Results| Saturday 24/08 |
Brighton | 2-1 | Man Utd |
Palace | 0-2 | West Ham |
Fulham | 2-1 | Leicester |
Smith Rowe
Iwobi | | |
Man City | 4-1 | Ipswich |
Southampton | 0-1 | Forest |
Spurs | 4-0 | Everton |
Villa | 0-2 | Arsenal |
Fulham 2-1 Leicester City
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/ffa8/live/99c17740-6230-11ef-8c25-cb51e5003341.jpg.webp)
Alex Iwobi has scored two goals in 12 Premier League appearances against Leicester
Alex Iwobi's 70th-minute winner gave Fulham victory over Leicester in their first Premier League home game of the season.The Nigeria winger fired through the legs of goalkeeper Mads Hermansen to restore Fulham's lead after Wout Faes had levelled for the Foxes before the break.
The Cottagers, who were dominant throughout, opened the scoring when club record signing Emile Smith Rowe slotted in.
Smith Rowe joined Fulham in a £34m deal from Arsenal earlier this month after falling out of favour with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta - making just 13 Premier League appearances last season.
But he hit the ground running at Craven Cottage, picking up the ball from Adama Traore on the left before driving towards Hermansen and firing into the far corner.
"I can't be happier. To play my first game at Craven Cottage and get the three points, I'm really happy," Smith Rowe said.
Faes' equaliser 20 minutes later was initially ruled out by referee Darren Bond, who judged Jamie Vardy to have been interfering with Bernd Leno in an offside position.
But the video assistant referee sent Bond to the pitchside monitor and he overturned the decision after seeing replays of the Fulham goalkeeper pushing Vardy out his way.
The visitors struggled for possession after Iwobi's goal and lacked a clinical edge as they pushed for a late equaliser with Wilfred Ndidi coming closest, only to slam his shot straight at Leno in the final moments of injury time.
It is a first win of the season for Marco Silva's side, who came away from their opener at Manchester United empty-handed, losing 1-0 to a late goal.
Fulham find a way against FoxesFulham may have felt hard done by coming away from Old Trafford last week without a point, having started brightly.
A point here would have been equally disappointing, given they threatened constantly, peppering Leicester's goal with 18 shots.
Silva said on Friday the club still needed to sign a forward, but Smith Rowe showed a striker's instinct when he calmly lifted the ball over Hermansen and into the net.
Iwobi, too, carried the same clinical edge - waiting for the Leicester keeper to make his move before picking out his shot.
Asked about Smith Rowe's price tag, Silva said: "It's not best to think about whether he is the club record or not.
"We recognise his quality, I am sure he is going to be important as he was today. I am sure he is going to be even more important in the future."
Fulham have continued to strengthen and had a busy week in the transfer window, paying more than £50m to bring in Sander Berge and Joachim Andersen.
The pair received a warm welcome from Fulham fans before kick-off but neither player was named in the matchday squad.
Leicester unconvincing at both ends of pitchAs was the case in their 1-1 draw against Tottenham last Monday, Steve Cooper's side were outfought in every area of the pitch.
Unlike Spurs, however, Fulham were able to keep Jamie Vardy at bay - and so Leicester were unable to find a way to a point this time.
The 37-year-old veteran striker had just 12 touches and failed to register a shot before he was replaced by Stephy Mavididi in the 71st minute.
At the other end of the pitch, Leicester looked unconvincing.
They were lucky not to concede more in the first half with Hermansen producing brilliant saves to keep out Traore, Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz.
Leicester centre-back Jannik Vestergaard nearly scored an own goal early in the second half when his defensive header looped over Hermansen and on to the roof of the net.
Faes, too, was let off the hook after a risky flick in his own box gave Fulham possession, but Muniz couldn't capitalise and fired over the crossbar.
Player of the match
Smith Rowe 8.40https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c3d9p51eg9pt
Post-Leicester City Press Conference
Marco Silva was pleased with the performance as Fulham ran out 2-1 winners over Leicester City at Craven Cottage.
"Very important win, and I have to say big win for us, the first home game of the season is always important. I have to say that we deserve the three points. I think the best team, in my opinion, won the game. The way we were so dominant, the way we started the game and arriving so many times inside their box, we should have created probably even more clear chances.
"I think we were always really well organized and had good reactions when we lost the ball. It was slightly different second half, and some players got a bit more tired but, even so, we were the team that tried to win the game more. We were dominant again. I don't remember one dangerous shot from Leicester in the second half. We had chances around the box and so many corners. I think this afternoon, probably, Rodrigo had five shots or six shots, and, unfortunately, not one on target. Normally those type of chances, Rodrigo will score once or twice, and the score is going to be completely different, but even so we kept ourselves always on the game and we believed that we are going to score.
"A great moment from our left hand side, great pass from Jedi. It was something that we did plan to explore, that space between fullback and the central defender from Leicester. It was a good moment and we won the game.
"The first goal is always important - when you sign a talented player like Emile, an offensive midfielder can play on the left as well, it's always important to have a quick impact. Even if it wasn't the case, we are going to keep supporting because we know we didn't sign him to just have an impact now, but to have impact for long term. It was really important for him to give us a bit more confidence, even if we know that he has all the confidence from ourselves. First home game and he scored with a good finish from him."
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/24/post-leicester-city-press-conference/
Ex-Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe takes just 18 minutes to open account for Fulham on home debut
Emile Smith Rowe has proved it was money well spent by Fulham by scoring on his home debut in a 2-1 win over Leicester.
The 24-year-old opened his account for the Cottagers in the 18th minute to fire his side into an early lead against the Midlands outfit.
Marco Silva's side forked out a club-record £34million to prise him away from Arsenal earlier this summer.
The England international has enjoyed a fantastic pre-season for the west London outfit - scoring in the friendlies against Sevilla and Hoffenheim.
And he has now grabbed his first official goal for his new side - and in some style.
Smith Rowe latched onto a through ball from Adama Traore, where he proceeded to skip past James Justin with ease.
And as Foxes goalkeeper Mads Hermansen came out to close him down, the attacking midfielder fired into the far corner with his left foot.
Wout Faes equalised for Fulham before the break, before Smith Rowe's ex-Arsenal teammate Alex Iwobi grabbed the winner in the 70th minute.
Smith Rowe showed glimpses of his talent in Fulham's away defeat to Manchester United last week.
But he has finally made his mark for the club, with the player hoping his good form could see his return to the Three Lions' squad for September's Nations League clashes against Ireland and Finland.
It was only on Friday which saw ex-boss Mikel Arteta comment on his regret at not being able to get the best out of him.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Gunners' away clash at Aston Villa, the Spaniard was asked whether he felt sad by the Hale End graduate's Emirates exit.
To which he said: "A lot. When I had the talk with Emile, I really felt it.
"First of all because I have huge gratitude because he came into the team at a tough moment.
"I think he was the player that made our supporters and the team click, in a way.
"I don't know how to explain it but that was my feeling. Something changed when he came in the team. He created a different energy straight away.
"And I have a feeling like 'argh', that I have not got the best out of him.
"Obviously a lot of things happened in that time.
"From my side it was really sad, because I know how those boys feel when they are in that building, how hard everyone works to get them close to the first team, so I feel a huge responsibility to give them the chance.
"And now, can they sustain this level and make us better? That is the idea."
https://talksport.com/football/2021075/emile-smith-rowe-first-fulham-goal-arsenal/
Fulham 2-1 Leicester: Alex Iwobi nets second-half winner after Emile Smith Rowe scores his first goal for his new club as Marco Silva's men earn their opening win of the season
Emile Smith Rowe scored his first Fulham goal in the first half at Craven Cottage
Wout Faes equalised, before Alex Iwobi scored the winning goal for Fulham
Emile Smith Rowe's early Fulham form should provide Marco Silva with the confidence that he can be the man to bring the best out of the former Arsenal midfielder.
The 24-year-old opened the scoring in Fulham's 2-1 win over Leicester City with a fine run and finish before another former Arsenal man Alex Iwobi sealed the win after Wout Faes had controversially equalised for Leicester.
Smith Rowe endured a frustrating end to his time at boyhood club Arsenal – playing just 13 Premier League games in the last campaign as a combination of injury and increased competition for places meaning his game time was limited.
But after seeking a fresh start in the form of a move across London this summer, the Englishman is already showing that he can be the man to help take Fulham to the next level.
'The last season he didn't play football, and two seasons ago. I think it's the first goal in the Premier League in two years for him as well,' Silva said after Fulham's victory.
'He needs these types of moments to boost his confidence. He's far from his best in a physical point of view. Performance wise he's going to improve, he's going to know us better and the way we play, he's going to adapt more and his body for the hard competition that is the Premier League.
'We are going to see better from him in the future for sure.'
If there is indeed to be plenty more to come from Smith Rowe, then Fulham fans have reason to be excited given that the attacking midfielder is already playing a significant part in their team winning games.
He gave his side a deserved lead against Leicester on 18 minutes, latching onto an Adama Traore pass and brilliantly controlling the ball to take him through on goal with Mads Hermansen before calmly slotting past the away goalkeeper.
But it looked as though a flurry of wasted chances might cost Silva's side victory when Faes levelled matters by heading in from Brighton loanee Facundo Buonanotte's corner before half-time.
The goal was originally disallowed for an offside call on Jamie Vardy, who was deemed to have been blocking goalkeeper Bernd Leno's line of sight while stood in an offside position, before a VAR check saw the decision reversed.
But Fulham had another Arsenal old boy to thank for opening their home campaign with a win when Antonee Robinson sent Iwobi racing through on goal down the left before finding the net via a deflection off Hermansen.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13776191/Fulham-2-1-Leicester-Premier-League-Result.html
Fulham 2-1 Leicester: Emile Smith Rowe hands Cottagers first Premier League win of the season
£34m summer signing up and running at Craven Cottage
Emile Smith Rowe scored on his home debut for Fulham as they beat Leicester to claim their first Premier League win of the season.
Smith Rowe opened his Premier League account for the Cottagers with a placed finish in the 18th minute.
Despite losing their lead when Leicester's Wout Faes equalised with a header, Fulham bounced back from last week's late defeat at Manchester United with a winner from Alex Iwobi earning them their first three points of the season.
Fulham found their groove early on through Adama Traore, who pulled the strings on the right. The rapid wide-man forced goalkeeper Mads Hermansen into action with a driven shot with his left foot towards the bottom right corner before he created another chance with a deft reversed pass moments later.
Traore's first season in west London was marred through injury but he is now fit and looked eager to impress manager Marco Silva, with the early signs suggesting he is an adequate replacement for the departed Willian.
His quality start to the match continued when he was instrumental in Fulham's opening goal.
Traore drifted into the midfield where he skipped past two players before slipping through Smith Rowe. The attacking midfielder showed composure in a one-v-one scenario, placing his effort into the corner to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Fulham's bright start was undone when a misplaced pass by Calvin Bassey put his side under pressure before Leicester equalised from the subsequent corner in the 38th minute.
Brighton loanee Facundo Buonanotte delivered a wonderfully curled inswinging corner which met the head of defender Faes, who powered his effort into the bottom left-hand corner to make it 1-1.
The goal was originally ruled out for offside but referee Darren Bond was sent to the monitor and deemed Jamie Vardy to have not interfered with Bernd Leno's efforts to make a save.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-vs-leicester-premier-league-result-2024-b1178241.html
Iwobi's goal secures Fulham victory
Alex Iwobi's second-half winner gave Fulham a deserved three points.
Summer signing Emile Smith Rowe scored on his home debut but Leicester equalised seven minutes before half-time with a goal from Wout Faes, which was initially disallowed.
Iwobi restored the lead on 70 minutes, clinching the Whites' first Premier League win of the season.
Smith Rowe got off to the perfect start at Craven Cottage, firing into the far corner after being put through by Adama Traore.
When Faes headed in Facundo Buonanotte's left-wing corner, the goal was initially ruled out because Jamie Vardy was in an offside position.
However, after a VAR check, referee Darren Bond viewed the pitchside monitor and concluded that Vardy was not in keeper Bernd Leno's line of sight and therefore not interfering with play.
Rodrigo Muniz missed a golden chance for Fulham early in the second half, shooting over after being teed up by Traore following a mistake by Faes.
But Iwobi made no mistake, racing away from Harry Winks to collect Antonee Robinson's ball over the top and finish past keeper Mads Hermansen.
Fulham: Leno, Tete, Bassey, Diop, Robinson, Pereira (Reed 86), Lukic, Traore (Wilson 69), Iwobi, Smith Rowe (Cairney 69), Muniz (Jimenez 80)
Subs not used: Benda, Cuenca, Castagne, Stansfield, Sessegnon.
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/iwobis-goal-secures-fulham-victory
Emile Smith Rowe scores on his home debut as Fulham sink Leicester
Emile Smith Rowe scored on his home debut as Fulham claimed a 2-1 win over Leicester at Craven Cottage.
Smith Rowe opened his Premier League account for the Cottagers with a placed finish in the 18th minute.
Despite losing their lead when Leicester's Wout Faes equalised with a header, Fulham bounced back from last week's late defeat at Manchester United with a winner from Alex Iwobi earning them their first three points of the season.
Fulham found their groove early on through Adama Traore, who pulled the strings on the right. The rapid wide-man forced goalkeeper Mads Hermansen into action with a driven shot with his left foot towards the bottom right corner before he created another chance with a deft reversed pass moments later.
Traore's first season in west London was marred through injury but he is now fit and looked eager to impress manager Marco Silva, with the early signs suggesting he is an adequate replacement for the departed Willian.
His quality start to the match continued when he was instrumental in Fulham's opening goal.
Traore drifted into the midfield where he skipped past two players before slipping through Smith Rowe. The attacking midfielder showed composure in a one-v-one scenario, placing his effort into the corner to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Fulham's bright start was undone when a misplaced pass by Calvin Bassey put his side under pressure before Leicester equalised from the subsequent corner in the 38th minute.
Brighton loanee Facundo Buonanotte delivered a wonderfully curled inswinging corner which met the head of defender Faes, who powered his effort into the bottom left-hand corner to make it 1-1.
The goal was originally ruled out for offside but referee Darren Bond was sent to the monitor and deemed Jamie Vardy to have not interfered with Bernd Leno's efforts to make a save.
After the interval, Bobby De Cordova-Reid's homecoming was met with applause from Fulham fans as Foxes manager Steve Cooper substituted the winger. The Jamaica international ended his five-season stay at Craven Cottage when he moved to Leicester earlier in the summer on a free transfer.
The start of the second half lacked quality, with a speculative bicycle kick attempt from Rodrigo Muniz, which ballooned over the bar, as close as Fulham came to increasing their lead until a well-worked move saw Iwobi clinically double the lead in the 70th minute.
A fizzed pass into Antonee Robinson saw the left-back produce a first-time lofted pass which unleashed the winger and his drilled effort cannoned off Hermansen and into the net to win it for Silva's men.
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/emile-smith-rowe-scores-home-160730245.html
Fulham's New Signing Shines As Fulham Beat Leicester
Fulham Triumph in Premier League Home Opener Against Leicester
In a vibrant display of football at Craven Cottage, Fulham clinched a thrilling victory over Leicester City, marking a significant moment early in their Premier League campaign.
Early Lead by Fulham's New Star
The action kicked off with Fulham asserting their dominance early in the game, a strategy that paid dividends. Emile Smith Rowe, Fulham's recent acquisition from Arsenal for a hefty £34 million, proved his worth from the get-go. With a sleek manoeuvre fed by Adama Traore, Smith Rowe darted from the left flank, made his way past defenders, and landed the ball smoothly into the net, beyond the reach of Leicester's goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. This marked a stellar start for Smith Rowe at his new home ground.
Leicester's Temporary Comeback
Leicester City, not ones to back down easily, found a brief moment of joy through Wout Faes. The equaliser, coming about 20 minutes post Fulham's opener, was shrouded in controversy initially. Referee Darren Bond disallowed the goal, citing an offside interference by Jamie Vardy. However, the decision was overturned after the video assistant referee prompted a review, showing Fulham's keeper inadvertently clearing the way for Vardy.
Iwobi Secures the Lead
As the match progressed, Fulham continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 70th minute. Alex Iwobi, seizing a pivotal moment, fired through Hermansen's legs to reclaim the lead for the Cottagers. This goal not only revitalised the Fulham squad but also dampened the spirits of the Foxes, who struggled to maintain possession and failed to capitalise on the few chances they created as the clock wound down.
Leicester's Fading Hopes
In the closing stages, Leicester's attempts to salvage a point grew desperate. Wilfred Ndidi had a golden opportunity to level the scores during injury time, but his shot, lacking the required finesse, was comfortably saved by Bernd Leno. This moment encapsulated Leicester's frustrations as they failed to convert their late push into a tangible result.
This match not only handed Fulham their first win of the season but also showcased their potential to contend strongly in the league, bouncing back after their narrow defeat at Manchester United.
https://eplindex.com/118579/fulhams-new-signing-shines-as-fulham-beat-leicester.html
WATCH: Alex Iwobi rises into Nigeria's ten-best Premier League goal record with Fulham winner vs Ndidi's Leicester City
Of the three Nigerian internationals at the Craven Cottage on Saturday, Alex Iwobi stole the headlines as he powered Fulham to a 2-1 win over Leicester City, Soccernet.ng reports.
For the second consecutive Premier League game, Iwobi was named in the Fulham starting lineup alongside international teammate Calvin Bassey.
Newly promoted Leicester City also paraded Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as the Foxes looked to build on their 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
But it was Fulham, fresh from a narrow opening day defeat at Manchester United, who took the lead courtesy of a fine 18th-minute strike from former Arsenal man Emile Smith Rowe.
Leicester City equalised through defender Wout Faes shortly before halftime before Iwobi stole the show midway into the second half.
The Nigerian playmaker raced through on goal after receiving a pass from Antonee Robinson and smashed a left-footed shot through the legs of Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
That goal is Iwobi's first of the season and the 23rd Premier League goal of his career, making him the ninth-highest-scoring Nigerian in the competition's history.
Iwobi has overtaken former Chelsea forward Victor Moses who managed 20 goals across 220 games for five different clubs.
The Fulham star, however, has some catching up to do before he can match the 27 Premier League goals scored by Victor Anichebe.
There is no touching Nigeria's finest striker in EPL history, though, Yakubu Aiyegbeni who is on 95 goals. Arsenal hero Nwankwo Kanu has 54 Premier League goals, Efan Ekoku has 53, Shola Ameobi has 43, and Kelechi Iheanacho has 42 to round up Nigeria's top five.
Still, Iwobi remains behind Peter Odemwingie (37 goals) and Obafemi Martins (28) but the 28-year-old star can boast of being the highest-scoring Nigerian midfielder in Premier League history.
https://soccernet.ng/2024/08/watch-alex-iwobi-rises-into-nigerias-ten-best-premier-league-goal-record-with-fulham-winner-vs-ndidis-leicester-city.html
Club president confirms Fulham have 'given up' for £25m star, Man Utd and Wolves links explained
Fulham have given up any hope of landing midfielder Andre from Fluminense this summer, with the Cottagers signing Sander Berge.
Fulham completed the signing of Burnley's Sander Berge earlier this month with the Norwegian midfielder also being offered to Manchester United but the Red Devils remain in pursuit of Manuel Ugarte this summer.
Back in July, HITC reported that Fulham were confident of getting a deal over the line for Brazilian midfielder Andre from Fluminense.
However, since then, things have gone quiet on that front, and with the addition of Berge, it looked unlikely that another midfielder would join him. Fluminense's president has seemingly ended any talk of Andre moving to Fulham.
Fluminense president on Fulham's interest in Andre.
Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt has commented on Fulham's interest and has seemingly hinted that the deal to take the midfielder to West London is off.
"What we have at the moment is that Fulham have given up, they are no longer interested in the player. And we don't have an official offer from any other club, but we've had surveys, conversations, enquiries that have been made directly to the player's representative," he told Radio Itatiaia.
"There are still almost 10 days [less than a week in England] to go until the European window closes and there are still other markets. So, we'll wait until the end of next week.
"We haven't had any counterproposals between €25m and €35m. We asked Fulham officially if they had any intention of taking the player and they said they no longer have any interest."
Man United and Wolves links explained
On Friday, reports from Brazil stated United and Wolverhampton Wanderers have contacted André's agent. United have been linked with Andre before and Fulham ending their interest could mean a move to Old Trafford is on the cards
However, sources from both Old Trafford and Molineux have played down speculation linking the midfielder with a move to either Premier League side.
United are focusing on Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain this summer so the Red Devils are unlikely to make a move for the Brazilian.
Wolves' Joao Gomes has been linked to a host of top Premier League clubs but he is remaining at Molineux this summer, so a deal for the Black Country side to sign Andre is looking unlikely.
https://www.hitc.com/club-president-confirms-fulham-have-given-up-for-25m-star-man-utd-and-wolves-links-explained/
USMNT's Antonee Robinson swings game-winning assist to Alex Iwobi as Fulham edge Leicester City
Antonee Robinson logged 90 minutes as Fulham earned three points in a feisty clash with Leicester City.
Fulham defeat Leicester 2-1
Antonee Robinson has game-winning assist
American off to hot start in 2024
WHAT HAPPENED?
Antonee Robinson's 70th-minute assist to Alex Iwobi secured three points for Fulham Saturday, as the Cottagers earned their first victory of the Premier League season against Leicester City.
A first half opener from Fulham's Emile Smith-Rowe was cancelled out before the halftime break by a Wout Faes header, but the U.S. international's assist to his Nigerian counterpart secured the win on Matchday 2.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
It was Robinson's first assist of the season asthe American put forth a sensational display to help his side secure the result. Over the course of the match, Robinson completed 87 percent of his passes while accumulating 69 touches and slinging six passes into the final-third. Add his assist into the mix, and it was a brilliant attacking display.
Defensively, he was composed as ever. He completed 100 percent of his tackles, going 4/4, and won 50 percent of ground duels at the same time.
DID YOU KNOW?
Robinson had a career year for Fulham in 2023-24, notching six assists across all competitions as their starting left back. As a result, he was named their Player of the Year.
WHAT NEXT FOR FULHAM?
The Cottagers are back in action on Tuesday in the EFL Cup against Birmingham City. They'll look to advance in the competition with a victory against the English League One side.
https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/usmnt-antonee-robinson-game-winning-assist-to-alex-iwobi-fulham-leicester-city/blt3c723f50d9d72846#cs0e368386addbc2ea
Smith Rowe and Iwobi floor the Foxes
Goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi guided Fulham to their first win of the Premier League season – but the Whites made heavy weather of what became a nervy victory over newly-promoted Leicester City at a rainswept Craven Cottage this afternoon.
Smith Rowe scored his first Fulham goal with a fabulous finish to a flowing move in the eighteenth minute and Marco Silva's side looked in complete control until Leicester hit back from a set play. Wout Faes levelled for the visitors when he headed home Facundo Buonanotte's fine corner at the back post – with the on-field decision to disallow the goal for offside against Jamie Vardy reversed by referee Darren Bond after consultation with the video assistant referee.
The hosts were by far the more dominant force but looked to have run of steam after Rodrigo Muniz missed a sitter just after the interval until Iwobi raced onto a searching ball down the left flank by Antonee Robinson and the Nigerian's finish proved too powerful for Mads Hermansen to keep out. The Foxes pushed for a second equaliser but couldn't create a clear-cut chance. The audible relief around an anxious Cottage showed just how far Steve Cooper's side had stretched the Londoners.
Fulham fired eighteen shots at the Leicester goal and would have felt aggrieved had they not come away with three points. Just like at Old Trafford on Friday, Marco Silva's side began on the front foot with the speedy Adama Traore bursting into the box and forcing a smart save from Hermansen at the near post inside four minutes. Traore turned provider shortly afterwards, cutting inside to pick out Iwobi but the winger's finish was tame and easily held by the Leicester goalkeeper.
Former Fulham favourite Bobby De Cordova-Reid fired an early warning of the visitors' intentions, with the Jamaican international picking up possession in a central position and bending a long-distance effort towards the bottom corner before Bernd Leno intervened to tip the effort behind. Leicester looked lively on the counter, but the home side dominated possession with the spritely Smith Rowe regularly popping up in dangerous positions.
Traore continued to terrorise the luckless Leicester left back Victor Kristiansen but it was another deft pass from the Spaniard that unlocked the Leicester defence. Traore left two defenders trailing in his wake before rolling a brilliant ball into the path of Smith Rowe who raced in goal and finished effortlessly, belying the fact that his last Premier League goal came two and half years ago. Fulham suddenly seemed rampant and Muniz might have made it two a couple of minutes later when he rose majestically at the far post but headed Robinson's deep cross milimetres wide.
But when the Whites dropped their intensity – and Calvin Bassey misplaced a pass to concede a corner – they were abruptly punished. Faes wriggled away from the attentions of Smith Rowe to head Buonanotte's corner beyond Leno from inside the six yard box. The German goalkeeper was incensed, claiming that Vardy's position in front of him, impeded his chances of making a save but the assistant refereee's flag was eventually overruled.
Fulham, perhaps smarting from conceding a soft goal, began the second half with renewed vigour. They should have been ahead within five minutes when Faes, played into trouble by his goalkeeper, was robbed by Traore, who presented Muniz with an open goal eight yards out only for the Brazilian to blaze high into the Hammersmith End. Kenny Tete headed a corner wide and then Muniz attempted an ambitious bicycle kick that also flew well off target.
Silva sent on Tom Cairney and Harry Wilson as Fulham's early flamboyance had faded and the Scottish playmaker played a part in the game's decisive moment. He fed the rampaging Robinson down the left flank and the American's first-time ball gave Iwobi a head start in a foot race against Harry Winks. He sped into the box and his beat Hermansen, although the Leciester goalkeeper might feel he should have done better in repelling the shot from the angle.
Both Andreas Pereira and Jordan Ayew wasted good opportunities from set plays in an anxious final ten minutes before Fulham managed the latter stages far more effectively than they had managed in Manchester. Cairney, perhaps learning from the way Bruno Fernandes had created the winner at Old Trafford, was cautioned for a sliding tackle in the middle of the park in the first minute of stoppage time as the Whites rather limped over the finish line.
FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Diop, Bassey; Lukic, A. Pereira (Reed 86); Traore (Cairney 69), Iwobi, Smith Rowe (Wilson 69); Muniz (Jimenez 80). Subs (not used): Benda, Castagne, Cuenca, Sessegnon, Stansfield.
BOOKED: Wilson, Cairney.
GOALS: Smith Rowe (18), Iwobi (70).
LEICESTER CITY (3-4-3): Hermansen; Faes, Vestergaard, Justin; Kristiansen (McAteer 85), Ndidi, Winks, Fatawu, De Cordova-Reid (J. Ayew 63), Buonanotte (Skipp 71), Vardy (Mavididi 71). Subs (not used): Ward, Okoli, R. Pereira, Choudhury, Soumare.
BOOKED: Kristiansen, Vestergaard.
GOAL: Faes (39).
REFEREE: Darren Bond (Lancashire).
ATTENDANCE: 25,401
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/smith-rowe-and-iwobi-floor-the-foxes/
Silva savours superb Smith Rowe start
Marco Silva was delighted with Emile Smith Rowe's impact as the summer signing scored his first Fulham goal in the Whites' win over Leicester City at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
The Portuguese head coach hailed the influence of the former Arsenal attacking midfielder and believes the England international will only get better with more minutes under his belt.
Silva told his post-match press conference:
"It's always important (to get your first goal) when you sign a talent like him, it's important to have the impact. We signed him not only just for now but for a long time, it was important for him even though he has experience. Last season he didn't play football, I think it was his first goal in the Premier League in two years as well.
He settled in the pre-season, it was important to get a little bit more confidence and he scored a good finish. When we sign a player for that position we need them to be decisive, he got the conclusion to finish in the right way. He's far from his best from a physical point of view, he's going to improve, he'll adapt more, it was nice to see him be decisive."
The Fulham head coach was delighted with the link-up between Antonee Robinson and Alex Iwobi for Fulham's winner too.
"It was a great pass from Robinson and that's something we wanted to exploit down the left. He's been impressive, he's improved as a player, he was one of our best players of the season last season and he never stops. The way he started last week shows he's a great athlete and he is able to keep improving."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/silva-savours-superb-smith-rowe-start/
Smith Rowe's first for Whites sets Fulham up for victory over Foxes
Fulham (1) 2 Smith Rowe 17, Iwobi 70
Leicester City (1) 1 Faes 39
Some of the grit may have left that Fulham midfielder but the graft is still there in the shape of Emile Smith Rowe - with a little finesse thrown in for good measure.
The ex-Arsenal man may not emulate those thunderous, juddering tackles that were Joao Palhinha's stock in trade , but we all know he has other special qualities.
It did not take him long to make the point on his home debut following the summer move from north London. Drifting into space on the left, he was picked out by Adama Traore and after riding a challenge, glided goalwards before finishing smartly past Foxes keeper Mads Hermansen.
That goal was the least Fulham deserved for a sparkling overture on this soggy August afternoon. They almost shipped an early goal to their old mate Bobby Decordova-Reid - whose drive from distance tested Bwernd Leno - but it was otherwise all Fulham.
Traore nearly scored before setting up Smith Rowe for the goal and Rodrigo Muniz came agonisingly close to adding a second goal with a header which flashed inches past an upright.
Fulham's impressive start was not maintained though. They took their collective foot off the gas just a shade and paid the price. The Foxes won themselves a corner and Wout Faes headed in the flag kick from Facundo Buonanotte - the away fans having to endure a VAR offside check before being able to celebrate.
Faes almost undid his good work at the start of the second half with a suicidal backheel that was easily picked off by Traore. His cross was swept over the bar by Muniz, who really ought to have put the chance away. The striker has an eye for the spectacular though and a flashing scissor-kick almost gave the Hammy End an unforgettable moment.
But the goal with which they took the lead for a second time was uncomplicated. A lovely first-time flick from Antonee Robinson released Iwobi down the left and he strode on before firing past Hermansen - the keeper getting a leg to the shot but unable to stop the ball looping past him.
Marco Silva picked up a yellow card from ref Darren Bond late on for a bit of over-zealous remonstrating, but he will be content overall with this first win of the season - even if there remains room for considerable improvement.
For Smith Rowe as well, there will be satisfaction at bedding in to his new surroundings with a significant goal - Fulham's first of the season. He was given an appreciative send off by home fans when he was subbed off midway through the second half.
Whites: (4-2-3-1) Leno - Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson - Pereira (Reed 86), Lukic - Traore (Cairney 69), Smith Rowe (Wilson 69), Iwobi - Muniz (Jimenez 80)
Foxes: (4-2-3-1), Hermansen - Justin, Vestergaard, Faes, Kristensen (McAteer 85) - Winks, Ndidi - Fatawu, Buonanotte (Skipp 71), Decordova-Reid (Ayew 63) - Vardy (Mavididi 71)
Attendance: 25,401
https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/smith-rowe-s-first-for-whites-sets-fulham-up-for-victory-over-foxes
Fulham Invite Everton And Man Utd Tracked Talent To Train Next Week
Fulham have invited a teen talent also on Everton and Manchester United's radar to train with them next week, according to the Daily Record.
Premier League clubs are remaining alert to young talents to draft into their academies and have started to pay closer attention to Scottish football.
Young striker Chris Condy, who is just 14 years old, is now attracting eyeballs from south of the border.
The striker is on the books at Scottish side Hamilton Academicals and has been scouted by Everton, Manchester United, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest recently.
Now Fulham have made a firm move and have invited Condy to train with them next week.
Fulham will take a close look at him along with showing the striker and his family around their facilities.
Condy will not be able to move for a further two years, but Fulham are putting in the legwork now.
Hamilton currently ply their trade in the second tier in Scotland and will be hoping to keep hold of Condy for as long as possible.
https://insidefutbol.com/2024/08/24/fulham-invite-everton-and-man-utd-tracked-talent-to-train-next-week/658233/
Silva savours 'big win' for Fulham
Marco Silva described Fulham's 2-1 victory over Leicester as a "big win" for his side.
Alex Iwobi got the winner at Craven Cottage after Emile Smith Rowe had scored on his home debut.
"Very important win, and I have to say a big win for us – the first home game of the season is always important," said Whites boss Silva.
"I have to say that we deserve the three points. The best team, in my opinion, won the game.
"The way we were so dominant, the way we started the game and arrived so many times inside their box, we should have created probably even more clear chances but I think we did enough."
Rodrigo Muniz missed a golden chance for Fulham early in the second half, shooting over after being teed up by Adama Traore.
But Iwobi made no mistake, racing away from Harry Winks to collect Antonee Robinson's ball over the top and finish past keeper Mads Hermansen.
"Normally those type of chances, Rodrigo will score once or twice, and the score is going to be completely different," said Silva.
"But even so we kept ourselves always in the game and we believed that we are going to score."
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-silva-savours-big-win-for-fulham
Smith Rowe delighted to get off the mark
Emile Smith Rowe was delighted to score on his home debut as Fulham beat Leicester City 2-1 at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
The England international scored his first Premier League for two and half years to give the Whites a first-half lead over the Foxes and told Premier League Productions how happy he was after the final whistle:
"I feel we dominated large parts of the game and we deserved the three points today.
I was obviously delighted with my goal today. I think it was Adama, who was running across the pitch with the ball and put me through so I just tried to stay composed and it was a nice goal today. I think it was a bit of relief – it's been a long time, like you said. I'm just really happy to get my first goal in the league for Fulham, so I'm really happy.
The boys have welcomed me so nicely, not just the players but the staff as well. I can definitely feel the love from the fans as well, so it's been amazing so far."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/smith-rowe-delighted-to-get-off-the-mark/
Iwobi hails 'important win'
Alex Iwobi was pleased with a professional performance as Fulham recorded their first win of the new Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Leicester City this afternoon.
The Nigerian international told FFCTV that he was particularly motivated to take all three points after coming so close to getting a result at Old Trafford on opening night:
"We were proud of our performance against United but we didn't get the result we wanted, so it was only right we get our first three points at home and there's no better feeling. The main message was to start on the front foot and I believe that we did, especially the first thirty minutes, we were dominating the game in my opinion.
We were disappointed to concede the goal in the way that we did because set pieces are something we work on a lot, but the main thing was get the three points – to stay resilient and strong in the end. The manager said at half time to keep playing the way we started the game, keep applying the pressure the way we did and that's why we were able to get the second goal."
Iwobi revealed that his winning goal had its genesis on the Motspur Park training pitches.
"It's something we've worked on in training and when the right back pushed on to press Jedi, he had play it first time and I just had to stay onside. Luckily for me, there was no one in way until the goal, so i was able to go towards the goal and remain composed. I had a lot of time – it felt like I was running for ages, I was thinking, 'Do I square it?' but I just thought, 'I'm front of goal, I might as well go with my weak foot' and luckily for me, it went in."
It was important that we were able to see the game out. We know what Leicester are like; they have a lot of threat going forwards. We made some chances that brought new dynamics to the game but were able to close the game out and get the three points ahead of a busy week."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/iwobi-hails-important-win/