Results| Monday 30/12 |
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Liverpool star suffering under Arne Slot eyed by Fulham in clever January coup
Fulham are weighing up a January move for a blameless Liverpool star unsuited to and marginalised by Arne Slot, according to reports.
The transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot has been seamless at Liverpool and the vast majority of players within the squad are benefitting. Indeed, Cody Gakpo has already breached double figures for goals from the left wing (11), Luis Diaz is enjoying his most potent campaign to date (12 goals in 24 appearances), and Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation in central midfield, to name just three examples.
However, there are a handful of stars who have regressed in either performance or usefulness as a result of the managerial change.
Jarell Quansah is one, while Darwin Nunez's return of four goals in 23 matches is dismal given the abundance of chances created for the Uruguayan.
Another who's taken a backwards step since Klopp left is defensive midfielder, Wataru Endo, who according to The Daily Mail, has emerged on Fulham's radar.
Marco Silva's side are flying high in 8th position at present. They're firmly in the mix for European qualification and per the report, they'd like to add to their ranks to strengthen that charge. Fulham haven't qualified for Europe since a Europa League campaign in the 2011/12 season.
An attacking option is being sought, as is cover in central midfield. That's where Endo comes in, with the 31-year-old painfully underused at Anfield this season.
The report concluded: 'Wataru Endo has been touted as a possibility [for Fulham] should Liverpool consider selling.'
What's gone wrong for Wataru Endo this season?
Endo cost Liverpool £16m to sign from Stuttgart in the summer of 2023. He was a surprise signing given his age, though Liverpool required bodies in midfield after transfer targets Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia both elected to join Chelsea instead.
Endo proved an almost instant hit on Merseyside, winning favour for his dogged displays and tireless workrate in the middle of the park.
However, new boss Arne Slot favours more technical-minded and creative midfielders as opposed to out-and-out disruptors like Endo.
As such, Endo hasn't made a single Premier League start this season, with the vast bulk of his appearances late cameos off the bench. He was even used out of position as a makeshift centre-back in the League Cup quarter-final victory over Southampton.
Endo did get more than half an hour in midfield in the 5-0 thumping of West Ham on Sunday. However, Liverpool were already four goals up at the time of his introduction and Slot was protecting Gravenberch – the man Endo replaced – who is one yellow card away from a one-match ban.
In a recent update from The Athletic regarding Liverpool's transfer plans, their Reds reporter, James Pearce, summed up why Endo has been marginalised in seven words.
Pearce wrote the unlucky midfielder is simply "not suited to Slot's style of play."
Liverpool rejected an £11.8m bid for Endo from Marseille last summer. However, that bid arrived early in the window before Slot had the necessary amount of time to assess his squad.
With Endo clearly now deemed a mismatch for Slot, a sizeable bid from Fulham could seemingly tempt Liverpool into cutting ties next month.
https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/liverpool-star-suffering-under-arne-slot-eyed-by-fulham-clever-january-coup
Club 'in a hurry' to seal deal for Fulham man – Offer on table for a week without response
Palmeiras are 'in a hurry' to wrap up a deal for Fulham's Andreas Pereira, but are yet to receive a response from the Premier League side.
That's according to Ge Globo, who report that Fulham may now open up negotiations as they have a break in their fixture schedule.
GE report that Palmeiras have started this week in the expectation of receiving a response from Fulham in relation to the proposal they sent to them to buy Pereira.
The Brazilian club have offered €20m plus bonuses for the midfielder and the offer has been sitting on the table at Craven Cottage since the beginning of last week.
Fulham, though, have not sent any response 'of any kind' to the proposal so far. Instead, they have made it clear they are focusing on the busy Christmas schedule and getting that out of the way before deciding what to do.
They see Pereira as a key player and didn't want to distract themselves or him in what they deemed a crucial period to their hopes for the season.
However, with their next fixture not scheduled until January 5th, Palmeiras are now hoping they'll be given attention and see a response to their offer.
The 28-year-old has signalled that he would be open to the move and has given his representatives approval to speak to the team from Alviverde. Fulham are unlikely to make things easy, though.
They see Pereira as an important part of Marco Silva's plans and would be loathe to lose him midway through the season. Palmeiras are confident that Pereira's desire for the move and the proposal they've made him could be 'trump cards' to help the deal be concluded.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-in-a-hurry-to-seal-deal-for-fulham-man-offer-on-table-for-a-week-without-response/
Positives and Negatives: Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth
Hardly a classic, a Fulham side that looked, at times, as hungover as many of the Fulham faithful following the Whites' Boxing Day heroics.
All in all, Fulham left the Cottage with a slightly fortunate point, but when you're 2-1 and seemingly in the ascendency, you have to see out, what would of been a massive win against another side gunning for a European spot.
Positives
Striking By Committee
Another game, another goal for Fulham's striking contingent. Raul worked hard throughout the first half especially, being key to Fulham looking to add further numbers in midfield, making a difference on and off the ball, helping Harry Wilson be the talisman for numerous of Fulham's breaks forward. Despite feeding off scraps, Raul certainly deserved his goal.
Bassey's overlapping runs
Fulham's defensive trio proved effective in helping Marco Silva's men deal with a deluge of first half pressure. Alongside this, Calvin Bassey's marauding overlapping runs from left centre-back helped create an overload on the left side, causing issues all day for Bournemouth right-back, James Hill.
Captain Cairney's impact
With the midfield struggling to get a hold of the ball, Tom Cairney once again proved his role as super sub is deserved. Cairney's presence in the middle of the park helped Fulham gain control of the ball, having their best spell of the ninety when Cairney was pairing Lukic, a point where Fulham perhaps deserved to score a third.
Harry Wilson, he's done it again
There are few better players in world football than second half Harry Wilson. In a differing role to his normal position out wide, Wilson impressed immensely in a more free role inside, being the centrepiece of numerous Fulham attacks, including his goal, while being both influential in build up and working off Raul Jimenez off the knock down.
Eighth at the halfway point
With Fulham sitting in what could be a European spot come May. On course for 58 points, a club record, if Fulham produce a second half of the campaign as good as the first half was, a fight for Europe is more than possible.
Josh King again, ole ole
In a shorter cameo than seen in recent weeks, Fulham's newfound starboy excelled in the few minutes he received, using diminutive frame to beat numerous Bournemouth defenders.
The more minutes the young man gets, the better he will get, if season doesn't see himself in starting contention every week within the next few months, I for one, would be shocked.
Negatives
We can't see games out
Fulham's inability to see out games may well be what sees us look back at 2024/25 with a feeling of what could have been.
If Fulham could have held on against Everton, and against West Ham, Marco's men would be sitting in fifth, level on points with the other team in Fulham, something that will no doubt make the difference at the business end of the season.
Consistency needed
Despite being unbeaten in seven, Fulham have no back-to-back wins since early November, and while rebuttals of a recent tough run of fixtures is certainly valid, building up a consistent run of wins instead of draws is what separates upper mid table to the European places.
Pereira's not an eight
Andreas Pereira was yet again ineffective in a deeper midfield role, both chasing shadows and misplacing passes until Tom Cairney replaced the Brazilian. Fulham found it difficult to battle against an industrious duo of Billing and Christie in the Cherries' midfield.
Missing Sander Berge
The absence of Sander Berge was exceedingly noticeable, the physical stature of Billing would have been perfectly counteracted with another Scandinavian in the middle.
Not only Berge's ball winning prowess was missed, as Fulham lacked someone to help the whites get up the pitch in the transition, with Bournemouth doing a terrific job in pinning the home side in their own half.
Someone to break the lines, like Sander, was hugely missed, as the Cottages became too reliant on attacks from out wide.
Diop and Andersen exploited
Throughout the 90, Andoni Iraola side identified balls in behind Joachim Andersen, as a weakness for Fulham, coming ahead with Evanilson's second half strike, as Fulham yet again came out the second half flat.
Putting aside his mistake for Bournemouth late leveller, Issa Diop was seen as the trigger for Bournemouth's press from minute one, with the Frenchman struggling to effectively play the ball into Fulham's midfield duo.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-12-30-positives-and-negatives-fulham-2-2-bournemouth/
Harry Wilson happy to mark starting spot with another Fulham goal in Bournemouth draw
Fulham attacker Harry Wilson says he is glad that he has proved he can score when starting games as well as when coming off the bench.
The Wales international has had a sensational season as an impact sub – netting an unforgettable double in the 2-1 home win over Brentford and the equaliser at Stamford Bridge that was followed by a key role in Rodrigo Muniz's injury-time winner on Boxing Day.
The reward for that star turn at Chelsea was a rare start in Sunday's home game against Bournemouth – and he scored in a 2-2 draw which extends his team's fine unbeaten run to seven games.
The winger said: "I'm not a player who likes being on the bench, so when I'm starting I want to make sure I'm contributing.
"I'm delighted to have scored my first goal as a starter. A win would have been nicer, but it's good to get to five goals and to be in a good position, with the team on a good run.
"We would like to have won a couple more games but to have an unbeaten run as long as we have is tough to do in the Premier League.
"We're in a good moment and if we get a few more wins then we'll be a bit happier. We've been missing a lot of key players. We were fairly lucky with injuries last season and at the start of this season but we've been really hit in the last month or two.
"The lads who have come in, who maybe haven't played as much, have done really well and it's been a real squad effort. To go unbeaten in the last seven games, with some really tough games in there, shows we're a good team, but I also feel we can get better."
Wilson nodded home Fulham's second goal as he found the back of the net for the fifth time in his last 10 appearances. Raul Jimenez had put the Whites ahead just before half-time with his sixth of the season, with Evanilson equalising for the Cherries after the break.
Wilson's 72nd-minute goal, set up by the ever-excellent Antonee Robinson, looked like it was going to be the winning goal, but the Whites conceded a second equaliser a minute from time – Dango Ouattara netting with a clever dink over Bernd Leno.
"When you concede that late and don't win the game, it always feels a bit worse than what it actually is," Wilson said. "A point was probably fair but when you're ahead that late in the game you're always disappointed not to hold on to the win.
"The game was a little bit end-to-end, particularly after the 60th and 70th minute. After we went ahead, we had a few chances to go 3-1 up and put the game to bed, but when you don't do that there's always a chance the other team will create one or two chances, and they were able to put one away."
https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/harry-wilson-happy-to-mark-starting-spot-with-another-fulham-goal-in-bournemouth-draw/
FFCW: Halfway Summary(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/da388670-c5fd-11ef-8655-13f83e0053b3.jpg)
As we come to the end of 2024, let's look back at Fulham FC Women's 2024/25 season so far.
The team began their campaign in August with a 6-0 win against Barking FC Women at Craven Cottage and have gone on to remain unbeaten in all 15 games across all competitions.
In an exciting move, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has become the official front of shirt sponsor for Fulham this season, showcasing increased backing and support for the team.
Promotion out of the London & South East Regional Women's Football League is the main focus for the team and the 2024/25 season has seen some promising performances to support the aim with the following notable wins; 7-0 against Millwall, 9-1 against Ashford and a 1-0 against Dorking, who currently sit second in the table.
Fulham are currently third in the table with 28 points however they have only played eight games, in comparison to the two teams above who have played 13.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/a3c1d5e0-c5fa-11ef-b959-0f048d46ea72.png)
The Development Pathway continues to grow as the side has seen ten U18s train up with the First Team of which, six have been selected for matchday squads.
As previously mentioned, Steve Jaye's side are currently unbeaten in all competitions and are on multiple successful cup campaigns.
Fulham are through to the Second Round of the Capital Cup, the Third Round of the League Cup, and the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.
The FA Cup campaign has undeniably been a success for Fulham, seeing them progress after winning against teams in higher tiers, such as their 7-0 win against National League side Chesham United.
In total, Fulham have scored 73 goals in 15 games and have only conceded 10.
As the season progresses, Fulham continue to build momentum, aiming for a successful run in their league and all cup competitions. The support from fans plays a crucial role in their journey and we would like to thank you for your backing throughout 2024.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/30/ffcw-halfway-summary/
Exclusive: Man Utd 'Considering' Move for £40m Star who is Perfect for Amorim
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is contemplating whether to attempt to lure Antonee Robinson to Old Trafford during the fast-approaching winter transfer window as the Fulham star's performances in a new role have caught the eye, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Having headed into the dugout as Erik ten Hag's successor in November, the Portuguese tactician is desperate to guide the Red Devils to European qualification in the aftermath of seeing minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe increase his stake by injecting a further £79.3million into the Premier League giants earlier this month.
Teenage central defender Leny Yoro was Manchester United's most expensive acquisition during the summer, thanks to completing a switch worth up to £58.9million from Lille, but Amorim has set his sights on bolstering the squad he inherited when the transfer window reopens for business later this week.
Red Devils Eye Robinson Amid Role Alteration
United States international has been deployed as a left wing-back
Amorim is considering whether to try to win the race to sign Robinson, according to GMS sources, after a positional change to left wing-back in his current surroundings has resulted in there being renewed confidence that he would be able to shine in the preferred system at Manchester United.
The United States international still has more than three-and-a-half years remaining on his £50,000-per-week contract, meaning Fulham will head into potential negotiations in a strong position and under no pressure to cash in, but the Red Devils are contemplating testing their resolve.
GMS sources have been informed that a tweak in Robinson's role has given Amorim further food for thought as he is prioritising the addition of a left wing-back during the winter transfer window, and his performance as the Cottagers sealed a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last weekend highlighted his ability.
(https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/robinson-1.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2)
The 27-year-old has been described as 'one of the best full-backs in Europe' thanks to his consistent displays under Fulham chief Marco Silva's tutelage, while he has also become more of an attacking threat after being given freedom to get forward when his side are in possession.
Manchester United are planning to sign a left wing-back within the first two weeks of January, GMS sources have learned, and detailed scouting reports have been drawn up on various potential recruits even though Amorim is not on course to have a lucrative budget to take advantage of.
Amorim Facing Challenges to Land Robinson
Fulham desperate to keep 27-year-old out of admirers' clutches
GMS sources have been told that Manchester United could face an uphill battle in their attempts to land Robinson as Liverpool and Chelsea have continued keeping an eye on his progress, having been alerted to him being tested as an inverted full-back at international level, while Fulham are desperate to keep him on board.
The Cottagers have previously shown that they are prepared to snub big-money offers in order to hold onto key men, with defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha only sealing a £47.4million move to Bayern Munich 12 months after the Bundesliga heavyweights initially upped the ante in their pursuit.
Fulham are desperate to ensure they do not lose Robinson midway through the campaign and have retained confidence that he will be going nowhere after insisting he is not for sale ahead of the February 3 deadline, GMS sources understand, but Silva's change in formation has allowed Manchester United to get an insight into how he would cope in Amorim's system.
Although GMS sources recently revealed that reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are also showing interest, the Cottagers have increased their demands towards the £40million mark in an attempt to deter suitors as they mull over lodging a formal offer in the coming weeks.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 30/12/2024
https://www.givemesport.com/manchester-united-transfer-news-considering-move-robinson-perfect-amorim-old-trafford/
Wilson delighted to continue scoring streak
Harry Wilson was delighted to mark his return to the Fulham starting line-up with a goal – even if the Whites were unable to get all the three points against AFC Bournemouth yesterday.
The Welsh winger was rewarded for his four goals from the bench – including the equaliser as Marco Silva's side came from behind to win the SW6 derby at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day – with a starting spot against the Cherries. Wilson buried a brilliant header to put Fulham on the cusp of another impressive victory, but Dango Outtara's equaliser in the last minute of normal time meant that Silva's side had to settle for extending their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Wilson said after the final whistle:
"I'm not a player who likes being on the bench, so when I'm starting I want to make sure I'm contributing. I'm delighted to have scored my first goal as a starter. A win would have been nicer, but it's good to get to five goals and to be in a good position, with the team on a good run.
"We would like to have won a couple more games but to have an unbeaten run as long as we have is tough to do in the Premier League. We're in a good moment and if we get a few more wins then we'll be a bit happier. We've been missing a lot of key players. We were fairly lucky with injuries last season and at the start of this season but we've been really hit in the last month or two.
"The lads who have come in, who maybe haven't played as much, have done really well and it's been a real squad effort. To go unbeaten in the last seven games, with some really tough games in there, shows we're a good team, but I also feel we can get better."
Wilson, who spent a season on loan at Bournemouth, was philosophical after Fulham dropped more points from a winning position.
"When you concede that late and don't win the game, it always feels a bit worse than what it actually is. A point was probably fair but when you're ahead that late in the game you're always disappointed not to hold on to the win.
"The game was a little bit end-to-end, particularly after the 60th and 70th minute. After we went ahead, we had a few chances to go 3-1 up and put the game to bed, but when you don't do that there's always a chance the other team will create one or two chances, and they were able to put one away."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/wilson-delighted-to-continue-scoring-streak/
Could Leicester be next for Brazilian Copa America winner with previous life at Chelsea and Arsenal
Willian returned to English football in 2022 to play for Fulham. He was seen as a has been at the time, leaving Arsenal for Corinthians a year before, but on his return he became a very important player for The Cottagers in them establishing a team to survive in the top flight.
He made a move to Olympiacos in front of this season. News are that he has terminated his deal with the current Greek league leaders, with the reason he has had very little game time, strangely and surprisingly after two very good seasons at Fulham, prior to his move in the summer.
He has the ability to take on defenders and could be ideal for a short term deal, but looks more likely to move back to Brazil than starting a short term adventure in England, but his ability on the field would still see him as major treath for defenders in Premier League.
To watch him play is a joy as his skills and movement would give Leicester an edge we do not have at the moment, as well possibly losing Facundo Bounanotte, Willian is a wide alternative up front, that could give Leicester the flair needed to survive this season.
There is no indication he will join Leicester, but he is a player that would have been ideal for a short term deal out the season. To see him link up with Bilal El Khannouss and Jamie Vardy would be a type of football romance to dream about.
During his two seasons with Fulham, he played a total of 67 competitive games, scoring 10 goals, surely not losing everything in 6 months. At Olympiacos he has played 11 games, not scored, and strangely not been pivotal, as he was not much used by manager José Luis Mendilibar.
Willian has been capped 70 times for Brazil, his latest appearance in the national team was back in 2019. His best years in the game was with Chelsea (2013-2020), winning the Premier League in 2014-15 and 2016-17. Willian then made a move to Arsenal, playing 37 competitive games in his single season at The Emirates.
https://filbertway.com/2024/12/30/could-leicester-be-next-for-brazilian-copa-america-winner-with-previous-life-at-chelsea-and-arsenal/
Liverpool Serious About Signing This Fulham Star In January: Good Decision?
Liverpool are considering making a move for Fulham defender Antonee Robinson.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are interested in signing Fulham defender Antonee Robinson in the January transfer window. The Premier League club will have to pay around £40-50 million to acquire the services of the mentioned player.
Antonee Robinson has been impressive
Antonee Robinson has been a key member at Fulham ever since joining them in the summer of 2020. He has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. His consistently impressive performances have attracted interest from multiple clubs.
Robinson is doing well in the ongoing campaign, where he has already assisted six goals in 18 outings so far. He is averaging 0.6 shots, 1.3 key passes, and 1.2 dribbles per game (stats via whoscored).
The USA left-back is physically strong, fast, and an intelligent player. He is extremely good in one-on-one situations and also dominates in aerial battles. Going higher on the pitch, he has dribbling skills and can create threats for the opposition.
Antonee Robinson can take Andrew Robertson's place
Liverpool's interest in Antonee Robinson is understandable considering the concerning form of Andrew Robertson. The latter has been going down the pack and cannot be trusted completely. Hence, it's wise for the club to bring an upgrade.
Keeping that in mind, Robinson is already showing great signs in the Premier League. He is a complete player and would fit well in Arne Slot's system. His numbers will surely improve further when he represents a performing side like the Reds.
As Liverpool are the top contenders for the league title and the Champions League, they will be in a hurry to land the 27-year-old. While Fulham would want to hold their key player, an offer of around £40-50 million might tempt them to change their mind. It will be interesting to see if the Reds will aggressively push for the player or not next month.
https://the4thofficial.net/2024/12/liverpool-serious-about-signing-this-fulham-star-in-january-good-decision/
Fulham's Marco Silva on challenge by Bournemouth's Ryan Christie
FULHAM manager Marco Silva was left fuming after his side's draw with the Cherries, saying that Ryan Christie should have been sent off.
Christie was the subject of shouts from the Craven Cottage crowd to be given his marching orders shortly before the half time whistle.
With Bournemouth trailing 1-0, the Scot brought down Andreas Pereira fairly, before the ball popped across to his Fulham teammate Antonee Robinson.
Christie lunged to win the ball with his studs up – and replays showed that he got a touch on the ball, before his studs went into the shin of the Fulham skipper.
Referee Robert Jones awarded him a yellow card and VAR decided there was not enough in the challenge to upgrade it to a red card.
Speaking after the game on the incident, Silva said: "I think there is no doubt about the red card.
"When I saw the red card for Tom Cairney against Tottenham, it was much less aggressive.
"I saw the leg of Robinson at half-time. I cannot explain to you the decision of the referee, you will have to ask him.
"I don't want to make excuses [about the challenge] but for me it was a red card."
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/24823059.fulhams-marco-silva-challenge-bournemouths-ryan-christie/
Quote from: WhiteJC on December 31, 2024, 09:25:54 AMFulham's Marco Silva on challenge by Bournemouth's Ryan Christie
FULHAM manager Marco Silva was left fuming after his side's draw with the Cherries, saying that Ryan Christie should have been sent off.
Christie was the subject of shouts from the Craven Cottage crowd to be given his marching orders shortly before the half time whistle.
With Bournemouth trailing 1-0, the Scot brought down Andreas Pereira fairly, before the ball popped across to his Fulham teammate Antonee Robinson.
Christie lunged to win the ball with his studs up – and replays showed that he got a touch on the ball, before his studs went into the shin of the Fulham skipper.
Referee Robert Jones awarded him a yellow card and VAR decided there was not enough in the challenge to upgrade it to a red card.
Speaking after the game on the incident, Silva said: "I think there is no doubt about the red card.
"When I saw the red card for Tom Cairney against Tottenham, it was much less aggressive.
"I saw the leg of Robinson at half-time. I cannot explain to you the decision of the referee, you will have to ask him.
"I don't want to make excuses [about the challenge] but for me it was a red card."
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/24823059.fulhams-marco-silva-challenge-bournemouths-ryan-christie/
Red from me too.
Quote from: Bill2 on December 31, 2024, 12:08:27 PMQuote from: WhiteJC on December 31, 2024, 09:25:54 AMFulham's Marco Silva on challenge by Bournemouth's Ryan Christie
FULHAM manager Marco Silva was left fuming after his side's draw with the Cherries, saying that Ryan Christie should have been sent off.
Christie was the subject of shouts from the Craven Cottage crowd to be given his marching orders shortly before the half time whistle.
With Bournemouth trailing 1-0, the Scot brought down Andreas Pereira fairly, before the ball popped across to his Fulham teammate Antonee Robinson.
Christie lunged to win the ball with his studs up – and replays showed that he got a touch on the ball, before his studs went into the shin of the Fulham skipper.
Referee Robert Jones awarded him a yellow card and VAR decided there was not enough in the challenge to upgrade it to a red card.
Speaking after the game on the incident, Silva said: "I think there is no doubt about the red card.
"When I saw the red card for Tom Cairney against Tottenham, it was much less aggressive.
"I saw the leg of Robinson at half-time. I cannot explain to you the decision of the referee, you will have to ask him.
"I don't want to make excuses [about the challenge] but for me it was a red card."
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/24823059.fulhams-marco-silva-challenge-bournemouths-ryan-christie/
Red from me too.
Needless to say that Bournemouth completely disagreed, so did Danny Murphy and Ashley Williams, seems to me that it needs to be a broken leg, as he got an absolute minimum touch on the ball.