How former Wolves favourite Raul Jimenez officially made Premier League history on Sunday
For many Wolves fans, Raul Jimenez is one of the greatest strikers in the club's history.
Wolves signed Jimenez from Benfica in the summer of 2018, initially on loan, as the club sought to have a good first season back in the Premier League.
It didn't take long for Jimenez to impress, and in the summer of 2019, he turned his move to Molineux permanent.
Wolves paid around £30 million for the star, but he quickly made that fee look a total bargain.
Jimenez was absolutely superb for Wolves in those first few years, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most complete strikers.
His later years at the club were more difficult, with that awful head injury he sustained against Arsenal marking the beginning of the end for him at Wolves. Chairman Jeff Shi branded Jimenez's head injury one of the most shocking moments he's seen as chairman of the club.
Jimenez left Molineux in the summer of 2023. But he's still very highly thought of by Wolves fans, who'll be delighted to see one thing he achieved on Sunday.
Raul Jimenez becomes the highest-scoring Mexican player in Premier League history
After struggling in his first season at Fulham, Jimenez has been able to find form again at Craven Cottage.
He's been in the goals this term, and on Sunday against Ipswich Town, he was at the double from the penalty spot.
He helped his side take a point, taking his tally to 55 in the Premier League.
The penalty he scored to get to 54 was significant, in that it actually meant he became the highest-scoring Mexican player in Premier League history.
He surpassed Javier Hernandez, who had 53 to his name.
The goals he scored against Ipswich probably also did Wolves a favour, with Ipswich currently a Premier League relegation rival.
Wolves fans will be delighted for Jimenez
So Jimenez is officially now the highest-scoring Mexican player ever in Premier League history – and it's an achievement that just feels right.
Wolves fans chanted Jimenez's name against Fulham recently, indicating that the striker is still very much adored at Molineux.
Raul Jimenez'S overall record for Wolves
Appearances – 166
Goals – 57
Assists – 23
Of those 55 Premier League goals, 40 came in Wolves colours, and he was simply a joy to watch during his prime years for the Old Gold.
It was an awful thing when he suffered that skull fracture, because at the time he was genuinely one of the most feared strikers around, and who knows how many more goals he might have scored had that never happened.
But this is an amazing achievement for Jimenez, and one that could genuinely stand for some time.
https://www.molineux.news/news/how-former-wolves-favourite-raul-jimenez-officially-made-premier-league-history-on-sunday/
Positives and negatives: Fulham 2-2 Ipswich
Jack Stroudley looks back at another two points dropped at Craven Cottage.
There are three guarantees in life; death, taxes and Fulham dropping points at home. Fulham have drawn 2-2 at home for the second game running, this time against bottom three-sitting Ipswich Town. No disrespect to Ipswich who came and successfully pulled off their game plan but Fulham will be looking at this as two points dropped rather than one gained. Nevertheless, here are the talking points from another wet day in West London.
Positives
Si señor
There genuinely wasn't going to be a single positive from me until Raul Jimenez converted his second penalty of the game in added time to rescue a point for Fulham. I've been the first to criticise our forwards and demand Fulham sign a new one, and while I think in the long-term that's what is required, I'm okay with our options for now. Jimenez is now on eight goals going into the New Year with Rodrigo Muniz on three. If you had one striker with 11 at this stage you'd be over the moon so this weird chopping and changing seems to be working to an extent. Plus it's nice to see a striker who can put the ball in the net from the spot *cough* Mitrovic *cough*
Negatives
Not so fab five (or four)
Jimenez's penalty conversions are where the positives start and end for me because quite frankly I thought the performance on Sunday was abysmal. We looked to continue in the same vein of the Bournemouth game (minus the late goal) with the back five due to Berge's absence in the first half but never really got going. For all 72% of our possession we were incredibly wasteful with aimless balls into the box (bar our one clear chance which was saved by Walton in net) and were punished thanks to Sammie Szmodics (and a big mistake from Calvin Bassey).
Marco Silva then tried to change it up bringing Emile Smith Rowe on and we seemed to be even less frightening in the attacking third, Silva then appeared to just throw every attacking player on and hope as the game progressed. If it wasn't for two penalty kicks, this would've been a disaster of a day for Fulham and I think that Silva needs to take some rare criticism here.
Lonely at the bottom
For all the good we have done this season against those sides at the top, our inability to get results against those towards the foot of the table is killing us. Seven points from a possible 18 against those currently sitting in the bottom five simply isn't good enough, for comparison we've picked up eleven points from a possible fifteen against those in the top five. Why are we so poor in the games we should be doing better in? Is it the low block that teams come and sit in? (bar Wolves) Are we just not good enough at creating chances? A lot of questions and not a lot of answers, Fulham need to fix it and they need to fix it quickly.
Mind the gap
Look, we've not exactly been left out to dry by those above us. But Fulham fans have spoken countless times about 'how we should have more points' and with yesterdays' result Fulham stayed in ninth. It's not all bad as we sit two points behind eighth and three behind seventh – but we can't keep dropping points and walking away from the Cottage going 'well we should've won that'.
Those European football nights are those who are able to find a way on a consistent basis, break these tricky teams down and grind out wins (not draws). Points mean prizes in this league and while we still have an awful long way to go, I fear if we keep dropping points at this rate our season will be over by April.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2025-01-06-positives-and-negatives-fulham-2-2-ipswich/
Fulham now willing to pay club-record £40m fee to sign "special" playerFulham are now willing to pay a club-record £40 million fee to sign a "special" player for Marco Silva, according to a recent report.
Fulham transfer news Silva will be frustrated that his Fulham side were held to a 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon. It has been an excellent campaign for the Cottagers so far, and that result on Sunday and the frustration they will have shown will show how much they have improved and moved away from a team battling at the bottom of the table.
Fulham are in a very comfortable position in the Premier League, and this month is an opportunity for Silva and co to make improvements to the squad as they look to have a season to remember. The Cottagers may want this month to be about incomings, not outgoings, but there could be a concern over the future of midfielder Andreas Pereira. Reports have emerged that Fluminense are progressing in talks to sign the Brazilian this month, in what would be a huge blow.
Uncertainty around Pereira's future has now led the Cottagers to look at potential replacements, and Football Insider have reported that Fulham are now eyeing a move to sign Will Hughes from Crystal Palace.
This could be a cheap option for the London side, as Hughes is out of contract at the end of this campaign, but they are not alone in their pursuit, as West Ham and Brentford are also keen on the player.
Fulham willing to pay club-record £40m fee to sign "special" player Hughes is not the only midfielder on Fulham's radar, though, according to a report from Spain, Fulham are willing to pay a club-record £40 million fee to sign James McAtee from Manchester City.
The 22-year-old, who was once labelled "special" by Pep Guardiola, is a product of City's academy but has struggled to make a significant impact in the first team. McAtee has played just 17 games for the Blues, 10 of which have come this season. However, it has been frustrating for the midfielder, as he's only started three games in all competitions and has only played four games in the Premier League.
McAtee has enjoyed two successful loan spells at Sheffield United, where in one campaign he helped them reach the Premier League. He now finds himself struggling for regular minutes, and a move could be on the cards this month. This report states that Fulham have identified McAtee as a main target, as they see him as a key piece of their future.
James McAtee's Premier League recordIt adds that a move this month is seen as beneficial to both the player and City, and Fulham are willing to pay up to £40 million to sign the midfielder, which would be a club-record fee, surpassing the figure that saw Emile Smith Rowe arrive in the summer. The Blues are open to both loan and permanent offers for McAtee, who has had lots of interest from Premier League teams in recent weeks.
https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-willing-to-pay-club-record-fee-to-sign-man-city-james-mcatee/
Marco Silva's VAR Comments Spark Fresh Debate Over Inconsistencies
Marco Silva Questions VAR Decisions in Fulham's Draw with Ipswich
Fulham's dramatic 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage on Sunday raised plenty of eyebrows, with manager Marco Silva voicing his frustrations about key refereeing decisions. In a game filled with contentious moments, VAR played a prominent role, particularly in its decision to uphold a yellow card rather than issuing a red to Ipswich defender Leif Davis. Silva's post-match comments shed light on his discontent with the officiating.
Penalty Drama Dominates the Match
Fulham clawed their way to a hard-fought point thanks to two penalties converted by Raul Jimenez, the second coming in stoppage time. The result was a rollercoaster for fans, as Fulham twice fell behind to goals from Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap.
Silva didn't contest the penalties awarded during the game, agreeing with all three decisions that impacted the scoreline. However, his frustration wasn't about the penalties but about a controversial decision that he felt could have changed the game entirely.
Davis Incident Sparks Controversy
The flashpoint of the match came when Harry Wilson was brought down by Leif Davis as he was racing through on goal. Referee Darren Bond showed Davis a yellow card, a decision that stood after a VAR review. Silva argued that a red card was warranted, claiming Davis had denied Wilson a clear goalscoring opportunity.
"I'm on the same page as the Fulham fans," Silva said when asked about the incident. "They [decisions] go in the same direction, and it was a difficult afternoon for the ref and was hard to explain."
Silva pointed to recent VAR decisions in Fulham games, including a red card issued to Tom Cairney after a review during a match against Tottenham earlier this month, as evidence of inconsistency.
"I can't understand why [no red card was shown]. We saw it with the red card for Tom Cairney... and last week against Bournemouth with the Ryan Christie situation," Silva said, referencing a yellow card that wasn't upgraded following a VAR check.
VAR's Inconsistencies Frustrate Managers
VAR has been a point of contention in the Premier League all season, and Silva isn't the first manager to question its application. His comments underline broader frustrations about the lack of consistency in how decisions are made.
For Fulham, the decision to keep Davis on the pitch felt particularly significant. Reduced to 10 men, Ipswich would have struggled to maintain their defensive shape in the closing stages of the match, potentially giving Fulham the edge to secure all three points.
Silva expressed his concern diplomatically, saying, "It was something I can't control, but I don't want to get in trouble, so it's better to stop in this moment."
What Lies Ahead for Fulham
While Silva's focus was on the refereeing decisions, Fulham's performance also offered key takeaways. Jimenez's confidence from the penalty spot was a positive, while Wilson's dynamic play was pivotal in creating opportunities. However, the team's defensive lapses remain a concern, particularly against an Ipswich side that capitalized on its chances.
Fulham's season so far has been one of mixed fortunes, and they'll need to find more consistency if they're to achieve their ambitions. For Silva, ensuring his side doesn't rely on controversial calls to swing matches will be vital as the campaign progresses.
Final Thoughts
Marco Silva's frustration is understandable in the wake of a result that could have gone differently with a single refereeing decision. The debate around VAR isn't going away anytime soon, and matches like Fulham vs. Ipswich only add fuel to the fire.
For Fulham fans, the focus now shifts to the team's response in their upcoming fixtures. Can Silva rally his side and turn moments of frustration into fuel for a stronger run of form? Time will tell.
https://eplindex.com/125256/marco-silvas-var-comments-spark-fresh-debate-over-inconsistencies.html
Man of the Match result: IpswichRaúl Jiménez was voted Fulham's Man of the Match following his brace in the 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town.
It was memorable day for Raúl, who not only rescued a late point for Fulham, but also became the highest-scoring Mexican in Premier League history with his 54th and 55th goals in the competition.
Fulham's number seven now has 10 direct goal involvements in 20 Premier League games this season.
He romped home with 76.19% of the Man of the Match vote, while Harry Wilson came in second with 10.2% and Saša Lukić third with 6.01%.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/938b9ed0-cc22-11ef-b3ee-e777382856be.png)
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/january/06/man-of-the-match-result-ipswich/
US Soccer names Fulham defender Antonee Robinson USMNT Player of the Year
It's been a looooooong time since a defender took home the honor
The US Men's National Team announced the End of the Year Award for Player of the Year over the weekend. Perhaps surprising, though not a huge surprise, is that the award went to a defender for the first time since 2006 with Antonee Robinson taking home the honor.
The left back received 55% of the weighted vote and managed to win the award over Christian Pulisic who had a career year with AC Milan. Since first winning it in 2017, Pulisic is a four time Male Player of the Year awardee.
Robinson had a brilliant 2024 appearing in all four of the USMNT's shutouts last year. He also had the game winning assist against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League Semi-Final. For his club, Jedi was honored as the Fulham player of the season in 2023-2024 and has been wearing the captain's armband for his club through this campaign.
It's no surprise that he's emerged as one of the best left backs in the Premier League with seven assists to his name just more than halfway through the season. That includes a two assist showing against Liverpool in mid-December, a club who has been rumored to be interested in bringing him in during the transfer window among others. In fact, currently he has the third most assists in the league just behind Bukayo Saka and Mo Salah.
https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2025/1/6/24337228/us-soccer-names-fulham-defender-antonee-robinson-usmnt-player-of-the-year
West Ham set date for Julen Lopetegui sack as club 'in talks' with replacement ahead of Aston Villa and Fulham
West Ham face Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday night before a Premier League clash with Fulham.
West Ham are on the verge of sacking manager Julen Lopetegui after back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League left the London outfit in 14th place after 20 matches played this season.
The Hammers were not expected to get results against the league leaders and the Champions, but an aggregate score of 9-1 in those fixtures was an underperformance on already low expectations. Lopetegui has been under pressure at times in his first season in charge at the London Stadium and it is now thought that the club has had enough.
The Times reports that Lopetegui will be in charge for the FA Cup meeting with Aston Villa on Friday night but that it is 'unlikely' the manager will be in charge for the Premier League meeting with Fulham on Tuesday, January 14. Reacting to the Manchester City defeat, Lopetegui tried to take positives from his side's performance.
Julen Lopetegui reaction to Man City defeat
He said: "It's true that we did a lot of good things. In my opinion, in the first half, we overcame a lot of things, but we didn't take advantage of our good things and positive things. In football, if you don't take advantage then normally, against this kind of team, you are going to be closer to suffering a goal [being scored against you].
"But the first goal was very, very unlucky. It was not about one moment when they dominated us or they had clear chances. It was one moment when it was one rebound [off Coufal's boot into the net] and it was very unlucky for us.
"It was one key moment, above all, and it came after we had a very clear situation to score, which we didn't do. And when this happens, normally you are going to lose the match.
"There was another key moment when Crysencio Summerville regained the ball in a very clear press and the referee whistled for a foul, but it was not at foul. It was very clear and had a very good press. It was a very clear chance for us, a one-on-one with the 'keeper.
"So, when all the key moments work against you, against this kind of opponent, normally you are going to lose, but that's why it's not easy for me to explain the match."
Lopetegui took the West Ham hot seat following the departure of David Moyes from the club this summer. The Spaniard has previously been in charge of Sevilla, Real Madrid and the Spanish national side.
West Ham 'in talks' with Graham Potter
The 58-year-old was backed with budget during the summer window with over £130 million being spent by the club. Niklas Fullkrug, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Crysencio Summerville, Max Kilman and Luis Guilherme all came in for significant fees.
However, the results have not come with the spending. The Hammers have won just three league fixtures since the start of November and have conceded three goals or more on eight occasions this term.
The Guardian today reported that Lopetegui had asked West Ham technical director Tim Steidten to stay away from the training ground after a breakdown in relationship between the two. That report added that those claims have been denied by the club, who had attributed Steidten's absence to him focusing on the January transfer window.
Lopetegui is now the frontrunner to be the next Premier League manager dismissed from his position with his dismissal now more likely than that of Everton and Tottenham Hotspur bosses Sean Duche and Ange Postecoglou. talkSPORT claim that ex Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter is already 'in talks' with West Ham to replace Lopetegui.
Speaking to The Telegraph in September, Potter had teased that he was ready for a return to the dugout. He said: "I've felt ready to return for a little while. It still has to be the right thing, but I'm excited for it. I'm excited to hear what the opportunities are and I'll take each one and judge it on its merits."
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/west-ham/west-ham-set-date-for-julen-lopetegui-sacking-4932291
Fulham's Harry Wilson discovers FA response to furious referee rant
Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson was irate at the officials during their 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town on Sunday after referee Darren Bond initially turned down a penalty claim that was overturned by VAR
Harry Wilson will escape punishment despite his shocking referee rant.
Fulham winger Wilson was furious and let rip at referee Darren Bond after initially seeing his claims for a penalty turned down. It has been reported that Wilson even said: "you're a cheat" towards Bond in the shocking melee during Fulham's 2-2 draw with Ipswich.
Wilson even had to be restrained by team-mates including Timothy Castagne before VAR intervened and gave a penalty for a foul by Ipswich captain Sam Morsy. It has caused a massive backlash because of Wilson's over-the-top reaction towards Bond who did not even caution the Wales international at the time.
Bond was called over to the VAR monitor and then revised his decision after seeing that Morsy did catch Wilson. However, that is still no excuse for the Fulham player's reaction - and there is a feeling that he has got off lightly.
But the Football Association have said they will not intervene even though in the past they have charged clubs in incidents of "failing to control their players." Managers and club officials have also been sanctioned but the FA are not taking action and have suggested it is for the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
But they do not have any power even though it directly contravenes the guidelines of the Love Football Protect The Game drive. That was introduced game-wide in the summer of 2023 but there was a huge crackdown on dissent last summer when PGMOL chief Howard Webb spelt out there would be a tougher line taken against dissent and also delaying the restart.
Referees and officials were empowered to take stronger action which was supported by the Premier League, EFL and also the Professional Footballers' Association. In the 22/23 season, there were 31 yellow cards for dissent after 188 games and 104 in 23/24.
But after 188 games this season, it has fallen overall to 73 bookings for dissent and perhaps shows that Wilson was very lucky to escape sanction. The big rise in the first season was expected as referees cracked down on dissent but the encouragement has come that it has now significantly dropped.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/harry-wilson-fulham-fa-decision-34429203
Fulham ready to pay £40 million to sign James McAtee
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing 22-year-old Manchester City attacker James McAtee in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Fulham are eager to sign disgruntled Manchester City attacking prospect James McAtee. The Cottagers are prepared to fork out £40 million to get the deal done in the winter transfer window.
McAtee is highly rated across the country, and he needs to play regularly at this stage of his career. Leaving Manchester City could prove to be a wise decision for him. Fulham will be able to provide him with more game time, and that could bring out the best in the 22-year-old.
The English attacking midfielder has a contract with Manchester City until 2026, and the Premier League champions are under no pressure to sell him. It will be interesting to see if Fulham can convince them to sanction his departure.
Meanwhile, the 22-year-old is capable of operating as a right-sided winger as well as a central attacking midfielder. He will add goals and creativity to the Fulham midfield. The Englishman has had a total of 36 minutes of first-team football in the Premier League this season, and he needs more opportunities.
It will be interesting to see if he can secure a move away from Manchester City in the coming weeks. Fulham have a talented squad and an exciting project. They could be an attractive destination for the highly-rated attacking prospect.
Fulham need quality additions
The West Londoners are currently ninth in the Premier League table, and they will look to finish in the top half. They need the right additions in January, and signing a creative midfielder would be a wise decision. He will add more technical ability in the final third and help carve out opportunities for their forwards.
Meanwhile, the Englishman is reportedly disgruntled with his situation at Manchester City, and convincing him to join should not be difficult. Fulham must focus on securing an agreement with his club now. £40 million is a substantial amount of money, but the 22-year-old has the ability to justify the investment in the coming seasons. He could be a future asset for the Cottagers.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/01/06/fulham-ready-to-pay-40-million-to-sign-james-mcatee/
Crystal Palace U21 0-1 Fulham U21
Fulham Under-21s returned from the mid-season break with a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace in PL2.
Tom Olyott's second-half goal earned Fulham a valuable three points as Hayden Mullins' side made it eight wins in a row.
Samuel Amissah sent Callum Osmand chasing a long ball just five minutes in, and while the in-form striker connected well with a shot, it was comfortably saved by Louie Moulden.
Alex Borto demonstrated his bravery when coming out to claim a high ball which PL2's top scorer Jemiah Umolu was hunting down.
Osmand then received the ball with his back to goal in a crowded penalty area and found a yard of space to take a left-footed shot towards the net. The shot ended up at the feet of Eddy Nsasi, who attempted to backheel an effort at Moulden, but it was blocked well.
The post denied our Young Whites 10 minutes before the break. Terrell Works shifted the ball onto his right and foot and looked to bend a shot into the far corner, only to see it bounce back off the woodwork.
Palace almost took the lead immediately after the restart as a cross fell all the way through to right-back Caleb Kporha, who flashed a shot wide.
A darting run from Osmand in-behind the hosts' backline presented the striker with a chance to break the deadlock, but he drove an effort straight into the arms of Moulden from a tight angle.
It was Palace's turn to hit the woodwork shortly before the hour mark as Jadan Raymond struck the near post after meeting Kporha's dangerous flash across the box.
Kporha was proving to be their dangerman as he cut inside from the right and saw a shot fly narrowly wide of Borto's post.
The deadlock was broken in the 70th minute as Olyott rolled the ball into the bottom corner at the second time of asking after his initial effort had been blocked.
Our youngsters saw out the game professionally and will return to action on Friday evening with a trip to AFC Totton to face Southampton, 7pm kick-off.
Crystal Palace U21: Moulden, Grehan, Riad (Rodney 63'), Browne, Kporha, Devenny, Wells-Morrison, Raymond (Cardines 64'), Mustapha (Gibbard 83'), Agbinone, Umolu
Subs: Cardines, Rodney, Grante, Eastwood, Gibbard
Fulham U21: Borto, Gofford, Nsasi, Amissah, Esenga, Donnell, Nwoko (Olyott 63'), Loupalo-Bi, Sekularac, Works (Park 89'), Osmand (Brad de Jesus 76')
Subs: Underwood, Brad de Jesus, Park, Olyott, Wingate
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/january/06/crystal-palace-u21-0-1-fulham-u21/
Olyott edges Fulham U21s past Palace
A second half strike from substitute Tom Olyott was enough to edge Fulham under 21's past Crystal Palace and secure an eighth successive victory for Hayden Mullins' men in the PL2 clash at Gander Green Lane this evening.
The winger settled an evenly-matched contest in the 70th minute with an fine curling finish from the edge of the area after his first strike at goal had been blocked. The derby victory puts the young Whites level on points with Manchester City at the top of the PL2 table following the winter break.
In an even opening to a keenly-contested match, both sides carried an early threat. Callum Osmand got on the end of a long ball from Samuel Amissah but his shot was well held by the birthday boy Louie Moulden in the Eagles goal. Palace came close when the league's top scorer Jemiah Umolu unleashed an ambitious shot across the goalmouth that was deflected behind for a corner. Osmand was soon involved once more, his presence attracting attention in the Palace box, before the Welsh forward's shot broke kindly for centre back Eddy Nsasi – but his attempted backheel was blocked by Caleb Kporha.
At the other end, Fulham goalkeeper Alex Borto was equal to a twenty-yarder from Asher Agbinone before Terrell Works bent a brilliant right-footed effort towards the far corner with ten minutes to play before the break only for his strike to bounce back off the upright. It was goalless at the interval, but certainly not for the want of trying.
Palace almost went ahead straight after the resumption when right wing-back Kporha latched onto a cross from the left and tried a shot on goal that flew fractionally wide. Osmand had another opportunity on the break but sent a tame shot straight at Moulden, before the young Eagles stepped up the pressure. Sean Grehan found space at a corner but saw his snapshot blocked and Jadan Raymond rattled the near post when he attempted to turn home an inviting cross from Kporha.
The right wing-back looked like Palace's best source of an opener and produced a brilliant individual run that took him beyond three white shirts but his shot was narrowly off target. It took the introduction of Olyott, who replaced Chibby Nwoko just after the hour mark, to break the deadlock. The Irish under-19 international found the bottom corner with a fabulous finish that proved to be the game's decisive moment.
Palace pushed for an equaliser in the closing twenty minutes but Fulham's resolute defence stood firm to keep an impressive clean sheet and secure a precious three points. The under 21s are back in action on Friday night when they travel to the Snows Stadium, home of AFC Totton, to take on Southampton – with kick off at 7pm.
CRYSTAL PALACE UNDER 21s (3-4-2-1): Moulden; Grehan, Brown, Riad (Rodney 63); Kporha, Raymond (Cardines 64), Wells-Morrison, Devenny; Agbinone, Mustapha (Gibbard 83); Umulu. Subs (not used): Grante, Eastwood.
BOOKED: Agbinone, Wells-Morrison, Devenny.
FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): Borto; Gofford, Esenga, Nsasi, Amissah; Nwoko (Olyott 63), Donnell; Loupalo-Bi, Works (Park 89), Sekularac; Osmand (de Jesus 76). Subs (not used): Underwood, Wingate.
BOOKED: Esenga.
GOAL: Olyott (69).
REFEREE: Aaron Farmer.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/olyott-edges-fulham-u21s-past-palace/
The list of pros and cons makes Blackpool's decision on ex-Fulham and Preston North End man a complex one - Opinion
Opinion: Blackpool face a tricky decision when it comes to deciding the fate of Josh Onomah.
The short-term deal signed by the midfielder back in October is coming to an end, with his future at Bloomfield Road set to be decided this week.
In his time at the club so far, Onomah hasn't hit the ground running, scoring one goal and providing one assist in nine outings.
Throughout the last few weeks, the 27-year-old has been unable to help his own cause, with injury keeping him on the sidelines over the festive period.
In terms of his quality alone, you'd probably say Blackpool should give the ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham man until the summer to prove himself.
His winning goal against Shrewsbury Town last month wouldn't have been scored by anyone else on the pitch.
On a night where little quality was on display at the Croud Meadow, the former England youth international stepped up with a superb strike.
If you were to judge Onomah on the things he could potentially do, then it'd be a no-brainer; unfortunately there's plenty more at play.
He joined the Seasiders after over 12 months without a team after failing to agree extended terms with Preston North End.
Despite having a couple of trial spells, the midfielder was deprived of any match action, which has been evident on the pitch since signing his short-term deal.
Even after spending an extended period at Squires Gate before officially becoming a member of Steve Bruce's squad, he was still lacking competitive game time, and has mostly looked off the pace in Tangerine.
Just as he was looking as if he'd found his feet, he was struck by his recent injury. This raises the concern of whether this will just keep happening again and again.
Something that could go in his favour is the fact he has played under Bruce in the past at Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.
The Blackpool boss will know what Onomah can produce at his best, and will be in a good position to judge whether he can get close to that.
In recent times, Bruce hasn't been afraid to point out where the 27-year-old is up to fitness-wise and what he expects from him.
If he does stay, it'll be interesting to see where he fits in, as he doesn't naturally fit into the club's current formation.
He wouldn't get in as a number eight ahead of some of the other midfielders, and there's not really a more attacking role unless he plays out wide.
Based on what we've seen from Onomah, Blackpool wouldn't lose anything in letting him go. There could be an argument that he deserves more time, but there's nothing to say that another five months wouldn't just produce the same results.
Perhaps the best way to approach it is to let him go for now, and then reassess where he's up to at the end of the window, and whether the Seasiders have been able to do any additional work in the market themselves.
https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/the-list-of-pros-and-cons-makes-blackpools-decision-on-ex-fulham-and-preston-north-end-man-a-complex-one-4932065
Quote from: WhiteJC on January 07, 2025, 09:08:14 AMMarco Silva's VAR Comments Spark Fresh Debate Over Inconsistencies
Marco Silva Questions VAR Decisions in Fulham's Draw with Ipswich
Fulham's dramatic 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage on Sunday raised plenty of eyebrows, with manager Marco Silva voicing his frustrations about key refereeing decisions. In a game filled with contentious moments, VAR played a prominent role, particularly in its decision to uphold a yellow card rather than issuing a red to Ipswich defender Leif Davis. Silva's post-match comments shed light on his discontent with the officiating.
Penalty Drama Dominates the Match
Fulham clawed their way to a hard-fought point thanks to two penalties converted by Raul Jimenez, the second coming in stoppage time. The result was a rollercoaster for fans, as Fulham twice fell behind to goals from Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap.
Silva didn't contest the penalties awarded during the game, agreeing with all three decisions that impacted the scoreline. However, his frustration wasn't about the penalties but about a controversial decision that he felt could have changed the game entirely.
Davis Incident Sparks Controversy
The flashpoint of the match came when Harry Wilson was brought down by Leif Davis as he was racing through on goal. Referee Darren Bond showed Davis a yellow card, a decision that stood after a VAR review. Silva argued that a red card was warranted, claiming Davis had denied Wilson a clear goalscoring opportunity.
"I'm on the same page as the Fulham fans," Silva said when asked about the incident. "They [decisions] go in the same direction, and it was a difficult afternoon for the ref and was hard to explain."
Silva pointed to recent VAR decisions in Fulham games, including a red card issued to Tom Cairney after a review during a match against Tottenham earlier this month, as evidence of inconsistency.
"I can't understand why [no red card was shown]. We saw it with the red card for Tom Cairney... and last week against Bournemouth with the Ryan Christie situation," Silva said, referencing a yellow card that wasn't upgraded following a VAR check.
VAR's Inconsistencies Frustrate Managers
VAR has been a point of contention in the Premier League all season, and Silva isn't the first manager to question its application. His comments underline broader frustrations about the lack of consistency in how decisions are made.
For Fulham, the decision to keep Davis on the pitch felt particularly significant. Reduced to 10 men, Ipswich would have struggled to maintain their defensive shape in the closing stages of the match, potentially giving Fulham the edge to secure all three points.
Silva expressed his concern diplomatically, saying, "It was something I can't control, but I don't want to get in trouble, so it's better to stop in this moment."
What Lies Ahead for Fulham
While Silva's focus was on the refereeing decisions, Fulham's performance also offered key takeaways. Jimenez's confidence from the penalty spot was a positive, while Wilson's dynamic play was pivotal in creating opportunities. However, the team's defensive lapses remain a concern, particularly against an Ipswich side that capitalized on its chances.
Fulham's season so far has been one of mixed fortunes, and they'll need to find more consistency if they're to achieve their ambitions. For Silva, ensuring his side doesn't rely on controversial calls to swing matches will be vital as the campaign progresses.
Final Thoughts
Marco Silva's frustration is understandable in the wake of a result that could have gone differently with a single refereeing decision. The debate around VAR isn't going away anytime soon, and matches like Fulham vs. Ipswich only add fuel to the fire.
For Fulham fans, the focus now shifts to the team's response in their upcoming fixtures. Can Silva rally his side and turn moments of frustration into fuel for a stronger run of form? Time will tell.
https://eplindex.com/125256/marco-silvas-var-comments-spark-fresh-debate-over-inconsistencies.html
We should not be reliant on our bottom-three opponents losing a player in order to beat them.