Wednesday Fulham Stuff (04/04/18)...

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Slavisa Jokanovic bigs up Kevin McDonald and his influence after Fulham beat Leeds 2-0

The head coach praised the performances McDonald has had in the past 40 games and the influence he has had on the side

Slavisa Jokanovic has heaped praise on the influence that Kevin McDonald has on his Fulham side after they beat Leads United 2-0.

The newly-capped Scotsman scored the opening goal, when Aleksandar Mitrovic's header deflected off his backside to give him his second goal of the season, while the Newcaslte loanee doubled the advantage in the second half.

Often an unsung hero who does the dirty work for Fulham, Jokanovic admitted the job McDonald does for Fulham isn't the easiest job, believing the midfielder must always be at his highest lelvel.

Despite not often getting the limelight, Jokanovic has highlighted just how important the vice captain has been for his side this season, with the Leeds win meaning it's now 18 unbeaten for Fulham.

He said: "McDonald made some great work for the team, he try find some balance, at the end it's not an easy job for him because he must cover big space.

"He must be always in high level because his job isn't an easy job, it's not player that supporters detect as really important in first moment but for Fulham, in all the season, can recognise his value.

"His work, after 40 games he lost one or two or three and normally you ask about players that score goals and Sessegnon or Cairney, no one asks about him but he's an important player for us and made a great job."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-bigs-up-kevin-14489215

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Jokanovic: No let-up from Fulham in pursuit of Cardiff

Slavisa Jokanovic believes Fulham pushing Cardiff all the way for second place is the best way to prepare for the play-offs if they cannot win automatic promotion.

After Fulham beat Leeds and closed the gap to five points with six games left, Jokanovic dismissed concerns over pushing his players too hard ahead of three possible extra games.

The Whites boss said: "I try to do my job. I don't know how we are going to start now resting players and preparing for two games in May and maybe the final.

"What we must do, and is the best preparation for us, is to push hard and try to win the next game – and that's it.

"We are going to chase Sheffield Wednesday next and try to win this game. I expect we are going to be focused and ambitious to fight for three more points.

"I don't know what is going to happen. Everything is in Cardiff's hands. It depends on them.

"They must lose something for us to catch them. They have five points. Its a big difference between us. They have a hard game against Wolves but I believe they are going to win.

"We are going to try and make our job and, in the end, it's a race, and we are going to try chasing them."

Kevin McDonald scored a rare goal and Aleksandar Mitrovic bagged his eighth since joining on loan as Leeds succumbed to the Whites' 14th win in an 18-match unbeaten run.

And Jokanovic said: "We dominated the game, put them under stress and created chances.

"We got a little bit luck for the first goal and they got stronger in the second half but, in the end, we showed quality to score the second goal.

"It's great news for us. We finish with another clean sheet and we showed that we can be solid and arrive in difficult moments working altogether."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jokanovic-no-let-fulham-pursuit-cardiff

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REPORT: FULHAM 2-0 LEEDS UNITED

Leeds left to rue missed chances.

Sky Bet Championship

Fulham 2 (McDonald 33, Mitrovic 63) Leeds United 0

A goal in each half was enough to give Fulham all three points at Craven Cottage.

Leeds head coach Paul Heckingbottom made one team change from the side that beat Bolton on Good Friday with Samuel Saiz coming in to replace Pierre-Michel Lasogga.

Stuart Dallas had the first chance of the game when the ball fell to him just inside the Fulham box, but he could only fire over.                                                                                                 

It was the hosts who nearly opened the scoring when Matt Targett found Aleksander Mitrovic, but the on loan striker pulled his effort wide.

Fulham were then inches away from taking the lead, Ryan Sessegnon put a fine ball across the face of goal and Floyd Ayite hit the post.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell was then called into action and made an outstanding save from a Mitrovic header at a Fulham corner.

Pontus Jansson then made a great block to deny Mitrovic, however, from the resulting corner, Fulham took the lead, Mitrovic headed goalwards, before the ball hit Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald before finding the net.

On the stroke of half time, Gaetano Berardi went close following a Pablo Hernandez corner, but hc couldn't keep his volley down.

Half Time Fulham 1-0 Leeds United

After the break, Fulham went close to adding a second, Johansen fed Ayite, but Gaetano Berardi made a fine block, which saw his effort deflect wide.

Sessegnon then went close for the home side, but he saw his effort hit his own player, Mitrovic, before deflecting wide.

Peacock-Farrell then kept Leeds in the game, Johansen picked out Sessegnon in the box, but the Leeds stopper denied him from close range.

Leeds should have levelled when Berardi played Caleb Ekuban in on goal, but he was denied by Marcus Bettinelli and following the save, Fulham countered and Mitrovic fired home.

Jay-Roy Grot had a golden chance to half the deficit but headed over from close range, following an outside of the boot cross by Saiz.

Hernandez almost pulled a goal back in stoppage time from a free-kick, he bent his effort over the wall, but just inches wide, in what proved to be a frustrating night for Paul Heckingbottom's side.

Full Time Fulham 2-0 Leeds United

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Ream, Odoi, Targett, McDonald (Kalas 88) Cairney, Johansen, R Sessegnon, Ayite (Norwood 66), Mitrovic: Subs not used: Button, Christie, Piazon, Kebano, Kamara.

Leeds: Peacock-Farrell, Berardi, Jansson, Pennington, Dallas, Ronaldo Vieira, O'Kane (Phillips 22), Hernandez, Saiz, Alioski (Grot 72) Ekuban (Lasogga 72). Subs not used: Lonergan, Anita, Cibicki, Pearce

Referee: P Banks

Booked: Bettinelli, McDonald, Johansen (Fulham) Jansson, Phillips (Leeds United)

Venue: Craven Cottage

Attendance: 21,538



https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/23217/report-fulham-2-0-leeds-united

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Fulham 2-0 Leeds United: Aleksandar Mitrovic rounds off a comfortable win for the Cottagers as they refuse to give up on automatic promotion dream

    Fulham beat Leeds United 2-0 after a dominating display at Craven Cottage
    Goals from Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic earned Fulham three points
    Win moves them within five points of Cardiff and an automatic promotion place

On the day Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney formed two-thirds of the Championship Player of the Season shortlist, it was one of Fulham's more unsung heroes who kept their automatic promotion hopes alive.

Kevin McDonald scored almost accidentally but it was enough to set them on their way to victory over Leeds and trim the gap to second-placed Cardiff to five points.

Even if Fulham's top two charge has come too late, they will have some almighty momentum for the play-offs. This was their 18th successive unbeaten league match, with 14 of those victories.


Aleksandar Mitovic scored from inside the box as Fulham continue to chase promotion

Aleksandar Mitrovic, a far more regular scorer, made it two after the break, rounding off a clinical Fulham break just moments after Caleb Ekuban had been denied one-on-one by Marcus Bettinelli.

Both Sessegnon and Cairney will find few dissenters as they join Ruben Neves of Wolves on the shortlist following outstanding campaigns, while Ryan Fredericks also joined them in the Team of the Season. The winners will be revealed on April 15.

Now all that remains to be seen is whether Cardiff, who still retain a game in hand, will suffer a Devon Loch-style collapse in their remaining seven games.

That seems unlikely with promotion specialist Neil Warnock in charge but rest assured that nobody will want to face Fulham in the play-offs.


Mitrovic let all his emotions show as he scored Fulham's second in a 2-0 win over Leeds United

Somehow you feel they've learned valuable lessons from bottling it against Reading in last season's semi-finals when they were the division's most exciting team by some distance.

They certainly started like a side who still believe they can reel in Cardiff on the season's home straight.

At their free-flowing best from the get-go, Mitrovic offered an early signal of intent when he turned Matt Targett's left-side cross wide at the near post.

As is often the case, Fulham found plenty of attacking joy down the left, with Targett invited to push forward at every opportunity by the generous space the Leeds defenders left Ryan Sessegnon.

Both were involved in a move that saw Sessegnon flash a ball across the face of goal. It evaded Mitrovic in the centre but fell perfectly to Floyd Ayite, who had most of the target to aim at and keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell stranded.

Ayite rattled the post, however, and Pontus Jansson eventually cleared for a corner. From it, Targett's inch-perfect cross was met by Mitrovic, the striker's header blocked by the arm of Peacock-Farrell.

At this point it looked as though Leeds could be swamped. Fulham had four-fifths of the ball and were conjuring chances with it.


Kevin McDonald put Fulham up in the first-half when he scored from a corner

But they would have to wait 33 minutes for the breakthrough and it came from an unlikely source.

Targett again swung across a corner that Mitrovic nodded towards goal. It struck the oblivious McDonald on the right hip as he turned away from goal, the midfielder unwittingly fooling Peacock-Farrell who'd moved too far the other way.

McDonald's non-plussed reaction said it all. It almost took Sessegnon and Tim Ream running towards him, armed outstretched, to fully realise what he'd done.

Mind you, this isn't a feeling the Scot experiences too often. This was just his second goal of the season and fifth in Fulham colours. Who cares? They all count.

'Cardiff City, we're coming for you,' sung the home fans.

Leeds were backed by at least 5,000 fans who packed the Putney End. It was a mighty impressive following for a mid-table side with little to play for, let alone one that was in the play-off position of sixth on New Year's Day only to tumble miserably away.


Denis Odoi (right) runs with the ball as Fulham put in a dominating display to stay in third

In stoppage time, Gaetano Berardi blazed a volley over from a corner, but that was all the travelling hordes had to cheer before half-time.

It didn't get much better afterwards. Fulham continued to press, with Ayite's shot deflected wide and Mitrovic inadvertently blocking Sessegnon's shot from Cairney's cut-back.

Sessegnon had the bit between his teeth, forcing Peacock-Farrell into a sharp one-handed save after his mazy run had sprung Fulham forward again.

Fulham's second goal, just after the hour, showed how football games often tilter on fine margins.

At one moment, Ekuban was played through on goal by Berardi but denied by Bettinelli, who'd come from his line to narrow the angle.


The Cottagers won comfortably in the end as they continue to pile the pressure on Cardiff

Fulham cleared and broke ruthlessly through the middle with Stefan Johansen. Mitrovic received the ball and picked out Cairney on the right-side of the box. After checking movements in the middle, the captain rolled it back to the Serbian striker, who'd hung back, to roll a low shot into the corner.

It was an eighth goal in 11 Championship matches for Mitrovic since he arrived on loan from Newcastle United on January's transfer deadline day. In contrast to his usual muscle-flexing celebrations, the inconsolable Ekuban was taken off soon afterwards.

Jay Roy Grot, introduced from the bench at the same time, should have buried a close-range header from Samuel Saiz's cross.

That would have made the game's finale interesting but instead Leeds' travelling support were left chanting ironically when they had a late shot on target. Pablo Hernandez did curl a stoppage time free-kick just wide.

These truly are two clubs heading in very different directions.


With 6 games to go, Fulham are five points off second and a chance of automatic promotion




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5575081/Fulham-2-0-Leeds-United-Aleksandar-Mitrovic-rounds-comfortable-win.html#ixzz5BgkAVqZ3
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McDonald and Mitrovic fire Fulham past Leeds
by Dan on April 4, 2018

Fulham cut the gap to second-placed Cardiff City at the top of the Championship to five points with a commanding win over Leeds United at Craven Cottage this evening as they kept their hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League alive. A fortuitous first half goal from Kevin McDonald, where the Scottish midfielder unwittingly diverted in a header by Aleksandar Mitrovic, gave the hosts the half-time lead their adventurous football deserved before the Serbian striker put the game beyond Paul Heckingbottom's side in the second half.

But a brilliant save from Marcus Bettinelli seconds before the on-loan Newcastle striker doubled Fulham's lead illustrated the fine margins between success and failure in this unforgiving division. The Fulham goalkeeper thwarted Caleb Ekuban as the young striker bore down on goal and the hosts immediately punished his glaring miss through a lightning counter-attack that culminated with former Leeds trainee Tom Cairney squaring for Mitrovic to bury a low shot beyond the impressive young goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Heckingbottom had said his side wouldn't merely come to Craven Cottage and sit behind the ball and, despite having to do without seven first-teamers through injury, Leeds were as good as their manager's word. The visitors, roared on by a vociferous travelling support, created a half chance inside the first minute with makeshift full back Stuart Dallas finding space inside the box but the Northern Ireland international sent a speculative shot high into the Hammersmith End.

That was about as good as it got for Leeds in the first period, however. Slavisa Jokanovic's side, keen to make the most of Cardiff dropping points at Sheffield United last night, were soon applying pressure down Dallas' flank with Matt Targett and the recalled Ryan Sessegnon wreaking havoc along the left. Mitrovic might have done better than steer wide from Targett's inviting cross but six minutes later Fulham went even closer. This time Sessegnon scampered free and his low cross was slammed against the far post by Floyd Ayite – when the unaccompanied winger might have done better.

The Whites were in the ascendancy and were only denied an opener by an outstanding save from the ensuing corner by Bailey-Farrell, who somehow kept out Mitrovic's downward header. The home side continued to apply relentless pressure on the Leeds goal, with McDonald firing in a couple of shots from long range and Pontus Jansson making a brave block to thwart Stefan Johansen as the Norwegian seemed set to turn in Ayite's centre.

It was last ditch stuff from Leeds and, eventually the visiting defence buckled, although the goal was one of the scrappiest Jokanovic's easy-on-the-eye side have scored all season. Targett sent over a dangerous corner from the left, which Mitrovic met with a powerful header that struck McDonald's backside and flew into the bottom corner. The midfielder's muted celebrations conveyed that he knew little about the crucial touch – as he was facing away from goal at the time – but Jokanovic was far more animated in acclaiming the vital breakthrough on the touchline.

Leeds didn't muster a shot on target in the first period, but they had their two best moments after falling behind. An errant pass from the otherwise excellent Tim Ream gifted possession to Pablo Hernandez and he carried the ball up to the edge of the box before releasing Samuel Saiz, but the offside flag had been raised before the midfielder drew a sprawling save from Bettinelli. In stoppage time, Gaetano Berardi lashed over on the volley after Fulham had failed to clear a Leeds corner – as the visitors offered a reminder of just how slender a single-goal lead might prove.

The game followed a similar pattern initially after the break as Fulham went in search of a second goal. Dallas did well to divert a dangerous cross from Ryan Fredericks over his own bar with Sessegnon skulking behind him at the far post before the teenager was inadvertently denied by Mitrovic when the Serbian blocked his goalbound effort with his head before Peacock-Farrell did superbly at full stretch to turn away Sessegnon's shot after a clever interchange with Johansen.

Leeds then threw caution to the wind and gradually managed to stall Fulham's momentum. The visitors found a way to get Saiz and the classy Hernandez more involved in proceedings, although their first effort of the second half was a speculative long-range drive from Rolando Vieira that went well wide. Heckingbottom's side were now playing some clever football and spurned a great chance to level matters when Ekuban, released by an excellent ball from Beradi, drilled a low shot against the onrushing Bettinelli.

Leeds were cruelly punished at the other end. Ream worked the ball clear to Stefan Johansen who crossed the halfway line at pace and a clever run and pass from Mitrovic worked some space for Cairney inside the box. The Fulham playmaker cut back onto his left foot and teed up Mitrovic, who drilled home his eighth goal in as many games through a crowded penalty area.

Fulham might have extended their lead further as Fredericks lashed into the side netting from an acute angle but, to their immense credit, Leeds kept on playing until the final whistle – making the last quarter of an hour far tenser than it should have been considering the scoreline. Their frustrating evening was encapsulated by an incredible miss from substitute Jay-Roy Grot with ten minutes to play, however, when he contrived to head over a delicious ball from Saiz despite being unmarked and two yards out.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Targett, Odoi, Ream; McDonald (Kalas 88), Johansen, Cairney; Ayite (Norwood 67), R. Sessegnon, Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Button, Christie, Kebano, Piazon, Kamara.

BOOKED: McDonald, Bettinelli, Johansen.

GOALS: McDonald (33), Mitrovic (63).

LEEDS UNITED (4-2-3-1): Peacock-Farrell; Dallas, Berardi, Jansson, Pennington; O'Kane (Phillips 23), Vieira; Hernandez, Saiz, Alioski (Grot 72); Ekuban (Lassoga 72). Subs (not used): Lonergan, Anita, Cibicki, Pearce.

BOOKED: Jansson.

REFEREE: Peter Bankes (Merseyside).

ATTENDANCE: 21,538.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/mcdonald-and-mitrovic-fire-fulham-past-leeds/

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Jokanovic pleased by Fulham's 'good result'
by Dan on April 4, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic recognised Fulham's win over Leeds United at Craven Cottage this evening represented 'a good result' – but admitted that his side are relying on Cardiff City slipping up during the Championship run in if they are to achieve automatic promotion.

Goals from Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic either side of half-time ensured that the Whites stretched their unbeaten league run to eighteen games and Jokanovic told his post-match press conference that he was pleased with his side's desire and the quality of their football.

    It's a good result. We started the game very well, put them under pressure, we dominated, created many chances and, in the end, we were a little lucky to score our first goal. In the second half, Leeds started to find some gaps in between the lines, and stared to connect better, especially Pablo Hernandez and Samuel Saiz.

The Serbian head coach heaped praise on goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli for his pivotal save from Caleb Ekeban that was followed by a sweeping move that culminated with Mitrovic doubling Fulham's lead at the other end.

    After Marcus Bettinelli made a great save, we showed quality in our offensive transition. We're an offensive team, we created many chances and it's great news that we finished the game with another clean sheet. It's very important to show that we can survive these difficult moments.

Jokanovic insisted that he was now only focusing on Saturday's trip to Sheffield Wednesday and reiterated that Neil Warnock's side were the ones in control of their destiny behind Wolves at the top of the table.

    All we can do is prepare ourselves and get ready for the next game. Everything is in Cardiff's hands. There's a big points difference between us. Now they have hard games ahead, but I believe they'll win. We'll try and do our job. We must keep trying for our supporters. At the end, it's not a chase. They need to make mistakes if we're to have any chance of catching them.

    I am proud of how hard my team is working and how they try to push to win these games. I am proud because they've never given up. I don't know if we can catch Cardiff. I really can't answer this question. I only care about my team and that's it.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/jokanovic-pleased-by-fulhams-good-result/

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Leaders Wolves held by Hull, Fulham beat Leeds

LONDON (Reuters) - Wolverhampton Wanderers missed the chance to move eight points clear at the top of the English Championship as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Hull City at Molineux on Tuesday.

Third-placed Fulham moved within five points of Cardiff City with a 2-0 home win over mid-table Leeds United, while Aston Villa, who are fourth, beat strugglers Reading 3-0.

Wolves are on 86 points from 40 games, ahead of Cardiff, who drew 1-1 at Sheffield United on Monday and have 80 points with a game in hand. Fulham have 75 points with Villa on 73, followed by Derby County with 65 and Middlesbrough on 63.

The top two earn automatic promotion to the Premier League with the next four clubs going into the playoffs. Wolves visit Cardiff in a top-of-the-table clash on Friday.

Wolves debutant Oskar Buur salvaged a point for the league leaders with a header in the 83rd minute after Hull had moved 2-1 ahead through a Ryan Bennett own goal five minutes earlier.

Diogo Jota had earlier put Wolves ahead with a penalty after 18 minutes having been fouled by Michael Hector, but struggling Hull's David Meyler equalised from the spot in the 37th.

Wolves need eight points from their remaining six games to secure promotion back to the top flight.

Fulham kept up the pressure on Cardiff as they beat Leeds thanks to Kevin McDonald's deflected opener in the 33rd minute and Aleksandar Mitrovic's goal on the counter just past the hour.

Villa kept pace with three second-half goals to beat 10-man Reading after the visitors had Dave Edwards sent off on the half-hour for a second booking following two poor challenges.

Birkir Bjarnason curled in the opener from the edge of the area after the break before Conor Hourihane headed in a Robert Snodgrass cross after 63 minutes. Scott Hogan added the third after visitng goalkeeper Vito Mannone tried to dribble the ball.



https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-championship/leaders-wolves-held-by-hull-fulham-beat-leeds-idUKKCN1HA2YZ?rpc=401&;

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Fulham 2 Leeds United: Fulham show Leeds United just how far there is to go

There has been much sniping from Elland Road about the accomplished football played by Wolverhampton Wanderers this season but Wolves are not the only club who Leeds United lag behind. Fulham exposed another gulf last night, irrespective of a raging contest at Craven Cottage.

Fulham, for the best part of two years, have had a tendency to be touted as the best team in the Championship without quite mastering it but there is a fluency and assurance in their play which Leeds can only crave.

A fortuitous goal cleared the way to a 2-0 win, claimed fortuitously by Kevin McDonald midway through the first half, but the only luck before then had been United's in hanging on. Paul Heckingbottom anticipated the onslaught, adamant beforehand that no side in the division was slicker than Slavisa Jokanovic's, but United's head coach had no remedy to the earliest stages of it and Leeds' consistent failure to outwit the Championship's better clubs is the basis of their mid-table position.

A November win over Middlesbrough is their sole victory against a top-six side. Had Sheffield United held on through injury-time for three points against Cardiff City on Monday, they would not have beaten any of them. Fulham, this season, have dished out worse treatment at their own ground, a stadium where Wolves lost by the same margin a month ago, but Leeds' brittle flanks and dearth of invention were manna from heaven for their hosts before half-time.

McDonald's unintentional strike, flying in off his thigh, put Fulham in front and Leeds' bold, concerted attempt to unsettle Jokanovic's players after the break, rattling them for 15 minutes, was blown apart by a decisive, end-to-end flurry in the 63rd minute. Caleb Ekuban, in what is becoming a trend, let another one-on-one chance go begging and covered his face with his shirt after Fulham broke away and gave Aleksandar Mitrovic time to prod a shot beyond goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell. An entire campaign in microcosm, for both clubs. Another easy chance fell to substitute Jay-Roy Grot 10 minutes from time. Grot headed over from three yards out. For a club down in 12th, it is not difficult to join the dots.

Fulham's results have been making waves since Christmas, big enough for Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney to make the shortlist for the Championship's player of the year award. Ruben Neves completed the nominees named by the EFL yesterday but it was telling that Wolves, clear at the top of the division, had less representation that Jokanovic's squad. Cairney was quiet last night, save for assisting Fulham's second goal. Sessegnon, at 17, looked a cut above everyone.

Heckingbottom had promised to try and play Fulham at their own game and Samuel Saiz's recall in place of Pierre-Michel Lasogga was a halfway house; a more protective shape but a theoretical increase of creativity with Saiz on the pitch. Containing Fulham was not much of a game plan at a ground which last saw an away win a week on Hallowe'en. It became a case of that very quickly. Jokanovic's approach had Sessegnon hugging the touchline far out on the left whenever possession dropped to his players and Leeds were outmaneuvered in that area quickly and repeatedly.

Heckingbottom had promised to try and play Fulham at their own game and Samuel Saiz's recall in place of Pierre-Michel Lasogga was a halfway house; a more protective shape but a theoretical increase of creativity with Saiz on the pitch. Containing Fulham was not much of a game plan at a ground which last saw an away win a week on Hallowe'en. It became a case of that very quickly. Jokanovic's approach had Sessegnon hugging the touchline far out on the left whenever possession dropped to his players and Leeds were outmaneuvered in that area quickly and repeatedly. Mitrovic, the Newcastle loanee who had registered nine goals in 10 previous appearances, was teed-up nicely by Matt Targett in the fifth minute but swept a low shot beyond the near post and Floyd Ayite was denied by the opposite upright when Sessegnon got in behind Stuart Dallas and whipped a cross in front of Peacock-Farrell. The resulting corner saw Mitrovic, at full pelt, draw a diving parry from Peacock-Farrell and by the 12th minute, Leeds could feel themselves on the ropes. Heckingbottom was fortunate to pass the half-hour mark unwounded, save for the injury which forced him to replace Eunan O'Kane in the 22nd minute. The addition of Kalvin Phillips to a midfield which had lacked presence before then was no bad thing. The lull in Fulham's play was brief, though, and the weight of possession in their favour was suffocating. Leeds packed bodies in behind their attacks, most susceptible down Sessegnon's wing, but pushed their luck too far in the 33rd minute.

Heckingbottom had promised to try and play Fulham at their own game and Samuel Saiz's recall in place of Pierre-Michel Lasogga was a halfway house; a more protective shape but a theoretical increase of creativity with Saiz on the pitch. Containing Fulham was not much of a game plan at a ground which last saw an away win a week on Hallowe'en. It became a case of that very quickly. Jokanovic's approach had Sessegnon hugging the touchline far out on the left whenever possession dropped to his players and Leeds were outmaneuvered in that area quickly and repeatedly. Mitrovic, the Newcastle loanee who had registered nine goals in 10 previous appearances, was teed-up nicely by Matt Targett in the fifth minute but swept a low shot beyond the near post and Floyd Ayite was denied by the opposite upright when Sessegnon got in behind Stuart Dallas and whipped a cross in front of Peacock-Farrell. The resulting corner saw Mitrovic, at full pelt, draw a diving parry from Peacock-Farrell and by the 12th minute, Leeds could feel themselves on the ropes. Heckingbottom was fortunate to pass the half-hour mark unwounded, save for the injury which forced him to replace Eunan O'Kane in the 22nd minute. The addition of Kalvin Phillips to a midfield which had lacked presence before then was no bad thing. The lull in Fulham's play was brief, though, and the weight of possession in their favour was suffocating. Leeds packed bodies in behind their attacks, most susceptible down Sessegnon's wing, but pushed their luck too far in the 33rd minute. Mitrovic was first again to Targett's outswinging corner and his header struck the leg of McDonald, causing a ricochet which unintentionally wrong-footed Peacock-Farrell and found the corner of the net. In amongst some fine play it was as scruffy as Fulham's goals come. And inevitable, given the balance of the game. Heckingbottom looked in vain for Leeds to gain a proper foothold. Their first corner, six minutes before half-time, ran back to Peacock-Farrell within seconds of it landing in Fulham's box and the only glimpse of trouble for Marcus Bettinelli passed when Samuel Saiz's ball to Pablo Hernandez ran too far wide for Hernandez to shoot. The one strand of encouragement for Heckingbottom was Fulham's midfield dropping off and losing control in the final minutes of the half. Leeds kept a hold of that area after the interval and tighter marking denied Fulham as much chance to breathe. In a critical spell where Jokanovic's players found themselves chasing the ball, United needed to find a way through but ran short of ideas at the edge of Bettinelli's box.

Heckingbottom had promised to try and play Fulham at their own game and Samuel Saiz's recall in place of Pierre-Michel Lasogga was a halfway house; a more protective shape but a theoretical increase of creativity with Saiz on the pitch. Containing Fulham was not much of a game plan at a ground which last saw an away win a week on Hallowe'en. It became a case of that very quickly. Jokanovic's approach had Sessegnon hugging the touchline far out on the left whenever possession dropped to his players and Leeds were outmaneuvered in that area quickly and repeatedly. Mitrovic, the Newcastle loanee who had registered nine goals in 10 previous appearances, was teed-up nicely by Matt Targett in the fifth minute but swept a low shot beyond the near post and Floyd Ayite was denied by the opposite upright when Sessegnon got in behind Stuart Dallas and whipped a cross in front of Peacock-Farrell. The resulting corner saw Mitrovic, at full pelt, draw a diving parry from Peacock-Farrell and by the 12th minute, Leeds could feel themselves on the ropes. Heckingbottom was fortunate to pass the half-hour mark unwounded, save for the injury which forced him to replace Eunan O'Kane in the 22nd minute. The addition of Kalvin Phillips to a midfield which had lacked presence before then was no bad thing. The lull in Fulham's play was brief, though, and the weight of possession in their favour was suffocating. Leeds packed bodies in behind their attacks, most susceptible down Sessegnon's wing, but pushed their luck too far in the 33rd minute. Mitrovic was first again to Targett's outswinging corner and his header struck the leg of McDonald, causing a ricochet which unintentionally wrong-footed Peacock-Farrell and found the corner of the net. In amongst some fine play it was as scruffy as Fulham's goals come. And inevitable, given the balance of the game. Heckingbottom looked in vain for Leeds to gain a proper foothold. Their first corner, six minutes before half-time, ran back to Peacock-Farrell within seconds of it landing in Fulham's box and the only glimpse of trouble for Marcus Bettinelli passed when Samuel Saiz's ball to Pablo Hernandez ran too far wide for Hernandez to shoot. The one strand of encouragement for Heckingbottom was Fulham's midfield dropping off and losing control in the final minutes of the half. Leeds kept a hold of that area after the interval and tighter marking denied Fulham as much chance to breathe. In a critical spell where Jokanovic's players found themselves chasing the ball, United needed to find a way through but ran short of ideas at the edge of Bettinelli's box. When Fulham found a way to release themselves, their threat was more real. A goalbound strike from the untrackable Sessegnon was pushed wide by Peacock-Farrell and Fulham's second goal on 63 minutes was United's season in the space of 30 seconds. Ekuban had Leeds' chance of the night at one end, denied one-on-one by Bettinelli in a situation which has caused the striker to freeze too often in the past month, and Fulham tore upfield, working possession to Cairney whose low cut-back was tucked away with no nonsense by Mitrovic. The same was true of Grot, who came off the bench and somehow missed Bettinelli's goal after Saiz dinked a lovely pass to the unmarked Dutchman. Grot needed only a clean touch to finish but a snatched header disappeared into the air, as so much of United's season has done.

end



Read more at: https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/fulham-2-leeds-united-fulham-show-leeds-united-just-how-far-there-is-to-go-1-9096436

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 2-0 Leeds United: Player ratings
by Sarah on April 4, 2018

Marks out of ten for Slavisa Jokanovic's side as Fulham extended their unbeaten run to 18 games at Craven Cottage last night ...

Marcus Bettinelli: Had very little work in the first period as Leeds couldn't manage a single shot on target in the first period but more than earned his corn after the break as he made a massive save from Caleb Ekeban to preserve Fulham's lead. Made himself big as the young striker burst through on goal – and, as if to illustrate the importance of that moment, the home side burst up field to make it 2-0 immediately afterwards. Could be a big moment in Fulham's season. 8

Ryan Fredericks: Another energetic display from the right back. Worked hard defensively throughout – setting the tone by snapping into a number of tackles. Got forward repeatedly in the second half putting in a number of dangerous crosses and might have scored himself but drove an effort into the side netting from an acute angle. The watching David Moyes, who has been linked with a summer move for the attacking full back, would have been very impressed. 7

Matt Targett: The on-loan Southampton full back still hasn't lost a game in a Fulham shirt since arriving at Craven Cottage in January. He has made a big difference to all facets of this team, including set-piece delivery, where he whipped in the cross that caused such carnage for McDonald's rather lucky opening goal. His partnership with Ryan Sessegnon down the left makes life so difficult for the opposition as well. 7

Denis Odoi: The Belgian defender was so composed at centre back again, it leaves you wondering when the fit-again Tomas Kalas will return to the side. Won plenty of headers as Leeds looked to get in behind the Fulham back four and distributed the ball impressively as well. At times, it looks like he's a natural centre half rather than someone who is filling in so strongly in that position. 7

Tim Ream: Another big game and another dominant display from the American, who continues to hit heights unimaginable when he looked set to be released at the end of Jokanovic's first season in charge. He made a number of crucial interceptions, striding out from the back to nick the ball away from Leeds as they looked to give their overworked defence a little bit of respite. Always assured on the ball, he gives the side such confidence. 8

Kevin McDonald: It isn't difficult to see why Jokanovic was raving about the Scot's influence after this game. Ran the show from that deep-lying defensive midfield position – breaking up Leeds attacks and keeping Fulham going even when the visitors worked up a serious spell of pressure in the second half. Seemed eager to get a goal from the outset, peppering the Leeds goal with efforts from long range but will freely admit that his goal was a bit of a fluke. 8

Stefan Johansen: Offered plenty of bite and energy at the heart of Fulham's midfield once again. The terrier-like Norwegian hassled and harried Leeds from the outset and at times seemed to be operating his own individual high-pressing game. Did superbly to inject some serious pace into the the break that followed Bettinelli's crucial save and led to the crucial Fulham second. Looks back to the superb run of form which he ended last season. 7

Tom Cairney: The skipper might not have got his customary goal against Leeds last night, but he produced another excellent performance to remind the Yorkshire club just how badly they erred in releasing him at 16. Cairney was pulling the strings from the centre of the park impressively, always finding an extra yard of space to play the extra pass. Laid on the second goal with a clever cut back for Mitrovic. 8

Floyd Ayite: Still not hitting the heights that he managed during the run in last year, but the Togolese winger was full of running all night. Should have put Fulham in front rather than slamming a shot against the post from Sessegnon's low cross, but gave Berardi a torrid time at left back with his eagerness to burst forward at every opportunity. 6

Ryan Sessegnon: The teenager made a real impact on his return to the starting line-up and seemed to be Fulham's most likely source of a breakthrough in the early stages. Caused Leeds' makeshift right back Stuart Dallas all manner of problems as he continually got free down the left flank and sent in several threatening crosses. Drifted inside to roam dangerously during the second half as the Whites looked to wrap up the contest and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself. 7

Aleksandar Mitrovic: The Leeds centre backs will know that were in a game after another imposing display from the Serbian striker. Passed up a couple of good chances early on, but his downward header from Targett's corner spun in off McDonald to give Fulham the lead. Continued to lead the line to great effect after the break and got the goal his dominant performance deserved when he clinically powered home just fourteen seconds after Bettinelli had bailed Fulham out at the other end. What a signing he has been. 8

Substitutes:

Ollie Norwood (replaced Floyd Ayite, 62): Introduced to shore up Fulham's midfield after Leeds got on top for the first time in the game during the second half. Got through plenty of work and prevented the likes of Hernandez and Saiz from striding through the centre of the park as often as they had been doing. 7

Tomas Kalas (replaced Kevin McDonald, 88): Sent on for McDonald to preserve the clean sheet with two minutes remaining as Fulham switched to three centre halves. 6



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/fulham-2-0-leeds-united-player-ratings/

[WhiteJC]

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic makes it 8 in 8 – Remarkable Fulham run of form since he arrived

Undefeated in his 11 games, Fulham now have 27 points from possible 33 since Aleksandar Mitrovic arrived - a goal and assist last night.

The Aleksandar Mitrovic bandwagon rolls on at Craven Cottage.

Tuesday night saw Fulham pick up their latest win, beating Leeds 2-0 in West London.

Once again they were indebted to the Newcastle loan striker, who got an assist for the first goal and scored the second himself.

This makes it eight goals in his last eight matches for Mitro.

He has also contributed to a remarkable run of results since his arrival, with Fulham picking up 27 points from a possible 33 in the games Aleksandar Mitrovic has featured in – three draws and eight wins.

This has ensured at least a play-off spot for Fulham and with six games to go they still have some hope of catching Cardiff, currently five points ahead in the second automatic promotion spot.

Get West London player ratings last night:

'Mitrovic 8: Physical presence caused a problem and got an assist for the first goal. Got himself a goal when he got on the end of a lethal Fulham break.'

BBC Sport:

'Fulham showed why they are the Championship's form side with an impressive win over mid-table Leeds.

They dominated the early chances and eventually went ahead when Kevin McDonald deflected in Aleksandar Mitrovic's header from a corner.

The Serbia striker put the game to bed as he ended a flowing counter-attack after Caleb Ekuban spurned one of Leeds' best chances when put through.'

Slavisa Jokanovic:

"We're at the point of the season where we can still try to be successful, but we won't the final result know until the end of season.

"I am proud of how hard my team is working and how they try to push to win these games. I am proud because they've never given up.

"I don't know if we can catch Cardiff. I really can't answer this question. I only care about my team and that's it."



https://www.themag.co.uk/2018/04/aleksandar-mitrovic-makes-8-8-remarkable-fulham-run-form-since-arrived-newcastle-united/

[WhiteJC]

Jokanovic lauds magnificent McDonald
by Dan on April 4, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic heaped praise on the tireless work of Kevin McDonald after the Scottish midfielder produced a superb display to nullify Leeds United at Craven Cottage last night.

The Serbian head coach identified McDonald's role at the base of his progressive midfield as one of the key positions in the side and claimed that the newly-capped Scotland international doesn't always get the credit he deserves. The former Wolves midfielder grabbed a rare goal – although he knew little about his effort that broke the deadlock after Aleksandar Mitrovic's firm header from Matt Targett's corner flew in off his backside.

The Fulham boss waxed lyrical about McDonald's importance to the side during his post-match press conference:

    He has done great work for the team. He tries to find some balance, it's not an easy job for him because he must cover a big space. He must always have a high level.

    If you've followed Fulham all season you can recognise his value, his work. Normally you ask me about players who score the goals, about Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney. Nobody asks about him but he's an important player for us and did a great job.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/jokanovic-lauds-magnificent-mcdonald/