Sunday Fulham Stuff (21/10/18)...

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Results

Saturday
Chelsea	2 - 2	Man Utd
Bournemouth	0 - 0	Southampton
Cardiff	4 - 2	Fulham
Man City	5 - 0	Burnley
Newcastle	0 - 1	Brighton
West Ham	0 - 1	Spurs
Wolves	0 - 2	Watford
Huddersfield	0 - 1	Liverpool

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Cardiff City 4-2 Fulham

Cardiff City overcame Fulham in a thrilling encounter to earn their first win of the season and lift themselves off the bottom of the Premier League table.

Andre Schurrle's spectacular 30-yard strike put the visitors ahead against the run of play but, within 10 minutes, they trailed against a resurgent Bluebirds side inspired by a fervent home crowd.

First, Josh Murphy equalised with a precise low finish, then Bobby Reid seized on frenetic Fulham defending to slot in his first goal for the club - only for Ryan Sessegnon to make it 2-2 before the break.

Fulham seemed to grow in confidence from that point, but Cardiff responded again, with Callum Paterson shooting on the turn to squeeze the ball into the bottom corner to make it 3-2.

Then, as the visitors went in search of a late equaliser, a slip from Tim Ream allowed Victor Camarasa to square the ball to Cardiff substitute Kadeem Harris, whose close-range finish prompted delirious celebrations among the home fans.

As well as lifting the Bluebirds from the foot of the table, the win also hauled them out of the relegation zone, with Fulham replacing them in the bottom three.

Cardiff finally taste victory
Neil Warnock said on Friday that he would not bet on Cardiff surviving this season - although, having then pointed out the odds were also against them winning promotion from the Championship last term, one got the impression the remark was tongue-in-cheek.

It was not without sincerity, though. After all, Cardiff had not won at home in the Premier League since beating Fulham here in March 2014.

There was hope for the hosts in the fact their opponents were the only team in the division yet to keep a clean sheet this season.

It was clear to see why that was the case. Either side of Schurrle's spectacular opener, Cardiff created chances with a frequency they had not enjoyed since they were in the Championship.

Murphy was their most potent threat, tormenting Calum Chambers to such an extent that the Fulham right-back was substituted at half-time.

Fittingly, it was Murphy who scored the equaliser, cushioning a brilliant long ball from Sol Bamba and advancing into the penalty area before firing into the bottom corner.

Cardiff's second owed more to luck, with Fulham unable to clear a free-kick and Aron Gunnarsson's block falling kindly to Reid, who threaded the ball between Marcus Bettinelli's legs.

Worryingly for the home side, however, they could not make this period of dominance count and still found themselves pegged back by Sessegnon's equaliser.

The sense of frustration was palpable, and so was the relief when Paterson swivelled smartly in the penalty area to guide his low, slow shot into the net.

If the celebrations after that goal were loud, the noise that greeted Harris' late fourth was deafening, as Cardiff's supporters dared to dream their team could yet again confound the odds this season.

Fulham's leaky defence proves costly again
Going into this game, Slavisa Jokanovic's side were without a victory since August, and their biggest concerns were defensive - having conceded eight goals in their previous two matches. Those worries worsened here.

Fulham were rattled by their opponents' purposeful start, and were disorganised and panicky under pressure.

But once Sessegnon drew them level - running on to Aleksandar Mitrovic's neat flick to finish with similar style - the visitors settled.

They kept possession and played with more composure in the second half, keeping Cardiff's direct attacks at bay for long periods.

Once again, however, their defensive frailties were exposed as Paterson restored the hosts' lead.

Fulham had chances to snatch a point, the best of which fell to former Swansea City centre-back Alfie Mawson, whose late header was superbly saved by Neil Etheridge. But a draw would have been a lucky escape for Fulham.

In the 87th minute there was a moment that crystallised their collective defensive effort, when Ream slipped near the halfway line, allowing Camarasa to run clear and set up Harris for Cardiff's fourth goal.

Man of the match - Josh Murphy (Cardiff)

The winger was in electrifying form, beating Fulham defenders regularly and scoring a fine goal to set up Cardiff's victory.

'I can enjoy my weekend now' - what they said

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock: "It's just a great feeling for everyone at the club. We have been playing well the last few weeks and not had the rub of the green. We persevered and they didn't let the disappointments get them down.

"We are made of stern stuff, the fans are unbelievable as well. In the second half we rolled our sleeves up and said, 'This is our season'.

"We wanted to have a go at them and we did. Everyone worked to the plan and on another day we could have got more, but I can't be too greedy. I can enjoy my weekend now."

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic: "We are frustrated after this kind of defeat. We weren't strong enough in our box. They scored easy goals, even when we defend in numbers they finish the action and score.

"We have so many problems in the defensive side but we have to find a solution. It's still early on in the competition, we can find improvement, we must be brave and keep going to fix our mistakes."

Cardiff are back in the goals - the stats

Cardiff have scored four or more goals in a top-flight game for the first time since September 1961 vs Chelsea (5-2).
Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon is the first player born in or after the year 2000 to score a Premier League goal. Sessegnon is also Fulham's youngest ever goalscorer in the Premier League (18 years 154 days).
Cardiff have won their first Premier League game since April 2014 (vs Southampton), ending a run of 12 matches without a victory.
Fulham have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League away games - the longest such run since QPR between October 2011 and November 2012 (also 23 games).
Cardiff's Josh Murphy scored in consecutive home league appearances for the first time in his career.
Fulham's Andre Schurrle has scored 73% of his Premier League goals in away games (11 of 15).

What's next?

Cardiff face a daunting trip to Anfield to face Liverpool next Saturday, 27 October (15:00 BST), while Fulham take on Bournemouth at Craven Cottage on the same day.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45847412

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was left once again to rue defensive errors after seeing his side's lead slip to be defeated 4-2 by Cardiff City.

The Whites went ahead after André Schürrle struck from range after 11 minutes only for Cardiff to score two goals in quick succession, Ryan Sessegnon struck just before the break to make it 2-2 before Cardiff added a further two goals in the second-half to condemn Fulham to defeat.

"First of all we are frustrated after this kind of defeat like today," said Jokanović.

"We conceded an easy goal, even when we defend in numbers, today we didn't find it, we made mistakes and I didn't find solutions for this kind of the situation.

"From another side, we are always creating things, we weren't especially confident with the ball but at the end we scored goals and we had the chances to score more but when we concede a minimum of two goals at the beginning of this Premier League, it's not easy for us to win the points.

Jokanović reshuffled his line-up once again and switched from the back five used against Arsenal to a back four against the Bluebirds.

Cyrus Christie was named on the bench with Calum Chambers starting at right-back, Maxime Le Marchand at left-back and Ryan Sessegnon featuring in an attacking role.

Jokanović said: "We played today with four defenders, with four centre-backs, even five at the end and we aren't defending in numbers, we are making mistakes, we are slicing, we are missing the ball.

"At the end it is Cardiff who are using the weapons they have in this team and push us a little bit and be a little bit more solid in our box, finding the way to score the goal.

"From our side, we must keep going and working and find the solution for this problem."

Fulham are back in Premier League action against Bournemouth at Craven Cottage next weekend and Jokanović can see comparisons to last season's slow start to the league.

"I am brave and my work is working, fighting to find solutions, like last season, if you want to bet against us it can be a little bit early for you.

"It's similar to last season when we were near the bottom of the Championship, we found a way to improve ourselves and to play like a team, fighting altogether to be more solid and more competitive and play better football.

"At the end, we showed today some positive things but these negative things, actually right now, kill us and we aren't solid enough, we aren't strong enough in our box and we are conceding so easily.

"In this way it's complicated to win the game and we must stop this kind of situation," he said. 



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/october/20/cardiff-city-reaction

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Cardiff 4-2 Fulham: Neil Warnock's side climb off the bottom of the Premier League table with first win of the season in six-goal thriller

    Andre Schurrle opened the scoring for Fulham after picking up the ball outside the box and letting fly
    Josh Murphy equalised for the hosts a few minutes later, and it wasn't long before Bobby Reid put them ahead
    Ryan Sessegnon then leveled the scores once again before the action-packed first half came to a close
    The second half started more calmly, but Cardiff's Callum Paterson put them ahead again in the 65th minute
    The final nail in the coffin was a late goal from Kadeem Harris, who capitalised on Fulham's defensive woes   
    Win means Cardiff climb off the bottom of the table, with Fulham replacing them in the relegation zone

At times, all that was missing at the Cardiff City Stadium was the Benny Hill theme music. Once again, the art of defending was lost on Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham.

Cardiff had scored only four times all season. In a single afternoon here they doubled their tally, with Fulham demonstrating why they have the worst defensive record in the Premier League.

They were the architects of their own downfall in Wales, with their panicking players conceding four goals that could have been prevented. Frankly, it was not pretty.


Andre Schurrle picked up the ball outside the box and shot from range to open the scoring for Fulham against Cardiff City


The German forward, who is on loan from Borussia Dortmund, has played in nine matches so far and scored four goals

It handed Neil Warnock's Cardiff their first win of the season. A confidence booster; proof that they will not give Derby County's 11-point record from 2007-08 a run for its money.

It all started so well for Jokanovic, too. Fulham took the lead with Andre Schurrle scoring the most casual of screamers from 35 yards out, before Cardiff answered with two goals of their own.

Ryan Sessegnon then became the first player born in or after the year 2000 to score in the Premier League, but Callum Paterson and Kadeem Harris competed the scoreline.

'We are conceding such easy goals,' Jokanovic confessed. 'We make mistakes. We are slicing. We miss the ball. We need to be more solid. These negative things kill us.'


Ryan Sessegnon was able to get his Fulham team back into it after scoring later on in the first half against Cardiff City


Fulham's goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli took a tumble while going up for the ball in the match between Fulham and Cardiff


Bettinelli collided with a team-mate, but he was fine to play on after a few nervy moments for the Fulham fans in the crowd

Moments later, Warnock walked into the press room and spied himself on a television screen being interviewed on Sky Sports. 'He looks happy, doesn't he?' he said. Indeed he was.

'At half time at 2-2, we said this is it, this is our season, 45 minutes,' Warnock added. 'We've waited a long time. It's been a long season with no results.'

Warnock's side started on top, so the sight of Fulham taking the lead out of the blue hit them like a sledgehammer. It hit the back of Neil Etheridge's net like one too as Schurrle let rip from 35 yards and found the top right corner.

Cardiff drew level after 15 minutes when Josh Murphy received possession when Calum Chambers seemed to have popped to the shops, leaving the left wing completely empty. The forward drove into the box and made it 1-1.

Chambers was fortunate to stay on the pitch when he dragged down last-man Murphy. Cardiff were furious, demanding a red card. Referee Kevin Friend decided a yellow sufficed.

After 20 minutes, it was 2-1 to Cardiff when they made a mess of their own set-piece but benefitted from a melee on the edge of Fulham's box. Eventually, Bobby Decordova-Reid broke through and tucked the ball underneath Marcus Bettinelli.

It became 2-2 after 33 minutes when Aleksandar Mitrovic snuck a through-ball for Sessegnon to score his first Premier League goal – a momentous moment for the 18-year-old.

The first half had been a nightmare for Arsenal loanee Chambers. As a result, Jokanovic hauled him off and introduced Alfie Mawson.

In the 65th minute, a cross led to confusion in the Fulham box. Tim Ream failed to clear, as did Kevin McDonald. Paterson pounced, getting to the ball before Mawson and scoring.

The game was soon killed off when Ream slipped, sparking a Cardiff attack. After several shots and attempted crosses, Harris found a finish for 4-2.

So the spoils went to Cardiff, who scored four-plus goals in a top-flight game for the first time since September 1961.

As for Fulham, they spent £105million in the summer to accommodate their lavish style of play but left wondering whether it is time to go back to basics.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6298005/Cardiff-4-2-Fulham-Cardiff-come-six-goal-thriller.html

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Football news - Cardiff smash four to claim first win as Fulham defence fails again

Premier League, Cardiff City Stadium - Cardiff 4 (Murphy 15, Reid 20, Paterson 65, Harris 87) Fulham 2 (Schurrle 11, Sessegnon 34)

The result enabled Cardiff to climb out of the relegation zone into 17th position on five points from nine games, leaping over Fulham on goal difference as the Cottagers dropped to 18th after their worst start to a top-flight season.

Second-half goals from Callum Paterson and Kadeem Harris clinched it for Cardiff after Josh Murphy and Bobby Reid had overturned Andre Schurrle's early opener for Fulham and Ryan Sessegnon had levelled for Fulham in a frantic opening period.

Former Germany striker Schurrle fired the west London side in front with a superb individual goal before clinical finishing by Murphy and Reid turned the match on its head inside the opening 20 minutes.

Sessegnon equalised with a composed finish before missing a pair of chances either side of halftime which ultimately proved costly for Fulham, the only Premier League side yet to keep a clean sheet this season.

Paterson pounced on a half-cleared cross to put Cardiff back in front before late substitute Harris sealed the contest in the 88th minute, sliding in at the far post to tuck the ball past goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.



https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/premier-league/2018-2019/_sto6979238/story.shtml

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Fulham player ratings: Dismal performances all-round in 4-2 defeat to Cardiff

Player ratings from Fulham's defeat to Cardiff City as the Cottagers put in an extremely poor showing

Fulham were beaten 4-2 by previously winless Cardiff City in what was a dismal performance from the Whites.

The away side started the game on the back foot but took the lead through a stunning Andre Schurrle strike - he picked the ball up 35 yards out, cut inside and rifled the ball into the top corner.

But Cardiff were level when Calum Chambers was caught out of position on the right, with Josh Murphy taking advantage before coolly finishing past Marcus Bettinelli.

They made it 2-1 thanks to yet another mistake at the back, this time through Tim Ream, who let the ball past him for Bobby Reid to slot under Bettinelli.

But Ryan Sessegnon, who just loves scoring against Cardiff, got the equaliser when he latched onto Aleksandar Mitrovic's through ball, finishing with a first time effort over Neil Etheridge.

It was a second half of less chances, but Cardiff took one when Ream botched his clearance, allowing Callum Paterson to tuck the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.

And the Welsh side made sure of it when they capitalised on a slip by Ream in the middle of the park - striking a few shots before Kadeem Harris eventually smashed home.

Here's how we rated the side:

Marcus Bettinelli - 3

Pulled off a few good saves during the first half. Struggled with the ball at his feet but read the game well to mop up balls over the top.

Maxime Le Marchand - 2

Struggled somewhat at left back during the first period as the defence looked all at sea. Settled better at left back during the second half but it wasn't a great game from the Frenchman.

Tim Ream - 2

Made a mistake that allowed Reid in to score Cardiff's second. Composed himself and made some decent stops and challenges through the game. Fluffed his clearance to allow Cardiff to score the third.

Denis Odoi - 4

Did okay at centre half but was moved out to right back, swapping with Chambers as Jokanovic looked for some solidity at the back. Did well out on the right, wanting to get on the ball to move Fulham forward.

Calum Chambers - 1

Was caught out of position for the Cardiff equaliser and struggled early on at right back. Had an awful game but was subbed off at half time through injury.

Kevin McDonald - 2

Struggled with the Cardiff press in the first half and made a few mistakes in the middle of the park. Continued that in the second in what was not a vintage K-Mac performance.

Stefan Johansen -3

Harried and hassled in a physical game that suited the Norwegian. Saw lots of the ball in the second half and looked the man to make something happen as he looked for openings in the Cardiff midfield.

Jean-Michael Seri - 3

Had a very quiet first half, not looking his usual composed self on the ball. Didn't do much better in the second half and was hooked with over half an hour left to play for Ayite.

Ryan Sessegnon - 4

Got his customary goal against Cardiff with a nice chip over Etheridge. Caused a few problems down the left but was on the end of a few bruising tackles throughout the game.

Andre Schurrle - 3

Opened the scoring with a stunning 30 yard strike. Dallied on the ball for too long that led to Cardiff's second. Wanted to make things happen but couldn't produce that final ball.

Aleksandar Mitrovic - 4

Struck a frustrated figure for most of the first half but his through ball for Sessegnon's goal was brilliant. Didn't see much of the ball in the second but battled well with Cardiff's physical centre halves.

Substitutes -

Alfie Mawson - 3

Was brought on for the injured Chambers at centre half and looked fairly solid in the tackle, but was still suspect to a mistake like the rest of the back four.

Floyd Ayite - 3

Came on and played in the number 10 role behind Mitrovic, but didn't really add much to the side.

Luciano Vietto - 5

Came on with just under ten to play but didn't really have time to do much in the game.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-player-ratings-dismal-performances-15305853

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Cardiff defeat Fulham to claim first victory

Bluebirds hit four goals as they secure their first victory since returning to the top flight

Cardiff City beat Fulham 4-2 for their first victory since returning to the Premier League.

Fulham took an 11th-minute lead thanks to Andre Schurrle's powerful long-range drive but were pegged back four minutes later by City's Josh Murphy.

Bobby Reid then finished beneath the onrushing Marcus Bettinelli to put Cardiff in front before Ryan Sessegnon's first Premier League goal made it 2-2 at half-time.

But the hosts were not to be denied as second-half goals from Callum Paterson and substitute Kadeem Harris took the match out of Fulham's reach.

With the win, Cardiff leapfrog Fulham into 17th with five points, a place above the Cottagers on goal difference.

Next fixtures

Cardiff: 27 Oct v Liverpool (A)
Fulham: 27 Oct v AFC Bournemouth (H)



https://www.premierleague.com/news/882836

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Fulham hopeful Tom Cairney will be in contention for game with AFC Bournemouth

The skipper has missed today's game with Cardiff but will return to training in the coming week

Fulham are hopeful that Tom Cairney will be in contention to make the squad for their game with AFC Bournemouth next week.

The skipper misses today's game with Cardiff City as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury that he suffered at the end of August in the side's 4-2 victory over Burnely.

He did make a return in the 3-1 loss over Everton last month, playing 26 minutes at Goodison Park, but suffered a set-back in his recovery that saw him withdraw from the Scotland squad for their fixtures against Israel and Portugal during the last international break.

Fulham used the international week to step up his recovery, taking the time during the break to get Cairney working out on the grass and he now looks set to return to first team training next week.

They remain hopeful that he will be in contention for the visit of Bournemouth at Craven Cottage on October 27, although it is unlikely he will be fit enough to start that game.

The injury that Cairney has been struggling with was similar to the knee one he suffered last season, with the actual injury clearing up but with pain remaining.

That has seen the 27-year-old sit out the games with Arsenal and the game with Cardiff, and with a number of crucial games coming, they will be keen for him to return to the side as soon as possible.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-hopeful-tom-cairney-contention-15305987

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Slavisa Jokanovic backs himself to find solution to Fulham's poor start to the season

Fulham have conceded 25 goals so far this season but the head coach is backing himself to turn it around

Slavisa Jokanovic has backed himseld to find a solution to Fulham's Premier League woes after his side losing 4-2 to Cardiff City.

The Bluebirds were bottom of the table and winless before Jokanovic's side visited South Wales, but goals from Josh Murphy, Bobby Reid, Callum Paterson and Kadeem Harris meant that Fulham were the first to fall to defeat against Neil Warnock's side.

It was a horrendous performance from all involved, with Andre Schurrle's wondergoal from 30 yards and Ryan Sessegnon's first Premier League goal the only good points from yet another defeat for the side.

That's now 25 goals conceded - by far and away the most in the division, with Fulham allowing a Cardiff side who had previously only managed four goals all season to put that same number past them this afternoon.

There's concern amongst fans that the side's defensive issues aren't be resolved, but Jokanovic has backed himself to be able to find a solution to Fulham's problems this season.

He said: "Yes [I believe I can find the solution], I am brave and at the end my work is working and fighting to find solution.

"Like last season, if you want to bet against us, it can be a bit early for you and it is similar to last season where we were in the bottom of the Championship.

"We must find a way to improve ourselves and to play like a team, fighting altogether to be more solid and competitive and play better football.

"We showed some positives, but these negatives kill us and we aren't solid or strong enough in our box and we are conceding so easy in this way.

"It's complicated to win the game and we must stop this kind of situation."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/slavisa-jokanovic-backs-himself-find-15307042

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Defiant Jokanovic insists he 'can find the solution'

Slavisa Jokanovic insisted he is the right man to steer Fulham away from trouble after their 4-2 loss at Cardiff.

Fulham slipped into the bottom three as a fourth defeat in five games was caused by yet more dreadful defending.

The Whites have the worst defensive record in the top flight, having now conceded 25 goals in nine games.

There were reports before the game that Jokanovic was under pressure, largely because of his team's appalling defending since he led them back to the Premier League.

But he said: "I can find the solution. My job is to keep working and fighting to find the solution.

"Last year people were against us, but we found a way to improve ourselves and be more competitive.

"We showed some positive things, but the negative things are killing us.

"I will keep going and keep working for my best XI."

But Jokanovic bemoaned the defending which has seen Fulham concede 12 goals in their last three games.

"We are frustrated after this kind of defeat," he said.

"We are conceding too many goals even when we defend in numbers.

"We made too many mistakes and we were not confident with the ball after we scored."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/i-can-find-the-solution-defiant-jokanovic-insists-he-is-the-right-man-for-fulham

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Cottage Talk Full Time - Cardiff 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 embarrassing 4-2 loss to Cardiff City. Co-host Max Cohen shared his frustrations after the match. We also debated if Fulham are in a relegation battle now.

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/2018/10/20/cottage-talk-full-time--cardiff-city-vs-fulham

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Roma considering January move for Maxwel Cornet

Fulham haven't been able to find their feet in the Premier League this season, with relegation being a possibility at this early stage.

The Cottagers will be desperate to climb up the table in the near future after spending a huge amount of money during the summer transfer window. Although, it appears as if they've suffered a setback in their pursuit of a reported target, as according to Corrierre della Sera (via Inside Futbol), Roma are eyeing a move for Maxwel Cornet.

Interestingly, it was reported that Fulham are looking at making an £18 million swoop for the Ivory Coast international in January.

The lack of regular game time has frustrated the winger and there are suggestions that he could consider an offer to leave the Ligue 1 giants during the January transfer window.

But, it's now thought that Italian side AS Roma are keeping a close eye on the forward and are considering making a move in January.

THE VERDICT:
Maxwel Cornet is an exciting forward that has the potential to succeed in the Premier League, but Fulham stand no chance of competing against a side like AS Roma, with European football guaranteed.

The Ivory Coast international would be a great addition alongside Aleksandr Mitrovic, but the London club need to focus more on grinding out positive results at this moment in time.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/roma-considering-january-move-for-maxwel-cornet/