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Results

Monday 09/12
West Ham	2-1	Wolves

Man of the Match Result: Arsenal
Sander Berge has been named Man of the Match from Fulham's hard fought draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

Sitting at the base of our midfield, Berge was a major reason why it was such a frustrating afternoon for the Gunners, who struggled to create chances from open play.

Also named Man of the Match by Sky Sports, it was the latest in a string of continually improving performances by the big Norwegian, who has now truly established himself as a key component of this Fulham side.

"I think [MOTM] could have been given to many in our team," Berge humbly told FFCtv. "Everyone did their job brilliantly.

"It's a tough task, defending against such a great team. With the way they play football, it's difficult to press them, and if you don't press them you end up being deep, but everyone defended well.

"It was a very strong performance by each and every one."

Berge also demonstrated his offensive capabilities, with his sublime ball over the top for Andreas Pereira leading to our only shot on target of the second half.

44.7 per cent of supporters gave Berge their vote for Man of the Match, with the dominant Issa Diop in second (16.3%) and goal scorer Raúl Jiménez third (14.2%).




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/09/man-of-the-match-result-arsenal/

Why Alexis Mac Allister is Unavailable For Liverpool vs Girona and Fulham
Liverpool will be without key midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for the next two matches - a trip to Girona in the Champions League and a Premier League clash against Fulham at Anfield. The Argentine has been a first-team regular under Arne Slot this season and will be a huge miss for the Reds.

Slot's team have run riot in both domestic and continental competitions, topping both the Premier League and Champions League tables while also being in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. The Merseysiders now hold a game in hand over their English rivals after the derby match against neighbours Everton was postponed due to Storm Darragh.

Mac Allister was set to miss the Merseyside derby after picking up his fifth yellow card of the Premier League season against Newcastle United during the week. This meant the £150,000-per-week star had reached the threshold for the number of bookings players can pick up before being handed a one-game ban. That suspension will now be served against the Cottagers on Saturday.

Similarly, the midfield metronome was cautioned in the Reds' most recent European game against Real Madrid. The 25-year-old found the back of the net on the night but will have been disappointed to see his third yellow card in the competition rule him out of the trip to Girona on Tuesday. As there are fewer games in the League Phase, the bookings threshold is lower in Europe's elite competition.

Arne Slot's Midfield Dilemma
The Dutchman has few options to pick from

Liverpool are the only team in the newly formatted Champions League with a 100% record, as the English giants have taken 15 points from their opening five matches. This means there is a slight cushion and an opportunity for Slot to rotate his key men for the trip to Spain.

Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai are the most obvious midfield trio to start the game based on how often the three players have featured under Slot's regime. However, Japan captain Wataru Endo and youngster Tyler Morton could be called upon for rare game time.

Another issue arises when the Reds welcome Fulham to Anfield at the weekend. The club will be desperate to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the league, meaning Slot is likely to go full strength. Gravenberch has been one of the best-performing players of the campaign, but the Netherlands international will miss the Premier League game against Tottenham if he picks up another booking.

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 09-12-24.




https://www.givemesport.com/why-alexis-mac-allister-unavailable-liverpool-girona-fulham/

FA can't confirm where Watford's tie at Fulham will be aired
The Football Association have responded to questions from the Watford Observer about the moving of the FA Cup tie at Fulham to Thursday night, but only with a copy of briefing notes sent to other media, and a strong suggestion that the game has been moved before any overseas TV broadcasters have confirmed they will show it.

With Watford now facing a trip to Craven Cottage on Thursday January 9 for a 7.45pm kick-off, while the regular, die-hard away travellers will doubtless still make the trip, it suddenly becomes trickier and less appealing for the more casual on-the-road fan, as well as those with young children.

 The Watford Observer contacted the FA to ask the following questions:

    What considerations with regard to fan travel do the FA make before agreeing that a game can be moved?
    Are the two clubs consulted in advance of the announcement of a date for a fixture?
    Do the clubs have any right to request a different date/time?
    With specific regard to the Fulham v Watford tie, can you confirm which countries/regions are showing the game live?
    As with other ties moved for broadcast, is there any possibility of the tie being streamed on BBC iPlayer or anywhere else?
    What would the FA say to Watford fans who now cannot attend, cannot take children due to the late midweek kick-off etc?

We received a reply in little more than two hours, and it initially appeared the FA had responded directly to what was asked of them.

 However, it later became apparent that the reply was the same as that sent to media who cover Peterborough, who had contacted the FA about their team's trip to Everton also being moved to Thursday January 9.

In their response the FA offered the following "background guidance":

    Scheduling the live fixtures for the Emirates FA Cup Third Round has been challenging due to a number of factors, and we have had to balance the needs of the clubs, local authorities, police, and broadcasters where applicable.
    We always try to work closely and collaboratively with all clubs when scheduling live broadcast fixtures in the Emirates FA Cup – and we were in contact with both clubs when scheduling their Third Round tie.
    In addition, both clubs will receive a fee as a result of their tie being moved away from the 15:00 slot on Saturday.

The Watford Observer contacted the FA, specifically to ask again which regions and countries the game is being shown.

The FA reply was: "As guidance, this tie will be available for worldwide broadcasters to take, but they will be confirmed closer to the third round."

 We returned to the FA once more to ask if their answer means the game has been moved before any broadcasters have actually confirmed they want to show it.

The reply from the FA was to share a link to a list of their global broadcast partners and say: "Further information will follow in due course, we will keep you updated."

 The link does seem to suggest the FA do publish which countries and broadcasters are showing games, which will eventually possibly reveal which parts of the world have benefitted from the Thursday switch.

It is our understanding that while Watford would have been contacted about the date of the game before it was announced, that would purely be to ask if the club had any concerns around supporter safety with regard to the date and time.

The only recourse clubs have to push back when a game is moved from its originally scheduled date and time is if they have genuine fan safety concerns.

Inconvenience, travel issues and the like are not something clubs can cite as a reason to contest changes to fixtures.

With that in mind, it is believed Watford have not followed Peterborough in writing to the FA to express their discontent, as doing so is seen as futile.

Only 10 of the 32 third-round games will actually be played at 3pm on Saturday January 11, decimating what is usually one of the busiest and most interesting afternoons of the season.

Indeed, there are likely to be as many League One and League Two games at 3pm on January 11 as there are FA Cup ties.

An incredible 22 games in third round have been moved to Thursday, Friday, Sunday or Monday, or will be played on Saturday earlier or later than 3pm.

 Six ties will be shown live on either ITV or BBC, a further three will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer while two are going to be aired on BBC Wales.

Should the Hornets beat Fulham, their league game at Sunderland on Saturday February 8 will have to be rearranged as that is the date for the FA Cup fourth round.

Even if Watford go out, the game at the Stadium of Light will be moved if Sunderland beat Stoke City in their third-round tie.

A rearranged Championship fixture at Sunderland would almost certainly mean a long midweek trip to Watford fans.

It's a case of the lesser of two evils though: if both Sunderland and Watford lose in the third round, then the league game will go ahead on Saturday February 8 but with a 12.30pm kick-off.

Travelling Hornets fans will, therefore, either be leaving at the crack of dawn or getting home around the same time if they want to support their team at Sunderland.

With Saturday's game at Cardiff postponed due to safety fears, another lengthy midweek trip is on the cards too.

Incredibly, Watford have only played one away Championship match this season at 3pm on a Saturday – the 6-2 victory at Sheffield Wednesday.

And there is only one more Hornets fixture at 3pm on Saturday left in 2024, the trip to Burnley on Saturday December 21.

The other four games are on Wednesday (against Hull), a Thursday and two Sundays.



https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/24780932.fa-cant-confirm-watfords-tie-fulham-will-aired/

Liverpool injury latest ahead of Girona, Fulham and Southampton clashes
The latest injury news from Liverpool as the Reds prepare for key fixtures in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Liverpool will head into a hectic week of action on the back of a free weekend after Saturday's Merseyside derby with Everton was postponed.

The impact of Storm Darragh may well have given Arne Slot some breathing space as he looks to build on what has been an overwhelmingly positive start to his Anfield reign after the Reds lost just one of the 21 competitive fixtures overseen by the former Feyenoord head coach. There are a number of high-profile games lying ahead for Slot's side as they look to continue their impressive opening to their Champions League campaign against Girona in midweek before turning their focus back towards domestic matters with a Premier League clash with Fulham and a Carabao Cup quarter-final at Southampton.

With several key players slowly but surely working their way back towards full fitness, Slot will be hoping for some positive news on the injury front - but what are the latest updates from the Reds squad and when could the likes of Ibrahima Konaté, Alisson and Diogo Jota return to contention?

Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté
The defensive duo are both expected to return before Christmas after suffering respective hamstring and knee injuries. Both Bradley and Konaté have not appeared since the 3-2 win at Southampton earlier this month but are both battling to return for the home game with Leicester City on Boxing Day. Speaking last week about Bradley and Konaté, Slot said: 'They will both be out for a few weeks. I have said many times before it's always difficult to judge how many exactly because you can think in the beginning it'll be like this, and then the end stage of an injury process can always differ a bit.' Expected return date: Boxing Day

Konstantinos Tsimikas
An ankle injury has meant the Greek full-back has not featured in a matchday squad since he was an unused substitute in a 2-0 home win against Aston Villa last month. Slot has already suggested it is unlikely Tsimikas will be back in contention until his side host Tottenham Hotspur on the final weekend before Christmas Expected return date: Mid-to-late December

Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota
The forward duo have been out of contention in recent weeks and they have limited Slot's options at the top end of the pitch. However, the Reds boss has confirmed both Chiesa and Jota are likely to return to action in Saturday's home game with Fulham Expected return date: Mid-December

Alisson
The Brazilian goalkeeper has been out of action since he picked up what was a serious hamstring injury in the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on the first weekend of October. The form of Caoimhin Kelleher had softened the blow caused by the loss of Alisson - although the return of the former Roma keeper could be well-timed after the Republic of Ireland international received some criticism for his late error in last week's draw at Newcastle Expected return date: Mid-December



https://www.3addedminutes.com/sport/football/liverpool/liverpool-injury-latest-girona-fulham-4901525

Battling the big boys

Cast your mind back, if you will, to Fulham's first game in this new Premier League era under Marco Silva. It was 6 August 2022, a 12:30 kick-off in the baking sun. The league's new boys were facing a titan of English football, and we came away with a surprising (and probably slightly undeserved) draw. It didn't get better for us that season against the big six: we lost nine of our 12 meetings with them, and the only game we managed to win was Chelsea at home. Lest we forget – and I choose not to – we finished above Chelsea that season.

Of course, there were highs that season as well, as we demonstrated an impressive level of consistency against teams near the bottom of the league. It was as if there was a ceiling on our performances: we were confined to mid-table because we couldn't beat any of the big guns.

Last season, the tide began to change, as we dropped five points to Burnley and were unable to do the double over a near-record-breakingly bad Sheffield United, but secured wins against Manchester United and Arsenal. Now we find ourselves in the midst of a horrid run of four fixtures – Tottenham away, Brighton and Arsenal at the Cottage, then a trip to Anfield. Coming off the back of a frankly embarrassing 1-4 defeat to Wolves, I was concerned that we wouldn't be good enough to pick up a single point in these fixtures – and yet, we find ourselves unbeaten in December.

It's difficult to know what to credit for these successes. Luck is surely a part of it – we played Tottenham on a day where they were not at the races, and we were a slight (and correct!) offside decision away from losing to Arsenal. But you're not picking up five points in a week through luck alone, and the credit here has to go to Marco Silva and this group of players.

For a while, we've wondered how to solve a problem like Fulham's midfield, and it seems – in these tough games – we've found an answer for its base (though I'm not sure the number 10 position is totally locked in, yet...). And this is even more impressive after losing our tackling talisman, Joao Palhinha, in the summer. Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge have proved a formidable duo against both the North London clubs, providing stability and tenacity. It's hard to believe that Berge only joined us in August when you consider the way he's grown into this role: against Arsenal on Sunday, no player won possession more times, won more duels, or tackled more (per Squawka).

Against Brighton, Silva demonstrated his nous once more: with Sasa Lukic suspended, he relied on Alex Iwobi's adaptability, playing him a deeper role alongside Berge out of possession. And, of course, Iwobi was given license to gallop forwards and score a brace. Last year, we had some impressive results against top teams, but when Palhinha left us for Bavaria, I was worried that we would be unable to hold our own once again. On the contrary, it's starting to feel like the sky might be the limit – and, whisper it quietly, we travel to Anfield this weekend...



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-12-09-battling-the-big-boys/

Berge savours 'strong performance'
Sander Berge felt Fulham more than merited the point they earned against title-chasing Arsenal on Sunday after frustrating the Gunners at Craven Cottage.

The Norwegian midfielder was outstanding in Marco Silva's midfield and told FFCTV after the final whistle:

"I think it was a strong performance. After Spurs away and Brighton on Thursday night, it was difficult to go again on the Sunday. The games come thick and fast and I'm so proud of the effort from each every one [of my team-mates]. Coming up with a big goal for us early on, the team spirit was there, everyone fought hard, our shape was good. Arsenal is an elite team, they create problems for everyone, so I think we held on well.

When they get the equaliser so early in the second half, they push so much for it, we were quite deep. It's all about showing the morale and spirit to stay strong and stay in the game. We did really well to take the point when the game when it ended up like that. It says a lot about the chemistry in the team. We are a team developing all the team, getting pushed every day by a great coaching staff making us better. We want to compete against everyone. We are showing the depth of the squad as well. This week we had suspensions and injuries – with a thin squad – and we've had three ninety minute games like that against three top teams, we've shown our strength. To come away with that performance and the resilience we showed, it was brilliant. I'm very proud to be part of this team."

Berge was very modest about his own excellent individual display.

"It was a good effort. I think the man of the match award could have got given to many in our team. Everyone did their job brilliantly. It is a tough task defending against such a great team, the way they play football it is difficult to press them. If you don't press them, you will obviously end up being deep. Everyone defended them. We tried to take our moments when we got them. A killer finish from Raul, which was important for us, and a very strong performance from everyone.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/berge-savours-strong-performance/

Smith Rowe: Fulham move was right for me
Emile Smith Rowe insists that his club record move from Arsenal to Fulham 'has actually been quite easy' ahead of his first reunion with the Gunners on Sunday.

The England international moved to Craven Cottage in the summer for an initial £27m in search of the regular game time than he had struggled to earn at the Emirates. Smith Rowe has started thirteen of Fulham's fourteen Premier League fixtures since the start of the season, scoring three goals and adding two more assists.

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live ahead of Fulham's latest London derby, the 24 year-old said:

"At the age of 24, you want to be playing every week and getting opportunities and it was getting to the point where I wasn't really getting opportunities anymore for whatever reason. I had to make the decision to move on. I'm getting my chances now and I'm really happy with it.

I obviously want show them what they are missing out on in terms of being there and leaving, but it's nothing personal. I have so much love for them but obviously I want to win with Fulham.

I thought it would be a lot harder than it has been. It has actually been quite easy. I thought I would be really upset and sad. It was obviously the hardest decision I have ever had to make – but definitely the right one. I feel like I have settled in really well and I am really happy. Marco has given me so much confidence, given me the freedom to just enjoy myself and if I make a mistake just go again."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/smith-rowe-fulham-move-was-right-for-me/

EPL: Fulham boss Silva talks up versatile player, Iwobi
Fulham manager, Marco Silva says Alex Iwobi's versatility makes the Nigerian an important player for the club.

Iwobi has been deployed in different positions by Silva this season.

The 28-year-old further showed his versatility by playing as a defensive midfielder in Fulham's 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last week.

The gaffer stated that Iwobi's versatility makes things easy for him during games.

"Firstly, he's a really important player for me because he's really versatile," he told Sky Sports.

"He can play in many different positions.

I can move him in one football match without making many changes."



https://dailypost.ng/2024/12/09/epl-fulham-boss-silva-talks-up-versatile-player-iwobi/

Exceptional' Manager 'Admired' by Tottenham to Replace Postecoglou
Marco Silva's Fulham side drew at home to Arsenal on Sunday as their strong season continues in fine form - and that has seen the former Everton boss linked with Tottenham Hotspur as Ange Postecoglou's torrid time at the north London helm continues.

Spurs went 2-0 up at home to Chelsea inside ten minutes on Sunday, thanks to Marc Cucurella slipping twice and presenting both Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski with the chances to score. However, a turnaround from the Blues saw Spurs lose 4-3 on home soil; and that has put mounting pressure on the under-fire Aussie. Tottenham have only won one game in seven in all competitions, and they need to be better at holding onto leads if they are to succeed in the future.

Report: Marco Silva 'Admired' by Tottenham
The Portuguese boss has turned Fulham into an established outfit

With that in mind, a report from the Independent states that, after Fulham's game against Arsenal in which they secured a precious point against the Gunners, it has seen Silva receive 'increasingly admiring looks' from clubs, including those of Tottenham's top brass.

The Cottagers were described as being 'marshalled superbly', being capable of giving anyone a tough game - and with Tottenham having won just one of their last seven games, it's that backbone that the north London side might just require if they are to move forward, having lost more games than they have won in the Premier League this season.

Having compiled a 'physically imposing' side, Silva's men are extremely tough to beat, boasting Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic in the middle of the park with Calvin Bassey and Issa Drop at the back. The west London outfit have only lost four games all season, with only the top three and Brighton losing fewer games - and that is a testament to Silva's spell at the club, where he has been 'exceptional' at the helm for over three years; winning the Championship in his first season alongside two comfortable finishes in the top-flight.

Postecoglou, meanwhile, started last season superbly, but he has struggled in the current campaign. And, if he doesn't manage to see games out in the future, someone like Silva could be consulted.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 09-12-24.




https://www.givemesport.com/exceptional-manager-admired-by-tottenham-to-replace-postecoglou/

Liverpool handed injury boost as two players back in training ahead of Fulham and Tottenham tests
Liverpool have welcomed two players back to training ahead of games with Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur in the coming weeks

Liverpool duo Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota were both spotted in an open training session on Monday in a major boost for the Premier League leaders ahead of the busy festive period.

The Reds face Girona in Champions League on Tuesday but their next two Premier League outings are against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. Both fixtures will take place before Christmas with Arne Slot's side enjoying a strong start to the campaign. They sit four points above Chelsea and have a game in hand after their Merseyside derby with Everton was called off due to extreme weather.

They have not been without their injury problems, however, with the likes of Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley both set to be ruled out against Spurs and Fulham. Alisson is back and available for selection as he travelled with the Liverpool squad to Italy while Jota remained on Merseyside but the forward's presence in full training suggests that he is ready to be eased back in and could make his return against Fulham this weekend.

Asked if Alisson is available again, Liverpool boss Slot said: "Yes, he is. I think it speaks for itself if you can play with Alisson, [who] has been so outstanding for this club for so many years and for the Brazil national team. [It] is definitely nice to have him back and to have him available. But if you then look at how his replacement did, it's not going to be easy to do it even better.

"So, we expect definitely the same and maybe on margins a bit better. But Caoimhin [Kelleher] also did so well that we can say that we have two very good goalkeepers, like our left wingers, that can do the job for us. But for so many years, Alisson has been so outstanding for this club that we are expecting and hoping him to do the same in the upcoming weeks and months."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/liverpool-handed-injury-boost-as-two-players-back-in-training-ahead-of-fulham-and-tottenham-tests-4902352