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Fulham 2-1 Peterborough United


Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice to set a new Championship goalscoring record as leaders Fulham beat struggling Peterborough to go nine points clear.

The Serbian striker's double took him to 33 goals this season, eclipsing Ivan Toney's 31 for Brentford last campaign.

Mitrovic's first came via the penalty spot as he picked himself up after being fouled to send Steven Benda the wrong way.

The second was a beautifully-controlled volley with the side of his foot after a pinpoint cross from Neeskens Kebano, before Jack Marriott scored an 89th-minute consolation for second-bottom Posh.

Marriott's late strike made the game look closer than it was in a dominant Fulham display that extends their lead at the top of the table and leaves Posh eight points from safety.

Mitrovic had already been involved in a couple of early chances before his goal, heading wide before knocking the ball down for the arriving Harrison Reed who should have done better.

He was gifted the opportunity to open the scoring in the 28th minute after being felled in the box by a clumsy Harrison Burrows challenge, before picking himself up to hammer home the penalty to break Toney's record.

Benda denied Reed early in the second half before being beaten again by Mitrovic after 62 minutes.

It came from a lovely flowing move, which saw Kebano's cross find Mitrovic whose first-time effort had too much power for the Peterborough stopper.

Substitute Ivan Cavaleiro went close to a third and Mitrovic almost claimed a hat-trick with six minutes remaining but Benda saved well.

As the game reached its closing stages, Posh broke forward at speed and Marriott finished off the counter-attack in their first game since the departure of manager Darren Ferguson.

Former Hull boss Grant McCann was watching in the stands and is believed to be close to being appointed as Ferguson's replacement.

Fulham boss Marco Silva:
"The numbers speak for themselves. 33 goals at the end of February, with 14 more games to play, it's fantastic.

"What I like about him is he's always demanding more and more and more. He knows that from tomorrow I'll demand more and more from him.

"Mitro's numbers reflect our philosophy and the players have bought into it. We're creating and building something important."

Peterborough assistant manager Matthew Etherington told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire:
"It's been a tough few days. It's been an experience to say the least, but in terms of what we asked of them and the shape of the team, especially in the first half, I couldn't have asked anymore.

"I didn't want to rip it all up and do something totally different because we didn't have a lot of time to prepare. I knew we'd have to suffer without the ball, but it worked well on the whole and we had a really good spell in the second half.

"It's a soft penalty, I've watched it back. It was disappointing that we conceded the goal when we did, the players were starting to get more confident. I've said the players don't give up, if you can put in performances like that we still have a chance."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60397886

Post-Peterborough Press Conference


Despite acknowledging areas for improvement, Marco Silva was pleased to see Fulham return to winning ways against Peterborough United.

"As always, that is the main thing for us," he said. "It doesn't matter the position of our opponents in the table, it will always be a tough match.

"It is difficult to play against a team with nine or 10 behind the ball or inside the box. They sat back and waited for us to lose patience and make some mistakes.

"Slow first half and we were not so quick; to make the gaps we wanted to, you have to move the ball quicker. But we deserved to lead at half-time.

"To be honest I didn't like the first 10 minutes of the second half, we gave them some chances and we were slow.

"They played around our box, but after the second [goal] the game became better. We moved the ball quickly, creating gaps and chances.

"Fantastic performance from their goalkeeper, he made some great saves and kept them in it."

Fulham looked to be cruising towards three points, but Jack Marriott's late effort ensured a tense finish.

"We made a mistake we cannot make at Championship level and we have to be more aggressive in that moment," Silva explained. "They score a goal and they start to believe again."

Aleksandar Mitrović will claim the headlines after his brace took him to 33 goals for the season – a Championship record.


And while Silva was delighted for his number nine, he insists everyone is aware of the bigger picture.

"Mitro knows the main thing and goal for all of us," he stated. "All the goals come as a consequence of us doing our jobs.

"The main thing about breaking the record is that it reflects our philosophy and is a consequence of us playing as a team, right from the very first game against Boro.

"He was really calm in the dressing room, of course he was happy and everyone congratulated him.

"What will make Mitro the happiest is what will come in May and that is the same as what the Football Club wants."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/february/23/post-peterborough-press-conference/

Cairney misses Peterborough clash with 'illness'

Fulham captain Tom Cairney has been ruled out of tonight's meeting with Peterborough United through 'illness'.

Marco Silva makes two changes in central midfield with Harrison Reed and Jean Michael Seri coming into the engine room in place of Cairney and Nathaniel Chalobah. Harry Wilson has been dropped to the bench with Neeskens Kebano returning to the starting line-up and Bobby Decordova-Reid keeping his place after scoring in Saturday's defeat by Huddersfield.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Williams, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Reed, Seri; Decordova-Reid, Kebano, Carvalho, Mitrovic. Subs: Gazzaniga, Tete, Hector, Chalobah, Onomah, Wilson, Cavaleiro.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/cairney-misses-peterborough-clash-with-illness/

Record-breaking Mitrovic helps Fulham extend their lead at the top

Fulham (1) 2 Mitrovic 28pen, 62

Peterborough United (0) 1 Marriott 89

Aleksandar Mitrovic broke the record for the number of Championship goals in a season as the Whites got back to winning ways.

The Serb drilled in from the spot for goal number 32 of the campaign – improving on the 31 plundered last season by Ivan Toney during Brentford's march to promotion. 

And just past the hour, he volleyed home a Neeskens Kebano cross from 12 yards to seal the deal.

With 14 games to go, the Fulham striker is on course to smash the record to pieces. 

Peterborough pulled a goal back a minute from time but could not force a second.

The Whites are not as flush with goals as they were in that crazy recent spell but they do have 81 now – the next highest is QPR on 50 - and they have the small matter of a nine-point lead at the top of the table.

Marco Silva's men will be glad of their swift response to what was only their fifth league defeat of the season at the weekend – Huddersfield making off with the points in a 2-1 win.

Before the opener, some low-key early probing of their beleaguered opponents saw Mitrovic glance a header just wide following a cross from Kebano on the left and a deflected effort from Jean Michael Seri had keeper Steven Benda stretching up to grab the looping ball. 

Mitrovic almost teed up an onrushing Harrison Reed, but defender Frankie Kent did just enough to prevent a clear strike from close in.

Then came the breakthrough on 27 minutes. Mitrovic went down in a heap after being clipped by Harrison Burrows and he smashed home the resulting penalty – Benda diving to his left as the ball flew in the opposite direction.

Posh are down among the dead men at the foot of the table – overseen by interim boss Matthew Etherington after the latest exit from Darren Ferguson. 

Their case is not yet totally hopeless but they are not far off it and having lost all but two of their away games this season, their pre-match hopes were modest.

They did not trouble the Whites too often, though striker Jonson Clarke-Harris hit a deflected free-kick which fell onto the roof of the net, with Rodak stranded.

But it always looked a matter of time before the home side would increase their lead.

A fine run from Nico Williams paved the way for Bobby Reid to give his namesake a good opening but the final shot was tipped over. Soon after it was 2-0.

Ivan Cavaleiro came on for an eye-catching cameo, which included a cheeky dink from the edge of the area. 

Mitrovic almost had another treble to his name when he headed a cross straight at Benda and was denied late on by the keeper's outstretched left boot after he had chested down a perfect floated pass from Seri to leave the goal at his mercy.

The ever-lively Fabio Carvalho also almost found the net with a left-foot curler arrowing to the top corner after he had cut in from the right. 

Posh's busy stopper was again equal to it and kept his side in it when he repeated the trick to thwart Harry Wilson after another chip had sailed over the last defender.

There was to be one late moment of fret, when a breakaway led to Callum Morton feeding fellow-sub Jack Marriott for a shot across Rodak into the top corner. But there were no late palpitations for the Whites.


Whites: (4-2-3-1) Rodak – N Williams, Tosin, Ream, Robinson – Reed (Wilson 63), Seri – Decordova-Reid (Onomah 83), Carvalho, Kebano (Cavaleiro 63) – Mitrovic. Subs not used: Gazzaniga, Tete, Hector, Chalobah

Posh: (3-4-3) Benda – Kent, Knight, Edwards – Szmodics (Jones 76), Brown (Morton 71), Norburn, Burrows – Ward, Clarke-Harris (Marriott 71), Grant. Subs not used: Cornell, Poku, Mumba, Fuchs

Attendance: 17,387



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/record-breaking-mitrovic-helps-fulham-extend-their-lead-at-the-top

Aleksandar Mitrovic: How the Fulham striker broke the Championship scoring record

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic broke Ivan Toney's record for the most goals scored in a Championship season when he scored his 32nd and 33rd of the season in the Cottagers' 2-1 win against Peterborough. Here, we take a closer look at how he did it.

It took him until the final game of the 46, but last season Brentford's Ivan Toney set a new record for the most goals scored in a single Championship season.

For extended spells throughout the season, he scored so frequently that it looked as though he would surpass Glenn Murray's benchmark of 30 by some length, yet unwelcome barren spells meant a single goal in a 3-1 win over Bristol City on May 8, 2021 took him to a historic tally.

Given the fact it took eight seasons for Murray's record to fall, it did seem as though Toney's would stand for somewhat longer.

But history shows that Aleksandar Mitrovic thrives in the second tier, and so it has proved all season. And now, he has written himself into the history books by scoring his 32nd and 33rd league goals of the season in Fulham's 2-1 win against Peterborough at Craven Cottage.

Even more astonishing is the fact he has managed to trump Toney's feat with 14 games to play.

Here, we take a look at how the Cottagers' prized asset rampaged his way to a new record.

(https://e0.365dm.com/22/02/2048x1152/skysports-mitrovic-record_5683964.jpg?20220223215013)

The 2019/20 season was a successful one for both player and club, as Mitrovic finished as joint-Golden Boot winner - alongside Brentford's Ollie Watkins - with 26 goals and Fulham pipped the Bees to the Premier League when they won the Championship play-off final 2-1 after extra time at Wembley on August 4, 2020.

It was the second-best return of his career and there was no reason to suggest he was incapable of replicating similar form - albeit probably not quite so prolific - on his return to the Premier League.

But 2020/21 soon became a slog. He scored one in the Carabao Cup against Ipswich and two goals in a 4-3 defeat away at Leeds in the second league game of the campaign, but then failed to hit the net for the best part of seven months until he scored Fulham's only goal in a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

In fact, throughout the season, he scored more international goals for Serbia (7) than he did for his club (4).

There is a very clear correlation between his goals and Fulham's success and so Fulham suffered immediate relegation back to the second tier having won just five games and scored just 27 goals.

(https://e0.365dm.com/22/02/2048x1152/skysports-mitrovic-toney-championship_5683962.jpg?20220223215003)

Serbia did not take part in Euro 2020 last summer, so Mitrovic had an extended period in which to prepare before lining up for the Cottagers' opener against Middlesbrough on August 8.

His immediate impact consisted of nothing more than a first-minute booking in an eventual 1-1 draw on the banks of the River Thames.

But then came the first of many, during a trip to Huddersfield six days later.

With nine minutes on the clock, Terriers goalkeeper Ryan Schofield chested down a long ball forward quite impressively, swung a leg to try and launch the ball upfield, though could only get enough purchase on it to find a lurking Mitrovic, who slipped as he tried to slot home, yet still managed to loop the ball over the line.

Just like that, his magic touch was back. And it was a sign of things to come, as Marco Silva's imposing, well-drilled and deadly side breezed their way to a crushing 5-1 win.

Aleksandar Mitrovic: Championship vs Premier League record

Division	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Goals per game
Championship	116	75	17	0.65
Premier League	104	24	10	0.23

He then converted a Fabio Carvalho pull-back against Millwall, before being left unmarked to head in the opener in a 2-0 win over Hull and then made it four goals from as many games when he mopped up from a yard or so out when Harry Wilson unselfishly squared for his team-mate when arriving into the six-yard box at breakneck speed.

Following the September international break, the Serbian hit six in six games - which included a glorious first half hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Swansea at Craven Cottage on September 29 - taking his haul to 12 goals in 10 games.

Yet as impressive as that was, a spell between October and November was where he really got going.

A clinical finish on the turn and a superb glancing header he made look easy helped Fulham to a 4-1 west London derby win over QPR, with one more against Cardiff, two more against Nottingham Forest and then another hat-trick, this time against promotion rivals West Brom, just for good measure.

It was no surprise that he triumphed in perhaps one of the most one-sided Sky Bet Player of the Month contests on record as a result.

(https://e0.365dm.com/22/02/2048x1152/skysports-mitrovic-shot-map_5683959.jpg?20220223214948)

"I have a lot of quality around me in this team, a lot of creative players who make a lot of chances for me, so I have to thank them for helping me to score as many goals as I did in October," he said upon collecting the award.

As he referenced there, many of his goals come from inside the box; a flicked header from a cross or a low, composed finish after a free-flowing attack. But he has shown time and time again that he is more than content to set up a team-mate instead, with two assists in a shock 7-0 win over Blackburn on November 3.

Indeed, this selflessness - similar to that of Toney, who got 10 last season - is illustrated by the fact he currently has seven assists to his name, taking his goal involvement figure to 40 in 30 games.

Silva's men returned to the top of the Championship after a 4-1 win over struggling Barnsley on November 17, but then started to go off the boil after they reached the summit, drawing four games and losing one in the lead-up to Christmas.

Who has assisted Mitrovic's record haul?

Player	Assists
Harry Wilson	4
Neeskens Kebano	4
Jean Michael Seri	3
Denis Odoi	2
Fabio Carvalho	2
Tom Cairney	2
Bobby Decordova-Reid	1
Kenny Tete	1
Tim Ream	1
Neco Williams	1

As mentioned earlier, when Mitrovic struggles in front of goal, Fulham do too - and he scored just once during that stretch. What was more disappointing was the fact Covid-related issues saw them play just three league games between December 11 and January 11.

The lay-off served both player and club well, as he returned with two in a 7-0 demolition of Reading and yet another first half hat-trick in a 6-2 comeback win against Bristol City.

In spite of the form of their frontman, Fulham have shown that they are much more than a one-man team and there is no over-reliance to speak of. None of the six goals in the 6-2 win over Birmingham were scored or even assisted by him, while they overcame Stoke 3-2 without him in the squad, with Rodrigo Muniz proving himself to be an able deputy.

He tapped in his 28th in a 1-1 draw against Blackpool on January 29 and reached 30 with two in a 3-0 win over Millwall 10 days later. In that game, he first lashed in a Neco Williams pull-back, then mopped up from just a few yards out when Carvalho's shot was parried into his path by Bart Bialkowski.

Williams was the provider when Mitrovic equalled Toney's record in a 1-0 win at Hull, too. The Liverpool loanee floated an inviting ball into the penalty area, where the frontman glanced a header past Matt Ingram from no less than 15 yards out.

In front of the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday February 19, he missed two gilt-edged chances against Huddersfield to net the all-important goal, but then four days later, he made history.

As struggling Peterborough arrived at the Cottage, days after the departure of manager Darren Ferguson, Mitrovic must have been licking his lips. And, with all eyes on him, he delivered under pressure, slamming home a penalty he won himself with 28 minutes gone.

But he was not finished there. He helped himself to a second, connecting with a Neeskens Kebano cross from the left flank and effortlessly finding the net with a nonchalant sidefooted volley.

As of February 23, with 33 goals in 30 league games, Mitrovic has scored an average of 1.1 goals per game. With 14 games to play, if he carries on scoring at the same frequency, he will score 15 more and reach 48, which will smash the original record by a whopping 17 goals.

This truly is a record that will take some beating.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12517152/aleksandar-mitrovic-how-the-fulham-striker-broke-the-championship-scoring-record

Mitrovic breaks record in Fulham win

Aleksandar Mitrovic netted twice to set a new Championship goalscoring record and take Fulham nine points clear at the top of the table.

The striker's brace took his goal tally for the campaign to 33, eclipsing Ivan Toney's 31 for Brentford last season.

He opened the scoring with a penalty after being fouled by Harrison Burrow.

And he doubled the lead with a lovely side-footed volley from Neeskens Kebano's cross.

Jack Marriott scored an 89th-minute consolation goal for Peterborough.

---

Fulham: Rodak, Williams, Tosin, Ream, Robinson, Reed (Wilson 63), Seri, De Cordova-Reid (Onomaha 83), Carvalho, Kebano (Cavaleiro 63), Mitrovic.
Subs not used: Gazzaniga, Tete, Hector, Chalobah.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-fulham-v-peterborough-report-9494333

Aleksandar Mitrovic breaks Championship scoring record as Fulham beat Peterborough

Aleksandar Mitrovic broke the Championship scoring record by adding two more to his tally as Fulham beat Peterborough on Wednesday evening.

The Serbian's brace takes him to 33 goals in the League this season, overtaking the previous record of 31 set by Ivan Toney last season.

A first-half penalty saw him achieve the feat - with 14 games of the regular league campaign remaining - and he reached 33 for the current term with a second strike after the break.

Substitute Marriott pulled one back for relegation-threatened Peterborough at the death.

The visitors, watched by Grant McCann from the directors' box as he is set to return to Posh as manager, made five changes since their defeat by Derby, including Harrison Burrows returning after injury.

They were almost punished after 10 minutes, when Mitrovic headed wide a cross by Neeskens Kebano.

Fulham continued to dominate Peterborough, pushing their backline without being able to find a decisive breakthrough.

Josh Knight was robbed of the ball by Kebano in the 23rd minute, but did well to run back and dispossess the midfielder as he ran in on goal.

Harrison Reid was unable to fully control the ball six yards from goal as he just failed to properly connect with a Mitrovic knockdown.

The Fulham pressure finally paid off in the 28th minute. Mitrovic was fouled in the area by Burrows and the Serbian converted the spot-kick to put the hosts ahead with his record-breaking 32nd goal of the season.

After taking the lead, the west London side continued to press for a second, effectively keeping Peterborough in their own half.

Fulham started the second half as forceful in their attack as they were in the first period of the game.

Peterborough finally started to find their feet in the game though, putting their own pressure on the Fulham defence.

Their best chance of the contest so far came in the 57th minute. Jonson Clarke-Harris took a free-kick on the edge of the area and saw his effort deflected just over the bar.

It was as good as it got for Peterborough, as Fulham reapplied their pressure. Reed put over a first-time effort from a Bobby Decordova-Reid cross, after fine solo work by Neco Williams.

The lead was doubled just after the hour, when Mitrovic volleyed a cross from Kebano to effectively end the Peterborough resistance.

Fulham were looking for more goals, and substitute Ivan Cavaleiro forced goalkeeper Steven Benda to tip over in the 74th minute.

Fabio Carvalho showed impressive skill to work his way from the touchline to a shooting position in the 78th minute, after which he made Benda save his effort.

Benda denied Mitrovic a hat-trick with five minutes of regulation time remaining, when the Serbian found space after a Jean Michael Seri pass, but the stopper denied him with a block.

Peterborough gave themselves late hope, when substitute Marriott broke to finish past Marek Rodak, but the league leaders held on.

Additional reporting from PA



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/aleksandar-mitrovic-championship-goals-record-ivan-toney-brentford-2022-b984304.html

Mitrovic brace beats plucky Peterborough

The red hot Aleksandar Mitrovic added another brace to his astonishing collection of Championship goals as Fulham saw off plucky Peterborough to move nine points clear at the top of the table. The Serbian set a new mark for the highest number of Championship goals in a season – moving past the record set by former Posh forward Ivan Toney – but the league leaders were made to sweat for all three points in the closing stages after Jack Marriott pulled a goal back for the visitors late on.

Peterborough, watched by former manager Grant McCann who is set for another spell in the London Road dug out, turned in a spirited showing under the interim management of Matthew Etherington, who was assisted by former Fulham winger Simon Davies. They made light of their perilous position, eight points from safety, with some progressive passing and an eager to offer support to lone striker Jonson Clarke-Harris which rather belied an ultra-defensive 4-1-4-1 set-up. Disciplined in defence they made it difficult for the hosts to play through them with the first chance arriving after ten minutes when Mitrovic sent a header wide from Neeskens Kebano's cross.

Mitrovic then headed an Antonee Robinson cross straight at Steven Benda, who had an inspired game in the Peterborough goal. Chances were still at a premium even though Kebano and Jean Michael Seri, both returning to Marco Silva's starting eleven this evening, seemed to have oceans of room to roam with the ball. The Ivorian almost broke the deadlock with a deflected drive that Benda did well to hold after Bobby Decordova-Reid had managed to hold the ball up in the penalty area whilst grappling with two defenders.

Peterborough certainly weren't seeking simply to stuff numbers behind the ball and Etherington's side appeared dangerous on the counter-attack. A flowing move down the right eventually saw Reece Brown move into space just outside the box but Marek Rodak easily fielded the midfielder's low shot. Harrison Reed, restored to central midfield this evening, spurned a great chance to open his Fulham account when Mitrovic nodded a beautiful Seri ball into his path – failing to get a clean contact on his volleyed finish.

Just when it looked as if the Posh had weathered the storm, Harrison Burrows clumsily fouled Mitrovic when they seemed little danger beyond the far post. There was never any doubt that the Serbian would pick himself up to take the penalty and he dispatched the spot-kick decisively to Benda's right to move onto 32 goals in 30 Championship games. Fulham were largely in control now, but survived a scare at the back when a mix-up between Decordova-Reid and Rodak allowed Sammie Smzodics to stab goalwards from inside the six-yard box but the ball trickled into the side netting.

Peterborough came out with more intent after the interval and almost found a route back into the match. A break down the left saw Szmodics narrowly fail to find Brown with a deep cross to the back post and then Clarke-Harris' deflected free-kick from 25 yards wrongfooted Rodak but just crept over the bar. As is their wont, Fulham flew forward in response with a sensational sixty-yard run from Neco Williams set up a crossing opportunity for Decordova-Reid and Benda did brilliantly to tip Reed's volley over for a corner. From the set play, Mitrovic managed to lose his marker but contrived to head well wide.

That felt like a significant let-off for Peterborough, but any relief proved temporary. Fabio Carvalho spun sublimely away from plenty of Peterborough shirts in midfield and then threaded a fine ball through to Kebano out on the left. The Congolese winger delivered a wonderful ball to the feet of Mitrovic and the number nine's half volley possessed too much power for Benda to keep it out. Ivan Cavaleiro almost announced his arrival as a substitute with a sensational individual goal as he jinked past a couple of Peterborough defenders but his shot was deflected wide of goal. He went even closer with a trademark curler from the inside left position but Benda did superbly to claw that effort away from the top corner.

Mitrovic was furious with himself for not bringing up his hat-trick when he headed a sumptuous Seri cross straight into Benda's gloves before Carvalho's quick feet had the teenager scurrying infield from the right flank only for the Peterborough goalkeeper to push away a lovely left-footed strike. Morton went close at the other end after punishing some Seri hesitancy in the Fulham box, but the young forward was soon to set up a grandstand finish.

Benda made a couple of brilliant saves at the other end, spreading himself well to save from Mitrovic after Seri's ball over the top looked to have played him in. The on-loan Swansea keeper then denied Harry Wilson from another superb Seri through ball and set his side back on the attack. Morton burst away down the left flank, beating Tosin Adarabioyo, and squaring for Marriott to shoot high into the net and halve Peterborough's arrears.

That made for a nervy final four minutes of stoppage time as the visitors sent in a couple of set plays and long throws but Fulham stood firm to return to winning ways.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Williams, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Reed (Wilson 63), Seri; Decordova-Reid (Onomah 83), Kebano (Cavaleiro 63), Carvalho, Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Gazzaniga, Tete, Hector, Chalobah.

GOALS: Mitrovic (pen 28, 62).

PETERBOROUGH UNITED (4-1-4-1): Benda; Knight, Burrows, Kent, Edwards; Brown (Morton 72); Ward, Grant, Norburn, Szmodics (Jade-Jones 77); Clarke-Harris (Marriott 71). Subs (not used): Cornell, Marriott, Poku, Jones, Mumba, Morton, Fuchs.

BOOKED: Knight.

GOAL: Marriott (89).

REFEREE: Jared Gillett (Australia).

ATTENDANCE: 17,387.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/mitrovic-brace-beats-plucky-peterborough/

Brave Posh Beaten By Premier League Bound Cottagers

Posh put up a brave fight but were beaten 2-1 by Fulham.

Peterborough United were beaten 2-1 by Premier League bound Fulham at Craven Cottage as Aleksander Mitrovic bagged a brace to break the record set by former Posh striker Ivan Toney for the amount of Championship goals in a season.

Harrison Reed saw an early effort deflected behind for a corner kick as the home side made a confident start at Craven Cottage. Serbian international Aleksander Mitrovic, closing in on Ivan Toney's Championship scoring record, guided a header wide from a Kebano cross on nine minutes.

Benda did well to claim a deflected effort from Seri on 18 minutes as Fulham continued to dominate possession. Posh played some excellent football on 20 minutes to create a shooting opportunity from 25-yards for Reece Brown, but his low shot was gathered by keeper Marek Rodak.

Benda did well to smother a Reed effort from close-range on 25 minutes after an intelligent knock down from Mitrovic. The deadlock was broken two minutes later as a foul by Burrows on Mitrovic was spotted by referee Jarred Gillett and a penalty was awarded. MITROVIC stepped up and converted to send Benda the wrong way from the spot.

Seri flashed a shot well wide of the target as the first half moved into one minute of stoppage time. Posh were a whisker away from levelling the scores on 57 minutes as a deflected Clarke-Harris free-kick whistled just over the top with Rodak stranded.

Benda produced a fine fingertip stop to keep out Reed on the hour mark with Mitrovic heading the resulting corner wide. The home side doubled the lead on 61 minutes and it was that man MITROVIC again, guiding home a Kebano cross on the volley.

Posh made a double change on 70 minutes with Jack Marriott and Callum Morton replacing Brown and Clarke-Harris. Benda did well to tip a Cavaleiro effort over the top on 73 minutes before the keeper kept out a header from Mitrovic after a cross from Wilson.

Kent was a whisker away from pulling a goal back after a scramble on the edge of the Fulham box, but his shot went inches past the post. Cavalho was denied by Benda after more incredible close-control before Morton flashed a shot wide at the other end after good harassing from Jones.

Benda produced another fine stop, this time with his legs to keep out Mitrovic on 84 minutes after a clever pass from Seri. Knight was cautioned for a foul less than 60 seconds later.

Benda produced a fine stop to keep out Wilson on 87 minutes and moments later, Posh pulled a goal back as Morton wriggled clear and picked out fellow substitute MARRIOTT, who rifled a shot past Rodak and into the top corner.

Fulham: Rodak, Reed (sub Wilson 62min), Kebano (sub Cavaleiro 62min), Mitrovic, Ream, Cordova-Reid (sub Onomah 82min), Adarabioyo, Williams, Seri, Carvalho, Robinson, Mitrovic. Unused subs: Gazzaniga, Tete, Hector, Wilson, Chalabah.

Posh: Benda, Edwards, Kent, Szmodics (sub Jones 77min), Clarke-Harris (sub Marriott 71min), Brown (sub Morton 70min), Grant, Knight, Burrows, Norburn, Ward. Unused subs: Cornell, Poku, Mumba, Fuchs.

Half-time: Fulham 1-0 Peterborough United
Full-time: Fulham 2-1 Peterborough United
Referee: Jarred Gillett



https://www.theposh.com/news/brave-posh-beaten-premier-league-bound-cottagers

Mitrovic: 'The target is to finish first'

Aleksandar Mitrovic was delighted to break the record for Championship goals in a single season with his matchwinning brace against Peterborough tonight – but Fulham's number nine insisted the main target is to lift the league title.

The Serbian striker moved past Ivan Toney's tally last term with a first-half penalty he had won himself and then fired home a second after the break as Marco Silva's side returned to winning ways despite a late goal from Jack Marriott. Mitrovic told FFCTV after the final whistle that he was pleased to claim another goalscoring record, but stressed picking up another three points was even more vital.

"It feels nice. 33 goals – it was a nice feeling for me, but mostly importantly we got three points today. I don't care – a goal is a goal. It is not easy sometimes to take a penalty. I stayed clam. I think the penalty was good and I think today overall was a good performance, it was a deserved win. We should have scored a couple more today – me as well, I should have had a hat-trick – and when you don't score goals, some things happen. I think we managed to get three points and we move on.

I have had quite a few records but this feels nice. I broke the record in the Serbian national team as well and today here. I feel good on the pitch, I feel great. I feel good in this time. As I say, the most important thing today was that we get three points, we play good football and we move. The target is to finish first. Still, fourteen games to play, nothing done yet and we need to focus on the next one, that's Cardiff – which is another tough game."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/mitrovic-the-target-is-to-finish-first/

Aleksandar Mitrovic makes history in the Championship
The Serbian star became the first player to score 32 goals in the division.

ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC became the first player to score 32 goals in a Sky Bet Championship season as Fulham extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points with a 2-1 win over Peterborough.

The Serbian's first-half penalty saw him achieve the feat – with 14 games of the regular league campaign remaining – and he reached 33 for the current term with a second strike after the break.

Substitute Marriott pulled one back for relegation-threatened Peterborough at the death.

The visitors, watched by Grant McCann from the directors' box as he is set to return to Posh as manager, made five changes since their defeat by Derby, including Harrison Burrows returning after injury.

They were almost punished after 10 minutes, when Mitrovic headed wide a cross by Neeskens Kebano.

Fulham continued to dominate Peterborough, pushing their backline without being able to find a decisive breakthrough.

Josh Knight was robbed of the ball by Kebano in the 23rd minute, but did well to run back and dispossess the midfielder as he ran in on goal.

Harrison Reid was unable to fully control the ball six yards from goal as he just failed to properly connect with a Mitrovic knockdown.

The Fulham pressure finally paid off in the 28th minute. Mitrovic was fouled in the area by Burrows and the Serbian converted the spot-kick to put the hosts ahead with his record-breaking 32nd goal of the season.

After taking the lead, the west London side continued to press for a second, effectively keeping Peterborough in their own half.

Fulham started the second half as forceful in their attack as they were in the first period of the game.

Peterborough finally started to find their feet in the game though, putting their own pressure on the Fulham defence.

Their best chance of the contest so far came in the 57th minute. Jonson Clarke-Harris took a free-kick on the edge of the area and saw his effort deflected just over the bar.

It was as good as it got for Peterborough, as Fulham reapplied their pressure. Reed put over a first-time effort from a Bobby Decordova-Reid cross, after fine solo work by Neco Williams.

The lead was doubled just after the hour, when Mitrovic volleyed a cross from Kebano to effectively end the Peterborough resistance.

Fulham were looking for more goals, and substitute Ivan Cavaleiro forced goalkeeper Steven Benda to tip over in the 74th minute.

Fabio Carvalho showed impressive skill to work his way from the touchline to a shooting position in the 78th minute, after which he made Benda save his effort.

Benda denied Mitrovic a hat-trick with five minutes of regulation time remaining, when the Serbian found space after a Jean Michael Seri pass, but the stopper denied him with a block.

Peterborough gave themselves late hope, when substitute Marriott broke to finish past Marek Rodak, but the league leaders held on.



https://www.the42.ie/aleksandar-mitrovic-makes-history-in-the-championship-5691639-Feb2022/

Silva salutes record-breaker Mitrovic

Marco Silva saluted Aleksandar Mitrovic's record-breaking goalscoring exploits after Fulham returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Peterborough United tonight.

The Serbian striker scored both goals to move past Ivan Toney's top tally in Championship goals and set a new mark for second-tier goals since the division's rebranding in 2004. The Fulham head coach hailed the in-form number nine during a post-match interview with FFCTV:

"Congratulations to him. The numbers speak for themselves. Thirty-three goals at the end of February, with 14 more games to play, it's fantastic. What I like about him is he's always demanding more and more and more. He knows that from tomorrow I'll demand more and more from him. Mitro's numbers reflect our philosophy and the players have bought into it. We're creating and building something important."

Silva criticised his side's slack defending that offered struggling Peterborough a potential route back in the contest with a minute to go.

"At this level, we cannot make mistakes like we did for their goal. We have to be more aggressive – one goal reopened the game again. Our players know that we should not give them the moment to create chances to score a goal. It's something to keep working with. It doesn't matter what the position of our opponents is in the table, it will be tough if you don't do the basics well."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/silva-salutes-record-breaker-mitrovic/

-: FRIDAY STUFF :-

35 years since Fulham Park Rangers


Today marks 35 years since the news broke of a dastardly plan to merge west London rivals Fulham and Queens Park Rangers creating a new club to be known as Fulham Park Rangers. David Bulstrode, who had bought Fulham from Ernie Clay as the owner of Marler Estates, had concluded a secret deal – now splashed across the national newspapers – to buy Rangers and Loftus Road from Jim Gregory, have English football's first merged outfit play at QPR's ground and develop Craven Cottage.

'Bulldozer' Bulstrode's plan to make Loftus Road the home of football in the capital, with Chelsea set to groundshare there should Marler's plan to redevelop Stamford Bridge come to fruition as well, was certainly ambitious. He dismissed the furious outcry from Third Division Fulham's fanbase, asserting: "They will appreciate it is not economical in the long run for the club to continue on it's own". It wasn't the first west London wheeze of its kind – only a few years earlier, Gregory, who was ready to retire after ploughing his money into QPR, tried to bring together Fulham, Chelsea and Rangers to play at Wembley without success.

The supporters were outraged. Rebel Rangers fans set up their own independent supporters' association to led the protests when it emerged that the official supporters' organisation backed the proposals, whilst Fulham's fanbase made clear where their feelings lay. Their home game surged by nearly 3,500 for the first match at Craven Cottage after the Fulham Park Rangers plans became public – a draw with Walsall, whose chairman Terry Ramsden, held a significant shareholding in Marler Estates. A half-time interruption from the fans made the television news. Banners, pitch invasions and public meetings became far important than the football as Fulham's very future was in the balance.


Jimmy Hill headed up a consortium that looked to wrestle control of his old club from Bulstrode's grasp. He was supported by accountant David Shrimpton, whose family had supplied four brothers in the same Fulham starting eleven, and the intervention of local businessman and lifelong supporter, Bill Muddyman, who pledged a personal donation of £150,000 during a hastily-organised campaign meeting at the Whig and Pen.

Hill's celebrity helped generate column inches as well as cash and the consortium purchased the club from Marler and not the Cottage. He took over as chairman with Muddyman, Cyril Swain and David Gardner all part of the new regime. There was an uneasy truce between the property speculators and the football fans. The listed status of both the Cottage and the Stevenage Road stand made Marler's next move particularly difficult and the 1989 recession saw the company collapse. Cabra estates – who purchased Marler – also went under and Fulham were able to conclude a deal with Royal Bank of Scotland, their new landlords.

This wasn't, of course, Fulham's last link with a groundshare at Queens Park Rangers. The fans had to mount another campaign, beginning in 2002, when Mohamed Al-Fayed sought to move them out of Craven Cottage for a new home in White City. 'Back to the Cottage' proved successful when local sites for a new stadium were shown to be thin on the ground and Fulham fans made plain their preference to return to the club's historic home. After two years in exile at Loftus Road, the Whites returned to a revamped Craven Cottage and the final piece in a particularly problematic jigsaw should be the completion of the Riverside Stand this summer.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/fulham-park-rangers/

Mitrovic: a master marksman

Aleksandar Mitrovic surpassing Ivan Toney's Championship goalscoring record felt inevitable since he started finding the net regularly under Marco Silva. The Serbian sped past the Brentford striker's mark with a first-half penalty against Peterborough last night and made sure of the three points after the break with a volley that carried far more firepower in a side-footed finish than it looked. True to his insatiable appetite for goals, Mitrovic was disappointed after the final whistle not to complete his hat trick. He's always set high standards for himself – and is clearly enjoying his football again.

The 27 year-old is a much more mature and confident man than the one who initially turned up at Craven Cottage on loan from Newcastle. Lured to London by the prospect of a reunion with his compatriot Slavisa Jokanovic, Mitrovic's career was at a crossroads. He had been unable to establish himself as a regular in the Premier League with Newcastle and plainly wasn't Rafa Benitez's type of forward. The goals hadn't exactly flowed on Tyneside, but after a slow start he powered Fulham's promotion push with twelve goals in 20 games – playing a full part in a remarkable 23-match unbeaten run and the way the Whites went up through the play-offs.

He thrived off the warmth from the Fulham fanbase and, something crucially overlooked by those who suggest he'll never replicate these extraordinary goalscoring feats in the top flight, he found the net eleven times in a dismal season where the Whites looked out of their depth from the off, despite being led by three different managers. He made have managed 26 goals the following season – and claimed the Championship golden boot – but you always felt he was rather suffocated by Scott Parker's sterile football and proof that the rookie manager didn't trust his number nine arrived the following year. Mitrovic, in the process of breaking the Serbian national goalscoring record, started only three league games and was left kicking his heels as an impotent Fulham outfit went down without a whimper.

There was a very real possibility that Fulham's talisman would be playing his football elsewhere had Parker's infatuation with Bournemouth not come to fruition in the close season. Instead, his remarkable predatory instincts have been fully utilised by Silva: who recognised that a striker with these attributes should be the focal point of an attacking side. Yes, it is in the second tier, but Mitrovic's rate of goalscoring has been remarkable. He now has 33 in 30 league games this season, but his deployment has changed dramatically. He is free to roam around the field, drop into pockets of space to create room for areas, and make his own late runs all the trickier for terrified centre halves to pick up.

Mitrovic's vision and passing has also been underrated by the pundits who pigeon hole him as 'a typical old-fashioned centre forward'. In Silva's fluid 4-2-3-1, he frequently starts attacks as often as he finishes them. The goal Fabio Carvalho scored at Manchester City in the FA Cup owed everything to a beautifully weighted ball to Harry Wilson, whilst the Welshman was also the beneficiary of a sublime bit of skill when he put a goal on a plate for Neeskens Kebano at Reading last month. Mitrovic now averages around 26 passes a game and has seven assists to his name: he looks both fitter and more mobile under Silva and is an integral part of Fulham's pressing game, a role Parker professed him unable to perform.

In his remarks after the win over Peterborough, Mitrovic played down the significance of overhauling Toney in the context of the promotion. The ultimate team man, the Serbian insisted that returning to winning ways after the weekend slip-up against Huddersfield was more important. He's told the Athletic that any celebration can wait until the end of the season once the Whites are holding up the league trophy. Mitrovic is such a rich vein of form, who knows how many goals he'll have got by then? George Camsell's all-time second tier record of 59 feels out of reach, but he should be able to beat Guy Whittingham's 42 from 1992/93. There's also the prospect of reaching a century of Fulham goals – he needs fourteen to bring up that landmark too.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/mitrovic-a-master-marksman/

Away Day Guide – Cardiff City

It's a trip to South Wales this weekend for the mighty Whites as we look to strengthen our lead at the top of the table against Cardiff.
TICKETING INFORMATION

Tickets are currently on sale to Fulham fans priced at £23 for adults, £18 for those aged 60 and above, £12 for those aged between 16 and 21 and £10 for juniors under 16.
GETTING TO THE CARDIFF CITY STADIUM
BY CAR


To avoid being caught up in city centre traffic, exit the M4 at junction 33 and take the A4232 towards Cardiff/Barry. Keep on the A4232 towards Cardiff and then leave the dual carriageway at the B4267 exit. At the end of the slip road, turn left at the roundabout, following the signs for the Cardiff International Athletics Stadium. The stadium is situated a short distance down this road on the right. Parking in the nearby retail park is only available for 90 minutes and traffic wardens also operate in the area on match days.
BY TRAIN

Most trains from London will head into Cardiff Central. You can walk to the ground from this station, which takes approximately 25 minutes. As you come out of the entrance to the station, bear left and at the bottom of the station approach road, turn left. Continue straight on into Ninian Park Road, for around a mile passing the Millennium Stadium on your right. At the end of Ninian Park Road turn left and then left into Leckwith Road and you will soon see the stadium on your left hand side. You can take a taxi from Cardiff Central (cost around £7) or catch the 95 bus – heading towards Barry – from the stop next to the station.

The closest station to the ground is Ninian Park Halt, which is about five minutes walk away. You can reach this station from Cardiff Central and trains run roughly every 30 minutes on Saturdays. When you come out of the station, go left along Leckwith Road and the stadium is clearly visible on the left hand side.

Grangetown Station, which is between 15 and 20 minutes walk away, is also served by trains from Cardiff Central. After exiting the station, turn left, go across the main road and turn right into Sloper Road. Turn left into the protected compound at the HSS Plant Hire and you will see the away supporters' entrance right in front of you.
BY COACH

The official club coaches depart from Motspur Park and Craven Cottage at 9.15am on matchday priced at £20 for adult season ticket holders and members and £15 for juniors (£25 adults; £20 for juniors on general sale).
AWAY PUBS

Most pubs in the vicinity of the ground are for home fans only. The traditionally recognised away pub is The Lansdowne (71 Beda Road, Cardiff, CF5 ILX) in the Canton area of Cardiff, which is about a fifteen minute walk from the ground. A good selection of draught ales and lagers are available and there are large screens showing Sky TV as well as an award-wining food menu. The Lansdowne does get very busy on match days.

Fulham fans have also previously enjoyed the Gol Centre on (Lawrenny Ave, Cardiff CF11 8BR), which runs a bar that welcomes away fans and is about an eight minute walk from the stadium. Anyone wishing to park at the centre will be charged £5 – but will be given a bar voucher for the same amount that can be redeemed for food and drink purchases.

Canton Rugby Football Club (Lawrenny Avenue, Cardiff CF11 8BR), situated further along the same road as Gol, has an inviting bar, large screen TVs showing Sky Sports and offers free parking.

The Prince of Wales (81-83 St. Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1FA) is the nearest Wetherspoons option and is about a 25 minute walk from the Cardiff City Stadium. The usual cheap alcohol options and reasonably-priced food is available at a venue that is very hospitable towards visiting supporters.

The Cottage (11 Sanquhar Street, CF24 2AA) has been a popular haunt for Fulham fans here for obvious reasons but it provides an excellent food menu and a wide selection of beers.

Otherwise, Fulham fans are best advised to drink in the city centre before heading to the ground. Some pubs are likely to refuse entry to away supporters wearing colours.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2022/02/away-day-guide-cardiff-city/

'What will make Mitro the happiest is...' – Silva has his say on Aleksandar Mitrovic after Fulham man smashes Championship goals record

Fulham manager Marco Silva has hailed Aleksandar Mitrovic after he broke the Championship goal-scoring record last night, but insists that his goals are a result of team efforts.

Fulham won 2-1 at home to Peterborough United in the Championship last night. The Whites had the lead at half-time thanks to a Mitrovic penalty, with the Serb doubling his side's lead after the restart.

Jack Marriott pulled one back for Posh late on but Fulham held on for the win, which gives them a nine-point lead over Bournemouth in 2nd and an 11-point lead over QPR in 3rd.

Arguably the main story coming out of last night's game at Craven Cottage though is Mitrovic's record-breaking goal. His first goal of last night took him to 32 in the league for this season, setting the new record for amount of goals scored in a single Championship season.

His second goal of the game takes his season tally to 33, smashing the record of 31 set by Ivan Toney last season and with plenty of games still remaining.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com after the game, Fulham boss Silva had this to say on Mitrovic:

"Mitro knows the main thing and goal for all of us. All the goals come as a consequence of us doing our jobs.

"The main thing about breaking the record is that it reflects our philosophy and is a consequence of us playing as a team, right from the very first game against Boro.

"He was really calm in the dressing room, of course he was happy and everyone congratulated him.

"What will make Mitro the happiest is what will come in May and that is the same as what the Football Club wants."

Ready for the Premier League?
There seems to be no doubting that Fulham will earn promotion this season. But whether or not Mitrovic will be ready to finally take on the Premier league next time round remains a debatable question.

He's fallen short in previous seasons but this time round, under the more attacking approach of Silva, Mitrovic has come into his prime.

His all-round play has really come on this season and finally, the striker looks primed to meet the Premier League head on, and hopefully score enough goals to keep Fulham in the top flight for some years to come.

Up next for the London club is a trip to Cardiff City on Saturday.



https://the72.co.uk/264014/what-will-make-mitro-the-happiest-is-silva-has-his-say-on-aleksandar-mitrovic-after-fulham-man-smashes-championship-goals-record/

Neeskens Kebano sends message to Aleksandar Mitrovic after record-breaking moment at Fulham

Aleksandar Mitrovic broke Ivan Toney's Championship record of 31 league goals in a season, with a brace in Fulham's 2-1 win over Peterborough United on Tuesday evening.

The Cottagers currently boast one of the most high profile attacking contingents the second tier has seen in recent years, and that has played a significant role in Mitrovic's continued success.

Neeskens Kebano has been a key player in their promotion push despite being out of favour last season as the club were relegated from the Premier League.

The 29-year-old was sent out on loan to Middlesbrough in the second half of the campaign, but has made up for lost time and cemented a first team place under Marco Silva this time around.

Kebano took to Twitter to congratulate Mitrovic and reflect on yet another victory for the Cottagers

He wrote: "A very good game last night and a deserved victory.

"Congrats Aleksandar for your fabulous goalscoring record!"

https://twitter.com/Neeskens_Kebano/status/1496755085493350401

Harry Wilson and Bobby Decordova-Reid along with Kebano will be hoping that their performances this season are repaid with regular game time in the Premier League next season.

Marco Silva has experienced his fair share of ups and downs in the top-flight, and will be hoping that Fulham will finally prove to be the right fit for him to succeed in England.

The Verdict

Fulham have opened up an 11 point cushion on third placed Queens Park Rangers and will already be thinking about picking up the league title.

The Cottagers have spent big in summer transfer windows previously and not been successful, so there is a chance that even at board level an agreement is met for the current crop of attacking talent to be given a run in the top-flight.

Even Mitrovic himself was not first choice for the majority of last season, making a mockery of Scott Parker's team selections and having been through his peaks and troughs in the Premier League over the years, the Serbian will be looking to prove a point with his performances next season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/neeskens-kebano-sends-message-to-aleksandar-mitrovic-after-record-breaking-moment-at-fulham/

Talking Points: Peterborough


Big picture

While Aleksandar Mitrović will take the headlines, the thing that pleased Marco Silva the most on Wednesday night was the victory. When FFCtv began our post-match debrief with the Gaffer by saying we had to start by talking about Mitro, he quickly sat us back down. "Sorry I won't start with Mitro," he said with a smile. "I will start with the three points as that is the main thing for us." Fair enough, boss!

Mika's pass-terclass

Jean Michaël Seri was in from the start for a Fulham game for the first time in more than two months, and it was like he'd never been away. Operating in his deep-lying playmaker role, Seri created plenty of chances for his teammates, with his chipped balls over the top for Aleksandar Mitrović and Harry Wilson in the second half particularly stunning.

History maker

Having matched Ivan Toney's 31 Championship goals against Hull City, it was only a matter of time before Mitro held the record outright. He earned the right to move onto 32 himself when he won a penalty just before the half hour mark, one he dispatched with unflinching conviction. And it soon became 33 with a smart second half volley. He could have had a hat-trick had it not been for an excellent performance from Peterborough goalkeeper Steven Benda, but a goal every 79 minutes this season is still not too shabby.

https://twitter.com/FulhamFC/status/1496585501591154694

Marek Moraes

As we reached the 70 minute mark in the game, Marek Rodák set up a move with a beautiful flat pass to Bobby De Cordova-Reid up the other end of the pitch. It was fabulous technique, comparable to that of Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, and it was just a shame that it didn't end up leading to a goal.


Return of a legend

While Posh wait to appoint a new manager, Matthew Etherington took temporary charge in midweek, assisted by the club's under-23 manager; a certain Simon Davies. It's always good to see Digger back at the Cottage after he gave us six-and-a-half years of excellent service, scoring some fairly valuable goals along the way.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/february/24/talking-points-peterborough/

How do Marco Silva's Fulham stats compare to those of his predecessors?

Fulham appointed Marco Silva as manager at the beginning of the 2021/22 season, and have since found themselves in an incredibly strong position.

The Cottagers current sit top of the Championship, nine points clear of Bournemouth in 2nd. Before the weekend loss to play-off chasing Huddersfield Town, supporters had seen their team go on a seven game unbeaten run, which included a 7-0 and two 6-2 victories.

Fulham needed a new manager who could send them back up at the first time of asking following their relegation from the Premier League last season. The club is, at present, well on course to achieve that.

So how does the former Everton boss' stats compare to that of his predecessors?
Silva became Fulham's tenth manager in as many years when he was appointed last summer. The 44-year-old took over from club legend Scott Parker, who achieved promotion via the play-offs in his first full season of management.

He currently boasts a win percentage of 60% since arriving at Craven Cottage – only Kevin Keegan has bettered that record during his year stint from 1998-99 in west London (62.3%).

Slaviša Jokanović left Fulham with a 32.91% win percentage, Parker with 35.2%, and Claudio Ranieri with 17.65%.

Silva's winning record is already far superior to those who came before him, although he is yet to manage this Cottagers' side at Premier League level.

In terms of his squad's attacking threat, it seems they will smash the second tier's goals scored record. Fulham have hit the back of the net 81 times this season, with sharpshooter Aleksandar Mitrović having already beaten Ivan Toney's individual record of 31 goals.

Under Parker, the west London side only managed 64 league goals all season as they finished in 4th, further exemplifying the forward talent of Silva's current squad.

Fulham have failed to win the Championship throughout their existence, the closest attempt coming in the 2017/18 season with a third placed finish. It looks as if this campaign is their best chance of lifting the trophy, and it would take an extremely poor run of form to not achieve automatic promotion at least.



https://the72.co.uk/263631/how-do-marco-silvas-fulham-stats-compare-to-those-of-his-predecessors/

Championship goalscoring record: How many goals does Aleksandar Mitrovic need to break the all-time second-tier record?

Aleksandar Mitrovic's brace against Peterborough on Wednesday broke the Championship record, but what about the previous benchmark before the league's 2004 rebrand?

Aleksandar Mitrovic's goalscoring record for Fulham this season has been nothing short of jaw-dropping. The big Serb had already hit 20 league goals by matchday 17; a run which included 10 goals in six matches by early November.

With Fulham flying high at the top of the Championship for much of the campaign, and Mitrovic in scintillating form, the question of whether he would break Ivan Toney's 31-goal record – set only last season for promoted Brentford – quickly became a question of when.

As it happened, Mitrovic matched Toney's record against Hull on February 12 and then moved clear into the lead against Peterborough on Wednesday evening. A brace took him past Toney and onto 33 for the campaign. It's official: Mitrovic is the greatest single-season goalscorer in Championship history – and with a staggering 14 games still to play.

But given that record only dates back to 2004 when the league's branding changed - it seems a slightly arbitrary record. Before the Championship, between 1992 and 2004 when the league was known as Division One, the record is a far more impressive 42 goals scored by Portsmouth's Guy Whittingham in 1992/93.

But again that line in the sand was only drawn because it was the year the Premier League was formed and so for marketing reasons the second tier went from being known as Division Two to Division One.

in order to be the undisputed top goal scorer in the English second tier, the Serbia international would have to notch a further 27 goals in the remaining 14 league games to surpass Middlesbrough's George Camsell. He scored an astonishing 59 league goals in just 37 league games in the 1926/27 season.

Camsell holds another record that Mitrovic could have his eyes on - on his way to scoring 59 goals the Middlesbrough forward netted nine hat-tricks. A record for a single season. Mitrovic is currently on two, but it's not beyond the realms of possibility that he'll break other records this season.

So there we have it. While Mitrovic is certainly the greatest single-season scorer in Championship history, he has a long way to go to break the all-time record. A few hat-tricks between now and the end of the season wouldn't hurt. 



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/championship-goalscoring-record-how-many-goals-does-aleksandar-mitrovic-need-to-break-the-all-time-second-tier-record

5 insane stats behind Mitrovic's record-breaking Championship season

Fulham continued their promotion push back to the Premier League with a 2-1 win at home to Peterborough on Wednesday night but there was further reason to celebrate for the Cottagers. Aleksandar Mitrovic netted both goals to take his tally for the season to 33, shattering the record for most goals in a Championship campaign.

Only Glenn Murray in 2012/13 (30 goals) and Ivan Toney last term (31 goals) had ever reached the 30-goal mark in a Championship season prior to this season, so for Mitrovic to do so with 14 games left for Fulham to play is nothing short of remarkable. Including assists, Mitrovic has actually played a direct hand in 40 goals in 30 league appearances for the west London outfit. In this piece we breakdown Mitrovic's record-breaking season and reveal five crazy stats behind it all.

1) Lightning starts. Mitrovic loves first half goals
While most teams come on stronger in the second half of matches, Aleksandar Mitrovic has actually started games in devastating fashion more often than not this season. Incredibly, Mitrovic would still be the joint-top scorer in the Championship this season even if he was subbed off at half-time every game. Mitrovic has scored 20 of his 33 league goals in the first half of matches in 2021/22, with only Blackburn's Ben Brereton Diaz netting as many in total.

2) Open play goal machine
You'd be forgiven for thinking Aleksandar Mitrovic would be at his most dangerous from set-pieces given his physical attributes, but the Serbia international has actually been ruthless from open play for Fulham this season. In fact, 24 of his 33 goals have come from open play situations, which is more goals than Barnsley (21) have netted as a team all campaign. Mitrovic's goals have helped Fulham scored 81 as a team this season, which is already more than any team managed in the Championship last term.

3) Air Mitro
The fact Mitrovic has scored an incredible number of goals from open play isn't to suggest the 27-year-old hasn't thrown himself about this season. The Fulham No.9 has incredibly scored nine headed goals already this season, which is more than 69 of the other 91 sides in England's top-four tiers have managed. In fact, his tally of headed goals alone would be enough to be the outright scorer for nine other teams in the Championship this season, including third-place Queens Park Rangers.

(https://d2zywfiolv4f83.cloudfront.net/img/blog/2022%2f2%2fmITROARTICLE.png)

4) Mitrovic in a league of his own
Having shattered the record so early, it comes as no surprise Mitrovic stakes up favourably compared to some other recent high scoring individual Championship campaigns. A return of 33 goals in 30 appearances means Mitrovic is averaging more than a goal per game (1.1), which is by far and away better than anyone else in recent history. Even Ivan Toney, who only broke the Championship goalscoring record last season, had a goal-per-game average of 0.69. Not since the 2016/17 campaign with Newcastle's Dwight Gayle (0.72) has a top scorer come close to Mitrovic's current pace.

5) How many goals Mitrovic will score
Now Mitrovic has broken the record, the question is how many he will finish on. With 14 matches to go, the Serbian will likely finish with a tally that will never be broken again. At his current pace, Mitrovic is on course to score another 15 goals that would take his tally to 48 for the campaign. 48 goals would be more than nine teams scored collectively in the Championship last season.



https://www.whoscored.com/Articles/cv8aVdhZ20K7X21DMuoa-w/Show/5-insane-stats-behind-Mitrovic-s-record-breaking-Championship-season

Mitrovic breaks goalscoring record but has some way to go to catch Middlesbrough legend

Aleksandar Mitrovic broke the Championship goalscoring record on Wednesday evening

Aleksandar Mitrovic broke the record for most Championship goals in a single season on Wednesday evening.

On a night three of Boro's play-off rivals recorded late wins, Mitrovic's brace against Peterborough United took him to 33 for the season, bettering Ivan Toney's previous record of 31 goals set just last season.

And while both goalscoring feats are to be celebrated, neither come close to the English second tier's real record - which is still owned by Middlesbrough goalscoring legend George Camsell.

While the record Fulham striker Mitrovic now holds only applies since the Championship's introduction in 2004, England's second tier - under the guise of the Football League Second Division - has been going for quite some time prior to that!

The real English second tier goalscoring record is actually held by Boro's Camsell and was set all the way back in 1926-27, with Camsell's incredible tally of 59 goals in 37 games helping Boro win the league title.

Camsell remains Middlesbrough's record goalscorer with 325 in total, and in that record-breaking season he scored nine hat-tricks which also remains a Football League record.

The goalscoring feat is even more impressive when considered that Camsell wasn't even a first-choice striker at start of the season. Dissatisfied with reserve football, Camsell had requested a transfer in the summer of 1926 and Boro set a mere £300 asking price.

(https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article19818824.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_eorge-Camsell-captured-in-a-Boro-team-photo-Middlesbrough-FC.jpg)
George Camsell captured in a Boro team photo (Image: Middlesbrough FC)

They were bottom of the league table after four games having earned just one point but Boro's season kickstarted when star striker Jimmy McClelland was sidelined with injury. In his place for the game against Hull City stepped Camsell, who had joined the club from Durham City one year prior.

Though he didn't score in a 2-0 win over Hull, he netted twice in the next game, a 4-3 win over Bradford and he wouldn't look back from there.

After losing their first three games, Boro lost only four more over the remaining 38 games of the season and ended the season at the top of the table eight points clear of runners up Portsmouth. Camsell finished the season with his incredible record of 59 goals and the making of a Boro legend was under way.

As well as his incredible goalscoring records for Boro, Camsell also holds the honour of the best goals-per-game ratio for England too, having netted a remarkable 18 goals in nine games for the national team.

Mitrovic's new championship record is impressive no doubt, but still some way off the incredible George Camsell.



https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mitrovic-championship-record-middlesbrough-camsell-23203731

Preview: Cardiff City vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups

Fulham make the trip to Cardiff City looking to strengthen their commanding position at the top of the Championship standings.

The Cottagers head into Saturday's game sitting nine points clear of second spot, while the Bluebirds remain in 19th position after failing to win either of their last two encounters.

Match preview
With an 11-point advantage over third position, Fulham are in an extremely strong position with regards to securing an immediate return to the Premier League.

Nevertheless, Marco Silva will not be overly pleased with his team's recent performances with the Cottagers only defeating struggling Peterborough United by a 2-1 scoreline in midweek.

At this stage of the campaign, results are all that matter, but Fulham have been below par for three matches now, a natural concern for Silva ahead of four away fixtures in five games.

That said, Fulham have not lost on the road since a 4-1 defeat to Coventry City on October 2, a run spanning eight league matches.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's double against Posh on Wednesday night made it 33 goals in the second tier, setting a new Championship high with 14 matches remaining.

Cardiff head into this fixture having failed to win in two games, a 1-1 draw at home to Blackpool being followed by a harsh 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield Town.

Nevertheless, despite the disappointment of conceding two late goals at the John Smith's Stadium, supporters will be delighted with the impact of interim boss Steve Morison.

Four wins from seven matches have moved the Bluebirds 15 points clear of the relegation zone, removing any concerns that the Welsh giants may lose their second-tier status.

Morison has previously criticised Cardiff's efforts in the final third, but Tommy Doyle's goal in midweek represented the eighth successive game that they have got on the scoresheet.

Cardiff City Championship form:

    W    W    L    W    D    L

Cardiff City form (all competitions):

    L   W    L    W    D    L

Fulham Championship form:

    W    D    W    W    L    W

Fulham form (all competitions):

    D    L    W    W    L    W

Team News
Despite the spirited performance at Huddersfield, Morison could show preference to freshening up his Cardiff side for this contest.

Joe Ralls may return in midfield with Ryan Wintle potentially dropping out of the team, while Uche Ikpeazu will hope to finally make his first start since his loan move from Middlesbrough.

Having made changes in midweek, Silva will likely opt to recall Harry Wilson for the game against his former club.

Bobby Decordova-Reid may potentially move into the middle, handing a rest to Fabio Carvalho, while Nathaniel Chalobah is an alternative to Harrison Reed or Jean Michael Seri.

Despite their substitute appearances against Posh, Josh Onomah and Ivan Cavaleiro could remain among the replacements.

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Smithies; Drameh, Ng, Flint, McGuinness, Bagan; Doyle, Ralls, Vaulks; Ikpeazu, Hugill

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Williams, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Seri; Wilson, Reid, Kebano; Mitrovic

We say: Cardiff City 1-2 Fulham

Having pushed Huddersfield all of the way in midweek, Morison and his squad will fancy their chances of testing Fulham on home territory. However, despite their drop in form, the visitors still possess the superior firepower and we expect Silva's side to battle their way to a narrow victory.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/championship-promotion-race/preview/preview-cardiff-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_478968.html?cQx=NN&newsnow

Seri sparkles on his Fulham return

One of the stories of the first half of the season was Jean Michael Seri's return from the periphery to become a pivotal part of a Fulham side pushing for promotion. The Ivorian midfielder had been written off as an example of Fulham's costly folly after winning promotion to the Premier League in 2018 but emerged from the shadows to pull the strings perceptively for Marco Silva as the Whites began to move towards the top of the Championship table.

Such was his consistency that plenty of Fulham fans were both worried about how the side would fare in his absence at the African Cup of Nations and whether the Whites would exercise the option in Seri's contract, which expires this summer, that could extend his stay at Craven Cottage. Quite some turnaround for a man considered surplus to requirements in the summer after being farmed out on loan for Fulham's two previous Championship campaigns.

Seri seems to have answered the second question decisively in last night's match programme. "The last two times Fulham got promoted was by the playoffs, but this year we want it to be different. We want to dominate the league...not just get promoted, we want to be champions. That's the main thing that's changed our mentality. What's more important is Fulham has to stay in the Premier League. I will give my all. It will be my first ambition, to help Fulham stay in the Premier League."

Silva has such an abundance of riches to select from central midfield that Seri has had to wait for his chance to impress after returning from Cameroon. There have been a couple of substitute appearances, but he has played second fiddle to Tom Cairney and Nathaniel Chalobah in recent weeks. Paired with the all-action Harrison Reed in the middle of the park against Peterborough – perhaps as a response to the laboured display in the defeat by Huddersfield on Saturday – Seri stroked the ball around effortlessly, running the show from the middle of the park as the visitors appeared reluctant to press him too vigorously.

His blonde highlights, apparently an instruction from his wife, were prominent throughout as he took possession off the back four and switched the play with eye-catching ease. There was one sublime 40 yard pass out to Bobby Decordova-Reid on the right in the first half that seemed improbable, but not only did Seri envisage floating the ball over three Peterborough players, he pulled it off to perfection. Much better was to come in the second half. He should have ended up with at least one assist as Mitrovic failed to profit from one through ball when on at hat-trick and Harry Wilson seemed to be pulled down after the Welsh winger latched onto another.

Seri, who playfully asked the Hammersmith End for more volume in the second half as he prepared to take a corner, looks a cut above in this division as do several others in the current Fulham line-up. The real test will be whether he can deliver in the top division – where space and time will be at a premium. Silva has plenty to ponder as he looks both to consolidate Fulham's strong Championship position and plan for the demanding challenges that lie ahead. Having a rejuvenated Seri among his options, however, is a real tonic.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/seri-sparkles-on-his-fulham-return/

How is Kevin McDonald faring since leaving Fulham?

Having plied his trade for both Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship during his career, Kevin McDonald joined Fulham in 2016 to add a level-headed presence to their midfield.

After spending three years at Molineux, the Scot made the move to the Capital and immediately became a key figure in the Cottagers' side, making 94 appearances for the club in his first two seasons.

Promotion to the Premier League though in 2018 saw his game-time dwindle – injuries didn't help of course but big-money signings like Andre-Franck Zambo Anguissa and Jean Michael Seri saw him slip down the pecking order.

It was the same story though in 2019-20 when the Cottagers were back in the Championship, with McDonald appearing just 18 times in all competitions and things got worse the following campaign – having been absent for the whole of the 2020-21 season, the midfielder revealed that he needed a kidney transplant.

That transplant occurred in April last year and following the expiration of his Fulham contract lsat summer, McDonald was without a contract as he recovered, but has he been able to find a new club since?

The answer is yes as after training with them in January, McDonald penned a short-term deal with Scottish Premiership side Dundee United in a bid to try and get back to the level he was once at.

It didn't take long for McDonald to get his first start as a Tangerines player as well, as he played 73 minutes in a 2-0 victory over Motherwell.

McDonald completed a mammoth 11 interceptions in his time on the pitch (via Wyscout) and also completed 28 passes, won his only aerial duel and completed both dribbles attempted.

Whether the veteran can play as regularly as he'd like is another matter, but he's clearly got something to give at Tannadice between now and the end of the season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/how-is-kevin-mcdonald-faring-since-leaving-fulham/

Mitro: I Felt Love


Fresh from breaking the Championship goal record, Aleksandar Mitrović spoke to journalists about his relationship with Fulham.

"The moment I stepped in this place, I felt love," he explained. "This Club is maybe not the biggest club in the world, but it's a club that has soul, passion. This Club is like a small family.

"I have an amazing connection with this Club, and every single time I step on this pitch I feel really comfortable, I get a really loving welcome.

"It's an amazing feeling and it's nice to share this amazing moment with this Club and these fans."


It's 33 league goals for Mitro now in 2021/22, and he's put it down to being in peak condition.

"I feel really good," he said. "I feel I'm in the best shape of my life, physically and mentally.

"The Manager is tough, they changed the way we train. They changed a lot of details and I think as a team we feel more fit.

"I don't know, I just feel fitter than I was before.  We run a lot, we press a lot.

"The Manager wants us to be on the front foot and at top speed always, so there's been some adjustment, but it's adjustment that has made a big difference for us."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/february/24/mitro-i-felt-love/

Cardiff City TV | City vs. Fulham

If you're not able to make it to CCS on Saturday afternoon when City host Fulham, you can still find live match coverage on Cardiff City TV!

Cardiff City vs. Fulham

Saturday, February 26th, 2022

Kick-Off: 3pm

As Saturday's Sky Bet Championship fixture will be kicking off at 3pm, supporters in the UK will not be able to watch Cardiff City TV's livestream of the fixture. However, Audio Passes are still available for purchase so that you can tune in on Saturday afternoon!

Audio Passes for this fixture are available for £2.50, with a Monthly Audio Pass on sale for £5 for supporters who would prefer to listen to every available fixture over the next few weeks!

International Video Passes - available now for supporters overseas!

Overseas supporters can watch City's clash with Fulham live on Cardiff City TV by grabbing an International Match Pass for just £10! Tune in ahead of kick-off for exclusive pre-match coverage presented by Cardiff City TV.

As part of the International Match Pass, Cardiff City TV's coverage includes:

    Pre-match show
    Multi-camera production
    Commentary
    Replays

Click here to purchase your Match Pass!

Cardiff City TV's pre-match live show will also be available to watch, free of charge, on the Club's official YouTube channel!



https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/cardiff-city-tv-city-vs-fulham

Aleksandar Mitrovic wants Fulham title glory after smashing Championship scoring record with 14 games to spare

Aleksandar Mitrovic has set his eyes on the Championship title after smashing the division's goalscoring record on Wednesday night.

A brace from the Serbian in Fulham's 2-1 victory over Peterborough saw the striker take his tally for the season to 33 goals from 30 games, surpassing the previous record of 31, set by Brentford's Ivan Toney only last season.

With the record sealed with 14 games to spare, Mitrovic is now aiming for the title. Fulham are nine points clear of former manager Scott Parker and his Bournemouth side in second, though the Cherries have two games in hand.

"That is the target, to finish top and to finish first," said Mitrovic. "14 games to play and nothing is done yet, we need to focus on Cardiff [on Saturday] now."

On the record, Mitrovic added: "It feels nice, 33 goals. It was a nice feeling to break the record but most important is the three points.

"I should have had a hat-trick but it was a good performance. I have a few records but this feels nice. I have one with Serbia and now here. I feel great, I feel good with this team."

Fulham manager Marco Silva added: "Congratulations to him. The numbers speak for themselves. 33 goals at the end of February, with 14 more games to play, it's fantastic.

"What I like about him is he's always demanding more and more and more. He knows that from tomorrow I'll demand more and more from him.

"Mitro's numbers reflect our philosophy and the players have bought into it. We're creating and building something important."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/aleksandar-mitrovic-fulham-goalscoring-record-b984501.html

Reed ready for regular role

Harrison Reed was delighted to back in the Fulham starting line-up as the league leaders bounced back from a rare defeat to beat Peterborough last night – and the midfielder wants the Whites to keep on going.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's double was enough to overcome a plucky Peterborough side at Craven Cottage and Reed was in no doubt about the importance of the midweek win following Saturday's reverse at the hands of Huddersfield. Reed told FFC this afternoon:

"It was crucial to show a response and get back to winning ways after a disappointing one on Saturday. It was the perfect opportunity to do that and we managed to take the three points. It shows that we're level headed and we're able to show a response. We spoke before the game about wanting to put things right and we did that."

The all-action midfielder was pleased to be given the opportunity to stake a claim for a regular spot in Marco Silva's engine room.

"It was great. I want to play every game obviously but we've got a great squad and it takes patience sometimes. I have to bide my time, make an impact off the bench. The manager put me back in last night and I was really pleased to do that."

He feels there is more to come from Fulham, but isn't looking too far ahead with a tough trip to Cardiff coming up this weekend.

"I think the form under their new manager has been really good. They are proving a difficult team to beat. We will recover today, prepare tomorrow and get ready to go again. It is the same message as it has been all season: take each game as it comes and just keep trying to keep trying to find that form and consistency – and hopefully it stands us in good stead come the end of the season."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/reed-ready-for-regular-role/

Mitrovic savours special bond with Fulham family

Record breaker Aleksandar Mitrovic spoke of his special bond with the Fulham fanbase after last night's victory over Peterborough United.

The Serbian striker's brace secured another vital three points and took him past Ivan Toney's leading tally of Championship goals in a season. He told the waiting press pack after the final whistle last night about why Fulham is so special to him.

"The moment I stepped in this place, I felt love. This club is maybe not the biggest club in the world, but it's a club that has soul, passion. This club is like a small family. I have an amazing connection with this club, and every single time I step on this pitch I feel really comfortable, I get a really loving welcome. It's an amazing feeling and it's nice to share this amazing moment with this club and these fans."

Long may it continue.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/mitrovic-savours-special-bond-with-fulham-family/

Pre-Cardiff Press Conference

Marco Silva is expecting a fresh Cardiff City challenge when Fulham travel to Wales on Saturday afternoon.

The Whites secured a comfortable win over Mick McCarthy's Bluebirds earlier in the campaign, but their results have picked up since former player Steve Morison took charge.

"Of course it's different, because since they changed the manager they achieved completely different results," Silva explained. "They're in a different mood, definitely, different confidence as well, as a team.

"I remember when they came here to play, they were struggling with their results. But even that night was a little bit tough for us because the Championship is always like that.

"We scored at the start of the second half and then after that it was different, but the first half was tight and difficult for us.

"Now they are in a good mood, they are playing at home, and they're the type of team who are physical, play a direct game, long balls, really strong in set-pieces, and in this moment they are really strong in the offensive transition, counter attacks.

"Moments that we can switch off, they can punish you, definitely, because they have quick players in the attack line. They have two strikers who are always waiting for a mistake, to punish you. Their wing-backs can also support their attack well.

"Definitely it will be a tough match for us, another one. There's a short space between the two games. They played last night as well so it will be the same for both teams.

"It will be a really tough game but we go there with high confidence to play our game, to match them, be ready for both sides of the game, when the ball is on the grass and the ball is in the air, and we have to be as aggressive as we can as they know they will be for sure.

"It's up to us to control the situation, and express ourselves when we have the ball."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/february/24/pre-cardiff-press-conference/

'Confident' Cardiff can cause us problems, says Silva

Marco Silva believes Cardiff City can pose real problems for Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

The Bluebirds have enjoyed an upsurge in form since Steve Morison replaced Mick McCarthy at the Cardiff City Stadium winning four of their last seven matches to move fifteen points clear of the relegation zone. Cardiff could count themselves highly unfortunate to by beaten by Huddersfield Town in midweek and Silva knows his side are set for a serious challenge in south Wales.

Speaking to the press this afternoon, the Fulham head coach said:

"Of course it's different, because since they changed the manager they achieved completely different results. They're in a different mood, definitely, different confidence as well, as a team.

"I remember when they came here to play, they were struggling with their results. But even that night was a little bit tough for us because the Championship is always like that. We scored at the start of the second half and then after that it was different, but the first half was tight and difficult for us.

Now they are in a good mood, they are playing at home, and they're the type of team who are physical, play a direct game, long balls, really strong in set-pieces, and in this moment they are really strong in the offensive transition, counter attacks. Moments that we can switch off, they can punish you, definitely, because they have quick players in the attack line. They have two strikers who are always waiting for a mistake, to punish you. Their wing-backs can also support their attack well.

Definitely it will be a tough match for us, another one. There's a short space between the two games. They played last night as well so it will be the same for both teams. It will be a really tough game but we go there with high confidence to play our game, to match them, be ready for both sides of the game, when the ball is on the grass and the ball is in the air, and we have to be as aggressive as we can as they know they will be for sure. It's up to us to control the situation, and express ourselves when we have the ball."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/confident-cardiff-can-cause-us-problems-says-silva/

Cairney will miss Cardiff game because of illness

Fulham skipper Tom Cairney will miss Saturday's Championship clash with Cardiff because of a sickness bug that kept him out of Wednesday's 2-1 win over Peterborough.

Cairney, who scored against Cardiff at Craven Cottage in a 2-0 win on his return to the side in October following a serious knee injury, did not report to the club's Motspur Park training ground on Thursday and won't travel with the squad to the Welsh capital on Friday.

The Scotland international is the only player unavailable to Fulham boss Marco Silva, whose team will look to extend their lead at the top of the Championship against a Bluebirds side that sit 19th in the table but 15 points clear of the relegation zone.

"There are no big problems but it is the same situation with TC," Silva said.

"He was unwell last night and is still the same this morning, but all of the others have recovered well and are all OK."

Rodrigo Muniz is available for selection after sitting out the matches against Huddersfield and Peterborough due to a calf problem.

"With Rodrigo it was just precautionary but we didn't want him involved last night as we didn't want to take a risk with him," Silva explained.

"He has been training since Monday with his teammates and now is ready if I decide I want him to be involved in the match."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/cairney-will-miss-cardiff-game-because-of-illness

Cyrus Christie: 'We must keep highlighting racism', says on-loan Swansea City defender


Warning - This article contains accounts of racist incidents

The memory of Cyrus Christie's first day at secondary school remains vivid almost two decades on.

The Republic of Ireland defender, who is on loan at Swansea City from Fulham, was alongside a friend who hailed from Ghana.

"He is still one of my best mates today," Christie says.

"Everyone was running and they just said, 'Get the black kid'. He was the darkest one out of us and they went straight for him.

"We grew up fighting racism a lot."

Christie is now 29. To an extent, he says, nothing has changed.

"It's progressing at a very slow rate," Christie adds.

He has had to endure racial abuse at various stages of a career which has featured more than 400 senior appearances for Coventry City, Derby County, Middlesbrough, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and now Swansea, as well as 29 international caps.

But he was all too aware of racism long before his time in football began with Coventry, his home-city club.

"Where I went to school, there were a lot of racist people in and around that area," he tells BBC Sport Wales.

"We had a few black kids that went to the school and people of different cultures, but it was predominantly white.

"There were a few race wars when we first went there - people coming in from outside the building with weapons and different things.

"We had to come through a lot. Our family members, our parents before us, had to face a lot.

"Coventry now is very multi-cultural. There's a lot of different races and cultures and it's definitely changing.

"But there is a lot going now in terms of social media. I think that's where most of the battle is now."

Online abuse is a major issue for football, with a string of players targeted in the last couple of years.

Swansea, the club Christie joined on loan for the rest of the season in January, held a social media blackout last April after Yan Dhanda, Ben Cabango and Jamal Lowe - who is now at Bournemouth - were sent racist messages.

Christie has suffered "many cases" of abuse, whether playing club football or for the Republic of Ireland.

"There was a phase where I was getting five or 10 messages pretty much after every game," he says.

"It's not so much that it's aimed at me, it's that your family see it, your little cousins see it and get upset.

"There was one where someone was sending me pictures of black people hanging from a tree.

"He was saying it's me and my family next - he was going to kill me. I am thick-skinned. It's kind of like yeah, okay, whatever.

"But for other people, they feel a lot more threatened. They might not have encountered any racism in their life and won't know how to deal with it."

Christie agrees with the suggestion, made by numerous footballing figures in recent times, that social media companies must do more to combat the abuse.

"People now can just jump on to any platform and abuse who they want," he says.

"You see some of the people and it's grown men with kids. Some of them are old enough to be my dad. That's quite sad, embarrassing."

Christie, who was named on the Football Black List in 2021, feels it is vital for footballers to speak out about racism.

"When you bring it up, it's always, 'Why are you bringing it up?'. But if you don't bring it up, the issues will stay," he says.

"We have to keep highlighting the issues.

"It's not just the people of different races. It's the white players as well who are bringing it up. They have been in certain situations.

"I think sometimes the white person's voice on racism is a lot more powerful than mine because, weird as it sounds, people will listen to them more, even though they have never been through it."

Christie is a footballer who is determined to use his profile to make a mark away from the pitch.

He has worked extensively with Football Beyond Borders, a charity which aims to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the Brixton Soup Kitchen.

In 2020, he set up the Cyrus Christie Foundation, which he funds out of his own pocket with the aim of creating "positive social change" in Coventry.

The idea is to give youngsters the chance to "reach their goals", whether they are in sport or any other industry.

"If somebody wants to become a musician, we would pay for their studio time," Christie explains.

"It could be anything - it's to help people find their path in life. If we can play a little part in helping people achieve what they want to achieve, it gives us a great feeling."

Based in London but living in south Wales during his loan spell at Swansea, Christie has been home to Coventry more often than anticipated in recent weeks.

The visits were to see his grandmother, Havelin, who passed away earlier this month.

When Christie scored his first goal in 20 months to help Swansea to victory over Bristol City, he pointed to the skies in tribute to a woman who had been a major influence in his life.

"She was a great human being," he says.

"She had a tough time coming over from Jamaica - to Leicester first, then Coventry. They were the only black family there.

"She was a big rock, a hub for the family. She will be a big miss."

Havelin Christie will remain in her grandson's thoughts, whether his focus is on football, his foundation or the fight against racism.

"I think everyone can make a difference, whether that's 1%, 10% - whatever it might be," he says.

"If more people come to the forefront, things will change for the better."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60402847

Fulham 2-1 Peterborough United: Player ratings

Marek Rodak: There was very little for Rodak to do today but he almost made a mess with the ball at his feet late in the second half, he held onto it for too long and was lucky to see the attacker's challenge go behind for a goal kick. In the second half he delivered a beautiful ball out wide to Decordova-Reid to set up an attack which was definitely his highlight. Nothing he could have done to stop the goal. 6

Neco Williams: A very promising performance again from Williams, I still think he has work to do to improve defensively and will be found out against better sides but driving forwards he looks very good indeed. He whipped in some beautiful crosses and made an excellent run from halfway into the area, passing 4 players on his way, it ended with a penalty shout and what should have been a goal for Harrison Reed after Decordova-Reid picked up the ball to lay it off for him. 7

Tosin Adarabioyo: A solid game from Tosin until the Peterborough goal, he was an onlooker as Seri found Wilson who's volley was parried away and he wasn't alert enough to the counter attack. His man had the edge on him as soon as the ball came forward and he was unable to get back to help Ream out against the attacking duo of Morton and Marriott. These lapses in concentration must be cut out and they make me nervous as we approach another season in the Premier League. 6

Tim Ream: A relatively strong performance from the captain in Cairney's absence but nothing to shout about. The defence still seems leaky as it has done for a while now and Ream, along with others, giving the ball away in dangerous areas has contributed to that. It seems to happen most games at the moment but that is something we have to risk to play the way we do. 6

Antonee Robinson: I want to highlight an excellent piece of covering from Robinson who somehow mustered up the pace to prevent a one on one chance for Peterborough, he might not be in the best vain of form but he certainly showed his worth on this occasion. Aside from that it was a fairly solid performance from him, he was caught out of position a couple of times but so was everyone in that backline. 6

Harrison Reed: Much like Seri he's found himself sat on the bench recently behind Chalobah but was restored to the starting line up for this one. He was as reliable as ever and found himself in a more advance position filling in for Cairney who was out with illness. It was his inventive flick on that found Mitrovic before he was taken out for the penalty, I'm not sure he meant it but it still came off. He also had a rare opportunity to grab himself a goal, he managed to keep his effort on target but should have directed it either side of the keeper. If Cairney is back on the weekend then it will most likely be between Reed and Seri for the CDM spot. 7

Jean Michael Seri: I've been surprised we haven't seen more of Seri since he returned from AFCON and this performance showed why. He controlled everything through the middle and really showed off his range of passing. Peterborough did well to crowd us out in the first half but in the second half he found the gaps and provided two sumptuous chips behind their backline to Mitrovic and Wilson who were both denied one on one by some great goalkeeping, any other day and that's two assists for Seri, no less than he deserved. My man of the match. 8

Fabio Carvalho: Carvalho struggled to break through the Peterborough defence in the first half but as the space opened up in the second half he certainly made the most of it. Once again he looked menacing every time he touched the ball, and his skill followed by a perfectly weighted through ball found Kebano who in turn found Mitrovic to make it 2-0. A beautifully crafted move started by Fabio. His name was sung once again from the Hammy End after contract situations have hushed that recently but I for one will sing his name every game I can. He's a very talented player who I want to watch as much as possible whilst we still can. 8

Bobby Decordova-Reid: Bobby showed his value with his work rate and willingness to fill in various positions. He started the game wide right but was frustrated by the Peterborough defence and struggled to make quite the same impact that he has in recent games. Despite that, he found himself in promising positions and should have had an assist as he set up Reed who was denied by the fingertips of Benda. Later on he found himself in central midfield as Reed was replaced by Wilson who occupied the right wing position. 7

Neeskens Kebano: Back in the starting lineup after being benched on Saturday and the tricky winger showed his form again. Along with the rest of the side he struggled to really make an impact in the first half but he found gaps in the second and after five games without a goal involvement he managed his 6th assist of the season as his cross inevitably found Mitrovic to make it 2-0. 7

Aleksandar Mitrovic: Record breaker! We all knew it wouldn't be long until he broke the record, he was taken down in the first half and dispatched the resulting penalty. He sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 32 goals in 30 games and he was on hand to place a side-footed volley into the corner of the net in the second half to extend his tally. On another day he'd have followed it up with two more goals! He'll be kicking himself that he didn't capitalise on a couple of free headers and he was denied his hat-trick by some excellent goalkeeping after being slipped through by Seri. Once again his hold up play and passing was impressive. 8

Substitutes:

Harry Wilson: Wilson disappointed again when he came on, he was relatively quiet compared to the standard we've seen him at for much of the season and we've come to expect a lot more which is a compliment to him. He made a brilliant run in the closing stages and latched onto Seri's ball over the top but didn't connect as he'd have hoped and was denied by Benda, the counter attack followed this and Marriott pulled one back for Peterborough to set up a nervy finish. 5

Ivan Cavaleiro: It was a decent cameo from Cavaleiro who continues to build up his fitness after an extensive injury lay-off. He was bright when he came on and created some promising situations down the left. He was unlucky not to find the net after he beat his man at the near post but he also blasted one well over the bar from distance. I think with some more game time he can be an important player between now and the end of the season. 7

Josh Onomah: He was only one for ten minutes and unsurprisingly didn't manage to get heavily involved in the play. 5



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/fulham-2-1-peterborough-united-player-ratings/

Fabio Carvalho: Fulham's wonderkid continues to impress despite Premier League suitors circling

Ryan Sessegnon, Harvey Elliott, Chris Smalling and now Fabio Carvalho – the list of Fulham Academy graduates who have garnered the attention from some of the Premier League's biggest clubs over the years is impressive.

Much has been made of Carvalho's failed move to Liverpool in the January transfer window, a deal that only fell apart at the last minute due to the Football League not having any deal sheets for the agreement to loan him back to the Cottagers for the remainder of the season.

With seven goals, five assists and the discernible air of grace he's shown in the Championship this season, it's no wonder the 19-year-old playmaker has also reportedly piqued the interest of Manchester United in the last few days..

The aborted Anfield move means Carvalho will become a free agent this summer with Fulham finding themselves in the inevitable position of having missed the opportunity to cash in on the player in January.

The loss of Carvalho also poses a problem for head coach Marco Silva next season should they reach the Premier League. The attacker, who was born in Portugal but represents England at youth level, has become an integral member of this flying Fulham side who are chasing records this season.

In their recent FA Cup game against Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad, Fulham performed admirably in the face of significant adversity with Carvalho scoring the unlikely opener and going on to have a solid game despite Fulham losing 4-1.

After watching his side beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage, Huddersfield Town boss Carlos Corberan described the game against City as like "watching a Premier League match" – a nod to Fulham's great form which has largely been underpinned by the performances of Carvalho.

In the matchday programme for the Huddersfield game, Fulham owner Shahid Khan assured fans letting Fabio leave in January was never part of his plan.

"We did receive a lot of interest in Fabio Carvalho, but he wasn't going anywhere in the last window. We are targeting promotion and Fabio is very much part of that plan and we can see that he too is committed to that aim, regardless of what his future might look like after this season."

Against Peterborough, a game where Aleksandar Mitrovic became the first player to score 32 goals in a Championship season, Carvalho once again showed the flashes of brilliance that underlines what a special talent he is.

He was instrumental in the build-up to Fulham's second goal where his intricate midfield play fed Neeskens Kebano to set-up Mitrovic's side-footed volley while later in the game, a mazy run on the edge of the Peterborough box saw him glide past defenders and hit a left-footed shot that was only denied by a great save from Posh keeper Steven Benda.

While some players in his situation may have had their heads turned by the Premier League attention, Carvalho's unrelenting commitment to his team-mates points towards a professionalism and work ethic beyond his years.

Whether that is down to his own determination to impress potential suitors or his genuine respect for the club, only he will know but nevertheless, he continues to impress and remains one of the first names on the team sheet.

As mentioned, Fulham have a habit of producing fine English talent from their youth academy at Motspur Park with the most recent and relevant case to Carvalho's being Harvey Elliott.

Signed by Fulham's academy at U18 level and becoming the youngest ever Premier League player in 2019 at the age of 16 years and 30 days, Elliott signed for Liverpool a few months later and forced himself into Jurgen Klopp's squad this year, before picking up a nasty ankle injury.

Another distinguished alumnus of the Fulham academy, Ryan Sessegnon, won five awards in the 2017/2018 season when he was named Championship Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season and Apprentice of the Year as well as being named in the Team of the Season and EFL Club Developed XI.

Like Carvalho, his stellar Championship form turned several Premier League heads and he subsequently signed for Tottenham Hotspur in August 2019.

If Carvalho is destined for Liverpool, which looks likely as talks between the two clubs are ongoing, he will need to be prepared for a big step in physicality and quality.

It took the entirety of Jose Mourinho's tenure for Sessegnon to look the part for Spurs and only now, under Antonio Conte, the 21-year-old is beginning to see consistent game time.

As for Fulham, providing they do make it to the Premier League next season, the departure of their latest wonderkid will be a significant blow for their chances of staying up if the deal doesn't include a loan-back agreement.

It will be tough for Silva to fill the void left by such a dynamic and skilful attacking midfielder, but one is certain, Carvalho is only the latest special talent to come off the Motspur Park production line...



https://londonfootballscene.co.uk/2022/02/24/fabio-carvalho-fulhams-wonderkid-continues-to-impress-despite-premier-league-suitors-circling/

Muniz to make Cardiff trip

Rodrigo Muniz is available for Fulham's trip to Cardiff City this weekend having shaken off a calf problem.

The Brazilian striker picked up the injury in the closing stages of the Whites' win at Hull a fortnight ago and missed the home games against Huddersfield and Peterborough. The 20 year-old, who has scored five goals in 384 minutes of Championship action since joining from Flamengo in August, is likely to be on the bench in south Wales.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva told his pre-match press conference earlier this afternoon:

"With Rodrigo it was just precautionary but we didn't want him involved last night as we didn't want to take a risk with him. He has been training since Monday with his teammates and now is ready if I decide I want him to be involved in the match."

Captain Tom Cairney is likely to miss Saturday's fixture having stayed away from Motspur Park today after still feeling under the weather. Silva said:

"There are no big problems but it is the same situation with TC. He was unwell last night and is still the same this morning, but all of the others have recovered well and are all OK."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/muniz-to-make-cardiff-trip/

Jack and Loz at the Cottage When Mitro Broke a Record - Blog 210
Date: 23rd February 2022

Opposition: Peterborough

Score: 2-1

Fulham goal scorer: 🔥🔥

Record broken: Mitro's first goal broke the record for the most goals scored in a Championship season

Weather: cold

Atmosphere: warm

MOTM (record breaking): it's harder to keep coming up with superlatives for Mitro than it is for him to score goals. It's ironic that number 32 was a penalty because that's the one area of a striker's game where Mitro isn't invulnerable but he dispatched this one with lethal ferocity. Number 33, the new record, left us gaping anew at his technique, ability and athleticism

MOTM (game dictating): Mika Seri ran the game on Wednesday night, dictating the pace and patterns of play. It's not just his passing range, nimble interceptions or exquisite first touch, it's his reading of the game, vision and creativity. He knows where his teammates are going to be, and he puts the ball on a Silva platter for them. Seri is back and he's a class apart.

MOTM (opposition): this is a new award but we cannot let this moment slip past without mentioning the excellent goalkeeping of Steven Benda without whom the new Championship goals record would be at least 34. Super-agile, hyper-alert and highly skilled, Benda is surely one to watch.

Pub: our glasses of Chateau Fulham matched Benda's kit

It's tough at the top. Fulham are understated. We like to fly under the radar. We don't like having a target on our backs. Mid table mediocrity is disparaged but it means you can play with freedom; striving for a play-off place gives you focus and energy; fighting for survival is a worthy cause. But when you're out in front, there's nowhere to hide.

Before Wednesday, Fulham had scored 79 goals and Peterborough had conceded 61. The gulf between the two team's goal differences (89) must be some kind of record in itself. This, therefore, should have been an easy, high scoring game. But for Fulham, in unfamiliar territory, nothing is easy anymore.

We played some decent football. This was an entertaining game and most players were good, some excellent but there was wastefulness up front, carelessness at the back and a lack of precision all round which could have punished us.

Peterborough's tactics were to defend with their backs to the wall from kickoff. For much of the first half, there were 21 players within 20 yards of the Posh goal. They were very difficult to break down and whilst Fulham were patient, we were also too slow. We didn't help ourselves by overplaying around the edge of the box and wasting shances (Seri and Reed seem to be engaged in a competition to see who can score first this season and it's not going well for either of them).

The challenge which gave away the penalty was clumsy rather than malicious. As Mitro placed the ball, drew in a big breath and paced out his run-up, we were nervous. Let's face it, he's missed penalties in less pressured situations than being on the cusp of a record. But this isn't that Mitro. Those days are gone, hopefully for good. If the penalty was clinical and calculated, the celebration in front of the Cottage and in the stands was anything but. As great as breaking the record is, achieving it must have felt like weight lifting from Mitro's shoulders.

There's something about the way that second halves start that makes you wonder what Fulham do at half time because whatever it is, they're doing it wrong and have been for years. At only one goal down, of course Posh were still confident. There had already been a Triangle of Doomish moment in the first half where Rodak and the post had nearly combined to let the ball trickle into the goal rather than keep it out.

For about 10 minutes, Peterborough played some neat passes and looked, if not exactly dangerous, at least threatening and in control. Then, with the impatience of youth, Nico Williams grew tired of watching Posh's manoeuvres, picked up the ball with his feet and raced forwards with it. Nothing came of that attack (except another shot from Harrison Reed and another great save from Benda) but it triggered the start of one of those half hour periods which have been a feature of this special season - when fans in the Hammy End are treated to all the delights of Fulham's attack - speed, skill, teamwork, audaciousness, ambition, bravery and a touch of frustration too, of course.

The second goal was worthy of the best striker the Championship has ever seen: we've seen Fab's driving runs and Neeskens' curling crosses before but Mitro's finish was a new one, and very much in the category of Don't Try This At Home. Basically, he combined a stag leap taken at speed with a side footed volley directed with laser precision into the back of the net. How many strikers in the world could have pulled that of? It helps that he's Confidence personified at the moment but that was a very special strike.

The team's attacking prowess improved with the introduction of Harry Wilson and the New Improved Ivan Cavaleiro. As on Saturday, Cav made an instant impact and the Posh back line buckled under the assault. Thanks to Benda it didn't break - he made a series of breathtaking saves - a tips of the fingers tipover from Cav, point blank from Mitro and point even blanker from Harry.

In and around this will saw the nifty feet of Fab and Nico and some exquisite airborne passes from Seri which really should have been rewarded with goals by his teammates. And we also saw Peterborough counter attack and score.

The less said about their goal, the better but Tosin was outmuscled, Ream outrun and Rodak outstretched. It made for a nervy period of additional time and sends out a salutary warning: we need to sharpen up at the back and return to free-scoring ways at the front. We will take 3 points and the record, but there are harder games to come and we haven't won anything yet.

Random musings: -

- Finally. A ref who knew what he was doing and let the game flow as much as possible

- this is such a Top of the League problem, but we're jealous of the Putney Massive for getting the record goal!

- .....but of course, goal number 33 was a record breaker too....

-......which hopefully will only stand until Saturday.

- we didn't see as much of Simon Davies as we would have liked....

-....but Mitro's second strike was from almost the same spot as Simon scored That Goal against Hamburg.

This match was entertaining but not the goal fest we were hoping for. But that takes nothing away from Mitro's outstanding achievement. He set fire to the old Championship record and will forge a new one with every goal he scores for the rest of the season. We admired his self-awareness and maturity after the match when he admitted he should have got a hat trick. Hopefully there are more of those to come. And this landmark isn't just about Mitro, it's about the team around him and fans who've pushed and supported him all the way.

Mitro's next target is Guy Whittingham's goals total of 42. There are 14 games left. No one would bet against him breaking that record too.



https://werdsmith.com/p/vTmhJS6PRuMAm3