Results| Saturday |
| | Forest |
| | West Ham |
| | Luton |
| | Fulham |
| | De Cordova-Reid (73') |
| | Palace |
| | Villa |
Everton 0-1 Fulham(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/F328/production/_130784226_reid-main.jpg)
Bobby De Cordova-Reid scored four goals for Fulham last season
Forward De Cordova-Reid, who replaced Willian at half-time, snuck in unmarked at the far post to convert from Andreas Pereira's pass to give manager Marco Silva the perfect start to the new campaign.
The Jamaica international could have added to his 73rd-minute strike but was unable to keep his volley from inside the box under control, but his side still somehow came away with all three points.
Summer signing Raul Jimenez may have also struck the foot of the post for Fulham, but hosts Everton were left ruing the numerous gilt-edged chances they missed.
Striker Neal Maupay squandered the best opportunities, seeing three efforts saved by the inspired Bernd Leno including a sharp, instinctive block from close range.
The German goalkeeper had also denied Abdoulaye Doucoure early on, while full-back Nathan Patterson struck the crossbar from close range, as the Toffees begin the season with a tough-to-take defeat.
Sweet win for SilvaThis was a smash and grab victory from Fulham, riding their luck for large periods of the game before hitting Everton with a sucker-punch to take home all three points.
The victory will taste even sweeter for visiting boss Silva, who was sacked by Everton in 2019 but has since bounced back in style by leading the Cottagers to 10th last term.
Pre-season was not a smooth ride for the club, with striker Aleksandar Mitrovic reportedly angling for a move to Saudi Arabia and being left out of the starting line-up for this game.
The Serbia striker was introduced just before the hour mark and forced a save from Jordan Pickford but it was fellow substitute Pereira who made the crucial impact, winning the ball ahead of James Tarkowski and rolling it across goal for De Cordova-Reid's winner.
Summer signing Jimenez struck the woodwork but it was Everton who left Goodison Park wondering just how they did not come away with anything from the game.
Toffees come unstuck in front of goalEverton narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season and their problems were clearly evident, with a lack of goals in the team.
They scored only 34 times in 38 league games last term and had new signing Youssef Chermiti watching on from the stands following his move from Sporting Lisbon.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin not fit to play, Frenchman Maupay led the line and the out-of-form striker highlighted his problems in front of goal.
He has scored only one league goal since joining from Brighton last summer and dragged a shot wide in the opening 30 seconds, a sign of more dismay to come.
Maupay then struck straight at Leno from a couple of yards out and could not beat the visiting goalkeeper when put through on goal.
Leno also made a stunning save to keep out Alex Iwobi's curling strike and Patterson struck the crossbar from the rebound, while Tarkowski headed wide in search of an equaliser late on.
Michael Keane did have the ball in the net in the first half, but it was ruled out by the referee for Tarkowski's foul on Leno.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66413647
Post-Everton Press Conference(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/acc16930-391f-11ee-9c2f-cdbf3a66f395.jpg)
Marco Silva was pleased with the result, if not the performance, in Fulham's season opener at Everton.
A virtuoso display from Bernd Leno was the only reason we were goalless at the break, but a much improved second 45 culminated in Bobby De Cordova-Reid snatching the winning goal.
"That was not a good performance from ourselves at all," Silva said in his post-match press conference. "I think overall during the game, we didn't perform at our level.
"Even if we started the game well, after the first 15-20 minutes we started to lose so many balls in our build-up, in certain areas. We gave so many chances for Everton to punish us in counter attacks.
"They had their chances, of course, a good number of chances during the first half, because we gave them so many moments for them to punish us.
"To be honest, it was much more our fault because we didn't perform. Bernd kept us in the game. A great, great performance from Bernd Leno kept us in the game in certain moments when we were under pressure.
"We changed some things at half-time, second half was slightly different."
The winning goal involved all three of Fulham's substitutes, with Aleksandar Mitrović playing in Andreas Pereira who squared to De Cordova-Reid who'd ghosted into the box unseen for a tap-in.
"Great impact from the players that came from the bench – Bobby, Mitro and Andreas," Silva stated. "It was nice to see them involved in the goal we scored, a great moment from ourselves, open play moment that combined down our right side and with Bobby on the opposite side.
"It was probably our best moment during the match. But second half, I have to say, was much more balanced.
"We hit the post as well, like Everton hit the crossbar, we had more chances in the second than the first, but in terms of our compactness, in terms of defensive organisation, it was not really good, not even 50 per cent what it should be.
"Even so, we were able to win a football match. In this circumstance, it is a great feeling for us.
"It is not a problem for me to say probably Everton deserved a different result this afternoon. But football is like that, in some moments it's going to be ourselves playing better, creating more chances but not winning.
"But it's a great feeling when you don't play at your level during 95 minutes and you are able to win a game away from home. I know what it means to play through this.
"First game of the season, all the fans will be pushing the home side and trying to get them to play on the front foot.
"First 15 minutes we took the ball from them and we didn't give them a chance. After that we had much more problems, but it's good to see the togetherness and the attitude inside the pitch, and we were able to win the match."
Everton had a goal disallowed at 0-0 following a foul on Leno, an incident that irked their manager Sean Dyche.
But Silva pointed to the fact that the Whites also had a strong shout for a late penalty turned down by the officials.
"It was the decision of the referee, like it was the decision of the referee second half when Mitro struck and the ball touched [James] Tarkowski's elbow when it was not in a natural position.
"It's two difficult decisions for the referee. One he didn't give the goal, he disallowed the goal, and the other he didn't give the penalty for us."
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/august/12/post-everton-press-conference/
Everton 0-1 Fulham(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/30035c00-391f-11ee-9c2f-cdbf3a66f395.jpg)
Bobby De Cordova-Reid's second half goal saw Fulham's 2023/24 Premier League campaign get off to the perfect start at Goodison Park.
Everton had by far the better of the first half, with the Whites indebted to the imperious Bernd Leno in goal.
We were much improved after the break, coming close to a breakthrough when debutant Raúl Jiménez struck a post.
That proved inconsequential, though, with De Cordova-Reid gleefully tapping home following good work from his fellow substitutes Aleksandar Mitrović and Andreas Pereira.
Neal Maupay was presented with a good chance within the opening 32 seconds when an attempted Tim Ream clearance was blocked, inadvertently sending the striker in one-on-one. He caught his shot well as he drilled across Leno, but thankfully dragged it marginally wide of the far post.
Fulham responded with a corner routine straight from the training pitch, but Tom Cairney volleyed over from Willian's delivery.
It was a lively start to proceedings, with Everton gifted another huge chance inside the first five minutes when an unfortunate slip from Ream allowed Abdoulaye Doucoure to burst through. The odds were in the midfielder's favour, but Leno made himself big to make a top save.
The better chances were falling the way of our hosts, and we had our big German to thank again in the 34th minute for keeping the scores level. Leno had no right to keep out Maupay's effort from point blank range, but somehow he managed it.
The Toffees did then have the ball in the net when Michael Keane was left with a simple finish after Leno dropped a catch, but he only did so having been fouled and Fulham were duly awarded a free-kick instead.
A brilliant run from Alex Iwobi saw him gobble up about 60 yards of pitch before finding Amadou Onana who let fly from the edge of the box, but thankfully straight at Leno.
Leno was having a fantastic game, next denying Maupay again after the Frenchman was squeezed through, before Nathan Patterson fired over as Everton looked to take a goal advantage into half-time.
Another Maupay chance arrived in the 45th minute, but he did not get a good connection and Leno was able to make one of his more routine saves of the afternoon.
Marco Silva will have asked for more attacking intent from his side after the restart, and we did muster the first attempt of the second half, though Saša Lukić's volley was always heading wide following a Harrison Reed corner.
We then came as close as anyone had all game when Raúl's clever swivelled snapshot had Jordan Pickford beaten, only to come back off the inside of the post, before De Cordova-Reid's follow-up flew over.
Iwobi had been a lively customer throughout, and midway through the half he worked a yard of space before bending a strike towards the far corner which would have found the net but for the reach of the excellent Leno. The loose ball dropped kindly for Patterson but he could only smack the rebound against the crossbar.
Harry Wilson then went on a solo mission to break the deadlock, with his tidy run infield followed up by a powerful strike that cleared the target by a couple of yards.
The opener was imminent, though, and it was a move made and finished by three of our substitutes. Mitrović's vision allowed him to slip Andreas in – he had a stretch on to reach it but managed to hook the ball across the face to De Cordova-Reid who was never missing from close range.
De Cordova-Reid could have doubled the lead soon after when Wilson's beautifully flighted cross spotted his far post run, but it was a difficult one to take and he could only volley over.
Leno hadn't been called upon as often in the second period, but he was still at his best when he was, needing to be alert to deny Iwobi at the back stick with five to play.
Mitrović then had a chance to wrap things up when he brought a deep Kenny Tete cross down on his chest, only to fire straight down the throat of Pickford.
The big man then thought he should have had a penalty when he smashed a rocket into an Everton body – the officials deciding, though, that it did not hit a hand.
There was a heart in mouth moment in the 90th minute when James Tarkowski had space in the box and was picked out by a long ball. He had time to choose his spot but thankfully planted his diving header wide, meaning all three points would be coming back to SW6.
Everton: Pickford, Patterson, Keane, Tarkowski, Young, Garner (Dobbin 83'), Gueye, Onana, Iwobi, Doucouré, Maupay (Danjuma 72')
Subs: Danjuma, João Virgínia, Mykolenko, André Gomes, Godfrey, Branthwaite, Cannon, Dobbin, Onyango
Fulham FC: Leno, Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson, Reed, Lukić, Cairney (Andreas Pereira 58'), Wilson, Jiménez (Mitrović 58'), Willian (De Cordova-Reid 45')
Subs: Rodák, Bassey, Mitrović, De Cordova-Reid, Andreas Pereira, Mbabu, Carlos Vinícius, Dibley-Dias, Stansfield
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/august/12/everton-0-1-fulham/
Everton 0-1 Fulham: Bobby De Cordova-Reid gives Cottagers narrow victory at Goodison Park after Michael Keane saw his first-half strike ruled out
De Cordova-Reid gave Fulham the victory at Goodison Park with a fine strike
Everton saw a goal disallowed in the first half as Keane thought he had scored
They looked fitter, more creative and a better cohesive unit than at most points of the last two seasons - but Everton were ultimately haunted by a theme that has pockmarked recent years: toothless finishing at one end and a hint of sloppiness at the other.
Sean Dyche's side were denied by a long list of Bernd Leno saves, the crossbar and a questionable refereeing decision - but mainly have themselves to blame after a lack of clinicality across a team that is desperately crying out for a new striker.
As is customary in these parts, fans yearned for injured striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as their team did not convert any of 19 shots and Neal Maupay squandered several clear-cut chances.
Fulham barely had a sniff but took their opportunity when presented with it and left Merseyside with a valuable three points.
The jubilant away end sang 'f*** the Saudis' as the Cottagers put behind them a summer of speculation that saw manager Marco Silva turn down huge cash from Al-Ahli and star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic also heavily linked with the Gulf state and Al-Hilal.
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/12/16/74248495-12400357-image-a-17_1691855027159.jpg)
Marco Silva's Fulham came out on top in their Premier League opener away to Everton
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Bobby Decordova-Reid (R) netted the winner for Fulham as they won a vital three points
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/12/17/74249171-12400357-image-a-5_1691857348885.jpg)
It was a disappointing afternoon for the Toffees as they kick-started their campaign with a loss
'Very frustrated with the outcome,' said Dyche. 'We limited them to no chances in the first half while creating nine or 10, five of which were high quality. The mix of performance is all right when that happens but we've got to score a goal.'
Before the match, fans in the Gwladys Street End had unfurled a banner in solidarity of Dele Alli, who this summer gave a heartbreaking interview about sexual abuse as a child and a sleeping pill addiction. 'We are with you Dele, together we are stronger,' it read.
Togetherness has not been present often at Goodison Park in recent years but Everton showed a rarely-seen cohesion here as they defended in unison - barring a couple of blips for the goal and Raul Jimenez hitting the post - and showed a willingness to throw men forward.
Maupay led the line in Calvert-Lewin's continued absence - he is unfit but has not suffered a setback in his recovery. And the Frenchman continued a theme that has stalked his Premier League career with Brighton and Everton: a handy player but not clinical enough.
He repeatedly got into good positions and could have scored after 33 seconds when he sprung through on goal but pulled his shot narrowly wide. Maupay fired straight at Leno from point-blank range later in the half and also poked another attempt into the keeper's midriff.
Everton are working on signing another forward to supplement injury prone Calvert-Lewin and Co, after the £15million addition of youngster Youssef Chermiti this week. But director of football Kevin Thelwell admitted in his programme notes that 'it has not been an easy window'.
Until Arnaut Danjuma's second-half introduction - he shot wide when through on goal, though it might have been offside - Everton's only new signing to play here was 38-year-old Ashley Young. Leeds' Willy Gnonto is liked and refused to play for the Championship side yesterday.
Though it was no surprise to see Fulham dominate the ball and go into half-time with 70 per cent possession, it was a pleasant surprise to see Everton's willingness to attack and throw men forward on the counter-attack.
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/12/17/74248921-12400357-image-a-18_1691856456607.jpg)
Eveton defender Michael Keane thought he had put the Toffees ahead in the first half
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However, James Tarkowski was judged to have fouled Bernd Leno in the build-up
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/12/17/74248951-12400357-image-a-20_1691856524456.jpg)
Aleksandar Mitrovic was not chosen to start but looked sharp coming off the bench
One of those should have resulted in a goal after five minutes with the best chance of the first half when Abdoulaye Doucoure charged through on goal with a team-mate either side but opted to shoot and was stopped by Leno.
Doucoure then headed an Alex Iwobi cross goalwards minutes later and Maupay tried to tap it home but was, you guessed it, denied by Leno. The German keeper also made a commanding intervention to smother the ball from Maupay minutes later.
But Leno nearly gifted Everton the lead on 35 minutes when he came out for a cross and dropped the ball to Michael Keane who tapped into the empty net. But the goal was ruled out for a foul by James Tarkowski, who did not impede Leno in any way other than standing still.
'I'm a big fan of VAR, I always have been but on today's one that's when VAR should step in,' said Dyche. 'I think their bench thought, "Oh that's probably a goal". I've seen it back, Tarky does nothing really... minimal contact. I have no clue what he's meant to do.'
At the other end, new signing Raul Jimenez put in a solid shift and often dropped deep to impact attacks. His most notable moment was his last touch, when the former Wolves striker hit the post in Fulham's first real dangerous moment of the game.
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/12/17/74248947-12400357-image-a-21_1691856545306.jpg)
Decordova-Reid wheels away in celebration after tapping home from close range
But Everton continued to threaten and really should have scored on 67 minutes when Leno made a full-stretch save to deny Iwobi's curling effort and Nathan Patterson rattled the crossbar from point-blank range with the rebound.
Danjuma then came on for his Everton debut but it was Fulham's changes that made the Toffees pay before the Dutchman could even touch the ball. Pereira found a pocket of space in Everton's box and crossed to fellow sub Decordova-Reid to tap home.
Everton did not accept defeat there and continued to carve out decent chances. New on-field captain Tarkowski perhaps should have hit the target when he headed wide at the back post late on, while Danjuma also saw a shot go wide.
'We didn't perform at our level,' said Fulham boss Silva. 'Everton had a good number of chances in the first half. Leno kept us in the game.'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12400357/Everton-Fulham-match-report-cordova-reid-premier-league.html
De Cordova-Reid's goal gives Fulham victory
Bobby De-Cordova Reid's goal gave Fulham victory at Goodison Park.
After Everton had missed several chances, De Cordova-Reid scored with a simple close-range finish on 73 minutes after being teed up by fellow substitute Andreas Pereira.
Fulham rode their luck at times in the first half, with former Brentford striker Neal Maupay missing two great opportunities to put the hosts ahead.
Bernd Leno produced a fine save to deny Abdoulaye Dououre as Fulham continued to come under pressure.
And Everton had a goal disallowed when Michael Keane fired into the but referee Stuart Attwell deemed there to have been a foul by another ex-Brentford man, James Tarkowski, in the build-up.
After the interval, Raul Jimenez almost scored on his Fulham debut when he volleyed Harry Wilson's cross against the post – the striker's final touch before being replaced by Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Everton then also hit the woodwork, with Nathan Patterson shooting against the bar from the rebound after Alex Iwobi's shot had been saved by Leno.
Fulham: Leno, Tete, Robinson, Diop, Ream, Reed, Cairney (Pereira 58), Lukic, Wilson, Willian (De Cordova-Reid 45), Jimenez (Mitrovic 58).
Subs not used: Rodak, Bassey, Mbabu, Vinicius, Dibley-Dias, Stansfield.
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-everton-v-fulham-report-120823
Everton Vs Fulham: Match Review
Everton began their 23/24 campaign with a frustrating defeat that showed none of the issues that have led to consecutive relegation battles have been meaningfully addressed. Despite enjoying the better of the chances, wasteful finishing and lapses in concentration ensured Fulham walked away with 3 points for the 3rd consecutive visit to Goodison.
Intensity and effort
The first half was characterised by Everton demonstrating plenty of intensity but lacking in execution and the growing feeling that Neal Maupay will never score. In the opening minutes the Frenchman had a great opportunity that went the wrong side of the post, setting the tone for a half in which he failed to net no fewer than four opportunites.
Everton walked off the happier of the two teams having put Fulham consistently under pressure on the counter attack. The traditional Everton frustration of watching players unable to pick a pass at the crucial moment was present and correct. Alex Iwobi, however was excellent: particularly an excellent length-of-the-field run and cross-field ball that saw Amadou Onana test Bernd Leno. Fulham's most dangerous moment, by contrast, was a momentary mixup between Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane that saw a loose ball almost fall for Raul Jiminez.
Controversy erupted after 40 minutes when the Fulham keeper came for a corner and dropped the ball under the challenge of James Tarkowski. Michael Keane was on hand to turn the ball into the net but Stuart Atwell had already blown for a foul, denying the Toffees the chance to have VAR take a look at what appeared to be a simple error.
Plus ca change
In classic fashion, Everton decided to abandon the principles that had ensured a solid first half display. The opening 10 minutes of the half lacked rhythm or pattern from either team. Nathan Patterson gave up a sloppy corner after losing the ball and Jordan Pickford was forced into a smart save on 55 minutes.
Alex Iwobi was at least bright on the left and forced a good save low from Bernd Leno on 63 minutes. Patterson was on hand to rattle the crossbar with the rebound and really should have done better. Arnaud Danjuma made his Everton debut, replacing Neal Maupay on 72 minutes. His introduction, however, seemed to turn off the brains of both Everton centre backs. Both Keane and Tarkowski were caught out of position as Harry Wilson split the defence and picked out the run of Mitrovic. His cutback left Decordover Reid with a simple finish. Reid should have had a second 4 minutes later after arriving unmarked at the back post. He was unlucky to lift the ball over.
Alex Iwobi, probably Everton's player of the game, forced a good save after 84 minutes and Tarkowski headed just wide in the 88th. We all know, however, that once Everton are down, they are out. An over hit sideways pass from Michael Keane deep in injury time was a near perfect illustration of the last 6 years. Without meaningful improvement up front, we have the familiar feeling that it's going to be a long season.
https://www.grandoldteam.com/2023/08/12/everton-vs-fulham-match-review/
Report: Spurs looking at PL striker as potential Kane replacement - Not Ivan Toney
Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has emerged as a potential target for Tottenham Hotspur this summer as the club continues to sound out options to replace Harry Kane.
Naturally, Tottenham have been preparing for the eventuality of life without their star striker and have been linked with various attackers as potential replacements for the 30-year-old.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Spurs are looking at young, up-and-coming forwards, like Gift Orban.
Spurs could swoop for Mitrovic from Fulham
However, the latest from 90 Min suggests Spurs could turn to a more experienced head as the replacement for Kane, with Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic now believed to be on the North London club's radar.
The report mentions the likes of Gift Orban, Elye Wahi, and Jonathan David as strikers linked to Tottenham, but adds that Mitrovic is on the list of options too.
Apparently, the "wantaway" attacker is still looking to leave Fulham after his proposed move to Saudi side Al Hilal fell through this summer. It is believed a bid of £30m was not enough to land the Serbian, with Fulham "demanding closer to £50m."
Spurs Web Opinion
Mitrovic is a proven goalscorer who we know would come in and do a decent job for Spurs, but he is not a long-term replacement for Kane.
If we are going to have to spend close to £50m to get him, we may as well focus our attention on younger players who will serve our needs for years to come.
https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/report-spurs-looking-at-pl-striker-as-potential-kane-replacement-not-ivan-toney/
Mike Dean hits out after Everton incident v Fulham live on Sky Sports
Mike Dean has labelled Fulham goalkeeper "very lucky" after Everton saw a goal disallowed in their Premier League clash on Saturday 12 August at Goodison Park.
James Tarkowski was judged to have fouled the German before Michael Keane tapped home, but he was saved by the officials towards the end of the first half.
Dean was not happy with the decision and admitted that there was not enough contact for a foul to be given, with Everton hard done by, and they went on to lose 1-0 in the end.
Speaking live on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday, Dean shared his view: "Me too, to be honest with you.
"There's a slight movement by Tarkowski's right arm, but not enough for a foul, in my opinion. I think the keeper is very lucky there."
Poor.
The Premier League appears to promise every single year that they will improve officiating, both on the pitch and with VAR, but that never happens.
Sean Dyche will not be happy at all with this decision, as it would have given the Toffees the lead they deserved completely at a critical time of the game.
Goalkeepers are protected far too much by officials, and any slight touch in the box will see players give away fouls for incidents that wouldn't even get a second glance outside of the box.
Tarkowski is physical, everyone knows that but yet one of his most delicate actions was penalised, and we wonder why there are so many complaints around the league.
It made a massive difference in the end, with Bobby Reid scoring a second-half goal to condemn the Blues to an opening-day defeat – it should have been so different.
https://www.goodisonnews.com/2023/08/12/mike-dean-hits-out-after-everton-incident-v-fulham-live-on-sky-sports/
De Cordova-Reid earns Fulham fortunate win at Everton
LIVERPOOL, England, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Bobby De Cordova-Reid led a smash and grab for Fulham when he scored a second half goal in their 1-0 Premier League victory over a wasteful Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
De Cordova-Reid netted on 73 minutes with a tap-in at the back post after excellent work from Andreas Pereira, one of two shots on target for the visitors.
Everton, who avoided relegation on the final day of last season, had enough chances to win but were poor in front of goal, struck the crossbar and had an effort disallowed in controversial circumstances when they did get the ball in the back of the net.
Michael Keane thought he had put the hosts ahead but was denied by referee Stuart Attwell for a perceived foul by James Tarkowski on goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
"I'm very disappointed in the fact that we didn't win the game, or certainly get a point, from a very dominant chance count, and high-quality chances at that," Everton manager Sean Dyche told the BBC.
"We did not finish them off and we know from last season we have to improve at that, but we were getting the team in the right manner and the right areas.
"I was pleased with that because that is the highest chance count and quality of chance count that I can remember for a long time here."
Dyche has made it clear he would like to add an experienced striker to the squad in this transfer window and on the basis of this showing it is easy to see why.
Neal Maupay flashed a shot wide in the first 35 seconds before Abdoulaye Doucoure found himself one-on-one with Leno, but had his effort saved.
Maupay was then denied twice by Leno as Everton found the key to unlock the Fulham back door but could not finish.
The visitors were a whisker away from the opener when Raul Jimenez, on debut for the London club, hooked a shot that beat home goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, but not the post.
Everton's frustration grew as Nathan Patterson crashed a shot against the crossbar with the goal gaping after Leno had saved from Alex Iwobi.
The home side were on top when they conceded the goal, to the loud groans of the weary Goodison Park faithful.
They allowed a swift break from Fulham that saw Decordova-Reid in acres of space with no defender in sight and he had an easy finish.
Everton kept pressing after that and Leno again denied Iwobi, while Tarkowski headed wide.
Reporting by Nick Said; editing by Clare Fallon and Pritha Sarkar
https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/de-cordova-reid-earns-fulham-fortunate-win-everton-2023-08-12/?rpc=401&
Everton 0-1 Fulham: Frank Lampard is still available as Silva enjoys happy Goodison return
Everton suffered a limp start to the Premier League season with a 1-0 home defeat to Fulham as it turns out Ashley Young hasn't solved all their problems.
A new season brought new hope for recent relegation strugglers Everton but for all the improvements Sean Dyche has made over the summer, it appears he he has not yet solved their problems in front of goal.
Substitute Bobby De Cordova-Reid struck the only goal of the game to get Marco Silva's side off to a winning start.
Everton, the Premier League's lowest scorers last season, were again without striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Despite generating twice as many shots as the visitors, Dyche's side were undone by one square pass across their six-yard area when Andreas Pereira beat Nathan Patterson to an Aleksandar Mitrovic's through-ball for a 73rd-minute tap-in by Decordova-Reid.
It burst the bubble of optimism which had been generated by an energetic and relatively creative opening 73 minutes of the season and will have infuriated Dyche as much as it delighted former Toffees boss Silva.
Michael Keane's first-half goal was disallowed as the centre-back turned the ball into an empty net and celebrated almost apologetically before referee Stuart Atwell, having initially not blown, ruled there had been an infringement in the collision between goalkeeper Bernd Leno and James Tarkowski.
Both teams started without their recognised first-choice strikers: Calvert-Lewin was omitted due to his lack of minutes in pre-season while Mitrovic was left on the bench after ongoing interest from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.
But it was the home team who suffered the most as they generated 19 shots to their opponents' nine from just 41 per cent possession but failed to capitalise with Calvert-Lewin's deputy Neal Maupay most culpable.
The £15million signing from Brighton last summer has a return of one goal in his 29 previous appearances but the reason for that conversion rate was evident after just 32 seconds when he clipped a shot wide of the far post with only goalkeeper Leno to beat after being put through by James Garner's cushioned header.
It did not get any better for the Frenchman, whose heavy touch from Abdoulaye Doucoure's square pass denied him another shooting opportunity before Leno blocked his close-range scuff from a Doucoure knockdown and then he fired straight at the German when played in by Amadou Onana.
Doucoure, playing just behind the striker, was not without fault either as he should have scored inside five minutes when clean through but shot straight at the goalkeeper when he could also have squared to Maupay.
Everton were fortunate the visitors were even more toothless in attack themselves, although Willian, 35, gave 21-year-old right-back Nathan Patterson, who made just 21 appearances in a debut season affected by injury, an uncomfortable 45 minutes before he was replaced by De Cordova-Reid at half-time.
But Willian was also lucky to escape with a booking for an over the top challenge on Garner.
By contrast, on the other side of the defence Young, Everton's second-oldest debutant at the age of 38 years and 34 days, was coping easily with Harry Wilson – 12 years his junior.
The 57th-minute of introduction of Mitrovic and Pereira, seconds after debutant Raul Jimenez had struck the post with his last touch before being replaced, threatened a new element of danger for Everton.
However, it was the hosts who should have scored when Leno parried Alex Iwobi's shot to Patterson who lashed his shot against the crossbar.
Loan signing Arnaut Danjuma assumed the central striking role from Maupay but, before he had even touched the ball, De Cordova-Reid had scored the goal which secured Fulham's third successive win at Goodison Park.
The return of Calvert-Lewin and a debut for new signing Youssef Chermiti, the £15million Sporting Lisbon striker watching from the directors' box, cannot come soon enough.
https://www.football365.com/news/everton-fulham-match-report-reid
Everton 0-1 Fulham: Bobby De Cordova-Reid nets winner to get Marco Silva off to winning start
Cottagers get morable boost aftert turbulent summer
Everton paid the price for a string of missed chances as their goalscoring issues were exploited by Fulham in a 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park.
A new season brought new hope for recent relegation strugglers Everton but for all the improvements Sean Dyche has made over the summer, it appears he he has not yet solved their problems in front of goal.
Substitute Bobby De Cordova-Reid struck the only goal of the game to get Marco Silva's side off to a winning start.
Everton, the Premier League's lowest scorers last season, were again without striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Despite generating twice as many shots as the visitors, Dyche's side were undone by one square pass across their six-yard area when Andreas Pereira beat Nathan Patterson to an Aleksandar Mitrovic's through-ball for a 73rd-minute tap-in by Decordova-Reid.
It burst the bubble of optimism which had been generated by an energetic and relatively creative opening 73 minutes of the season and will have infuriated Dyche as much as it delighted former Toffees boss Silva.
Michael Keane's first-half goal was disallowed as the centre-back turned the ball into an empty net and celebrated almost apologetically before referee Stuart Atwell, having initially not blown, ruled there had been an infringement in the collision between goalkeeper Bernd Leno and James Tarkowski.
Both teams started without their recognised first-choice strikers: Calvert-Lewin was omitted due to his lack of minutes in pre-season while Mitrovic was left on the bench after ongoing interest from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.
But it was the home team who suffered the most as they generated 19 shots to their opponents' nine from just 41 per cent possession but failed to capitalise with Calvert-Lewin's deputy Neal Maupay most culpable.
The £15million signing from Brighton last summer has a return of one goal in his 29 previous appearances but the reason for that conversion rate was evident after just 32 seconds when he clipped a shot wide of the far post with only goalkeeper Leno to beat after being put through by James Garner's cushioned header.
It did not get any better for the Frenchman, whose heavy touch from Abdoulaye Doucoure's square pass denied him another shooting opportunity before Leno blocked his close-range scuff from a Doucoure knockdown and then he fired straight at the German when played in by Amadou Onana.
Doucoure, playing just behind the striker, was not without fault either as he should have scored inside five minutes when clean through but shot straight at the goalkeeper when he could also have squared to Maupay.
Everton were fortunate the visitors were even more toothless in attack themselves, although Willian, 35, gave 21-year-old right-back Nathan Patterson, who made just 21 appearances in a debut season affected by injury, an uncomfortable 45 minutes before he was replaced by De Cordova-Reid at half-time.
But Willian was also lucky to escape with a booking for an over the top challenge on Garner.
By contrast, on the other side of the defence Ashley Young, Everton's second-oldest debutant at the age of 38 years and 34 days, was coping easily with Harry Wilson - 12 years his junior.
The 57th-minute of introduction of Mitrovic and Pereira, seconds after debutant Raul Jimenez had struck the post with his last touch before being replaced, threatened a new element of danger for Everton.
However, it was the hosts who should have scored when Leno parried Alex Iwobi's shot to Patterson who lashed his shot against the crossbar.
Loan signing Arnaut Danjuma assumed the central striking role from Maupay but, before he had even touched the ball, De Cordova-Reid had scored the goal which secured Fulham's third successive win at Goodison Park.
The return of Calvert-Lewin and a debut for new signing Youssef Chermiti, the £15million Sporting Lisbon striker watching from the directors' box, cannot come soon enough.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/everton-vs-fulham-fc-premier-league-result-2023-b1100310.html
Fulham survive Everton onslaught to win it late at Goodison Park
(https://sm.imgix.net/23/32/fulham.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip)
Everton were made to pay for a number of missed chances in Saturday's Premier League opener as they conceded late to suffer a 1-0 loss to Fulham at Goodison Park.
The Toffees had 11 attempts and created the better openings on home soil, but Fulham won it late on courtesy of a close-range finish from Bobby De Cordova-Reid.
Everton were without Dominic Calvert-Lewin through injury, but there was a debut for Ashley Young, while the headline team news for Fulham was the absence from the starting XI of Aleksandar Mitrovic, with the striker being heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer.
Raul Jimenez started following his arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while a strong bench included Andreas Pereira, Willian and new signing Calvin Bassey.
Everton came close to making the breakthrough inside the first minute when Neal Maupay found space inside the box, but the forward whistled his effort just wide of the post.
Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno made a big save to keep out an attempt from Abdoulaye Doucoure in the sixth minute, before Maupay was also denied during an open period of the match.
Maupay had another chance in the 33rd minute following smart work from Alex Iwobi, but Leno was on hand to make another save, with the Toffees not making the most of their opportunities.
Michael Keane had the ball in the back of the Fulham net late in the half, but the effort was chalked off for a foul on Leno, with James Tarkowski penalised for backing into the goalkeeper, while there was also a hint of handball from the Toffees centre-back.
Maupay passed up another two chances in the final stages of the first period, and Fulham were extremely fortunate to enter the half-time interval on level terms.
Jimenez's last piece of action saw him hit the Everton post before Mitrovic was introduced, with the striker receiving a positive reaction from the Fulham fans despite the speculation surrounding his future.
Mitrovic then had an injury scare before eventually signalling that he was fine to continue; Everton had a golden chance to take the lead minutes later through Nathan Patterson, but he somehow struck the crossbar from inside the box after Leno had denied Iwobi.
Fulham ultimately took the lead in the 73rd minute through De Cordova-Reid, who converted from close range after Pereira had picked out his teammate at the far post.
De Cordova-Reid should have doubled the away side's advantage shortly after, but he somehow volleyed over at the far post following more suspect Everton defending.
Fulham had a late shout for a penalty for what looked like a Tarkowski handball, but the play was allowed to continue, and VAR agreed with the on-field decision.
Tarkowski then headed just wide in the final exchanges, with the visitors holding on to secure an impressive three points in their opening match of the new campaign.
Everton will continue their league season away to Aston Villa next Sunday, while Fulham will take on Brentford at Craven Cottage next Saturday.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/everton/result/fulham-survive-everton-onslaught-to-win-it-late-at-goodison-park_521023.html?newsnow
Everton wastes slew of chances and loses 1-0 to Fulham in Premier League opener
(https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/ea40e8d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3500x2586+0+0/resize/1440x1064!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F4d%2F10%2F774206ab820e89893aae1c001edf%2F440a6fa8fddd46adb4549a3240c0ffa1)
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Everton paid the price for a slew of missed chances by conceding in the 73rd minute to Bobby De Cordova-Reid in a 1-0 home loss to Fulham in the teams' Premier League opener on Saturday.
A new campaign brought new hope for Everton, which has fought to avoid relegation in recent seasons. But for all the improvements that manager Sean Dyche has made over the summer, it appears he has not yet solved Everton's problems in front of goal.
De Cordova-Reid tapped in at the far post after Andreas Pereira slid in to get a cross over to the winger.
Everton — the Premier League's lowest scorer last season — was again without striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and generated twice as many shots (19-9) as the visitors.
Michael Keane's first-half goal for Everton was disallowed as the center back turned the ball into an empty net and celebrated almost apologetically before referee Stuart Attwell, having initially not blown, ruled there had been an infringement in the collision between goalkeeper Bernd Leno and James Tarkowski.
Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic started on the bench after ongoing interest from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.
American defender Tim Ream started in his first competitive match for Fulham since breaking his right arm on April 30 against Manchester City.
https://apnews.com/article/everton-fulham-premier-league-af61cc018406bf5f64ddfaa47c41464a
De Cordova-Reid delivers opening day win
Bobby Decordova-Reid punished Everton for missing a host of chances and clinched Fulham's first opening day Premier League win for a decade in the Goodison Park sunshine this afternoon.
The Jamaican International, a boyhood Liverpool fan, proved an inspired half time substitute for Marco Silva. Decordova-Reid pounced at the back post to score the winner after wonderful work from two fellow substitutes in the shape of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andreas Pereira. Mitrovic shrugged off an injury scare to keep a Fulham break alive before Decordova-Reid profited from a lovely low ball across goal from Pereira.
But Fulham's man of the match was undoubtedly the outstanding Bernd Leno, who was only beaten when he had been impeded in claiming a free kick by James Tarkowski. The German goalkeeper should have been beaten by Neal Maupay from Everton's first attack but the former Brentford forward dragged his drive wide of the far post.
Leno, one of the signings of last season, spread himself superbly to deny the rampaging Abdoulaye Doucoure in a one-on-one and then thwarted the luckless Maupay twice as the Toffees piled on the pressure before the end of the first half. Fulham played plenty of pretty football but their lack of incision in the final third left debutant Raul Jimenez so isolated that the visitors failed to muster a shot on target in the first half.
Fulham proved far more threatening with Decordova-Reid's introduction for the ineffectual Willian, but the Cottagers were still indebted to Leno who flung himself to his right go repel a piledriver from Alex Iwobi. It seemed straightforward for Nathan Pa7tterson to find the net from the follow up but the Rangers full back rattled the crossbar with the Fulham goalkeeper grounded.
The hard working Jimenez was unfortunate not to poke Fulham ahead when he hooked an effort from Harry Wilson's cross on to the base of the far post. It was the Mexican's last contribution before making way for Mitrovic, whose hulking presence perked up Fulham's forward line.
The Serbian striker almost killed the game when he brought down a cross at the back post and tested Jordan Pickford's reflexes – but the England keeper wasn't found wanting. Mitrovic was furious that he wasn't awarded a penalty when his goal bound effort struck Tarkowski's hand but the visitors held on to register a smash and grab success.
EVERTON (4-5-1): Pickford; Patterson, Young, Keane, Tarkowski; Garner (Dobbin 83), Gueye, Onana, Iwobi, Doucouré, Maupay (Danjuma 72). Subs (not used): João Virgínia, Mykolenko, André Gomes, Godfrey, Branthwaite, Cannon, Onyango.
FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Diop, Ream; Reed, Lukic; Wilson, Willian (De Cordova-Reid 45), Cairney (Pereira 58); Jimenez (Mitrovic 58). Subs (not used): Rodak, Mbabu, Bassey, Dibley-Dias, Stansfield, Vinicius.
BOOKED: Willian, Tete.
GOAL: De Corodova-Reid (73).
REFEREE: Stuart Attwell (Nuneaton).
ATTENDANCE: 39,940.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/de-cordova-reid-delivers-opening-day-win/
Fulham: Sky Sports reporter drops major update at Craven Cottage
Fulham star Willian has been linked with a move away from west London despite only committing his future to the Cottagers a matter of weeks ago
Fulham do not have to consider whether to cash in on Craven Cottage star Willian for a key reason, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has told GIVEMESPORT.
The Cottagers have spent close to £25million on reinforcements since the summer transfer window opened for business, but there is still time for boss Marco Silva to sanction further incomings and outgoings ahead of the September 1 deadline.
Fulham transfer news - Willian
According to The Guardian, Willian's future is up in the air after he has agreed personal terms with Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab.
The report suggests the Brazilian has already told Fulham chief Silva that he wants to become the next Premier League big-name to profit from the riches on offer in the Middle Eastern country, but the west Londoners are determined to rebuff any bids.
Willian has set his sights on joining Al-Shabab just a matter of weeks after he sealed a quickfire return to Fulham by penning a new £90,000-per-week contract, which will expire next summer.
The west Londoners were eager for the winger to commit his future to the club after he found the back of the net five times and provided a further six assists in 30 appearances last season.
Fulham fought off competition from Nottingham Forest before reaching an agreement with Willian as transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT that the Tricky Trees had made an enquiry.
What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Willian?
Sheth understands that Fulham have not been forced into making a decision on whether to cash in on Willian as Al-Shabab have not launched a formal offer.
But the Sky Sports reporter is aware that the 35-year-old has held discussions with the Saudi Pro League outfit after working his way onto their radar.
Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: "It's more the offer has gone to Willian and his representatives. There's been no offer, as it stands, to Fulham. Because of that, there's nothing really for Fulham to consider just now.
"They've just signed him on a one-year contract and I don't think there's anything that would force them to sell Willian but, of course, money talks.
"If there's an offer that they can't refuse, and Willian wants to go, is there a deal that can be done there? We don't know. But as far as Fulham are concerned, there's nothing to consider just now because there hasn't been an offer."
What's next for Fulham?
According to the Evening Standard, Callum Hudson-Odoi has agreed personal terms with Fulham and is keen to bring the curtain down on his Chelsea career.
The report suggests the wide-man has spent part of pre-season training with the Blues' under-21 side, after not figuring in head coach Mauricio Pochettino's plans, and he is hopeful of embarking on a fresh start at Craven Cottage.
Hudson-Odoi returned to his boyhood club in the summer, having only scored one goal during a season-long loan spell with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
But the 22-year-old has no intentions of remaining at Stamford Bridge and has decided to seek a move ahead of the transfer window's closure.
Chelsea are eager to cash in on Hudson-Odoi as his £120,000-per-week contract is due to expire next summer, meaning they are at risk of seeing him walk away as a free agent in less than 12 months.
https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-transfer-news-sky-sports-reporter-major-update-craven-cottage/
Fulham Sign Traoré(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/154741d0-3873-11ee-b433-455836627be0.jpg)
The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Adama Traoré.
The 27-year-old winger has agreed to a contract with us until the summer of 2025, with the Club holding an option to further extend by 12 months, following the expiry of his contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.
"It's a nice opportunity for me," he told FFCtv upon his arrival in South West London. "Another chapter. I like the Club, I also have information from Raúl [Jimenéz], who seems to love the club.
"I'm excited and hungry to give 100 per cent here."
Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Adama Traoré to Fulham Football Club. He's an explosive and powerful winger with great pace, and he has tremendous experience in the Premier League.
"He's a player with whom we are very familiar, and he's been on the opposing side of our team on numerous occasions; I believe that he'll be a great addition to Marco's squad.
"I'm excited that Adama has joined us on a two-year deal with an option. Come on Fulham!"
Known for his blistering pace and physical prowess, Adama Traoré will be reunited with former teammate Raúl Jiménez, who joined earlier this summer.
The winger is no stranger to English football, having previously had stints at Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, before making the move to Wolves in 2018.
Traoré joined Villa from Barcelona but left the West Midlands club after one season, moving to Middlesbrough the following year. In his first season on Teesside, he made 31 appearances across the Premier League and FA Cup.
In the Championship, the Spanish international helped Boro into the Play-Offs with five goals and 10 assists, where he also won a hat-trick of awards: Fans' Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year.
Adama made the switch the following season to newly promoted Wolves, where he made just short of 200 appearances, adding 14 goals and 20 assists to his career tally, as well as gaining invaluable experience of European football, where he scored goals against SC Braga and Espanyol in Wolves' Europa League campaign. He also famously scored two late goals against Manchester City in 2019 at the Etihad Stadium.
In January 2022, the Spaniard returned to his former club Barcelona on loan for six months and headed back to his parent club that summer. Last season, most notably, he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Traoré has also made eight international appearances for Spain, his first coming in a friendly match against Portugal in 2020. In 2021, Luis Enrique called upon his services for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/august/12/Fulham-Sign-Traore/
Silva admits Fulham were poor despite opening-day triumph
Marco Silva admitted Fulham performed poorly despite a 1-0 opening-day victory at Everton.
The home side missed several chances before Bobby De-Cordova-Reid's 73rd-minute winner.
"That was not a good performance from ourselves at all," Silva said.
"I think overall we didn't perform at our level. After the first 15 or 20 minutes we started to lose so many balls. We gave so many chances for Everton to punish us.
"They had their chances because we gave them so many moments for them to punish us."
The Whites boss praised keeper Bernd Leno, who produced a number of crucial saves.
Silva said: "Bernd kept us in the game. A great, great performance from Bernd Leno kept us in the game in certain moments when we were under pressure."
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-admits-fulham-were-poor-despite-opening-day-triumph
Fulham sign Traore on free transferAdama Traore becomes Cottagers' third summer signing after his departure from Wolves Fulham have signed Adama Traore on a free transfer.
Traore joins Fulham on a two-year deal, with the club having an option of a further 12 months, after leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of his contract this summer.
He is Fulham's third signing of the summer transfer window, after defender Calvin Bassey from Ajax and forward Raul Jimenez, a former team-mate of Traore's at Wolves.
"It's a nice opportunity for me," Traore told the club's official website. "Another chapter. I like the Club, I also have information from Raúl [Jimenéz], who seems to love the club.
"I'm excited and hungry to give 100 per cent here."
Traore has made 194 Premier League appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists.
The 27-year-old played for Aston Villa and Middlesbrough but made a name for himself at Wolves as one of the Premier League's most dangerous wingers.
Since 2018/19, when he signed for Wolves, he has completed 542 dribbles, more than any other player.
He spent time last year on loan at Barcelona and has been capped eight times by the Spain national side.
Most successful dribbles since 2018/19 | | Dribbles completed |
| | 542 |
| | 464 |
| | 428 |
| | 317 |
| | 296 |
Traore's transfer comes after Fulham won their 2023/24 Premier League opener 1-0 at Everton on Saturday. Their next match is at home to Brentford on Saturday.
https://www.premierleague.com/news/3631394
Adama Traore: Fulham sign Spain winger on free transfer after Wolves departure(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/DEE2/production/_130785075_tv085156178.jpg)
Traore scored 14 goals from 200 appearances for Wolves between 2018 and 2023
The 27-year-old was a free agent after leaving Fulham's Premier League rivals when his contract expired.
The former Barcelona and Middlesbrough winger has joined the Cottagers on a two-year deal, with the club holding an option for a further 12 months.
"It's a nice opportunity for me, another chapter," said Traore. "I'm excited and hungry to give 100% here."
Former team-mate Raul Jimenez also joined Fulham on a two-year deal from Wolves in July.
"I like the club," Traore added. "I also have information from Raul, who seems to love the club."
Traore began his career at Barcelona and had spells with Aston Villa and Middlesbrough before joining Wolves in 2018.
He briefly returned to Barca on loan for the end of the 2021-22 season, with the Spanish giants choosing not to take up an option to sign him permanently that summer.
"He's an explosive and powerful winger with great pace, and he has tremendous experience in the Premier League," said Fulham's director of football operations Tony Khan.
"He's a player with whom we are very familiar and he's been on the opposing side of our team on numerous occasions. I believe that he'll be a great addition to the squad."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66488823
Fulham complete signing of Traore
Fulham have completed the signing of Adama Traore.
The Spain international winger, 27, has moved to Craven Cottage on a free transfer, having left Wolves when his contract expired earlier this summer.
He has signed a two-year deal with the option of a further year.
Traore will again link up with striker Raul Jimenez, who recently also left Wolves to join the Whites.
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-complete-signing-of-traore
'He went through a stormy development' – former Oranje captain reflects on Bassey's unsuccessful time at Ajax
Former Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed that Super Eagles left-back Calvin Bassey's move to Ajax didn't work out because the club didn't give him the necessary support, Soccernetng reports
The 23-year-old recently swapped from the Netherlands to join Fulham in England after just a season with Ajax. He has since made his debut for the Cottagers, scoring the match-winner in their 2-1 victory over TSG Hoffenheim in a friendly game.
Bassey, who was a product of the Leicester youth system, didn't make any appearance for the club before joining Rangers on a free transfer in the summer of 2020.
The first season with the Scottish giants didn't work out for Bassey, who was limited to only 8 league appearances for the Gers but ended with the League title as they claimed their 55th crown under former Liverpool player Steven Gerrard as manager of the club.
However, the second season proved more productive for Nigeria International, he made 50 appearances in all competitions, and his notable performances came in the Europa League helping the Light Blues to the final of the competition.
is remarkable performances for Rangers that season earned him the £20m move to Ajax, but failed to reignite his best form for the club before he joined Fulham this summer for a fee close to the same amount Ajax paid to Rangers for him last year.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who joined Rangers midway through Bassey's second season at the club, has revealed that he helped the 23-year-old come through his early struggles at the club before he became a key player for the Gers and expected the same treatment for him at Ajax before he was shipped out of the club this summer.
When I came to Rangers he was not a starter, The former Feyenoord captain told Viaplay
I gave him the chance and he became a supporting force. He is a strong boy, is fast and is eager to learn. He went through a stormy development and there was a lot of interest, but he chose Ajax.
Expectations were high, but it was a difficult year for Ajax. That also made it harder for Calvin. He didn't get enough of his strength and also had to solve other things, such as the build up. That was already a point of attention when he played under me. At Fulham he can now play more of his strength, He concluded
Bassey is still waiting to make his first competitive appearance for the Cottagers after he was an unused substitute in the club's 1-0 victory over Everton in the opening game of the Premier League campaign on Saturday.
https://soccernet.ng/2023/08/he-went-through-a-stormy-development-former-oranje-captain-reflects-on-basseys-unsuccessful-time-at-ajax.html
Fulham sign Adama Traore on two-year deal after opening-day win at Everton
Spaniard heads to Craven Cottage after leaving Molineux following five years earlier this summer
Fulham have announced the signing of Adama Traore.
The winger had been a free agent since leaving Wolves last month when his contract expired.
Traore, a Spanish international, joins Marco Silva's side on a two-year deal with the option for a further 12 months after attracting interest from a number of other clubs this summer.
Formerly of Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, Traore becomes the second Fulham player signed this summer from Wolves, following the Cottagers' £5million purchase of striker Raul Jimenez.
In January 2022, he went on a six-month loan spell to Barcelona, the club he originally left to join Villa in 2015.
Fulham had been desperate to strengthen in wide areas before the transfer deadline, after losing Neeskens Kebano and Ivan Cavaleiro on the expiry of their contracts, and Manor Solomon, at the end of his loan spell from Shakhtar Donetsk.
The announcement of Traore's signing came shortly after Fulham beat Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park on Saturday to begin the new Premier League campaign with a win.
Sporting director Tony Khan said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Adama Traore to Fulham. He has great experience in the Premier League and we're all very familiar with him."
Traore himself said: "I'm excited and hungry to give 100 per cent."
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-adama-traore-transfer-b1100326.html
Fulham complete signing of free agent and former Wolves winger Adama Traore just hours after making a winning start to Premier League season
Fulham have completed the free signing of former Wolves winger Adama Traore
The signing was announced just hours after Fulham's 1-0 win at Everton
Traore has previously played for Aston Villa, Middlebrough and Barcelona
Fulham have completed the signing of free agent Adama Traore just hours after they got their Premier League campaign off to a winning start.
The Cottagers beat Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park courtesy of a Bobby Decordova-Reid goal on Saturday, and Marco Silva added to his squad before the day was out.
Traore, who was released by Wolves at the end of last season, has signed a two-year deal at Craven Cottage with the Fulham holding an option to extend by a further 12 months.
The winger started his career at Barcelona before enjoying spells at Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.
He signed for Wolves in 2018 and established himself as one of the most exciting attackers in the Premier League.
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/12/20/74252081-0-image-a-45_1691867590897.jpg)
The winger spent five seasons in total with Wolves in the Premier League
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He left Molineux as a free agent at the end of the 2022-23 season
The Spaniard's lack of end product was often criticised though, and he finished his five seasons at Molineux having registered just 14 goals across all competitions.
Barcelona re-signed Traore on a six-month loan in January 2022, but he returned to the Premier League at the end of the deal.
Traore also earned international recognition during his time at Wolves, earning eight caps for Spain and also being called up to Luis Enrique's squad for Euro 2020.
The 27-year-old was delighted to complete his move to south west London, where he will link up with former Wolves team-mate Raul Jimenez
He told Fulham's website: 'It's a nice opportunity for me. [It is] Another chapter. I like the Club, I also have information from Raúl [Jimenéz], who seems to love the club.
'I'm excited and hungry to give 100 per cent here.'
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/12/20/74252073-0-image-a-44_1691867586214.jpg)
Traore spen time on loan at Barcelona after begining his career at the Nou Camp
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/12/20/74252353-0-image-a-46_1691868341594.jpg)
Traore has won eight caps for Spain at international level
Traore is Silva's latest addition at Craven Cottage, with the Portugues coach having already signed Jimenez and defender Calvin Bassey in the summer transfer window.
Whether Fulham can build on last season's 10th place Premier League finish will surely depend on the future of Aleksandar Mitrovic.
The Serbian striker, who top-scored for the Cottagers with 14 league goals, was reportedly desperate to secure a big money move to the Saudi Pro League in July.
However, he has since been reintegrated into Silva's squad, coming off the bench in the 58th minute of Saturday's win at Goodison Park.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12400917/Fulham-complete-signing-free-agent-former-Wolves-winger-Adama-Traore-just-hours-making-winning-start-Premier-League-season.html
Bobby: Room For Improvement(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/caebe5b0-3948-11ee-b9f7-ffdfb43d5351.jpg)
Bobby De Cordova-Reid, while satisfied with victory at Everton, knows Fulham have lots more to offer this season.
The attacker stepped off the bench to snatch the winner in our season opener, but emphasised that the team have got plenty more potential to fulfil.
"It's always nice to start with three points," he said. "We'll continue to build, we've still got a lot of room for improvement, and we'll get on the training pitch and we'll do that.
"It's always nice to get three points away at Goodison Park. The lads worked really hard in difficult conditions. [Everton] were really at it and we weathered the storm, and thankfully we got the goal.
"We understand that with Sean Dyche's teams they're going to be right on it, high energy, and we have to weather the storm. And we did so, and we got our own chance and we scored it, so we're really pleased with it, and we'll continue to build."
Soon after breaking the deadlock, De Cordova-Reid had a chance to wrap things when he was picked out by a gorgeous Harry Wilson cross, but he sent his volley over.
"I probably should have gone with my head, I'd need to see it back," he stated. "It was great play by Harry Wilson, we know he's capable of doing that. I was in the right area, and next time I'll probably score."
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/august/12/bobby-room-for-improvement/
Silva salutes superb Leno
Marco Silva hailed the brilliance of Bernd Leno for keeping Fulham in the game after the Whites rode their luck to record an opening day win at Goodison Park.
Substitute Bobby De Cordova-Reid scored a second-half winner but German goalkeeper Leno made a string of fine saves whilst the game was deadlock at 0-0 and repelled plenty of Everton pressure.
Silva told his post-match press conference:
"That was not a good performance from ourselves at all. I think overall during the game, we didn't perform at our level. Even if we started the game well, after the first 15-20 minutes we started to lose so many balls in our build-up, in certain areas. We gave so many chances for Everton to punish us in counter attacks.
They had their chances, of course, a good number of chances during the first half, because we gave them so many moments for them to punish us. To be honest, it was much more our fault because we didn't perform. Bernd kept us in the game. A great, great performance from Bernd Leno kept us in the game in certain moments when we were under pressure.
We changed some things at half-time, second half was slightly different. Great impact from the players that came from the bench – Bobby, Mitro and Andreas. It was nice to see them involved in the goal we scored, a great moment from ourselves, open play moment that combined down our right side and with Bobby on the opposite side. It was probably our best moment during the match.
We hit the post as well, like Everton hit the crossbar, we had more chances in the second than the first, but in terms of our compactness, in terms of defensive organisation, it was not really good, not even 50 per cent what it should be. Even so, we were able to win a football match. In this circumstance, it is a great feeling for us.
It is not a problem for me to say probably Everton deserved a different result this afternoon. But football is like that, in some moments it's going to be ourselves playing better, creating more chances but not winning."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/silva-salutes-superb-leno/
De Cordova-Reid declares there's 'room for improvement'
Matchwinner Bobby De Cordova-Reid was candid enough to admit Fulham have plenty to improve upon after scrapping to an opening day victory at Everton.
The Jamaican international stepped off the substitutes bench to prod home the winner at Goodison Park, but agreed with Marco Silva's assessment that Fulham's showing was well below their usual standard.
"It's always nice to start with three points. We'll continue to build, we've still got a lot of room for improvement, and we'll get on the training pitch and we'll do that. It's always nice to get three points away at Goodison Park. The lads worked really hard in difficult conditions. [Everton] were really at it and we weathered the storm, and thankfully we got the goal.
We understand that with Sean Dyche's teams they're going to be right on it, high energy, and we have to weather the storm. And we did so, and we got our own chance and we scored it, so we're really pleased with it, and we'll continue to build."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/de-cordova-reid-declares-theres-room-for-improvement/
Fulham complete signing of free agent Adama Traore
Fulham have signed former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore on a free transfer.
The Spaniard, who left Wolves at the end of last season, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal, which includes an option for Fulham to extend by a further 12 months.
Traore will link up with his former Wolves teammate Raul Jimenez, who completed a move to Marco Silva's side earlier this summer.
"It's a nice opportunity for me," Traore told FFCtv. "Another chapter. I like the club, I also have information from Raul, who seems to love the club. I'm excited and hungry to give 100 per cent here."
After rising through the youth ranks at Barcelona, Traore went on to play for Aston Villa and Middlesbrough before joining Wolves in 2018.
The 27-year-old also returned to Barcelona for a brief loan spell in the 2021-22 campaign, but the Catalan giants opted against signing him on a permanent basis.
Traore, who has earned eight caps for Spain, made 194 competitive appearances for Wolves, registering 20 goals and 14 assists.
Commenting on Traore's arrival, Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Adama Traore to Fulham Football Club. He's an explosive and powerful winger with great pace, and he has tremendous experience in the Premier League.
"He's a player with whom we are very familiar, and he's been on the opposing side of our team on numerous occasions; I believe that he'll be a great addition to Marco's squad."
Fulham kicked off the Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday after Bobby De Cordova-Reid came off the bench to score a 73rd-minute winner.
Traore could potentially be involved when Fulham face West London rivals Brentford at Craven Cottage next weekend.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-complete-signing-of-free-agent-adama-traore_521042.html?newsnow
Sean Dyche responds to Demarai Gray question after latest Everton absence
Everton have reportedly agreed a deal with Fulham for Demarai Gray.
Sean Dyche says that Demarai Gray is still short of match fitness after missing Everton's loss to Fulham on the opening day of the 2023-24 Premier League season.
Gray was given an extended pre-season break after he helped Jamaica reach the CONCAF Gold Cup semi-finals over the summer.
But after returning to Merseyside last month, the winger did not feature in any pre-season friendly. Reports have suggested that Everton have struck a verbal agreement with Fulham to sign Gray in a £12 million deal.
The 27-year-old was omitted from the Blues' squad for the loss to the Cottagers in their season opener at Goodison Park.
But speaking at his post-match press conference, Dyche denied that Gray was closing in on a move to Fulham and insisted that the former Leicester City man was still not fit.
https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/everton/sean-dyche-responds-to-demarai-gray-question-after-latest-everton-absence-4253241