry-Slavisa-Jokanovic

WhiteJC

 
Fans Are Divided After Margot Robbie Admitted She Supports Fulham


For some people Margot Robbie is the full package. However, for many British football fans, that package has been torn to shreds.

Some might seek solitude when a celebrity crush or icon reveals they support their football club, but will also be quick to judge when they don't.

The latter has happened with Robbie, after the Aussie admitted she's a supporter of none other than... Fulham.

That's right, rather than immersing herself in the ear-splitting noise of Anfield's Kop, or witnessing the skills of Paul Pogba at Old Trafford, or indeed admiring the empty seats at the Etihad and the Emirates, she prefers Craven Cottage.

Speaking on Football Focus, she said: "I actually haven't been to another Fulham game in a while, but I know they're playing tomorrow against Aston Villa.

"It's my two best friends - well it's my husband and my other best friend Josie - Aston Villa is Josie's team, Fulham is Tom's team, and they're going to the game together and it's very tense already.

"I've pledged my allegiance to Fulham, so I want Fulham to win."

The admission, of course, divided many...



http://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/viral-sport-fans-are-divided-after-margot-robbie-admitted-she-supports-fulham-20180217

WhiteJC


Sessegnon strikes again to end Villa's winning run
by Dan on February 17, 2018

In case their recent run of form had gone unnoticed, Fulham sent the rest of the Championship a warning as to the seriousness of their promotion credentials with possibly their most impressive performance of their campaign as they ended Aston Villa's seven-match winning streak at Craven Cottage this afternoon. Slavisa Jokanovic's side gradually wore down their visitors and were good value for their victory, which came courtesy of second half strikes from teenage winger Ryan Sessegnon and the returning Floyd Ayite.

Villa, set up to stifle Fulham's flowing football, had nullified the home side's attacking instincts after a promising early flurry but were swept aside after being breached by a beautiful move seven minutes after the interval. Ayite, preferred to Lucas Piazon on the right wing this afternoon, swept away from two would-be tacklers and fed the rampaging Ryan Fredericks, whose measured low cross found the advancing Sessegnon and the teenager's clever finish found the far corner.

That goal marked the first time Steve Bruce's side had been behind in the league since Boxing Day and, without the creativity usually provided by the injured Jack Grealish and Albert Adomoah, Villa never looked like getting back into the contest. The home side seemed suddenly to carry a greater goal threat ever time they went forward, but the crucial second arrived courtesy of a horrendous mistake from the usually reliable Sam Johnstone. The on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper attempted to clear his lines from a defensive free-kick in the Villa right back position but his kick only found Ayite in the centre circle and the Togolese winger chipped in from 50 yards with a modicum of fuss.

Bruce sent on Lewis Grabban and Keinan Davis in an attempt to inspire a fightback but their only opening came courtesy of Birkir Bjarnason's chipped ball that split Tim Ream and Tomas Kalas only for Scott Hogan – usually so deadly against Fulham – to spoon a volley high into the Putney End. At the other end, Fulham were rampant. Johnstone made a splendid sprawling save to deny the excellent Aleksandr Mitrovic and, from the next passage of play, Ayite headed over Sessegnon's floated cross. With the Fulham fans aiming ridicule at their favourite bête noire, John Terry, substitute Aboubakar Kamara stung Johnstone's palms with a fierce shot – and Bruce's side were relieved to hear the final whistle.

The Whites could have won by more, but they had made their statement in any case. Jokanovic was too wily to be drawn into where this all left the promotion picture after the final whistle, preferring to laud's his side's belief in their footballing style, which had survived one of its toughest tests of the season. The home side certainly settled the quicker with Matt Targett fizzing a speculative strike a few yards wide and then Mitrovic, who conclusively won one of the key battles against an ageing Terry, coming much closer with a header.

Villa could have taken the lead with their first real foray into Fulham territory with Bjarnason played a clever one-two with Mile Jedinak and advanced to the edge of the box before shooting fractionally wide of the far post. In a first half of few openings, Robert Snodgrass had fired just off target from outside the penalty area – but Fulham enjoyed the lion's share of possession, probing patiently in front of the visiting back four. They struggled for penetration as Tom Cairney worked his way into the contest after returning to the starting line-up with Sessegnon well shackled by Axel Tuanzebe, who used his pace and positional sense expertly to keep the young prospect quiet during the first period. Right on the stroke of half-time, Ayite glided a volley into Johnstone's gloves – but Jokanovic would have been disappointed at Fulham's failure to get behind the Villa defence despite dominating possession.

It was a different story in the second half. Fulham found ways to allow Sessegnon, Ayite and Fredericks – their three most likely sources of an opening – to engineer space in the final third, whilst Cairney gradually became more influential as the contest went on. Sessegnon showed great character to snaffle the vital opener only moments after failing to convert a glorious opportunity created for him by a brilliant bowl out from Marcus Bettinelli. The Fulham goalkeeper's throw sent the teenager haring down the left wing but he misjudged his pass to Stefan Johansen, who had surged forward in support.

It didn't unduly affect the teenager, who showed that predatory instinct to creep in from the wing as Fredericks breezed away from Alan Hutton, and then found the perfect finish to nestle in the far corner from the full back's low cross. The relief around a packed Craven Cottage gave way to ecstasy – as if Fulham's largest crowd of the season began to believe that automatic promotion might not be beyond Jokanovic's team. The Serbian's side still have a testing month ahead – but playing like this, they'll be a formidable match for any of the division's promotion contenders.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Targett, Kalas, Ream; McDonald, Johansen (Odoi 90+1), Cairney; Ayite (Piazon 88), R. Sessegnon, Mitrovic (Kamara 79). Subs (not used): Button, Christie, Norwood, Kebano.

BOOKED: Johansen.

GOALS: R. Sessegnon (52), Ayite (71).

ASTON VILLA (4-1-4-1): Johnstone; Tuanzebe, Hutton, Chester, Terry; Jedinak (Grabban 67); Bjarnason, Hourihane, Elmohamady (Onomah 45), Snodgrass (Davis 88); Hogan. Subs (not used): Bunn, Taylor, Whelan, Lansbury.

BOOKED: Jedinak.

REFEREE: Tony Harrington (Cleveland)

ATTENDANCE: 24,547



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/sessegnon-strikes-again-to-end-villas-winning-run/


WhiteJC


Jokanovic insists nothing is won yet
by Dan on February 17, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic moved to downplay the importance of Fulham's win over Aston Villa by insisting that his side had not won anything more than three points after the win at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The Fulham head coach reflected on the fact that he was not left lamenting the Whites' failure to finish in front of goal after his side ended Aston Villa's seven match winning streak thanks to second half goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite. The Serbian told his post-match press conference that his only regret was that the final scoreline did not accurately portray his time's overall dominance:

    We scored two goals and we could've scored more. Normally, I complain about missing a second goal, but today we missed a third. In the end, we must satisfied with our performance. I believe we played a very good game of football, but in the end, it's only three points.

    In the first-half, we couldn't find a way to connect with our full-backs, but we changed our shape, tried something a little different and showed a better face in the second-half. We have enough experience from losing points against Bolton.

Jokanovic was keen to remind everybody that, whilst Fulham's recent run has certainly propelled them into promotion contention, the Whites hadn't won anything yet.

    We can't think the job is done, because it's not. We're fifth in the Championship and we must show solidarity and work together. We will need whole the squad and if we push together in the same direction, we can think about positive things. Right now, we need to rest, prepare for the next step and fight to find our best performance.

He was full of praise for Sessegnon's match-changing display in the second half, saluting the youngster's professional and his ongoing desire to improve.

    Sessegnon is an extremely talented player and we must push him in the right direction. He has definitely improved over the season and I expect he will improve in the future. He's a very important player within my team and my squad. We are satisfied with his performance today as he scored and important goal but he must push himself and try and improve each game.

The Fulham head coach also highlighted the way Aleksandar Mitrovic led the line on his first start since arriving on loan from Newcastle at the end of January.

    Although he didn't score, Mitrovic had a very good game for us. He held the ball up very well and a positive impact on the game. His movement for the first goal allowed space for Sessegnon to score an important goal. He was unfortunate not to play for many months, we expect we can help him to be in better shape for the upcoming games.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/jokanovic-insists-nothing-is-won-yet/

WhiteJC


Fulham 2-0 Aston Villa: Player ratings
by Dan on February 17, 2018

Marks out of ten after Fulham registered a massive win over Aston Villa in the Craven Cottage sunshine ..

Marcus Bettinelli: It was a measure of just how much Fulham were in control that the goalkeeper had little to do but field a pair of shots from Robert Snodgrass in the second half. Bettinelli wasn't overly tested but also helped set the tone for a far more searching examination of the Aston Villa defence in the second period when a brilliant throw released Ryan Sessegnon for a lightning quick break. He distributed the ball well after a slightly shaky start and deserves credit for another clean sheet against one of the league's in-form sides. 7

Ryan Fredericks: The Fulham right back in full flight is some sight. He cut a frustrated figure during the first half as he wasn't given the ball often enough to test out the ageing Alan Hutton. The second period was something else entirely as the full back flew down the right at will and became Fulham's most likely source of an opening. Made the opening goal with a superb burst into the box and a clever cut back for Sessegnon, which proved to be the game's turning point. 8

Matt Targett: As solid as ever in terms of a defensive display, Targett picked up from where he left off at Bolton last weekend by registering Fulham's first effort at goal with a strike from just outside the box that arrowed wide. With Sessegnon nullified for much of the first half, the home side's early threat down the left came from the Southampton loanee, who then kept Robert Snodgrass impressively quiet in the second 45 minutes. 7

Tomas Kalas: The Czech centre back delivered a dominant defensive display on John Terry's return to west London that perhaps carried more significance than many might have realised. Kalas has previously described the Villa centre back as one of his mentors in football – and he displayed the kind of commanding characteristics that underlined his impressive first campaign at Craven Cottage, whilst keeping Scott Hogan very quiet indeed. 7

Tim Ream: The American continued his fine season with another nerveless performance at the heart of a Fulham defence that never looked unduly troubled this afternoon. He felt emboldened enough to advance forward from the back on a couple of occasions and distributed the ball with the kind of confidence that we have come to expect. Oozed class and deserves great credit for forcing Steve Bruce to thrown on more forwards in a desperate attempt to enliven a laboured Villa performance. 7

Kevin McDonald: McDonald has been lauded as a leader of this team whilst Tom Cairney has been missing from Fulham's midfield – and the Scottish midfielder's display showed exactly why. He was organising and cajoling his team-mates from the off, ensuring they knew exactly where they had to be in a disciplined defensive showing, whilst reading the game as expertly as ever. Conclusively won the holding midfield battle by keeping Conor Hourihane quiet and might have crowned an excellent display with a third on the break, but slipped at the vital moment. 7

Stefan Johansen: Energy and endeavour from the Norwegian, who buzzed around busily from the outset. Harried Villa's most offensive operators throughout and kept up a frantic pace until he was replaced in the first minute of added time by Denis Odoi. Seems to have shaken off the groin problem that dogged his efforts earlier in the season and could have broken the deadlock early in the second half had Ryan Sessegnon's pass after a speedy break carried more power. 7

Tom Cairney: So pleasing to see Cairney back at the heart of the Fulham midfield. Slavisa Jokanovic's side look a far classier proposition with the Scot spraying passes around and maintaining the sort of tempo that makes opponents wilt. Began a number of promising attacks and began more influential as the match went on, gradually pushing Villa backwards, and you sense that Fulham's success this season will depend on how often he can feature in midfield. 7

Floyd Ayite: An excellent return to the starting line-up for the lively Togolese winger, who was preferred to Lucas Piazon on the right by Slavisa Jokanovic. Ayite's pace and decision making in the final third troubled Villa from the outset and he dovetailed well with Ryan Fredericks down the right. Played a crucial part in starting the move that led to Sessegnon's opener and then kept his cool to chip home from the centre circle after Sam Johnstone's free-kick picked him out perfectly. 8

Ryan Sessegnon: A quiet first half was forgotten once Sessegnon put Fulham ahead seven minutes after the break. The goal displayed the teenager's incredible poaching instinct once again as he improvised a fine finish from Fredericks' cut-back to find the far corner that Johnstone had left a little exposed. He struggled initially against Axel Tuanzebe but was posed Villa real problems after the break – surging deep into the visitors' territory from a fine Bettinelli throw-out, but – unusually – couldn't find the final ball on that occasion. 8

Aleksandar Mitrovic: The Serbian striker rewarded Jokanovic's faith with an imposing display up front on his first Fulham start. Mitrovic utterly bullied both John Terry and James Chester at the heart of the Villa defence, winning the physical battle hands down, and showed a fine first touch as he held the ball up well and brought his team-mates into play. Might have scored with a couple of headers – with Johnstone producing a brilliant stop in the second half – but showed enough to suggest the goals will come. 7

Substitutes:

Aboubakar Kamara (on for Aleksandar Mitrovic 79): Like at the Macron Stadium, the French forward could have scored with his first touch after a lovely link-up with Floyd Ayite but snatched at the chance. This miss wasn't half as damaging as the one at Bolton and the fact that Kamara even got into that position owed so much to his remarkable improvement as a footballer since arriving at Fulham back in August. 7

Lucas Piazon (on for Floyd Ayite 88): The briefest of cameos for the on-loan Chelsea winger, who will still have an integral part to play in Fulham's promotion push. 6

Denis Odoi (on for Stefan Johansen 90+1): The Belgian defender came on at the death after Stefan Johansen had run himself into the ground to help Fulham play out time. 6



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/fulham-2-0-aston-villa-player-ratings/

WhiteJC


Cairney commends Fulham's 'special' victory
by Dan on February 18, 2018

Tom Cairney was delighted with Fulham's 'special victory' over Aston Villa – after the Whites' 2-0 win at Craven Cottage served notice of their promotion ambitions.

The Scottish playmaker returned to Slavisa Jokanovic's starting line-up after another injury lay-off caused by a persistent knee problem and gradually became more influential as the game wore one. Cairney told BBC London Sport he was really pleased by the way Fulham delivered a strong performance in such a crucial contest:

    It was a big victory. I'd say it was the biggest game in the Football League, to be fair, this weekend – two in-form teams and they'd won their last six or seven games. It was a huge game. To win, and win in the manner we did, was special.

    They were hard to break down. We've got a tight pitch and I think it suited them. They got ten men behind the ball and they defend well – that's why they are where they are – but I think in the second half, we took a lot more risks, had a few more shots and we kind of cut them open a little bit.

Cairney felt, taking the lead shortly after half time, proved pivotal in opening the game up and forcing Villa to move onto the front foot. He also saluted Ryan Sessegnon's persistence in scoring the opener after having had a quiet first half up front an impressive Axel Tuanzebe, who Steve Bruce deployed at full back.

    I think the first goal in any goal is important, but even more so today, because it had to bring them out and, as soon as we went 1-0 up, we could have scored a few more. I think the right back did really well. I think, as you say, he was really strong and quick so it was quite a tough test, but good players always adapt and he got his goal again.

The 27 year-old described Floyd Ayite's second – struck from the centre circle after Villa goalkeeper Sam Johnstone fluffed his clearance – as reminiscent of David Beckham's famous strike at Selhurst Park.

    It was a bit Beckham-esque and he stood still like Cantona after he scored as well, so it was a special goal from Floyd – but he's capable of that.

Cairney revealed afterwards that his troublesome knee felt quite strong and that he hopes he can be fit for Fulham's crucial run of upcoming games, including Wednesday's trip to promotion rivals Bristol City.

    I felt quite strong so hopefully my knee doesn't flare up and it's okay for the next game. It's been a little bit on and off all season., I had a good run over Christmas, but was out [for] a few games obviously of late, but today I felt good.

    I think we're in one hell of a run. I think every time we play in the next five games is either near us or above us so it couldn't be more of a tough test so I need to be ready. It's a massive confidence boost. They are second in the league today and I think we took them apart at times so we've all got to believe.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/cairney-commends-fulhams-special-victory/