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Sunday Fulham Stuff (15/04/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, April 14, 2018, 02:07:24 PM

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WhiteJC

 
Results
















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


WhiteJC

 
Fulham 1-1 Brentford


Neal Maupay came on as a 69th-minute substitute for Brentford to score

Neal Maupay scored a 94th-minute leveller to snatch Brentford a draw at Fulham in a result that sealed Wolves' promotion to the Premier League.

The hosts - who missed the chance to return to second in the Championship - led against the run of play through Aleksandar Mitrovic's curling effort.

Florian Jozefzoon and Yoann Barbet went close for Brentford in the first half.

They finally got their reward when substitute Maupay headed in at the far post with only seconds remaining.

With three matches to go Fulham are a point behind Cardiff, who are in the final automatic promotion spot with a game in hand on the Cottagers.

The draw leaves the Bees 10th in the table, four points adrift of the play-off spots.

Dean Smith's visitors were good value for the draw after a impressive first 45 minutes in which they were also denied a penalty when Barbet's free-kick hit Stefan Johansen's raised hand in the area.

The Cottagers only found their rhythm after on-loan Newcastle striker Mitrovic bent in his 12th goal in 12 games from the edge of the box - a strike that looked as if it would make Wolves wait until at least Sunday to seal promotion.

Captain Tom Cairney then fizzed a 25-yard effort just wide as Slavisa Jokanovic's team looked the more likely to score the game's second goal.

But Frenchman Maupay, who has scored seven goals off the bench this season - more than any player in England's top four divisions - nodded in to keep Brentford's faint play-off hopes alive.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43677858

WhiteJC

 
Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović believed his team "left everything on the pitch" during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brentford at the Cottage.

Fulham took the lead through Aleksandar Mitrović in the 80th minute, but the Bees equalised in the last minute of stoppage through substitute Neal Maupay.


"We left everything on the pitch," the Fulham Head Coach said.

"We dominated the game and scored the first goal - an important goal, but we must be disappointed after they scored their late goal.

"We probably missed a little experience in killing the game. These matches are part of the Championship. In this moment, we are not satisfied or happy."

When asked if the Whites could take solace or lessons from last season's play-off push, Jokanović was adamant he was only focusing on the present.

"I'm not thinking about last season, my experience with Watford, or anything else," he said.

"We can always learn from the past, but I'm not thinking about these things. I'm focused on the current situation.

"We are going to be one of the teams with a good chance of being promoted and we are focused on that."

With three important games ahead for the Whites, Jokanović refused to dwell on the negatives.

"I am a positive man," he said. "I am really happy with how my team pushed in the second half. Brentford are four points away from the play-off positions and it's absolutely normal that they fought with everything today.

"I only have time to support my team and help with their recovery. We have to be strong, play with confidence, push forward and look towards next time.

"We're going to be ok, we're going to rest, and we're going to get ready for the next challenge."

Lastly, when he was asked about Ryan Sessegnon's recent announcement as a shortlisted player for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award, Jokanović responded: "Sessegnon is top class. He must be personally satisfied and proud. This is a large honour, just to be nominated."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/14/head-coach-reaction-brentford


WhiteJC

 
Fulham's 17-year-old sensation Ryan Sessegnon shortlisted for PFA Young Player of the Year alongside Man City duo Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Harry Kane... who is 25 in July!

Ryan Sessegnon is the shock name on a shortlist of six to win the PFA Young Player of the Year Award, despite playing in the Championship for Fulham.

The 17-year-old has enjoyed a stunning season at Craven Cottage which could still end with the west London outfit earning promotion to the Premier League.

The left-back's name appears among Manchester City duo Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane who are the leading candidates to claim the award.


Ryan Sessegnon has emerged as a shock contender to win PFA Young Player of the Year

   
Manchester City duo Rahem Sterling and Leroy Sane are among the favourites to win the prize


City keeper Ederson is also on the shortlist following an impressive first season at the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane completing the top six.

Kane just scrapes in as a young player as the age cut-off point required players to be 23 on July 1. Kane's 24th birthday was just 27 days later.

Sessegnon is a product of Fulham's youth academy and has attracted attention from Premier League clubs since making his debut for the Cottagers last term.


Despite being 25 in July, Harry Kane is named on the Young Player of the Year shortlist

This season the England Under 21 international has merged as a key player for Slavisa Jokanovic's side, scoring 14 goals in 42 league games and adding six assists in the process.

Sessegnon's chances of winning appear slim however with City team-mates Sterling and Sane set to go head-to-head for the award which has been won by Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli for the past two seasons.

The senior award also features Kane and Sane on the shortlist that is led by Mohamed Salah and Kevin de Bruyne.


Kevin d Bruyne voted for Mohamed Salah for the main award, which he is favourite to win

David De Gea and David Silva complete the six players looking to claim the men's senior prize.

Players across the top four divisions vote for their player of the year via ballot forms that are delivered to training grounds across the country by the PFA.

Among the rules is that they cannot vote for a player that is at the same club. After deciding on their winners, players sign, fold and give their envelope to a PFA representative.

The 45th PFA Awards to be held in the Grosvenor House in London on Sunday April 22. Here is a lowdown on the six candidates hoping to land the Young Player of the Year award prize...


Harry Kane is hoping to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award for a second time
HARRY KANE (Tottenham)

At the age of 24, Kane remains eligible for both awards three years after he was named young player of the year.

Did you know? After his traditional scoreless August, Kane scored 13 goals in eight games for Spurs and England in September.


Ederson has been a major hit at Manchester City since arriving in the summer from Benfica
EDERSON (Manchester City)

After a difficult season for Claudio Bravo last time around, the Brazil international has solved Guardiola's goalkeeping worries after his summer arrival from Benfica.

Did you know? If successful, Ederson would become the first Brazilian to win any of the PFA awards other than Merit award, won by Pele in 1996.


Marcus Rashford is hoping to become the first Manchester United player to win in 11 years
MARCUS RASHFORD (Manchester United)

The 20-year-old England forward has continued to impress when called upon this term, scoring six Premier League goals including two in last month's 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

Did you know? If victorious, Rashford would become the first Manchester United player to win this accolade since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007.


Leroy Sane has proved crucial in Manchester City's attack as thy cruise towards the league title
LEROY SANE (Manchester City)

Sane scored six goals in City's top-flight record 18-match winning run from August to December and has continued to impress.

Did you know? Sane has been nominated for this award in both of his first two years in England.


Despite playing in the Championship, Ryan Sessegnon has won admirers across the game
RYAN SESSEGNON (Fulham)

The full-back has kicked on from his involvement in England's victorious European Under-19 Championship squad to score 14 goals so far in Fulham's promotion push.

Did you know? Sessegnon is the first player on record outside of the top flight to be nominated for this award.


Raheem Sterling's improvement under Pep Guardiola has made him narrow favourite to win
RAHEEM STERLING (Manchester City)

The England forward established his importance with three late winners during City's record winning run and is a firm favourite of Guardiola.

Did you know? Sterling ranks joint fourth alongside Leicester striker Jamie Vardy in this season's Premier League scoring charts.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5615539/Fulhams-Ryan-Sessegnon-shortlisted-PFA-Young-Player-Year.html#ixzz5CeRzeSwq
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

WhiteJC

 
Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon makes history as he's shortlisted for PFA Young Player of the Year award

The 17-year-old has 14 goals this season and is the first player on record outside the top flight to make the shortlist

Ryan Sessegnon has made history by becoming the first player outside the top tier to be nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year award.

The 17-year-old Fulham man has been named alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, Manchester City's Ederson. Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford.

Sessegnon, who has scored 14 goals for the Whites, has already won a double gone at the London Football Awards and is up for a number more at the EFL Awards later this month.

It's been a fantastic season for the wonderkid, who is Fulham's top scorer this season and has gone from strength to strength under the guidance of Slavisa Jovanovic.

The awards take place at Grosvenor House on April 22.

Meanwhile, Mo Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, Sane, David Silva, Kane and David De Gea are up for the PFA Player of the Year award.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-wonderkid-ryan-sessegnon-makes-14530819

WhiteJC

 
BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson calls for shock player to go to World Cup with England
BBC SPORT pundit Mark Lawrenson believes Gareth Southgate must take PFA Young Player of the Year nominee Ryan Sessegnon to the World Cup.

The Fulham youngster's impressive form has earned him a spot in the shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year.

He joins the likes of Tottenham star Harry Kane, Manchester City trio Leroy Sane, Ederson and Raheem Sterling and Manchester United youngster Marcus Ashford.

Sessegnon is the youngest player on the list at 17.

He has been instrumental in Fulham's push to reach the Premier League, scoring 14 times in the Championship.


Mark Lawrenson believes Ryan Sessegnon should go to the World Cup

And Lawrenson believes he's so good, England manager Southgate should take him to Russia for this summer's World Cup.

"He's played a lot of football and he's still relatively a baby in the world of football," Lawrenson said on Football Focus.

"I would, if I were Gareth Southgate, I'd take him to the World Cup.


Ryan Sessegnon has been in impressive form for Fulham this season

"He's the future. You don't have to play him, but how many players can you take? 23?

"I would take him purley for the experience. He's that good.

"He's in the right team at Fulham in the way that they play. What a player he's going to be. It's fighting!"



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/946139/Ryan-Sessegnon-World-Cup-BBC-Sport-Mark-Lawrenson-video


WhiteJC

 
Euphoric Wolves players celebrate after their promotion to the Premier League is sealed following Fulham's home draw with Brentford

    Wolves earned promotion to the Premier League after Fulham dropped points
    The Cottagers needed to win to keep Wolves on their toes but drew 1-1 at home
    League leaders Wolves take on Birmingham on Sunday knowing they are up

Wolverhampton Wanderers earned promotion to the Premier League before they kicked a ball this weekend after Fulham drew 1-1 at home to Brentford on Saturday.

The pressure was on the Cottagers to win in order to maintain mounting pressure on the Midlanders but Nuno Espírito Santo's side head into Sunday's tie with Birmingham in party mode.

Wolves hold a 10-point lead over Fulham, who have three games to play, and will now turn their attentions to securing the title after Cardiff kept their fading title ambitions alive with a 2-0 win away to Norwich.

It looked like Fulham had done enough after they went ahead through Aleksandar Mitrovic but Brentford pushed and pushed and levelled in the 94th minute through Neal Maupay - much to the disbelief of the home fans.

Wolves tweeted out 'the pack is back' accompanied by a video of their season highlights when news filtered through from Craven Cottage that Fulham slipped up.

They have been out of the Premier League for six years but never looked in danger of missing out this time around.

Premier League clubs were quick to congratulate Wolves on their promotion success with Premier League champions-in-waiting Manchester City leading the way.

The Midlanders have led by example in the Championship this season despite irking rivals over their relationship with agent Jorge Mendes.

Mendes clients' Diogo Jota and Helder Costa have both had big impacts along with Portuguese star Ruben Neves this campaign. 

They have won 28 out of their 42 Championship games this season and have lost just six.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5616201/Wolves-promoted-Premier-League-Fulham-draw-home.html

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 1-1 Brentford PLAYER RATINGS: Honours shared in the west London derby

A last minute Bees goal cancelled out Mitrovic's goal as the honours were shared at the Cottage

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Neal Maupay both hit the target as the honours were shared in the west London derby between Fulham and Brentford.

Slavisa Jokanovic opted for an unchanged side from the one that beat Reading in midweek and the game was full of life from the very start.

Ollie Watkins was unlucky to be ruled out for offside when he raced through, while the away side probably should've had a penalty too when a freekick struck Stefan Johansen's arms.

However, Fulham had chances too, with Ryan Sessegnonc causing a number of problems down Brentford's left.

And it was the home side who took the lead when Johansen found Mitrovic on the edge of the box, whose fantastic effort curled past Bentley into the corner.

But the away side equalised when the assistant failed to rule out an offside in the build up, with Maupay nodding home to equalise in the last minute.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 8: Pulled off some stunning saves in the first 45. Was alert to be of his line and sweep up when need be. A good peformance from the number one.

Fredericks 7: Got into good positions and used his speed well. Contained the right and Watkins well during the second 45.

Odoi 7: Pretty solid from the centre half. Looked comfortable alongside Ream and dealt with Canos fairly well.

Ream 8: Sloppy start from the centre back but he pulled it together. Had an outstanding game after the early blips.

Targett 7: A solid showing from the left back again, who had to deal with some tough situations throughout the tie.

Johansen 8: Caused problems all game and it was his running drive that picked out Mitrovic for the goal.

McDonald 8: Really solid showing in the anchor role and wasn't afraid to get stuck in. Marshaled the midfield and gave it that grit needed for a derby.

Cairney 7: A good display from the skipper who got on the ball and dictated Fulham's play throughout the game.

Sessegnon 8: Caused Brentford a lot of problems in the first 45. A really mature performance from the youngster who had a great game.

Piazon 6: Didn't really impact the game too much and was hauled off after 53 minutes.

Mitrovic 7: Not the best of games from the Serbian, that said, his finish was superb to give Fulham the lead.

Subs -

Kebano 7: Pace and openness of the game was crying out for a player like Kebano.

Christie N/A: Didn't have time to impact the game, but was employed as a right winger when he came on.

Norwood N/A: Wasn't on long enough to impact the game.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-1-1-brentford-player-14531533

WhiteJC

 
Wolves promoted to the Premier League after Brentford's late leveller at Fulham

Brentford's late equaliser at Fulham means the Molineux club are now guaranteed their place in the top flight next season

Wolves have been promoted to the Premier League.

Brentford's late equaliser at Fulham means the Molineux club are now guaranteed their place in the top flight next season.

Nuno's side host Birmingham at St Andrew's on Sunday lunchtime in what will now be a party atmosphere as Wanderers bid to secure the title.

Alexander Mitrovic looked to have secured all three points for Fulham in Saturday's late kick-off in the west London derby against Brentford.

But Neal Maupay struck deep into stoppage time to earn a point for the Bees and promote Wolves due to their 10-point cushion over the third-placed Cottagers who only have three games remaining.

The leveller also dealt a crucial blow to Fulham's hopes of automatic promotion.

They looked set to go back above Cardiff into second place before the equaliser, leapfrogging the Bluebirds by a point.

But now they sit a point behind and Neil Warnock's men have a game in hand.

Earlier on Saturday, late goals from Kenneth Zohore and Junior Hoilett gave Cardiff a 2-0 win at Norwich.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/wolves-promoted-premier-league-after-12364622


WhiteJC

 
Fulham's promotion hopes hit by last-gasp Bees goal

Fulham 1 Brentford 1


Neal Maupay's injury-time equaliser dealt a huge blow to Fulham's promotion hopes.

Aleksandar Mitrović's goal – his 10th since joining the Whites on loan – looked like taking them back above Cardiff into second place.

But Maupay, on as a substitute, headed in at the far post in the dying seconds.

It sealed promotion for Wolves and meant Fulham stayed a place below Cardiff, who won at Norwich earlier in the day.

Brentford, who are four points away from the play-off spots, started well, with Romaine Sawyers firing wide and Henrik Dalsgaard narrowly over early on.

Fulham responded and Bees keeper Dan Bentley produced a good save to deny Ryan Sessegnon, but the visitors finished the first half strongly and the unmarked Yoann Barbet missed a great chance to put them ahead with a header.

That miss looked like being costly for the Bees when Mitrović crashed a superb first-time strike in off the post after being found by Stefan Johansen.

But Brentford battled on and were eventually rewarded as the derby ended in dramatic fashion.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett, McDonald, Johansen (Norwood 90), Cairney, Piazon (Kebano 53 (Christie 87), Mitrovic, Sessegnon.

Brentford: Bentley, Bjelland (Egan 45), Jozefzoon, Yennaris (Mokotjo 78), Watkins, Woods, Sawyers, Dalsgaard, Barbet, Mepham, Canos (Maupay 68).



http://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/fulhams-promotion-hopes-hit-last-gasp-bees-goal

WhiteJC

 
FT: Fulham 1 - 1 Brentford. Brilliant Bees

What a breathless match at Craven Cottage. Brentford battered Fulham and had a stone-wall penalty turned down, an offside goal ruled out in-correctly before falling behind to a super strke by Mitrovic.

But the Bees kept buzzing and scored an equaliser in the 94th minute to break Fulham hearts and give Cardiff a massive boost.

The Bluebirds are back in second, a point ahead of Fulham and a game in hand.

Next weekend, all live on Sky Fulham are away at flying Millwall on Friday while Cardiff host Forest on Saturday night.

The draw for Fulham means Wolves are promoted. Congratulations. They face Birmingham for a party at Molineux tomorrow but they can't win the title yet as Cardiff could still catch them.

What a day in the Championship. What a day for Cardiff City who now have been handed the chance to dictate how this season will end.



http://www.footymad.com/cardiff-city/news/tmnw/ft_fulham_1__1_brentford_brilliant_bees_916175/index.shtml

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 1-1 Brentford: Neal Maupay's last-gasp equaliser dents hosts' play-off hopes after Aleksandar Mitrovic had bagged fifth goal in six games

    Mitrovic put Fulham ahead in 70th minute with his fifth goal in six games
    Sub Maupay headed home from close range in fourth minute of injury time
    Draw means Wolves are promoted and Cardiff stay second with game in hand

Slavisa Jokanovic stood with his arms folded and his face stern. He knew what this goal meant, he sensed the damage it inflicted.

When the final reckoning comes, this may just be moment when Fulham's automatic promotion hopes evaporated.

His players dropped to their haunches. In the 94th minute, against fierce rivals Brentford, three points turned into one and Cardiff are now very much in the promotion ascendancy.


On-loan striker Aleksander Mitrovic scored in the 70th minute for Fulham on Saturday

It was a splendid curling cross from Brentford's Yoann Barbet and the header back across goal was nodded in by substitute Neal Maupay. There appeared to be a marginal offside in the penalty box melee, but that will be little comfort to Jokanovic.

Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic appeared to have the match won. His delicious strike, caressed into the bottom corner in the 70th minute, looked to have sealed a fifth win in a row and a fifth consecutive clean sheet. It was the Serbian's 10th goal in 12 matches since joining in January.

Yet Fulham rarely appeared at ease in this match, outplayed as they were for extended periods and their goalkeeper, Marco Bettinelli, was often the busier of the two.

The gravity of Fulham's task in this derby had intensified after Cardiff conjured victory at Norwich earlier in the day to move back into second place.


The striker, on loan from Newcastle, scored his fifth goal in six games against Brentford

But Fulham have been peerless of late, winning eight and drawing one of their past nine matches as part of a 20-game unbeaten run stretching back to December 16.

Yet Cardiff's victory seemed to spook Fulham and their forward momentum was threatened as much as at any point since December.

As such, Fulham began the match on edge. Bettinelli sent a pass straight out of play and the team, in general, lacked composure and coherence. Brentford should have punished them early on.

Dean Smith's side carried the initiative, playing smart and zippy counter-attacking football with urgency as they looked to preserve their own slim play-off aspirations.

Romaine Sawyers slashed a strike into the side-netting. Florian Jozefzoon and Ollie Watkins exchanged passes in the final third and a last-ditch Denis Odoi challenge averted further danger.


Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen crosses the ball into the box against Brentford


Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli makes a flying save against Brentford


Jozfezoon then capitalised on another loose pass by Tim Ream, jinking by two Fulham defenders and forcing an acrobatic save from Bettinelli.

Fulham finally roused themselves and Ryan Sessegnon was the man to ignite the fuse. He rampaged down the left flank, sliding a pass into Mitrovic and, when the ball ran loose, Sessegnon took aim first time and a rasping strike was deflected over.

A glorious sequence involving Stefan Johansen and Lucas Piazon released Sessegnon, whose low driven cross was brilliantly defended. Yet as half-time approached, Brentford regained the initiative.

Watkins whipped in a set-piece and Barbet's powerful header was well saved once more. From the resultant corner, Barbet stooped unmarked but headed over.

The chances kept on coming. Danish centre-half Andreas Bjelland collected a diagonal pass on his chest, checked back inside and a rising half-volley seared narrowly over the top.

In the second half, anxiety surfaced for both sides, as a to-and-fro contest gave way to a more timid affair. Mitrovic had his say — but Brentford insisted on the final word.


Fulham fan and actor Huge Grant was in the crowd for the derby at Craven Cottage



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5616283/Fulham-1-1-Brentford-Maupays-late-equaliser-dents-Whites-play-hopes.html#ixzz5CiyxAaTY
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook


WhiteJC

 
Fulham's automatic promotion hopes dented by Bees' sting in the tail

A stoppage-time header from substitute Neal Maupay earned Brentford a 1-1 draw at local rivals Fulham to severely dent the Cottagers' automatic promotion hopes and send Wolves up in the process.
Aleksander Mitrovic looked to have won it for Fulham when he swept home in the 70th minute.
But Maupay nodded past Marcus Bettinelli in the fourth minute of time added on to secure the Bees a point and maintain their slim play-off hopes.
The draw leaves Fulham in third, a point off second-placed Cardiff, who have a game in hand.
Brentford started on the front foot. Romaine Sawyers dragged an early shot wide, before a mistake by Tim Ream saw him present the ball straight to Florian Jozefzoon who cut inside and let fly from 12 yards. Bettinelli did well to tip his drive over the crossbar.
A fine one-two between Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon at the other end saw the youngster tip-toe his way into the six-yard box, but his low drive was blocked by the legs of Daniel Bentley in the Brentford goal.
Another save from Bettinelli kept the scores level in the 39th minute. Jozefzoon's free-kick was met by Yoann Barbet, but his header was tipped over by the Fulham keeper.
Brentford saw strong penalty appeals turned down just before the break when Stefan Johansen jumped and blocked Barbet's free-kick with his hands.
Andreas Bjelland then saw a left-footed drive from the edge of the area fizz just wide as the Bees went close to taking a lead their first-half performance deserved.
Chances were few and far between in the second half, but Fulham went in front with 20 minutes left.
A quick breakaway saw the ball worked to Johansen on the left. He played a pass to the lurking Mitrovic and the striker, who had been kept quiet, let fly from just outside the area and saw his shot go in off the post.
Suddenly, it was all Fulham. Bentley raced off his line to block Neeskens Kebano's shot from a tight angle, before Tom Cairney let fly from 25 yards and saw his left-footed effort go just wide of the far post.
Barbet almost caught Bettinelli out at the other end when his 81st-minute cross forced the keeper to palm the ball away from near his line.
Fulham were heading back into second spot before the Bees grabbed a point with virtually the last kick of the game.
Barbet's ball was nodded back across goal by Jozefzoon and Maupay arrived to head home and spark wild scenes amongst the visiting support



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/report?gameId=483186

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 1-1 Brentford: Cottagers' promotion chances dealt a blow as Neal Maupay grabs late equaliser

A stoppage-time header from substitute Neal Maupay earned Brentford a 1-1 draw at local rivals Fulham to severely dent the Cottagers' automatic promotion hopes and send Wolves up in the process.

Aleksander Mitrovic looked to have won it for Fulham when he swept home in the 70th minute.

But Maupay nodded past Marcus Bettinelli in the fourth minute of time added on to secure the Bees a point and maintain their slim play-off hopes.

The draw leaves Fulham in third, a point off second-placed Cardiff, who have a game in hand.

Fulham's remianing fixtures:

Millwall (A), Sunderland (H), Birmingham City (A)



https://talksport.com/football/fulham-1-1-brentford-cottagers-promotion-chances-dealt-blow-neal-maupay-grabs-late

WhiteJC

 
Jokanovic defiant after Fulham are denied derby victory

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic refused to be disheartened after seeing his side concede a last-gasp equaliser at home to Brentford to lose ground in the race for automatic promotion.

Leading 1-0 through Aleksandar Mitrovic's superb 70th-minute strike, Fulham were forced to settle for a point against their near neighbours when substitute Neal Maupay nodded home in the fourth minute of injury time.

The draw leaves Fulham in third spot in the Championship, a point behind second-placed Cardiff, who have a game in hand on the Whites. It also confirmed Wolves' promotion.

"We dominated the game, so we must be disappointed after conceding a late goal," said Jokanovic. "We probably lacked a bit of experience to kill the game.

"After they scored we didn't have time to react, but this kind of situation happens in the Championship. We're not satisfied or happy, but we must be strong and ready for the next challenge.

"I'm not a depressive man, I'm a happy man. I'm happy with how my team pushed in the second half.

"Brentford play very good football, too. They're four points from the play-offs. It was normal they would push forward and try to score late in the game.

"But I don't have time for crying and complaining. I only have time to support my team."

Jokanovic attempted to shore things up late on when he replaced substitute winger Neeskens Kebano with another replacement, defender Cyrus Christie.

He defended his change, adding: "We needed to find a way to kill the game. I tried to help the team."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-jokanovic-happy-stands-substitution-derby-draw


WhiteJC

 
Ex-Parkhead star Stefan Johansen insists he only needed a short spell under Brendan Rodgers to know that he and Celtic were meant to be

    Stefan Johansen admits Brendan Rodgers and Celtic are meant to be together
    The Norwegian midfielder departed Glasgow for Fulham in the summer of 2016
     He only trained briefly under Rodgers but could tell he was a quality manager

Just as the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Rangers two years ago sounded the death knell for the Ronny Deila era at Parkhead, it also signalled the beginning of the end of Stefan Johansen's time at Celtic.

Crowned the PFA Scotland Player of the Year in 2015, Johansen's form dipped during his second full season in Glasgow and, by the time the Brendan Rodgers revolution was kicking into gear, he had decided to seek a new challenge.

By the close of 2016's summer transfer window the Norwegian had secured his exit from Scottish football and has since carved a niche at Fulham's Craven Cottage, where he is one of the most influential players for the form team in England's Sky Bet Championship.


Stefan Johansen is one of the key players in Fulham's Premier League promotion bid

As a teenager Johansen moved from his hometown of Vardo in the Arctic Circle to pursue a professional career and offers no regrets over a path that has taken him in a progressively southerly direction through Stromsgodset, Glasgow and now London.

Buoyed by his match-winning goal against Reading on Tuesday night, he strolls out of the home dressing room to meet Sportsmail under the eaves of the building that gives Fulham's charming stadium its name and jokes that he is happy to hear a rare Scottish accent.

Now 27, captain of his country and operating at a new level of consistency, he believes all parties benefited from his transfer.

'I really enjoyed my time at Celtic and I learned a lot there,' he begins. 'Unfortunately my last season wasn't my best but that happens in football. In the end we couldn't agree on the new contract and it was time to move on..' If it's Johansen's fate to forever be associated with compatriot Deila's water-treading era at Parkhead, then that would be sorely unfair.

He actually played under three different managers at Parkhead and, at his best, was a dynamic goalscoring midfielder in the style preferred by the current incumbent.

It was Neil Lennon who sanctioned the £2million purchase that took him from Stromsgodset and he started brightly, using Lennon's final months at Parkhead to tee himself up for his award-winning campaign under surprise appointee Deila, with whom he had won the Norwegian title a few months earlier.


Neil Lennon sanctioned the £2million purchase that took him from Norway to Celtic in 2014


Crowned the PFA Scotland Player of the Year in 2015, Johansen's form dipped during his second full season


He actually played competitively for Rodgers too, albeit fleetingly. Johansen's involvement may have extended to a mere hour of football in a Champions League qualifier against Astana but over pre-season he developed a rapport with the former Liverpool boss.

Even as negotiations stalled over that extended contract and he decided to cash in his chips, he developed a strong admiration for Celtic's new manager.

'I had a year left and we couldn't agree on a new deal, but Brendan was cool with it,' he recalls.

'He was brilliant for me. He understood my situation and we had a lot of chats about it.

'Even though I only worked with him for a short time I really respect him. I knew he was going to be a good match for Celtic.

'Through my conversations with him, I was able to understand how he has managed at a high level with that Liverpool team and also at Swansea. He is a brilliant manager and hopefully he will be at Celtic for many years.'

Should Rodgers's team beat Rangers on Sunday they will be well placed to secure a second successive Treble, an unprecedented feat in Scottish football.

Rodgers has yet to lose a derby as Celtic manager but, although his time in Scotland coincided with Rangers' absence from the top flight, Johansen experienced the full range of emotions across his two experiences of the derby fixture.


Johansen worked under Brendan Rodgers briefly and hailed him as a fantastic manager

He was bang in form as Celtic cruised to a 2-0 victory in 2015 when first-half strikes from Leigh Griffiths and Kris Commons secured a place in the League Cup final.

Twelve months later, things descended into a struggle. Rangers twice took the lead through Kenny Miller and Barrie McKay and, although Erik Sviatchenko and Tom Rogic restored parity, the Scottish Cup tie went to penalties. Celtic lost the shoot-out and Deila was on the way out.

'It's hard to explain really but those games are something different,' says Johansen. 'Rangers were down when I was in Scotland but I'm glad I had the chance to play in two of those games.

'You can't play in a cooler game than that and I learned a lot from the two experiences.

'I'll be watching this weekend - I watch all the Celtic games when I have time. I'm a bit busier now that I have a little one, but I know most of the guys at Celtic and I want to see them do well.

'I hope they take another win against Rangers this weekend.' Legend has it that the sight of Rangers directors celebrating boisterously in the plush seats at Hampden prompted Dermot Desmond to go out and land a big beast of a manager in Rodgers.

There were on-field consequences too with the likes of Charlie Mulgrew and Kris Commons also reaching the end of the road at Parkhead.


Johansen experienced a range of emotions across his two experiences of the derby fixture


Johansen retains a link to Celtic through his friendships with Nir Bitton and Virgil van Dijk


Johansen retains a live link to Celtic through his enduring friendship with Israeli midfielder Nir Bitton. The pair formed two thirds of an unlikely three-man gang in Glasgow, with Virgil van Dijk completing the triangle. Van Dijk also sought pastures new through a move to Southampton and has since gone on to become the most expensive defender in world football with his £75m move to Liverpool.

'My time at Celtic was brilliant and it will always be a big part of my career,' reflects Johansen. 'Both myself and my wife had a great time in Glasgow, we made great friends and I developed as a player.

'Both Nir and Virgil came to my wedding in the summer and we still speak every week. Nir is one of my best friends. It's unfortunate that he is out injured right now but he will bounce back.' While Bitton rested up in front of the telly on Tuesday night, his two pals were engaged in two very different contests that could help define their careers.

Van Dijk took centre stage as Liverpool held off Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to ease through to the semi-finals of the Champions League 5-1 on aggregate.

Less spectacular was Fulham's 1-0 victory over Reading on the north bank of the Thames, but Johansen was the match-winner for Slavisa Jokanovic's men as they extended an unbeaten league run to 20 matches to overtake Cardiff City in the automatic promotion spot.

The most mobile component of a midfield trio that also includes Scotland caps Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald, Johansen has scored eight times this term and looks to have added an extra layer of composure to his armoury.


Johansen scored the winner for Fulham against Reading at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night


However their automatic promotion hopes suffered a blow in the 1-1 draw with Brentford


Since losing to Sunderland on December 16, Fulham have been in stunning form. Although Wolves were already comfortably easing towards the title, Fulham came up on the rails to overtake Derby, Aston Villa and Cardiff in the race for the remaining guaranteed promotion spot.

A 90th-minute equaliser for Brentford in Saturday night's west London derby, coupled with Cardiff's impressive 2-0 win at Norwich, may have handed the advantage back to Neil Warnock's Welsh outfit, but there can be no denying Fulham's remarkable run.

There is a financial imperative behind the Cottagers' bid to go up. Relegation in 2014 was mitigated by parachute payments but just last week the club posted financial losses of £21.3m, a figure that takes into account the heavy squad investment in the likes of Johansen and McDonald.

Plans are afoot to increase Craven Cottage's capacity by redeveloping the stadium's Riverside Stand, but should Jokanovic's team fail to restore Premier League status, the club's American-based owner Shahid Kahn may feel the need to revisit the idea.

'The Premier League is the dream and to get there with Fulham would be fantastic,' says Johansen.

'We have a good chance now, so we just need to keep going and focus on the last few games.

'To be fair, this team could easily fight well in the Premier League. We strongly believe we can get automatic promotion, if not we have to concentrate on the play-offs.' Should Fulham fail, it's likely Cairney, a January target for West Ham, will be sold. Johansen, too, may become unsettled and hints that time is running out to fulfil his ambitions.

'Coming to Fulham has been great for me,' he adds. 'To be honest I feel this season and last have been the best I have played in my career.

'But I'm 27 now, so I only have a couple of years left!'



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