Monday Fulham Stuff (27/08/18)...

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Jokanovic hails Seri after Fulham win

Slavisa Jokanovic says Jean Michael Seri is already proving he is the perfect fit for Fulham.

The Whites boss had a great many plus points to savour after the enthralling 4-2 victory over Burnley which gave them a first win back in the top flight. But the excellence of the Ivory Coast midfielder was particularly satisfying.

"Seri bagged his first goal for the club with a superb strike but was also a shining light throughout in the midfield engine room.

"He was great," Jokanovic said. "He surprised us. We expect that he is going to make some assists, but he really scored a fantastic goal.

"He's good for our style. He interpreted well how we want to play football and he's one of the guys who is really comfortable in possession.

"With him we want to attack with some passes behind the defenders and he's the guy who can deliver these kind of passes. He completed a good game."

Jokanovic was happy as his team turned on the style in the pouring rain.

We created so many chances and I must be satisfied with our desire and ambition to go forward and try to damage the opposition," he said.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche admitted the best team won, saying two-goal Aleksandar Mitrovic was also the major factor in his side's defeat.

"If you're questioning how they've spent £100m, and what's gone with it and how it works, well I thought it was pretty good today," he said. "They played some good stuff and effective stuff.

"The best man on the pitch was the centre-forward. I thought he did everything a good centre-forward should do and when you've got that sort of performance level, it doesn't half help."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jokanovic-hails-whites-star-and-burnley-boss-dyche-says-fulhams-spending-has-paid-off

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OFF THE MARK Fulham 4-2 Burnley: Quick Aleksandar Mitrovic brace sees Cottagers earn first win of Premier League season

Jean Michael Seri and Andre Schurrle scored the other goals as Fulham secured a convincing victory over the tired Clarets

A quickfire brace from Aleksandar Mitrovic helped Fulham register their first points of the season with a 4-2 win against Burnley at Craven Cottage.

The Serbian scored 12 goals on loan last season to help the Cottagers achieve promotion back to the Premier League and showed he will do everything he can to keep them there too.


Mitrovic has 14 goals in Fulham colours

Jeff Hendrick had cancelled out a stunning goal from Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michael Seri when Mitrovic, now a permanent fixture at Craven Cottage following his £22million switch from Newcastle, struck with two headers in two minutes.

James Tarkowski pulled one back for Burnley but Schurrle's late strike ensured Sean Dyche's side, beaten in Europa League qualifying by Olympiakos on Thursday, were left empty-handed.

Just three minutes had elapsed when Seri, another of Fulham's big-money summer recruits, came up with a memorable first goal in English football.

Collecting a ball inside from Luciano Vietto 25 yards out, Seri turned, looked up and launched a ferocious shot which left Clarets goalkeeper Joe Hart grasping at thin air.


Seri's thunderous strike got things up and running for Fulham

Yet if Burnley were feeling the effects of their midweek trip to Greece it was not immediately apparent, as they took just seven minutes to equalise.

A loose pass from Maxime Le Marchand in midfield allowed them to break with Aaron Lennon leading the charge.

The winger raced to the edge of the area before squaring the ball to Hendrick, who needed a couple of bites at the cherry before beating Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli at the far post.

Bettinelli had not even featured in Fulham's squad for the first two matches, but boss Slavisa Jokanovic dropped Fabri and overlooked fellow Spaniard Sergio Rico, both summer signings, to hand the former England Under-21 international a surprise recall.


Hendrick made it 1-1 after ten minutes but that was as good as it got for the Clarets

Hart was the busier keeper, though, getting down well to deny Schurrle at his near post and keeping out a fierce Timothy Fosu-Mensah drive.

However, when Hart misjudged Tom Cairney's deep cross Mitrovic stole in at the far post to head Fulham back into the lead.

Moments later Mitrovic struck again, this time with a glancing header from Vietto's cross.

Shellshocked Burnley did manage to get back into it four minutes before half-time, although there was a hint of offside as Tarkowski prodded in Ben Mee's header from a corner.

They could not muster a response after the break, though, and Fulham wrapped up the victory seven minutes from full-time.

Mitrovic was denied a hat-trick when Hart pushed his shot against a post but Borussia Dortmund loanee Schurrle, who had earlier clipped the crossbar, drilled in the rebound.

LINE-UPS

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fosu-Mensah, Odoi, Le Marchand, Bryan (Chambers 72), Seri, McDonald, Cairney (Zambo 78), Schurrle (Sessegnon 89), Mitrovic, Vietto

Subs not used: Johansen, Christie, Fabricio, Kamara
Burnley: Hart, Lowton, Mee, Tarkowski, Ward (Barnes 66), Lennon, Cork, Westwood, Gudmundsson (Taylor 19), Hendrick, Wood (Vokes 66)

Subs not used: Heaton, Gibson, Bardsley, Long



https://talksport.com/football/415465/aleksandar-mitrovic-brace-sees-fulham-earn-first-win-season/

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Mitrovic continues to impress Fulham boss Jokanovic

Slavisa Jokanovic is certain Aleksandar Mitrovic can fire the goals to keep Fulham in the Premier League.

Mitrovic scored twice and was inches away from a deserved hat-trick as the Cottagers beat Burnley 4-2 to secure their first points of the season.

The Serbian striker netted 12 goals while on loan at Fulham last term to help them to promotion, and having made the move from Newcastle permanent in the summer he set about the task of keeping them in the top flight in style.

Fulham boss Jokanovic said: "His attitude is fantastic, he is always available, we believe he is a quality player.

He demonstrated his ability in the Championship last season. Some people think he is only a Championship player but he showed he can be fighting at the highest level."

Jeff Hendrick had cancelled out a stunning 25-yard drive from Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michael Seri when Mitrovic struck with two headers in two minutes.

James Tarkowski pulled one back for Burnley before half-time but Andre Schurrle's late strike, after Mitrovic's shot came back off a post,  wrapped up the victory.

"I was getting worried we were waiting so long for the fourth goal but we got it and killed the game. I must be satisfied," added Jokanovic.

It was Burnley's eighth competitive fixture of the season and manager Sean Dyche admits their Europa League exertions – they lost 3-1 to Olympiakos in Greece on Thursday – are taking their toll.

However, Dyche insists he would not have it any other way.

"We need to see beyond the constant noise of the Europa League, and too many games and all that sort of stuff," he said.

"The players get a barrage of different stories and mostly, I think it is fair to say, those have been negative about the Europa League and how many games we are playing.

"But it's the reality, that's the challenge – can we keep going in two competitions?

"We are stretched at the moment, as everyone knows. These are the complications of life at Burnley sometimes. We are skinny on numbers at the minute to take on the two competitions.

"But that's the reality, no excuses. Those are just the facts.

"The best side won and the best player on the pitch was the centre-forward, Mitrovic. He did everything that a good centre-forward should do."



http://sport.bt.com/football/mitrovic-continues-to-impress-fulham-boss-jokanovic-S11364291569120

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Fulham come out on top in six-goal thriller against Burnley as Aleksandar Mitrovic hits double

Fulham 4-2 Burnley: The newly-promoted Londoners are up and running thanks to an exciting and memorable display at Craven Cottage

This was not an afternoon Joe Hart will look back on with any great fondness, but for Fulham fans a first win back in the top flight will be remembered.

It was memorable for Aleksandar Mitrovic's double of headed goals in the space of two first-half minutes, memorable for a superb display by Andre Schurrle and it was memorable because it was an exciting, open game of football.

Hart may not have been at fault for any of the goals but conceding three in 45 minutes and four in total is not the way to impress England manager Gareth Southgate as you desperately look to find a way back into the international fold.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic opted to drop his goalkeeper Fabri, bringing in Marcus Bettinelli for his Premier League debut in goal while Ryan Sessegnon was also dropped to the bench.

Burnley had the exertions of a trip to Greece in midweek, not arriving home until the early hours, but they selected the same side that lost to Watford in the league last weekend.

Fulham were first to threaten when Schurrle's effort went wide from the right and that warning shot was not heeded as Fulham took a fourth-minute lead in stunning fashion, Jean Michael Seri's superb 25-yarder finding the top corner.

This quickly became an open, attacking game on the wet, slick turf of Craven Cottage and Burnley levelled up on 10 minutes, Jeff Hendrick bundling home at the second attempt after his initial effort from Aaron Lennon's cross was blocked by Denis Odoi.

Sean Dyche's side suffered an early injury with Johann Berg Gudmundsson forced off and replaced by Charlie Taylor.

Chances continued with Schurrle shooting wide for Fulham after a driving run while the impressive German was then denied by a Joe Hart save following a low shot.

The hosts were keen to shoot where possible and Timothy Fosu-Mensah was the next to force the Burnley goalkeeper into a stop with a 20-yard attempt while Ben Mee nearly put the ball into his own net from Joe Bryan's cross.

From the subsequent 36th-minute corner, Fulham regained the lead as Seri's clever short pass found Tom Cairney who chipped a cross to the far post for Aleksandar Mitrovic to head home from close range.

Just two minutes later and the former Newcastle United striker did it again with another head from Luciano Vietto's right-footed cross from the left.

The incredible half continued as Burnley drew themselves back into the game on 41 minutes as James Tarkowski found the back of the net, with a suspicion of offside, after Ben Mee had headed on Taylor's corner.

After 15 minutes of calm for the interval, the game continued at quite a pace in the second half with Schurrle unfortunate to hit the crossbar from 25 yards with Hart beaten while the German saw another effort held by the goalkeeper.

How Schurrle had not scored by now is anyone's guess and it was he who went close again as his effort was deflected wide.

Fulham continued to create chances with Kevin McDonald shooting over from a well-worked corner routine but they were still leaving some holes at the back to keep Burnley interested as Tarkowski headed over from Taylor's free kick.

Mitrovic could not quite reach a Fosu-Mensah cross as he searched for his hat-trick while Schurrle was denied by a wonderful stop by Hart.

Mitrovic was desperately unlucky not to score that treble as his shot from inside the area was saved in wonderful fashion by Hart, pushing the ball onto the post, before Schurrle eventually scored the elusive goal his performance deserved.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-burnley-jean-michael-seri-goal-aleksandar-mitrovic-goals-report-a8509071.html

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Slavisa Jokanovic gives update on Tom Cairney's injury after he limped off in Burnley win

The skipper came off in the 77th minute having turned his ankle after a challenge from Charlie Taylor

Slavisa Jokanovic hopes to have Tom Cairney available for the trip to Brighton and Hove Albion, despite the midfielder limping off in the win over Burnley.

The skipper was taken off after 77 minutes after he was the subject of a nasty challenge from Charlie Taylor, with Jokanovic confirming it was his ankle that was the issue.

It was clear from Cairney's immediate reaction that it had the potential to be a bad injury, and despite trying to play on, he was taken off for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

The 27-year-old missed a large chunk of last season as he struggled to gain fitness after suffering a knee injury in pre-season, and his absence was clear to see as Fulham struggled in the first half of the season.

They welcome Exeter City to Craven Cottage on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup second round and it's unlikely that Jokanovic was going to play his star man, but now it's almost certain that Cairney will play no part.

However, Jokanovic hopes to have him back in time for the trip to the Amex on September 1.


(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

He said: "He [Cairney] has switched the ankle and we believe he will be available for the next game. This is start of the season, it's not so fortunate for us.

"Between Alfie Mawson, Tim Ream, Floyd Ayite and I hope this player will be available for competition that is ahead of us."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/slavisa-jokanovic-gives-update-tom-15076635

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Aleksandar Mitrovic battered Burnley and will continue sticking it to his critics, says Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic

Rafa Benitez didn't fancy the 23-year-old, but his compatriot is getting the best from the powerhouse striker

Slavisa Jokanovic hailed two-goal Aleksandar Mitrovic for proving his critics wrong.

Jokanovic reckons striker Mitrovic has delivered the perfect response to those who believed he was just a Championship striker in the Premier League so far.

Rafa Benitez didn't fancy Mitrovic in the top-flight for Newcastle last season and loaned him to Fulham in January.

But after firing the Cottagers to promotion via the play-offs with 12 goals last term Mitrovic has added three more in his first three Premier League games this year, including two in a brilliant individual display against Burnley.

Jokanovic said: "Mitrovic played very well, scored two, helped us in defence and attack at set pieces. His attitude is fantastic, he's always available for working.

"We believe he's a quality player. He demonstrated this ability in the Championship last season and some people are thinking he can only be a Championship player.

"No, he showed the quality for fighting in the highest level in England or in the world if you want.

"He's a really important player. He's a young man, still only 23, and he has huge room for improvement ahead of him.

"The attitude and desire to succeed that he showed us today encouraged us and him that he can still be a better striker."

Victory against Burnley was a relief for Jokanovic, whose side picked up their first points of the season.

He said: "We were looking to switch on this car in the Premier League and this performance and three points are a big boost for the team and us to trust in our work and push forward."


https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/aleksandar-mitrovic-battered-burnley-continue-13144459

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Premier League Team of the Week: Chelsea and Fulham stars dominate best XI

The two new signings bossed the midfield at St. James' Park, while Mitrovic came up big for Fulham with a double in the Cottagers' victory

#1 GK | Mat Ryan (Brighton)
Ryan made six saves in Brighton's narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool - he had only made four saves in his opening two games of the season before that.

#2 RB | Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Azpilicueta was a constant threat down the right-hand side, with no Chelsea player whipping in more open play crosses (5) - the Spaniard also completing 91.1% of his passes.

#3 CB | Harry Maguire (Leicester City)
Harry Maguire's injury-time winner was only Leicester's fourth in Premier League history and their first since April 2015.

#4 CB | Willy Boly (Wolves)
Not only did Willy Boly open the scoring against the current Premier League champions, he also made five clearances and two blocks

#5 LB | Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
Alonso recorded 108 touches in Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Newcastle, making more clearances than any other player for the Blues (6).

#6 CM | Jean Michael Seri (Fulham)
Jean Michael Seri scored his first Fulham goal – it was the Ivorian midfielder's first shot on target in the Premier League.

#7 CM | Jorginho (Chelsea)
No player has had more touches in a single PL game since 2003-04 than Jorginho (186, level with Fernandinho).

#8 CM | Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)
Kovacic completed 96 of his 104 passes in Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Newcastle (92.3%) - creating more chances than any of his teammates (3).

#9 ST | Andre Schurrle (Fulham)
Andre Schurrle scored his first Premier League goal for Fulham – his goal was the 11th shot he'd had in the match.

#10 ST | Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)
Mitrovic has scored 15 league goals since his debut for the Cottagers in February – no player has more in the top four tiers of English football in that time (Mo Salah has also scored 15).

#11 ST | Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Zaha is now Crystal Palace's top scorer in Premier League history (24), overtaking Chris Armstrong who netted 23 goals in the competition for the Eagles.



http://www.goal.com/en/lists/premier-league-team-of-the-week-chelsea-and-fulham-stars/9q807nd9oo391oujuydi8xr07#pkmwjji69v0q1w4sqvki15gpj

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Four-star Fulham down the Clarets

Those casting casual glance over the Premier League table prior to today's fixture might have thought Fulham's £100m summer spending misplaced after they began their return to the top flight with two defeats. On a soggy afternoon at Craven Cottage, the Whites painted a spirited riposte by putting Burnley to the sword with some sparkling football inspired by the artistry of Jean-Michael Seri and an exhibition of classical centre forward play from Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Seri, who could have been wearing the fabled colours of Barcelona but for a late change of heart from the Catalan club last summer, has purred quietly in the season's opening fortnight at the heart of a reshaped Fulham midfield. Once again he orchestrated much of Fulham's most incisive football from the midfield, but he needed little more than three minutes to leave his mark on this contest. There appeared little danger when the Ivorian received possession from Luciano Vietto thirty yards from goal, left of centre, but in the blink of an eye Seri glided away from Jeff Hendrick and unleashed an unstoppable strike into Joe Hart's top corner. Not a bad way to score your first goal in English football.

Fulham's commitment to total football under Slavisa Jokanovic has been absolute – and was the reason why they earned promotion from the Championship last season. Occasionally, it will prove the Whites' biggest weakness: as it did here when Maxime Le Marchand carelessly gifted possession to Burnley on the halfway line five minutes later. The pace of Aaron Lennon unsettled the remnants of the home defence and, once the former England winger had beautifully teed up Hendrick, the equaliser arrived at the second attempt after the recalled Marcus Bettinelli had repelled his initial effort.

Impressively, that setback only served to galvanise a Fulham side who had shown positive signs in their first two Premier League outings, but not managed to string together a complete performance. They continued to probe patiently, enjoying almost complete dominance of the ball, and with full backs Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Joe Bryan haring forward down both flanks. Jokanovic had made five changes in response to last weekend's defeat by Tottenham at Wembley – even benching wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon, rendering Gareth Southgate's rumoured scouting mission pretty pointless, and underlining the need for his players to adjust to the unforgiving nature of the top flight.

The home side looked enlivened by the intelligence of Luciano Vietto on the left and Andre Schurrle's eagerness on the opposite flank. The German winger carried the ball forward with purpose and peppered Hart's goal with shots from distance throughout, whilst Vietto floated into pockets of space behind Mitrovic. The Serbian centre forward set about banishing any doubts about his suitability at this level – adding to his Wembley equaliser with two goals in two minutes that changed the complexion of this contest.

Both came in the air and were intricately worked. The first had been constructed at Motspur Park with Tom Cairney receiving a short corner and chipping an inviting ball to the back post, where Mitrovic arrived to head past a hesitant Hart from barely three yards out. Mitrovic led Ben Mee and James Tarkowski a merry dance all afternoon, with the Burnley centre backs getting their wires horribly crossed as Vietto floated an inviting cross between them for the former Newcastle forward to bury a routine header. Hart's anguish at the ease of it all was understandable – one of his defenders pushed up to play offside whilst the other stayed deeper, affording Mitrovic another simple finish.

The visitors did find a reply prior to half-time, although Tarkowski's bundled finish from a corner probably shouldn't have stood given that the former Brentford centre back looked offside when Mee headed the ball back towards goal. Sean Dyche's charges looked exhausted by the after-effects of an demorilising defeat at the hands of Olympiakos in midweek – and couldn't rouse themselves to complete the comeback in the second half. Hendrick came closest, driving into the Putney End after clever approach play from Chris Wood, but Fulham's onslaught was unrelenting.

The lively Schurrle almost created a goal out of nothing, cutting in from the right to rattle Hart's crossbar with an audacious curler from just outside the box. Then, Cairney – who later limped off after being clattered by Tarkowski – caressed a ball out to the rampaging Fosu-Mensah and the Manchester United loanee's measured cross eluded the diving efforts of both Schurrle and Mitrovic to divert the ball home from inside the six-yard box. Just as the Cottage prepared itself for another agnosingly finale, Mitrovic wriggled free on the edge of the box and measured a drive for the far corner. Hart somehow tripped the strike onto the base of the far post, but proved powerless to prevent Schurrle from rolling in the rebound with his eleventh attempt of the match.

The two-goal cushioned probably offered a better reflection of an absorbing contest and an elusive first Premier League win should do wonders for Fulham's confidence. Jokanovic now has a plethora of options to perm his first eleven form and, on this evidence, when they click, the Whites could prove a formidable proposition.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fosu-Mensah, Bryan (Chambers 72), Odoi, Le Marchand; McDonald, Seri, Cairney (Anguissa 78); Schurrle (R. Sessegnon 88), Vietto, Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Fabri, Christie, Johansen, Kamara.

BOOKED: Schurrle, Bettinelli.

GOALS: Seri (4), Mitrovic (36, 38), Schurrle (83).

BURNLEY (4-2-3-1): Hart; Lowton, Ward (Barnes 66), Mee, Tarkowski; Cork, Westwood; Lennon, Gudmundsson (Taylor 23), Hendrick; Wood (Vokes 66). Subs (not used): Heaton, Gibson, Bardsley, Long.

BOOKED: Tarkowski.

GOALS: Hendrick (10), Tarkowski (41).

REFEREE: David Coote (Nottinghamshire).

ATTENDANCE: 23,438.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/four-star-fulham-down-the-clarets/

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Fulham 4, Burnley 2
Let's celebrate the club's first three points back in the Premier League


Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Just when you thought it would be hard to imagine Fulham collecting any points in the Premier League table, they finally did so with a plumb. And they were able to win against a Burnley side who were one of the best defensive units in the league last season. That reputation might be starting to go way too far against them because of a much more loaded fixture list via the Europa League, but this is still a fine win by the boys that call Craven Cottage home.

And from the off, Fulham just dominated possession with rapid fire one-touch passing and movement and never looked back. Within three minutes, Andre Schurrle took the first of his 11 shots (!!!) with a curling effort towards the right-hand side of the post only to miss just wide. Seconds later, Fulham were in front thanks to a wonder strike by the club's best passer. After a great sequence of Fulham's rendition of tiki-taka passing, Jean-Michael Seri decided to give it a go from well outside the penalty area and beat Joe Hart close to the top-right corner. It was a goal that sent Southwest London to delirium and really galvanized the Fulham XI to maintain their control the game.

Unfortunately, the lead didn't last that long once Chris Wood intercepted a wayward Maxime Le Marchand pass that led to a quick 2v2 counter attack. From there, Aaron Lennon bursted into the penalty area like it was 2006 and found Jeff Hendrick to his left. After having his shot blocked by Denis Odoi, Hendrick collected the rebound and roofed it from point blank range to make the tie deadlocked within 10 minutes of action. Fulham tried to reassert their dominance but were showing one too many signs of discomfort within their backline. With Odoi replacing Calum Chambers and with Kevin McDonald replacing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa from last week's XI, this is still a unit that was struggling with form and consistency in that department.

Fortunately for Fulham, Burnley's attack was marginalized the rest of the game once Johann Berg Gudmundsson was substituted early due to a pulled hamstring. Gradually, Fulham regained their attacking nous and were then beating Burnley where it hurt them most: on the set piece. Off of a Fulham corner, Seri changed the angle of the cross by passing it short to Tom Cairney. From there, Cairney's cross found Mitrovic from point blank towards the left-hand post to give Fulham the lead back.

But the Cottagers weren't done just yet. After retrieving the ball off of a Burnley attack, the ball was played fast from Seri and Cairney over to Luciano Vietto. After Vietto was able to gather himself with the ball, he was able to put in a pinpoint cross to Mitrovic where he was able to head it on goal once again. Craven Cottage was back to rocking in celebration towards such beautiful attacking football and "Mitro's on Fire" was back in full song.

But just when some in the crowd thought things were secure, Burnley scored once more but off of a corner where James Tarkowski was able to slot in a headed ball by Ben Mee. Fulham looked like they could have made it four off of a couple penalties drawn by Mitrovic, but referee David Coote thought there wasn't anything to be seen. Once Mee couldn't completely control the ball to put in a decent effort towards goal off of another set piece attempt, the first half came to a close with everyone watching wishing this game wouldn't end.

The second half was much more subdued than the first, and both managers would have much preferred that after so many goals were conceded, but that didn't stop Fulham attacking Burnley at will. Mitrovic continued to give Tarkowski and the rest of Burnley's backline fits while Schurrle was everywhere delivering key passes and taking chances at goal. Even Vietto himself was getting involved in the act, and it was great to see Fulham's wide players doing so at volume for all 90 minutes.

However, the game was soured a tad when Tom Cairney twisted his ankle badly on a challenge by Charlie Taylor and was forced to be subbed off in the 77th minute. If he were to miss a massive amount of playing time, like he did with his knee issues last season, it could be quite devastating for how Fulham would like to play.

Fortunately, Fulham have a much more well-rounded first team as Schurrle and Mitrovic continued to run their absolute socks off, beating a Burnley team that was stretching themselves a bit too much looking for the tying goal. Before you know it, all of Schurrle's work was rewarded by scoring his first goal for the club off of a Mitrovic attempt that went off the post.

By the time he was substituted, all of Craven Cottage rose to its feet and gave a standing ovation that could be heard all the way to Stamford Bridge. In came Ryan Sessegnon in what felt like a teachable moment for the teenage star. The standard of what is required for him at Premier League level has now been set for him and he must match it for him to receive the playing time he did last campaign.

But that subject is neither here nor there at the moment. What is most important is that Fulham are officially up and running in the Premier League. And with a trip to Brighton next, dreams can start being alive again for the Southwest London faithful.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/8/26/17783682/fulham-4-burnley-2

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First win will be 'a big boost for Fulham,' says Jokanovic

Slavisa Jokanovic says Fulham's first Premier League win will serve as 'a big boost' for his side as they strive to compete in the top flight once again.

The Whites had started the season with two defeats but got off the mark with an enterprising victory over Burnley at Craven Cottage this afternoon. Fulham were fired in front early on a sublime strike from Jean-Michael Seri before a brace from Aleksandar Mitrovic and a late fourth from Andre Schurrle made sure of the victory. Jokanovic was delighted with his team's level of performance after the final whistle.

The Serbian head coach told his post-match press conference:

    We played well today. We must work hard daily at the training ground and look for our best performance. We played bravely, we showed ambition to score the goals, we showed ambition to push forward and look for a second and third and fourth.

    This fourth goal, from my point of view, arrived a little bit late for us. Between the third and fourth we had many chances to finish the game off, but fortunately we scored the goal and killed the game.

Jokanovic believes the first three points will be immensely valuable for the confidence of his revamped squad.

    This performance and this victory is a big boost for us in this moment. We can be satisfied with our performance today. I don't want to think about negative things now, but we know there is a lot of room ahead of us for improvement. We must keep going, work hard at the training ground, and be available to find our best way to win games.

He felt justified in making wholesale changes to his starting line-up following the defeat by Tottenham at Wembley last weekend.

    I made five changes this afternoon. These 11 players I chose today performed really well. We must immediately show a desire to work hard and push all together to try and be at our highest level for the next game. I try to find the best solution to win the game. Sometimes the plan works, sometimes it doesn't work.

    We are not kids, this is the highest level of professional football. We must show humility, push hard and fight. This kind of performances encourages me, my team, the people in the stands.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/first-win-will-be-a-big-boost-for-fulham-says-jokanovic/

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Garth Crooks' team of the week: Maguire, Milner, Mitrovic - and who else?

Premier League champions Manchester City were held by Wolves at Molineux, Unai Emery recorded his first win as Arsenal manager condemning West Ham to a third straight loss, Mohamed Salah scored the only goal as Liverpool beat Brighton, and Fulham scored four against Burnley to secure a first win since gaining promotion back to the Premier League.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth fought back from two goals down to draw with Everton and Harry Maguire scored a stoppage-time winner for Leicester at Southampton.

Chelsea and Watford maintained their winning starts with victories over Crystal Palace and Newcastle respectively, while 10-man Huddersfield held on for a point against Cardiff.

But who did enough to make my team of the week? Read my selections and then pick your own XI.

Goalkeeper - Rui Patricio
Rui Patricio

Rui Patricio: The saves that denied Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus were excellent but how Rui Patricio managed to push Raheem Sterling's cracking shot on to the bar I will never know.

And how on earth did referee Martin Atkinson refuse to award Manchester City's David Silva a penalty kick? You occasionally see games that make you wonder what exactly the referee saw at the time.

As far as I was concerned, Ruben Neves practically assaulted Silva in the penalty area. Penalty or not, without the heroics of home keeper Patricio it's the Wolves who would have found themselves on the end of a mauling.

Did you know? Rui Patricio made five saves against Manchester City, compared with just one in his previous game against Leicester.
Defenders - Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aymeric Laporte, Harry Maguire, Ryan Bertrand
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aymeric Laporte, Harry Maguire, Ryan Bertrand

Trent Alexander-Arnold: This lad gets better every time I see him. Against a dogged Brighton, the Liverpool and England full-back showed a maturity well beyond his years.

I was surprised to see Arnold standing on his own ready to take the free-kick that hit the bar while Mohamed Salah and James Milner stood and watched.

Alexander-Arnold is a defender who loves to play forward, not square or back, because he's not afraid and has the talent to do it. But the moment of the match for me was the 40-yard pass to the feet of Salah on the other side of the pitch. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. What a ball.

Did you know? Trent Alexander-Arnold completed five open-play crosses - no Liverpool player made more.

Aymeric Laporte: This was a game that Manchester City should have won comfortably and to Wolves' credit the Midlanders made the champions work like dogs just to get a point.

City's equaliser was down to Aymeric Laporte, whose bullet header was unstoppable. From the moment Ilkay Gundogan delivered the set-piece Laporte never took his eyes off the ball until he had thundered it past Patricio.

It needed something a bit special to get past the Wolves goalkeeper with the form he was in.

Did you know? Aymeric Laporte scored his first goal for Manchester City in any competition and his first in the top five European leagues in 37 games, since scoring for Athletic Bilbao against Villarreal in April 2017.

Harry Maguire: It was only a matter of time before Harry Maguire got into my team of the week. The former Sheffield United and Hull centre-back had a super World Cup for England and the player has not allowed a scintilla of speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United to affect his game.

He was as solid as a rock for Leicester against Southampton in defence but probably the most unlikely person on the pitch to get the Foxes' winner in open play - and that's what he did.

Precisely what this victory meant for Leicester's manager Claude Puel on his return to St Mary's - having been unceremoniously booted out of the club - is anyone's guess, but I bet he slept well.

Did you know? Harry Maguire made a total of 10 clearances against Southampton - the highest in Leicester City's team.

Ryan Bertrand: In a better team Ryan Bertrand would almost certainly have gone to the World Cup with England. There's no doubt about the lad's ability.

His magnificently struck goal against Leicester was testimony to that. Few full-backs in the country can strike a ball like that. What a pity his Southampton team-mate ruined it all with a dive Olympian Tom Daley would have enjoyed.

John Moss was absolutely right to send off Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for a second yellow card for being so galactically stupid and I just hope that Ryan Bertrand told Hojbjerg so in the dressing room afterwards. More about dressing room culture in The Crooks of the Matter below.

Did you know? Southampton's Ryan Bertrand netted his first Premier League goal in 43 appearances, since scoring against Chelsea in April 2017.
Midfielders - Jean Michael Seri, James Milner, Marcos Alonso
Jean Michael Seri, James Milner, Marcos Alonso

Jean Michael Seri: If ever Fulham needed a boost then Jean Michael Seri's fourth-minute blockbuster was it. The Ivorian's strike flew past Joe Hart like a rocket.

The last I heard, this was a player we all thought was going to Barcelona, so I'm not entirely sure how he ended up at Craven Cottage. But with goals like this, who cares?

As for Burnley, this is the second time they have lost having played midweek in Europe. At the end of last season I told Sean Dyche to play the kids in the Europa qualifying rounds but he looks like he's taking these games far too seriously. Ditch this tournament before the proper draw takes place in Monaco and you get caught up in all that glamour.

Did you know? Jean Michael Seri scored his first Fulham goal with his first shot on target in the Premier League.

James Milner: I feel compelled to include James Milner among my selection because if I don't he will continue to be overlooked for those who are more skilful, excellent finishers or those who simply have a better day.

What you get with Milner is nothing special but you do get a wonderful level of consistency. In fact Milner is almost always a candidate for my team most weeks, such are his performances.

The way the Liverpool captain pounced on Brighton's Yves Bissouma was reminiscent of a cobra and with a bite to match. Brighton's error cost them the fixture. The way Leon Balogun gave Bissouma the ball in such a difficult position with his back to the play lacked any thought or consideration for his team-mate.

Did you know? James Milner completed 69 passes in the opposition half - more than any of his team-mates.

Marcos Alonso: When Marcos Alonso takes to the field he almost always affects the game. If he's not scoring goals then he's making them.

Against Newcastle this very elegant player did both. This is the second consecutive week Alonso has starred for Chelsea in a run of games that has seen the Blues unbeaten with maximum points.

As for Rafael Benitez and Newcastle - the limited resources at the Spaniard's disposal at St James' Park raise the question: is this really the place for him?

Did you know? Marcos Alonso covered 11.39km against Newcastle - only team-mate Jorginho covered more distance.
Forwards - Eden Hazard, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Roberto Pereyra
Eden Hazard, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Roberto Pereyera

Eden Hazard: The penalty given by referee Paul Tierney was debatable but there is nothing debatable about the man who took the spot-kick, or his performance. Eden Hazard strolled through this game and was head and shoulders above everybody else on the pitch.

The Belgium international seems to have been given the freedom to do whatever he likes under Maurizio Sarri. Not so under Mourinho or Conte. Both Sarri's predecessors had volatile temperaments and fragile relationships with Hazard.

For all of football's rhetoric about sports science, fitness and the tactics of the modern game, there's one thing that will never change. Managers need to take care of their best players or their best players will eventually desert them.

Did you know? Eden Hazard has now scored seven Premier League goals against Newcastle - he has not scored more against any other team (also has seven v West Brom).

Aleksandar Mitrovic: What a fantastic purchase Aleksandar Mitrovic is proving to be for Fulham. The Serbian international left Newcastle with his tail between his legs and a big question mark about his ability to cope in the Premier league.

I must say, I saw Mitrovic play at the Cottage in the opening game of the season against Crystal Palace and I wouldn't have paid £22 for him never mind £22m.

But since his arrival in London from St James' Park he has not stopped scoring and may be the catalyst to Fulham's survival in the Premier League. I still have my doubts about his ability to star in the top flight, but what a start!

Did you know? Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 15 league goals since his Fulham debut in February - the Serb is matched only by Mohamed Salah in the same period across the top four tiers of English football.

Roberto Pereyra: This was a spiteful game and I was amazed I didn't see players sent off. One of the few bright moments in this rather vindictive affair was the ability of Roberto Pereyra and his brilliantly taken goal.

The Watford winger has scored three goals this season and there look to be more in the bag. But what was referee Anthony Taylor thinking by ignoring Etienne Capoue's appalling tackle on Wilfried Zaha?

What's worse, Taylor then insists on booking Zaha for cleanly winning the ball a few minutes afterwards. Watford won this game comfortably in the end but not before they targeted Zaha and bullied Palace into submission. No thanks to Taylor.

Did you know? Roberto Pereyra has been directly involved in seven of Watford's past 11 goals in the Premier League, scoring six and assisting another.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45317342

[WhiteJC]

 
Schürrle: Scoring my first Fulham goal was 'an amazing moment'

Andre Schürrle has described scoring his first Fulham goal as one of the most special moments in his glittering career.

The German World Cup winner is looking to reignite his career during a two-year loan spell at Craven Cottage and made the most of his recall to the starting line-up with a superb display that was capped by Fulham's fourth goal in their win over Burnley this afternoon.

A beaming Schürrle shared his delight with FulhamFCTV after the final whistle:

    It was a great atmosphere and it was a really good feeling on the pitch. I really enjoyed every minute because you could feel like everyone was coming, everyone was going – the crowd wanted us to be together, fight and score the goals and that's what we did. Today was amazing and for our new players it was so important, you can't even believe.

    We could have scored more, especially me. I think I had 45 shots today! Normally in a Premier League you don't have so many shots and so many big chances, so that's what we have to get together. Maybe we have to score a few more goals, but we're happy with four today and the win.

The winger was delighted to get off the mark for the Whites, especially after seeing a number of his earlier efforts well saved by Joe Hart. Schürrle had also struck the crossbar with an audacious strike from the right angle of the penalty area but rounded off the victory by clinically finishing from the edge of the area after Aleksandar Mitrovic's effort had rebounded off the far post.

    When I scored the goal, it was very important for me. It was one of the greatest moments in my career and to be on this pitch and in front of these fans, because they were all chanting [my name] before, I wanted to give them something back and when the ball went in and I could feel this joy, it was an amazing moment.

    I had a difficult situation in Dortmund in pre-season. I came here and everything went so quick. I was behind all the guys because I lost ten days in pre-season and I tried to fight back. The first few games was okay, Crystal Palace was okay, but I had a feeling I could do more and to get off the mark today is always one of the best moments.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/schurrle-scoring-my-first-fulham-goal-was-an-amazing-moment/

[WhiteJC]

 
'It'll be very tough for Fulham to stay up' - Danny Murphy has his say on former club's season

The former skipper also believes spending £100m in the summer was a calculated risk and they're now heading in the right direction

Danny Murphy believes it will be tough for Fulham to stay in the Premier League this season - despite spending over £100m on 12 new signings.

The former skipper captained the side in their 2010 Europa League final loss to Atletico Madrid and has continued to follow the fortunes of his old club, and he thinks that their main ambition has to be staying up.

12 new faces came in over the summer, including the likes of Jean-Michael Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, as the club spent big in order to give Slavisa Jokanovic the tools he needs to keep Fulham in the top flight after promotion last season.

However, Murphy insists that spending that kind of money doesn't give clubs a right to finish higher and that their main ambition has to be to stay up - but he thinks that will be very tough.

Speaking to Bwin, Murphy said: "Fulham would bite your hands off if they were offered Premier League survival. They may have spent a lot of money, but the ambition of any promoted club should be simply to survive.

"I think it's naive to want more than survival.

"Fulham needed to make signings and they have splashed the cash, but that doesn't guarantee you'll stay up and doesn't give you the right to assume you'll finish higher either.

"It's very competitive in the Premier League and they needed to spend money to have a chance. I still think it's going to be very tough for Fulham to stay up."


Danny Murphy (Image: John Peters/GettyImages)

Despite that big spending in the summer, Murphy also believes that Fulham have taken a 'calculated risk' and is surprised that more promoted clubs haven't done the same.

They became the first promoted club to spend £100m in a transfer window since its inception, outspending both Wolves and Cardiff City, who were promoted alongside the Cottagers last season.

Even if they were to get relegated this season, Murphy doesn't think they'll risk a Financial Fair Play penalty and is of the belief that Fulham are back on track and heading in the right direction.

He added: "Fulham may have become the first promoted club to spend £100m, but it isn't a Financial Fair Play risk even if the club were to be relegated this season. It's the TV revenue they've spent rather than their own money.

"There'll be relegation clauses in the new signings' contracts and they'll receive parachute payments so it's a calculated risk because the revenue is guaranteed.

"I'm surprised more clubs haven't made the same choice to splash the cash. I thought more clubs in and around the bottom would have spent towards £100m as well because they should all be able to afford it now.

"Fulham are doing well, they're back on track and are heading in the right direction. They have nothing to worry about financially."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/itll-very-tough-fulham-stay-15075607

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic: Cairney should be fit for Brighton

Slavisa Jokanovic allayed fears about Tom Cairney's long-term fitness after the Fulham skipper limped off towards the end of the win over Burnley yesterday.

Cairney, who saw the start of his last season badly disrupted by a persistent knee injury, bravely tried to battle on after being clattered by Charlie Taylor but eventually admitted defeat and was replaced by Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. Head coach Jokanovic revealed during his post-match press conference that the Scottish international was substituted as a precaution having turned his ankle.

The Fulham boss is unlikely to pick Cairney for tomorrow night's League Cup tie against Exeter City, but remains confident he will be available for the trip to Brighton and Hove Albion next Saturday.

    He has switched the ankle and we believe he will be available for the next [league] game. This is start of the season, it's not so fortunate for us. Between Alfie Mawson, Tim Ream and Floyd Ayite, I hope this player will be available for the competition we have ahead of us.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/jokanovic-cairney-should-be-fit-for-brighton/

[One James stannard]

Thanks as ever WhiteJC, made beautiful reading whilst having my tea and toast this morning  :54:

[Woolly Mammoth]

Yes I agree, an excellent read whilst munching my full English Breakfast and Caviar, which my wife always treats me on every Bank Holiday Monday.

[grandad]

Thanks for all your time , effort & technical skill in producing this "Stuff"every day. Hat off to you.