Saturday Fulham Stuff (31/03/18)...

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Results

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

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Norwich City 0-2 Fulham

Norway international Stefan Johansen (left) has scored seven goals for Fulham this season

Fulham maintained their Championship automatic promotion bid with a routine victory at Norwich.

Stefan Johansen opened the scoring for the Cottagers with a tap-in after Norwich keeper Angus Gunn could only parry Aleksandar Mitrovic's header.

Tom Cairney doubled the advantage minutes later, sidefooting the ball into the bottom corner.

Fulham remain seven points off second-placed Cardiff after extending their unbeaten run to 17 league games.

Cairney's tame effort was the only shot on target in a largely uneventful first-half which saw Fulham dominate possession but create little going forwards.

City's closest chance came after 59 minutes when Josh Murphy's volley went narrowly wide.

Moments later Fulham substitute Ryan Sessegnon saw his powerful shot cleared off the line by Norwich defender Christoph Zimmermann.

This latest defeat means the Canaries have now won just one of their past nine games.

Norwich boss Daniel Farke:

"Fulham were able to score the first goal. From there, it was difficult.

"They are the best team in the league at the moment. We had situations to score but weren't effective.

"I'm happy with our commitment, fighting spirit and performance. Sadly, we didn't get the result which is the credit."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43510070

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was pleased with the reaction shown by Fulham after a busy international break for his players.

The Whites Head Coach only had one day of preparation with his entire squad ahead of the Good Friday meeting with Norwich City, but second half efforts from Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney ensured the points would be heading back to SW6.

"I must be satisfied," he said in his post-match press conference. "To be honest, in the first 45 minutes we took control of the ball from Norwich, we had possession, but we didn't find enough space to attack behind the defenders and finish the action.

"A few times they hit us on the counter attack. We changed our mind and started to take risks a little bit at a higher level and try and attack with more confidence and with more desire. In the end we started to attack the spaces and scored the goals.

"It's not easy after the international break, especially for us, a team who sends so many people around the world to play for their national team. I wasn't so comfortable today because I worked only one day with my team.

"We showed we aren't fresh enough, a little bit tired at some moments in the game, but in the end fortunately we scored the goals and we won the points. This is what, in this moment, is important for us."

The 2,000-plus Fulham fans were in a buoyant mood come full-time at Carrow Road, and while Jokanović shares that promotion target, he's continuing to focus solely on the short-term.

"I am an optimist in my life," he stated. "I want to be successful, and to do that I need to be successful tomorrow on the training ground, and next Tuesday night against Leeds.

"At the moment all we can try to do is play good football, try and find our style that will win us games, and try and make our fans satisfied.

"Many clubs want a happy end to the season, and we are going to fight to go up. We are not at the end yet, we are going to fight to go up, but for which position I don't know what's going to happen.

"The only thing I'm interested in at this moment is preparing for the game which is immediately in front of us. This is under my control, other things are not."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/30/head-coach-reaction

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Johansen and Cairney score in Fulham victory

Norwich 0 Fulham 2

Goals from Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney gave Fulham another win and kept them in the race for automatic promotion.

Johansen broke the deadlock midway through the second half, blasting home the loose ball after keeper Angus Gunn had parried Aleksandar Mitrović's header from Matt Targett's cross.

And Cairney doubled the lead four minutes later by firing past Gunn after Lucas Piazon's cross ricocheted towards the Whites captain.

Second-placed Cardiff's win at Burton would have moved them nine points clear of Fulham had Slavisa Jokanovic's side not managed to dig out a win.

Ryan Sessegnon was named among Fulham's substitutes and came on early in the second half.

He was missed during an uninspiring first half in which both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances.

But once Johansen put them ahead, Fulham were comfortable.
Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett, Johansen, McDonald (Norwood 68), Cairney, Piazon, Mitrovic (Kamara 78), Ayité (Sessegnon 54).



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-win-norwich-keep-pressure-cardiff

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Slick Fulham too good for Norwich City in 2-0 Championship away win at Carrow Road

Promotion-chasing Fulham made it 17-games unbeaten in the Championship with a second half salvo sinking Norwich City.

Stefan Johansen lashed home from close range in the 66th minute before Tom Cairney sealed the win for the Cottagers four minutes later.

Daniel Farke made two changes to his line up from the side that beat Reading 3-2 in the Championship before the international break.

Christoph Zimmermann returned with Grant Hanley kept in reserve on the bench after missing out for Scotland in midweek with shin splints.

Alex Tettey was also back after a foot injury for Onel Hernandez, who missed out with a hamstring injury.

Pinto levered Floyd Ayite off the ball inside his own area with nine minutes gone, but referee Stroud waved away Fulham penalty appeals.

Cairney sidefooted a shot from 18 yards straight at Angus Gunn in the immediate aftermath.

Josh Murphy cut inside at the other end to unleash a shot that brushed Ryan Fredericks but Marcus Bettinelli gathered at the second attempt.

City broke out from their containment policy in the 28th minute, with Dennis Srbeny and James Maddison over-loading the back post, but Mario Vrancic's weak cross was intercepted by Tim Ream.

Norwich again paid for a lack of clinical intent in the 32nd minute when Murphy powered to the edge of the Fulham box but opted to try and roll in Srbeny with Maddison screaming for a pass to test Bettinelli.

Srbeny took matters into his own hands two minutes from the interval when he was invited to shoot but dragged a 25-yard effort beyond Bettinelli's near post.

Farke's side finished the opening period on the front foot with another energetic burst from Lewis allowing Maddison to roll in the overlapping Pinto but the Cottagers cleared his low cross.

Farke opted not to make any changes at half-time and it was Srbeny who was prominent again in the 52nd minute with a thunderous rising 20-yard strike Bettinelli tipped over at full stretch,

Slavisa Jokanovic had seen enough and introduced the highly-rated teenager Ryan Sessegnon for Ayite.

Murphy connected with a sweet volley from the same range that had the Fulham keeper beaten but veered wide of his far post.

The wide player then led the counter in the 63rd minute but Maddison was crowded out when he cut inside.

But Zimmermann had to bail out Gunn seconds later with a goal-saving block on his line after the City keeper had raced from his line to halt Sessegnon but only succeeded in colliding with Lewis.

It proved only a temporary reprieve. Gunn parried Mitrovic's close range header from Matt Targett's cross after he towered above Timm Klose, but Johansen reacted quickest to slam home the rebound in the 66th minute.

Fulham poured forward again with Norwich still reeling and Cairney arrived on cue to slam home Piazon's cross 12 yards out, which was deflected into the Scot's path at the near post.

Murphy lashed a cross-shot just in front of the diving Srbeny with City trying to find a way back into the contest after the Cottagers' two-goal salvo.

Young Tottenham loanee Marcus Edwards finally made his belated Norwich debut in the 84th minute for Vrancic.

Murphy drilled a shot at Bettinelli but it was fitful again from the Canaries in the final third.

• Norwich City: Gunn, Pinto, Zimmermann, Klose, Lewis, Reed, Tettey (Hoolahan 77), Vrancic (Edwards 84), Maddison, Murphy, Srbeny (Oliveira 76). Subs (not used): McGovern (GK), Husband, Raggett, Hanley.

• Bookings: Murphy (foul on Fredericks, 84); Maddison (unsporting behaviour, 90); Reed (foul on Cairney, 90)

• Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett, Cairney, McDonald (Norwood 68), Johansen, Piazon, Mitrovic (Kamara 78), Ayite (Sessegnon 54). Subs (not used): Button (GK), Fonte, Christie, Kalas.

• Goals: Johansen (66), Cairney (70)

• Bookings: McDonald (foul on Maddison, 58); Fredericks (foul on Murphy, 79); Norwood (foul on Maddison, 85); Kamara (unsporting behaviour)

• Time added on: 0 minute / 6 minutes

• Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire)

• Attendance: 26,750



http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/norwich-city-0-fulham-2-championship-report-1-5458122

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Norwich City 0-2 Fulham: PLAYER RATINGS as Cairney and Johansen hit the target

A 17th game without defeat for Fulham as they kept up pressure on the automatic promotion places

Fulham continued their march towards the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Norwich City, with Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney bagging the goals.

Slavisa Jokanovic made just the one change for Fulham today, opting to rest Ryan Sessegnon for the first time this season after his exploits with England U21s, recalling Floyd Ayite into the starting XI.

You could tell it was the first game back after the beak - the first half was an uninspiring affair that saw two passing sides create very little in the way of chances.

Norwich had the better on the stroke of half time when they put a ball across the face of the six yard box, but Denis Odoi was there to hack it clear.

But the game exploded into life in the second half with both sides having good chances to break the deadlock, with Aleksandar Mitrovic coming closest.

But a quick double from Johansen and Cairney made it 2-0, sending the travelling 2,000 Fulham fans into raptures.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 8: Fantastic save to deny Srbeny early in the second half. A commanding figure in the goal once again - you could hear him all the way in the press box.

Fredericks 7: Some good forays forward and some nice defending, especially covering the centre halves as Norwich looked for an equaliser.

Targett 7: Another solid showing from the left back who looked comfortable. Really impressed with Targett - a solid showing every game.

Odoi 8: A decent performance after his horror show against QPR - he seemed reasonably comfortable back at centre half. Redeemed himself for that mistake in the previous game.

Ream 8: Yet again, the American was solid in the middle of defence and was comfortable with and without possession of the ball.

McDonald 7: Did a good job in the middle but was subbed having been booked and warned by Keith Stroud.

Cairney 7: Didn't dictate play like his usual self. Saw lots of the ball but was caught more times than usual in possession. Got that important second goal as he improved in the second half.

Johansen 7: Got the Fulham goal and a nice flick set Fulham forward for their second. Wasn't at his best still but did a good job.

Piazon7 : Caused problems on the right and played his part in the second goal. Didn't have as much influence as he would've liked but a decent showing.

Ayite 6: Ayite seems to enjoy himself at Carrow Road and today was another good show from him, but without ever really threatening.

Mitrovic 6: Did fantastic to win the header that led to Johansen's goal. Looked jaded and it wasn't a surprise to see him subbed for a rest at 2-0.

Subs -

Sessegnon 8: Did really well when he came on and made a difference on proceedings. The concentration Norwich placed on him meant others could come into the game.

Norwood 7: Came on in the anchor role and provided a calm and solid base for the side to build on.

Kamara 6: Didn't really have much impact on the game, although it was clear the Norwich defence were frightened of his pace.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/norwich-city-0-2-fulham-14475707

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Promotion-chasing Fulham keep pressure on top two with victory at Norwich

Fulham maintained their push for automatic promotion from the Sky Bet Championship with a hard-fought 2-0 win over mid-table Norwich at Carrow Road.
The Cottagers secured the points thanks to two goals in four minutes midway through the second half, with midfielders Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney on target.
The Canaries had their moments, but it was a deserved victory for the visitors who kept the pressure on Cardiff and Wolves in the battle for a top-two finish.
Fulham dominated possession in the first half with their neat passing game, but never seriously troubled Angus Gunn.
They had a decent shout for a penalty on nine minutes when Ivo Pinto appeared to shove Floyd Ayite - but that was a rare moment of excitement.
The visitors only mustered one shot on goal over the course of 45 minutes, and Cairney's effort from the edge of the area was comfortably gathered by the Norwich goalkeeper.
Pretty passing patterns were constantly breaking down on the edge of the box and it was a similar story at the other end when the Canaries had occasional bouts of possession.
Daniel Farke's team did finish the half strongly, however, and would have had a clear sight of goal but for poor passes from first Mario Vrancic and then Josh Murphy, while Dennis Srbeny fired just wide after robbing Cairney as he dwelt on the ball.
The hosts also started the second period brightly and it took a superb fingertip save from Marcus Bettinelli to deny Srbeny after the German striker took aim from just outside the box.
Fulham introduced highly rated 17-year-old Ryan Sessegnon from the bench seven minutes after the restart as they attempted to assert some authority on proceedings, but Norwich continued to press and Murphy was only just wide with a sweetly struck volley.
Sessegnon almost made his presence felt just after the hour mark when the ball fell kindly for him after Gunn had missed a high ball, but his goal-bound effort was blocked by Christophe Zimmerman, who was covering on the line.
Fulham did make the breakthrough on 66 minutes however. Gunn made a fine stop to keep out Alexsandar Mitrovic's close range header from a Matt Targett cross but Johansen was on hand to fire home the loose ball.
The Cottagers swiftly doubled their lead with Cairney making it 2-0 on 69 minutes. This time Lucas Piazon sent in a low cross from the right and the ball deflected off Zimmerman into the path of the influential midfielder, who drilled home past an exposed Gunn.
Murphy fired just wide after being put in by James Maddison as Norwich looked for a response, but there was to be no final flourish as the Canaries' indifferent season continued.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/report?gameId=483236

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Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney goals sink Norwich to extend Fulham's unbeaten run

Norwich City 0 Fulham 2: The visitors are now unbeaten in their last 17 games but remain outside automatic promotion in the Championship


Tom Cairney celebrates after adding Fulham's second PA

Two goals in four second-half minutes from Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney were enough for Fulham to see off sorry Norwich and extend their unbeaten run to 17 games.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side remain no closer to automatic promotion as second-place Cardiff, the team directly above them, are still seven points better off thanks to a home win against Burton.

But this Carrow Road success, albeit against opponents they usually master, was further proof that a team that came alive following a mid-December defeat at Sunderland looks like its going places.

Fulham felt confident enough to leave Ryan Sessegnon, the 17-year-old touted as a £40m summer target for Manchester United and now an England Under-21 international, on the bench, ending a run of 38 straight league starts.

The side that kicked off, having made more than 1,000 passes more than any other Championship side this season, began with the sort of confidence a lengthy unbeaten run can give you.

There was a nervous early moment for the hosts when captain Ivo Pinto appeared to barge Floyd Ayite over inside the box but referee Keith Stroud saw nothing illegal.

It was a similar story when Aleksandar Mitrovic hit the deck as Timm Klose challenged, with Norwich retaliating with the match's long-awaited first shot in the 20th minute. Josh Murphy's long ranger lacked venom but Marcus Bettinelli needed two attempts to get it under control.


Floyd Ayite appeals for a foul after a challenge with Ivo Pinto (Getty)

Tim Ream, free at the back post, volleyed over Fulham's first reply but the visitors were fortunate that Mario Vrancic picked out the first defender at the other end when James Maddison and Dennis Srbeny were waiting in front of goal.

Murphy then failed to set up either of the pair with the odds also in Norwich's favour; Maddison would have been the better option especially as Srbeny, the eventual recipient, had stopped as if he had assumed he was offside.

Norwich finally got it right seconds before half-time when Pinto was played in behind the Fulham back-line but Denis Odoi was able to hack away the resulting square ball at the last moment.

The second half began with a ball designed to send Srbeny away ended up clipping the German's heel but the forward got it right seconds later to launch a rising drive that Bettinelli did well to tip over.


Josh Murphy and Denis Odoi battle for the ball (Getty)

Sessegnon came on for Ayite in the 54th minute and within seconds Mitrovic, under pressure at the back post from Christoph Zimmermann, headed narrowly wide.

The game needed a spark and Murphy almost provided one just before the hour mark, shaping his body superbly to launch a volley that flashed inches wide of Bettinelli's left-hand post.

Another good move saw a Maddison shot blocked as he cut inside from the right of the box but it was a defender who came to Norwich's rescue straight after.

Sessegnon was sent to chase a long ball and Angus Gunn decided he had to intercept. The contact the Norwich goalkeeper made outside his box was inconclusive however, allowing Sessegnon to shoot. Zimmermann had anticipated the danger though, and blocked on the line.

The reprieve was short-lived however as Klose allowed Mitrovic a close-range header that Gun was able to parry but Johansen was first to the loose ball to lash home.

A second arrived within four minutes later and Klose was even more culpable as his flick-of-the-boot attempt to block Lucas Piazon's ball into the box merely teed up Cairney for a simple finish.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/norwich-fulham-stefan-johansen-tom-cairney-goals-championship-extend-unbeaten-run-a8281951.html

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Norwich 0-2 Fulham: Cottagers maintain promotion push

Fulham maintained their push for automatic promotion from the Sky Bet Championship with a hard-fought 2-0 win over mid-table Norwich at Carrow Road.

The Cottagers secured the points thanks to two goals in four minutes midway through the second half, with midfielders Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney on target.

The Canaries had their moments, but it was a deserved victory for the visitors who kept the pressure on Cardiff and Wolves in the battle for a top-two finish.

Fulham dominated possession in the first half with their neat passing game, but never seriously troubled Angus Gunn.

They had a decent shout for a penalty on nine minutes when Ivo Pinto appeared to shove Floyd Ayite - but that was a rare moment of excitement.

The visitors only mustered one shot on goal over the course of 45 minutes, and Cairney's effort from the edge of the area was comfortably gathered by the Norwich goalkeeper.

Pretty passing patterns were constantly breaking down on the edge of the box and it was a similar story at the other end when the Canaries had occasional bouts of possession.

Daniel Farke's team did finish the half strongly, however, and would have had a clear sight of goal but for poor passes from first Mario Vrancic and then Josh Murphy, while Dennis Srbeny fired just wide after robbing Cairney as he dwelt on the ball.

The hosts also started the second period brightly and it took a superb fingertip save from Marcus Bettinelli to deny Srbeny after the German striker took aim from just outside the box.

Fulham introduced highly rated 17-year-old Ryan Sessegnon from the bench seven minutes after the restart as they attempted to assert some authority on proceedings, but Norwich continued to press and Murphy was only just wide with a sweetly struck volley.

Sessegnon almost made his presence felt just after the hour mark when the ball fell kindly for him after Gunn had missed a high ball, but his goal-bound effort was blocked by Christophe Zimmerman, who was covering on the line.

Fulham did make the breakthrough on 66 minutes however. Gunn made a fine stop to keep out Alexsandar Mitrovic's close-range header from a Matt Targett cross but Johansen was on hand to fire home the loose ball.

The Cottagers swiftly doubled their lead with Cairney making it 2-0 on 69 minutes. This time Lucas Piazon sent in a low cross from the right and the ball deflected off Zimmerman into the path of the influential midfielder, who drilled home past an exposed Gunn.

Murphy fired just wide after being put in by James Maddison as Norwich looked for a response, but there was to be no final flourish as the Canaries' indifferent season continued.

The managers

Daniel Farke: "To be honest I would be disappointed if we had taken just a point from this game because I thought we played really well against a very good side. This certainly showed we can compete at the top level in this league.

"I was delighted with the performance and the commitment shown by the lads."

Slavisa Jokanovic: "We know we need some help from Wolves and Cardiff but if they give us some help then we have to be in a position to take advantage. It's not in our hands, so all we concentrate on are our own games. There are seven games left, 21 points to play for.

"This is another big challenge out of the way and now we have to prepare for another big challenge at home to Leeds on Tuesday night. We just have to keep picking up good results and then see what happens in May. But I am not worried about that now, it's only the next game I am thinking of."



http://www.skysports.com/football/norwich-vs-fulham/375084

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Norwich 0-2 Fulham: Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney strike as Cottagers underline Premier League credentials

    Fulham have not been beaten in Championship for 17 games and are in fine form
    Cottagers remain in third place with Cardiff seven points ahead in table
    Sefan Johansen and Tom Cairney scored in second half to claim victory

Fulham delivered another of those performances which suggest their four-year absence from the Premier League is coming to an end. 

Their supporters certainly think so. 'On our way, on our way, to the Premier League, we're on our way,' they sang after two second-half goals by Stefan Johansen and captain Tom Cairney sealed Fulham's 20th win in the Championship this season and exposed Norwich's defensive frailties.

As much as the win doesn't change anything in the table - Fulham still third and seven points behind Cardiff after they beat Burton - Slavisa Jokanovic's side are now 17 games unbeaten. They are three points ahead of Aston Villa who play Hull City on Saturday.


Stefan Johansen opened the scoring for Fulham as they won away at Carrow Road


The Cottagers continued their fine form and are unbeaten in 17 Championship matches

But regardless of that, the longer this run - which is a club record - goes on the more their play-off rivals will fear playing them.

Indeed, Jokanovic says his players will be ready should Cardiff slip up.

He said: 'They have everything in their pocket - but if they help us we will be ready to catch a present.'

They have the ability to turn it on when it matters and even when Ryan Sessegnon starts from the bench as he did here for the first time in the Championship this season. Jokanovic also deemed it necessary given the 17-year-old made his full debut for England's U21s in midweek. He got a reaction but Fulham can do it without him.

You can see why Fulham's fans watch their side with a smile rather than a frown. Jokanovic has presented them with an intelligent and creative brand of football.

Before the trip to Norfolk, Jokanovic's side had completed 8,718 passes in the opposition half this season - 1,000 more than any other Championship side.


Tom Cairney scored Fulham's second goal four minutes later to double the advantage

They stayed true to their style in opening stages. Captain Cairney, starting on the right of a three-man midfield, dictated play. Neat passes to Kevin McDonald and Johansen were followed by a pass that released right back Ryan Fredericks but Norwich defender Jamal Lewis stopped him running free down the wing.

Lewis would be involved in Norwich's first positive piece of play. His cross from the left was directed towards towards striker Dennis Srbeny but central defender Denis Odoi managed to get ahead of him and head the ball clear.

Floyd Ayite, who started ahead of Sessegnon, was linking well with January loan signing Matt Targett from Southampton. Ayite showed quick feet to move into the Norwich penalty area and went down after he appeared to be clipped by Ivo Pinto. The Fulham fans in the Jarrold Stand appealed, Jokanovic waited but referee Keith Stroud waved play on.

At least the Fulham fans were getting excited about something. They were nearly celebrating a goal when Targett raced down the left before delivering a cross but Mitrovic couldn't direct his header goalwards. Jokanovic spun round. Much in the same way, no doubt, when he found out Mitrovic had played 180 minutes during the international break for Serbia after being told he would only feature in one game.


Cairney finished tidily into the bottom right corner to silence the home support


Fulham are chasing promotion but still remain seven points behind Cardiff in second

While the Fulham fans are remaining expectant and believe promotion is strong possibility, the Norwich supporters are turning up each time at Carrow Road not knowing what to expect and now without anything to play for.

There is a lot of individual quality in the side that appears in some to be harnessed. Josh Murphy should be running at players but instead he's restricted to runs down the left wing. It leaves him not knowing what to do and a lack of direction led to him exchanging words with team-mate Mario Vrancic. Vrancic played a pass forward but Murphy didn't make a run.

The groans went all the way round the ground. The loudest of all came when James Maddison was clear in space on the right but Murphy opted to pass to Srbeny only for the ball to trickle out of play.

It was Maddison's endeavour, however, that nearly helped to produce a goal seconds before the half-time whistle. The 21-year-old found Pinto on the right but his cross into the six-yard area was cut cleared by Odoi.

Norwich had struggled to get the ball to Srbeny in the first half but had control of it minutes into the second period and nearly scored when he unleashed a powerful right-foot drive, which required an excellent save from goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.


Floyd Ayite and Ivo Pinto converse during the first half of action at Carrow Road

Fulham needed a spark. Jokanovic waited just nine minutes into the second half before bringing on Sessegnon for Ayite.

It helped to rouse the travelling supporters and Fulham also reacted on the pitch. Fredericks this time crossing from the right but Mitrovic, in a tangle with Christoph Zimmermann, headed wide.

Murphy nearly silenced those who had earlier booed him when struck the ball from 25 yards out. It looked to be heading to the top corner but narrowly missed the post.

Sessegnon would get his first chance to make an impact when Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn came too far and left the 17-year-old with an open goal after he had won the ball off Lewis but Zimmermann was in position to clear off the line.

The goals when they came were clinical.

Johansen pounced in the six-yard area when Mitrovic's header came back to him after a reaction save from Gunn.

The second was all about Cairney. He drove forward, offloaded to Lucas Piazon and when Timm Klose's poor clearance came back to the Fulham skipper, he finished past Gunn from just inside the area.

Fulham's display was enough for Norwich boss Daniel Farke to suggest they will be in the Premier League next season.

Farke said: 'We know that in the moment Fulham is probably the best side in the league, they are 17 games unbeaten and I'm pretty sure they will get promoted because they are such a good side.'


Fulham look certain for a play-off place and will be in the mix at the end of the season



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5562973/Norwich-0-2-Fulham.html#ixzz5BJ9ygKde
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Johansen and Cairney stuff the Canaries
by Dan on March 30, 2018

Second half strikes from Stefan Johansen and skipper Tom Cairney extended Fulham's unbeaten run to seventeen games as Slavisa Jokanovic's side produced a professional performance to see off Norwich City at Carrow Road. The Canaries had the better of a forgettable first half that was short on clear cut chances, but the Whites were far more dangerous once teenage winger Ryan Sessegnon was sent on ten minutes into the second period and clinically finished their opportunities once they arrived.

Jokanovic's men made the crucial breakthrough twenty minutes into the second half. Sessegnon had already sniffed out two openings within six minutes of coming on – the second of which required a goal-saving intervention from Christoph Zimmerman after Angus Gunn and Jamal Lewis had collided in trying to stop the teenage – but Fulham were putting the home goal under serious pressure. The Canaries defence gave way when Matt Targett's floated cross allowed Aleksandar Mitrovic to soar above Timm Klose and, although Gunn made a sharp save, Johansen gleefully put away the rebound.

With Norwich trying to recover from the shock of going behind, the visitors moved in for the kill. They doubled their lead just four minutes later when Lucas Piazon's low cross found its way to Tom Cairney via a deflection and the classy midfielder drove an unerring finish into the bottom corner from around fifteen yards out. The double strike sent 2,000 Fulham fans into ecstasy and was a fitting way to make the twentieth anniversary of Fulham fan Matthew Fox's senseless passing on the horrible day at Gillingham.

Having allowed Queens Park Rangers back into a West London derby that looked beyond them before the international break, this was a much more impressive way to close out a game that had appeared even during the hour that preceded Fulham's first goal. The visitors looked leggy and were laboured in possession, whilst Norwich's enterprising football threatened to cause problems for a hesitant Fulham defence. Ultimately, though, Daniel Farke's side were unable to contain the Londoners' fluent football and were made to pay the penalty.

The German would have been pleased with his side's application in the first period – but they failed to show Fulham's ruthlessness when in the ascendancy. Norwich made the brighter start with the lively Josh Murphy looking dangerous down the left and the winger was unfortunate to see his shot, after cutting in dangerously from the flank, deflected off Fredericks and be gathered at the second attempt by Marcus Bettinelli. The hosts then should have made more of a three-on-three when Murphy elected to try and find the offside Dennis Srbency when James Maddison was crying out for the defence-splitting ball.

The German striker, a January arrival from Paderborn, came the closest to a Norwich goal when he took matters in his own hands either side of the interval. After a promising move he flashed a shot narrowly wide from 25 yards before the break and then drew a high class save from the Fulham goalkeeper away to his right with a venomous strike from just outside the box. Murphy then guided an acrobatic volley fractionally wide of the far post with Bettinelli grasping at air and the Canaries keep on pressing but eventually Fulham's composure passing brought the quality of Johansen and Cairney, who looked hurried in the first half, to the fore.

The away side had struggled for much of a presence up front, with Mitrovic starved of service before the break, and only a tame Cairney daisycutter from distance tested Gunn at all – but they were enlivened by the introduction of Sessegnon, who had been rested after making his England under-21 debut at Bramall Lane in midweek, for the anonymous Floyd Ayite. The teenage prodigy immediately offered Fulham a real threat on the counter with his pace and movement, making the Norwich back four think twice about employing the higher line that previously nullified Mitrovic.

There was little way back for the home side after Fulham's two goals in four minutes had put them in command of the contest. Farke's outfit did at least kept battling until the end with Srbency just failing to reach a cross from Murphy that flew across the six-yard box, but by now the travelling supporters were beginning to party exuberantly. This victory might not have brought them any closer to second-placed Cardiff City, who appear to have automatic promotion firmly in their grasp, but gaining all three points without playing spellbinding football is the hallmark of a successful side and can only bode well for the remainder of Fulham's run-in.

NORWICH CITY (4-2-3-1): Gunn; Pinto, Lewis, Zimmermann, Klose; Reed, Tettey (Hoolahan 77); Vrancic (Edwards 84), Murphy, Maddison; Srbeny (Oliveira 77). Subs (not used): McGovern, Husband, Hanley, Raggett.

BOOKED: Murphy, Maddison, Reed.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Targett, Odoi, Ream; McDonald (Norwood 68), Johansen, Cairney; Piazon, Ayite (R. Sessegnon 54), Mitrovic (Kamara 78). Subs (not used): Button, Christie, Kalas, Fonte.

BOOKED: McDonald, Fredericks, Norwood, Kamara.

GOALS: Johansen (66), Cairney (70).

REFEREE: Keith Stroud (Bournemouth).

ATTENDANCE: 26,238.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/johansen-and-cairney-stuff-the-canaries/

[WhiteJC]

 
Next Up: Leeds United

Fulham are back in action at Craven Cottage on Tuesday 3rd April, when they take Leeds United (kick-off 7:45pm).

Following Friday's victory over Norwich City, the Whites have picked up where they left off before the international break.

Make sure you don't miss any of the action - tickets for Tuesday evening's fixture remain available to Season Ticket Holders, Members and supporters with a Booking History.

Prices start from £15 for juniors and £35 for adults and are available to Season Ticket Holders, Members and supporters with a Previous Booking History.

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

COYW!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/30/leeds-united-tickets

[WhiteJC]

Norwich City 0-2 Fulham: Player ratings
by Dan on March 30, 2018

Marks out of ten following Fulham's hard-fought success at Carrow Road ...

Marcus Bettinelli: At a time when Fulham were arguably second best in the contest, Bettinelli's organisation of his defence and control of dangerous situations inside the visiting penalty area proved crucial. He came off his line to collect a couple of threatening balls – an area of his game that has dramatically improved since he returned to the side – and produced a sensational save to keep out a rising drive from Dennis Srbency at the start of the second half. 7

Ryan Fredericks: The right back was initially reluctant to rampage forward as he usually does but got through an awful lot of defensive work in the first half as the home side began the game on top. He managed to kept Josh Murphy relatively quiet, which was no mean task, and also filled in for Fulham's centre backs when they were caught out of position. Powered forward more effectively in the second half as Fulham got their football flowing. 7

Matt Targett: Another assured display from the Southampton loanee who has been simply outstanding since he made the switch to Craven Cottage back in January. Fulfilled all of his defensive duties impeccably once again and looked much more comfortable once Sessegnon had been brought on to resume their dominant partnership down the left flank. Delivered a devilish cross for Aleksandar Mitrovic that crucially helped to break the deadlock – and set Fulham on their way to another vital victory. 7

Denis Odoi: Perhaps something of a surprise choice to continue at the heart of the defence after his dreadful mistake that cost Fulham two points against QPR and Tomas Kalaas' return to match action during the international break. Did well in the air against Srbency and looked composed on the floor, carrying the ball far into Norwich territory at a stage in the first half when Fulham's build up from the back was far too laboured. Certainly put that derby error well behind him. 7

Tim Ream: Efficient and dependable as ever from the American who has become the rock at the heart of Slavisa Jokanovic's back four. Another commanding display that radiated confidence even at a time when Fulham were struggling to impose their usual performance on a feisty Norwich side. Looked up for the battle against Srbency, brought the ball out from the back with his usual confidence, and was happy to move into areas ahead of the defensive line when Maddison appeared threatening. 7

Kevin McDonald: The Scot initially struggled to contain Norwich's vibrant movement in front of the Fulham back four and couldn't get his passing radar functioning early on. Eventually managed to bring a semblance of order to proceedings by dropping deeper to rebel the home side's encouraging start, but he still looked swamped by the adventurous yellow shirts on occasions. Not a surprise that Jokanovic hooked him in the second half after he had been both cautioned and then warned by referee Keith Stroud. 6

Stefan Johansen: Just as he did last season, the Norwegian popped up with a predatory piece of finishing to put Fulham ahead at Carrow Road. This wasn't the sort of domineering performance that characterised last year's run-in, but it was essential to get the Whites going all the same. Took his goal superbly after reacting quickest once Mitrovic's header had been saved and an intelligent flick in midfield sent the visitors pouring forward for the second a few minutes later. Exuberantly celebrated winning a free-kick in front of the Fulham fans with the clock ticking down. 8

Tom Cairney: Like Johansen, the Fulham skipper struggled to pull the strings early on and was in the wars from the outset as Farke clearly told the Norwich midfielders to try and disrupt Cairney's rhythm if they possibly could. The Scottish playmaker, who had a disappointing return to international duty over the past week, preserved and got his reward with a sweet strike to make sure the points headed south. Even when he doesn't touch his highest level, Cairney still looks like one of the divsion's best performers. 8

Floyd Ayite: Another immensely frustrating afternoon for the Togolese winger, who flattered to deceive in the final third despite receiving the ball in a few dangerous positions. Might have had a penalty in the early stages when he appeared to be bundled off the ball aggressively, but faded from view as he failed to put in a telling ball for a frustrated Mitrovic. Fulham looked much more threatening once Sessegnon replaced him. 6

Lucas Piazon: The Brazilian kept on going throughout but this wasn't one of his better displays. Struggled to match Norwich's early intensity and large portions of the contest seemed to pass him by. Improved by quite some margin in the second half and it was his deflected cross that fell at Cairney's feet for Fulham's second goal. 6

Aleksandar Mitrovic: Spent most of the first half horribly isolated as Jokanovic's men struggled to get out of first gear. Waged a real battle with Norwich's centre backs but was feeding off scraps until Sessegnon's introduction enlivened Fulham. Might not have scored but proved mightily effective in the second half – principally when his header was well saved and Johansen gobbled up the rebound. That proved to be the game's turning point. 7

Substitutes:

Ryan Sessegnon (on for Floyd Ayite, 54): You could see the sense in Jokanovic deciding to rest the teenager, who had looked a little jaded in his last few outings, especially after the emotional high of making his England under-21 debut on Tuesday night. The seventeen year-old might not have had a part to play in either of the goals but Fulham posed a greater attacking threat with him on the field – and his presence enlivened what had been a sluggish display until that point. 7

Oliver Norwood (on for Kevin McDonald, 66): The Northern Ireland midfielder was sent on to shore things up in midfield after Kevin McDonald had been booked and then warned once again by Keith Stroud. Kept things nice and simple in the middle of the park – and was booked himself as the game developed a little bit of needle late on, but his arrival of the bench simply illustrated just how much depth Fulham have in central midfield at the moment. 6

Aboubakar Kamara (on for Aleksandar Mitrovic, 78); The French forward replaced Mitrovic for the final quarter of hour after the Serbian had rather run out of puff. Didn't have too many opportunities to put his go-faster green boots to the test, although he had might have better controlled a glorious through ball from Cairney that could have put him one-on-one with Angus Gunn. No doubting his desire at all. 6



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/norwich-city-0-2-fulham-player-ratings/

[WhiteJC]

Jokanovic praises Fulham's perseverance
by Dan on March 30, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic admitted to being a little bit worried about the outcome of this afternoon's clash at Norwich after spending just one day with his full squad following the international break – and praised Fulham's perseverance for securing all three points in East Anglia.

The Whites were seldom at their best during a hard-fought win at Carrow Road but clinched the three points thanks to two goals in four second-half minutes from midfielders Stefan Johasnen and Tom Cairney. Jokanovic admitted after the final whistle that Fulham had to be patient to weather a bright start from Norwich and iron out a bit of rustiness in their own game. The Serbian eventually professed himself satisfied, saying:

    To be honest, in the first 45 minutes we took control of the ball from Norwich, we had possession, but we didn't find enough space to attack behind the defenders and finish the action. A few times they hit us on the counter attack. We changed our mind and started to take risks a little bit at a higher level and try and attack with more confidence and with more desire. In the end we started to attack the spaces and scored the goals.

    It's not easy after the international break, especially for us, a team who sends so many people around the world to play for their national team. I wasn't so comfortable today because I worked only one day with my team. We showed we aren't fresh enough, a little bit tired at some moments in the game, but in the end fortunately we scored the goals and we won the points. This is what, in this moment, is important for us.

Jokanovic refused to be drawn on the importance of this victory, preferring to reflect on his own optimistic nature and re-focus ahead of another tough tussle with Leeds United at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night.

    I am an optimist in my life. I want to be successful, and to do that I need to be successful tomorrow on the training ground, and next Tuesday night against Leeds. At the moment all we can try to do is play good football, try and find our style that will win us games, and try and make our fans satisfied.

    Many clubs want a happy end to the season, and we are going to fight to go up. We are not at the end yet, we are going to fight to go up, but for which position I don't know what's going to happen. The only thing I'm interested in at this moment is preparing for the game which is immediately in front of us. This is under my control, other things are not.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/jokanovic-praises-fulhams-perseverance/

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic: Fulham must be ready to pounce

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic admits his side will need a helping hand if they are to secure automatic promotion – but says they are ready to pounce if Wolves or Cardiff slip up.

The Whites stretched their unbeaten run to 17 games with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Norwich but remain seven points behind second-placed Cardiff, who secured a home win over Burton.

The Bluebirds also have a game in hand but Jokanovic is not ruling out a top-two finish for his in-form team.

"We know we need some help from Wolves and Cardiff but if they give us some help then we have to be in a position to take advantage," he said.

"It's not in our hands, so all we concentrate on are our own games. There are seven games left, 21 points to play for.

"This is another big challenge out of the way and now we have to prepare for another big challenge at home to Leeds on Tuesday night.

"We just have to keep picking up good results and then see what happens in May. But I am not worried about that now, it's only the next game I am thinking of."

Jokanovic was pleased with the way his side pushed on after dominating the first half without creating any clear-cut chances.

"In the first half we had a lot of the ball but struggled to find space and didn't look like scoring," he said.

"In the second half I was pleased to see the players take a few more risks higher up the pitch and that led to us getting the goals.

"I thought we looked a little bit tired at times. These sort of games immediately after the international break are never easy because we always have a lot of players travelling around the world but it's a good win and now we look forward to Leeds."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jokanovic-fulham-ready-pounce-cardiff-wolves-slip

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic still chasing top-two finish after Fulham beat Norwich

The Cottagers stretched their unbeaten run to 17 games.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic asmits his side will need a helping hand if they are to secure automatic promotion from the Sky Bet Championship.

The Cottagers stretched their unbeaten run to 17 games with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Norwich but remain seven points behind second-placed Cardiff, who also secured a home win over Burton.

The Bluebirds also have a game in hand but Jokanovic is not ruling out a top-two finish for his in-form team.

"We know we need some help from Wolves and Cardiff but if they give us some help then we have to be in a position to take advantage," he said.

"It's not in our hands, so all we concentrate on are our own games. There are seven games left, 21 points to play for.

"This is another big challenge out of the way and now we have to prepare for another big challenge at home to Leeds on Tuesday night.

"We just have to keep picking up good results and then see what happens in May. But I am not worried about that now, it's only the next game I am thinking of."

Jokanovic was pleased with the way his side pushed on after dominating the first half without creating any clear-cut chances.

"In the first half we had a lot of the ball but struggled to find space and didn't look like scoring," he said.

"In the second half I was pleased to see the players take a few more risks higher up the pitch and that led to us getting the goals.

"I thought we looked a little bit tired at times. These sort of games immediately after the international break are never easy because we always have a lot of players travelling around the world but it's a good win and now we look forward to Leeds."

Having dominated possession without seriously troubling the home defence, Fulham struck twice in four minutes midway through the second period to seal the points and stretch their club record unbeaten run to 17 games.

The opener arrived on 66 minutes when Angus Gunn could only parry a close-range header from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Stefan Johansen was on hand to fire home the loose ball.

The second goal was scored by fellow midfielder Tom Cairney, who was in the perfect position to convert after defender Timm Klose failed to deal with a cross from the right.

Norwich manager Daniel Farke felt his side should have taken something from the game.

"To be honest I would be disappointed if we had taken just a point from this game because I thought we played really well against a very good side," he said.

"This certainly showed we can compete at the top level in this league.

"I was delighted with the performance and the commitment shown by the lads."



http://sport.bt.com/football/slavisa-jokanovic-still-chasing-top-two-finish-after-fulham-beat-norwich-S11364261552621

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham have nothing to lose in the promotion race, according to Slavisa Jokanovic

Despite winning 2-0 against Norwich, Fulham are still seven points behind Cardiff, who also have a game in hand

Slavisa Jokanovic insists Fulham have nothing to lose in the promotion race after being Norwich City 2-0 on Saturday.

Despite making it 17 games unbeaten, the side are still SEVEN points behind Cardiff City, who occupy that second spot with a game in hand on their west London rivals.

Fulham have plugged away at Cardiff but with no luck - the Welsh side keep grinding out results and with just seven games left, it's looking more like the Play-offs for the Whites.

That said, Jokanovic is still taking it game by game, but admits Cardiff City will have to make a mistake for Fulham to nip in and get second.

When asked if the side were still aiming for Play-offs, Jokanovic said: "No, no, we are playing to win the games.

"It's not a question about looking so forward and backwards, we need to play seven games and have chance to win 21 points.

"Immediately today, we have one challenge, one fight for three points and we are fighting on Tuesday to win three points and win the game against Leeds.

"We are not thinking about future, we are not preparing entirely for the Play-offs, it's not in our hands to fight for second, we must do what's in our hands but it depends on the other teams.

"Everything is in the hands of Cardiff, they must make mistake and we are going to try make our job."

It's looking like play-offs or bust for Fulham now, with the gap to second showing no signs of getting any smaller, but Jokanovic has stated he doesn't look at the promotion race in that way.

He added: "I am not thinking in this way.


(Image: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

"I try to explain to you before, next game is another challenge for three points and we must prepare ourselves for next game.

"This team has seven points ahead of us and one game less.

"We are completely relaxed, enjoying our football and we cannot lose anything, only Cardiff or Wolves can lose something.

"They have everything in the pocket and that's it, if they help us we will try be ready for catching this present."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-nothing-lose-promotion-race-14477595

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic urges Fulham to kick on in promotion race

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has urged his players to remain focused as this season's Championship promotion race reaches its final stretch.

Speaking in the wake of his side's 2-0 victory over Norwich City, the Whites boss warned his team that they must be on hand to take advantage of slip-ups from the divison's top two.

"We know we need some help from Wolves and Cardiff but if they give us some help then we have to be in a position to take advantage," he told reporters at his post-match press conference.

"It's not in our hands, so all we concentrate on are our own games. There are seven games left, 21 points to play for. We just have to keep picking up good results and then see what happens in May."

Fulham's win against Norwich leaves them third in the Championship, seven points behind Cardiff City in second, who have played one game less.


https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/jokanovic-urges-fulham-to-stay-focused_322196.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Wilkins in critical condition after suspected heart attack

Ray Wilkins is in a critical condition after suffering a suspended heart attack.

Wilkins, 61, was placed in an induced coma after being rushed to hospital.

He is regarded as one of Chelsea and QPR's best-ever players.

Wilkins has served Chelsea as a player, coach and assistant manager and played for and managed QPR. He has also worked at Fulham.

Capped 84 times by England, the Hillingdon-born Wilkins was an apprentice at Chelsea and went on to make 179 appearances for the Blues before joining Manchester United in 1979.

Spells at AC Milan, Paris St-Germain and Glasgow Rangers followed before he returned to west London to join QPR in 1989.

He was outstanding for the R's, playing a key role in their success in the early 1990s and the emergence of players such as Les Ferdinand and Andy Sinton.

After his spell as manager at Loftus Road, he was briefly manager at Fulham, where more recently he had a short spell as a coach.

He has also coached England's Under-21 side and at Watford, Millwall and Aston Villa, as well as having a spell in charge of the Jordanian national team.

At Chelsea, he was a key part of the backroom teams of Gianluca Vialli, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlo Ancelotti and in recent years has continued to regularly attend matches at Stamford Bridge.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/chelsea/wilkins-critical-condition-suspected-heart-attack

[WhiteJC]

Jokanovic refuses to rule out automatic promotion
by Dan on March 31, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic is refusing to concede that Fulham's feint hopes of automatic promotion are over – despite Cardiff City's commanding cushion in second place in the Championship.

The Bluebirds hold a seven point lead, with a game in hand over the Whites, after beating Burton Albion 3-1 yesterday – despite Fulham's extraordinary seventeen-match unbeaten run. Jokanovic was encouraged by his side's application in a hard-fought win at Norwich City on Good Friday and, whilst he admits he is just concentrating on maintaining the high levels of performances over the next few games, the Serbian coach isn't quite ready to solely focusing on the play-offs just yet.

He told his post-match press conference at Carrow Road:

    No, no. We are just focusing on winning the next few games. We know we need some help from Wolves and Cardiff but if they give us some help then we have to be in a position to take advantage. It's not in our hands, so all we concentrate on are our own games. There are seven games left, 21 points to play for.

    This is another big challenge out of the way and now we have to prepare for another big challenge at home to Leeds on Tuesday night. We just have to keep picking up good results and then see what happens in May. But I am not worried about that now, it's only the next game I am thinking of.

Fulham stretched their unbeaten run further thanks to second half goals from midfielders Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney after struggling to test Angus Gunn in the Norwich goal during a rather tame first half.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/jokanovic-refuses-to-rule-out-automatic-promotion/