Sunday Fulham Stuff (27/05/18)...

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Results

Play off Final
Fulham	1 - 0	Aston Villa

[Neil D]

I hope there's more to come!

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa 0-1 Fulham

Fulham lift the Championship play-off final trophy after beating Aston Villa 1-0 at Wembley

Fulham have been promoted to the Premier League after beating Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.

Captain Tom Cairney was their goalscorer, finishing neatly underneath Villa goalkeeper Sam Johnstone after latching onto Ryan Sessegnon's pass midway through the first half.

A fractious game ended with Fulham down to 10 men after centre-back Denis Odoi was sent off for two bookable offences - both for fouls on Jack Grealish.

Villa were furious that Ryan Fredericks escaped a card during a first-half tangle with Grealish, the Fulham right-back landing studs first on Grealish's leg, while the Villa man was later booked for a lunging tackle on Cairney.

Several Villa penalty appeals were also waved away by referee Anthony Taylor, including one in second-half stoppage time when Grealish fell under a challenge from Matt Targett.

The game opened up after the interval, with Villa much more incisive and Grealish looking most likely to find a reply.

However, the midfielder headed over the bar under pressure from Marcus Bettinelli and then saw his mazy run thwarted by a combination of the Fulham goalkeeper and Kevin McDonald.

Odoi's red card invited further pressure, but Fulham held firm during a late Villa onslaught to clinch a win that is worth an estimated £160m - a figure which financial experts Deloitte say could rise to as much as £280m if the Whites survive for more than one season in the top flight.

Captain Cairney secures promotion

It was perhaps fitting that Sessegnon and Cairney, the two shining lights in an impressive Fulham team this season, combined to score the goal that sent them back to the top flight after a four-year absence.

The pair were two of the three nominees for the EFL's Championship Player of the Season award, which was won by teenager Sessegnon.

The 18-year-old winger had been largely anonymous early on, but he found space in the centre of the Villa half and picked his pass perfectly to find the onrushing Cairney, who slotted coolly into the net.


Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney celebrate after combining for Fulham's winning goal

Sessegnon could have doubled Fulham's lead before half-time but his back-post header was directed straight at Johnstone, while he almost set up Stefan Johansen for a second goal midway through the second period.

"We've suffered for three years, not just in the second half," said Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic, who won promotion as Watford boss in 2015 but left the Hornets before he got the chance to take charge of them in the Premier League.

"It's not been easy since I've been at this place. We've shown with our style that we can be one of the best Championship teams, and we've shown we can be solid, organised and fighting altogether for a clean sheet."

Fulham back in the big time

Fulham's transformation from mid-table underperformers to promotion winners has been one of the feature points of the Championship season.

Defeat at struggling Sunderland on 16 December left them 12th in the table, 18 points behind the top two. Twenty-three unbeaten matches later, they were on the brink of automatic promotion and, had they won their final game at Birmingham, they would have finished second behind champions Wolves.

There was to be no repeat of last season's play-off disappointment, though. The Whites saw off Derby over two legs in their semi-final before beating Villa at Wembley.


Tom Cairney wheels away in delight after putting Fulham ahead midway through the first half

While many have played their part, two January loan additions have been critical to their success. Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has netted 12 goals in 20 appearances and given the team a physical presence up front, while the arrival of Southampton left-back Targett has allowed Sessegnon to push further forward and excel in a more advanced position.

Fulham spent 13 successive seasons in the top flight before their relegation in 2014 and the hope is that the nucleus of this team, helped by the financial backing of owner Shahid Khan, can see them become an established Premier League club again.

Their possession-based style has been as eye-catching as anything on show in the second tier and that brand of football should transfer well to the higher level, although there is very little top-flight experience in Fulham's ranks and that is likely to be an area that Jokanovic will look to address in the next couple of months.

Fredericks should have been sent off - Bruce

On another day, Villa could have been awarded at least one penalty and had a man advantage for more than an hour.

In particular it was the Fredericks incident, which occurred right in front of the two dugouts immediately after Cairney's winning goal, that most angered Villa boss Steve Bruce.

"There were big decisions that went against us," said the former Manchester United captain, who failed to win a record fifth promotion from the second tier.

"For me, the boy should have had a red card very early. It was right in front of the referee and the fourth official, and for me he stamps on him.

"Nobody wants to see people sent off, but when it's as deliberate as that, he deserved a red card.

"There might have been a penalty in the second half, but what we can't disguise is that we didn't do enough in the first half.

"You just need a break and unfortunately we didn't get it."

What next for Villa?

Many Villa fans will look back at this season and wonder what might have been.

What if talismanic midfielder Grealish had not sustained a freakish kidney injury that caused him to miss the first three months of the campaign?

What if striker Jonathan Kodjia had not suffered another long-term injury that wrecked his second season with the club?

And what if a possible season-defining 4-1 win over leaders Wolves in March, which left them four points off second place with 10 matches remaining and looked to have kick-started an automatic promotion push, had not been followed by miserable defeats by lowly QPR and Bolton?

Villa have spent heavily in the past two seasons in their bid to return to the top flight, but they will have to cut their cloth accordingly as they prepare for a third successive season in the second tier.

Grealish was their stand-out performer at Wembley. He was outstanding, almost scored one of the best goals ever in a play-off final and did not deserve to be on the losing side.

His consistent form in the second half of the campaign has been a huge positive for Villa and he is sure to be a target for Premier League clubs this summer, so keeping the 22-year-old at Villa Park will be paramount to Bruce's side mounting another challenge for promotion next season.

"The discussions have got to be had above me to say what we've got and what we haven't got," said Bruce, who added it is up to veteran captain John Terry to decide whether he will play on at Villa Park next season.

"Of course there will be speculation about Jack. Personally, I would like him to stay. Another year with us would do him the world of good.

"We'd love to have given him the platform of the Premier League and we haven't, but he's playing regular football week in and week out. We'll see what happens."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44178427

[WhiteJC]

 
Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was pleased his side got their just rewards for a fine season when they defeated Aston Villa at Wembley.

A 1-0 win in the Play-Off Final saw Fulham return to the top flight, and rightly so according to Jokanović.

"We've shown we are one of the best Championship teams," he said. "We showed we can be solid, organised and work altogether for a clean sheet. The last 20 minutes [with 10 men] all we were thinking about was not conceding.

"This is a really important victory for us. We deserved it. It's not easy to play at Wembley, there is a lot of pressure.

"We know what is ahead of us. The Premier League is the best and most competitive league, and we must be clever.

"One important improvement is now finished, and now we must show ambition to be a Premier League team."

Tom Cairney delivered a real skipper's display, working relentlessly and scoring the game's only goal with a cool finish.

"The last two years Cairney has been fantastic," Jokanović stated. "The beginning of the season we had to find a solution for his knee problem, but when he came back he played like we remember last season.

"Today he was crucial, he's captain of the team. He showed the quality and personality to bring the team to the Premier League, and he's an important player for us."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/26/head-coach-reaction-play-off-final

[WhiteJC]

 
Everyone Is Saying The Same Thing About Ryan Sessegnon And The Sky Commentators



If you haven't heard already, Fulham sensation Ryan Sessegnon is just 18-years-old.

Not like Sky Sports commentators have mentioned it...

Sessegnon created Fulham's opening goal at the Championship Play-Off final with an exquisite through-ball to Tom Cairney who slotted home.

A chance for the commentators to mention Sessegnon's age.



http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-reactions-everyone-is-saying-the-same-thing-about-sessegnon-and-the-commentators-20180526

[WhiteJC]

 
People are absolutely drooling at Ryan Sessegnon's play-off final assist

The youngster continues to impress when it counts

Ryan Sessegnon is just 18 years old. This is a fact which is repeated by every commentator who watches him and every supporter who is lucky enough to see him play. But it is also worth bearing in mind considering just how extraordinary a player he already is.

He's enjoyed a stunning season for Fulham, scoring 15 league goals in the process, and if his assist in the first half of the Championship play-off is anything to go by, he has no plans to slow down any time soon.

Receiving the ball from deep, Sessegnon took one touch to take the ball away from the defender, another to seamlessly skip away from a Snodgrass challenge and then opened up his body beautifully to slide through a gorgeous pass to the oncoming Tom Cairney, who tucked the ball into the goal.

Unsurprisingly, the response to such a move was sheer awe for a player who looks set to be world class.



https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/people-are-absolutely-drooling-at-ryan-sessegnons-play-off-final-assist-180798

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'Ryan Fredericks got away with murder': Aston Villa icon Lee Hendrie fuming Fulham defender escaped punishment for stamp on Jack Grealish

    Lee Hendrie claimed Ryan Fredericks should have been sent off in the first half
    Fredericks appeared to deliberately stamp on Jack Grealish after losing the ball
    The incident happened right on the touchline but the referee did not take action
    Hendrie said: 'Something has to be done. He has got away with absolute murder'

Aston Villa icon Lee Hendrie has claimed Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks 'got away with absolute murder' after he escaped a red card for a stamp on Jack Grealish during the first half of their play-off final.

Fredericks was dispossessed by the Villa midfielder right next to the touchline after 28 minutes and appeared to deliberately stamp on him as he tried to win the ball back.

Grealish was left rolling around on the floor in pain after. The incident happened in front of the fourth official and Villa manager Steve Bruce, who waved his arms in appeal, but the referee opted not to take any action with Fredericks even avoiding a caution.


Lee Hendrie claimed Ryan Fredericks should have been sent off for stamping on Jack Grealish

Hendrie, however, was left incensed by the decision and insisted he should have been given his marching orders. 'The more it is slowed down the more it is a red card,' he told Sky Sports.

'It is as simple as that and it is right in front of the fourth official on the byline, something has got to be done there surely. He has got away with absolute murder.'

Former Fulham midfielder and team-mate of Fredericks, Sone Aluko, reluctantly agreed with Hendrie's evaluation.

'When I first saw it I didn't think so, but every time I watch it, it gets worse,' he conceded.

'It does look bad and it is a bad place to do it as well so he is very lucky to get away with that.'

Later on in the match Grealish himself almost earned a red card for a brash sliding challenge on Tom Cairney - who scored the only goal of the game in the first half.

This time it happened right in front of the referee and he brandished a yellow card to the Villa man despite heated protests from the Fulham players for a red.

Instead it was Fulham who were reduced to 10 men in the second half, with Grealish again involved. Denis Odoi went flying into the Villa midfielder and received his second yellow card.

Villa, sensing their numerical advantage, went on the hunt for an equaliser but their search became increasingly desperate and Fulham managed to hold on to earn promotion back to the Premier League.


Fulham appealed for Grealish to be sent off later for challenging Tom Cairney - he was booked



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5775019/Ryan-Fredericks-got-away-murder-escaping-red-card-stamp-Jack-Grealish-Hendrie.html#ixzz5Gg9iuGbD
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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Championship play-off final: Fulham beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Wembley to secure promotion back to the Premier League

Fulham are back in the Premier League.

The Cottagers beat Aston Villa 1-0 in Saturday's Championship play-off final at Wembley, courtesy of Tom Cairney's first-half goal.

Fulham had Denis Odoi sent off with 20 minutes remaining but the ten-men held firm to seal the club's return to the top-flight after a four-year absence.

Captain Cairney will claim the plaudits for scoring the winning goal but Fulham's 18-year-old sensation Ryan Sessegnon was very much the architect.

Finding space outside the Villa box with 23 minutes on the clock, Sessegnon took one touch, evaded one challenge and played an inch-perfect ball between two defenders for Cairney, who didn't have to break stride as he ran forward and cooly slotted past Sam Johnstone first time with his left foot.





After a disappointing first-half showing, Villa emerged stronger in the second half.

Jack Grealish looked the most likely to fashion an equaliser and came close to doing so, when he embarked on a brilliant mazy run before seeing his shot blocked by Marcus Bettinelli.

Grealish was then taken down by a clumsy Odoi challenge that led to a second yellow card for the Fulham man and an anxious conclusion.

Yet Fulham showed grit to match their skill to win and leave Villa, on the 36th anniversary of their European Cup triumph, facing another season in the Championship - and the financial ramifications that brings.

For Fulham, this victory will bring about at least £160million of additional revenue but, most importantly for their supporters, a return to the elite of English football

LINE-UPS

Aston Villa: Johnstone, Elmohamady (Kodjia, 77), Chester, Terry (c), Hutton, Snodgrass, Jedinak (Onomah, 77), Hourihane (Hogan, 82), Adomah, Grealish, Grabban. Subs not used: Bunn, Bree, Whelan, Bjarnason.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Targett, Ream, Odoi, Cairney (c), McDonald, Johansen (Norwood, 72), Kamara (Kalas, 77), Mitrovic, Sessegnon. Subs not used: Button, Fonte, Ayite, Piazon, Christie.

RED-CARD: Odoi (70 minutes)



Read more at https://talksport.com/football/championship-play-final-fulham-beat-aston-villa-1-0-wembley-secure-promotion-back-premier#2hOfIiKsY227UEHL.99

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Fulham promoted to Premier League as Tom Cairney strike seals £160m win for 10-man Cottagers

Fulham have been promoted back to the Premier League after captain Tom Cairney scored the only goal to settle the Championship play-off final against Aston Villa.

Cairney found the net in the first half at Wembley to secure promotion for Fulham after four years in the Championship.

In front of watching Aston Villa fan Prince William, Slavisa Jokanovic's side had to hold on with 10 men for the final 20 minutes after Denis Odoi was sent off.

But Fulham withstood some late Villa pressure to ensure they will be playing in the Premier League next season.

The result means former Chelsea captain John Terry will not be playing in the Premier League next season.

Fulham owner Shahid Khan at Wembley to watch the west London club secure a victory that means their fans can look forward to top-flight football again.

Ryan Sessegnon has said it is his dream to play for Fulham in the Premier League and promotion means the 18-year-old looks set to stay at Craven Cottage.

Sessegnon capped a fine season by being involved in the only goal when he set up Cairney to score after 23 minutes.

Victory felt sweet for Fulham, who missed out on automatic promotion on the final day of the regular season when they lost at Birmingham.

Fulham have deserved to go up for the football they have played this season and they started the game with real confidence.

They controlled possession early on and made their dominance count on 23 minutes with the only moment of quality in the first half

Sessegnon played a clever ball through to Cairney inside the area and the midfielder calmly opened up his body and slotted the ball home with his left foot.


Decisive: Cairney's strike proved decisive (AFP/Getty Images)

Fulham continued to control the game after the goal but Ryan Fredericks was fortunate to escape punishment when he appeared to stamp on Jack Grealish.

Sessegnon headed straight at Johnstone before Villa wasted a great chance to level at the end of the first half.

Robert Snodgrass lifted a clever free-kick to Grealish inside the area but the Villa playmaker fired over from a tight angle.

Villa struggled to find rhythm in the first half but they came out a different side in the second half and missed a golden chance to equalise shortly after the restart.

Albert Adomah whipped a dangerous cross into the area and Grealish got to the ball before the onrushing Marcus Bettinelli but headed over.

Grealish started to have more of an impact on the game and he almost scored a wonderful solo effort after a mazy run past four Fulham defenders.

He shot straight at Bettinelli but Fulham were on the back foot and it was all Villa.

Grealish wanted a penalty when hit shot his Denis Odoi on the arm inside the area but referee Anthony Taylor waved away protests.


Marching orders: Denis Odoi leaves the field following a second bookable offence (PA)

Fulham were reduced to 10 men on 70 minutes when Odoi was sent off after he was given a second yellow card for a foul on Grealish.

But Fulham withstood late Villa pressure to secure promotion.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-promoted-to-premier-league-as-tom-cairney-strike-seals-160m-win-for-10man-cottagers-a3849076.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham promoted to Premier League after play-off win over Aston Villa

So numerous are the consequences of a play-off victory, that it is impossible to parse in the aftermath. Best, then, to concentrate on the occasion. Inside a Wembley so loud that eardrums were under threat, and with the temperature rising on the field, Fulham kept their cool. Claiming a first-half lead that they refused to give up under relentless second-half pressure, the Cottagers edged past Aston Villa and have returned to the Premier League.

The winning goal was scored by Fulham's captain, Tom Cairney, and assisted by their teenage prodigy Ryan Sessegnon. To see these two young men celebrate with the trophy, Cairney still taking deep breaths to stay calm some 20 minutes after the final whistle, was a reminder of what this team has achieved. Largely shorn of big names, they have outplayed most of the division this season. Now, in front of 85,243 people, they played like the national stadium was their own back yard, and saw the job to completion.

This was a triumph for the club no doubt, but also vindication for their manager, Slavisa Jokanovic. Promoted to the Premier League with Watford three years ago, he left (read: was edged out) before coaching a single game in the top flight.

t is unlikely such an outcome will happen again, though. Jokanovic is trusted by Fulham's owner, Shahid Khan – the man who intends to buy Wembley Stadium for himself – and this time, he will surely be rewarded not with the elbow but a new contract this summer.

"It's not easy to come to this place to decide what we fought for these past few years," Jokanovic said. "It was a really important victory for us and we deserved it. It's not easy to play with lots of pressure, with lots of young players, and on the other side lots of experience. It was the first experience for me [of the play-off final], the first for 18-year-old players, but we played with character and expression.

"I am personally satisfied because this is our project. This Fulham is my club, my staff, our way for trying to get a team promoted. We needed two-and-a-half years. First year not to be relegated, second to start building the team.

"This year we improved a little bit more and came back after a bad beginning. Now we must adapt ourselves, we must know that the Premier League is the most competitive league and we must be clever. I will think about the new season in a few days. But tonight I will drink some beers."

The decisive goal came in the 23rd minute, with Sessegnon cutting in off his inside-left position to meet a forward pass from Kevin McDonald. The teenager took a heavy first touch but was alert enough to chase it down. He won a 50-50 with Conor Hourihane to recover possession, and then turned and sized up the situation in an instant. He picked out the perfect pass between John Terry and Alan Hutton. Cairney read it, ran onto it and calmly placed it under the Villa goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from 10 yards out.


Tom Cairney latched onto Ryan Sessegnon's through ball to give Fulham the lead. Photograph: Anna Gowthorpe/BPI/Rex/Shutterstock

Villa had only flickered in the match to this point and had no response for the rest of the first half. Words were shared in the dressing room and Steve Bruce's men returned to give it their all in the final 45 minutes. They were led by Jack Grealish, Villa's own young talisman, who reminded everyone of the potential that has always been in his play.

A solo slalom from the 22-year-old on the hour nearly ended in the most glorious of equalisers, but after beating four Fulham defenders his shot was deflected into the body of goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Fulham were reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes remaining, after Denis Odoi was dismissed for a second caution for fouling Grealish, a marked man throughout. It presented a potential opportunity for Villa to exploit, but they spurned it by throwing too many attackers on the field and losing their composure. Fulham's, for their part, never wavered for a moment.


Denis Odoi was shown a second yellow card for a wild tackle on Grealish, which left Fulham facing a nervy last 20 minutes. Photograph: Paul Currie/BPI/Rex/Shutterstock

"They set out to rough up Grealish, it was part of their game plan," said a shell-shocked Steve Bruce. "But we didn't do enough around Grealish. The second half was much better from us but to be brutally honest it wouldn't have been too hard.

"The feeling now is utter disappointment for everybody and the next hard part is where we go from here. But let's not forget we're Aston Villa, we're a proud club, a big club with big history. I'm really upset for everyone but I'll roll my sleeves up and go for it again."

Time ticks on and those questions about next season will soon press for both clubs. But matches of this scale do not come along for these clubs or their supporters that often. The task is to make the most of them and, regardless of the outcome, both teams can feel they did their best.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/26/aston-villa-fulham-championship-play-off-final-match-report

[WhiteJC]

 
Ryan Sessegnon scout report: Fulham youngster shows why he should snub Tottenham and Liverpool interest

A player of Sessegnon's age and talent cannot be rushed. He needs time to further grow, and as a Premier League player at Fulham this will be the prime opportunity he needs to do just that

Ryan Sessesgnon's coming of age has been a sight to behold – for both Fulham fans and neutrals alike. After making the headlines in his first year as a senior at the Cottage, this season has been confirmation of the youngster's ever-growing talents: 46 appearances, 16 goals, seven assists and an average of 1.6 chances per game to his name. 'Up-and-coming' no more, Sessegnon has announced himself in style and now stands as one of the hottest prospects in English football.

More than this, his ascension has been a breath of fresh air: from tales of washing his own kit to taking the local bus to training, Sessegnon's humility marks a welcome contrast to the usual egos that dominate the sport. When recently asked what makes the youngster so special, captain Tom Cairney replied immediately: "It's his mentality. It's a one-off."

This attitude is reflected in his style of play. Driven, tenacious and selfless, Sessegnon's influence was clear to see after six minutes of play here at Wembley as he tracked back with his trademark pace to reclaim possession with a well-timed sliding challenge.

It was Fulham's goal, though, which served as a reminder of his maturity. Having picked up the ball outside Villa's box before driving into space, the 18-year-old opted against going for glory – as other players his age may well have done – but instead played in Cairney with a perfectly weighted dissecting pass. The Fulham captain delivered, directing the ball into the back of the net with a cultured stroke of his left foot.

It's because of moments like these that teammate Tim Ream has likened Sessegnon to a "35-year-old veteran" this season, while manager Slavisa Jokanovic has made deliberate efforts to describe the full-back as a "man" rather than a boy. "I try to avoid calling this man a kid, because he is in an important business and what he is doing, normally a kid cannot do," he said ahead of today's game. Indeed, Sessegnon's decision-making on the pitch, both with and without the ball, belies his tender age, pointing to a player with a bright future ahead of him.

After once again impressing today, with his touch and intelligent play keeping Aston Villa's defenders busy, the question now is what comes next for the youngster? Sessegnon has insisted that he wants to play in the Premier League with his boyhood club, and given his rise through the ranks at Fulham it's not hard to imagine him staying put for another season at least.

But make no mistake, the suitors will come. Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United were all linked with the player last summer and are expected to return in the coming months. Whether a move away from Fulham at this point in his career will serve in his best interests remains unclear though. The 18-year-old has come on leaps and bounds this season, liberated by the switch to the left wing which has handed him the licence to roam forward and threaten opponents' boxes with his speed and positional intelligence. Jokanovic has nurtured his talent, pushing him gently in the right direction all the while being conscious not to push him too much. Why, then, risk this development in joining a club like Tottenham or Liverpool where his opportunities are likely to be limited?



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/ryan-sessegnon-transfer-latest-updates-liverpool-tottenham-manchester-united-a8370856.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham win at Wembley to return to Premier League

Fulham 1 Aston Villa 0

Tom Cairney's goal won the play-off final for Fulham at Wembley and took them back to the Premier League.

The Whites, who played the final 20 minutes with 10 men after Dennis Odoi was sent off, dominated a one-sided first half.

The all-important goal came on 24 minutes, when Cairney latched onto a sublime, defence-splitting pass from Ryan Sessegnon and slotted past keeper Sam Johnstone.

The all-important goal came on 24 minutes, when Cairney latched onto a sublime, defence-splitting pass from Ryan Sessegnon and slotted past keeper Sam Johnstone.

Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli then saved with his legs to deny Grealish after the midfielder had superbly evaded four Fulham challenges.

Already under pressure, Fulham were forced to work even harder after Odoi's challenge on Grealish earned the defender a second booking.

They stood firm to clinch a return to the top flight after a four-year absence – but not before a heart-stopping moment when ex-Villa's Brentford striker Scott Hogan headed wide in injury time.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks (Christie 83), Odoi, Ream, Targett, McDonald, Cairney, Johansen (Norwood 73), Kamara (Kalas 77), Sessegnon, Mitrovic.
Subs not used: Button, Fonte, Ayite, Piazon.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-win-at-wembley-to-return-to-premier-league

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa vs Fulham, Championship play-off final player ratings: Tom Cairney shines at Wembley

We run the rule over the two teams as Fulham return to the Premier League

Tom Cairney's first half strike sees ten-man Fulham promoted to the Premier League through the play off for the first time.

Ryan Sessegnon drifted into a central area and slotted the ball to Cairney who drifted behind Alan Hutton and slotted the ball in with a very precise finish from inside the box.

Having been booked in the first half, Denis Odoi made his team defend their lead with ten men for the last 20 minutes when he picked up a second card for a foul on Jack Grealish.

Fulham were perhaps lucky to keep all ten players on the pitch in the first after Ryan Fredericks appeared to tread on Jack Grealish when he was on the ground, but the referee did not see.

Lots of what Villa did well came through Grealish and after the break they looked a much better side.

Grealish almost scored on of the great goals when he wriggled through three challenges with the kind of skill you associate with Lionel Messi or Mohamad Salah. When he got into the box his shot from the left side was saved.

The young Villain became just that when Grealish lunged in on Cairney, and was lucky to just receive a yellow card.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/aston-villa-vs-fulham-championship-playoff-final-player-ratings-premier-league-ryan-sessegnon-tom-a8370901.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Heartbreak for Aston Villa, as Fulham earn Premier League promotion
Irish international Cyrus Christie was involved in the London side's triumph.

FULHAM BEAT ASTON Villa 1-0 to secure their place in the Premier League during today's Championship play-off final at Wembley.

Tom Cairney got the only goal of the game with a clinical finish on 23 minutes.

Villa were given a boost in the final stages, as Denis Odoi was sent off for a second yellow with 20 minutes remaining.

However, Slaviša Jokanović's men held on to secure a crucial victory.

There was Irish interest as far as both sides were concerned.

Cyrus Christie came on as a late substitute for the Londoners, while Conor Hourihane started for Villa.

Scott Hogan and Glenn Whelan were also on the bench for Villa, with the former replacing the injured Hourihane after 82 minutes.

"I am so excited for my club, for these supporters. We showed we could follow the style that we followed for the past two years, in this stadium," Jokanovic said.

"I'd have preferred to do the job with automatic promotion but, to be promoted at this place in front of these fans, I have to be satisfied."

Fulham's financial windfall from increased revenue could rise to £280 million if they go on to survive for one season among the elite.

Yet even their American billionaire owner Shadid Khan knows it is the prestige of playing Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool next season that matters far more than the extra cash in his bulging bank account.

It was an unforgettable evening for Fulham, who were making their first appearance at Wembley since losing the 1975 FA Cup final against West Ham.

And Khan was celebrating from the stands of what could soon be his personal property as he negotiates a deal to buy the iconic stadium from the Football Association.

There was only misery for Villa as they missed out on promotion on the 36th anniversary of the club's famous European Cup final victory over Bayern Munich.

Villa, owned by Chinese businessman Tony Xia, paid the price for a limp first half and are faced with a third successive season outside the Premier League, a stark reality given a reduction in the parachute payments could lead to the sale of their stars.

"We were disappointed with the first half. We didn't do enough to ask them real questions," Villa manager Steve Bruce said.

"Ryan Fredericks should have been sent off. We just needed a break, but we didn't get one."

No manager has won more promotions to the Premier League than the four amassed by Bruce, whose team included former Chelsea captain John Terry.

But although Fulham had an average age of three years younger than Villa, there was no sign of stage-fright from Jokanovic's team.

- Adventurous Fulham -

Jokanovic had vowed to take advantage of Villa's veterans, labelling them "an old and tired team, they are going to show some weaknesses".

Villa failed to heed that warning and Fulham fulfilled their manager's prediction as they took the lead in the 23rd minute.

Fulham winger Ryan Sessegnon has caught the eye of Premier League clubs during a dazzling campaign and the 18-year-old sensation was the catalyst for his team's opener.

Coming in from the left flank to steal possession in midfield, Sessegnon showed maturity beyond his tender age as he looked up and slipped a pin-point pass to Cairney.

The Scotland midfielder had timed his run perfectly, leaving Villa's defenders trailing in his wake as he slotted a cool left-footed finish into the far corner of Sam Johnstone's net.

With emotions still running high after Cairney's goal, Fulham got lucky when defender Ryan Fredericks avoided a red card after appearing to deliberately stamp on Grealish.

Grealish fluffed his lines early in the second half, heading over from a good position.

Villa were finally clicking into gear and Grealish embarked on a dazzling run through the Cottagers defence, but Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli was equal to his shot.

Fulham defender Odoi was dismissed when his reckless foul on Grealish earned a second yellow card in the 70th minute.

But Villa lacked the cutting edge to take advantage and Jokanovic's men were soon celebrating their return to the big time.



http://www.the42.ie/fulham-earn-premier-league-promotion-4037506-May2018/

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Captain Tom Cairney sends Fulham into Premier League

Championship play-off final, Wembley - Aston Villa 0 Fulham 1 (Cairney 23')

Tom Cairney's first-half goal was enough to secure Fulham's place back in the Premier League with victory over Aston Villa in an enthralling Championship play-off final at Wembley.

Aston Villa's experienced defender John Terry was caught flat-footed as Ryan Sessegnon released the 27-year-old with a splendid through-pass who then finished with aplomb on 23 minutes.

And despite having Denis Odoi sent off with 20 minutes remaining, the Cottagers held on to claim the £170m prize – and return to the big time after a four-year exile.

Steve Bruce – who was hoping to achieve a record fifth promotion – watched his side make a bright start, but they were sluggish after conceding the opener.

Villa were much improved after the break, with the tireless and talented Jack Grealish playing an influential role in midfield. It was the 21-year-old who went closest for Villa – heading over from close range before being denied by Marcus Bettinelli from close range.

In a feisty and fiercely-contested game, a red card was also likely and it was Fulham's Odoi who was shown his marching orders for a second bookable offence after a foul on Grealish.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Fulham held on to secure their place back in the Premier League for 2018/19.


Tom Cairney - Aston Villa-Fulham, Wembley Stadium - Championship Play off final 2017-2018 - Getty ImagesGetty Images

TALKING POINT
Just reward for daring Fulham: Victory for the Cottagers was more than deserved after a memorable season in the Championship, in which Slavisa Jokanovic's side were unfortunate to lose out on an automatic place on the final day. Fulham - who tasted defeat in last season's play-off semi-finals - produced an incredible run of form after Christmas which almost propelled them back into the big time, only to lose to Birmingham on matchday 46. They weren't to be denied, however. After a thoroughly impressive semi-final victory over Derby, this young, inexperienced side outplayed a wily Villa team.

Looking forward to next season and if Fulham can keep a hold of Sessegnon and persuade Newcastle to give up Aleksander Mitrovic then they have every chance of staying up. At the very least, they will lighten up the Premier League with their free-flowing, risk-taking football.


Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon celebrates promotion to the Premier League Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'BrienReuters

MAN OF THE MATCH

After scoring and laying on an assist in the semi-final, Ryan Sessegnon produced the defining moment in the Wembley final. He may only be 18 years-of-age, but the young Englishman has all of the makings of a top-class player. Just how far he can go is anyone's guess – but now he is a Premier League player you can be sure the world will be watching.

PLAYER RATINGS

Aston Villa: Johnstone 6, Elmohamady 6, Chester 5, Terry 5, Hutton 6, Snodgrass 6, Hourihane 6, Jedinak 6, Adomah 7, Grealish 7, Grabban 5. Subs: Hogan 5, Onamah 5, Kodjia 5.

Fulham: Bettinelli 7, Fredericks 7, Odoi 6, Ream 7, Targett 7, McDonald 7, Cairney 8, Johansen 7, Kamara 7, Sessegnon 9, Mitrovic 7. Subs: Norwood 6, Piazon, Kalas 6, Christie 5.

KEY MOMENTS

23' – GOAL! Aston Villa 0-1 Fulham: It's beautifully worked, as Sessegnon carves open the Villa defence to slide through Cairney who picks his spot and slides the ball into the bottom corner. Sessegnon, so often the goalscorer, is the provider on this occasion. Only 18 years old, but what a talent. Villa switched off, the youngster found space in midfield, got his head up and poked through an inch-perfect pass to Cairney who finished with aplomb.

30' - CONTROVERSY! Fredericks appears to stand on Grealish - right in front of Bruce - and the Fulham full-back is fortunate to stay on the pitch.

39' – ASTON VILLA CHANCE! Snodgrass' dinked free-kick catches Fulham by surprise - and Grealish is through on goal! But the youngster, from an acute angle, lifts his shot over the top of the bar from close range.

50' - ASTON VILLA CHANCE! Adomah's in-swinger finds Grealish who gets himself in front of the Fulham goalkeeper but heads over the top of the crossbar. Grealish showed great desire to get there, but should have scored.

56' - FULHAM CHANCE! Excellent movement from Mitrovic as he finds space to meet Targett's devilish cross, but glances his header wide from close range. That was a great opportunity to put the game to bed.

60' - ASTON VILLA CHANCE! Grealish drives Villa forward. He keeps going and going and going, skipping past multiple Fulham defenders. He's closing in on the goalkeeper but his shot is saved by Bettenelli in spectacular fashion. What a goal that would have been.

70' - RED CARD - FULHAM ARE DOWN TO 10! It's late, it's clumsy - Odoi is shown a second yellow card for a needless foul on Grealish. The Belgian defender was Fulham's hero in the play-off semi-final, but now he has given his manager a headache.

KEY STATS

    Slavisa Jokanovic is the first non-British or Irish manager with two promotions to the Premier League.
    Fulham have won promotion via the play-offs for the first time in their history, in what is their fourth attempt.
    Denis Odoi is the first player to be sent off in the Championship play-off final since Gary O'Neill for QPR v Derby in 2014.
    Ryan Sessegnon had a hand in all three of Fulham's play-off goals, scoring one and assisting two.
    The team scoring first in the Championship play-off final has gone on to win promotion on each of the last six occasions in which the final hasn't been goalless – the last time a team failed to win having scored first was Cardiff in 2010 against Blackpool.
    Fulham played just their second match at Wembley - they lost their previous visit in the 1975 FA Cup final against West Ham.



https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/championship/2017-2018/_sto6772457/story.shtml

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Aston Villa 0 Fulham 1: Cairney secures Premier League return



Tom Cairney's goal at Wembley sent Fulham back into the Premier League at the expense of Aston Villa.

Fulham sealed promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa in Saturday's Championship play-off final.

Tom Cairney's first-half goal was enough to send Slavisa Jokanovic's side back into the top flight, four years on from their relegation, despite Denis Odoi being sent off with 20 minutes remaining.

Just five points separated these teams in the 2017-18 table and there was little to split them during a fiercely competitive clash at Wembley, in which in-form Jack Grealish and Ryan Fredericks were both fortunate to escape red cards.

Cairney's strike deservedly gave Fulham the lead, the midfielder combining with rising star Ryan Sessegnon before finishing with aplomb, and Aleksandar Mitrovic could have doubled the advantage with chances either side of half-time.

Villa improved after the break and were unsurprisingly dominant after Odoi's dismissal for a second yellow card, but Steve Bruce's side created little to worry Marcus Bettinelli in the Fulham goal despite their man advantage.

After winning a game reportedly worth £160million, Fulham can now prepare for a return to the riches of the Premier League, along with Wolves and Cardiff City, while Villa are facing a third-straight season in the second tier.

Fulham looked the more settled from the outset and deserved to take the lead on 23 minutes, which they did in fine style. Sessegnon manoeuvred into space on the edge of the Villa box and slid the ball between John Terry and Alan Hutton to Cairney, who slotted past Sam Johnstone.

Their early control was put at risk when Fredericks appeared to stamp on Grealish after winning a 50-50 challenge, although the officials did not punish the Fulham full-back.

Steve Bruce's side were struggling to get a foothold in the game and survived a nervy moment when Mitrovic almost stole the ball from Johnstone, while a Grealish shot over the bar was the best chance they mustered before the break.

Mitrovic glanced a header wide early in the second half but there was a marked improvement from Villa, with Grealish deserving better after dancing his way through the defence only to be denied by Bettinelli.

Villa's midfield star was becoming frustrated with his physical treatment, having been fouled six times in the first half alone, and he was the second player lucky not to be sent off after a reckless lunge on Cairney.

The game was becoming more and more ill-tempered and Odoi took things a step too far, his poor challenge on Grealish earning him a second booking, having received a first-half yellow for a foul on the same player.

Villa poured players forward to try to take advantage but the equaliser eluded them, allowing Fulham, who missed out on automatic promotion by just two points, to celebrate in the London sunshine.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/aston-villa-0-fulham-1-cairney-secures-premier-league-return

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Fulham Promoted to Premier League With Championship Play-Off Win vs. Aston Villa


IAN KINGTON/Getty Images

Fulham achieved promotion to the Premier League by beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the 2018 Championship Playoff final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday in London.

Captain Tom Cairney scored the winner in the 23rd minute after being played through by rising star Ryan Sessegnon. Fulham held onto their lead despite playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men after Denis Odoi received a second yellow card for a foul on Villa's Jack Grealish.
   
Sessegnon Is as Good as the Hype Suggests

The most highly touted player in the country gave a masterclass at Wembley. Sessegnon delivered a superb performance during the first half, showing pace, technique and vision.

Sessegnon has made such contributions the norm. He's been particularly effective during the Cottagers' play-off run, per Squawka Football:

It's little wonder Goal.com's Chris Burton has reported Premier League sides Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are showing interest in the precocious wide man.

Sessegnon rarely lacked confidence at Wembley, showcasing deft touches, intelligent reading of the game and a bullish willingness to take players on. He tormented right-back Alan Hutton during the opening 45 minutes but switched sides on occasion too.

It speaks volumes about Sessegnon's potential he was able to deliver such an assured display in a match of this magnitude.
   
Red Card Inevitable Amid Grealish Punishment

For all their style going forward, Fulham weren't bashful about getting physical defensively, particularly when dealing with Villa schemer Grealish. Odoi paid the price when he was booked for a second time in the 70th minute after becoming the latest Fulham player to chop Grealish to the floor.

Fulham could have been down to 10 in the first half after this stamp by Ryan Fredericks on Villa's 22-year-old No. 10:

It was just one incident in a rough opening 45 minutes for Grealish.

After the break, he began tying Fulham defenders in knots, though.

His twisting, turning runs created many shooting opportunities, and last-ditch tackles denied Grealish more than once.

Ironically, while he'd survived some rough treatment long enough for Fulham to be punished, Grealish himself was lucky to still be on the pitch. Moments before Odoi was sent packing by referee Anthony Taylor, Grealish only received a yellow card for a reckless lunge on Cairney.

It could have been a moment the Cottagers were left to rue, but their reduced numbers eventually withstood Grealish's craft.
   
John Terry's Chelsea "Clause" Thankfully Won't Come into Effect

Prior to the game, there was talk 37-year-old centre-back John Terry may extend his contract with Villa, provided he would be allowed to decide whether he faced former side Chelsea in the event of promotion.

The Daily Telegraph's John Percy reported Terry's new deal would see manager Steve Bruce let the former Blues skipper choose to play against his old club or not next season.

The idea didn't not go down well with many, with Paddy Power among the first to welcome Fulham's lead making this idea a non-starter:

Terry hadn't had the best start to the match, anyway. After the goal was conceded, he committed himself into a challenge with Cairney and left space for a runner in behind, a situation Fulham failed to make the most of.

Cairney Proves There's More to Fulham than Sessegnon

Sessegnon is the star, but he's far from alone in Fulham's gallery of attack-minded players. Cairney is another gem, and his well-timed run into the box and composure in front of goal was the deciding factor here.

Scoring goals has become a happy habit for Cairney on the watch of manager Slavisa Jokanovic, per Sky Sports Statto:

Sam Dean of the Daily Telegraph highlighted that Cairney too would likely have drawn Premier League interest had Fulham not won the game:

What's Next?

Losing key talents should no longer be a worry for Fulham after a well-deserved return to England's top flight for the first time since 2014. Jokanovic will likely hope a good slice of the £200 million winning this final is worth is available to add further quality.

As for Villa, Bruce faces a tough challenge tweaking a veteran squad to make a stronger push for promotion. Grealish is a player he can build around, but Terry's leadership is likely to be missed.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2778033-fulham-promoted-to-premier-league-with-championship-play-off-win-vs-aston-villa

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Fulham win playoff final to return to Premier League

Tom Cairney's first-half strike ends four-year absence from top flight for Cottagers at expense of Aston Villa

Fulham will return to the Premier League for the first time in four years in August after beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

Tom Cairney (pictured above) scored the only goal of the match on 26 minutes when he raced on to Ryan Sessegnon's defence-splitting pass and finished calmly past Sam Johnstone.

Villa applied concerted pressure in the second half and Fulham's Denis Odoi was dismissed on 70 minutes for a foul on the impressive Jack Grealish.

But Fulham, who finished third at the end of the regular season, held on to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2013/14.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side follow Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City from the second tier into the top flight.

They can look forward to discovering their opponents for the 2018/19 campaign when the fixture list is released at 09:00 BST on 14 June.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/694017

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Fulham's Cairney scores to put the Londoners into the Premier League and £300m windfall coming their way as they beat Aston Villa at Wembley in Championship play-off final



Fulham are back the big time with £300million in their back pocket after beating Aston Villa 1-0 at Wembley Stadium this afternoon to win the Championship Play-off.

Villa were poor in the first half but pushed the Londoners all the way and even then, after Fulham's Denis Odoi was sent off for two bookable offences, they could not find their way through a impenetrable Fulham back-four.

Is this the end of an illustrious career of Villa skipper John Terry? He wanted to bring the Midlanders into the top flight, but it's another season for them in the second tier.

Fulham, by contrast can look forward to the likes of Manchester City and United and Chelsea to Craven Cottage next season.

They were the better footballing side but Villa have to take great credit - they nuts did nit have the cutting edge needed.

A first half strike by man of the match Tom Cairney was they difference between the sides and the

The £300million match was never going to be a tame affair.

While the opening exchanges yielded few chances on goal, the intensity and strength of tacking suggested that no quarter of the pitch was going to be surrendered easily.

Villa's James Chester was first in Anthony Taylor's book on nine minutes for a wayward tackle.

A poor kick out by Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli allowed Villa a half-chance but Lewis Grabban was unable tom latch onto a Joe Grealsih through ball and the chance slipped away for a goal kick on 14 minutes.

A slashed at left-footer by Robert Snodgrass three minutes later, from just outside the Fulham penalty area, failed to trouble the Londoner's goal.

Fulham's first effort on goal, on 21 minutes saw a quick turn and shot by Aboubakar Kamara demo the edge of the Villa area. The ball dipped late, but inched over Sam Johnstone's crossbar.

The breakthrough for Fulham came a minute later when Ryan Sessegnon produced a sensational defence-splitting though ball, which Tom Cairney latched onto,  and the midfielder slotted cooly home with a deft left-footer that was beyond the grasp of Johnstone.

Quite how Ryan Fredericks got away without even a talking too after stamping on Grealish on 30 minutes is anybodies guess. The incident happened right on the half-way line by the dugouts and while Fredericks was rightly called for pulling the midfielder's jersey, there was no call for the right-back to jump over him and land with his left foot straight on the thigh of the now prone player.

Sessegnon almost reaped the benefit of a glancing header by John Terry, but the left lack's own header went straight into Johnstone's midriff.

A well worked freekick by Villa on 39 minutes almost saw Grealsih lash the ball home from an acute angle, but instead he hacked the ball well over Bettinelli's goal.

There were no changes by either side at half-time

The first effort of the half fell to Fulham, Stefan Johansen's, low drive, lacked the required power and Bettinelli easily sniffled the ball.

Grealish had a great chance five minutes in, but his glancing header after a late-run, beat Johnstone, but skipped over his crossbar.

Fulham hauled themselves back into the game after Villa's early pressure play, and Aleksandar Mitovic trailed a glancing header. he too saw his effort sneak wide of Johnstone's goal.

A sensational weaving, mazy run by Grealish on 61 minutes, almost brought the Midlanders level. But Bettinelli managed to kick the goal-bound effort away.

A claim for a penalty when Grealsih smashed the ball into Denis Odoi was waved away by Taylor.

That frustration led to Grealish cutting Cairney in half with a very late challenge which he was lucky to escape with just a yellow card.

On a quick break by the Londoners, aided by Sessegnon, Johansen  crashed a right footer over the crossbar.

With 20 minutes left on the clock, Odoi, already yellow-carded saw another and a red when he fouled Grealish, who had slipped past him.

Oliver Norwood came off the bench to replaced Johansen as Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic looked to plug the hole left by the departing Odoi.

Despite the man disadvantage, Mitrovic managed a shot on target, which was deflected away for a corner

Next off for Fulham was Kamara, and he got a booking for slowly exiting the pitch, on came Tomas Kalas.

Steve Bruce replaced Elmohamady for Kodjia and Jedinak for  Onomah.

Villa's last throw of the die saw Scott Hogan replace Conor Hourihane.

Ryan Fredericks was replaced by Cyrus Christie.

Fulham ran the clock down effectively and deserved their victory.

Teams: Villa, Johnstone, Chester, Snodgrass, Grealish, Hourihane, Jedinak, Hutton, Terry, Elmohamady, Adomah, Grabban

Subs: Whelan, Hogan, Bree, Onomah, Bjarnason, Kodjia, Bunn

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Sessegnon, Odoi, McDonald, Johansen, Cairney, Ream, target, Mitrovic, Kamara,

Subs: Button, Fonte, Ayite, Norwood, Piazon, Christie, Kalas



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2018/05/26/Fulham%E2%80%99s-Cairney-scores-to-put-the-Londoners-into-the-Premier-League-and-%C2%A3300m-windfall-coming-their-way-as-they-beat-Aston-Villa-at-Wembley-in-Championship-play-off-final

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Play-Off Final: Captain Cairney carries Cottagers up

Fulham book Premier League return with Wembley win against Aston Villa



Fulham have been promoted after winning the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final 1-0 at Wembley Stadium.

Fulham started the brighter and got their reward midway through the first half. Ryan Sessegnon slotted Tom Cairney through on goal, and the Cottagers captain made no mistake, sliding the ball beyond Sam Johnstone.

That remained the scoreline at the half-time whistle, but the second half began at a frantic pace, with Steve Bruce's words seemingly ringing in the ears of his Villa players.

Jack Grealish was a driving force and he should have equalised, heading over from Albert Adomah's teasing cross. The local lad would continue to be frustrated, going on a mazy run before Fulham's stubborn defence blocked his path.

The Villans were presented with a lifeline when Denis Odoi picked up a second yellow card and was subsequently dismissed with 20 minutes remaining, but Fulham held firm to win 1-0 and book their Premier League return.



https://www.efl.com/news/2018/may/play-off-final-captain-cairney-carries-cottagers-up/