Wednesday Fulham Stuff (02/01/19)...

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Arsenal 4-1 Fulham

Arsenal bounced back from their thrashing by Liverpool to beat Fulham and move two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

The Gunners suffered their heaviest defeat of the season on Saturday when they lost 5-1 at Anfield, but goals from Granit Xhaka, Alexandre Lacazette, Aaron Ramsey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang helped them to only their second win in six games.

After Ryan Sessegnon had missed two good chances for Fulham, Xhaka put the hosts ahead, finishing past Sergio Rico after a good cross from the impressive Alex Iwobi.

Lacazette doubled the lead when he finished off Sead Kolasinac's pull-back following a fine Arsenal passing move.

Aboubakar Kamara pulled one back from close range for Fulham, but Ramsey converted the Gunners' third after Aubameyang had hit the post.

Aubameyang's deflected shot gave Arsenal their fourth and a deserved three points.

Another goal for Aubameyang, but defensive worries continue

It had been a poor festive season for Arsenal as they only managed a 1-1 draw at Brighton on 26 December before their thrashing at Anfield.

The Gunners were again without Mesut Ozil, with the German still sidelined with the knee injury that kept him out of the Liverpool match, while Ramsey, out of contract in the summer and a transfer target for Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Juventus, Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid, was only among the substitutes.

Nevertheless, the hosts took a 25th-minute lead when Xhaka finished from Iwobi's cross and they ended the first half strongly with chances for Matteo Guendouzi, Xhaka and Aubameyang.

A wonderful passing move down the left wing after 10 minutes of the second half, involving Iwobi, Kolasinac and Lacazette, led to the Gunners' second as the Frenchman scored his seventh Premier League goal of the campaign.

Fulham pulled one back but Ramsey, who had only been on the pitch for four minutes, scored Arsenal's third after Aubameyang's effort had hit the post, before the Gabon striker added a fourth late on after a pass from Sokratis to score his 14th league goal of the season.

Arsenal started the game with three centre-halves - Laurent Koscielny, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi - but were lucky not to fall behind as Sessegnon twice missed good chances when it was goalless.

The Gunners changed to a back four at half-time but Fulham still created opportunities and Kamara's goal means the Gunners have not kept a clean sheet in six games in all competitions and have only stopped the opposition from scoring in three of 21 Premier League games in 2018-19.

Kamara back in Ranieri's good books

Arsenal's defensive problems do not compare to those of Claudio Ranieri's side, though. The Cottagers have now conceded 47 goals in 21 games, six more than any other side in the top flight.

Fulham had an early warning as Aubameyang missed a chance in only the second minute before Sessegnon should have given the visitors the lead but shot wide when he only had Bernd Leno to beat and then missed his kick from six yards out from Andre Schurrle's inviting cross.

Those misses proved costly as Xhaka was given too much space in the penalty area - escaping marker Tim Ream to finish past Sergio Rico and put the hosts in front.

Ranieri's team still had chances, but were again poor at the back as they were sliced apart with a beautifully-crafted goal from Lacazette after a fine passing move down the left wing.

But for all their defensive problems, Fulham were still creating opportunities and Mitrovic, who had earlier had a header saved on the line by Bernd Leno, was again denied by the German, before substitute Kamara tapped in from Sessegnon's cross.

In Fulham's previous match against Huddersfield, the Cottagers were awarded a penalty and Kamara grabbed the ball off normal penalty taker Mitrovic before seeing his effort saved by Terriers' goalkeeper Jonas Lossl.

Fulham still won that game 1-0, thanks to Mitrovic's late injury-time winner, but it did not stop manager Ranieri saying he "wanted to kill" the French forward after that match.

"Abou is a good boy. I said the matter was finished - he apologised to everybody," added the Italian after Tuesday's game.

Kamara's goal made it 2-1 to Arsenal, but any hopes of a Fulham fightback were quickly ended with two more Arsenal goals in a four-minute spell late on.

Ranieri's poor run against Arsenal continues - the stats

    Arsenal have scored 10 Premier League goals this season courtesy of substitutes, more than any other team.
    Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri has never won a Premier League match against Arsenal in 11 attempts (drew four, lost seven) and has a worse points-per-game ratio against the Gunners (0.36) than he does versus any other opponent in the competition.
    Arsenal have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 Premier League games.
    Granit Xhaka has scored three Premier League goals in 20 appearances for Arsenal in 2018-19 - as many as in his previous two seasons combined (3 in 70 games).
    Arsenal's Alex Iwobi has been directly involved in three goals in his last four Premier League appearances (1 goal, 2 assists), as many as in his previous 16 in the competition.
    Three of Alexandre Lacazette's seven Premier League goals for Arsenal this season have come against Fulham.
    Since the start of last season, Ryan Sessegnon has been directly involved in 31 league goals (including play-offs) for Fulham (18 goals, 13 assists), eight more than any other player for the club.
    Arsenal defender Sokratis registered an assist for the first time in his last 120 games in Europe's big five leagues, since 12 April 2014 (Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich).

Man of the match - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)

'We don't have the quality of Arsenal' - what they said

Arsenal manager Unai Emery said: "We wanted to win and this result will give confidence. We continued to push and create chances and we can be happy.

"It is normal for the fans to have some doubt at 2-1, but the team continued to do their work and played our planned game. I thought we deserved the scoreline. We scored with different players and we can continue to build our identity with the players."

On whether the club will be active in the transfer market, Emery added: "It depends if the transfer market can help you - only if there are players who can help us in different positions. The club is looking to see."

Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri, speaking to Sky Sports: "If you analyse the first half hour we created two great chances. The home crowd thought, 'what happened' and started to boo their players.

"But then Arsenal scored with their first chance because of our mistake and then we made another mistake and they scored. But we were back at 2-1 but then made more mistakes.

"We then got a little tired and we don't have the quality of Arsenal. It was not bad our performance."

Asked about any potential signings in January, Ranieri added: "Maybe it's something we have to do - I will speak to the owner.

"I'm very, very pleased with my players. If we have the chance to buy some good players then welcome."

What's next?

Both sides' next matches come in the third of the FA Cup with Arsenal at League One Blackpool on Saturday, 5 January (17:30 GMT), before Fulham entertain League Two outfit Oldham Athletic the following day (14:00 GMT).

Their next Premier League games come on 12 January, with Arsenal away at West Ham, and Fulham at fellow strugglers Burnley.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46677557

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Manager Reaction

Claudio Ranieri was not downbeat about the defeat against Arsenal and was impressed with the chances created by Fulham.

Fulham went into the break 1-0 down after Granit Xhaka poked home from close range, and shortly into the second-half Alexandre Lacazette doubled that lead.

The Fulham Manager then made three quick substitutions and one of those, Aboubakar Kamara, halved the deficit with twenty minutes to go and almost assisted Aleksandar Mitrović only to be denied by Bernd Leno.

Arsenal regrouped however and Aaron Ramsey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ensured the game finished 4-1.

"It was a strange match because when you come to Arsenal you know the quality of the players is different, because we are in the relegation zone and they are in a higher position," said Ranieri.

"I was so pleased with my players because in the first 30 minutes we played so well, we pressed high and we created two great chances to score goals and the Arsenal fans weren't happy with their team.

"But when they created the first chance we made a mistake because the goal came from the heart of the box and we were too wide in that position.

After they created another two chances, we have to stay more concentrated in every circumstance. In the second-half again we made mistakes and they scored again.

"And after we reopened the match, 2-1, and then we created another two chances to draw the match.  But then of course after we were tired and the skill of the players of Arsenal was amazing and they created more chances and they could score more goals. At the end it's 4-1 and we have to shut up and say well done to them," he said.

When questioned whether he had to put an arm around Ryan Sessegnon after he nearly opened the scoring for Fulham in the first-half before firing wide, Ranieri said he was happy to see his side making opportunities.

"I'm very satisfied with Ryan because it's important to create chances. There are matches where you score chances and there are matches where you don't score the goals.

"That's it, now we have to stay together again, we know every match is crucial to us, not just Arsenal, not just Burnley, it's important to stay positive. 

"To see what happened today, I showed to my players their mistakes because when you play the big teams they move the ball very quickly and the movement must be quick to close all the space.

"My defence has improved a lot but when you play against these kind of players who are fast, skilled, that is where you are to improve more," said the Fulham Manager.

Kamara was at the heart of the controversy against Huddersfield Town for taking and subsequently missing a penalty intended for Mitrović but Ranieri insisted that there is no rift with him and the player.

"For me it is finished. I have no grudge. He apologised immediately to me, the Club, his teammates and for me it is finished there because I need all the players," said Ranieri.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/january/01/manager-reaction-arsenal

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Flattered But Three Valuable Points For The Gunners

Unai Emery opted to retain Bernd Leno and reverted to a back three of Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Skhodran Mustafi, and Laurent Koscielny for the visit of Fulham. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac flanked Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi with Lucas Torreira dropping to the bench. Alex Iwobi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and (Hallelujah!) Alexandre Lacazette were selected as the attacking trio. There was no sign of Mesut Ozil.

As early as the second minute a flowing move opened up Fulham's right flank but Aubameyang couldn't keep his flick from Iwobi's cross below crossbar height.

A ninth minute rampage down the same flank by Kolasinac resulted in a corner that Xhaka carelessly swung out of play. Fulham's first clear break saw Sessegnon sprint clear for a one on one with Leno but mercifully he pulled his curling effort wide of the far post. A warning sign indeed and met with  the first rumblings of discontent from the home support.

Guendouzi's attempt to free Lacazette was appreciated by the striker but it fell comfortably for Fulham goalkeeper, Rico. Again Sessegnon was put clear by Schurrle but miskicked and his second big miss was to prove costly moments later when Xhaka was put in a similar position by Iwobi and calmly finished to give us the lead on 25 minutes.

The Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
Leno was called on to save when Mitrovic out-muscled our entire back three to send a close range header on target. Back we surged through Iwobi and Kolasinac who teed up Xhaka once more. Rico somehow kept it out, more by luck than design.

Next up everybody had to do a double-take as Sokratis set of on a mazy run, cut-in, and fierce drive that was blocked. Yes, Sokratis! We were a coat of paint away from a second when Lacazette and Iwobi teed up Aubameyang for a near post header.

Next to be put in the clear was Lacazette but Rico scrambled the ball clear with his right leg as the Gunners attempted to tighten the screw. A strong finish to the half hinted at a second-half to be enjoyed.

Lucas Torreira was introduced at half-time for Mustafi and we kicked-off set-up with a flat back four, although Xhaka was quick to double back aas Fulham started the stronger after the break.

Ten minutes into the half the Gunners struck against the run of play when Kolasinac, Iwobi, and Aubameyang opened Fulham up again and laid it on a plate for Lacazette who made no mistake with his right foot. That's why he should be starting matches!

The Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
Lacazette was denied a second in quick succession by Rico as The Arsenal attempted to cut loose. Claudio Ranieri made all three substitutions in a five minute spell to disrup the Gunners flow. One of those substitutes, Seri, caught Lacazette with a flailing arm in the box. No penalty resulted, surprisingly.

Presented with yet another close range header Mitrovic headed straight at Leno but Fulham were back in it after Seri was adjudged not to have fouled Torreira, and Kamara was presented with a tap in at an unguarded far post by Sessegnon as the defenders just stopped playing to the whistle.

The Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
Emery withdrew Lacazette to make way for the departing Ramsey. The reaction of the crowd emphasised their displeasure at the substitution. In a midfield scramble that followed Fosu-Mensah went over the top on Xhaka and was fortunate perhaaps that the colour of the card was just yellow.

Ramsey, ironically, eased the nerve netting our third from the rebound after Aubameyang's shot from a Kolasinac cross cannoned back into his path.

The Arsenal 3-1 Fulham
Guendouzi sprung Aubameyang once more but once again Rico came out on top in the one on one. That delayed the inevitable. Sokratis teed him up for a deflected effort, and Aubameyang cartwheeled once more. It was cash-out time for the 'holic pound.

The Arsenal 4-1 Fulham
The cash-out proved unnecessary but I was not about to risk a couple of hundred quid on either defence. A happy if unconvincing start to 2019 for the Gunners. Better days await, hopefully.


http://goonerholic.com/2019/01/flattered-but-three-valuable-points-for-the-gunners/

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Arsenal glimmer with potential in routine victory over Fulham – but questions remain

Arsenal 4-1 Fulham: Despite the comfortable nature of the win, there will be questions about other aspects of the hosts' game

Will 2019 be a year of Arsenal progress? That is what everyone at the Emirates is wondering and this routine 4-1 win over Fulham showed glimmers of promise as well as questions Unai Emery still has to answer.

The individual attacking quality of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette remains this team's biggest strength. Both men started here, each impressed with his movement and incisive skill, and each of them scored. It was Aubameyang's 14th of the season in the Premier League, and in truth he could have had a hat-trick today. For as long as he stays fit and firing, Arsenal will always be a force.

But there will still be questions about other aspects of Arsenal's game, especially the defence. No this was not as bad as getting shredded at Anfield on Saturday, but then you do not even need a quick glance at the table to see that Liverpool are a significantly better team than Fulham. Even here Arsenal gave up chances, and looked open on the break. Starting with a back three, moving to a back four, it still feels as if Emery does not know his best team or balance. Answering that will be crucial how well Arsenal do this year.

What was so infuriating for Fulham today is the fact that they could have made more of an impression on this game. They came here to counter-attack and in the first half, before they eventually conceded, they had two moments that could have been decisive for their whole season. First Tom Cairney played in Ryan Sessegnon, racing away down the right, before he bent his shot just the wrong side of the post. Then, from another break, Andre Schurrle's cross from the left found Sessegnon but he miskicked at the far post.

Score either of those and Fulham would have held an invaluable lead. The crowd might start to turn, Arsenal would get more anxious and there might even be more chances to score on the break. Victory here could have been transformational for Fulham's season. The only teams they have beaten in the league so far this season are Burnley, Southampton and Huddersfield. To win here would have catalysed their confidence in the race to avoid relegation.

But it did not happen like that and Fulham can only look at themselves for this loss. Because this game was daunting but it was also winnable. And it ended the way it did as much because of Fulham's errors as because of Arsenal's excellence.

When Arsenal took the lead it did not come as the climax of waves of pressure. It certainly did not feel inevitable. In fact, they were just the beneficiaries of some bizarrely lax Fulham defending. Even though this is a team battling to stay in the Premier League, managed by Claudio Ranieri, here playing with a back five, they still left Arsenal far too much room to walk the ball into the net. Alex Iwobi had the ball on the left and clipped in a simple cross, Granit Xhaka jogged forward, past Tim Ream, and put the ball into the net. Fulham might accept being beaten by Arsenal's superior quality, but they cannot accept being beaten like this.

After Arsenal had scored their sluggish play started to improve, and they should have had a second goal later on in the first half. Xhaka shot at Sergio Rico after Sead Kolasinac's pull-back, Aubameyang headed wide from Iwobi's cross and then Alexandre Lacazette forced another save from Rico after muscling his way through.

But the pattern of the game had clearly changed, and the lead had injected Arsenal with confidence. At half-time Emery turned up the pressure, taking off Shkodran Mustafi for Lucas Torreira, switching to a 4-3-3, pinning Fulham back. And so while the first Arsenal goal came out of the blue, the second did feel inevitable when it came. Again it started with Iwobi, he found Aubameyang who cut past two defenders, Kolasinac overlapped and pulled the ball back, and Lacazette took a touch, took his time, and buried his finish.

Now Fulham really had to gamble and Claudio Ranieri threw on Jean Michael Seri and Aboubakar Kamara, hoping to disrupt Arsenal with some physicality. And it worked. Seri's first decisive contribution was a clever cross from the right but Aleksandar Mitrovic's free header was straight at Bernd Leno. But it did not matter, because two minutes later Fulham did pull one back. Again Seri was involved, starting a move that then saw Cairney find Sessegnon out on the left. He crossed low to the far post and there was Kamara, only just on the pitch, to tuck the ball in.

But it was an Arsenal substitute who scored the next goal, putting them 3-1 up and ending the game as a contest. Aaron Ramsey's introduction for Lacazette had been booed by some fans but he was the man to finish into the top corner after Aubameyang's close range effort hit the post. Like the second goal, the chance came from Kolasinac's cross from high up the pitch.

That was the end of Fulham's brief flicker of resistance and soon enough Arsenal had their fourth goal. Sokratis freed Aubameyang on the right and his shot took a big deflection off Tim Ream and looped up and into the net. It felt like a fair reward for Arsenal's quality, if maybe not for their dominance.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-fulham-result-goals-report-xhaka-aubameyang-ramsey-lacazette-a8706881.html

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Fulham given another thrashing by Arsenal

Arsenal 4 Fulham 1

Goals from Granit Xhaka, Alexandre Lacazette, Aaron Ramsey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang consigned Fulham to another heavy defeat.

The Premier League strugglers, thrashed 5-1 at home by Arsenal in October, pressed well in the opening stages and kept the Gunners at bay, aside from an early chance for Aubameyang, who should have done better when he fired over from close range in the first two minutes.

A slick passing move cut through Arsenal with ease on 15 minutes with Ryan Sessegnon through on goal, but he placed his effort wide before the teenager failed to make contact with a pinpoint André Schürrle cross with the goal at his mercy.

Xhaka then made them pay moments later with nobody picking up his run into the box, as the Swiss brought down a ball in from Alex Iwobi to poke home.

While the Whites had chances to equalise through Schürrle and Aleksandar Mitrović, they had goalkeeper Sergio Rico to thank for a string of fine saves from Xhaka and Lacazette in the first half.

But the Frenchman made no mistake shortly after the restart with tidy interplay between Iwobi, Aubameyang and Sead Kolašinac teeing him up to double Arsenal's lead.

Subsititute Aboubakar Kamara gave Fulham hope midway through the second half, pulling one back by tapping in at the back post from Sessegnon.

But the hosts cut short Fulham's revival and made sure of the victory with 10 minutes to go as Ramsey fired home a rebound and Aubameyang's deflected shot looped in, leaving the Whites in nineteenth place at the start of the new year.

Fulham: Rico; Christie (Fosu-Mensah 56), Odoi, Le Marchand, Ream, Bryan; Cissé (Seri 61), Cairney; Schürrle (Kamara 61), Mitrović, Sessegnon.
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Johansen, Ayité, Vietto.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/arsenal-v-fulham-premier-league-report-0119

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Arsenal beat Fulham to lift top-four hopes

Goals from Xhaka, Lacazette, Ramsey and Aubameyang earn 4-1 win at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal revived their top-four hopes with a 4-1 victory over Fulham at Emirates Stadium.

After Ryan Sessegnon had missed two good chances to put Fulham ahead, Arsenal led through Granit Xhaka, who converted Alex Iwobi's cross.

Ten minutes after the break Sead Kolasinac crossed to Alexandre Lacazette, who fired in to make it 2-0.

Fulham pulled a goal back when substitute Aboubakar Kamara sidefooted in Sessegnon's cross.

But another substitute, Aaron Ramsey, restored Arsenal's two-goal lead before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed victory with a deflected strike, his 14th PL goal of the season.

A first win in three means Arsenal are fifth on 41 points, two behind Chelsea. Fulham remain 19th on 14 points.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/963592

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Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang strikes again to finish off Fulham

Having wobbled and tumbled over a challenging Christmas week, Arsenal got back on the bike on Tuesday. They did so a little gingerly but ended an afternoon freewheeling past Fulham feeling buoyed by the restorative power of points and goals.

Last week's slips at Brighton and, more punishingly, Liverpool came as a large dollop of reality for a club whose path to a new post-Wenger way was always likely to be a bumpy one. A reaction was needed – both from Unai Emery and from his players.

The Premier League's original Tinkerman, Claudio Ranieri, knows all about the benefits and perils of high-intensity squad juggling and it will not have gone unnoticed how Emery has attacked this project with a penchant for impatiently shuffling his pack before and during games. The search for his most balanced side is an ongoing one, not helped by the vulnerabilities in defence that are so hard to cure with relentless injuries in that department.

But for all the angst about Arsenal's goals conceded column, goal creation and execution also needed attention, having dipped of late. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were granted a rare start side by side (something they experienced only once in 10 games before this fixture). It is one of Arsenal's enduring curiosities that both Emery and his predecessor showed reluctance to play their two strongest attackers as a pair. Both had opportunities. Both got on the scoresheet. For all that it might feel risky for Arsenal to start two strikers, it does seem riskier not to.

Emery pondered it afterwards and touched upon the big balance question. That was something Ranieri also had in his mind. Fulham brought a sense of adventure, even if marrying that to defensive stability was not easy. They carved out two fantastic chances for the speedy Ryan Sessegnon in the first half. Aleksandar Mitrovic's hulking presence was another menace as defenders bounced off him and Bernd Leno had to be alert to keep out a couple of his headers.

Just as Arsenal were feeling the pressure they pulled themselves together to score. Sead Kolasinac and Alex Iwobi combined all afternoon and when the ball was floated in Granit Xhaka was unmarked with enough time to chest the ball down and pass it into the net.

Arsenal chances came regularly and they got a cushion early in the second half. Iwobi was involved, creating the space for a spate of quickfire passing involving Aubameyang and Kolasinac, and Lacazette was on hand to smash the ball in.

Lacazette was disappointed not to be awarded a penalty when Jean Michaël Seri caught him with an outstretched leg as he burst forwards in the box. Nothing was given by the referee, Graham Scott. Seri was instrumental in Fulham cutting the deficit moments later. He bundled over Lucas Torreira and advanced to play a key role in the move that ended with Sessegnon crossing for the substitute Aboubakar Kamara to tap in.

The Fulham bench was all smiles this time after the weekend penalty brouhaha. "I have no grudge," Ranieri explained. "He apologised immediately to me, his teammates, the club and it is finished there. I need all my players. I kill but after I give oxygen to them."

The mood lurched. Briefly Fulham attacked at will and Arsenal's anxiety gnawed. The air of discontent took a notable turn as the substitution of Lacazette for Aaron Ramsey was greeted by boos – the first time Arsenal supporters aired an audible challenge to Emery. "You need a cold mind to make a decision," he said. "Every supporter can have a different opinion but I need to do my work." It was not such a bad change after all, as the Welshman eased some nerves by scoring Arsenal's third on the rebound after Aubameyang struck a post.

It looked like one of those days for Arsenal's top scorer, who went close a handful of times, but his goal came eventually, albeit aided by a deflection. He went over to the bench to celebrate with Lacazette. The Arsenal hierarchy, and where certain players fit into it, remains an intriguing conundrum in the Emery era. Again Mesut Özil was absent and the Ramsey situation – with his contract running down while he continues to contribute – adds to the complicated strands that need tidying up.

Defensive imrprovement is Emery's priority. "Today was the first time we could play with Sokratis [Papastathopoulos], [Shkodran] Mustafi and [Laurent] Koscielny," he said. "Then came an injury from Mustafi in the first half so we changed to a back four. We are very happy with the attacking players. We need defence also to take more balance and improve. We need to work. We need to prepare for to do better for the second half of the season."

The prospect of any arrivals to bolster that department is difficult but open. "The club is working, watching different possibilities," Emery said. "Maybe we can if the transfer market gives an opportunity to sign one or two players."

Ranieri is also on the hunt for reinforcements and refinement. "My defence improved a lot but, when you play against these type of players that are fast, skilled, that is where you have to improve more," he said. "They have to be faster. If there will be an opportunity for us I am sure our chairman will help us to stay in the Premier League."



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jan/01/arsenal-fulham-premier-league-match-report

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Cottage Talk Full Time: Arsenal vs. Fulham
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images

In this episode, we shared our "initial reactions" to Fulham's 4-1 loss to Arsenal. Co-host Max Cohen was at the match, and he shared what he watched at the Emirates.


We will also have a post match show on this match soon. You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/1/1/18164114/cottage-talk-full-time-arsenal-vs-fulham

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Fulham analysis: New year yet same mistakes but Ryan Sessegnon a cause for optimism


AFP/Getty Images

Fulham remain firmly mired in the bottom three after slipping to a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Though goals from Granit Xhaka, Alexandre Lacazette, Aaron Ramsey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were enough to earn a vital win for Arsenal, Fulham will reflect on what might have been had they been similarly clinical in front of goal.

Ryan Sessegnon spurned two fine chances before Xhaka opened the scoring and substitute Aboubakar Kamara's 69th-minute strike to bring the scoreline to 2-1 raised hopes Claudio Ranieri's side might claim at least a point from their visit to north London.

As it is the Cottagers remain in 19th position, a point from safety having played a game more than those around them.

New Year, same mistakes

Granit Xhaka's opener will have been all too familiar to Fulham fans this season. Michail Antonio scored a similar one a few weeks ago. James Maddison's for Leicester last month was not all that dissimilar. On each occasion a nominal midfield screener, on this occasion Tom Cairney, had failed to track a runner and protect the edge of the area.

This time Xhaka was able to drift inside and, with Fulham's centre-backs preoccupied by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, pounce on a chance.

It must have made a pleasant change for Xhaka, so often the one falling asleep himself, to come up against a defence as chaotic as Arsenal's has been in recent years.

Fulham were making these errors under Slavisa Jokanovic. They are making them under Claudio Ranieri, whose recent run of two clean sheets in three comes with the sizeable caveat that they came against Huddersfield and Newcastle. It would seem the Tinkerman still has much work to do.

Fulham must spend on defence... but there are no guarantees they will do so wisely

If the January transfer window is about rectifying the mistakes of the summer then Fulham have much to do. Though their attack crafted chances in abundance it was at the other end they struggled and that was little wonder.

Simply put a three-man defence of Denis Odoi, Tim Ream and Maxime Le Marchand is not up to scratch in the Premier League. Lacazette and Aubameyang proved as much, ripping through the trio at will.

Fulham knew as much in the summer, when they brought in Calum Chambers and Alfie Mawson to replicate their England U21 pairing in the top flight. That didn't work and it may be some time before they reprise the act with the latter having suffered a knee injury in the win over Huddersfield.

That has only made Fulham's need to find a quality centre-back all the more pressing. They will also be hunting a new left-back having failed to meet Southampton's demands for Matt Targett until too late in the summer window. A midfielder and right-back would not go amiss. In short, a squad that had £100million spent on it requires major surgery.

Will Fulham spend it well? Though injuries have sidelined some and Calum Chambers was ineligible to face his parent club just four of the 12 players who arrived in the summer were in Ranieri's starting XI, one of them a holdover from last January in Aleksandar Mitrovic. If the Cottagers repeat the approach that secured them Fabri, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Le Marchand it is hard to see them taking major strides away from the relegation zone.

Seri learns from Ranieri message

Securing a player who a year ago was bound for Barcelona, and beating Borussia Dortmund in the process, was supposed to announce Fulham as a serious Premier League force. Instead Jean-Michael Seri has become indicative of so many of the flaws in this squad.

Having withdrawn the Ivory Coast International for Aboubakar Kamara 45 minutes into the Huddersfield win Claudio Ranieri went one further with Seri today, relegating him to the bench for the first time in his tenure. In his place came Ibrahima Cisse, starting his first league match for Fulham since September 9 2017.

It was hard not to think Ranieri had made the right decision. Cisse may lack the technical aplomb of the man he replaced but he at least threw himself at any loose ball that came his way.

Still Seri's quality shone through after his introduction on 61 minutes as he played a crucial role in the build-up to Kamara's goal. It might just be that this warning shot from Ranieiri brings the best out of the hugely talented midfielder.

No goals but Sessegnon on the right track

Ryan Sessegnon could well have swung today's game in Fulham's favour had he taken the two promising chances that fell his way before Xhaka opened the scoring for Arsenal. Doubtless he will leave the Emirates disappointed but Ranieri ought to be pleased at a performance much more reminiscent of the youngster's remarkable displays in the Championship last season.

A smartly placed assist for Kamara was a sign that Sessegnon, who spent too much of the early months of the season dropping deep, is starting to rediscover his penalty box instincts. If that is the case Fulham become a much more dangerous attacking force




https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham/fulham-analysis-new-year-yet-same-mistakes-but-ryan-sessegnon-a-cause-for-optimism-a4028101.html

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Ranieri says Fulham need pace at the back

Manager Claudio Ranieri says his team needs to be faster at the back after Fulham's defence was once again dismantled.

Despite starting brightly and threatening to equalise on multiple occasions, the Whites' goals-against column for the season reached 47 on New Year's Day with another heavy defeat at the hands of Arsenal.

"It was a strange, strange match. When you come to Arsenal, you know the quality of the players is different," said Ranieri, who has never managed a victory over the Gunners in his career.

"I was so pleased with my players because for the first 30 minutes we played so well. We pressed higher, we created two great chances to score, and the Arsenal fans weren't happy with their team.

"But we made a mistake. The goal came from the heart of the box. We were too wide. In the second half again, we made mistakes, and they scored again.

"We reopened the match, but then we were tired. The skill of the Arsenal players is amazing and they made more chances. At the end, 4-1, you have to say 'shut up, well done' to them."

But with Fulham remaining in the relegation zone as the January transfer window opens, the Italian is confident that owner Shahid Khan will support his wishes to bolster the back line.

Ranieri added: "I spoke every day with everybody, and if there will be an opportunity for us, I'm sure my chairman will help the club to stay in the Premier League.

"My defence has improved a lot. But when you play against these kinds of players, they are fast, skilful. That's what we have to improve – being faster than them."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/ranieri-says-fulham-need-pace-at-the-back-and-expects-new-signings

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Claudio Ranieri rues costly Fulham mistakes at Arsenal
Fulham beaten 4-1 by the Gunners at the Emirates

Claudio Ranieri was left ruing the mistakes which led to his Fulham side losing 4-1 at Arsenal on New Year's Day.

Fulham started brightly at the Emirates but, after Ryan Sessegnon spurned two golden opportunities, Granit Xhaka broke the deadlock for Arsenal.

Alexandre Lacazette then doubled their lead and, though Aboubakar Kamara halved the deficit, Aaron Ramsey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went on to seal a flattering victory for Unai Emery's side.

The defeat leaves Fulham 19th in the Premier League table, and Ranieri was left wondering what could have been if his side had taken their chances.

Ranieri said: "If you analyse you think, okay, the first half-an-hour before their first goal, we created two great chances. The Arsenal crowd was, 'Oh! What happened?' and started to boo their players.

"But they scored with their first chance because we made mistakes in the middle of the box. In the second half, other little mistakes.

"After we re-opened the match and had two chances to draw. But when you make mistakes against a big team, and then also we were a little tired, we don't have the quality of Arsenal. Four goals, but I do not think our performance was bad. We could have drawn."

Ranieri opted to drop Kamara to the bench after the forward defied the penalty hierarchy at Fulham to take - and miss - a spot-kick against Huddersfield last time out.

But after Kamara came off the bench to make the scoreline 2-1 and cause some momentary concern for Arsenal, Ranieri said: "Abou is a good man. Sometimes he's a little more generous and [sometimes he] makes mistakes. He understood and is very important for us."

With the January transfer window now open, Ranieri admitted he will need to strengthen with his side embroiled in a relegation battle.

"I think it's something we have to do, but I will speak with the owner," Ranieri said.

"We have to improve, but I am very pleased with my players because they tried to do their best - that is important. If we have the chance to buy some good players - welcome."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11596321/claudio-ranieri-rues-costly-fulham-mistakes-at-arsenal

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I killed him, but softly! Ranieri holds no grudge against Kamara

Aboubakar Kamara said sorry after defying his manager's instructions but Claudio Ranieri insists the matter is now in the past.

Claudio Ranieri has no issue with Aboubakar Kamara after the Fulham forward apologised for defying orders with his missed penalty against Huddersfield Town.

Aleksandar Mitrovic was assigned spot-kick duties by his manager but Kamara took matters into his own hands on Saturday at Craven Cottage, dismissing the Serbia international to have a go himself from 12 yards.

The French forward's effort was saved by Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl and while Mitrovic spared his team-mate's blushes with a late winner, Ranieri said in his post-match interview he wanted to "kill" the player for going against his instructions.

However, the experienced Italian manager was able to joke about his previous comments following the 4-1 loss to Arsenal on New Year's Day, with Kamara scoring Fulham's goal after coming on as a second-half substitute.

"For me it's finished. I hold no grudge," Ranieri told the media at Emirates Stadium. "I killed him, but softly!"

Addressing the matter more seriously, he added: "He apologised immediately, to me, his team-mates and the club. It's finished there.

"I need all my players. I kill [them], but after I give the oxygen to them."

Fulham were unable to spring a surprise against the Gunners at the end of a busy festive period, though Ranieri was still pleased with the performance.

Ryan Sessegnon failed to take two excellent opportunities with the score still at 0-0, while Kamara's tap-in finish made it 2-1 with just over 20 minutes remaining.

However, late goals from Aaron Ramsey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put the hosts out of sight, leaving Fulham stuck in 19th place in the table.

"It was a strange match. When you come to Arsenal you know the quality of the players is different, because we are in the relegation zone and they are in a position higher up [the table]," Ranieri said.

"But I was so pleased with my players. For the first 30 minutes we played so well, pressed higher and created two great chances.

"The Arsenal fans were not happy with their team. But, when they created the first chance, we made a mistake because it came through the heart of the box and we were too wide.

"In the second half, again, we made mistakes and they scored. We re-opened the match at 2-1, and we created another two chances to draw level, but after we were tired and the skill of the Arsenal players is amazing.

"At the end, 4-1, you have to shut up and say well done to them."



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/i-killed-him-softly-ranieri-holds-no-grudge-against-kamara#P5q2s8yslOaqcCj2.99

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SOLUTION Fulham reportedly closing in on Chelsea defender Gary Cahill in attempt to solve defensive woes

The centre-back's contract at Stamford Bridge runs out at the end of the season

Fulham are reportedly on the verge of winning the race to sign Chelsea's Gary Cahill.

The 33-year-old is understood to be seen by manager Claudio Ranieri as a potential solution to their defensive problems with the side having kept just two clean sheets so far this season.


Cahill has played mainly Europa League and Carabao Cup matches in 2018/19

According to The Sun, Cahill may head to Craven Cottage on loan for the second half of 2018/19, if a permanent deal is not agreed between the clubs.

His Chelsea contract runs out at the end of the current campaign and he's been seriously struggling for game time under new manager Maurizio Sarri.

The Englishman has played just once in the Premier League this season – as a substitute – hence why a move to a side in need of defensive improvements seems attractive.

On New Year's Day, Fulham were beaten 4-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates, meaning that they have now conceded 47 goals in 21 games this season.



https://talksport.com/football/467131/fulham-reportedly-closing-in-on-chelsea-defender-gary-cahill-in-attempt-to-solve-defensive-woes/

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Arsenal 4 Fulham 1: Thank god it was Fulham

They say that every performance incorporates the one before it, and on this evidence, few idioms are more accurate. In fact, despite Fulham being second bottom and shipping 47 goals this season, it was difficult to determine who had the more shambolic back line.

Following the Liverpool debacle, it was hardly surprising that Arsenal should start nervously, and it didn't help that the back five comprised a Greek tragedy wedged between two braying donkeys, a 21-year-old right wing back being played out of position and a left wing back that is to defending what Sam Allardyce is to total football.

In front of them was perched a 19-year-old and the perpetually concussed Granit Xhaka. Everywhere those seven players looked they saw a mistake waiting to happen. Sorry, but trying to coach discipline into that lot is like to trying to win a sack race when your one's loaded with loving bricks.

Clearly, some of these players will never improve. Hopefully, the youngsters will, and perhaps days like today will help them in some perverse way. I mean, there was a time when I didn't know how to read, and even though my schooling was predominantly non-existent, somehow I managed to figure it out for myself.

Watching this Arsenal side trying to play cohesive football was almost like watching a zombie sliced through the middle with its entrails leaving a bloody mess. The front portion, where the brain is, was largely intact; the rest stumbled haphazardly from one colossal cock up to the next, seemingly devoid of its own central nervous system.

What on earth is Emery supposed to do with a buffoon like Mustafi? He played like a drunk, clumping the ball upfield with such wayward crudity it was an insult to paraplegics. Neither Koscielny or Sokratis were much better; neither can play out from the back and when they gave the ball to Xhaka he treated it with the same loving care you'd give to a hand grenade stuffed in your Xmas stocking.

No wonder Emery is eyeing Banega. Guendouzi desperately needs some experience he can look up to. Someone to give him a glance, point a figure, some assurance. He plays remarkably well considering. It makes you wonder how good he might be when surrounded by, erm, footballers.

Anyway, the story of this match was that Fulham were just as bad defensively, but thankfully Arsenal have clinical finishers and they don't. Nothing more to say - forget and move on.

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Leno (6): Received so many back passes he could probably audition for Swan Lake
Maitland-Niles (6): Did reasonably well considering
Mustafi (2): An embarrassment to his profession
Sokratis (4): You can bet he's never played in a defence this bad
Koscielny (4): His dumbass hospital ball led to Fulham's goal
Kolasinac (5): Has a value going forward, but you can't seriously expect him to stay long term
Guendouzi (6): 19 years old and probably the most composed player on the pitch
Xhaka (5): Despite scoring, he was otherwise brain dead
Iwobi (6): Final ball often disappoints, but at least he had some impact
Lacazette (7): Decent performance all round
Aubameyang (6): Starting to miss a few easy chances, but still chipping in

Subs

Torreira (5): Definitely looks a bit tired, but Arsenal a little more solid with his help
Ramsey (6): Oh how the crowd sneered at Emery's substitution of Lacazette. Oh how they should apologise
Saka (-): Not on long enough to judge



http://arsenaltruth.squarespace.com/arsenal-truth/2019/1/1/arsenal-4-fulham-1-thank-god-it-was-fulham.html