Sunday Fulham Stuff (16/09/18)...

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Results

Saturday
Spurs	1 - 2	Liverpool
Bournemouth	4 - 2	Leicester
Chelsea	4 - 1	Cardiff
Huddersfield	0 - 1	Crystal Palace
Man City	3 - 0	Fulham
Newcastle	1 - 2	Arsenal
Watford	1 - 2	Man Utd

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Manchester City 3-0 Fulham


Leroy Sane was making his first start in the Premier League for Manchester City this season

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he never doubted Leroy Sane's quality after he opened the scoring in the win over Fulham, but reminded the winger he must stay professional.

Sane, making his first league start for Guardiola's side this term, netted after one minute and 36 seconds as the defending champions maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

David Silva doubled the hosts' lead before the break, with Raheem Sterling all but securing the win two minutes into the second half.

A fourth win in five games keeps City within touching distance of league leaders Liverpool and Chelsea, who have taken maximum points so far.

Guardiola said he was impressed by 22-year-old Sane's performance at Etihad Stadium, having restricted the Germany international to substitute appearances before the international break.

"We never had doubts about Leroy's quality," said the Spaniard. "He shows us many times in the last season and today he played again so good.

"We cannot forget sometimes this kind of thing happens, he is 21, 22. Sometimes he has to realise what, like a professional, he has to do.

"I am delighted for his performance and so confident."

City were rarely troubled by the newly promoted Cottagers, restricting the visitors to handful of half chances at Etihad Stadium.

The hosts, perhaps with one eye on Wednesday's Champions League opener against Lyon, eased off the pace in the second half but could have added to their lead with a number of opportunities falling to substitute Gabriel Jesus.

Sane starts as Silvas star

Sane enjoyed a glittering season as Manchester City won the title last term, scoring 10 goals and proving one of Guardiola's main attacking outlets, but he has been restricted to a spot on the bench so far this campaign.

It took the winger, who also surprisingly missed out on a place in Germany's World Cup squad in the summer, less than two minutes to find the net on his return.

The hosts punished Fulham's Jean Michael Seri for giving the ball away in midfield as Fernandinho broke forward and teed up 22-year-old Sane inside the six-yard-box.

It was the quickest Premier League goal of the season so far and the culmination of a good few days for Sane, who said after the game he became a father this week.

City's only dropped points this season came at newly promoted Wolves but, having not lost at home to a promoted team in 11 years, they were always in complete control against Fulham and doubled the lead on 20 minutes.

Bernardo Silva's good work down the left was eventually finished off by David Silva's half volley that struck the bar on its way in - it was the Spaniard's 50th Premier League goal, becoming the fifth City player to reach that landmark after Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko.

Sterling had also hit the bar in the first half as he and Sane caused problems out wide, but the England forward got his reward for a strong performance within two minutes of the restart as he tapped in from Aguero's low cross.

Learning curve for Fulham


Teenage full-back Ryan Sessegnon came up against England forward Raheem Sterling

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic said before the match that while his side wanted to use "similar weapons" to City, they must follow their own style of football.

The visitors brought two attacking full-backs into their line-up with Cyrus Christie on the right and teenager Ryan Sessegnon, often utilised as a winger, making his first start as a left-back since before Christmas.

But that left Fulham's central defenders exposed, with City exploiting the space left behind by 18-year-old Sessegnon as Aguero set up Sterling with a low cross from the right for City's third.

Fulham, promoted via the play-offs last season, looked threatening in the rare spells they were able to bring wide forwards Andre Schurrle and Luciano Vietto into the game, with World Cup winner Schurrle forcing a smart save from Ederson in the first half.

However, prolific forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has scored 24 goals for club and country in 2018, remained isolated and was restricted to only one shot on target from long range late in the second half.

It was another lesson for Fulham following their return to top-flight football, with the Cottagers having now conceded 12 goals in five games - the worst defensive record in the division.

Man of the match - Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)


Bernardo Silva was the architect for most of Manchester City's attacking play, his vision and eye for a through ball leading to five key passes in the match and David Silva's goal in the first half.

'It could have been more than three'

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: "It could have been more than three goals, considering the chances we created.

"After an international break it's always a mystery how you'll come back, and Fulham asked us a lot of questions. They will have a good season and I want to give Fulham a lot of credit.

"But we were aggressive when we had the ball and we created chances. Today we had many, many clear chances to score and we need to work at scoring more.

"I believe in all the guys in my squad - Sane, for example, is only 22 and he realises why he hasn't played many minutes. But he did well today."

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic: "We started both halves conceding early goals. The result was fair and if you don't perform perfectly it's so hard to do well against Manchester City.

"Our performance was a little shy and we didn't connect our play well enough. We had some moments in the game when we enjoyed possession but we didn't have end quality."

The stats - Man City extend run against newly promoted sides

    Manchester City have now won six consecutive Premier League matches against a single London team for the first time ever.
    This is Fulham's second-worst start to a Premier League campaign after five games (four points, -5 goal difference) - only bettering 2011/12, when they had three points.
    Manchester City are unbeaten in the Premier League against newly promoted sides in their last 34 home meetings, since losing to Reading 2-0 in 2007.
    Fulham have won none of their last 10 Premier League meetings with reigning champions, drawing two and losing eight.
    Leroy Sane has had a hand in 18 goals in his last 16 Premier League games at the Etihad Stadium (six goals, 12 assists).
    Only Sergio Aguero (68) has scored more goals in all competitions for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola than Raheem Sterling (36).

What's next?

City begin their Champions League campaign at home to Lyon on Wednesday, kick-off 20:00 BST, before visiting Cardiff in the Premier League on Saturday, 15:00.

Fulham, meanwhile, host Watford in Saturday's early kick-off.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45456654

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović had no complaints about the result against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Leroy Sane, David Silva and Raheem Sterling earned the Premier League champions a 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium, in what will be one of the Whites' sternest tests of the campaign.

"It's not easy to find something positive this afternoon," Jokanović stated. "To be honest, the result is completely fair.

"They played better football than us. They showed us their offensive threat. They moved the ball with quality and pace.

"In the end, we didn't find our perfect level. We played a little shy, without finding a way to hurt them. We had an opportunity for an offensive transition, but we played without enough intention to score.

"I must accept the result, but we know we need to improve – we have to be faster, stronger, more organised, whilst following our style.

"It's not good news for us that we've conceded in five consecutive games. At the end, we must be stronger, faster and brave in these situations.

"If we keep conceding goals like we did today and before, it'll be tough us. Life is balanced, and football is balanced too, and we must find some sort of balance.

"If you give them this way to score the first goal, they're not the best opponent to offer presents.

"It's an exciting day for us, working in this stadium. It's part of profession. I must be satisfied with my life.

"I must support our players and send our supporters a message that we can play better football than we did today. We'll fight harder to be more successful in the future."

Despite the calibre of opposition, Fulham refused to abandon their footballing philosophy, with Jokanović keen for his side to stick to their principles.

"We will try and continue to follow our style," he explained. "This was never going to be an easy game for us. I tried to find something logical and some sense.

"If I defend in our box with 11 players, I don't believe it's the right way. I don't believe we would find something positive.

"Today, we didn't find positives, but it was for different reasons we didn't find our best level.

"But, for another side, the start of the first and second halves were terrible for us and it wasn't easy for us to find the right way to hurt them."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/september/15/head-coach-reaction-man-city

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Fulham player ratings: Manchester City dominate proceedings as the Cottagers struggle

The Cottagers left the Etihad having been beaten 3-0 by the champions with Marcus Bettinelli impressing

Fulham were humbled by Premier League champions Manchester City as Pep Guardiola's side beat the west Londoners 3-0.

It didn't take long for Manchester City to open the scoring - Fernandinho latched onto a poor Jean-Michael Seri pass to break before squaring for Leroy Sane, who just had to tap the ball home.

It was 2-0 soon after - Bernado Silva caused the away side all kinds of problems all afternoon and it was his presence that eventually allowed David Silva to smash home.

City started the second half the same way they started the game - by scoring within a minute when Sergio Aguero squared the ball to Raheem Sterling, who poked the ball home.

Fulham barely saw any chances for the rest of the game as the champions dominated proceedings and were lucky it wasn't more as Man City peppered their goal with shot after shot.

Here's how we rated the side:

Marcus Bettinelli - 6

Made a big save from Sterling in the 14th minute one-on-one to keep the score at 1-0. Continued to make himself big in goal to keep out a few more efforts too. Was Fulham's standout by a mile.

Cyrus Christie - 4

Poor final ball again from Christie, who got into some good attacking positions down the right. Was exposed down his flank as Fulham really struggled to deal with the width.

Denis Odoi - 5

Had an average performance in defence, despite City's dominance. Will feel he could've done better for the home side's third goal.

Ryan Sessegnon - 4

Did okay against Raheem Sterling at times, but often found himself exposed out right, allowing City space to exploit. Sterling really started to get the better of him in the second half as Sessegnon struggled.

Alfie Mawson - 5

Good positional awareness and did well with Aguero in the first half. Was comfortable on the ball and didn't look out of place, despite conceding the goals.

Stefan Johansen - 4

Struggled with City's midfield and press. Wasn't able to get anywhere near Bernardo Silva all game. Was a bystander for the most of the second half as the game passed him by.

Kevin McDonald - 4

Struggled to contain or deal with Bernardo Silva in the midfield. Looked better as the game progressed and got on the ball a bit more, but a tough afternoon for the stand-in captain.


(Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Jean-Michael Seri - 4

Poor pass in the middle that led to the first goal within 90 seconds. Had a really poor afternoon and couldn't get into the pace of the game whatsoever and was subbed on 56 minutes.

Luciano Vietto - 5

Saw a fair bit of the ball but was often crowded out or shown down dead ends by City's defence. Was far quieter in the second half as City dominated.

Andre Schurrle - 5

Had a few efforts and looked to get on the ball and caused some problems with his running game. Struggled to get into the second game as City started to dominate.


(Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Aleksandar Mitrovic - 4

Barely saw a kick in the first half as Fulham struggled to provide service to the front man. Struggled to get onto the ball in the second as Fulham's threat going forward deminished.
Substitutes

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa - 4

Didn't make much of an impact in the Fulham midfield after coming on as City continued to exert their dominance on the game.

Floyd Ayite - 4

Did nothing of note after coming on for Vietto.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-player-ratings-manchester-city-15156179

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Fulham well beaten by impressive Man City

Man City 3 Fulham 0

Slow starts in each half condemned Fulham to a deserved defeat, with goals from Leroy Sané, David Silva and Raheem Sterling giving Manchester City a resounding win.

A costly error from Jean Michaël Seri within the first 90 seconds allowed Fernandinho to intercept and square the ball to Sané, who slotted easily past Marcus Bettinelli to open the scoring.

The Whites, who were still missing captain Tom Cairney through injury, were no match for the defending Premier League champions' incisive passing sequences, which cut Fulham's defence open on a number of occasions.

City could have been ahead by several more goals at half-time, had it not been for Bettinelli's string of saves from the home side's front line, including a block onto the crossbar from Sterling.

But it took 20 minutes for Pep Guardiola's side to double their lead.

Bernardo Silva – a standout performer in the match – pulled the ball back to Sergio Agüero, whose shot was deflected into the path of David Silva and the Spaniard lashed in from close range off the bar.

Fulham's attack had far fewer chances to speak of throughout, but their best opportunity came four minutes before the break when Luciano Vietto worked the ball across to André Schürrle and the German's shot was tipped over the bar by Emerson.

And, barely two minutes after the restart, Sterling put City out of reach by tapping in Agüero's deflected ball across goal, before the hosts coasted to a sixth consecutive victory over Fulham.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Christie, Mawson, Odoi, Sessegnon; McDonald, Johansen, Seri (Zambo Anguissa 56'); Vietto (Ayité 69'), Schürrle, Mitrović
Subs not used: Fabri, Fosu-Mensah, Le Marchand, Chambers, Bryan.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/man-city-v-fulham-report-15918

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Manchester City put Fulham to the sword with straightforward win

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan addressed Manchester City supporters for only the second time since he bought the club 10 years ago this month. "It feels that we are only halfway up our Everest," the billionaire said as he reflected on the past decade and, spelling out his vision for the future, declared that there was "much more to win".

For opponents, coming to the Etihad must invariably feel like trying to scale a treacherous mountain in relentlessly suffocating conditions. Fulham became the latest to more or less accept defeat at base camp. Pep Guardiola had said his team would get fully up to speed after the international break and so they are.

Bernardo Silva was the pick of a brilliant bunch, David Silva marked his 350th game for City with his 50th goal in the Premier League and rumours of Leroy Sane's demise have, evidently, been greatly exaggerated. Restored to the team after recent criticism, the Germany winger capped a memorable week after becoming a father to a baby girl with a goal.

The only slight disappointment for Guardiola was that his side squandered so many chances and Sergio Aguero will require assessment before Wednesday's Champions League tie against Lyon about being substituted early in the second half with a sore ankle.

"Three-nil is a good result but we created a lot of chances to score five, six, seven goals and we have to be more clinical because the contenders are so tough and the goal difference is important," the City manager said.

A word or two on the man-on-the-match, Bernardo, first. His touch and quality has never been in doubt but he has now adjusted to the physicality of the Premier League. City's second goal was a clear case in point.

This time last year, the Portugal playmaker would probably have been knocked over when Stefan Johansen tried to barge him out of the way as they challenged for the ball near the right byeline. But it was Bernardo who won this duel, outmuscling the Fulham midfielder, and then showing awareness to turn and feed Aguero.

The Argentine's shot was deflected into the path of Silva, who controlled on his chest before rifling home off the bar.

"It is almost impossible to be more pleased as a manager with him," Guardiola said of Bernardo. "I don't forget the behaviour he had last season when he didn't always play. He is a good example to all the others."

City's second goal was scored after 22 minutes and already by then there was no way back for Fulham. If you come here you have to at least make yourself competitive. That does not involve playing careless passes deep in your own half less than two minutes in that are just asking to be punished. But that is what Jean Michael Seri did, turning over the ball with a feeble pass intended for Odoi that Fernandinho intercepted. The Brazilian surged forward and squared for Sane – with a clear point to prove after his omission against Newcastle – to tap home.

"Even when he didn't play we never doubted Leroy's quality," Guardiola said. "At his age, sometimes these things happen – a little bit up and down but I'm delighted for his performance."

Fulham paid the price for backing off and giving fast, skilful players too much time and space. Ryan Sessegnon's insistence on standing off Raheem Sterling was baffling while his positioning was suspect throughout. Had Sterling not been so wasteful in front of goal, the damage could have been more severe. "This will be a huge learning experience [for Ryan]", said Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

Twice Fulham were indebted to keeper Marcus Bettinelli for shutting out Sterling. The first was a particularly disappointing miss. Bernardo showed outrageous skill to spin away from Seri and Kevin McDonald before releasing Sterling, whose shot was knocked on to the crossbar by the visitors' No 1.

Ederson, the City goalkeeper, twice denied Andre Schurrle but Fulham were very vulnerable defensively. The second half was only two minutes old when Aguero powered down City's right, with Sessegnon in no-man's-land, past Alfie Mawson and squared for Sterling to score from a yard out. This time the England forward could not miss. City oozed control and the only blemish for Bernardo came late on when he blazed over from 10 yards.



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/09/15/manchester-city-put-fulham-sword-straightforward-win/

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City keep in touch with leaders with win over Fulham

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Champions Manchester City looked close to their sparkling best as they comfortably beat promoted Fulham 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to stay within two points of early leaders Liverpool and Chelsea.

German Leroy Sane, recalled after being left out of the squad against Newcastle, scored inside two minutes with a close-range finish after Fernandinho capitalised on some sloppy passing from the visitors.

Fulham had, in contrast to many visitors to the Etihad, arrived with a clear intention to take the game to City but after that early setback the task was beyond Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

David Silva made it 2-0 when his powerful shot crashed in off the underside of the crossbar after excellent work from the outstanding Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva.

With his ability to jiggle out of tight situations, his sharp turns, his deft touches and clever passes, Bernardo put on a showcase of his quality.

At times last season, Bernardo appeared to be on the fringes of Pep Guardiola's revolution, but in his second season since his move from AS Monaco his class is abundantly evident and the coach said he was delighted.

"It is almost impossible to be more pleased as a manager with him. He deserves to play all the minutes he plays," said Guardiola, adding that Bernardo's attitude was exemplary during the periods when he was restricted to the bench.

"I don't forget the behaviour he has last season. He is an example. Last season I said if I stay here, this guy will stay here because he is special," added the City manager.

With Kevin De Bruyne sidelined by a knee injury, Bernardo has been asked to play in a more central role and he looks comfortable with the adjustment.

"He can play three, four, five positions but he deserves all my respect," added Guardiola.

Raheem Sterling made it 3-0 with the most straightforward of tap-ins after Sergio Aguero had finished off a fine passing move with a burst down the right and a low cross.

There could have been many more goals but while they opened up Fulham with some ease, City were unable to fully punish the London side.

"3-0 is a good result but we create a lot of chances to score five, six, seven goals so we have to be more clinical, because goal difference is important," said Guardiola.

City begin their Champions League campaign against Olympique Lyon at the Etihad on Wednesday.



https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-mci-ful/city-keep-in-touch-with-leaders-with-win-over-fulham-idUKKCN1LV0HN?rpc=401&;

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Manchester City 3, Fulham 0
Good Job, Good Effort


Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Welp, that was something.

But in fairness, this was what was to be expected when a new Premier League side goes up against a historically good Manchester City. Slavisa Jokanovic stayed true to his word by playing an attack-first system against the Citizens and the first ninety seconds looked like it was going to plan.

But all it took was a Jean-Michael Seri turnover to smash all that great work and preparations into pieces. After receiving a pass from Marcus Bettinelli, Fulham's best player made a poor decision to attempt a one touch pass that went straight to Fernandinho. From there, the Brazilian started a 3v1 the other way and picked a perfect pass to Leroy Sane and made it 1-0.

After that, Manchester City's midfield was basically flawless. Both Bernardo and David Silva had all day to do whatever they want with the ball with the Portuguese International having a tekkers clinic whenever he felt like it. Surely enough, it was Bernardo that went ahead and created Manchester City's second goal. After receiving a pass into the penalty area by Raheem Sterling, Bernando shoved away Stefan Johansen away to give him space to pick a pass across the six-yard box that ended in the foot of David to make it 2-0.

From there, City were cruising the rest of the way. By the end of the first half, they had 14 total shots, with seven of them going on target and seven corner attempts. For good measure, Raheem Sterling received a beautiful cross from Sergio Aguero to make it 3-0. The goal was so certain from such a close range effort that Understat listed it as a 0.95 expected goal effort. But that didn't happen without Ryan Sessegnon losing the ball in an attempt to cross the ball into the penalty area. From there, loads of space was given on Sessegnon's defensive area for Aguero to run into and the death nail was set from there.

Understat's 4.92-0.34 report looks about right in comparison to the 3-0 result that was on display. And sure, this result was going to be inevitable regardless of what Jokanovic was going to do. But there were plenty of selections that made people's head scratch. First, why is Sessegnon back at fullback after vowing to not pick him over this past summer? Did Joe Bryan do something to offend Jokanovic? Secondly, are we at a point where we have no choice but to play Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa instead of either Johansen, who was downright non-existent today, or Kevin McDonald, who just looks like he is getting older by the league game. You knew how bad of a day in the office Jokanovic and Co. had when Fabian Delph an Fernandinho looked a full decade younger as a result. Along with that, Seri just looked so upset to get benched in the 55th minute when he was essentially taken out of the game.

Fulham will return in better spirits, but upcoming fixtures with Watford, Everton and Arsenal will truly challenge the psyche of this football club and could be a major factor for how the rest of the season can play out.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/9/15/17863582/manchester-city-3-fulham-0

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'I chose the best eleven for today' - Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic explains his team selection

The Fulham boss made three changes to his side for the trip to the Etihad but insisted he chose the best side for the day

Slavisa Jokanovic insisted that he picked the best starting XI for Fulham's trip to Manchester City - despite the side's drubbing.

The Cottagers never got anywhere near Pep Guardiola's side and soon found their midfield trio of Stefan Johansen, Kevin McDonald and Jean-Michael Seri overun by Fernandinho, David Silva and Bernardo Silva.

Jokanovic made three changes for the side's trip to the champions, recalling Ryan Sessegnon, Cyrus Christie and Stefan Johansen to the line-up but Fulham struggled after going a goal-down with 90 seconds of the match.

The head coach only changed things deep into the second half when he withdrew Seri, whose mistake cost the first goal and never really got into the game, for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who looked far more comfortable in the heart of midfield.

But despite that, Jokanovic was insistent after the game that he picked the best side for the game.

"I make my job - at the end I am working with 20 odd players and behind us is an international break.

"I decide to check my people with who is in level for the game and this is best eleven for us for today."

It was never going to be an easy day for Fulham, but it got off to the worst of starts when Seri's poor touch/pass to Denis Odoi was intercepted by Fernandinho, who charged through acres of space before crossing to Leroy Sane to open the scoring.


(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

Goals from David Silva and Raheem Sterling followed through the game, with Fulham never really testing Ederson in the City goal mouth, with Andre Schurrle's long-range effort the only time the Brazilian was called into action.

And Jokanovic admitted after the game that the early mistake made it hard for the side to find any positives from the game.

He added: "We never want to lose the game, but it wasn't an easy day for us.

"How we start the game and second half wasn't easy for us to find something positive.

"The result is completely fair, they show why they are the best team in the world and showed great possession of the ball and great attacking weapons.

"They were fast, strong and played good football.

"We didn't find our best or perfect level and without this level it's not easy to play the football."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/i-chose-best-eleven-today-15157341

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Cottage Talk Full Time - Manchester City vs. Fulham
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, we shared our "initial reactions" to Fulham's 3-0 loss against Manchester City. 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...
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cottagetalk/2018/09/15/cottage-talk-full-time--manchester-city-vs-fulham

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Jokanovic backs Sessegnon after Fulham defeat

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic says he is satisfied with the start Ryan Sessegnon has made for Fulham in the top flight.

The 18-year-old has started three of the Whites' five Premier League matches this season, including the 3-0 defeat by defending champions Manchester City.

Despite seeing his side outplayed by City's experience, Jokanovic saw plenty of positives in pitting Sessegnon against the likes of England internationals Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker.

"It's a huge benefit," he said. "He's not a small kid [anymore]. Ryan played a good game. It's good for him, his development and experience. He must be satisfied.

"I defend my opinion about this player to be part of the national team for the World Cup after 100 games in the Championship. Now it's time for him to play in these places."

Jokanovic had little to complain about the Whites' third loss of the season, even though they conceded within the opening minutes of each half.

He added: "We didn't make it easy for ourselves, how we started each half. The end result was completely fair. They showed they are one of the best teams in the world.

"They showed great possession of the ball and great attacking weapons. They were fast, strong and played a good game.

"We didn't find our best or perfect level. Without this level in this place, it's not easy to play football."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/hes-not-a-small-kid-fulham-boss-stands-by-decision-to-put-sessegnon-up-against-man-city-stars

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Fulham's Jokanovic admits Seri's mistake turned Man City match mission impossible

Slavisa Jokanovic has admitted that Jean Michael Seri's early mistake made Fulham's visit to the Etihad a tough one as they were outclassed 3-0 by Manchester City.

The game had barely started when Seri had a poor pass to Denis Odoi intercepted by Fernandinho who charged towards the Cottagers' goal before laying for Leroy Sane to open the scoring 90 seconds after the kickoff.

Efforts from David Silva and Raheem Sterling wrapped up the victory of an affair that, according to Jokanovic, showed the gulf in quality between both sides.



http://www.goal.com/en/news/fulhams-jokanovic-admits-seris-mistake-turned-man-city-match/fhqwl8xd5wwm196ys4dp47x70

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Fulham hoping to tie Sessegnon and Bettinelli down to new deal

Fulham will be desperate to secure a future in the Premier League by avoiding the drop in the current campaign.

The Cottagers have certainly displayed moments of brilliance so far this season as their summer splurge appears to be working wonders at this moment in time. And, to make things even better, the London club are looking to secure a player agreement, as according to Sun Sport, Fulham are attempting to tie Ryan Sessegnon down to a new contract.

Ryan Sessegnon currently has two years left on his current deal, but the Cottagers are keen for the youngster to pen a new deal at some point in the near future.

However, it's understood that they have made little progress in their efforts to do so.

And, with the Premier League's elite circling and potentially ready to swoop, Sessegnon can bide his time before deciding whether to commit to his boyhood club or not.

THE VERDICT:
Fulham will be desperate to tie Ryan Sessegnon down to a long-term contract having witnessed his rise to stardom in recent years, with a number of big clubs possibly moving for the youngster in the future.

Indeed, it would be huge if the Cottagers can manage to secure an agreement as the teenager has the potential to become one of the best in world football if he's given the correct guidance.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham-hoping-to-tie-sessegnon-and-bettinelli-down-to-new-deal/

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Aleksandar Mitrovic emerging as Chelsea target after impressing for Fulham since £22m permanent move

The Serbian striker has impressed in the early stages of the Premier League campaign for the Cottagers

Chelsea are amongst a number of clubs who have been impressed by Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic's explosive start to the season.

The Serb who was sold by Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez in the summer for £22 million has rattled in the goals since arriving at Craven Cottage – and sent his value rocketing.

Initially signed on loan last January he struck 12 goals in 15 games helping Fulham gain promotion to the Premier League.

And so far he has adapted well to life at a higher level with six goals in five appearance for club and country. (needs to be updated after game at Man City).

That has alerted neighbours Chelsea and a couple of Italian sides all believing that the 23-year-old combative striker can add some spark and fire to their forward lines.

New Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is uncertain about £60 million Alvaro Morata while Olivier Giroud turns 32 at the end of the month.


Mitrovic has enjoyed a fine start to the season (Image: Getty Images Europe)


Chelsea could move for the Serbian striker in January (Image: Getty Images Europe)

It's why Mitrovic has become a future option although his asking price will have soared in a short time and manager Slavisa Jokanovic will be anxious to hold onto him.

But it won't stop Chelsea continuing to monitor the 23-year-old who although a crowd favourite on Tyneside never won Benitez over.

His appearances were restricted and in the summer the Spaniard gave the go ahead for the Serb international to be sold.

Benitez insists: "He is doing well but it does not change my decision. Each player has his own environment and can do well in one team and not as well in another."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aleksandar-mitrovic-emerging-chelsea-target-13252878

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'It is time to play games in places like this': Teenager Ryan Sessegnon thrown in the deep end at Man City but Slavisa Jokanovic thinks he will benefit

    Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic did his bit for young English players on Saturday
    Ryan Sessegnon, 18, started at left back against Manchester City at The Etihad
    Two of the reigning champion's goals in a 3-0 win developed on teenager's side

Fulham's Serbian manager Slavisa Jokanovic did his bit for young English players by throwing 18-year-old Ryan Sessegnon in the deep end at The Etihad Stadium, saying the experience will be a 'huge benefit' to the teenager's development.

Jokanovic championed Sessegnon's inclusion in England's World Cup squad and though he hasn't played the youngster in every Premier League so far, he selected him at left back at The Etihad where he had the stern test of stopping Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker.

Sessegnon was not entirely successful with two of City's goals in a 3-0 win developing on his side. But Jokanovic had no regrets about the selection which followed England manager Gareth Southgate's complaints not enough homegrown players were involved in Premier League games.


Ryan Sessegnon (left), 18, started at left back against Manchester City at The Etihad Stadium


Slavisa Jokanovic said the experience will be a 'huge benefit' to the teenager's development

'It's a huge benefit for this kind of player. He has played a hundred games in The Championship and I thought he could have gone to the World Cup. Now it is time to play games in places like this.

'He is not a kid and part of his profession is to win, draw or lose matches. When I analyse the game, I think Ryan played well. He might have been stronger in both sides (attacking and defending), maybe he was a little bit shy.

'But he was satisfied and happy to participate in the game and I think it's very good for his development.'

Sessegnon turned 18 in May and is 10 days older than City's own prospect Phil Foden, who was an unused substitute. The Fulham defender has long attracted interest from Spurs but chose to stay at Craven Cottage after they won promotion to the Premier League last season.


Teenager was not entirely successful with two of City's goals in 3-0 win developing on his side



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6172145/Ryan-Sessegnon-thrown-deep-end-Man-City.html

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Ryan Sessegnon: How is Fulham youngster adapting to the Premier League?


Ryan Sessegnon (left) has appeared in all five of Fulham's Premier League games so far this season

Fulham became the first club to spend more than £100m in their first summer after promotion to the Premier League, but the player many regard as their most valuable asset cost nothing.

Ryan Sessegnon has spent the past 12 months being linked with leading Premier League clubs and being touted as a great hope for English football, to the extent his club manager thought he should have been part of Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad this summer.

The 18-year-old started 45 of Fulham's 46 league games in their promotion campaign. He was Championship player of the year, young player of the year and apprentice of the year.

It was something of a surprise, then, that Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic left him out of his starting XI twice in four games last month, although he was back for Saturday's 3-0 loss to Manchester City.

So how did he do? And what should we expect from Sessegnon as he adapts to life at a higher level?

Has he made much of an impact so far?
After such stellar performances last season, it was something of a jolt that Sessegnon lost his place after two games this term.

As those matches ended in defeat - by Crystal Palace and Tottenham - the obvious conclusion was he had been dropped.

The words they are using at Craven Cottage are not so harsh. The view inside the Fulham camp is Jokanovic wants to nurse Sessegnon along the steep learning curve he has to navigate.

The only player younger than Sessegnon to feature in the Premier League this season is Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, whose total contribution is eight minutes and who remained on the bench against Fulham as Sessegnon completed the whole game to take his tally to 287 minutes.

The difference against City was that after playing in an advanced role in those opening matches, he reverted to left-back, where he first broke into the Fulham side in 2016, and where he played during pre-season.

There was an obvious reason for Jokanovic's use of the youngster.

Within minutes he was involved in a foot race with Raheem Sterling. Very soon, there was another with Kyle Walker. Both are rapid. Sessegnon matched them.

"It's my opinion he should have been part of the national team for the World Cup," said Jokanovic after the game. "He has handled games in the Championship, and now it is time to play games in this type of place."

What kind of player is he?
Sessegnon made his Fulham debut in August 2016 - aged 16 years and 81 days - at left-back.

But his attacking prowess has seen him pushed further forward - and the conversion from left-back to goalscoring wide attacker prompts comparisons with Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale.

Sessegnon scored 15 goals during the regular Championship campaign last season. A November hat-trick in a 5-4 win at Sheffield United offered a glimpse of his attacking instinct, and the arrival of left-back Matt Targett in the January transfer window freed him up to play on the left of a front three for the remainder of the season.

From Boxing Day, he went on a run of 10 goals in 12 league games, ultimately finishing as the seventh highest-scorer in the second tier. Not bad for half a season in attack.

But the Bale comparisons are misleading.

Unlike the Welshman, Sessegnon is not a player who catches the eye with moments of magic. Jinking runs and 30-yard screamers are rare - only one of his 15 goals last season came from outside the box, and 35 players completed more dribbles than him in the Championship.

What he does have is an unerring knack of finding space in the 18-yard box, where he rarely misses, converting 73% of the Opta-defined 'big chances' he had in 2017-18. His overall shot conversion rate of 26.8% was the third highest in the league.

If we do have to compare, perhaps the focus should be on Ashley Cole - one of the greatest full-backs England has ever had, and now putting his attacking abilities to good use as a wing-back for Los Angeles Galaxy.


Sessegnon was part of the England squad that won the European Under-19 Championship in 2017

Has he come close to leaving? What does the future hold?
Young players of Sessegnon's quality attract attention.

Most of the big clubs are monitoring him. Tottenham were willing to buy him but did not make a bid. Despite overtures, there was no indication from the player, or anyone around him, that he was keen to move. Spurs, Manchester United, and everyone else for that matter, must wait.

A local boy from Roehampton, Sessegnon honed his talent on the streets, specifically on the concrete of a football cage where he would go with friends to play five-a-side. It made him feel comfortable with the ball at his feet and at ease trying to play out of areas where there is limited space.

He has been at Fulham since he was eight, his attachment strengthened by having three brothers at the club. That includes twin Steven, who has also played for the Cottagers' first team and to whom Sessegnon is exceptionally close.

Even the club's supporters, who deep down accept one day he will move to a bigger club, were not given any reason to feel anxious during the summer.

Sessegnon knows he has plenty of work ahead of him, particularly in defence if he is to be a regular at left-back, The signs are that he is willing to do the work required to smooth off those rough edges.

A naturally left-footed player, it was instructive to watch his warm-up at Etihad Stadium, where he struck a succession of 40-yard passes with his right foot. Most found their target.

His speed is a clear asset. There are not many defenders anywhere who can match Sterling for pace, and in one first-half penalty-area challenge on the England international, Sessegnon also had the strength to win a duel.

However, at the highest level comes the greatest scrutiny. Only an excellent low save from Marcus Bettinelli prevented Sterling from exploiting a rash tackle from the youngster, who dived in to win the ball when he had limited chance of success. Such moments can prove very costly against the best players.

"It's not the Championship any more," he said after the game. "We are playing against some of the best players in the world and we need to learn quickly.

"It was a good battle against Raheem and I can only learn from playing against players like him."


Sessegnon played all 90 minutes of Fulham's Championship play-off final win against Aston Villa in May



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45537243

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Sane strike sets City on easy street

There can be no shame in beaten by this imperious Manchester City side, but given the high standards Slavisa Jokanovic expects of his own team, the Serbian head coach will have been disappointed with how easy the hosts achieved a routine win at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon. Fulham's fondness for playing out for the back was always likely to invite pressure from such a potent attacking unit and they were up against from the moment a poor touch from Jean-Michael Seri allowed Fernandinho to gallop into the space beyond the visitors back four and hand the returning Leroy Sane a close-range tap in two minutes in.

But for an excellent display from Marcus Bettinelli, Fulham could have been on the receiving end of a cricket score. They did well to keep it to three, although there was the sneaking suspicion that City eased off after Raheem Sterling had added a more convincing gloss to the scoreline early in the second half. The Fulham academy graduate, who won a surprise call up to Gareth Southgate's England squad last week, made a string of fine saves including two in the space of eight first-half minutes, first spreading himself to deny Sergio Aguero and then brilliantly turning Sterling's drive onto the crossbar after he had been sent clear by the brilliant Bernado Silva.

Fulham were dangerously close to being swept away by wave after wave of City attacks. Pep Guardiola's men did double their lead in the 21st minute, however, when Bernado Silva beat Stefan Johansen and drifted dangerously along the by-line. His inviting cross looped up off a Fulham defender and David Silva slammed home off the underside of the bar, with Bettinelli leading unsuccessful appeals for handball against the Spaniard.

The visitors' commitment to going forward was commendable but they struggled for rhythm and possession as City dominated proceedings. Ryan Sessegnon, who came through a difficult afternoon at left back in credit, did brilliantly to dispossess Bernado Silva and play a forward ball for Luciano Vietto. The on-loan winger ferried the ball on to Andre Schurrle, whose ambitious shot from around 30 yards was always rising and sailed high over Ederson's bar. The German did draw two excellent saves from the City custodian before the break, though, with the Brazilian beating out a venomous strike before showing great agility to tip over an effort that threatened the top corner.

The greater danger was still be found at the other end. Bettinelli did brilliantly to make himself big and thwart Sane on his near post and then, deep into stoppage time, he somehow stopped a superb run from Sterling with an excellent block when a third goal looked certain. The England international did get on the scoresheet two minutes after half-time, however, applying the simplest of finishes into an empty net from close range after Aguero had tormented Alfie Mawson down the right.

That the scoring ended there was something of a result for Fulham in itself. Denis Odoi bravely blocked a goalbound drive from Bernado Silva, before a brilliant Mawson tackle denied substitute Gabriel Jesus a goal with his first touch. Fernandinho drilled a low strike fractionally wide, before Bernado Silva somehow failed to grab the goal his magnificent display deserved – spooning wastefully over the bar after excellent approach play from Jesus.

The visitors had a strong spell to end the contest. Floyd Ayite made his first appearance since May as a lively substitute and almost marked his return with a goal, but his shot drifted well. The battling Aleksandar Mitrovic went even closer in stoppage time, forcing a brilliant stop from Ederson with a powerful effort from the edge of the box. Guardiola was fulsome in his praise of Fulham's ambition in his post-match press conference – but in truth Jokanovic's men were never close to being able to stop the City juggernaut.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Delph (Gündogan 67), Otamendi, Laporte; Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho, David Silva; Sterling (Mahrez 74), Agüero (Gabriel Jesus 54), Sané. Subs (not used): Muric, Stones, Zinchenko, Foden.

GOALS: Sane (2), David Silva (21), Sterling (47).

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Christie, R. Sessegnon, Odoi, Mawson; McDonald, Johansen, Seri (Anguissa 56); Schurrle, Vietto (Ayite 69), Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Fabri, Chambers, Le Marchand, Fosu-Mensah, Bryan.

REFEREE: Stuart Attwell (Nuneaton).

ATTENDANCE: 53,307



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/09/sane-strike-sets-city-on-easy-street/

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Manchester City's Pep Guardiola backs Fulham to cause 'lots of surprises'

Pep Guardiola declared Fulham as Premier League dark horses after Slavisa Jokanovic's side were swept aside by Manchester City.

The defending champions secured a 3-0 win at the Etihad on Saturday - and were guilty of missing a host chances to add to their advantage.

But Guardiola claimed newly-promoted Fulham would be responsible for a number of upsets this season.

"I give a lot of credit to Fulham," said the City manager. "Fulham asked a lot from us because they want to play.

"They will cause a lot of surprises in the Premier League, so I give a lot of credit for what we have done to win.

"3-0 is a good result - but we created a lot of chances to score five, six or seven goals.

"We have to be more clinical because goal difference is important."

Fulham's hopes of taking anything from the Etihad ended the moment Leroy Sane opened the scoring after just two minutes.

Further goals from David Silva and Raheem Sterling were the least City's dominance deserved.

Jokanovic said: "It was never going to be an easy game for us - and how we started the game and how we started the second half, it wouldn't be easy to find something positive.

"The result is completely fair.

"They showed they are one of the best teams in the world. They showed great possession of the ball, great attacking weapons.

"We didn't find our best effort level and without this, it is not easy."

The performance of Ryan Sessegnon did at least offer Jokanovic some encouragement - and he believes the highly-rated youngster is ready to test himself against the very best.

"It's a huge benefit for these kind of players (to play at this level)," said the Fulham manager. "I defend the opinion that the player should be part of the national team for the World Cup.

"He had 100 games in the Championship and now it is time for this player to play in these places. The benefit is huge.

"He's not a small kid. Part of the game and part of his profession is to win, draw and lose games.

"If you analyse the game, Ryan played good and I believe it is good for him and his development and his experience."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/man-city-pep-guardiola-backs-fulham-to-cause-lots-of-surprises-a3936991.html