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Sunday 08/12
Fulham	1-1	Arsenal
Raúl
Ipswich	1-2	Bournemouth
Leicester	2-2	Brighton
Spurs	3-4	Chelsea

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal had a late goal disallowed as they missed the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to four points with a draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Bukayo Saka thought he had given the Gunners all three points when he headed in Gabriel Martinelli's cross two minutes from time, but the goal was disallowed after the Brazilian was found to be offside during the build-up.

Raul Jimenez, with his sixth goal of the season, put Fulham in front against the run of play when he latched on to Kenny Tete's ball down the line to fire past David Raya from a tight angle.

Arsenal, looking to capitalise on the postponement of Liverpool's Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday, struggled to carve out opportunities from open play in the first half and managed just one shot on target from Saka.

But Mikel Arteta's side were level within six minutes of the second half after a well-worked corner kick routine saw William Saliba convert Kai Havertz's knockdown.

It was one-way traffic after that as Arsenal pushed to find a winner but they struggled to break down a resolute Fulham side.

The draw means Arsenal are six points behind leaders Liverpool, having played a game more.

Fulham end testing week on a high
After the 4-1 defeat at home to Wolves a fortnight ago, Fulham fans could have been forgiven for dreading a games against Tottenham, Brighton and Arsenal within seven days.

In hindsight, they need not have worried.

A spirited draw against Spurs last weekend was bettered by a 3-1 win against Brighton in midweek.

The visit of Arsenal, though, was the toughest of the lot.

Silva made four changes to his starting line-up from the team that beat Brighton.

In came Tete, Sasa Lukic, Jimenez and Adama Traore with Timothy Castagne, Reiss Nelson, Rodrigo Muniz and Harry Wilson dropping out.

The Cottagers had to weather an early storm as Arsenal settled instantly into their rhythm.

But it was two of Silva's changes that combined to give Fulham the lead in the 11th minute.

Tete - remarkably, with his first touch of the game - threaded a lovely ball down the line between Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior to find Jimenez.

The Mexican, quickly accompanied by Saliba, had plenty to do but he took Raya by surprise by taking his shot early and finding the bottom corner.

It was the home side's only shot on target in the first half but Fulham were good value for their lead as they limited Arsenal to just one shot on target of their own.

A less determined side would have caved after Saliba's equaliser, as Arsenal dominated the remainder of the match in search of a winner.

The Cottagers carried a counter-attacking threat of their own through substitutes Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira, with the latter testing Raya at his near post late on.

It was the end of a testing week for Silva's side but it is one that they have passed with flying colours by taking five points from the nine available.

Set piece routines pay dividends again for Arsenal
The Gunners were well below their best in the first half, lacking the sharpness that that they have shown in wins against West Ham, Manchester United and Sporting in recent weeks.

Saka had the Gunners' only shot on target in the opening 45 minutes as the Gunners struggled to create opportunities from open play.

Much was made of Arsenal's prowess from set pieces following the 2-0 win against Manchester United in midweek, with both goals coming from corner kick routines.

The Gunners had set piece coach Nicolas Jover to thank again as they equalised at Craven Cottage with a routine straight from the training ground.

Declan Rice whipped a brilliant in-swinging corner in from the left to the back post, where Havertz nodded down for Saliba to tap home.

The goal - which survived a video assistant referee (VAR) review - was Arsenal's 23rd scored from a corner since the start of the 2023-24 season, more than any club in Europe during that time.

Arteta's side managed just four shots on target during the game and their best opportunities once again came from dead ball situations.

After Liverpool's game against Everton was postponed, the Gunners had the chance to close the gap on the Reds to four points.

They will rue that they could not take full advantage of the opportunity.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c9q7lvw485pt

Post-Arsenal Press Conference
Marco Silva acknowledged that Fulham weren't at their flowing best on Sunday, but he was pleased with how his players stuck to the task at hand.

The Whites worked incredibly hard to frustrate Arsenal, and took away a deserved point for their efforts.

"Tough game, as we expected, really difficult for us," Silva said. "It's been a really tough week for us, with the three games in eight days – difficult type of games.

"And this afternoon, we knew that it was going to be tough, and Arsenal made it really difficult for us.

"Great fighting spirit and commitment from ourselves, the players stuck with the plan, first half they executed it really well.

"The early goal from ourselves in a very good open play moment, great finish from Raúl – the way we built that moment and that situation was really good from ourselves.

"Always Arsenal were trying to press ourselves, and we were able to beat the pressure. When Kenny received the ball, the way we were attacking behind was really good. Very good goal.

"Of course, after, Arsenal took the control of the game, and I really believe that on the ball, was not our best game, I have to be honest. Arsenal took the ball from ourselves.

"They didn't create many chances first half. They controlled the ball, they had possession, they had some set-pieces, but they only had one very good chance for Declan Rice, I don't remember many more, to be honest, because I think we blocked them well.

"Second half was a little bit different, I think they pushed us back a little bit more. I think, on the ball, we were not able to take the right decisions.

"When we got the ball ourselves, winning 1-0, you know the mindset of the players in some moments is not to take risks. Arsenal went man on man after the 1-0, and for you to beat the man on man situation, of course you have to be able to take some risks.

"And I think, mentally, the players were not in that direction to take risks. And it was more difficult for us to keep the ball. Arsenal equalised the game, they pushed us more back.

"Second half, we didn't create much – we had a big chance with Andreas, but was just the only one. But the organisation from us, the way the players stuck with the plan, it was difficult for us, but I think we created a difficult scenario for Arsenal."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/08/post-arsenal-press-conference/

So much in the press being made of Arsenal being "denied" a late winner
If it's offside then it's not a bleeding goal
Ridiculous coverage in the Times for example

Arsenal stumble at Fulham after Saka's late strike ruled out for offside
The good news is that it was better for Arsenal than last season. The bad news is that their run of successive wins was ended at four and they spurned an opportunity to apply pressure to the leaders Liverpool. And worse, they were denied an 89th‑minute winner by a tight – but correct – VAR offside call.

"Emotionally that was tough," Mikel Arteta said of the decision. He maintained his recent policy, though, of stressing the need for Arsenal to improve and take responsibility rather than looking for excuses, even if this was the eighth different back four he has named this season.

"You cannot cry about it," Arteta said. "It's the reality. We absolutely deserved to win the match from the beginning to the end. We did almost everything we had to do to win it. We have to look at those margins and see what can we do so the opponent has zero chance."

Liverpool may feel that, with six players out injured and Everton having put four past Wolves on Wednesday, the postponement of the Merseyside derby on Saturday provided a welcome break before the rigours of the festive programme. But it also gave Arsenal the opportunity to cut the gap to four points which, even having played a game more, does not seem anywhere near as daunting as seven. As it is, the gap is six points and Liverpool have a game in hand. Everything at the moment is coming up Arne Slot.

It was this fixture last season that inflicted decisive damage on Arsenal's title challenge. When the margin to the champions at the end of the season is as narrow as two points, all slip-ups are vital, but it was this game on New Year's Eve that seemed most significant, all the more so as it came on the back of an unexpected 2-0 home defeat against West Ham. What happened at Craven Cottage, though, was worse, if only because Arsenal went ahead after five minutes and seemed comfortable before Raúl Jiménez's equaliser and their subsequent collapse.

The impact may not be as great this season – and given how well Fulham are playing at the moment, there can be no assumption of away victory against them for any side – but, still, it was impossible to avoid the sense of stalling momentum. Arsenal have been much-improved since the return of Martin Ødegaard four games ago but there seemed a danger of them faltering again as Jiménez put Fulham ahead after 11 minutes. To an extent the damage was self‑inflicted as Jakub Kiwior drifted inexplicably towards the ball, offering the opportunity for Kenny Tete to slide a pass through for Jiménez to finish with crisp authority. Much of that first period went exactly as you imagine Marco Silva planned it: Arsenal having the bulk of possession but creating very little.

Sasa Lukic, operating alongside the imperious Sander Berge, was central to that. He is a player so much happier out of possession than he is with the ball that you can almost feel the relief among Fulham fans when he is tackled because that means he can get on with what he is best at: lunging in to win it back. The two full-backs also excelled, Antonee Robinson restricting Saka as well as anybody has this season, while Tete had a rather easier time against Leandro Trossard then Gabriel Martinelli, neither of whom are at their best at the moment.

Silva seemed slightly frustrated at how his side played in the second half as Arsenal pushed them back. "On the ball, this was not our best game," he said. "We were not able to take the right decisions. The mindset was not to take risks."

Still, the draw represented a solid afternoon's work. Fulham's other first-half success was in negating Arsenal's dead-ball threat in large part because of the way Adama Traoré, stationed at the back post next to William Saliba, was able to intercept his man with one chunky forearm, preventing him making a run across the goalkeeper. Perhaps his holding isn't strictly legal but then a lot of what happens at corners these days isn't; the whole 18-yard box has become a vast grey area.

However, there is a reason Arsenal fans sing the name of their set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. The first corner Arsenal got in the second half was aimed not at one of the big defenders but deeper, to Kai Havertz. He headed down and Saliba, coming into the centre, shrugged off Traoré and, remaining a fraction onside, turned the ball in, Arsenal's 23rd goal from a corner since the start of last season.

Thomas Partey put a header just wide from another corner. Other than the late Saka header that might have pinched it had Martinelli remained onside, Arsenal's threat remained largely restricted to set‑pieces. Which is not really a criticism: having been for a long time a side who seemed to have to dominate games to win them, they now have a means of winning even when the rhythm isn't quite upon them, or against sides who defend as well as Fulham did.

Still, perhaps it would be worth investing in an open-play coach as good as Jover.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/arsenal-spurn-chance-close-gap-162224870.html

Set piece to the Arsenal again, but lack of magic spark proves frustrating at Fulham
'One-nil to the Arsenal' was a jab at George Graham's defensive-minded side with a knack for edging games that became an almost self-deprecating and defiant chant of triumph from the club's fans: 'We may not be exciting but we're winning, so who cares'.

You wonder how far away we are from 'set piece to the Arsenal' getting sung in similar fashion. It's easy to be sniffy about the number of dead balls they have scored and earned points from this season, as if it ought to be a source of pride for over-achieving mid-table sides rather than something a top team ought to have as their primary weapon.

Plainly, that's bollocks; a stick desperately grasped by rivals to try and beat a side that has worked hard to get as good at scoring from corners and free kicks as they possibly can be. That flogging will barely register on Arsenal, especially after spending the latter half of Arsenal's spell facing the exact opposite accusation of only trying to score silky, perfect goals, to their own detriment.

It's interesting that Mikel Arteta was part of that side, and part of the coaching staff for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, yet is increasingly making his name as a pragmatic manager. There is a refreshing absence of delusion about the Arsenal boss. He focuses on what his side does well, knowing they lack individual superstar power on quite the level of Mo Salah or Erling Haaland. We say that with, genuinely, the very greatest of respect to Bukayo Saka, who at 23 is really not far off at all and well on his way there.

But there are occasional days when that extra bit of oomph would come in very handy for Arsenal, and this was one of them. Arsenal pushed and probed and had Fulham on the ropes throughout the second half, but were not able to find a valid winner.

Contrast their difficulties here with the scares Liverpool had against Southampton and Newcastle recently, only to rescue four points across the two games thanks largely to Salah's brilliance...that has made up a lot the difference between the two sides.

Saka has had some phenomenal games this season and over the past few games, but when he has been quiet – against Newcastle, against Chelsea, and now against Fulham – Arsenal have dropped points. That was the case season year, too: against Newcastle, against West Ham, twice against Aston Villa. To be clear, that is by no means a criticism of Saka, but merely to point out how dependent the Arsenal formula is on 'set pieces plus something from Saka'. Closing that gap to the top requires them to have just a little bit more than that.

That Saka is Arsenal's only real source for getting something out of nothing was hammered home by their late disallowed goal. The winger thought he had won the game late on with a well-taken header only for it be ruled out for an offside against Gabriel Martinelli in the build-up.

Despite rescuing a perfectly respectable point, it ended up as another frustrating afternoon for Arsenal. Raul Jimenez's lovely finish off a ball up the right wing had given Fulham a shock early lead, and there was no shame in it for Arsenal that they found the hosts so difficult to break down in search of an equaliser.

Coming into this game, only Arsenal themselves had a lower expected goals against than Fulham this season. Only Liverpool and Manchester City had allowed the opposition significantly fewer shots, with Tottenham and Chelsea pipping the Cottagers by mere handfuls.

That has been built more on organisation than doggedness: Fulham are among the least frequent tacklers sides in the Premier League, but one of its leaders for interceptions. They were boringly competent through to the break, limiting Arsenal to half-chances and just a single shot on target while showing very little attacking endeavour of their own.

Yet that kind of inviting approach may explain why Fulham have paradoxically been one of the weaker sides in the division for protecting their leads, winning six, drawing two and losing three from 11 winning positions this season.

Going behind has meanwhile been somewhat unfamiliar territory for Arsenal: this was just the fifth time this season they have trailed, and they had clawed back a draw and a win out of the previous four. Even with Fulham handling them as well as they did, the next goal was only going to go one way.

Indeed it did, William Saliba converting an unmissable chance provided by Kai Havertz's header across the box off for yet another Arsenal set piece goal – their eighth of the season already.

But then...a lot of huffing, a lot of puffing, but nothing that actually blew Fulham down. A point at Craven Cottage is decent this season, but Arsenal will be wondering whether they have just wasted their best chance to put pressure on rampant Liverpool that they are going to get this season.



https://www.football365.com/news/opinion-set-piece-arsenal-lack-magic-frustrating-fulham-arteta

Premier League forced to release two VAR statements after Fulham vs Arsenal late drama
Arsenal closed the gap to Liverpool down to six points after a draw against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon

The Premier League has issued two VAR statements in the wake of Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal knew before kick-off that the gap to Liverpool would be cut to four points with a victory over Marco Silva's side after the Reds' derby against Everton was postponed due to adverse weather. However, Mikel Arteta's side was not on it in the first half and fell behind thanks to Raul Jimenez's early goal.

Whatever Arteta said at the interval worked though as the visitors pushed hard for an equaliser and got on 52 minutes as William Saliba steered the ball in from close range. VAR checked the on-field awarding of the goal before eventually allowing it to stand.

Explaining the decision, the Premier League's Match Centre tweeted: "The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position." While that decision went in the Gunner's favour, they would fall victim to a decision going against them late on.

Bukayo Saka thought he had won it when he headed Gabriel Martinelli's cross into the back of the net. However, a VAR check found that Martinelli had strayed just into an offside position in the build-up and the goal was ruled out.

Releasing a further statement, the Premier League explained: "Saka's goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

Arsenal eventually had to settle for a point which is not ideal in their race for the Premier League title. They now sit six points behind Liverpool but the Reds' game in hand could extend that advantage back to nine points.



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/premier-league-forced-release-two-30540894

Pain for Arsenal after VAR intervention as Premier League title hopes take fresh hit with costly Fulham draw
Gunners held to 1-1 draw against Fulham

Arsenal left Fulham having closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool, but this result felt like a real punch in the gut for their title hopes.

After the Merseyside derby was postponed yesterday due to Storm Darragh, the Gunners arrived in west London knowing they could move to within four points of Liverpool with a win over Fulham.

A draw is all they got, though, and the manner of the closing few moments made that all the more painful.

Bukayo Saka thought he had claimed all three points in the final minutes with a header at the back-post, only for VAR to correctly spot Gabriel Martinelli, who crossed him the ball, was offside in the build-up.

That summed up a frustrating afternoon for Arsenal, which began with them being behind after just 11 minutes. A long ball forward somehow allowed for Raul Jimenez to be through on goal and he finished excellently, finding the bottom corner.

The Gunners back-four was disjointed for it and that was perhaps due to the changes forced on Mikel Arteta.

This was the ninth different defence he has named this season in 15 league games and of those back-fours only two have played more than one match.

On this occasion, Jurrien Timber was moved from right to left-back after Oleksandr Zinchenko was ruled out due to injury. Thomas Partey shifted from holding midfield to right-back.

And it was down Arsenal's left that Fulham's goal came, with Jimenez's movement enabling him to get past Kiwior. That, however, was one of only two shots Fulham had all game. Arsenal had 66 per cent possession and 12 shots.

It was a set-piece again, though, that got them level. Declan Rice's corner was headed back across goal by Kai Havertz and William Saliba was there to prod it home.

That equaliser came early at the start of the second-half and you thought Arsenal would kick on from there.

Their set-pieces were effective and Partey missed a glorious chance from a corner, when he was totally unmarked just a few yards out.

Other than that, Arsenal did not create much for all their dominance and that will be a concern for Arteta.

The bench lacked firepower, with Gabriel Jesus' long wait for a league goal continuing to rumble on.

As they pushed for a winner at the end, Arsenal thought they had found it through Saka - who had a great battle with Antonee Robinson all game.

Saka finally thought he had got the better of him at the death, losing him at the far post to head in Martinelli's cross - but VAR intervened. It was a painful end to what could be a costly afternoon for Arsenal.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-premier-league-title-race-fulham-liverpool-var-b1198758.html

Premier League release statement on Saka's Arsenal goal VAR ruled out vs Fulham
The Premier League has released a statement explaining why Bukayo Saka's late winner against Fulham was chalked off as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Marco Silva's side at Craven Cottage

The Premier League's Match Centre has given a full run-down on the controversial moments in Arsenal's match against Fulham, clarifying why William Saliba's equalising goal was given the green light and Bukayo Saka's late potential winner was ruled out.

Saliba managed to connect with Kai Havertz's header at close range, equalising for the Gunners early in the second half of their disappointing 1-1 draw with Fulham. The goal looked to be in jeopardy of being ruled out for offside as Fulham players signalled their protests.

However, checking the footage revealed Antonee Robinson's left boot had played the French defender onside by the slightest of margins. "The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position," affirmed the Premier League via a social media update on X.

Later on, Arsenal believed they had snatched a dramatic victory when Bukayo Saka nodded in Gabriel Martinelli's cross. But celebrations were cut short as VAR deemed that Martinelli was offside during the play leading up to the goal.

"Saka's goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed," said the Premier League statement regarding the rescinded goal, reports the Mirror.

Despite being down at half-time after Raul Jimenez's strike, Saliba's goal helped Arsenal avoid defeat, though Mikel Arteta's team couldn't secure all three points. The draw takes Arsenal within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, whose Saturday match against Everton was postponed. The league leaders have a game in hand due to that cancellation, while Chelsea could leapfrog Arteta's team with a draw or victory against Tottenham in Sunday's late fixture.

Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson expressed his frustration at Martinelli being caught offside. "In football terms it's criminal," he commented on Sky Sports. "You're looking across the line, you've got pace. I'll be surprised if he isn't on the receiving end of a telling-off from the manager. You could see it on his face, he knew. The one thing when looking across the line is you cannot be offside."

Despite dropping points against Fulham, Arsenal still sit above last season's Premier League champions Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's team continued their challenging campaign on Saturday, drawing 2-2 away at Crystal Palace, and they remain two points behind the Gunners.

"This season started difficult and will be more difficult than last season," Guardiola admitted. "We have to survive this season, every game, try to take points to win games and go forward. We know it and feel it and unfortunately we are also missing important players."



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league-saka-statement-var-34273580

Banned: Bassey to miss Fulham's trip to Liverpool after yellow card for pushing Arsenal forward
Fulham's defender Calvin Bassey will miss the upcoming match against Liverpool due to a yellow card received during the London derby against Arsenal.

The Nigerian international played the full 90 minutes as Fulham held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

The match kicked off with a thrilling start as Fulham took the lead in the eleventh minute.

Raul Jimenez showcased his striking prowess, finishing a well-placed low shot past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya after a long pass from Kenny Tete.

However, the Gunners responded in the second half. In the 52nd minute, a delivery from Declan Rice was met by Kai Havertz, who headed the ball back to William Saliba, allowing him to tap in the equalizer from close range.

As the match progressed, Arsenal looked for a winner. A late opportunity saw Bukayo Saka score, but VAR intervened, ruling the goal out due to a marginal offside in the buildup, specifically involving Martinelli, the assister.

Despite Arsenal's attempt to snatch a winner, Fulham held on to the draw on home soil.

However, Bassey received his yellow card in the 72nd minute for pushing Arsenal forward Kai Havertz. It was his fifth of the season, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.

The Super Eagles defender and teammate Robinson, halted an Arsenal attack by taking out both Ødegaard and Havertz off the ball

Conversely, Bassey will miss Fulham's next league match against Liverpool at Anfield, a significant blow to the Cottagers' defensive lineup.

The match marked is a continuation of Arsenal's struggles against Fulham, as they have yet to secure a win in their last three Premier League meetings (two draws and one loss).

Adeyemi Adewale




https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=53947

Fulham hold Arsenal to draw at home
Raul Jimenez scores early for the Craven Cottage hosts and William Saliba equalises for the visitors

London — Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by London rivals Fulham on a grey, wet Sunday at Craven Cottage as Raul Jimenez scored early for the hosts and William Saliba equalised for the visitors at the start of the second half.

Jimenez stunned title-chasing Arsenal in the 11th minute, racing away down the right and firing right-footed across goalkeeper David Raya into the far corner.

Saliba levelled shortly after the interval from point-blank range, poking the ball in when Kai Havertz headed it back down into his path from a corner.

Arsenal thought they had won it in the 88th minute when Bukayo Saka headed the ball in from close range, but the goal was ruled out by the video assistant referee for an offside in the build-up.

Fulham have now lost only one of their last seven league games and sit 10th in the table on 23 points, while Arsenal are second on 29.



https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/sport/soccer/2024-12-08-fulham-hold-arsenal-to-draw-at-home/

Battling Fulham make their point
It wasn't as stunning as last season but Fulham still badly wounded Arsenal's title challenge at a windswept and rainy Craven Cottage this afternoon. The Gunners were badly shaken by conceding an excellent opener to the evergreen Raul Jimenez in the eleventh minute and, although Mikel Arteta's men dominated both possession and territory, they had strikingly little to show for it until William Saliba converted a knock down from Kai Havertz to score Arsenal's 23rd goal from a corner since the start of last term. The visitors thought they had won it with a late Bukayo Saka header, but that goal was ruled out by the VAR when Gabriel Martinelli was adjudged offside in the build-up.

Fulham fought gallantly from the first whistle but this was a modified version of Marco Silva's most adventurous approach. With the aim of the game to frustrate Arsenal's free flowing football, it was more of an afternoon for the likes of Sander Berge, brilliant in central midfield, and Sasa Lukic to shine rather than Emile Smith Rowe, who had little opportunity to show off his silky skills against his former employers. Smith Rowe did sneak in between the Arsenal defence once in the first period, but his control let him down as he looked to run clean through on David Raya.

Any worries that the home side would struggle to match Arsenal's intensity, having had 24 hours less recovery time than their opponents in midweek, were unfounded. Their endeavour and desire were typified by the way in which Robinson relentlessly pursued Saka down the left flank, with Fulham's skipper coming out on top in one of the contest's most watchable duels. The Whites enjoyed early joy along the opposite wing with the goal arriving when Kenny Tete played a perfect pass in front of Raul Jimenez and the Mexican measured a magnificent finish beyond Raya's despairing dive from the right angle of the penalty area.

It was all hands to the pump for the remainder of the first half. Declan Rice darted beyond the Fulham defence only to shoot wide and Bernd Leno was assertive in dealing with Arsenal's set piece threat, punching clear one of the more dangerous corners, before the German smothered a Saka shot shortly before half time. The England winger fizzed a threatening cross just beyond Rice's outstretched foot right at the end of the first period, but Calvin Bassey and Issa Diop deserved great credit for keeping Havertz, operating as the focal point of the visitors' attack, very quiet.

Fulham were forced onto the defensive after Arsenal's equaliser – which survived a VAR check for offside against Saliba after the centre back had snuck past Adama Traore to get the telling touch – with Leno making a smart save from Leandro Trossard. Havertz drove disappointingly wide from a promising position before Leno gathered a low effort from Rice as the home side appeared to be penned back deep inside their own territory.

A rare counter-attack saw substitute Andreas Pereira saunter onto a superb lofted pass from Sander Berge, but Raya was quick to narrow the angle and saved with his feet. Fulham did well to restrict the away side's clearest opportunities to set plays until Martinelli's deep cross was headed home by Saka – sparking delirious celebrations in front of the travelling supporters in the Putney End. They proved premature as Fulham battled for another point that showed Silva's side are far from a pushover on the banks of the Thames.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Diop, Bassey; Berge, Lukic (Cuenca 90+2); Traore (Wilson 60), Iwobi, Smith Rowe (Pereira 60); Jimenez (Muniz 80). Subs (not used): Benda, Castagne, R. Sessegnon, King, Godo.

BOOKED: Lukic, Bassey, Jimenez, A. Robinson.

GOAL: Jimenez (11).

ARSENAL (4-3-3): Raya; Partey, Timber, Kiwior, Saliba; Jorginho (Merino 74), Rice, Odegaard (Nwaneri 79); Saka, Trossard (Martinelli 60), Havertz (Jesus 74). Subs (not used): Neto, Tierney, Lewis-Skelly, Heaven, Sterling.

BOOKED: Martinelli, Rice.

GOAL: Saliba (52).

REFEREE: Chris Kavanagh (Greater Manchester).

ATTENDANCE: 26,954.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/battling-fulham-make-their-point/

Silva proud of Fulham's 'commitment
Marco Silva praised Fulham's commitment and organisation after his side frustrated title-chasing Arsenal and picked up a point in an absorbing London derby at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The Gunners, who trailed to an early strike from Raul Jimenez, equalised in the second half through William Saliba but were denied a late winner when Bukayo Saka's far post header was ruled out off for offiside by the video assistant referee.

The Fulham head coach was delighted with his side's display – telling the BBC after the final whistle:

"I'm more pleased with the way our players fought, the commitment, the organisation. It's always tough when we play against them but they know it will be tough too. We create a difficult scenario for them. We have to be honest and fair. On the ball it was one of the games we had less time on the ball. We scored a very good goal. Second half was more difficult. The team has less energy.

They scored a really tight goal. The players were brave enough. Second half much more control from them but not big chances. Performance-wise it wasn't the best game from ourselves. What a goal [that Jimenez scored], what a move and what a finish. It's been a tough week. In eight days we played Tottenham, Brighton and Arsenal. They've been great. The momentum is here for us. We have to be proud of the season so far."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/silva-proud-of-fulhams-commitment/

Premier League release statement after late Arsenal winner vs Fulham disallowed
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was denied a dramatic late winner against Fulham on Sunday.

The Premier League's Match Centre has clarified the decisions surrounding William Saliba's goal for Arsenal against Fulham, which was allowed to stand, and Bukayo Saka's disallowed late strike. Saliba netted from close range after getting on the end of a Kai Havertz header, levelling the score in the second half of the London derby.

Despite initial offside claims by the hosts at Craven Cottage, replays showed Antonee Robinson's left boot narrowly kept Saliba onside.

"The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position," stated the Premier League on social media.

Later drama unfolded when Saka thought he had clinched a dramatic winner, only for VAR to rule it out, spotting that Gabriel Martinelli was offside during the build-up.

"Saka's goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed," read the official statement regarding the disallowed goal.

Despite falling behind to a Raul Jimenez goal before halftime, Saliba's equaliser ensured Arsenal avoided defeat, although Arteta's men were unable to secure the full three points.

The draw has brought the Gunners within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, whose match against Everton was postponed on Saturday.

The new league favourites have a game in hand due to the cancellation, while Chelsea could move back above Arteta's men with a draw or win against Tottenham in Sunday's late game.

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson expressed his frustration at Martinelli straying offside on Sky Sports, stating: "In football terms it's criminal.

"You're looking across the line, you've got pace. I'll be surprised if he isn't on the end of one from the manager.

"You could see it on his face, he knew. The one thing when looking across the line is you cannot be offside."



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1986120/Premier-League-release-statement-Fulham-vs-Arsenal-score-Bukayo-Saka-goal

OUTSTANDING performance from Liverpool transfer target hands Arne Slot title boost
While the club's expectations at the start of the season were tempered, as Arne Slot was faced with the daunting task of replacing Jurgen Klopp, it is now clear that Liverpool can be serious contenders for the Premier League title.

After 21 games played, the team has won 18 of them, losing just one in that time, and now sitting at the top of the Premier League and the Champions League, they've proved their credentials as a team to look out for this season.

In their fight for Premier League glory stands reigning champions Manchester City and title pretenders from the past few seasons, Arsenal.

And while Liverpool were unable to play this weekend as their Merseyside Derby clash against Everton was postponed because of the safety threat caused by Storm Darragh, the team was still able to have a successful weekend, pulling away from their rivals.

Arsenal drop points away at Fulham
While Fulham have been a bogey team for the Gunners in recent years, an Arsenal outfit with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka was always favoured for the victory.

However, in emphatic fashion, Raul Jimenez gave the Cottagers the lead, and that advantage remained intact at half-time.

The home side had only created 0.03xg throughout the opening 45 minutes, but it was enough to send a shiver down Mikel Arteta's spine, although his team were still in the game.

It took a Saliba header from a corner in the 52nd minute to bring Arsenal back to parity - a moment Arsenal's set piece coach Nicolas Jover will be particularly proud about, as Arsenal's last three goals have all been from corners.

And it looked like Arsenal were set to take all three points, when Saka scored in the 90th minute, but Gabriel Martinelli was ruled offside for his involvement in the build-up.

As such, it means that Liverpool will gain points on both Arsenal (two points) and Man City (three points) if they can win their game in hand against Everton when it is eventually rescheduled.

For Fulham, it was a job well done at Craven Cottage ahead of next week's visit to Anfield, and an essential part of today's performance was full-back Antonee Robinson, who was charged with locking up Saka today.

Robertson replacement excels in Arsenal audition
Liverpool have been linked with Antonee Robinson for a number of months now, as the Reds' current left-back Andrew Robertson begins to show clear signs of decline.

In order to keep the defence in tip-top shape, and to continue the good defensive work that Arne Slot has been able to deliver from his players so far this season - 15 goals conceded in 21 matches - the club may need to bite the bullet and invest in a new future star.

And what better way to show your transfer admirers what you can do than locking up Bukayo Saka and captaining your team to a well-deserved point against title contenders Arsenal?

While captaining the Cottagers in this afternoon's display, Robinson managed five clearances, three interceptions, five tackles, 6/9 ground duels, 1/2 aerial duels and 1/2 successful dribbles.

Not a bad showing at all and at 27 years old, it was the sort of performance you'd expect from a qualified professional, although it's easier said than done competing against the best teams.

He even received praise on social media for his efforts, with fans left in awe by the American fullback.

"I'd be all over Antonee Robinson from Fulham if I was in charge of transfers at Liverpool, he's absolutely brilliant. I love Robertson but it's time to start planning for the future," one Liverpool fan wrote on X.

A Welsh football fan added: "Antonee Robinson is a top professional, most underrated fullback in the league easily."

"Whenever I want to show positive defending actions from full backs to show my players I always clip Antonee Robinson bits. The way he played Saka there. Aggressive without being rash and out of control," was the view of a UEFA-qualified grassroots football coach.

And Sam Dean from the Daily Telegraph said: "Arsenal have taken two points from the last nine available against Fulham. Whatever questions #AFC try to pose, Marco Silva seems to have the answers.

"Antonee Robinson was outstanding against Bukayo Saka & Sander Berge was tireless in midfield for #FFC".

With Andry Robertson set to be out of contract in 2026, meaning a decision on the Scottish captain's future will be needed by next year.

Should sporting director Richard Hughes be looking to move him on, there can't be too many better players out there to replace him than Robinson, who captained Fulham today.

Liverpool are also looking at the possibility of bringing in Bournemouth fullback Milos Kerkez, whom Hughes may have a better rapore with following his time as the Cherries' sporting director, but there are a variety of options out there, which ever way Liverpool choose to proceed.



https://www.anfieldwatch.co.uk/liverpool-fc/news/liverpool-transfer-target-outstanding-performance-against-arsenal/

Positives and Negatives: Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

Jack Stroudley looks back at our point at home to title-chasing Arsenal.

Fulham continued to weave their way through a tricky run with another point on the board, this time at home to title-chasing Arsenal. Once again it was another valiant showing from Marco Silva's side, but what are the main takeaways from the game?

Positives

The Thames Barrier

This will feel more like a point gained rather than two dropped and a lot of that is down to our structure for large portions of the game. I thought (particularly in the first half) we were able to really limit Arsenal to half-chances from open play, frustrating them and particularly Martin Odegaard. Antonee Robinson did really well dealing with the Partey, Saka, Odegaard triangle (especially given Traore's lack of tracking during parts of the game).

As Arsenal continued to control the ball and grow into the game cracks began to appear. Thankfully, Bernd Leno was on hand time and time again to stop those efforts hitting the back of the net. Given we are Andersen-less it was a very good performance from a defensive point of view and something we'll need to emulate next week at Anfield (albeit without Calvin Bassey who is now suspended).

Berge baby Berge

70% of the earth is covered by water, the remaining 30% is covered by Sander Berge. The Norwegian was absolutely everywhere on Sunday putting out fires, looking to transition and being an overall nuisance for our North London visitors. Six tackles, eight 50/50's won, only five misplaced passes and a 100% dribble success rate sums up the type of afternoon Berge had at Craven Cottage. As games go by he's showing more and more why we paid £20m for him in the summer, if he keeps this upwards trajectory it's going to feel like a bargain.

Si Señor

Jakub Kiwior must absolutely hate Raul Jimenez, that's two seasons on the bounce the Mexican has hassled him at Craven Cottage. Raul was back to his bullish self on Sunday constantly bullying Arsenal defenders, fighting for every ball and scoring the opportunity that came his way. Jimenez is a confidence player and now the hypothetical monkey is off his back hopefully he'll go on a bit of a run going into the new year.

Negatives

Slow out the blocks

Following William Saliba's equaliser in the 52nd minute that's now seven goals in fourteen games we have conceded this season between the second-half kicking off and the hour-mark, it's something that seriously needs addressing at this point. Why are we slow starters? If Fulham are serious about pushing towards the upper echelons' of the table then this is something that needs to be nipped in the bud quickly.

Chris Kavanagh

You'll notice that I like to have some sort of pun or silly title for each point, I think that nothing is sillier than referee Christopher Kavanagh who was the biggest negative of the day. I'm never usually one for belittling referees and constantly criticising, I feel over the course of the season you get the rub of the green but today was laughable.

Every single 50/50 seemed to go in the way of the visitors, whenever an Arsenal player felt the wind they'd drop like a sack of potatoes and be awarded a foul, cards were being handed out to Fulham like it was a Christmas party while Arsenal seemed to get away with murder time and time again. It was incredibly frustrating to watch, it was so apparent that Arsenal were using the "dark arts" to their advantage, it is slightly funny though that it happened to be the man from Old Trafford gate who was falling for the bait.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-12-08-positives-and-negatives-fulham-1-1-arsenal/

Quote from: Baszab on December 09, 2024, 09:14:26 AMSo much in the press being made of Arsenal being "denied" a late winner
If it's offside then it's not a bleeding goal
Ridiculous coverage in the Times for example


Totally agree - it may have been " marginally " offside - but offside non the less. Equally the goal they scored was only " marginally " onside but no one mentions that. Pathetic .

Marco Silva shares what he 'knew' Arsenal would try to do against Fulham in 1-1 draw
As was the case for the Gunners last season at Craven Cottage, Fulham frustrated Arsenal and held them back in pursuit of the Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side were frustrated to draw 1-1 on a weekend in which Liverpool's trip to Everton was postponed.

Arsenal failed to put some 'scoreboard pressure' on Arne Slot's side and delivered an uninspiring performance from a creative point of view.

Fulham defended resolutely, something that was best demonstrated by Alex Iwobi playing as second right-back for much of the game.

Martin Odegaard wasn't able to influence things and Arsenal dropped two vital points.

Marco Silva says Fulham were ready for Arsenal's second half surge
That being said, when speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Fulham boss Marco Silva shared some interesting comments about Arsenal, whilst also praising his team.

Silva thought that Arsenal were nullified by Fulham who didn't allow them to create 'good chances', and the home team were aware of what the Gunners would do in the second half.

He said: "The first thing is to praise the [Fulham] players for their commitment. On the ball it wasn't the game we like to play normally.

"The weather conditions weren't the best. They are really strong in the pressure.

"In some moments we should have kept the ball. Not many chances [for Arsenal] I think were good chances.

"We knew they'd start the second half strongly. I'd like to see us making better decisions because we had some good moments to punish them more but they equalised.

"It was less than 72 hours [since the last game]. Second half I felt the energy wasn't there because when you have so much time without the ball you need fresh legs.

"Overall the commitment and fighting spirit was really good."

Arsenal made to pay for costly defensive error vs Fulham
Although Silva was right to praise his side for limiting Arsenal from open play, the Gunners were largely to blame for not winning themselves.

Thomas Partey missed a golden chance from another Arsenal set-piece, a header that simply had to hit the back of the net.

Similarly, Jakub Kiwior cost Arsenal at the back – he let Raul Jimenez run off of his shoulder far too easily to score for Fulham.

A frustrating afternoon for Arteta and his side who failed to put the pressure on Liverpool as mentioned.

It's certainly not a result that Arsenal can't recover from, but it increasingly feels as if Arteta's team still have the same squad issues that existed last season.



https://tbrfootball.com/marco-silva-shares-what-he-knew-arsenal-would-try-to-do-against-fulham-in-1-1-draw/

Arsenal face ghosts of Christmas past as title hopes suffer fresh blow in costly Fulham draw
Arsenal were held to a draw by Fulham on Sunday to leave them six points adrift of leaders Liverpool in an eery replay of what happened to their title bid last Christmas

Pantomime season came early down by the Thames as this festive season Arsenal dropped points before Christmas.

Last year Mikel Arteta's side lost London derbies to West Ham and Fulham and the title over the holiday period. On Sunday, the injury-hit Gunners defence allowed an early Raul Jimenez strike - and then every clearance from an Arsenal corner was met by theatrical applause by the Fulham faithful.

The excellent William Saliba equalised after the break with Arsenal's 23rd goal from corners since the start of last season. And the North London club dominated the rest of the game as a winner seemed inevitable.

But the biggest cheer of the afternoon came in the 90th minute when Bukayo Saka's late header was ruled out by VAR to deny the Gunners a fifth straight win. And at the end of the madcap afternoon of swirling wind and rain, Arsenal are still six points behind leaders Liverpool after playing a game more.

Fulham, who took five points off the Gunners last season, were excellent. And Marco Silva's side set a new club record of scoring in 14 successive top-flight matches and now are unbeaten in nine consecutive London derbies.

But to go from perennial challengers to champions, these are the kind of games Arsenal have to win. And despite all the second half pressure, they lacked variety and physicality in their attack outside their deadballs while Antonee Robinson nullified Saka.

And two points they closed in on Liverpool last week have potentially been given right back before Noel. The first half was reminiscent of the flat away defeats to Newcastle and Bournemouth as Fulham looked to spring Arsenal pressure with long balls.

It worked perfectly after 11 minutes when Jimenez was released by a perfect pass from right-back Kenny Tete. With Fulham's first shot - and the only one on target until the 71st minute - the former Wolves striker cracked home his sixth goal of the season after running off Jakub Kiwior.

The simple move proved that Arsenal's back four - missing the injured Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko - also needs to defend. Saka forced a good low save from former Gunners keeper Leno but most of the entertainment in the opening period occurred during Arsenal deadballs.

Amid all the WWF-style chaos, Leno made a couple of unconvincing punches, Traore mandhandled Saliba and Issa Diop ended up in his own net in slapstick scenes. The Premier League constantly throws up new entertainment and talking points - and Arsenal's deadball deliveries are definitely the latest. Home fans now regard keeping out a Gunners corner a major relief and achievement

Asked if Fulham defending was fair, Arteta said: "Yes for sure. It is up to the referee to decide. Do I hear the opposition fans cheering clearances from our corners? For sure because we are a real threat and it is not simple to defend."

Fulham's resistance finally cracked with the Gunners' fifth corner after 52 minutes. Declan Rice's cross was mis-headed by Kai Havertz before Saliba diverted the ball home for his second goal of the campaign. A VAR check showed Antonee Robinson's foot just played the Frenchman onside.

"It was only the foot of Robinson that saw their goal stand - normally we stop that goal," said Silva. We handled their setplays really well. They are strong. The other team has to be strong as well."

Thomas Partey should have headed home the winner from Arsenal's sixth and final corner but Leno denied sub Andreas Pereira after a rapid counterattack. The climax to the encounter saw sub Gabriel Martinelli cut in and find Saka at the far post only for VAR to this time rule the Brazilian was just offside when he received the ball.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/arsenal-fulham-premier-league-arteta-34273988

'People see he's got the right attitude' - Ian Wright hails Iwobi for proving himself after leaving Arsenal
Gunners legend Ian Wright has commended Alex Iwobi for proving himself after departing Arsenal, saying everyone can see the midfielder has the right attitude.

A product of the Hale End Academy, the Nigeria international spent fifteen years at Arsenal before he was sold to Everton for a fee of £35 million.

Iwobi registered fifteen goals and twenty-four assists in 149 all-competition appearances for Arsenal, winning the FA Cup and Community Shield  before leaving the Emirates Stadium in 2019.

The £72 million signing of Nicolas Pepe, a club-record deal at the time, led Arsenal to let go of one of their academy graduates.

Following a four-year stint at Everton, Iwobi moved back to London to join Fulham, where he has been in exceptional form since the beginning of the 2024-2025 season.

The 28-year-old has contributed to eight goals in fifteen Premier League appearances this term, all of which he started, and has earned rave reviews for his performances.

Under the tutelage of Marco Silva, the Nigerian has established himself as an indispensable player during his second season at Craven Cottage.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Wright said ahead of the Fulham versus Arsenal game: "A club like Arsenal with the facilities that you have had since you were eight, you leave and go somewhere like Fulham, depending on the character you are is how you are going to respond to the situation you are now in.

"If you want to go there and act like, 'I have just come from Arsenal, this isn't good enough,' then you are probably not going to thrive.

"But if you go and you show them why you were at Arsenal and it's not your fault you are not there, it's just that they have chosen to move you on, then you go and prove yourself like he's doing, then people see he's got the right attitude for it."

Against his former employers on Sunday afternoon, Iwobi played the full game as Arsenal came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Fulham.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel




https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=53948

Silva hails Robinson after Fulham's draw with Arsenal
Marco Silva hailed Antonee Robinson as "one of the best left-backs in this league" after Fulham's 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Robinson has been in excellent form for the Whites and was impressive again as they battled to a point against the title-chasing Gunners.

"He's been great for us. He's one of the best left-backs in this league," boss Silva declared.

"It's not just the way he is able to stop players, but the way he is able help ourselves.

"In open play last season he was the full-back in this league with most assists and this season is probably one of the full-backs with the most assists.

"He's a top player and a great professional. He's a proper athlete and is improving in some defensive positions we want him to improve.

"He's improving season by season, and week by week you can see he is improving, and we are really proud to have him with us."

William Saliba equalised after an early goal against the run of play by Raul Jimenez had put Fulham in front.

Arsenal dominated possession but Silva's side were resolute and deserved their point.

William Saliba equalised after an early goal against the run of play by Raul Jimenez had put the Whites in front.

"It was a tough game. We knew Arsenal would be a difficult opponent, but we showed great fighting spirit," said Silva.

"We didn't create many chances but we created a difficult situation for Arsenal."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-star-is-one-of-the-best-in-the-league-silva-declares

"He could be a big asset for Tottenham..." – BBC Pundit backs Tottenham to sign Premier League full back
Tottenham Hotspur have been left thin on options in the left-back role given how Daniel Levy is yet to bring in a backup to Destiny Udogie, whom the North Londoners have grown quite reliant on of late; however, the Lilywhites are backed to sign Fulham defender Antonee Robinson.

Spurs suffered a lot when the Italian was injured in the twilight of the previous campaign, and many expected that Tottenham would sign a new left back in the summer; however, the club chose to go ahead with Ben Davies as the backup in the role for the season with the centre back duo of Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin filling in when needed.

Should Tottenham sign Antonee Robinson?
The North Londoners could be finally getting a new left back, not a backup but a starting quality. BBC pundit Andy Reid has backed either Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United to sign the 27-year-old fullback. Former Spurs player backed his former employers to sign the player while watching him in action earlier today when Fulham hosted Arsenal at Craven Cottage.

Speaking about Robinson on BBC Radio 5 Live Online, Reid said:

    "The Fulham fans won't thank me for this, but Antonee Robinson could play at one of the bigger clubs in the league. He could be a big asset for Tottenham or Man United."



https://tothelaneandback.com/2024/12/09/he-could-be-a-big-asset-for-tottenham-bbc-pundit-backs-tottenham-to-sign-premier-league-full-back/

West Ham and Fulham Target Luiz for Midfield Reinforcement
Douglas Luiz: Premier League Return Sparks Transfer Race

The January transfer window is fast approaching, and one name that is gaining traction is Douglas Luiz. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, West Ham and Fulham have "joined the race" to sign the Juventus midfielder, with Manchester United also keeping a close watch on the 26-year-old.

Luiz, who moved from Aston Villa to Juventus for £42 million last summer, has struggled to make the desired impact in Turin. This has prompted Juventus to reportedly offer him to Premier League clubs in a bid to raise funds for a new striker and defender. The Brazilian's pedigree in English football, highlighted by his nine league goals for Villa last season, makes him an attractive option for several suitors.

West Ham's Bid for Reinvention
West Ham's interest in Luiz comes at a crucial juncture. With Julen Lopetegui under pressure and the Hammers languishing in 14th place, adding a player of Luiz's calibre could inject creativity and drive into their midfield. Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Luiz could be a "valuable addition" to help the London side recover in the second half of the campaign.

Having spent heavily in the summer, West Ham's disappointing form has left fans and decision-makers frustrated. Should a managerial change occur, Luiz's arrival could act as both a statement of intent and a tool for revival.

Fulham's European Ambitions
Fulham, in contrast, are enjoying a strong season, and their interest in Luiz underlines their ambition to push for European qualification. Bringing in the Brazilian would bolster their midfield options and further enhance their competitive edge. As Gazzetta dello Sport states, Fulham see Luiz as a player who can help maintain their upward trajectory.

With the club performing beyond expectations, adding a proven Premier League talent like Luiz could signal their intent to establish themselves among the league's upper echelon.

Juventus' Financial Conundrum
Juventus appear ready to part ways with Luiz just months after securing his services. The Italian club is reportedly looking to recoup the £42 million they paid for him, with their January plans hinging on this sale. While Luiz's performances in Turin have been underwhelming, his Premier League exploits suggest he could thrive in the right environment.

For Premier League clubs like West Ham and Fulham, Luiz represents an opportunity to secure a versatile and experienced midfielder capable of influencing games in both attacking and defensive phases.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
The potential signing of Douglas Luiz could be transformative. The Hammers have struggled this season, and Luiz's arrival might provide the midfield spark they desperately need. His experience in the Premier League, combined with his goal-scoring ability, could reignite their campaign.

Fans will likely question whether Luiz alone is enough to fix West Ham's deeper issues, particularly with the managerial uncertainty surrounding Lopetegui. However, pairing Luiz with a new manager who understands how to utilise his strengths could prove pivotal in turning their season around.

For Fulham, Luiz's addition would signal their intent to solidify themselves as a top-half team. Supporters would undoubtedly welcome a player of his calibre, viewing it as a natural progression in their push for European qualification.

The decision ultimately rests on Juventus' willingness to negotiate and the financial resolve of West Ham and Fulham. Regardless of where Luiz ends up, his return to the Premier League would bring intrigue and excitement for fans across the league.



https://eplindex.com/124206/west-ham-and-fulham-target-luiz-for-midfield-reinforcement.html

Silva: 'Robinson is one of the best left backs in the league'
Marco Silva saluted Antonee Robinson's progress after Fulham held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The Portuguese head coach hailed the American international as one of the Premier League's best left backs after he nullified Bukayo Saka and continued his excellent form for the Whites this term.

Silva told his post-match press conference:

"He's been great for us. He's one of the best left-backs in this league. It's not just the way he is able to stop players, but the way he is able help ourselves. In open play last season he was the full-back in this league with most assists and this season is probably one of the full-backs with the most assists.

He's a top player and a great professional. He's a proper athlete and is improving in some defensive positions we want him to improve. He's improving season by season, and week by week you can see he is improving, and we are really proud to have him with us."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/silva-robinson-is-one-of-the-best-left-backs-in-the-league/

Parsonson powers Fulham Women into round four
Madi Parsonson made one goal and then scored a superb winner to send Fulham Women into the fourth round of the FA Cup after a derby win at local rivals Brentford this afternoon.

The Whites made a strong start at Bedfont as Ella Newman drove over in the third minute and Steve Jaye's came close to an opener again when Ellie Olds connected with a inch-perfect cross from midfielder Stella Gandee Morgan but volleyed wide of the target. Brentford gradually got themselves into the contest and almost took a wind-assisted lead when Chloe Webb's left-wing cross almost floated over a wrong-footed Amber Webber in the Fulham goal.

The hosts then spurned a couple of good chances in quick succession to take the lead. First, Ashley Cheatley fired wide from a tight angle and then Chloe Logie lofted an effort over the crossbar after latching onto an intelligent through ball from Nikki Woods. An open contest saw Fulham go straight up the other end and test home goalkeeper Evie Witek through Gandee Morgan and then Olds, with the striker seeing a shot turned aside for a corner.

Fulham started the second period on the front foot and got their reward two minutes after the resumption. Parsonson floated over a perfect cross and the experienced Olds headed home the opening goal with aplomb. Brentford almost equalised within 90 seconds only for Woods to shoot straight at Webber when the visitors had failed to clear Cheatley's cross.

Bo Taylor was denied another smart Wittek save just after the hour mark as the game began to become significantly stretched. The Bees were throwing players forward in search of an equaliser and their attacking approach paid off with eighteen minutes remaining. Woods lofted a ball over the Fulham defence and Logie lashed a powerful finish past Webber and high into the net.

But the hosts were level for less than two minutes. Parsonson took the tie by the scruff of the neck and followed up to fire Fulham back in front after Wittek had done wonderfully to keep out the former Dulwich star's initial shot. Brentford threw everything at their local rivals in the closing stages, with the Whites indebted to Webber, who did brilliantly to deny Cheatley in a one-on-one right at the death.

Fulham held on to end Brentford's unbelievable 20-match winning run – with the Tier 5 side set to learn their fourth round opponents in tomorrow lunchtime's draw.

BRENTFORD WOMEN: Witek, Phillips, Graver, Engelhard, Holmes (Gjabiamila 79), Logie, Webb (Matthews 64), Woods, Cheatley, Worsley, Read (Potter 57). Subs (not used): Holguin, Reid, Aboul Kheir, Troth, Walker.

GOAL: Logie (71).

FULHAM WOMEN: Webber, Taguavini, Gane, Foreman, Olds, Parsonson, Gandee Morgan, Newman, Mendes, Beaver, Taylor. Subs: Gibbs, Stormer, Taylor-Makepeece, Roberts, Filder, Jordan.

ATTENDANCE: 719.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/parsonson-powers-fulham-women-into-round-four/

Player ratings: Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

Fulham earned yet another admirable result at Craven Cottage as title challenging Arsenal had to fight back from a goal down to earn a point against Marco Silva's side. This leaves Fulham unbeaten from a week which yielded a run of games against Tottenham, Brighton and the Gunners, an extremely respectable effort from the Whites. It doesn't get any easier for Fulham, however, with a trip to Anfield on the horizon next week.

Bernd Leno

Despite Arsenal being the best side in the world from set pieces at the moment, I thought Leno dealt with them well. Granted, Arsenal's goal and a glaring chance for Partey came from corners, but both deliveries went far too far over Leno's head for him to consider claiming them. Bar those, he punched and caught crosses well all day. There were too important saves from the German in this one too. First, Saka had an angled effort saved by Leno at his front post. Then just after half time, Trossard manoeuvred a shooting opportunity from the left side of our box which was held on to well by our 'keeper. 6.5/10

Kenny Tete

Started the game really positively, leading to his perfectly timed pass down the channel into Raul resulting in the game's opening goal. Defended really well against the Arsenal response for the remainder of the first half, tucking inside sometimes with the defensive support of Iwobi on his side. A crunching tackle from Trossard in the second half just after Arsenal had equalised summed up the way Tete plays, his last moment challenges and blocks vital to keeping Fulham level in the latter stages. 7/10

Issa Diop

If Joachim Andersen came back from injury tomorrow, I wouldn't have him back in the team. That's simply because of how good Issa Diop has been this season every time he has been called upon. I was particularly impressed here at how evident it was (with the benefit of watching on television) that Diop is a proper leader in the defence in the way he communicates and dictates to our defensive line. In the air he was sublime against an incredible opponent from a crossing perspective, especially from those dreaded set pieces. 8.5/10.

Calvin Bassey

In the first half especially, Arsenal were trying a lot of through balls to Kai Havertz in-between Bassey and Robinson, which Bassey was frequently first to, getting his body in front of the Germans and helping to ease any danger in that regard. Also made a huge interception in his own box five minutes from time to prevent the ball reaching Saka in an extremely promising shooting position. Bassey will be a huge miss at Anfield after reaching five yellow cards, fingers crossed Jorge Cuenca (who you assume will deputise) will fill his void well. 6.5/10.

Antonee Robinson

What I love about Robinson is that the level of opponent does not unnerve him at all, he just wants to show off his ability to the world. It could be a National League winger or, as it was today, Bukayo Saka, and he'll still show off his one-to-one defensive qualities against anyone. There cannot be a fullback in England at anticipating passes to their opposition winger the way Jedi does, he is constantly getting his foot in first and looking to put his own team on the front foot in transition. His passing wasn't the best today but I thought it was a game that magnified his defensive prowess magnificently. 7.5/10.

Sander Berge

It's saying something when you're on a pitch with Martin Odegaard and Odegaard isn't the best Norweigan midfielder on the park. Berge was absolutely monstrous in our midfield here, marshalling the gap between Arsenal's midfield three and forward three incredibly well. Time after time he would make interceptions between the lines that almost make you forget Joao Palhinha ever existed in that position. His press resistance abilities are almost reminiscent of a certain Belgian midfielder from times gone by at the Cottage, muscling past multiple pressing Arsenal players at once on multiple occasions, in his own half no less. No player won possession more times (11), won more duels (8) or made more tackles (6, stats from Squawka) than Berge in this game. He is well and truly settled in the black and white now. 9/10. – Man of the match.

Sasa Lukic

Really like the partnership forming between Lukic and Berge and the freedom and fluidity it's giving other cogs in this Fulham midfield. Having that extra balance is allowing a more advanced midfielder to press higher up the park and allows Lukic more freedom to cover every blade of grass and focus on ball progression as well as ball retention in midfield. He kept things ticking along nicely here on his return from suspension. 7/10.

Emile Smith Rowe

Now I maintain that this is Smith Rowe's best position and at times you could see the freedom he had to press higher but ultimately this was extremely underwhelming against his former side. When Fulham aren't getting success on the ball, it feels like Emile is struggling to inspire any genius to get things rolling. For most of his hour on the pitch, he was largely anonymous on and off the ball, and this Fulham side can simply not carry underperformers in that scenario. He has so much quality, but for the fee we have paid for him, he needs to show it on a weekly basis rather than in random moments. 4.5/10.

Adama Traore

Another who largely underwhelmed. Admittedly I wasn't sure quite what to expect from Adama on the left. It's obviously not his preferred side to play on, but it is a position that saw him have a lot of influence on the game at the Etihad where Fulham set up in a similar system to this one. He saw the ball a lot more than any other Fulham player in Arsenal's half in the first half, it felt like anyway, and was sloppy on it far too often. When he did track back to get the ball deep, he kept pondering on the ball and giving it away in silly positions too. Not a great way to mark a return to the starting XI. 5/10.

Alex Iwobi

As mentioned, Fulham set up similar to the way they did at the Etihad. This meant Iwobi having more responsibility at both ends of the pitch, often reverting to a right wing back out of possession. Although it prevented him from having any impact on the final third for most of the game, his support to Tete on the right side of defence was crucial whist we had the lead. By the time Wilson came on and Iwobi reverted to the left wing and a more advanced position, Fulham weren't threating Arsenal enough for Iwobi to have any joy in front of goal. 6/10.

Raul Jimenez

Could not have got off to a better start could he really? Raul's first attempt on goal came off the back of a beautifully timed run down the right channel, followed by an exquisitely placed finish across David Raya into the far bottom right corner. He was industrious for the first half too, winning all seven of his duels and working hard for a team that, after his goal, did a hell of a lot of defending. Struggled to get any further opportunities as a result, but nice to see him already match his tally of goal contributions from last season as early as December this time round. 6.5/10.

Substitutes

Andreas Pereira (60' for Smith Rowe)

I thought this was a better cameo than the one against Brighton which yielded an assist, to be honest. He looked really lively and sharp, and within minutes of coming onto the pitch forced a good near post save from Raya after beating his man. Added intensity to our pressing that had previously been lacking. May have earned a start at Anfield... 7/10.

Harry Wilson (60' for Traore)

Feels strange not waxing lyrical about a Harry Wilson cameo off the bench but ultimately not much to was lyrical about here. Hardly got himself on the ball for the half an hour he was on the pitch and didn't offer the same defensive cover that Iwobi did to Tete. Maybe harsh to say, but were it not for VAR, his struggle to help close down Arsenal's left wing cross may have contributed to us losing the game. 5.5/10.

Rodrigo Muniz (79' for Jimenez)

Much like at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Muniz showed no fear at throwing his body around, particularly in the air, and put fear into the opposition's defence. He looked to win set pieces and hold the play up to give Fulham some control and calm as they looked to hold onto a point, which was important. 6/10.

Jorge Cuenca (90+1' for Lukic) on too late to be fairly assessed, but it's fair to say he might have a huge part to play at Anfield next week.

Manager

Marco Silva

Ultimately a pragmatic approach, whether it was forced upon Fulham or part of Marco's plan, won us a decent point in the end. Still not keep on going to a back five to see out games and still don't like how often we're conceding in the 45-60 minute mark, I just don't know why those things continue to happen really but here we are. The changes from the Brighton game kept things fresh and continuing to play Berge and Lukic together acknowledges what most fans can see in that it offers far more balance to us, not just in the middle but to the team as a whole. Subs mostly worked well, especially in terms of Andreas. 7/10.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-12-08-player-ratings-fulham-1-1-arsenal/

Federico Chiesa question becomes clear as major Liverpool changes considered
A look at how Liverpool might lineup when they are entertained by Girona in the Champions League on Tuesday night

Having seen the Merseyside derby postponed, Alexis Mac Allister will now serve his one-match suspension in the Premier League at Fulham next week. And with the Argentina international also ruled out for Tuesday's visit to Girona, Arne Slot has a midfield rethink of sorts on his hands.

For the trip to Everton, Slot was being tipped to recall Dominik Szoboszlai and drop Curtis Jones back alongside Ryan Gravenberch but with the Reds flying at the top of the Champions League table and with that Fulham game to be navigated without Mac Allister, is this a chance for Wataru Endo?

The Japan captain has only started two games this term - both in the Carabao Cup - but Endo might be able to give an overworked Gravenberch a rare rest after his leggy performance in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle United last week.

There is also a case to be made for Harvey Elliott, who has featured for just a handful of minutes all season after suffering a foot fracture on England Under-21s duty in September. With Slot's team so well placed in the revamped European Cup, a first-ever trip to Girona provides the opportunity to rest and rotate ahead of Premier League action later in the week.

Elliott was one of the stars of Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States, looking at home in the No.10 role with his touch, technique and vision but that foot injury three months ago has stunted progress significantly.

Former Fulham teenager Elliott was a late sub in the 2-0 win over Manchester City recently in what was his first run-out since a late cameo against Brentford in August. He needs game-time, so this might be ideal for him to operate furthest forward in the midfield trio. If Slot is looking to give his main men in midfield a much-needed break then a recall for Elliott seems an obvious decision.

In defence, the options are somewhat more stretched with Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate and Kostas Tsimikas all out. Jarell Quansah may once more be asked to deputise for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back with Joe Gomez keeping his place alongside Virgil van Dijk in the centre-back. Slot will be able to provide an update on Alisson Becker on Monday when he meets the media but the Brazil international did train late last week.

Up top, Slot might utilise the option of Luis Diaz as his No.9 once more after it was used to devastating effect in the 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen last month. The Colombia international, in fact, struck a hat-trick as the Bundesliga champions were swept aside.

How fit is Federico Chiesa? Having played just 60 minutes of football since September, in last week's Under-21s defeat to FC Nordsjaelland, the Italy international will still be someway short of 100% but he might be needed to alleviate the workload on Mohamed Salah for this one.

It's unlikely he starts but the next few weeks offer chances for Chiesa to get some more games under his belt having barely featured since his August move from Juventus.

Chiesa has played just 77 minutes of the 1710 Liverpool have played since he joined the club but with Southampton in the Carabao Cup on the horizon and the fixtures starting to bottleneck for a Reds squad just feeling the impact of injuries just now, the visit to Girona might be an important one for the former Juve forward.

Liverpool are insistent Chiesa is a long-term project but helping share the workload for his colleagues could be vital. For now, filling in for his fellow frontmen might be a temporary role for Chiesa until he is at a sufficient level of fitness to start to providing more serious competition.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/federico-chiesa-question-becomes-clear-30538653

Arsenal drop points at resilient and tenecious Fulham
Fulham (1) 1 v Arsenal (0) 1

Raúl Jiménez 11

Saliba 52

By Kaz Mochlinski at Craven Cottage

Premier League

Matchweek 15

Arsenal missed out on an opportunity to reduce Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League table as they could only come away from Craven Cottage with a 1-1 draw against Fulham.

Even to get one point in the Sunday lunchtime kick-off required recovering from trailing at half-time, but Arsenal managed to cancel out Fulham's early first-half goal with a similarly quick strike at the start of the second-half.

The Gunners thought that they had completed the comeback with a winning goal in the 88th minute, headed in at the far post by Bukayo Saka from a Gabriel Martinelli left-wing cross, but the Brazilian was marginally offside in the build-up.

The Cottagers had gone ahead with their first attack of the game, as Kenny Tete's perfect pass split the opposition defence for Raúl Jiménez to run through and catch out David Raya by getting his shot off unexpectedly quickly.

Almost inevitably, the Arsenal equaliser was scored from a corner. It was the 23rd such goal for the Gunners since the beginning of last season, a league-leading number and more than by any other club in Europe during that time.

Following on from both their goals in the 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Wednesday coming from corners, this was the third successive strike from that source - and also the third in a row scored by a defender.

It adds to the opening goal last weekend in the 2-5 triumph at West Ham United likewise being from a corner finished by a defender. That time the scorer was Gabriel Magalhães. The latest two have now both been put away by William Saliba.

Unlike against Manchester United four days earlier, Saliba did not need his backside to divert the ball goalwards, but another first-time strike from close range once more had to survive a tight VAR check for offside.

"Set-piece again, olé, olé!" was the loudly sung celebration of the visiting supporters. The home fans responded with chants of "Fulham 1, Stoke City 1" after Dimitar Berbatov's midweek comparison of Mikel Arteta's men to Tony Pulis's team.

Undoubtedly, during the course of this season, Arsenal's scoring threat from set plays has become magnified to the point where each Gunners' corner is now a moment of great theatrical drama.

At Craven Cottage again most of the spectators in the stands were on the edge of their seats for every dead-ball situation, with the noise levels rising in anticipation of what Arsenal's much-praised set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, had planned.

Fulham will have been relieved to have only conceded four corners in the first-half, and just two in the second-half, with a solitary goal resulting from this fertile recent scoring source for the Gunners.

Conversely, Arsenal are suddenly struggling to create clear chances from open play, with barely two of their eight goals in three matches over the last nine days coming in this way, both at West Ham, where they also scored two penalties.

Against Fulham, it took until the 37th minute for the Gunners to have their first attempt on target, when Martin Ødegaard finally got Saka away down the right before a classic cut inside by the England winger for a left-foot shot that was comfortably stopped at the near post.

That was Arsenal's single effort on goal in the opening period, and they registered just four in total over the 90 minutes, as Fulham worked tenaciously to diligently close off the passing channels sought by Ødegaard.

The Norwegian was captaining his club for the 100th time, but it was the opposition skipper, Antonee Robinson, who excelled on this occasion in keeping Saka subdued for almost the entire contest.

Fulham's efforts were all the more impressive in the absence of Joachim Andersen with a calf injury. On an afternoon of icy-cold wind and rain, this might have been a good day to be left on the sidelines.

Reiss Nelson was also unavailable for Fulham due to a hamstring injury, but he would have been ineligible to play anyway as he is on loan from Arsenal. The rest of the ex-Gunners at the Cottage - Bernd Leno, Emile Smith Rowe, and Alex Iwobi - gave the home team enough extra motivation.

Nevertheless, Arsenal will be disappointed not to have produced anything more in a game which they dominated territorially and in terms of possession, having 67% of the ball in comparison to the hosts' meagre 33%.

There was some consolation for the Gunners in the performance of their makeshift defence of Thomas Partey, Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, and Jurrien Timber, who were playing together as a unit for the first time.

With Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and Oleksandr Zinchenko all unavailable through injury, the defensive foursome at Craven Cottage had to adapt very rapidly to each other.

Caught out in the opening exchanges by Raúl Jiménez, at least they subsequently restricted Fulham to a total of solely two chances to score in the whole match, with the goal being the Cottagers' single attempt on target in the first-half.

Fulham's only effort on goal in the second-half came from substitute Andreas Pereira 20 minutes from full-time, when his break down the left led to a shot which was well dealt with by Raya. Thereafter, it was Arsenal who looked much more likely to get a winner.

The celebrations when Saka seemed to have scored right at the end were immense, with all the away side gathering in a huddle in the corner in front of their deliriously delighted supporters in what felt like a potentially crucial moment in the season.

However, having benefited from a very close VAR decision for Saliba's goal, when he was kept onside by Robinson's left leg, the second VAR review went against the Gunners, with Martinelli just offside from Timber's pass.

The feeling of deflation among the visitors at the outcome was almost palpable. Arteta must hope that it does not have too much of a psychological impact on his players in the foreseeable future.

Although their run of four consecutive victories has ended, Arsenal remain unbeaten in the six games since Ødegaard's return from injury. And they are still third in the Premier League in spite of being downcast at dropping a couple of points.

Fulham for their part have not lost any of their past nine London derby matches in league competition, their longest such sequence for over 23 years. And they got through a challenging week of fixtures undefeated in three Premier League games.

They have been beaten just once in their last seven league outings since the middle of October. But the tight state of the table means that in one weekend they have tumbled from sixth down to tenth place.

Their next assignment is at Anfield. Liverpool may be leading the race to be champions this season, but the Reds will not relish facing an opponent as well organised and determined as Fulham right now.

Fulham: (4-2-3-1) Leno - Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson - Berge, Lukić (Cuenca 91) - Iwobi, Smith Rowe (Pereira 60), Traoré (Wilson 61) - Raúl Jiménez (Rodrigo Muniz 79)

Arsenal: (4-2-3-1) Raya - Partey, Saliba, Kiwior, Timber - Jorginho (Merino 74), Rice - Saka, Ødegaard (Nwaneri 79), Trossard (Martinelli 60) - Havertz (Gabriel Jesus 73)

Attendance: 26,954



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/arsenal-drop-points-at-resilient-and-tenecious-fulham

Derby Postponement: Negative For Endo & Morton
Liverpool's Packed December: What's Next for Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton?

Busy but not as it was before. Liverpool's December fixture list is a relentless marathon of crucial matches, yet for players like Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton, game time remains a significant question mark. The postponement of the Merseyside Derby has only complicated matters, raising speculation about their future roles—and possibly their futures with the club. With the derby off the calendar, Liverpool face Girona, Fulham, Southampton, Tottenham, Leicester, and West Ham in a demanding run. Let's dive into the implications for Endo and Morton during this critical month.

Endo and Morton's Challenge: A Squeezed Schedule
The month kicks off on Tuesday, 10th December, as Liverpool travel to Girona for a Champions League group-stage clash (17:45 GMT). This could have been the perfect match for Endo to step in, especially after Gravenberch looked fatigued in the previous Premier League encounter against Newcastle, and with Mac Allister suspended. However, with the derby postponed over the weekend, manager Arne Slot may lean towards fielding a stronger XI to secure progression in Europe. Saturday, 14th December (15:00 GMT), brings Fulham to Anfield for a Premier League showdown. Given Fulham's stubborn approach, this is unlikely to be a rotation-friendly fixture, further limiting opportunities for squad players. The next opening might arise in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton on Wednesday, 18th December (20:00 GMT). This competition traditionally offers room for fringe players, and Endo and Morton should both feature here. However, it's one match out of six—a slim window to truly make an impression.

December's Heavy Hitters: Limited Opportunities
Liverpool's Premier League campaign continues with two vital matches: Tottenham away on Sunday, 22nd December (16:30 GMT), followed by Leicester at home on Boxing Day (Thursday, 26th December, 20:00 GMT). Both fixtures are high-stakes affairs in the race for the title. Rotation in midfield is a luxury Liverpool can ill afford, and players like Szoboszlai and Mac Allister will almost certainly dominate the starting line-ups. By the time Liverpool head to West Ham on Sunday, 29th December (17:15 GMT), the squad will be running on fumes. But even here, the need for points may override the opportunity to experiment with personnel. This leaves Endo and Morton facing another frustrating month of minimal involvement.

Agents' Influence: January Moves Loom?
Slot mentioned five midfielders in his press conference on Friday and you can guess the two he left out. For Endo and Morton, December's tight schedule and Liverpool's ambitions could force difficult conversations. Morton, a product of the club's academy, must be eager to push his development further. His impressive loan spell at Hull last season showcased his potential, but without game time, stagnation becomes a real risk. It seems a million lies away since Leverkusen enquired. As for Endo, it's clear that there's no real future for him in Slot's midfield. With the Carabao Cup the only guaranteed stage for the Japanese international, his camp may also be considering alternative options. January will undoubtedly bring speculation, and a decision could hinge on how much faith the club shows in him this month.

Carabao Cup: The Only Glimmer of Hope
With the derby postponement, the Carabao Cup tie against Southampton is likely to be a rare moment in the spotlight for Liverpool's depth players. For Endo, this is a chance to remind the coaching staff of his tenacity and tactical discipline. For Morton, it's an opportunity to stake his claim for more meaningful minutes. But beyond this single game, the horizon looks bleak. Liverpool's packed December schedule will test every facet of the squad, but for Endo and Morton, it may serve as a tipping point. Without sufficient game time, January could usher in significant changes—whether in the form of loans, transfers, or simply hard discussions behind the scenes. You do wonder what the agents' discussions are like.



https://anfieldindex.com/76109/derby-postponement-negative-for-endo-morton.html