Monday Fulham Stuff - 19/10/20...

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Results

Sunday
Sheff Utd	1-1	Fulham
Palace	1-1	Brighton
Spurs	3-3	West Ham
Leicester	0-1	Villa

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Sheffield United 1-1 Fulham

Sharp scored from the spot for Sheffield United, four minutes after coming on

Substitute Billy Sharp scored a late penalty to earn Sheffield United their first point of the season in a draw with Fulham in the Premier League.

Sharp fired in from the spot after Ademola Lookman's excellent solo effort had put the visitors ahead at Bramall Lane.

The Fulham winger, making his first start for the club, skipped beyond two players before firing left-footed past Blades goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale

Aleksandar Mitrovic had earlier smacked a penalty against the crossbar after defender Jack Robinson handled.

And it was Mitrovic who then fouled Robinson inside the Fulham box, with the decision awarded by the video assistant referee.

The draw means both teams have their first point of the season, after losing their opening four games.

Scott Parker has packed his Fulham squad with young talents with something to prove, and handed first starts to three players who have represented England at different levels.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, on loan from Chelsea, and defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who has signed from Manchester City, made their debuts, but it was Lookman who almost stole the show.

The 22-year-old has had an enigmatic career so far, failing to hold down a place at Everton and then RB Leipzig.

He impressed Parker with a lively cameo off the bench against Wolves last time out and took his first Premier League goal in three years superbly on Sunday.

The winger cut inside Sander Berge before forcing his way into the penalty box and driving a smart finish beyond Ramsdale with 13 minutes to go.

Mitrovic had missed from the spot earlier in the half and then headed wide late on from a wicked Lookman delivery.

Between those chances, the forward gave away a penalty at the other end when he caught Sheffield United defender Robinson - becoming the first player to both miss and give away a spot-kick in the same Premier League game since Mikel Arteta for Arsenal in November 2012.

The result was enough to lift Fulham off the bottom of the Premier League table, to 19th.

Experienced Sharp rescues Blades
Chris Wilder has worked wonders at Sheffield United, guiding the Blades to their best league finish in 45 years on their return to the Premier League last season.

But their second term in the top flight is proving more difficult so far.

Oliver McBurnie should arguably have opened the scoring in the first half, but Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola reacted quickly to push his close-range header away from goal.

McBurnie also flashed a header wide from Chris Basham's cross, and Areola then saved comfortably from an Enda Stevens effort.

The Blades thought they had taken the lead when Fulham defender Adarabioyo turned the ball into his own net, but Berge was offside when sliding the ball across goal.

Wilder brought on 20-year-old club record signing Rhian Brewster for his debut with just under half an hour to go, but it was experienced striker Sharp who salvaged the hosts a point.

The 34-year-old made no mistake with his penalty to score Sheffield United's first goal at Bramall Lane in 368 minutes of Premier League football.

The draw lifts Wilder's side out of the relegation zone on goal difference, but things are not getting any easier for them with their next three fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.

'The team is going in the right direction'
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder told Match of the Day: "We were a little bit more like our old selves in the first half and had control of the game, but we were not like our old selves in the second half. They dominated the second half.

"It is a bit of a battle at the moment, a bit of a grind, but delighted to get something out of the game.

"I am not going to complain about the (penalty) decision because we have talked about some that have gone against us this season, so we have had a touch of luck today. We will take that and I think it is due."

Fulham boss Scott Parker told Match of the Day: "I thought in the second half we were exceptional. In the first half, we came with a bit of plan, we needed to tinker things at half-time and the players responded very well.

"The second half, I saw a dynamic team, a team that could create chances and I was pleased overall in that sense. There is still plenty of learning and plenty of improvement to do - a young team with young players coming in and making their debuts.

"The team is going in the right direction, not just today. The last performance as well was very pleasing. From where we were in the first three games where we had our struggles we appear to be coming out of that and pushing in the right direction."

The stats - rare Premier League draw for Fulham

    Sheffield United have failed to win any of their opening five league games to a season for the first time since 2006-07, when they were relegated from the Premier League.
    This was Fulham's first draw in 15 Premier League matches under manager Scott Parker (won three, lost 11), and their first in 24 matches in the competition since a 1-1 draw with Wolves in December 2018.
    Fulham have missed three of their past six Premier League penalties, as many as in the previous 34 they had taken in the competition.
    Fulham's Ademola Lookman scored his first goal in 37 Premier League appearances; his only previous goal in the competition came on his debut against Manchester City for Everton in January 2017.

What next?

Sheffield United visit Liverpool on Saturday (kick-off 20:00 BST), while Fulham host Crystal Palace earlier that day (15:00).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54496453

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Post-Sheffield United Press Conference

Scott Parker was left waiting for his side's first three points of the campaign after taking the lead with 13 minutes left on the clock, a hard one to take.

"Overall I'm a little bit disappointed," Parker outlined. "Obviously when you get your nose in front in the game at 1-0 with 10 minutes to go you want to try and see the game out.

"In saying that, we had some big chances at that point to maybe see the game out even more, but it wasn't meant to be today."

But despite the underwhelming nature of a draw, there were plenty of positives for Parker to work with, especially in the second period of play.

"In the first half there were elements that we didn't like, and we changed that at half time," he continued. "In the second half it was really pleasing the way we looked, we looked a real threat.

"We added some speed into the team and looked really dynamic going forward and really caused Sheffield (United) a lot of problems."

Aleksandar Mitrović had a frustrating day at the office and was busy at both ends. After narrowly missing his penalty in the 57th minute, it was the Serbian who conceded a spot kick for the Blades with five minutes remaining. But Parker knows that this is a rare one-off.

"He has had a tough day there's no denying that, he'll be the first to admit that.

"A missed penalty and then two other chances which, by his standards, he usually puts in the net.

"This is a player that has scored a lot of penalties before and this is sport, and sometimes in sport you have bad days and some days it goes like that.

"What's going to be the turning factor and the stature of the man is how he reacts, and I have no doubt he'll react in a positive way and he'll come back firing."

There was a fresh look to the pre-international break side, with debuts for Tosin Adarabioyo and Ruben Loftus-Cheek as well as a first start for Ademola Lookman, and Parker was impressed with the way the new boys performed.

"I was really pleased with those boys," he said. "These are players that have only been in the building a short space of time - certainly Ruben and Tosin, they've been with us for eight days.

"When you're coming into a new environment you need to quickly pick up what I expect from players that come into this team and those boys did that very well.

"They brought their qualities to the game and I thought it was a team that I liked."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/october/Post-Sheffield-United-Press-Conference/

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The reason Nottingham Forest were able to complete Anthony Knockaert transfer from Fulham

The winger has won promotion from the Championship on three occasions and has signed for Nottingham Forest on loan until January

New Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Knockaert became the 14th new arrival at the City Ground since the end of last summer.

The Frenchman has signed a loan deal until January, just three months after signing for Fulham on a permanent deal for a fee of £10.5 million.

Knockaert has won promotion to the Premier League with three different clubs - Leicester City, Brighton and Fulham - since arriving in England. The 28-year-old has previously worked under Hughton during his time at Brighton.

Fulham's decision to part ways with the player this summer has not gone down too well with fans of the club, with many questioning the decision after spending money on the player.

According to West London Sport, the Cottagers had no choice but to make Knockaert's move permanent this summer due to the number of appearances he made for them last season, having played 46 times in all competitions as they earned promotion back to the Premier League.

The inflated nature of Scott Parker's Fulham squad meant that they had to work to get players off the books before the end of the window.

Knockaert failed to make a Premier League appearance for Fulham so far this season, appearing in just three Carabao Cup games.

He was therefore allowed to move to the City Ground in search of game time.

Following the move, the player showed his delight via his Instagram account.

"This made my Friday ... Let's play football with a smile on my face again," he wrote.

Knockaert has made a total of 190 Championship appearances, scoring 36 goals and providing a further 34 assists.

He started his career in France, before moving to Leicester in 2012. Moves to Standard Liege, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Fulham followed before arriving at the City Ground where he will look to make a similar impact.



https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/transfer-news/anthony-knockaert-fulham-nottingham-forest-4617320

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Draw at Sheffield United gives Fulham first point

Fulham picked up their first point of the season but were denied a victory by Billy Sharp's penalty.

Aleksandar Mitrovic missed a penalty and then gave one away after Ademole Lookman had given the visitors a 77th-minute lead.

Mitrovic, usually so reliable from the spot, hit the top of the bar following a handball by former QPR defender Jack Robinson.

Lookman made no mistake with a fine strike after collecting Tom Cairney's pass.

However, after VAR showed that Mitrovic had fouled Robinson, Sharp tucked away the resulting penalty with five minutes remaining.

And to compound Mitrovic's misery, the striker missed a chance to restore Fulham's lead when he headed Lookman's injury-time cross wide of the target.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/draw-at-sheffield-united-gives-fulham-first-point

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Sheff Utd 1-1 Fulham

Fulham claimed a first point of the season at Bramall Lane, but will feel aggrieved that it wasn't all three.

Sheffield United had the better of the first half in Sunday's lunchtime kick-off, but it was the Whites who should have gone ahead after the restart, only for Aleksandar Mitrović to miss the target after his side had won a penalty.

Heads did not drop, though, and Ademola Lookman put us in front with a fabulous solo goal.

VAR then bit Fulham on the backside to award the Blades a spot-kick of their own, which Billy Sharp converted to ensure both teams got off the mark in this Premier League season.

Scott Parker handed debuts to Tosin Adarabioyo and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while there was also a first start for Lookman after two impressive performances from the bench.

Fulham started brightly and fashioned the first chance in the seventh minute, patiently working the ball until Tom Cairney had a sight of goal. Blades goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale able to palm his curler from the edge of the box wide.

The home side responded with a long ranger of their own. John Lundstram caught his effort very sweetly, with Alphonse Areola required to tip the rising drive over his crossbar.

Oli McBurnie then had two chances, first denied by a crucial Tim Ream intervention, and then glancing a header wide from Chris Basham's pinpoint cross.

It was a good spell of pressure from the Blades and Basham was next to go close, placing an instinctive first time shot a yard wide of Areola's far post.

The Whites – in all yellow – looked to reassert themselves in the game, with Loftus-Cheek drawing another save from Ramsdale with a low strike.

It was quite an open encounter, and Areola was in action again midway through the half, making a routine stop from Enda Stevens following a quick United break.

The Frenchman had been quite comfortable with his saves, but he pulled one right out of the top drawer in the 29th minute. McBurnie looked set to break the deadlock with a close range downwards header, but Areola demonstrated fantastic reflexes to keep it out.

The Blades had the ball in the net soon after when Adarabioyo attempted to cut out a cross, but it was correctly ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

Some wonderful footwork from Frank Anguissa won a free-kick 20 yards out a few minutes before the break. After a one-two with Cairney for the set-piece, Mitrović smashed an effort on target, but it was too close to Ramsdale.

Six minutes after the restart, Ramsdale had a hot and cold moment. First he spilled Ivan Cavaleiro's cross, but he made a fine save in denying Lookman on the follow-up.

Another Cavaleiro delivery then won his side a penalty when his corner was punched by substitute Jack Robinson. Mitrović, though, hit his kick over via the crossbar.

Keen to keep our heads up, a rapid break led by Anguissa then saw him feed Cavaleiro to his right. He had Loftus-Cheek and Lookman to aim at in the box, but his centre was put behind. Adarabioyo headed over from the resultant corner.

A lovely pass from Lookman then found Cairney in space in the box, but the skipper opted to cross rather than shoot and the ball was cleared.

It looked as though it was going to take something special to break the deadlock, and Lookman provided that moment of magic, weaving his way into the box before slamming an unstoppable left footed effort beyond Ramsdale who stood no chance.

That really got Fulham tails up, with Mitrović bursting into life with a wicked snapshot that drew an excellent reflex stop from Ramsdale.

The Whites were really not content with the one goal, and Cairney almost put things to bed in the 83rd minute, but his arced effort into the corner was tipped away at full stretch by Ramsdale, who had had an impressive afternoon.

Our enthusiasm was immediately halted, though, when a VAR review awarded the Blades a penalty for an apparent foul by Mitrović. Sharp, who had only just come on, made no mistake from 12 yards as he dispatched high into the net.

Both sides wanted to win it and, after Areola had made an outstanding save from Sharp which wouldn't have counted anyway, Lookman's blasted strike deflected over.

Some neat footwork in stoppage time from substitute Mario Lemina then presented him with a sighter, but his effort also deflected behind.

Fulham were piling on the pressure, and Mitrović will be devastated that he couldn't hit the target with his header from Lookman's exquisite cross.

He got another bit of the cherry a minute later, this time trying to glance one, but again it drifted wide after he met Cairney's delivery, as the Whites were forced to settle for a point rather than the three they probably deserved.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/october/Sheff-Utd-1-1-Fulham/

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Sharp penalty earns first point for Sheff Utd

Striker's late spot-kick cancels out Ademola Lookman's superb strike for Fulham as both sides get off the mark in 2020/21

Billy Sharp stepped off the bench to score an 85th-minute equaliser to earn Sheffield United a 1-1 draw with Fulham as both sides secured their first point of the season.

Fulham looked to be heading for victory as Ademola Lookman struck on his full debut with 13 minutes left, but Jack Robinson was then fouled by Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sharp converted his spot-kick.

Alphonse Areola was the busier of the goalkeepers in the first half, brilliantly saving Oli McBurnie's 29th-minute header low to his right as the striker spurned three opportunities in the opening period.

Mitrovic was given a golden opportunity to put Fulham ahead on 57 minutes when Robinson handled, but his penalty hit the crossbar and went over.

Lookman's superb left-footed finish high into the net put Fulham ahead. But there was more frustration for Mitrovic as he conceded the penalty that allowed Sharp to equalise and headed wide twice late on.

King of the Match: Ademola Lookman

Next fixtures

Sheff Utd: 24 Oct v Liverpool (A)
Fulham: 24 Oct v Crystal Palace (H)



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1861937

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Sheffield United and Fulham have to settle for a point thanks to misfiring strikers
Neither Sheffield United nor Fulham could complain that their chances fell to the wrong players at Bramall Lane on Sunday. Their failure to take them is a worrying sign for the season to come.

The Blades ought to have had victory wrapped up by half-time, but Oli McBurnie was unable to give their flowing football the flourishes it deserved. The Cottagers would have made the most of their reprieve had Aleksandar Mitrovic been sharper in front of goal.

As it was, both sides took their first point of the season and were left wishing it had been more.

There have been plenty of hard-luck stories for Sheffield United already this season, and an early injury to Max Lowe provided another. Ultimately, though, this was a day when they failed to help themselves.

They were even awarded a penalty by Andre Marriner with the help of the VAR monitor. Billy Sharp smashed it home emphatically, showing Mitrovic how it was done after the Serbian had clipped the crossbar from 12 yards, but in open play they lacked that ruthlessness.

Until Marriner and Sharp's intervention, it had looked as if the Blades were heading for another defeat, Ademola Lookman's brilliant goal making the most of Fulham's much-improved second half, so there was something to be grateful for, but still the over-riding feeling was of frustration.

The eagerness of Scott Parker to play ballboy, running into Sheffield United's technical area and keep the flow of the game going showed Fulham had started the better, Tom Cairney stinging Aaron Ramsdale's palms from distance, but the Blades were soon into their stride and took control.

The problem was, they lacked the finishing to make the most of it, with the recalled McBurnie particularly guilty.

In an attempt to shake things up, Chris Wilder had selected Enda Stevens at left-sided centre-back, and he soon gave his side the extra thrust going forward they have been looking for in the absence of Jack O'Connell.

"Enda, higher!" John Egan had cause to shout once, but generally the latter struck the right balance.

In the tenth minute, shortly after John Lundstram had a long-range effort tipped over, McBurnie was on the end of a Stevens cross but his shot was deflected wide.

Their overlapping centre-backs are an important feature of Sheffield United's play, but it is their bluntness up front that sometimes holds them back. Chris Basham was soon putting over a delivery McBurnie glanced wide with his head. Basham also dragged a shot wide.

The plans had to be rethought inside 20 minutes, though.

Max Lowe never recovered from the hefty whack of running into fellow debutant Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the opening minutes, and when he finally accepted he had to make way, Stevens returned to wing-back with Jack Robinson coming off the bench.

An excellent passing move in tight situations released Stevens for a shot Alphonse Areloa stretched to, and he made a point-blank save when McBurnie got to another Basham cross. Sander Berge, a growing first-half influence, had a shot saved.

Robinson gave his side another line of attack, but his long throw went across the six-yard box without a touch just after the half-hour.

Although it would have been disallowed for offside anyway, McBurnie did not get a strong enough contact on another Stevens delivery.

The recalled Oliver Norwood's passing helped the quality of his side's football and it looked like he had brilliantly picked Berge out for a cross put in for an own goal, only for the Norwegian to correctly be ruled offside.

Despite throwing Rhian Brewster on for his debut after 64 minutes, the Blades never recovered that momentum after the restart, whereas Fulham were much improved.

Ramsdale made an excellent reflex save from Lookman, albeit he created the chance himself by allowing a cross through his hands.

When Robinson's hand took a corner off the head of Loftus-Cheek, Mitrovic hit his penalty against the crossbar.

After 63 minutes the Blades had another let-off, Robinson redeeming himself by getting back to block as Fulham launched a four-on-two counter-attack.

An away goal was coming, though, and Lookman provided it, bursting past Basham and Berge and smashing the ball home with 13 minutes remaining.

The Cottagers were preparing for a corner thanks to Ramsdale's fingertip save from a Mitrovic volley when Martin Atkinson whispered in Marriner's ear that he might want to take a look at an incident at the other end minutes earlier.

Upon closer inspection of the evidence, Marriner decided Mitrovic had fouled Robinson and the recently-introduced Sharp thumped the spot kick home.

Wobbling for a few minutes, Fulham finished the stronger, Norwood blocking from Lookman.

But it was Mitrovic who missed a glorious opportunity, putting the first of two headers wide with Ramsdale helpless if he had found the net two minutes into stoppage time.

It was a chance a striker of his calibre ought to have taken. It would be the story of the day.

Sheffield United: Ramsdale; Basham (Sharp 81), Egan, Stevens; Baldock, Lundstram, Berge, Norwood, Lowe; McGoldrick (Brewster 64), McBurnie.

Unused substitutes: Burke, Robinson, Verrips, Ampadu Osborn.

Fulham: Areola; Aina, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Cairney, Zambo Anguissa, Cavaleiro, Loftus-Cheek (Lemina 80), Lookman; Mitrovic.

Unused substitutes: Kebano, Rodak, De Cordova-Reid, Le Marchand, Bryan, Kamara.

Referee: A Marriner (West Midlands).




https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-and-fulham-have-settle-point-thanks-misfiring-strikers-3007171

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Sheffield United 1-1 Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic has game to forget in draw

Aleksandar Mitrovic misses penalty then fouls Jack Robinson to hand Blades a late equaliser from Billy Sharp; both teams remain winless in the Premier League

Aleksandar Mitrovic missed a penalty and then gave away one at the other end as Fulham and Sheffield United played out a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane.

Both teams came into this one under a cloud of nerves having not taken any points from any of their Premier League fixtures this season and Ademola Lookman's fine strike 13 minutes from time seemed to have handed Scott Parker's men victory.

However, Mitrovic, who had already blazed over a penalty (57), fouled Jack Robinson inside the area which was spotted by VAR and Billy Sharp fired home the equaliser from 12 yards (85).

After being dominated in the opening 45 minutes, Fulham looked a huge threat late on and Mitrovic compounded his nightmare day by missing a glorious chance with the last kick of the game.

Sheffield United now face a tricky set of fixtures still without a win to their name with Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea next up.

How Mitrovic had a game to forget...

You feel some clubs like the Blades are missing their home fans more than most, losing their last three fixtures at Bramall Lane without scoring. The feel-good factor that had them pushing for the European places for most of last season has been replaced by a run of seven successive league defeats either side of the summer break.

That edginess was felt in the early stages as Tom Cairney stung the palms of Aaron Ramsdale with a fierce drive. Fulham knocked the ball around confidently with Ruben Loftus-Cheek finding pockets of space but it was the Blades that carried the greater threat when in the final third.

Team news

John Egan was cleared to play for Sheffield United and took the captain's armband but Blades boss Chris Wilder made three changes from the team that started the defeat at Arsenal prior to the break as Max Lowe, Oliver Norwood and Oli McBurnie came into the side. Club-record signing Rhian Brewster was named on the bench.

Fulham handed debuts to new signings Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tosin Adarabioyo. Fellow recent arrival Ademola Lookman also got his first start after impressing as a substitute against Wolves.

Chris Basham showed exceptional quality on 29 minutes to find Oli McBurnie six yards out with the goal gaping, but the Scotland striker summed up the lack of confidence within the Blades' ranks as he could only head straight at Alphonse Areola. It was one of four saves the on-loan PSG man had to make in the first period with the dangerous Sander Berge and McBurnie keeping the stopper very busy.

Berge's movement to join the front two was a constant pest for Fulham to deal with and he thought he had supplied the cross for the opener just before the break when Tosin Adarabioyo put the ball into his own net and the assistant referee raised his flag as Berge was half a yard offside.

Chris Wilder will have been disappointed not to have headed in at the break with an advantage.

That wastefulness almost came back to haunt Wilder's men when Robinson inexplicably handled the ball in the area when challenging Loftus-Cheek on 56 minutes. An agitated-looking Mitrovic, who had been quiet, stepped up but blazed a poorly executed penalty over the crossbar. Fulham boss Parker looked away in disgust on the touchline. His striker has failed to score four of his last 10 penalties in all competitions since playing on these shores.

Robinson - no doubt breathing a sigh of relief - redeemed himself minutes later when Fulham created a four-on-two counter attack but the defender read Ivan Cavaleiro's cross to make a very important clearance as Loftus-Cheek was on for a tap-in.

Wilder's team seemed to lose their fluidity from the first half and it was Fulham who looked full of energy and ideas. That said, a goal did not look likely until Lookman tricked his way past Basham on the edge of the box before firing an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net.

The response from the hosts was not instant but a set piece provided them with the opportunity to level. In a scramble to clear following Areola's spill, Robinson got his toe in front of Mitrovic inside the box and the replays showed he was clearly taken out. Referee Andre Mariner was instructed to head over to his pitchside monitor and subsequently awarded the penalty, which Sharp fired home.

That was not the end of the drama as Mitrovic rose highest in the six-yard box in injury time but somehow managed to thump his header wide of the post.

Man of the match: Sander Berge
Despite running out of steam in the second half, Wilder will be taking many positives out of his team's performance, especially in the opening exchanges. At the forefront of their incisive play was Berge, whose clever positioning and running from midfield was very difficult for Fulham to deal with. He was inches away from providing the moment that would have broken the deadlock when his cross was turned into his own net by Adarabioyo but he was flagged offside.

What the managers said...
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder: "I've said all along this is a tough sport, a tough division. There's no free hits or easy games where you can say 'we'll get our confidence back in this game'.

"It's a struggle at the minute and you can see that. It's tough and it's tough to watch at times. But we are a really tight group and we will stick together and fight our way out of it.

"It's natural what is happening after what has been a difficult start for us. If it was easy, everyone would do it. But not everyone can do it. These players have to perform if they want to establish themselves as Premier League players.

"It's five games without a win, yes, however you want to dress it up. But this is an extremely competitive league, an extremely difficult league to even survive in. We've done well to even get into this division - way ahead of time by the way.

"Five without a win doesn't sit well with us but no-one should be embarrassed about it. Some teams pay £400m to keep the ball out of their net, and some teams pay £300m to put the ball in the net.

Fulham boss Scott Parker: "I think Alex would be the first to admit he has had a tough day. He's scored plenty of penalties before and he's missed two other chances that on any other day he puts in the net.

"But in sport sometimes you have bad days. What will be telling is how he reacts and given the stature of the man I am positive he will respond in the right way.

"I think overall we are a bit disappointed, of course, to be that close to three points and only coming away with one. To get in front with about 10 minutes to go, you want to se the game out, and we had chances to go further ahead and see it out even more. But Sheffield did also create a lot of chances.

"It was not meant to be today but there are some positives to take away from the game."

Opta stats
    Sheffield United have failed to win any of their opening five league games to a season (D1 L4) for the first time since the 2006-07 campaign, when they were relegated from the Premier League.
    This was Fulham's first draw in 15 Premier League matches under Parker (W3 L11). Indeed, it was their first stalemate in 24 matches in the competition since a 1-1 draw with Wolves in December 2018.
    Sharp's strike from the penalty spot was Sheffield United's first goal in 368 minutes of Premier League action at Bramall Lane since David McGoldrick scored their third against Chelsea in July.
    Lookman scored his first goal in 37 Premier League appearances; his only previous goal in the competition came on his debut against Manchester City for Everton in January 2017, three years and 277 days ago.
    Mitrovic was the first player to both miss a penalty and give away a penalty in the same Premier League game since Mikel Arteta for Arsenal in November 2012 - which was against Fulham.
    Fulham picked up their first points of the season and left Sheffield United in the mire with Ademola Lookman firing home in a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane.

What's next?

Sheffield United travel to champions Liverpool next Saturday evening, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Meanwhile, Fulham host London rivals Crystal Palace in a 3pm kick-off on the Saturday.



https://www.skysports.com/football/sheff-utd-vs-fulham/report/428884

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Sheffield United vs Fulham result: Late Billy Sharp penalty salvages point for desperate hosts

Sheffield United 1-1 Fulham: Both sides are still seeking their first win of the season following the stalemate at Bramall Lane

Sheffield United and Fulham picked up their first point each of the Premier League campaign after a cagey 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane on Sunday.

Ademola Lookman scored the opening goal in the 77th minute, but constant pressure from United enabled them to level the game in the 85th from the penalty spot through Billy Sharp.

After being dominated in the first half, Fulham had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the second from the penalty spot when Jack Robinson was found to have handled the ball in the area.

But Aleksandar Mitrovic thumped the ball onto the crossbar and over.

The visitors went ahead when Lookman dribbled past two defenders before smashing the ball past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for his first Premier League goal.

However, the Blades won a penalty following a VAR review after Mitrovic kicked Robinson while competing for a high ball, and substitute Sharp made no mistake to beat Alphonse Areola in the Fulham goal.

Mitrovic nearly settled the contest in stoppage time when he rose above the United defence to connect with Lookman's cross, but his header sailed inches wide of the near post.

Reuters



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/sheffield-united-vs-fulham-result-sharp-lookman-goals-highlights-premier-league-latest-b1131915.html

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Mitrovic misses cost Fulham first win

Aleksandar Mitrovic won't have many worse days than this. He skimmed the top of the crossbar with a penalty and, after Fulham had taken the lead through a superb strike from Ademola Lookman, conceded the spot-kick that allowed Sheffield United to equalise with five minutes to play before missing a couple of glorious chances to grab the Whites' first Premier League win in stoppage time at Bramall Lane. Given what the Serbian has produced during his time at Craven Cottage, it seems churlish to chastise this contribution – but his anguished look after the final whistle told you that the talismanic number nine knew he should have secured a precious three points.

Once the frustration subsides, there will be plenty of positives to take from this trip to Yorkshire for Scott Parker. Dealt a blow in the build up to this meeting between two of the division's pointless sides by an untimely ankle injury to Joachim Andersen, the Fulham boss opted to hand a Premier League debut to Tosin Adarabioyo, who showed a composure beyond his tender years to display the sort of assurance that had many at Manchester City disappointed to lose him in the last hours of the transfer window. Fulham showed laudable fortitude to shrug off the disappointment of Billy Sharp's leveller with five minutes to go and finish the more likely winners, qualities that will be needed as they continue to battle against the drop.

The visitors began brightly, with a snapshot from Tom Cairney forcing an early save out of Aaron Ramsdale, but it was the Blades who carried the greater attacking threat for much of the first period. Sander Berge gradually began to pose considerable problems by drifting into pockets of space in front of the Fulham back four and, after Chris Basham dragged his effort across the face of goal following a surging run from the Norwegian, Ollie McBurnie spurned a succession of good chances. He had a header clawed away from six yards out by Alphonse Areola in the Fulham goal and sent another effort wide, whilst Berge and a rampaging Enda Stevens also tested the goalkeeper's handling with low drives.

Fulham, who had been restricted to speculative efforts with a rasping drive by Mitrovic from a well-worked free-kick fielded by Ramsdale, were much more progressive after the break. Lookman found plenty of space to influence proceedings down the left, even if the penalty that gave the visitors a golden chance to take the lead came out of nowhere with substitute Jack Robinson inexplicably using his hand to prevent Ruben Loftus-Cheek from connecting with Ivan Cavaleiro's corner. The hosts' got a huge reprieve when Mitrovic went for power from the spot and saw his rising effort clip the crossbar on its way over.

The visitors were beginning to shut down the acres of space that Sheffield United had enjoyed during the first half and should have gone in front when Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, excellent again at the heart of the Fulham midfield, seized on a slack pass and burst down the middle before releasing Cavaleiro down the right flank. The winger's cut back looked destined for Loftus-Cheek or Lookman but Jack Robinson made amends for his earlier mistake with a perfectly timed interception. Chris Wilder sent on Rhian Brewster for his top flight debut, it was Fulham who hit the front courtesy of a moment of magic from Lookman.

The lively winger darted inside Berge on the edge of the box and carried the ball past Basham's attempted challenge at pace before firing an unstoppable finish past Ramsdale high into the net. It was the sort of individual brilliance that the former Charlton academy prospect has been threatening in a couple of impressive cameos since he arrived on loan from RB Leipzig earlier this month and was his first Premier League goal since his debut for Everton in January 2017.

Parker's men weren't able to hold on for the win, however. Mitrovic was penalised for bringing down Jack Robinson in the box as he battled to clear a Sheffield United free-kick, with Martin Atkinson awarding the penalty after viewing the pitchside monitor on the instructions of the video assistant referee. Sharp, thrown on just four minutes earlier, made no mistake with the spot-kick – driving his finish straight down the middle to level matters.

At that point, you might have feared the worse for Fulham given the way their return to the Premier League has gone so far. But it was Parker's side who pushed more convincingly for the winner. Lookman had another rasping drive blocked bravely by Basham, before Adarabioyo headed wastefully over from the corner, and Mitrovic – now certain that it wasn't going to be his day – failed to find the target with a pair of headers in injury time after inviting crosses from Lookman and Cairney.

SHEFFIELD UNITED (5-3-2): Ramsdale; Lowe (J. Robinson 18), Baldock, Stevens, Egan, Basham (Sharp 81); Norwood, Berge, Lunstram; McBurnie, McGoldrick (Brewster 64). Subs (not used): Verrips, Ampadu, Osborn, Burke, Sharp.

GOAL: Sharp (pen 85).

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Areola; Aina, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Anguissa, Cairney; Cavaleiro, Lookman, Loftus-Cheek (Lemina 81); Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Rodak, Le Marchand, Bryan, Decordova-Reid, Kebano, Kamara.

BOOKED: Anguissa, Cavaleiro.

GOAL: Lookman (77).

REFEREE: Andre Marriner (Birmingham).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/10/mitrovic-misses-cost-fulham-first-win/

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Fulham player ratings vs Sheffield United: Aleksandar Mitrovic has day to forget in battling draw

The player ratings are in after Fulham secured their first point of the new season


Aleksandar Mitrovic had a rough afternoon at Brammall Lane (Image: Oli Scarf - Pool/Getty Images)

Alphonse Areola Called into action a couple of times in the first half and produced some smart saves. Dealt with the long throw well and started a few counters with quick distribution. Could do little to stop Billy Sharp's penalty. 8

Ola Aina Grew into the game after initially struggling with the new high line, kept things going in the second half. 6

Tosin Adarabioyo Thought he'd suffered a debut nightmare with an own goal but was rightfully redeemed thanks to VAR. Commanded the line well otherwise and provided some smart balls forward. 7

Tim Ream Kept his place in the team and responded with a decent performance alongside a new partner. 7

Antonee Robinson A mixed day for the young USA international, offered much going forward with supporting runs past Lookman but was targeted by Sheffield at times and showed his inexperience. 6

Tom Cairney Still yet to be convinced if the Fulham skipper suits the deep playmaker role, though he did manage to test Aaron Ramsdale with some trademark efforts from the edge of the box. 6

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa Showed his class in the centre of the pitch with some smart runs and intelligent decisions, helped start some of Fulham's best attacks in the second half. 7

Ivan Cavaleiro Frustrating day for the birthday boy, who offered little going forward on the right. 4

Ruben Loftus-Cheek A decent debut for the Chelsea loanee who offered a strong presence at both ends of the pitch, promising signs for the season ahead. 7

Ademola Lookman A positive force whenever called upon and rewarded with a fine goal to put the Whites ahead in the second half. Fulham's best player going forward. 8

Alexsandar Mitrovic A day to forget for the Serb, who missed his penalty before conceding one at the other end. Had a glorious chance to snatch a winner late on with a header but put it wide. 3

Substitutes

Mario Lemina (for Loftus-Cheek 81) Opened up play well when introduced late on, showed a good burst of pace to force a corner. n/a




https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-player-ratings-vs-sheffield-19124987

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Ademola Lookman Already Looks Like Fulham's Potential Saviour in Relegation Dogfight

Ademola Lookman has been outstanding in his short Fulham career | Pool/Getty Images

There could be a statue of Ademola Lookman outside Craven Cottage next summer.

Heading into this season, and even as transfer deadline day approached, the general consensus was that Fulham were in real trouble. They lacked any real quality and hadn't made any major signings - a stark contrast to 2018/19 when the club infamously splurged £100m and went down.

Then Lookman joined on loan from RB Leipzig and, all of a sudden, the future doesn't seem so bleak for Fulham.

The 22-year-old winger impressed in his brief cameo against Wolves before the international break and was deservedly handed his first start in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Sheffield United. Judging by his performance, he might not be giving his spot up any time soon.

Lookman was in inspired form throughout, but his quality was often overshadowed by Fulham's lack of cutting edge. He would drive at Sheffield United's defence but find himself swarmed by defenders who quickly recognised he was the only threat.

It took him nearly 80 minutes to make a breakthrough, but what a breakthrough it was.

The Englishman cut through the Blades' defence with terrifying ease and thundered an effort past the otherwise impressive Aaron Ramsdale, and it should have earned all three points, but Aleksandar Mitrović foolishly gave away a clumsy penalty late on.

Scott Parker will already know that he must build his side around Lookman, but to the boss' credit, plenty of his late signings looked impressive against Sheffield United.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek's debut was promising, albeit a little frustrating at times, while former Manchester City youngster Tosin Adarabioyo was a star at the back for Fulham. With Alphonse Areola impressing in goal, the Cottagers actually had something of a spine.

Make no mistake about it, Fulham still have a lot of work to do if they are to survive this season. They were fortunate not to be five or six behind at half time and looked to be lacking the general quality needed to make an impact this season.

However, if Lookman, Loftus-Cheek and Adarabioyo can build on this momentum, Fulham might just have a chance.



https://www.90min.com/posts/ademola-lookman-fulham-saviour-relegation-dogfight-opinion

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Parker pleased with Fulham performance

Scott Parker felt his Fulham side could have claimed all three points at Bramall Lane this afternoon – and professed himself pleased with a much improved second half performance.

Aleksandar Mitrovic missed a penalty before Ademola Lookman gave Fulham the lead with a fine individual goal, but Sheffield United denied the visitors' their first Premier League win of the season through Billy Sharp's late penalty.

Parker told his post-match press conference:

When you analyse the game and look at the chances we had, we're disappointed we haven't won. First half we were a bit cagey.

I thought in the second half we were exceptional. In the first half, we came with a bit of plan, we needed to tinker things at half-time and the players responded very well. The second half, I saw a dynamic team, a team that could create chances and I was pleased overall in that sense. There is still plenty of learning and plenty of improvement to do – a young team with young players coming in and making their debuts.

The team is going in the right direction, not just today. The last performance as well was very pleasing. From where we were in the first three games where we had our struggles we appear to be coming out of that and pushing in the right direction.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/10/parker-pleased-with-fulham-performance/

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Lookman ends three-year Premier League drought in Fulham draw against Sheffield United

The 22-year-old Nigerian forward opened his account for the Cottagers with a spectacular strike at Bramall Lane

Ademola Lookman ended a three-year Premier League goal drought in Fulham's 1-1 draw against Sheffield United.

The forward arrived at Craven Cottage on a season-long loan from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig this summer and has been delivering impressive showings.

Lookman had previously starred for Charlton Athletic and Everton before leaving for Germany to continue his development.

The 22-year-old was handed his first Premier League start for the Cottagers at Bramall Lane following his stand-out performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

The Nigerian attacker made the most of the opportunity when he scored his first goal for the newly-promoted Premier League side against Sheffield.

The first-half produced few goal-mouth actions, with both sides missing a number of goalscoring opportunities.

After the restart, a glorious opportunity fell in the way of Aleksandar Mitrovic to open the scoring for Fulham but he missed his strike from the penalty spot.

Lookman then put his side in front with a spectacular strike past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the 77th minute.

The 22-year-old twisted and turned past his markers before firing home a beauty into the roof of the net.

The effort is his first in the Premier League since January 2017 when he made a goalscoring debut for Everton against Manchester City.

Billy Sharp then levelled proceedings for Sheffield United with five minutes left to play to deny the Craven Cottage outfit all three points.

Lookman featured for the duration of the game along with Nigeria international Ola Aina, who is also another summer recruit and Tosin Adarabioyo.

The forward will hope to continue his impressive performances and help Fulham end their four-game winless run across all competitions when they take on Crystal Palace on October 24.



https://www.goal.com/en/news/lookman-ends-three-year-premier-league-drought-in-fulham/9gq7a8rvvmd613fu2ns27sply

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Parker insists Fulham have been making progress since before Sheff Utd draw

Scott Parker thinks Fulham are going in the right direction despite not being able to hold on to all three points against Sheffield United.

Fulham took the lead through Ademola Lookman, but a late Billy Sharp penalty gave Sheffield United a share of the spoils.

Even though they could not hold on for the win, it gives Fulham their first point of the season. And manager Parker was focusing on the positives after the game, despite acknowledging the fact that they have work to do.

"I thought in the second half performance we were exceptional," he told Match of the Day.

"In the first half we came with a bit of plan, we needed to tinker things at half time and the players responded very well. Second half I saw a dynamic team, a team that could create chances and I was pleased overall in that sense.

"Still plenty of learning and plenty of improvement to do. A young team with young players coming in and making their debuts. Overall pleased.

"Playing against a very well drilled side here and their formation can cause you problems. We tried to nullify their threat. On the counter attacking side I thought we looked deadly. Pleased with that but probably need to be a bit more clinical in these moments.

"I was very pleased. The team is going in the right direction, not just today. The last performance as well was very pleasing. From where we were in the first three games where we had our struggles we appear to be coming out of that and pushing in the right direction."

Parker not blaming Mitrovic

Fulham could have won the game if Aleksandar Mitrovic had scored a penalty earlier in the second half, when the game was still goalless.

However, Parker was refusing to blame the Serbian striker for their failure to earn three points.

"It was painful for him but he has earned the right," he said. "Today wasn't his day but he has scored and assisted a lot of goals.

"This is someone we owe a lot to. He will dust himself down and go again."



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/scott-parker-fulham-progress-sheff-utd-draw

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Fulham New Boy Adarabioyo Reacts After Brilliant Display On Premier League

Manchester City Academy product Tosin Adarabioyo proved that he has all the attributes to do well in the English Premier League after his excellent performance for Fulham in their 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon.

The tall central defender did not get the chance to play in the English top-flight during his seventeen-year association with Manchester City.

Adarabioyo was an unused substitute on eight occasions before his first taste of action in the Premier League today.

The 23-year-old was a revelation at the back against the Blades, and was close to helping Fulham keep their first clean sheet of the season until the 85th minute when Billy Sharp converted a spot kick to draw his team level.

Ademola Lookman put the visitors ahead with a brilliant solo goal thirteen minutes from time.

Adarabioyo has taken to Instagram to react to his Premier League debut, stating : "Premier League debut. ✅ We'll take the positives on to the next fight! @FulhamFC 💪🏾".

Adarabioyo could make his home debut for his new employer when they tackle Eberechi Eze's Crystal Palace on Saturday, October 24.

Igho Kingsley



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=37751

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Ademola Lookman: Can winger unlock potential at Fulham?

Ademola Lookman's goal for Fulham at Sheffield United was his first in the Premier League since January 2017

Ademola Lookman scored his first Premier League on his Everton debut in a 4-0 rout of Manchester City in 2017. The second was a long time coming.

But three years, 37 Premier League appearances and two clubs since the first, the 22-year-old was on target again on Sunday.

Lookman skipped beyond two challenges on the edge of the penalty area before firing past Aaron Ramsdale as Fulham drew 1-1 with Sheffield United.

It rounded off an excellent performance and offered a glimpse of the talent RB Leipzig were willing to pay £22.5m for last year.

So can the winger deliver on his potential at Craven Cottage after joining Scott Parker's side on loan this season?

The Fulham boss certainly thinks so, describing Lookman as a "top talent" after netting on his first start for the club.
Lookman's journey to Craven Cottage


Lookman scored on his Premier League debut for Everton in January 2017

Lookman burst through at Charlton Athletic as an 18-year-old but, despite scoring five goals in 24 games, was unable to help them avoid relegation to League One.

He netted four times the following season before securing a move to Everton in January 2017, and scored on his debut after coming on as a late substitute in a 4-0 win over Manchester City.

But he failed to nail down a regular starting place as the Toffees went through three managers over the following 12 months - Ronald Koeman, caretaker David Unsworth and Sam Allardyce - opting to join RB Leipzig on loan in January 2018.

The youngster immediately impressed, scoring a debut winner against Borussia Monchengladbach and adding another four goals before the end of the season.

Back at Everton the following season, this time under boss Marco Silva, the winger made 24 appearances in all competitions but was sold to Leipzig in the summer of 2019.

His second spell in the Bundesliga proved less fruitful. He joined Fulham on loan last month, and impressed Parker on his debut after coming off the bench in a 1-0 defeat by Wolves.

"He looked another level," said Parker. "You can see the quality the boy's got. We knew that at the start of the window, when he was the main one I wanted.

"You can see in a short space of time, the boy's got unbelievable quality. He's a big plus for us this year and he's going to be a big help for us."

Lookman again showed why he was Parker's main target as he scored at Bramall Lane.

"We all believe we can do great things this season," Lookman told Match of the Day afterwards. "We expect good things to come in the near future."

An England Under-20 World Cup winner
Lookman was also a key part of an England Under-20 team who won the World Cup in 2017, and a number of his team-mates have gone on to be established first-team players.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Venezuela in the final - and the Everton forward made his senior England debut earlier this month, along with Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, while Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori and Bournemouth duo Lewis Cook and Dominic Solanke have also received senior call-ups.

Will Lookman be the next to catch Gareth Southgate's eye?



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54592325

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Cyrus Christie showed Fulham exactly what they're missing against Blackburn

Fulham fans may want to have one eye on how Nottingham Forest are getting on for the rest of the season.

The Reds have two Fulham loanees at the club in the shape of Cyrus Christie and Anthony Knockaert, while one of last season's promotion heroes, Harry Arter, is also at the club.

The East Midlands outfit picked up their first win of the season on Saturday, and it was a Fulham loanee that shined on the day.

Christie won WhoScored's star man award for his fantastic performance at right-back, and his showing was so impressive that we're wondering if Tony Khan made the wrong decision in loaning him out and keeping Dennis Odoi.

The full-back was brilliant at both ends of the pitch, playing three key passes while having an unbelievable defensive stat sheet, which includes two tackles, two interceptions and four clearances.

Meanwhile, Odoi has been faltering in the top-flight averaging 0.3 key passes per game and just one tackle, all in all, contributing to an average WhoScored rating of just 6.13.

Of course, we take into account the fact that Odoi is more versatile than Christie, but it shouldn't be forgotten that the Irish international has played as a centre-back before, and if Scott Parker does eventually make the permanent switch to five at the back, he could have been a good option as a right-sided centre-half, and his performance against Blackburn highlighted that.

We're not suggesting that Christie is the answer to all of Fulham's defensive woes, he proved that he isn't all that during the Whites' last Premier League campaign, but it's hard to imagine that he wouldn't have been a better squad player than Odoi, who has had a nightmare start to the 2020/21 season.

If Christie's good form continues for Forest we may well see him back in Fulham's first-team next season.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-news/cyrus-christie-update-forest-fulham-loan-watch

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Fulham boss Scott Parker provides insight into Nottingham Forest deal

Fulham manager Scott Parker has revealed that Anthony Knockaert was loaned to Nottingham Forest as part of an attempt to trim down his squad.

The 28-year-old joined Forest late in the transfer window, reuniting with new manager Chris Hughton three years after the duo helped Brighton secure promotion to the Premier League.

Knockaert only signed permanently with Fulham earlier this summer, which meant there were questions raised by some over the decision to send him out on loan this term.

Speaking to West London Sport, Parker provided insight into the west London club's transfer strategy and revealed that they had been trying to offload players late in the window.

He said: "It's a big challenge. It's a very big squad and we tried to trim that squad down.

"Now, it's a job for me to manage individuals and team dynamics; managing that team cohesion gives us the best chance.

"There's going to be players who won't get into that squad. But I've faced that challenge before and it's up to me to make a decision as a squad up until January."

Knockaert secured a third promotion to the Premier League by helping Fulham make it to the top flight last term and the City Ground faithful will no doubt be hoping he can make it four with the Reds this season.

The winger struggled for consistency at times in the 2019/20 campaign and had been limited to just Carabao Cup appearances this term with Fulham.

However, he has thrived under Hughton in the past, scoring 15 times and adding nine assists in when Brighton were promoted in 2017

The Verdict

Signing Knockaert was a fantastic way for Forest to end a very busy window but you can understand why some Fulham fans would be frustrated by the move, with the winger only joining permanently earlier this summer.

Parker's explanation of their strategy late on shows exactly why the deal had been sanctioned, with the arrivals of players like Ademola Lookman and Ruben Loftus-Cheek meaning the 28-year-old had fallen down the pecking order.

The financial contribution they're likely to be receiving from Forest will be a boost as well, particularly given the current global situation.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-boss-scott-parker-provides-insight-into-nottingham-forest-deal/