Tuesday Fulham Stuff (28/08/18)...

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Results

Monday
Man Utd	0 - 3	Spurs

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Fulham Striker On A Par With Mo Salah So The Statistics Say

Although Fulham had lost their previous two Premier League games, at home to Crystal Palace and away to Tottenham Hotspur, there had been glimpses that the Cottagers were on the right track.

Yesterday, in a six-goal thriller, Fulham emerged 4-2 victors against a Burnley side who pushed us all the way.

One of the stars of the show was our Serbian striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, who netted a brace and could have hit a hat-trick if the post hadn't of denied him in the second half.

After the game, and as reported by the BBC, Mitrovic had this to say about the game:

    "It was a tough game. Every goal is a nice goal and a great feeling but the most important thing is we grab the three points and give the fans a nice afternoon.

    "We have so many new players. They came from different leagues and some don't speak English but this is the best league, we want to stay with the best and we will work hard to do that.

    "No matter what we do, we will stick to our system and that will give us more confidence to stay in this league."

As an aside, it's worth pointing out that since joining Fulham, back in February, Mitrovic has scored 15 league goals, only Mo Salah, in the top four tiers of English football, can match that feat.



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulham-striker-on-a-par-with-mo-salah-so-the-statistics-say/

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Gareth Southgate's talk with Tony Khan & Mitrovic's importance - Fulham talking points

Fulham beat Burnley 4-2 to get their first points of the season - here's our talking points from the game

Marcus Bettinelli's recall

The big talking point before the game was the departure of goalkeeping coach Jose Sambade Carreira and where that left the goalkeeping situation at the club.

Bettinelli had been dropped from the matchday squad altogether for the first two games of the season, with new signings Fabri and Sergio Rico being preferred by Slavisa Jokanovic to the 26-year-old.

However, Bettinelli got the nod today to make his first appearance since the play-off final victory at Wembley, and it looked like he was out to prove a point to his head coach.

He played with the ball at his feet far more than he usually does, coming out of his goal and box a number of times to get the ball down and play it to his defenders in front of him - something that is similar to what Liverpool and Manchester City want their keepers to do - making 37 passes in the 90 minutes.

It was a decent return to the starting XI, but one thing that stuck out to me was his accuracy with his passing out from the back.

His short passes were fine, but his long passes were often erratic and didn't hit his target, which is something that Jokanovic wants his keepers to be able to do.

Where Bettinelli's season goes from here will be an interesting watch, especially with Sergio Rico waiting in the wings.


(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)

The importance of Aleksandar Mitrovic

Some scoffed when Fulham signed Mitrovic for over £20million in the summer, saying that they'd spent too much money on a striker that is good in the Championship but can't hack the Premier League.

But he sits top of the scoring charts having netted three goals in two games, and his importance to the team cannot be understated.

Offensively, he gives Jokanovic's team an outlet to go to - a focal point for their creative players to get the ball into and play off, but he also offer so much defensively.


(Image: Henry Browne/Getty Images)

His ability to defend set pieces is something that Fulham have needed for a while and his benefit to the side was clear to see in the Burnley win on Sunday once more.

His importance to Fulham cannot be understated.

Schurrle's best performance so far

Andre Schurrle had his best performance in a Fulham shirt on Sunday.

Everyone was well aware of the quality he had when the club signed him on loan from Borussia Dortmund, but the question was whether he'd be able to find that form once again.

And against Burnley, he sure did.


(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

He looked the likeliest to make anything happen going forward in the first half and his roaming from left to right caused problem after problem for Burnley's defence.

If the German can replicate that kind of performance in every game, then Fulham really do have a serious player on their hands.

Gareth Southgate's conversation with Tony Khan

England manager Gareth Southgate was present at Craven Cottage for the win over Burnley, and at one moment in the game he was deep in conversation with Director of Football Operations, Tony Khan, and Brian Talbot, chief scout and assistant director of football.

While we don't know what they were talking about, it's interesting to see Southgate in such deep conversation with Tony Khan whilst at a game, presumably to run the rule over players for his next england squad.

There's talk of him calling up City's Phil Foden, so Southgate could've been at the Cottage to see Ryan Sessegnon, with the possibility of calling him up too.


(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

He only featured for around five minutes on Sunday, but I'm sure talk between Khan and Southgate got on to the possibility of Sessegnon eventually being in the England squad.

And I think that may be sooner, rather than later.

Tom Cairney's injury

One sour note from an otherwise pleasing afternoon was seeing Tom Cairney hobble off after being crunched by Charlie Taylor.

Despite the new incomings, Cairney is still vital to how Fulham play, and with the midfield finally starting to click losing him at this stage for a period of time would be less than ideal.


(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Jokanovic hopes to have him back for the Brighton game, but with injuries to Tim Ream, Floyd Ayite and Alfie Mawson, one to Cairney is the last thing the head coach needs so early on in the season.

His link-up with Jean-Michael Seri today was a joy to watch at times, and having the pair of them in midfield together is an exciting prospect for Fulham fans.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/gareth-southgates-talk-tony-khan-15076665

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Fulham 4-2 Burnley: Player ratings

Sarah runs the rule over some fine performances as Fulham recorded their first Premier League win in four years yesterday ...

Marcus Bettinelli: Football's a funny old game. Just two weeks ago, it looked as if Bettinelli would be frozen out after the Whites signed two senior goalkeepers and now he has returned from the cold to keep goal in the Premier League. He had little to do here, in truth, with Burnley's two goals being their only shots on target and he was left helpless for both of them. Jokanovic clearly wants a keeper comfortable with the ball at his feet and there were early signs that Bettinelli still struggles to fulfill this requirement. There's hesitancy in his distribution and several of his early passes went into touch – and it will be interesting to see how the goalkeeping situation resolves itself. 6

Timothy Fosu-Mensah: An energetic and enterprising display from the Manchester United loanee, who was once again preferred to Cyrus Christie at right back. He showed an eagerness to get forward from the off and displayed a blistering turn of pace in the final third that Fulham could yet utilise to their advantage. Fosu-Mensah was solid defensively and read the game well, but like most modern full-backs offered real value as an overlapping attacking. His crossing proved more dangerous than Christie's and one splendid low centre narrowly eluded Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic in the second half. 7

Denis Odoi: The Belgian was recalled to the heart of the Fulham back four following his suspension and Calum Chambers' below-par display at Wembley. He is still very much a makeshift centre back and can struggle to convince at this level, but managed to nullify Chris Wood's physicality for the most part. Although it was Maxime Le Marchand who gave away the ball for Burnley's equaliser, Odoi was slow to shuffle across and read the danger, ultimately leaving Bettinelli unsighted for Hendrick's first shot. 6

Maxime Le Marchand: This was probably the Frenchman's least assured of his three Premier League outings to date. He has been superb since stepping into the Fulham defence but was badly culpable for Burnley's first goal, gifting the Clarets possession on the halfway line with a sloppy pass. Did little else wrong, making a couple of excellent recovery tackles to thwart potential danger and switched to left back for the final quarter of the contest after Joe Bryan went off. 6

Joe Bryan: Another excellent display from the left back, who has shown little sign of being daunted by the step up to the top flight after arriving on deadline day from Bristol City. Got forward to great effect and dovetailed nicely with Luciano Vietto down that flank, providing him with the pass that began the move for Fulham's first goal. Positioned himself well defensively and seems a solid acquisition with scope for improvement, who already looks comfortable at Craven Cottage. 7

Kevin McDonald: The Scottish international was restored to the starting line-up to face his former club having missed the meeting with Spurs last weekend – and delivered another composed performance at the base of the Fulham midfield. Didn't need to snap into too many tackles to break up Burnley attacks, but his reading of the game and positioning remained spot on. A reassuring pressure in front of the back four, McDonald know hows he will need to be on top of his game as Anguissa adapts to English football. 7

Tom Cairney: The Fulham captain was a little quieter than usual at the heart of the midfield, but was by no means poor. Produced a brilliant floated ball that looked to be straight from the Motspur Park training ground routines for Mitrovic's first goal from a cleverly worked short corner and found the room to run at the Burnley defence as the game became open in the second half. Substituted as a precaution following a late challenge from Charlie Taylor, but Jokanovic revealed that he should be available for the trip to Brighton on Saturday. 7

Jean-MIchael Seri: The Ivorian already appears a cut above as a classy orchestrator of possession in the Fulham midfield, with his quick movement of the ball, and his exceptional footballing brain. He produced a moment of genuine quality to put the Whites ahead, with an exocet from long-range that left Joe Hart beaten just four minutes in – the kind of effort that the Whites have seemingly been reluctant to take on in recent years. But with the low centre of gravity reminiscent of Mahamadou Diarra and some of the vision that reminds you of Mousa Dembele, Seri has all the attributes to be a star. 8

Andre Schurrle: The German was determined to make his point after being recalled to Jokanovic's first eleven yesterday afternoon and buzzed around with intent from the off. You can see his quality in the driving runs from midfield he makes and how he darts into dangerous central areas – as will as some of that vision to release team-mates. Schurrle seems to be full of confidence and looked to test Hart at every opportunity, hitting eleven shots during the contest, but it appeared as though it wouldn't be his day until the former England goalkeeper turned Mitrovic's effort onto the post and the winger rifled in the rebound. 8

Luciano Vietto: The Argentinian was handed a surprise start at the expense of Ryan Sessegnon on the left of Fulham's front three and turned in an excellent performance on his full debut. He might look a little lightweight for the rough and tumble of the Premier League, but Vietto's intelligent runs and clever use of the ball shows just how he could fit into Jokanovic's plans. Vietto was bright throughout and floated in an inviting cross for Fulham's third goal – the high point of an energetic display. 7

Aleksandar Mitrovic: On this form, the £22m Fulham paid Newcastle to finally secure the Serbian's services this summer looks a snip. There have been question marks about his ability to score goals at this level but Mitrovic seems to thrive on proving the doubters wrong. He already has three – topping the Premier League's goalscoring charts – and he bullied the Burnley centre halves throughout. He buried two headers but his all-round play was far more significant, with intelligent movement and the ability to play in others. Unfortunate not to claim a memorable hat-trick late on. 9

Substitutes:

Calum Chambers (on for Joe Bryan, 72): Sent on to sure up the Fulham defence for the final quarter of the contest as Joe Bryan tired and didn't let anybody down. 6

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (on for Tom Cairney, 78): Showed plenty of promising touches during a late camera that also features such driving running from deep and a penchant for pulling the trigger. Anguissa will need to smooth out some of the overplaying that got himself into trouble against Tottenham, but proves much-needed competition for McDonald in front of the back four. 6

Ryan Sessegnon (on for Andre Schurrle, 88): Gareth Southgate's scouting trip afforded him just two minutes of seeing the wonderkid, who was a late substitute for the excellent Andre Schurrle. 6



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/fulham-4-2-burnley-player-ratings/

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Fulham's free-flowing football will inspire confidence for Premier League survival, says Aleksandar Mitrovic


Fine form | Aleksandar Mitrovic has three goals in his last two games ( Getty Images )

Fulham's free-flowing style will give them confidence to succeed in the Premier League, according to star man Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serbian, who followed his goal against Tottenham at Wembley with a brace in the win over Burnley on Sunday, signed permanently from Newcastle in the summer having scored 12 goals in 20 appearances on loan in the championship last season.

A 4-2 victory over Sean Dyche's side brought the first points of the season for Slavisa Jokanovic's side having been picked off by Crystal Palace on the opening day as their expansive football played into the hands of the Eagles before falling to Spurs in their second outing.
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Mitrovic, however, who has a point to prove in the top flight after his struggles on Tyneside, said sticking to their philosophy will inspire confidence for the rest of the season.

"It was a tough game. Burnley play really tough. A lot of goals but I enjoyed the three points," he said.

"Every goal is a nice goal, great feeling but the most important thing is we grab the three points and give the fans a nice afternoon.

"We have so many new players, they came from different leagues and some don't speak English but this is the best league, we want to stay with the best and we will work hard to do that.

"No matter what we do, we will stick to our system and that will give us more confidence to stay in this league."

Following a League Cup clash with Exeter on Tuesday, the Whites travel to Brighton before facing champions Manchester City following the international break.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulhams-freeflowing-football-will-inspire-confidence-for-premier-league-survival-says-aleksandar-a3920806.html

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Big Match Preview: Fulham v City

Everything you need to know ahead of the trip to London

Exeter City make the trip to Premier League side Fulham in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

After navigating their way past Championship side Ipswich Town via a penalty shootout, the Grecians have been drawn away from home at Craven Cottage in what looks set to be an exciting encounter.

Ahead of the match in the capital, manager Matt Taylor said: "It's another good stadium with a good pitch. The pressure might be off in terms of going to a Premier League team away from home and nobody expecting too much from us, but we want to attack every game.

"Tuesday is a different sort of test. We're going to have to be excellent out of possession because they will keep the ball and move us around, but I still want us to attack, I still want us to have a threat on the opposition's goal.

When we last met:

It's been a long time since the Grecians last came up against Fulham as they played out a 1-1 draw on Boxing Day in 1996 at Craven Cottage.

Ticket news:

Exeter City's advance allocation of tickets for the Carabao Cup second round clash at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, August 28 against Fulham have sold out.

Fear not however, supporters still looking to attend can pay cash on the turnstiles on the match day at Craven Cottage!

Ticket prices for the match are as follows:

    Adults: £10
    Over-65: £5
    18-21: £5
    Under-18s: £1

Further details:

    Advance Discounts? No, tickets are available on the day.
    Ambulant Disabled supporters: Pay the age-related price with the carer going free
    Wheelchair: Pay the age-related price with the carer going free
    Matchday Purchase available? YES, at no increase.

Grecian Travel: The supporters' coach to Craven Cottage departs at 13:00pm and is £30 per person. For more information or to book please contact Chris Woolcott on 01392 250250 or John Bishop on 07904036334 or by email at: [email protected] (after 6pm.)

Travelling by car:

The journey is approximately 192 miles, depending which way you go. The quickest route should take you up the M5 from Exeter, before taking the M4 east towards London. Continue on the motorway to the capital before taking the Great West road towards Hammersmith. Follow signs for the A219 and follow Fulham Palace road, then turn right onto Harbord street and then Woodlawn road. Craven Cottage is just off that road along Greswell street.

Parking around Craven Cottage is extremely limited and access to the surrounding streets on a match day is restricted by a Traffic Management Order.

There is a one-hour maximum stay policy for non-residential pay and display visitors between 9am and 9.30pm on all Monday to Sunday match days, including Bank Holidays.

An accessible shuttle bus service takes supporters between the car park and stadium, both before and after the match. This trip takes no more than 5 minutes, although there may be a short wait at full-time.

No official club car parking spaces can be arranged on the day of a game.

The names of all disabled supporters who have been allocated a space for each game are given in advance to the Car Park Steward, who is located at the main entrance on Kingwood Road.

The full address of the car park location is:

Fulham College Boys' School
Kingwood Road
London
SW6 6SN

By Train:

The closest station to Craven Cottage, Putney Bridge is approximately a 10 – 20 min walk from the stadium.

Exit the station, turn left and follow the road (Ranelagh Gardens). Walk through the underpass into Bishops Park. Follow the path through Bishops Park, along the river until you reach the stadium.

There are plenty of trains between Exeter and London on the day which may require you to change at different stations. Coming back, however, train times are very limited, and we encourage supporters to plan well in advance as possible to make sure you encounter as little difficulty as possible.

Pubs/Food:

Near to the tube station is the 'Eight Bells' which is popular with away fans. The Temperance is across the road (Fulham High Street) on the corner. They have a round bar in the centre of their main room, there is ample seating and the football was being screened on a large projector with other TV's placed around the room. If arriving at Putney over ground railway station then there is a Wetherspoons virtually opposite the station entrance called the Railway.

Up next at St James Park:

City return to action at the Park against Lincoln City on Saturday, September 1 in a 3pm kick-off. Tickets are on sale now and cheaper in advance.



https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2018/august/MPFulham/

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Fulham v Exeter City – Carabao Cup
Tuesday evening see's Fulham take on Exeter City in the Carabao Cup

Survival in the Premiership is surly the top priority for Slaviša Jokanović however,  the Gaffer will almost certainly use this fixture to give 'game time' to some of the players who haven't played so far this season.
The choice of goalkeeper will be interesting, perhaps we will get a look at Sergio Rico or will Fabri get another game between the sticks?
There's a strong rumour that Alfie Mawson will feature, I doubt that he'll get the full 90 minutes, getting him to full match fitness would certainly be a boost to the back four.
Others from the first team squad who may get a look in, if fit, are Tim Ream, Neeskens Kebano, Ibrahim Cisse and Rui Fonte. All of these guys played an important part in our promotion campaign and it makes sense to keep them 'match fit' in case their needed due to injury or suspension(s).
'Youngsters' who may also get a game include Steven Sessegnon, Marlon Fossey and Luca de la Torre. Any of these will be looking to show how their ready to make the step up to the first team squad and who knows maybe get their Premiership debut sometime this season?

Anyhow, whoever plays I hope they all have a great game and that maybe this will be the first game in a 'cup run' that would give us another successful day out at Wembley!

COYW



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=353

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Mitrovic salutes Fulham's style

Aleksandar Mitrovic believes Fulham's fluid style of football will help them plenty of points during the course of the Premier League campaign.

The Serbian striker grabbed a brace in the space of two first-half minutes as the Whites earned their first win of the season in an absorbing encounter with Burnley at Craven Cottage yesterday afternoon. Mitrovic, who now leads the top flight scoring charts with three goals, also feels that Fulham's faith in the system adopted by head coach Slavisa Jokanovic will prove pivotal by the end of the campaign.

He told the press after the final whistle yesterday:

It was a tough game. Burnley play really tough. A lot of goals but I enjoyed the three points. Every goal is a nice goal, great feeling but the most important thing is we grab the three points and give the fans a nice afternoon.

"We have so many new players, they came from different leagues and some don't speak English but this is the best league, we want to stay with the best and we will work hard to do that. No matter what we do, we will stick to our system and that will give us more confidence to stay in this league



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/mitrovic-salutes-fulhams-style/

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Cairney and McDonald named in Scotland squad

Alex McLeish has named Fulham duo Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald in his Scotland squad for the forthcoming international fixtures against Belgium and Albania.

Fulham skipper Cairney has been handed a recall to the senior squad after missing the summer internationals against Peru and Mexico having scored the winner in the Championship play-off final. The 27 year-old was taken towards the end of yesterday's win against Burnley following a heavy challenge, but Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic confirmed that Cairney merely rolled his ankle and was withdrawn as a precaution.

Cairney is joined in the senior squad by holding midfielder Kevin McDonald, who returned to the Fulham line-up yesterday, and will be hoping to add to his solitary international cap.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/cairney-and-mcdonald-named-in-scotland-squad/

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'We've dropped a massive clanger' - Newcastle fans react to Mitrovic's brace for Fulham

The Magpies sold the Serbian forward to Fulham over the summer and he has averaged a goal per game so far this season


Aleksandar Mitrovic of Fulham celebrates after scoring (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Newcastle fans are wondering whether the club have made a big mistake in letting go Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer.

Mitrovic joined Fulham for £22m plus add-ons this summer after a successful loan spell at Craven Cottage last term.

The Serbia international bagged a brace on Sunday as Fulham beat Burnley 4-2 to record their first win of the season.

It stretched Mitrovic's tally to three goals in three games for the season and it came on the same day as Newcastle struggled for attacking inspiration in their defeat to Chelsea.

Mitrovic has scored 15 goals since he initially joined the Cottagers on loan in January, with only Liverpool forward Mo Salah scoring the same amount of goals during that time in English football.

Rafa Benitez wasn't a fan of the 23-year-old as he felt he couldn't trust him to carry out his instructions and he didn't suit his style of play.

At Fulham, he is the recipient of a number of chances created and the focal point of everything they do in an attacking sense.

He fits the Fulham mould, he didn't fit Benitez's. And while some fans applied that logic, other Magpies fans believe it is a decision they could live to regret at the end of the season.

Garry Boyle is in the latter camp as he asked: "How stupid is the decision to sell Mitrovic looking now?"

Rob Gibson added: "Also, Mitrovic bullying two of the strongest defenders in the league and scoring goals, Rafa is great, but he was so, so wrong about Mitro."

Greg Story continued: "Mitrovic showing he can do the business in Premier League, think Rafa's dropped a massive clanger, looks dangerous."

However, Jake Swinburn argued: "Decent player, Mitrovic but clearly didn't fit the NUFC system. Doesn't (or didn't) work hard, wasn't disciplined and was at one point replaced by Daryl Murphy, with no detriment to the side. There are arguments to both sides but I think it was a good deal for all parties."

The Exiled Geordies added: "Rafa is in charge. He had him in training for literally years. He did not trust him to carry out the tactics instructed to him, and was not clinical enough in his chances, AND had discipline issues. I support Rafa's decision, and also actively root for Mitrovic to do well."

And Adam tweeted: "To be fair, Mitrovic is now playing with better players. Players who are more creative and can do the hard work for him (I.e lay chances on a plate for him). At Newcastle, you're expected to work hard every game. Our players are industrious and lack creativity."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/weve-dropped-massive-clanger-newcastle-15078022

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Craven Cottage Calamity

A 4-2 Sunday afternoon defeat against newly promoted Fulham at Craven Cottage, a result we can hardly say was undeserved and you might struggle to find too much positivity in this match report.

It's a while since I really wrote a negative report, but this was a very concerning result from a very concerning performance, particularly for a team that prides itself on its organisation, its framework and its ability to keep clean sheets. To concede four goals against an average looking Fulham side took our total number of goals conceded, from Sunday to Sunday, to a very worrying ten.

It's not the first time I've seen us concede four goals at Fulham. I've seen a 4-1 defeat there and two 4-0 defeats and while this was nothing like as bad as our only previous Premier League game there, it left us in the away end with much to ponder and much to worry about.

The journey down had been largely uneventful although the further south we drove the worse the conditions got in the pouring rain. And, of course, they'd closed the closest underground station for the weekend which left us with the slightly longer walk from Parson's Green to the ground.

I'm not sure why, but I quite like going to Fulham, this despite the fact that they seat us in a temporary stand behind the goal where our seats hardly left us with much of a view of the pitch. Thankfully, it was nowhere near full so we were able to move to gain a better view.

There was no surprise with the team news. It was the eleven who had started the two previous Premier League games this season which meant returns for Joe Hart, Matt Lowton, James Tarkowski, Ben Mee, Aaron Lennon and Ashley Westwood who had all either sat out the game or been used as substitutes against Olympiacos.

Hart's first action was to pick the ball out of the net. With just four minutes gone, Jean Michael Seri fired home from distance and Fulham had the early initiative. All credit to us though, we got back in very quickly with Jeff Hendrick, again, for me, our best player, equalising having been played in by Lennon who had run on to a ball through from Westwood.

Things seem to be going from bad to worse and we lost Jόhann Berg Guðmundsson to an injury. Such is the state of our squad right now in terms of availability that we had to bring on a full back, Charlie Taylor, for him. However, for much of the remainder of the first half I thought we looked reasonably comfortable. Without ever threatening to go in front, we at least looked more than capable of keeping the home side out. We'd got within ten minutes of the break at 1-1 when disaster struck and took the game right away from us.

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice in the space of just over two minutes and they really were dreadful goals from our point of view as he twice headed home far too easily, the first from a Tom Cairney cross and the second when the ball came in from the hugely impressive Luciano Vietto.

We needed to do something quickly, and we did. From a right wing corner taken by Taylor, Mee headed down and Tarkowski  forced the ball home. He waited over two and a half years to score his first Burnley goal; the second came just seven days later.

So 3-2 at half time, and Fulham not that good, I really did think we had a real chance again of getting something from the game. What we didn't want was a second half performance anything like those we saw against Watford and Olympiacos. That, unfortunately, was exactly what we got.

It was awful, it was dire, and we didn't manage a solitary effort on target. Fulham, for the most part, just strolled through it although I'm sure if I'd been a Fulham supporter I'd have been wanting that fourth goal to make sure. At 3-2, we were always in with a chance.

We made the customary change, introducing strike pair Sam Vokes and Ashley Barnes, but to accommodate that we took Hendrick away from where he was playing and negated his contribution by playing him out left. We simply played into their hands. They got their fourth and could have had any number more.

That fourth came from Andre Schürrle, hitting home after a Mitrovic shot had come off the post. By then we just wanted the referee to blow and finally, after five minutes of stoppage time, he put us out of our misery.

Sean Dyche spoke about quality in the final third from us but we did score twice away from home, something we only managed six times last season in the Premier League. It's obvious where the problems are and that's at the other end where the once watertight defence has started conceding goals for fun.

But overall, this as an awful performance in every sense and against a side that I don't think will break too many squares in the Premier League. I'm not too bothered about being in the bottom three after three games; I am concerned that we need to tighten up, stop conceding bad goals and getting back to what we are good at. And I'd rather not see four defenders on the bench.

At least the rain had gone as we made the walk back to the tube station, and the return journey was fine, despite having to change train due to a line closure.

We really do need to be much better than this and we need to start this week with our two big home games.

The teams were;

Fulham: Marcus Bettinelli, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Denis Odoi, Maxime Le Marchand, Joe Bryan (Calum Chambers 72), Jean Michael Seri, Kevin McDonald, Tom Cairney (André-Frank Zambo Anguissa 78), Andre Schürrle (Ryan Sessegnon 89), Aleksandar Mitrovic, Luciano Vietto. Subs not used: Fabri , Cyrus Christie, Stefan  Johansen, Aboubakar Kamara.
Yellow Cards: Andre Schürrle, Marcus Bettinelli.

Burnley: Joe Hart, Matt Lowton, James Tarkowski, Ben Mee, Stephen Ward (Ashley Barnes 66), Aaron Lennon, Ashley Westwood, Jack Cork, Jόhann Berg Guðmundsson (Charlie Taylor 19), Jeff Hendrick, Chris Wood (Sam Vokes 66). Subs not used: Tom Heaton, Phil Bardsley, Kevin Long, Ben Gibson.
Yellow Card: James Tarkowski.

Referee: David Coote (Nottinghamshire).

Attendance: 23,438 (including 1,509 Clarets).



http://www.uptheclarets.com/craven-cottage-calamity

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Fulham v Exeter preview

Fulham captain Tom Cairney is set to miss the visit of Exeter in the Carabao Cup.

The midfielder turned his ankle against Burnley on Sunday but should be fit to face Brighton next weekend. Alfie Mawson could feature for the first time having been building up his fitness since his move from Swansea, but Floyd Ayite and Tim Ream remain sidelined.

Denis Odoi could drop out of the side after making his first appearance of the season at the weekend.

League Two Exeter will be without Jonathan Forte and Dean Moxey. Striker Forte suffered a hamstring injury during the 1-0 defeat at MK Dons on Saturday and faces a couple of weeks on the sidelines.

Defender Moxey was sent off early in the second half and serves a one-match ban. There could be run-outs for West Brom loanee Dara O'Shea and youngsters Archie Collins and Jack Sparkes, while Jimmy Oates hopes to make his debut.

Opta stats

Fulham haven't met Exeter since a fourth tier match in December 1996, a 1-1 draw in which Terry Angus scored for Fulham and also an own-goal for Exeter.

Exeter's only win in their last eight away visits to Fulham (all league games) came in April 1994, when they won 2-0 with goals from Jason Minett and Mark Cooper, whose father Terry was the manager of the Grecians that day.

Fulham have progressed from 14 of their last 15 League Cup ties with fourth tier opposition - their only elimination in this sequence came at home to Wycombe Wanderers in September 2006.

Exeter haven't won any of their last 22 matches in all competitions against top-flight sides (D5 L17) since winning 3-1 against Leicester City in an FA Cup match in January 1981, in which Tony Kellow scored a hat-trick.

As Fulham manager, Slavisa Jokanovic has progressed from his two League Cup ties against League Two opposition, beating Leyton Orient in 2016-17 and Wycombe Wanderers in 2017-18.



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-exeter/preview/401652

[WhiteJC]

 
Big problem: There's still one issue Khan & Jokanovic didn't fix for Fulham during the summer

After a slow start to last season, it turned out to be an excellent campaign for the Cottagers, as they won promotion at Wembley by beating Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final.

Fulham were one of a number of sides to strengthen heavily in the summer window. They strengthened across the park in a number of positions, and became the first Premier League club to spend over £100m upon promotion. In an almost complete squad overhaul, signings such as goalkeeper Sergio Rico and Andre Schurrle arrived on season-long loans, meanwhile large fees were agreed for Andre-Frank Anguissa, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jean Michael Serri.

However, these signings have not made it plain sailing for the Lilywhites upon their re-introduction to the Premier League, still yet to secure their first point as fellow London clubs Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur snatched maximum points from the Cottagers. Perhaps the squad are in desperate need of time to gel, making over a dozen new additions, or perhaps the problems at the Cottage run slightly deeper.

Slavisa Jokanovic and Shahid Khan did not account for the need for a top quality defensive midfielder to protect the centre-backs in Premier League football. The loss against the Eagles on the opening day was a perfect example of the Jokanovic's sides vulnerabilities. Despite controlling much of the ball, Palace could hit them on the counter with ease, with new signing centre-back Alfie Mawson left badly exposed. Due to the lack of top quality defensive midfield option, once Palace had turned over possession and got the ball forward, 2-on-2 and 3-0n-3 situations were created all too easily. This is because Fulham's midfield, containing the creativity and attacking qualities of Tom Cairney, were too advanced up the pitch and unable to track back. They sorely missed the presence of a holding midfielder, willing to sit deep.

Slavisa Jokanovic will live to regret this oversight in the summer transfer window.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/big-problem-theres-still-one-issue-khan-jokanovic-didnt-fix-for-fulham-during-the-summer/

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic to make 6 changes – Predicted 4-3-3 Fulham line-up to face Exeter in the EFL Cup

Predicted Fulham line-up to face Exeter in the EFL Cup

Fulham opened their account in the Premier League with an impressive 4-2 win over Burnley on Sunday. However, with a very quick turnaround game coming up on Tuesday, manager Slavisa Jokanovic could rest most of his first-choice players.

The Cottagers have a fairly deep squad and possess backup players in most departments except the midfield. So, the manager might ring the changes and give some players a chance to impress him, which makes the competition for places a better one.

Team News

Tim Ream and Floyd Ayite have knocks, so they will not be in the matchday squad. New signing Alfie Mawson is still far away from any first-team action. Captain Tom Cairney picked up a knock and might not take part.
Probable Fulham XI
Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic
Formation: 4-3-3
Marcus Bettinelli (GK)

Bettinelli started his first league game against Burnley after Fabri was preferred in the first two games. Expect the former to keep his place.
Cyrus Christie (RB)

Timothy Fosu-Mensah has been doing a good job for Fulham at right-back but Jokanovic could give him a rest and start Cyrus Christie.
Calum Chambers (CB)

The Arsenal loanee was dropped for the Burnley game. He may start ahead of Maxime Le Marchand in this fixture.
Denis Odoi (CB)

After returning from injury, Odoi looked comfortable on Sunday. He needs more game time though, to further improve his match fitness and so he may partner Chambers.
Ryan Sessegnon (LB)

The youngster was benched for the previous game and Joe Bryan has played every game at left-back. Hence, the former may get his starting spot back, this time in a defensive role.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (CM)

The Cameroonian was on the bench on Sunday. It won't be a surprise if he starts for Fulham in this game.
Jean Michael Seri (LCM)

Scored a fantastic goal to open his account in the Premier League. Jokanovic might risk him by starting him in this game because Tom Cairney is doubtful.
Stefan Johansen (RCM)

The Norwegian has come from the bench in two of the three games and this might be the game for him to start. He has to perform well and impress the manager as Fulham have some quality in midfield.
Aboubakar Kamara (LW)

Kamara started against Spurs but was benched versus Burnley. He might start on Tuesday.
Andre Schurrle (RW)

The German did not feature against Tottenham and scored a good goal on Sunday. Expect him to start this game and play for 60 odd minutes.
Luciano Vietto (ST)

Alexandar Mitrovic might get a game off and Vietto might take up the central role after doing very well down the right flank against the Clarets.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/08/28/jokanovic-to-make-6-changes-predicted-4-3-3-fulham-line-up-to-face-exeter-in-the-efl-cup/

[WhiteJC]

 
Joe Bryan reveals why he chose Fulham over Aston Villa - 15 minutes BEFORE making Deadline Day U-turn

Left-back Bryan was at the centre of one of the stories of final day of the transfer window when Fulham hijacked his move to Villa

Joe Bryan has set the record straight about how he came within 15 minutes of signing for Aston Villa before making his deadline day move to Fulham.

Left-back Bryan was at the centre of one of the stories of final day of the transfer window when Fulham hijacked his proposed move to Villa to bring him to Craven Cottage for £6m.

Following his last-ditch change of heart bizarre social media rumours emerged claiming that Bruce and Villa officials were in a car behind Bryan racing after him as he headed for Fulham hoping to try to salvage the deal.

But Bryan, 24, laughed: "I went to Aston Villa, I did the medical, I'd signed nothing. I hadn't had any photos. I hadn't had a steak dinner with Steve Bruce and he didn't chase me down the motorway.


Joe Bryan decided to join Fulham over Aston Villa (Image: CameraSport)

"I read a tweet that said I'd left him in the middle of a dinner after playing a round of golf with him. I don't play golf and I don't eat steak.

"I got a call that Fulham had an offer accepted while I was at Villa and I said 'I want to play in the Premier League, I can't turn down this opportunity.'

"This was after the medical had occurred. I hadn't signed a contract or anything tying me to Villa. So I said to the manager [Steve Bruce] that I needed a couple of hours to think.

"Then we got back to the hotel and in my heart I knew I wanted to play in the Premier League. But I was probably 15, 20 minutes away from signing for Villa."

Flying full-back Bryan has slotted in perfectly at Fulham, started all three Premier League games this season and helped the Londoners to their first three points in Sunday's 4-2 win over Burnley.

Fulham's biggest signing of the summer, £27m midfielder Jean Michael Seri, kickstarted the memorable victory against Burnley with a 30-yard wonder strike.

And Slavisa Jokanovic reckons the Ivory Coast midfielder is tailor made for Fulham too.

He said: "He surprised all of us with his goal. He is more a player we expect will make some assists.

"His characteristics work well for our style and he interpreted well how we want to play football well.

"He is one of the guys who is really comfortable in our possession of the ball. We want to attack with some passes behind the defence and he is the guy that can deliver these kind of passes."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/joe-bryan-reveals-chose-fulham-13147929

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Fulham vs. Burnley
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.


Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

This is our post match show of the 4-2 victory for Fulham against Burnley. During the show, co-hosts Yannis Tjanetis, and Emilio Di Nello, who was at Craven Cottage, analyzed the key moments of this match. On top of that, Emilio and Yannis discussed the tinkering of the starting XI by head coach Slavisa Jokanovic, and how it worked out very well in the end.

We also shared and discussed the Friends Of Fulham Man Of The Match Poll.

you can listen to the podcast here...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/8/27/17788872/cottage-talk-post-match-show-fulham-vs-burnley

[Sebb86]

Any live-coverage on Fulham-TV today?

[WhiteJC]

 
Scotland hope to see 'best' of Tom Cairney, says Peter Grant

Tom Cairney is now a Premier League player with promoted Fulham

Assistant coach Peter Grant hopes Scotland can "see the best" of Tom Cairney in next month's internationals.

The six-times capped Fulham midfielder is back in the Scotland squad after the 27-year-old missed the summer friendly games against Peru and Mexico.

Belgium come to Hampden for a friendly on 7 September before Albania take on hosts Scotland in the Nations League.

"The biggest skill he's got is the fact that he's comfortable in possession of the ball," Grant said.

"You need people running by Tom so he can step in and get on possession of the ball, so we've got to build a team round about the fact it helps these guys perform at their best.

"He's very much a creator of opportunities, but he's also a goalscorer. Hopefully, we can see the best of him."

Cairney joined Fulham from Blackburn Rovers shortly before Grant had a spell as caretaker manager with the London club.

He and fellow midfielder Kevin McDonald, who is also in the Scotland squad, are now operating in England's top flight after promotion last season and Grant pointed out that Cairney has been a creative force in Fulham's goals this season.

"The great thing is he's playing at the highest level nowadays - playing against the top players week in, week out, top international players week in, week out and that can only make you think better," Grant said.

"He's training with a group of players now at Fulham that is much stronger than it was last year. They've spent £104m, so all of a sudden you're playing against better players in training."

Leigh Griffiths is one of four forwards selected by national boss Alex McLeish, but the Celtic striker has only scored four goals so far in 2018, having been injured earlier in the year.

The 28-year-old, who has four international goals in 17 appearances, played most of Celtic's weekend defeat of Hamilton Academical and Grant said: "We know he gets in the right areas in the football pitch.

"When he plays, he scores and that's very important. There's that game sharpness, of course. That's a concern for everybody.

"If a chance falls to him in the box, I don't care how unfit he is, he'll put it in the back of the net, but we have to create those chances, we have to get other bodies in the box.

"Alex has said since he's taken over he wants the team to play that way - on the front foot, be enthusiastic, get forward, play with a drive and a determination, show guts, show a freedom to express yourself.

"We've got creators and we know we've got guys that can take chances."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45323745

[Beamer]

Big problem: There's still one issue Khan & Jokanovic didn't fix for Fulham during the summer

After a slow start to last season, it turned out to be an excellent campaign for the Cottagers, as they won promotion at Wembley by beating Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final.

Fulham were one of a number of sides to strengthen heavily in the summer window. They strengthened across the park in a number of positions, and became the first Premier League club to spend over £100m upon promotion. In an almost complete squad overhaul, signings such as goalkeeper Sergio Rico and Andre Schurrle arrived on season-long loans, meanwhile large fees were agreed for Andre-Frank Anguissa, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jean Michael Serri.

However, these signings have not made it plain sailing for the Lilywhites upon their re-introduction to the Premier League, still yet to secure their first point as fellow London clubs Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur snatched maximum points from the Cottagers. Perhaps the squad are in desperate need of time to gel, making over a dozen new additions, or perhaps the problems at the Cottage run slightly deeper.

Slavisa Jokanovic and Shahid Khan did not account for the need for a top quality defensive midfielder to protect the centre-backs in Premier League football. The loss against the Eagles on the opening day was a perfect example of the Jokanovic's sides vulnerabilities. Despite controlling much of the ball, Palace could hit them on the counter with ease, with new signing centre-back Alfie Mawson left badly exposed. Due to the lack of top quality defensive midfield option, once Palace had turned over possession and got the ball forward, 2-on-2 and 3-0n-3 situations were created all too easily. This is because Fulham's midfield, containing the creativity and attacking qualities of Tom Cairney, were too advanced up the pitch and unable to track back. They sorely missed the presence of a holding midfielder, willing to sit deep.

Slavisa Jokanovic will live to regret this oversight in the summer transfer window.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/big-problem-theres-still-one-issue-khan-jokanovic-didnt-fix-for-fulham-during-the-summer/

Has Adam Willmott actually watched Fulham, what a lazy piece of factually incorrect rubbish.

[Andy S]

I agree. I hope he doesn't get paid for writing stuff like that!