Sunday Fulham Stuff (02/09/18)...

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Results

Saturday
Leicester	1 - 2	Liverpool
Brighton	2 - 2	Fulham
Chelsea	2 - 0	Bournemouth
Crystal Palace	0 - 2	Southampton
Everton	1 - 1	Huddersfield
West Ham	0 - 1	Wolves
Man City	2 - 1	Newcastle

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Brighton and Hove Albion 2-2 Fulham

Brighton manager Chris Hughton praised the character of his team as they fought back from a two-goal deficit to draw with Fulham.

Glenn Murray struck twice in the second half as the Seagulls secured a point that seemed unlikely with 25 minutes remaining.

"To come from 2-0 down here and to show the character we did speaks volumes," Hughton said.

Having missed a penalty, and trailing to goals from Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic, Murray converted Anthony Knockaert's pass to initiate the fightback.

The forward then dispatched their second penalty of the afternoon with six minutes remaining after Mitrovic was penalised for controlling the ball with his arm in the Fulham area.

Pascal Gross had earlier missed a spot-kick for Brighton, with Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli turning his effort away.

"We lost momentum after we missed the first penalty," said Hughton. "When you're 2-0 down you're always grateful for what you can get."

Slavisa Jokanovic's side capitalised on their good fortune by going ahead when Schurrle scored from Jean Michael Seri's exquisite scooped pass.

Mitrovic's fourth goal in three games looked to have sealed all three points for the visitors and their first consecutive Premier League wins since April 2014.

However, Brighton, who spurned several good opportunities, persevered to maintain an unbeaten home league record that now stretches back to January.

The outcome left both clubs in the position they had occupied at kick-off, the Cottagers 11th in the table and Brighton one place lower in 12th.

Murray stars for resilient Brighton
Form going into this game suggested it would be a contest between evenly matched sides, and so it proved as the hosts levelled the scores with six minutes remaining.

Manchester United (twice), Arsenal and Tottenham have all visited the Amex Stadium since Hughton's side last lost at home in the Premier League - a hefty 4-0 reverse to Chelsea - on 20 January.

That resilience had led to Hughton largely keeping faith with the players that ensured top-flight survival last season; of 10 summer signings only Spanish defender Martin Montoya made the starting XI.

Murray was one of those key performers last season. He proved his worth again here in a performance just about running the fine line between combative and undisciplined as he scored for the second home league game in succession.

His nuisance value unnerved the visiting defenders throughout, winning Brighton's first penalty and almost adding to his tally of two goals on three other occasions.

While his late foul on Seri was unwise when already on a booking, his contribution ultimately proved the difference between defeat and a valuable point.

Mitrovic takes centre stage
After opening their campaign with consecutive defeats, Fulham looked to have adjusted to the demands of the Premier League with a 4-2 victory against Burnley in their previous outing.

And that feeling was reinforced when they took a two-goal lead on the south coast, albeit slightly fortuitously.

The Cottagers spent more than £100m strengthening their squad in the summer, bringing 13 new players into a squad that earned promotion from the Championship last season.

And key components of that summer recruitment spree all made an impact against Brighton.

Seri, a £25m addition from Nice, superbly created the opening goal for Schurrle before Mitrovic took centre stage.

His bustling presence drew a mistake from Brighton captain Lewis Dunk, enabling him to register his 16th league goal since his debut for the club in February - no striker has scored more during that period across the top four tiers of English football.

However, his late aberration, controlling the ball with his arm while under little pressure in his penalty area, cost his team victory.

"He didn't need to ask for any apologies. I interpret it as bad luck, a mistake," said Fulham manager Jokanovic.

"I don't need to explain to him that he doesn't need to touch the ball in this situation. He's a strong enough lad to keep going, he made one mistake, OK.

"And from another side, he scored the goal, he was fighting really well, he played at the level like he started in the Premier League and I don't want to complain and point the finger at my player, I cannot find any sense (in doing so)."

Man of the match - Glenn Murray (Brighton)
Match of the Day pundit Martin Keown: "Murray is pivotal to what Brighton do. He is what I call a contact striker. He's so physical and makes more fouls than anyone in the Premier League. He gets away with loads, bumps into people and always seems to get there first. So clever. He is their Harry Kane. He mugs defenders so well and I think it's about time he got the credit he deserves."

The stats - 'Brighton earn first points from two down'

    Brighton won points after going two goals down for the first time in the Premier League.
    Fulham are without a win in their past six league matches with Brighton, drawing one and losing five.
    Brighton have been awarded 10 penalties in the Premier League since the start of last season (scoring seven), a joint-high along with Crystal Palace.
    Bettinelli made his first penalty save in league competition since March 2015 against Huddersfield.
    Seri has recorded goal involvements in consecutive league games (assist v Brighton following a goal v Burnley) for the first time since December 2016 for Nice in Ligue 1.
    Schurrle has scored in consecutive Premier League games within a single season for the first time.
    Since his Fulham debut in February, Mitrovic has scored more goals in English league football than any other player (16).
    Only Mohamed Salah (13) and Sergio Aguero (12) have scored more Premier League home goals in 2018 that Murray (8, level with Harry Kane).

What's next?

Brighton travel across the south coast to face Southampton in their next Premier League encounter on 17 September (20:00 BST).

Meanwhile, Fulham visit Manchester City on 15 September (15:00 BST) on their return to top-flight action.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45305232

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was left with mixed emotions after his Fulham side let go of a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

André Schürrle put Fulham ahead just before the break and then Aleksandar Mitrović doubled the lead but two Glenn Murray goals made sure the spoils were shared.

"We had some mixed sensations," said Jokanović, "After playing one hour very well, we showed our professionalism and after we were really solid we were then in some kind of trouble as we made important and sloppy mistakes and we paid an expensive price.

"We must be satisfied we won a point for the first time in a Premier League game away from home and be unsatisfied completely in this kind of result away from home.

"We want to show our ambition and our ambition for our supporters too, they go home with mixed sensations and won't be completely satisfied.

"It's a great achievement for us, playing in the most important league in the world, now this is not enough, we want to win games and this is leaves us unsatisfied," said Jokanović.

Despite scoring another Premier League goal, Mitrović gave away a hand-ball and Murray scored from the resulting penalty, ensuring Brighton got a point from the game.

The Fulham Head Coach said: "In the end we gave them some kind of present, it's really bad luck, Mitrović touched the ball with his hand and he completed a really good game, scored a good goal, fighting well, this is part of football too and we must accept and try to fix some of the problems that we found during the game today."

Fulham now face an international break before a trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City and Jokanović is looking to continue the hard work on the training ground.

"We must keep going and working, I made some comment about how old is my team, I said before it is two-and-a-half, three-and-a-half, four-and-a-half, we are now a month old team and in general we know there is important room for improvement."

"This period where there is an international break we are going to try to use it to build on our improvement and try to work altogether and find out better who is who in the team and try and be more competitive and try and win these kind of games like we played today," he said.

Asked once more about Mitrović, the Fulham Head Coach insisted the forward must be pleased overall with his performance.

"He must be satisfied too, it's hard for him, he touched the ball in our box with his hand but it's part of football too.

"I am focussed on another part of the work, he scored another goal, he was fighting well, he was our target man and participated a lot, he must be satisfied.

"These kind of mistakes are bad luck, it happens and he is strong enough not to be affected so much after this kind of situation," said Jokanović.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/september/01/head-coach-reaction-brighton

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Who is Ryan Sessegnon?

Even the most avid football fan can't claim to watch England's second tier of football on weeknights. So, when a 16-year-old lad from West London debuted for Fulham against Leeds in the EFL Cup, people were surprised but were not entirely falling out of their seats.

But when that teenager scored a brace vs eventual second-tier champions, Newcastle United, people sat up and listened. Ryan, fondly called 'Sess' by his teammates, only grew in stature, signing a professional contract at age 17 and bagging 15 goals in 2017/18 and ultimately winning promotion to the premier league with his boyhood club Fulham.

So who exactly is Ryan Sessegnon, and what does he bring to the Premier League?

Part of the U17 World Cup winning team with England, Ryan lifted the trophy in Kolkata last October, playing a significant role in England's win. Even in a team full of young-stars like Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho, and Mason Mount, Sess shone and is a little different from his compatriots for one key reason.

While the above mentioned players play for hot-shots like Manchester City and Chelsea, Ryan plays for Fulham – a previously second division club that has scraped into the Premier League this season. This led to him playing a mammoth 46 regular season games for his club last season, 41 ahead of midfielder Foden and 17 ahead of Chelsea's Mount who played 29 games while on loan to Vitesse Arnem in the Netherlands.

While Ryan may not have the natural talent of say, Jadon Sancho, the regular game time has allowed him to flourish and has made him a player who doesn't shy away from the ball and doesn't stutter when given a goal-scoring opportunity. While originally a left back, the teen was converted into a winger by coach Slaviša Jokanović – an earth shaking decision for both Sessegnon and Fulham.

Pace is one of the main weapons in Ryan's arsenal and he loves to sprint down the left flank with the ball, leaving players in his wake as he often crosses high into the box, shoots himself or plays a one-two near the box, delivering a low cross for his teammates to tap into the back of the net. These characteristics along with the fact that Ryan is also a left-back turned winger has led many to compare his game to Gareth Bale.

It is not uncommon to see him twisting and turning past players in such a manner that they are left sprawled across the pitch, as he drives on with the ball. However, this is not to the tune of a young Cristiano Ronaldo, who was regularly criticized for doing too many step-overs. Sessegnon uses his skills to enhance his game, not make it look flamboyant.

For club and country, Sessegnon loves hugging the touchline as he uses his bursts of speed to implode diagonally into the opposition box or make clever passes to his teammates. Ryan has a very good sense of the game and will often give up the ball to make runs through the flank and unselfishly create chances. While he does perform well defensively too, his offensive output will surely convince his current and future coaches to move him to a permanently attacking role, free of most defensive responsibilities.

His shooting is an underrated asset of his, as he is not only capable of shots from outside the penalty area, but also gets into dangerous positions when the ball is not with him and will often score a tap-in or smash the ball into the net from a cross, 10 yards out from goal.

While Ryan made the correct choice by staying at Fulham this season, he will surely not be at Craven Cottage for long with clubs like Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool desperate for his signature.

While his style of play is best compared to Gareth bale, a stronger shoot, more physicality and better dribbling could move him to a Bale – Hazard hybrid. That is, a player who has an eye for goal, creates chances and makes you see two with his rapid runs down the wing. Give him a couple of years in the prem, and you could see him tearing it up against Europe's elite.



https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/who-is-ryan-sessegnon?key=newsnow

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Brighton & Hove Albion vs Fulham player ratings: Vietto struggles while Schurrle shows his class

Fulham lost a two-goal lead at the Amex

It's always disappointing to lose a 2-0 lead but for much of this match Fulham were second best.

Across the 90 minutes Brighton stopped the play-off winners playing their trademark style of play and played with intensity throughout.

It's always disappointing to lose a 2-0 lead but for much of this match Fulham were second best.

Across the 90 minutes Brighton stopped the play-off winners playing their trademark style of play and played with intensity throughout.

It looked like the half would peter out into a draw but on the cusp of half time the Cottagers got a chance went ahead through Schurrle's composed finish.

The second half provided much of the same story with the Whites providing a more stable performance and the quiet Mitrovic suddenly woke up, catching Lewis Dunk dawdling in possession and scoring at the second attempt.

Despite their hard work, Brighton only then scored when Maxime Le Marchand was wasteful in possession and Knockaert was able to run at the centre of Fulham's defence before laying of to Murray to finish.

It was another Fulham error that led to the second as Mitrovic brought down the ball in his own box using his arm, allowing Brighton a second chance from the penalty spot, and Murray calmly took his opportunity with six minutes to go.

Here's how we rated the players:
Marcus Bettinelli

Given Brighton's pressure had surprisingly few saves to make but handled a corner in the 15th very well in a mass of bodies. Incredibly strong save from Brighton's penalty. Distribution put Fulham under pressure during the second half. 7.



Timothy Fosu-Mensah

A composed performance from Dutchman, with confidence beyond his years. Fit in, in attack and defence. 6.
Alfie Mawson

The 24-year-old showed his strength from the first minute of the game as Brighton pressed but had a few loose passes as he settled back into the Premier League. Didn't look entirely up to pace but showed promise. 5.
Denis Odoi

Played well under pressure to stifle a Brighton's opportunities. Decisive, even when carrying the ball out from the back. 6
Maxime Le Marchand

Had a solid performance until he gifted Anthony Knockaert the ball in the build up to Glenn Murray's goal. 5.
Kevin McDonald

A man that usually makes his presence felt but didn't do that quite enough in the opening period. More of his normal self in the second half. 4.
Jean-Michael Seri

Had a chance to repeat last week's heroics in the early stages but could only gently curl into Matt Ryan's hands. Slow start but grew in the latter stages of the half and topped it off with a lovely assist for Schurrle. 6.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

A lot is expected given the fee Fulham paid but the midfielder found it tough to make an impression in the middle of the pitch as the Cottagers struggled to retain possession for most of the half. 4.
Andre Schurrle

Work rate. Only 45 minutes have passed the German provides a box to box impact. Fulham's most threatening player. Confident and composed finish past Matt Ryan. Limited impact in the second half but movement continued to cause problems. 7.
Luciano Vietto

A tough afternoon for the forward whose most memorable moment was giving away the penalty. Worked hard before being substituted in the second half. 3
Aleksandar Mitrovic

Left pretty isolated for the first 45 minutes and directed a header over the bar midway through. Looked to find it tough going against Lewis Dunk, until he bundled him over, drove into the box and scored at the second attempt. Hand-balled it for Brighton's second penalty. 4.

Substitutes:

Ryan Sessegnon

Had a chance to seal it in the last five but couldn't quite put it past Ryan. 5.

Stefan Johansen

Managed to pick up a yellow card for not standing ten yards away. 4

Callum Chambers

Solid for the brief time he was on the pitch. 6.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/brighton-vs-fulham-player-ratings-15099725

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Murray's double rescues a point for Brighton against Fulham

A double from Glenn Murray helped Brighton fight back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Fulham at the Amex this afternoon.

Andre Schurrle's 43rd-minute strike gave Fulham the lead at half-time, after Albion midfielder Pascal Gross saw a penalty saved by Marcus Bettinelli midway through the opening half.

The visitors made it 2-0 on 63 minutes when Aleksandar Mitrovic pounced on a mistake by Lewis Dunk to score at the second attempt after Mathew Ryan saved his first effort. Glenn Murray got a goal back from Anthony Knockaert's pass on 67 minutes, before he equalised from the penalty spot six minutes from time after Mitrovic was penalised for handball. Albion made two changes from the 1-0 defeat at Liverpool last weekend as Dunk returned from an ankle injury to replace Leon Balogun in central defence and Gross came in for Yves Bissouma. Fulham brought in Alfie Mawson and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa for Joe Bryan and the injured Tom Cairney from their 4-2 victory over Burnley last week. Brighton made a strong start and forced five early corners but the visitors created a decent opening on 16 minutes. Luciano Vietto skipped past a couple of challenges and fed Andre Schurrle, whose cross from the left was headed over by Mitrovic from ten yards out. The Seagulls had a golden chance to take the lead midway through the first half as referee Lee Probert pointed to the penalty spot after Vietto fouled Murray. However, Gross's spot-kick low to Marcus Bettinelli's right was pushed away by the Fulham keeper for a corner - from which Murray headed Gross's delivery just wide of the far post.

Murray fired over after Solly March nodded the ball back into the penalty area on 34 minutes, before March had a shot blocked three minutes later and Dale Stephens blazed over from distance moments later. Fulham went ahead two minutes before half-time as Jean Michael Seri's lovely ball over the Albion defence was turned home by Schurrle six yards out for the German winger's second goal in as many games. Schurrle curled a 25-yard free kick wide in the first chance of the second half on 53 minutes. Brighton had a great opportunity to level just three minutes later as Davy Propper's pass put March through one-on-one but Albion's winger blazed over from 15 yards.

Murray fired over after Solly March nodded the ball back into the penalty area on 34 minutes, before March had a shot blocked three minutes later and Dale Stephens blazed over from distance moments later. Fulham went ahead two minutes before half-time as Jean Michael Seri's lovely ball over the Albion defence was turned home by Schurrle six yards out for the German winger's second goal in as many games. Schurrle curled a 25-yard free kick wide in the first chance of the second half on 53 minutes. Brighton had a great opportunity to level just three minutes later as Davy Propper's pass put March through one-on-one but Albion's winger blazed over from 15 yards. Fulham doubled their lead on 63 minutes as a mistake by Dunk allowed Mitrovic to break through and after his first effort was saved by Mathew Ryan, the Fulham striker fired home the rebound for his fourth goal of the season. Albion responded quickly and got a goal back four minutes later as Knockaert broke forward and slid in Murray, who side-footed home from ten yards. Both sides made double substitutions with quarter of an hour to go and Seagulls sub Jurgen Locadia had a header saved on 78 minutes. Brighton were awarded their second spot-kick on 84 minutes when Mitrovic was penalised for handball and Murray sent Bettinelli the wrong way to net his third goal of the season. Murray had a late header comfortably saved by Bettinelli and Martin Montoya flashed a volley wide as the game ended 2-2 after five minutes injury-time.

Brighton: Ryan; Montoya, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert (Janbakhsh 74), Stephens, Propper (Locadia 74), March; Gross (Bissouma 60); Murray. Subs: Button, Kayal, Balogun, Bernardo. Fulham: Bettinelli, Odoi, McDonald, Mitrovic, Vietto (Sessegnon 74), Le Marchand, Fosu-Mensah, Seri, Mawson, Zambo Anguissa (Johansen 74). Subs: Fabri, Chambers, Christie, Bryan, Kamara.



Read more at: https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/sport/football/albion/murray-s-double-rescues-a-point-for-brighton-against-fulham-1-8621419

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REPORT: ALBION 2 FULHAM 2


    Albion come back from two goals down
    Pascal Gross misses a first-half penalty
    Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic on target for Fulham
    Glenn Murray scores twice for Albion to draw level

Brighton & Hove Albion recovered from two goals down to claim a hard-earned 2-2 draw against Fulham at the Amex Stadium.

After a saved penalty from Pascal Gross, strikes from Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic put the Cottagers 2-0 ahead, but Glenn Murray's brace, including a goal from the penalty spot, gave the Seagulls a share of the spoils.

Chris Hughton made two changes to the side that lost 1-0 away at Liverpool last Saturday, as Lewis Dunk and Gross returned to the starting line-up.

Albion began brightly, as Solly March weaved his way through the Fulham defence only to see his subsequent effort blocked, as Hughton's men continued their fast start to the game.

But Fulham had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock when Luciano Vietto and Schurrle linked up well to set up a chance for Mitrovic, but the Serbian headed over from close range.

Albion missed their chance to break the deadlock with 24 minutes played, when Murray was brought down by Vietto and Gross saw his resulting penalty pushed around the post by Marcus Bettinelli.

The Gross-Murray combination was back in action again from the subsequent corner, as Murray's glancing header from the German's set-piece drifted just past the far post.

Despite all of Albion's positive play, Fulham took the lead courtesy of Schurrle, as the winger latched onto Jean Michael-Seri's through-ball and rifled a finish past Mathew Ryan just one minute shy of the interval.

Dennis Odoi made a surging run from defence at the start of the second half and won a free-kick in a promising position for the Cottagers, but Schurrle didn't add to his tally with a free-kick that drifted harmlessly over the bar.

Propper created a brilliant chance to Albion moments later when he played March through on goal, but the winger saw his right-footed effort go agonisingly over the bar.

The Seagulls were dealt a sucker punch just past the hour mark - Mitrovic got the better of Dunk and saw his first shot saved by Ryan, before he fired home on the rebound to double Fulham's advantage.

Albion had a chance to halve the deficit barely a minute later after Shane Duffy met Anthony Knockaert's in-swinging set-piece, but the Irishman headed wide.

Hughton's men got a foothold in the game with 67 minutes played when Knockaert drove forward to pick out Murray, who coolly slotted the ball under Bettinelli to make it 2-1.

Buoyed by the goal, Albion drove forward once again through March, and the winger picked out substitute Yves Bissouma, but the Malian's effort from distance went over the target.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Jurgen Locadia were introduced for the final 15 minutes, and the pair combined well, as the Dutchman's header from Jahanbakhsh's cross was saved by Bettinelli.

But with time running out, the Seagulls had a chance to restore parity to the scoreline when Mitrovic was penalised for a handball inside the box and Murray successfully converted the penalty with 84 minutes played to avoid a potentially harsh defeat.

ALBION: Ryan; Bruno, Dunk, Duffy, Bong; Knockaert (Jahanbakhsh 74), Stephens, Propper (Locadia 74), March; Gross (Bissouma 60); Murray.

SUBS NOT USED: Button (GK), Balogun, Bernardo, Kayal.



https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2018/september/match-report-for-brighton-and-hove-albion-vs-fulham-on-01-sep-18/

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Fulham are denied by Brighton comeback

Brighton 2 Fulham 2

Glenn Murray scored a second-half brace as Brighton battled from two goals down to deny Fulham.

The veteran striker equalised with a late penalty at the Amex Stadium, having halved the deficit with 23 minutes remaining.

Fulham, whose goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli saved a first-half spot-kick from Pascal Gross, looked on course for victory after goals from Andre Schurrle and in-form forward Aleksandar Mitrovic either side of the break put them in control.

It was the first top-flight meeting between the two clubs and Fulham handed a first league start to centre-back Alfie Mawson.

Albion began positively by pinning the visitors back and forcing a succession of corners. And they had a golden opportunity for a 25th-minute opener.

Murray, whose offside position in the build-up briefly bamboozled Fulham's backline, was brought down by Luciano Vietto as he turned in the box following good work from Anthony Knockaert.

German midfielder Gross stepped up to take the resultant penalty but his placed effort at the end of a stuttering run-up was tipped wide of the left post by Bettinelli.

Fulham had lost their five previous meetings with Albion and, without injured captain Tom Cairney, were second best in the first-half sunshine.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side did offer some attacking intent though and went ahead two minutes before the break.

Jean Michael Seri produced a delightful dinked through-ball and fellow summer signing Schurrle raced clear to calmly slip his second goal in as many games past Mathew Ryan.

The away side started the second period in the ascendancy but should have been pegged back with 56 minutes played.

Winger Solly March was sent clean through on goal by Davy Propper's pass but his wayward shot flew over Bettinelli's crossbar, prompting groans from the frustrated home fans and an angry response from Albion boss Chris Hughton.

The Whites then took advantage of the poor finishing and some hesitant defending to double their advantage six minutes later.

Dunk's dithering led to him being dispossessed by Mitrovic and, after his initial attempt was repelled by Ryan, the Serbia international smashed home his fourth league goal of the season in front of the jubilant travelling supporters.

Fulham needed to take the pace out of the game but their defence was carved wide open by Knockaert as the Seagulls quickly pulled one back.

French winger Knockaert ran with the ball from the right and then slipped the ball to unmarked striker Murray, who finished through the legs of Bettinelli.

Fulham had looked like joining Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Leicester on the shortlist of teams to have left the Amex with three Premier League points, but they had to settle for a draw after Mitrovic went from hero to villain.

The summer signing from Newcastle was penalised for handball by referee Lee Probert and Murray coolly sent Bettinelli the wrong way from the spot, finishing powerfully into the left of the net six minutes from time.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fosu-Mensah, Odoi, Mawson, Le Marchand, Seri, McDonald, Anguissa, Schurrle (Chambers 87), Mitrovic, Vietto (Sessegnon 74).
Subs not used: Fabri, Johansen, Christie, Bryan, Kamara.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/brighton-v-fulham-report-010918

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Two-goal Murray sparks Brighton comeback in draw with Fulham

Sept 1 (Reuters) - - Glenn Murray scored twice as Brighton & Hove Albion came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Fulham at the Amex Stadium in the first ever top-tier meeting between the sides.

Murray gave Brighton hope on 67 minutes when he side-footed home from close in moments after Aleksandar Mitrovic looked to have set up a Fulham win with his fourth goal in three games.

He has now scored more goals than anyone else in England since signing for Fulham last February but, on this occasion, his joy was short-lived as he then handled in his own area to concede a penalty.

Murray scored the spot-kick, taking on the responsibility after Pascal Gross missed from the spot in the first half.

Fulham's Andre Schurrle opened the scoring on 43 minutes when he got on the end of Jean Michael Seri's pass for his second goal in successive games.

"It was a good game for the neutral but we're a bit disappointed although were happy to come away with the draw," said Murray.

"To be fair to Fulham they got control of the game and we showed some character to come back.

"We felt we let ourselves down the last 20 minutes of the first half. You've go nothing to lose at 2-0 down and we threw everything at it."



https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-brh-ful/two-goal-murray-sparks-brighton-comeback-in-draw-with-fulham-idUKKCN1LH3OJ?rpc=401&;

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Premier League stats: Aleksandar Mitrovic scores again as Everton reach 200 Premier League draws
Opta stats from Saturday's Premier League action


Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates after scoring Fulham's second goal

With the help of Opta, we pick out five standout stats from Saturday's Premier League action.

Mitrovic on target again
Aleksandar Mitrovic continues to thrive at Fulham, scoring in the Londoners' 2-2 draw at Brighton on Saturday.

The striker has scored 16 goals for the Cottagers since his Fulham debut in February - more goals than any other player in English football in that time.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/11487935/premier-league-stats-aleksandar-mitrovic-scores-again-as-everton-reach-200-premier-league-draws

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Slavisa Jokanovic has mixed feelings after Fulham throw away two-goal lead
Brighton grab 2-2 draw at the Amex as Fulham earn first away point in Premier League

Slavisa Jokanovic admits he has mixed emotions about Fulham's 2-2 draw with Brighton having been 2-0 up at the Amex Stadium.

Goals from Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic gave Fulham daylight, but Glenn Murray's double, the second coming from the spot after Mitrovic's handball, meant a share of the spoils.

Though Jokanovic was happy to get Fulham's first away point in the Premier League, he could not hide his disappointment that it could have been three.

He told Sky Sports: "We have mixed opinion about the game. We must be disappointed after playing professional for one hour, offering a really solid performance at 2-0 up.

"Other end, this is our first point away from home, and this point probably shows our ambition, our way to be competitive, to be in all of the games. This isn't an easy place to come, it's the Premier League, and it can be hard for us if we make some kind of sloppy mistakes.

"It's a mixed situation. We made two sloppy mistakes, and we paid an expensive price. If you make mistakes like we did today, crucial mistakes, then it's normal to pay an expensive price."

"We showed ambition, the quality. At the end it's a mixed sensation in this moment, we showed great ambition for our supporters, but we go away a little disappointed for our first away point in the Premier League."

After the international break, Fulham go to champions Manchester City on Saturday, September 15, before hosting Watford a week later.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/11487516/slavisa-jokanovic-has-mixed-feelings-after-fulham-throw-away-two-goal-lead

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Mixed feelings for Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic after Brighton draw

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic said he was satisfied with a point at Brighton this afternoon but was left with mixed feelings after his side led 2-0.

Goals from Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic put the visitors 2-0 ahead but a double from Glenn Murray - the second after Mitrovic handled in the penalty area - gave Albion a point.

Jokanovic said: "It's mixed feelings. I'm satisfied with a first point away from home in the Premier League. "The first hour we played well and showed professionalism. "We were solid. We waited for our chance and scored the goal then we made a sloppy mistake and paid an expensive price." On Mitrovic's handball, Jokanovic said: "He didn't need to apologise, it was bad luck. He knows, I don't need to explain to him. "He's a strong lad to keep going. He scored the goal and fought really well and played with the level that he has started in the Premier League."



Read more at: https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/sport/football/albion/mixed-feelings-for-fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-after-brighton-draw-1-8621508

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Slavisa Jokanovic's every word: Fulham boss defends Mitrovic and is happy with first away point

Jokanovic had a short press conference after the draw with Brighton

How frustrating was that having been 2-0 up?

"We have some mixed sensation at the end. We must be satisfied after our first point away from home in the Premier League, from another side, I must be satisfied with our first hour. We play well, we show personality, we are solid and score the goals. At the end we made some sloppy mistakes and paid an expensive price.

"On another side this kind of situation and being unsatisfied, this is after the first point in Premier League away from home, we show our ambition, our supporters to be competitive too to push to win the game.

"I've made some comments before that we are one-and-a-half, two-and-half, three-and-a-half week old team, now we are around one month-old team. There is definitely room ahead of us for improvement and at the end we will try and use this period ahead of for working, for the mini pre-season. To try and be better to win this kind of game like we played today."

How was Aleksandar Mitrovic after the game, did he apologise for the handball?

"He didn't need to ask for any apologies.

"Bad luck, mistake, he knows I don't need to explain to him that he does not need to make this kind of touch in this situation.


BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Aleksandar Mitrovic of Fulham is challenged by Gaetan Bong of Brighton and Hove Albion (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

"In the end he is enough strong to keep going. He made one mistake o.k. and for another side he scored the goal, he fighting really well, he is playing the level like he started the Premier League and I don't want to complain and put my finger to any player. I cannot find any sense."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/jokanovic-fulham-brighton-result-mitrovic-15100350

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Cottage Talk Full Time - Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Fulham
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.


Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

In this episode, we shared our "initial reactions" to Fulham's 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. Co-host Max Cohen shared his thoughts shortly after the match ended.

Just a reminder that, Cottage Talk Full Time, will be recorded after each match, and this will be followed up by the Cottage Talk Post Match Show which will be recorded the next day.

you can listen to the podcast here...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/9/1/17809460/cottage-talk-full-time-brighton-hove-albion-vs-fulham

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Mitrovic made an unlucky mistake, insists Fulham boss Jokanovic

The Serbia striker went from hero to villain at the Amex Stadium.



Slavisa Jokanovic insists Aleksandar Mitrovic has nothing to apologise for after his inexplicable handball cost Fulham two points against Brighton.

In-form striker Mitrovic was under little pressure when he conceded a penalty with six minutes remaining at the Amex Stadium, allowing Glenn Murray to convert and snatch a 2-2 draw for the hosts.

The Serbia international looked to have put the Cottagers on course for victory on the south coast after his fourth Premier League goal in as many as games added to Andre Schurrle's opener.

But Brighton, who missed a first-half spot-kick through Pascal Gross, battled back thanks to Murray's double, which included the late penalty.

"He didn't need to ask for any apologies. I interpret it as bad luck, a mistake," Fulham manager Jokanovic said of Mitrovic's infringement.

"He knows. I don't need to explain to him that he doesn't need to touch the ball in this situation.

"At the end, he's a strong enough lad to keep going, he made one mistake, OK.

"And from another side, he scored the goal, he was fighting really well, he played at the level like he started in the Premier League and I don't want to complain and point the finger at my player, I cannot find any sense (in doing so)."

Fulham would have been only the fifth team to leave the Amex with three top-flight points.

The Cottagers looked like joining Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Leicester in that exclusive club when Schurrle finished a superb pass from Jean Michael Seri minutes before the break and Mitrovic dispossessed Lewis Dunk to finish at the second attempt in the 62nd minute.

They were unable to hold on, though, and veteran striker Murray halved the deficit with a shot which squirmed through the legs of visiting goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, before smashing home his second from the spot.

Jokanovic admitted to having conflicting feelings about letting the two-goal advantage slip.

"We have some mixed sensations. At the end, we must be satisfied after winning our first point away from home in the Premier League," he added.

"In the first hour, we showed personality, we were solid, we were waiting for our chance and scored the goal, scored the second too.

"At the end, we made some sloppy mistakes and paid an expensive price. Being unsatisfied after winning our first point in the Premier League away from home shows our ambition."

Brighton boss Chris Hughton was pleased with the fightback but rued his side's profligacy.

The Seagulls began the game brightly and, after Gross' 25th-minute penalty was kept out by Bettinelli following Luciano Vietto's foul on Murray, Solly March squandered an excellent opportunity at 1-0.

"Irrespective of any balance of play or chances, when you're 2-0 down in the Premier League, I think to come back from that there are certainly more positives than negatives," said Hughton.

"I think it's still relief because when you're 2-0 down, on the law of averages, are you going to come back from that? Probably, the answer is no.

"But definitely we deserved it.

"If our game had been a little bit more clinical, then it's a game we would have won."



http://sport.bt.com/football/mitrovic-made-an-unlucky-mistake-insists-fulham-boss-jokanovic-S11364292708230

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Fulham offload Rui Fonte on loan

Fulham have enjoyed a rather impressive start to life in the Premier League as they secured another point against Brighton and Hove Albion today.

The Cottagers will be desperate to ensure their safety in the current campaign having spent a load of cash this summer. Although, Slavisa Jokanovic did offload one of his fringe players yesterday, as according to Fulham's official website, Rui Fonte has joined French club LOSC Lille on a season-long loan.

Fulham forward Rui Fonte has joined French side LOSC Lille on a season-long loan deal, subject to approval by the French Football authorities.

The 28-year-old was used as a squad rotation player last season and slipped even further down the pecking order due to the London club's big summer splurge.

So, he will now be playing his football over in France if things all go to plan, which gives him time to impress by getting regular minutes under his belt.

THE VERDICT:
The Cottagers will be hoping that Rui Fonte's loan move is a success as he could then be offloaded for a fee or could work his way back into Slavisa Jokanovic's plans.

Indeed, the Portuguese striker's future was put in doubt after Fulham secured the services of Aleksandar Mitrovic on a permanent deal, but this won't bother Jokanovic as the Serbian has been in fine form.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham-offload-rui-fonte-on-loan/

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Brighton and Hove Albion 2, Fulham 2
Well that was frustrating

Just when it looked like Fulham were going to steal three points from the AMEX Stadium, Glenn Murray and Brighton turned this game into a draw. But in reality, this was the Seagulls' game to lose with the way both teams played, but Fulham just happened to be more clinical with their chances. But I guess a draw was the best result in the end.

It was quite odd to see Brighton look like the side that was holding on to the ball and pressure the longest, but that was what happened within the first 15 minutes. When Slavisa Jokanovic decided whether to pick Stefan Johansen or Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to replace Tom Cairney, it was to determine how Fulham will be able to play. Since Jokanovic selected the latter to play with Kevin McDonald and Jean-Michael Seri in midfield, Fulham were going to for a much more defensive posture than they would have liked.

Pascal Groß, Solly March and Anthony Knockaert were attacking the wings and really causing problems towards another new back four. This time, Maxime Le Marchand was moved over to left back with Alfie Mawson and Denis Odoi being the new center back pair. Fortunately, no end product was there from the lack of movement by Brighton's attacking players centrally and up front at the time.

However, a counter-attack that led to a give-and-go with Knockaert and Glenn Murray led to Murray getting into the penalty pass and fell down after turning away from Luciano Vietto made the slightest contact after receiving a pass. Referee Lee Probert had no choice but to award a penalty. Fortunately, Marcus Bettinelli guessed correctly on Groß's attempt and made the save at the bottom right-hand side of the near post.

Now you may wonder why Vietto was so far in the defensive half of the pitch to commit the penalty. That was because there simply was no connection between midfield and attack at the start of the match as a result of Jokanovic's selection choices. Fortunately, Fulham were beginning to feel more comfortable with their system and were cutting through Brighton's defense as they've progressed the ball forward as the match progressed. This included searing runs from Vietto and even Denis Odoi for that matter.

After a drawn Fulham foul be Andre Schürrle, Fulham worked a patient attacking sequence that led to a beautiful chipped pass from Seri towards a cutting Schürrle into the penalty area. All it needed was a strike on the inner part of the right foot for Schürrle to put it past Matt Ryan and make it 1-0.

And with that, it seemed like Fulham had all momentum of the game, even if it included a one one one chance by Solly March that was shot well above goal. In the 61st minute, Aleksander Mitrovic took advantage of a stumbling Lewis Dunk, who couldn't handle a Bettinelli goal kick. What came of it was Mitrovic collecting the loose ball, cutting inside the penalty area and taking two cracks at goal towards Ryan to make it 2-0. With not that many opportunities, Fulham looked like the club that were able to take their chances, while Brighton looked wasteful all game.

That was, until Le Marchnand decided to give the ball away to a pressing Knockaert, streaked towards the middle of the attacking third and found an unmarked Murray who was able to put it past Bettinelli in the 66th minute. Just like that, Brighton were back to their pressure packing ways and were able to draw a penalty thanks to some poor decision making under pressure.

In defending a corner kick, Mitrovic tried to collect a poor clearing attempt inside Fulham's own penalty area with either the shoulder or the forearm depending on one's point of view. Unfortunately, the nearest linesman thought the latter and awarded another penalty to Brighton. With Gross substituted earlier in the game, it was Murray's turn to try and slot it past Bettinelli. There was no mistake this time. Fulham had one chance to take the lead as substitute Ryan Sessegnon received a wonderful pass from Mitrovic only for it to be saved by Ryan. By the time 90 minutes came to an end, it felt like a fair result.

Fulham had the most clear cut chances, but Brighton had the most shots in general. Fulham did lack enough balance in midfield to impose their attacking will and their defense still wasn't good enough to shut down a simplistic system that Brighton has. Ideally, Cairney wouldn't have injured his foot so badly that he would be missing significant time, but football doesn't go according to plan. Fortunately, there is an international break to recover from injuries and for Jokanovic and his coaching staff to get back to the drawing board with the players he has. Until then, Fulham didn't lose and they aren't thinking about relegation battles just yet. That within itself, is a win right there.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/9/1/17809208/brighton-and-hove-albion-2-fulham-2

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Fulham let two-goal lead slip at Brighton

A brace from veteran striker Glenn Murray inspired Brighton to mount an impressive fightback from 2-0 down and claim a point against Fulham in an absorbing contest at the AMEX Stadium this afternoon.

The three points from these two sides' first ever top-flight meeting looked set to be heading back to London when Aleksandar Mitrovic stroked home his fourth of goal of the season to double the visitors' advantage after Andre Schürrle had put them in front. But Slavisa Jokanovic's side quickly had any illusions of comfort dispelled by Murray and Mitrovic was to go from hero to zero, conceding a late penalty after being adjudged to have handled in his own area. Unlike Pascal Gross, who had seen a first half penalty superbly saved by Marcus Bettinelli, Murray made no mistake from the spot and set up an end-to-end finale, where both sides spurned chances to win it.

This was a strange game where Fulham, even at two goals to the good, struggled to get their fluid passing football functioning in the absence of injured captain Tom Cairney. Jokanovic's men never seemed in control of the contest, initially knocked off kilter by Albion's energetic high pressing game and a high-tempo start. The Serbian head coach elected to deploy Maxime Le Marchand, impressive at centre back in his first few outings for the Cottagers at left back in place of Joe Bryan and the Frenchman's lack of adventure severely limited Fulham's options in the final third. More crucially, he also sparked Brighton's unlikely comeback by presenting possession to Anthony Knockaert and, moments later, Murray had halved the deficit.

Fulham had to weather an concerted spell of early Brighton pressure as the Seagulls swarmed dangerously around the away side's penalty box and won a succession of set plays. Murray, Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy all offered warnings of their ability in the air – and another long afternoon on the south coast seemed in prospect for the Whites, who had lost all of their last five meetings with Brighton. Alfie Mawson impressed on his league debut after coming through 75 minutes of League Cup action against Exeter City in midweek, but all of his composure and Premier League experience were needed to guide the visitors through a tough start.

They were indebted to Bettinelli for preserving parity after the goalkeeper did brilliantly to dive to his right and claw away Gross's 24th minute penalty. Lee Probert's awarding of the spot-kick might not have been controversial – as Luciano Vietto clearly upended Murray as he sought to turn in the penalty area – but Fulham were incensed that the Brighton striker was not flagged offside earlier in the move. Justice was done, but Jokanovic's men still struggled to plot a way through the Albion midfield, with Davy Propper and Dale Stephens successfully nullifying their pretty passing game.

Fulham had threatened only sporadically, through a speculative Jean-Michael Seri shot and a wayward Mitrovic header, before taking the lead on the stroke of half-time. Seri, who oozed class again throughout, fashioned a few yards of space of the edge of the box after being found by Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and floated a devilish ball between the Brighton back line and Mat Ryan. Schürrle stole into the space and swept a clinical finish to score his second goal in as many games for his new club.

The game followed a similar pattern after the break. Albion looked the more threatening in the final third and should have been level ten minutes into the second period. Propper produced a brilliant through ball that sent Solly March through on goal, but the winger somehow spooned his finish high over the crossbar with only Bettinelli to beat. Chris Hughton scowled in frustration on the touchline and his anger only grew six minutes later when Fulham took advantage of some sloppy defending to double their lead.

Mitrovic punished one-time Fulham target Dunk's failure to deal with a lofted ball forward, nipping in to steal possession and then leaving the Brighton centre back trailing in his wake as he surged into the penalty area. Ryan did well to save Mitrovic's first effort, but the Serbian striker rolled the rebound into the bottom corner to send the travelling fans into ecstasy. The former Newcastle forward has four goals in as many games since completing his protracted move from St. James' Park – not bad for someone supposedly not clinical enough for the Premier League.

It was then that Fulham's fallibility began to show. Jokanovic isn't a coach who tells his teams to shut up shop – as demonstrated by Le Marchand's attempt to pop off a shot pass as the rest of his back line pushed up the pitch. His ball inside was seized upon by the dangerous Knockaert who set off on a marauding run in from the right before picking the perfect moment to play in Murray, who had all the time in the world to thread the ball through the legs of a helpless Bettinelli.

That goal changed the complexion of a contest that might otherwise have meandered out of Brighton's reach. The home side were galvanised and, after Hughton threw on Jurgen Locadia, went even more direct. Fulham appeared to have dealt with a dangerous free-kick when Mitrovic looked to bring the ball down in his own box with only Ryan Sessegnon for company. The assistant referee immediately flagged for a penalty and Murray made no mistake – sending Bettinelli the wrong way from 12 yards.

There was still time for either side to win it. Martin Montoya sent a rasping drive fractionally wide as Brighton looked for a grandstand finish before Sessegnon slalomed his way past two Brighton defenders but his tame finish – into the arms of Ryan – couldn't match the quality of the teenager's terrific approach play. All in all, the draw felt like a fair result.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION (4-4-1-1): Ryan; Montoya, Bong, Dunk, Duffy; Stephens, Propper, Knockaert (Jahanbakhsh 74), March; Gross (Bissouma 60); Murray. Subs (not used): Button, Kayal, Balogun, Bernardo.

BOOKED: Stephens, Propper, Murray.

GOALS: Murray (67, pen 84).

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fosu-Mensah, Le Marchand, Odoi, Mawson; McDonald, Seri, Anguissa (Johansen 74); Schürrle (Chambers 87), Vietto (R. Sessegnon 74); Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Fabri, Christie, Bryan, Kamara.

BOOKED: Johansen, Mitrovic, Le Marchand.

GOALS: Schürrle (43), Mitrovic (62).

REFEREE: Lee Probert (South Gloucestershire).

ATTENDANCE: 30,526.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/09/fulham-let-two-goal-lead-slip-at-brighton/

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Jokanovic refuses to blame Mitrovic

Slavisa Jokanovic refused to blame Aleksandar Mitrovic after the Serbian striker gave away a late penalty as Fulham blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Brighton and Hove Albion this afternoon.

Mitrovic had earlier scored his fourth goal of the season to put Fulham 2-0 up at the AMEX Stadium, but turned villain with six minutes of the game to go after handling in his own box to concede the penalty from which Glenn Murray levelled the scores. Jokanovic told his post-match press conference that Mitrovic didn't need to apologise to his team-mates:

    In the end we gave them some kind of present, it's really bad luck, Mitrovic touched the ball with his hand and he completed a really good game, scored a good goal, fighting well, this is part of football too and we must accept and try to fix some of the problems that we found during the game today.

    It's hard for him, he touched the ball in our box with his hand but it's part of football too. These kind of mistakes are bad luck, it happens and he is strong enough not to be affected so much after this kind of situation, I am focussed on another part of the work, he scored another goal, he was fighting well, he was our target man and participated a lot, he must be satisfied.

The Fulham admitted to mixed emotions after seeing his side pegged back from a position of strength.

    We had some mixed sensations. After playing one hour very well, we showed our professionalism and after we were really solid we were then in some kind of trouble as we made important and sloppy mistakes and we paid an expensive price.

    We must be satisfied we won a point for the first time in a Premier League game away from home and be unsatisfied completely in this kind of result away from home. We want to show our ambition and our ambition for our supporters too, they go home with mixed sensations and won't be completely satisfied. It's a great achievement for us, playing in the most important league in the world, now this is not enough, we want to win games and this is leaves us unsatisfied.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/09/jokanovic-refuses-to-blame-mitrovic/