Jack and Loz at the Cottage - Blog 323
Date: 2nd December 2025
Opposition: Manchester City
Score: 4-5
Fulham goal scorers: Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze X2
Weather: wet
Atmosphere: special
MOTM: Samuel Chukwueze only featured for half the match and it was one of the most brilliant halves Fulham have played for a long time with almost every player giving their absolute best, but Samu is something else - he slinks past defenders, he tricks his way into the box, he skips through the press and he has an incredible finishing ability. He let City have both barrels with his two shots blasted from the edge of the box.
Moment of the Match: who flicked the switch at 1-5? Was it the players or was it the fans? It wasn't a conscious decision, just a collective effervescence that swept through the ground, electrifying both the team and the crowd. Suddenly, everything was different.
Pre-match Prosecco: Craft Beer Co
"Dinner": Greggs
Post match Pinot Wuezeo: The Riverside
There were Moments during the first 56 minutes of Tuesday's match when we were thinking this blog wouldn't be written. We always strive to be constructive in our criticism and we would have struggled to do that. Even when you know what came later, you look back at that Lukić free kick and the punch from Leno which was the assist for the third goal and you have to acknowledge that for a lot of the match, we didn't play well.
It all went wrong so quickly that it's hard to know where the fault lies. Certainly, the Berge/Lukić Double Pivot looked more like a Double Bluff with Saša being so off his game that he was playing a different sport - one where you give the ball to the opposition as often as you can.
The defence treated City with too much respect - sitting back and watching them play their game and what with that and Leno having a rare off day, City simply carved us open. Effortlessly. And repeatedly. How many times did a half-promising Fulham attack fail on the edge of the box and, in a matter of seconds, get turned over into a City goal? Actually, that doesn't need to be a rhetorical question. It was 5 times.
In the midst of this slough of despond there was one bright spark; one hint of what was to come. As the first half drew to a close, Harry Wilson found himself in space and knew how to use it. His cross into the box was perfectly weighted to land on Emile Smith Rowe's clipped blond locks and Emile drove the ball into the back of the net without hesitation or mercy. If there was a Man of the First Half it would certainly be Emile who earned his start after his recent confident and effective outings from the bench. Fit, fast and fervent, this is the ESR we've been waiting for.
Fans got their wish after half time with the replacement of the hapless Lukić with Chukwueze. Iwobi moved to the middle and we were all hoping for an early goal and a Fulham revival. Instead, City got two early goals. And we didn't just get a revival, we got a revolution.
In the stands, a few people left, but most people didn't. The fear that had gripped us was gone, replaced not with resignation but with anticipation. We began to sing and we didn't stop. And on the pitch, the players ripped caution to shreds and threw it into the path of Hurricane Fulham.
It's hard to tell, even after watching all of them approximately 500 times, which of our goals was the best. Iwobi's was a product of his composure and belief and much as his honed technique. Samu's first, after a long period of pressure was the inspirational one, especially after the endless VAR check - could we? Might we? Dare we? His second felt almost inevitable - at that Moment, we were so much better than City that the scoreline didn't look real.
It didn't matter what had gone before - Fulham were incredible for most of the second half. Sess was inexhaustible and everywhere, Berge hugely improved, Raúl combative and persistent. Once Kevin danced and Josh raced into the fray, City barely touched the ball. With Samu skipping down the right, Kevin sambaing on the left and Josh tearing around like a whirlwind all City could do was cling on. There was skilful build-up play, desperately blocked shots, quickly-taken corners and frenetic goalmouth action.
And then something even more amazing happened: Jonah Kusi Asare came on. And he was really good.
We last saw Jonah at Wycombe and noted that whilst he seemed to have the right ideas, he couldn't put them into practice. He just wasn't ready for top flight football. But that's all changed. More weeks of working with Marco and we have another Premier League striker on our hands.
It was one way traffic after the fourth goal, or it would have been if the City players hadn't started dropping to the floor and wasting time like their lives depended on it - embarrassing stuff. But Fulham fought on. For fans in the stands, clinging to the edges of their seats, singing, shouting, screaming, it was agonising and inspirational in equal measure. Jonah almost won a penalty, Kevin shimmied to the byline and almost set up a goal, and - poignant and painful - Josh almost scored the equaliser in the dying Moments of the game.
This was a match that you lived rather than watched, that you felt rather than saw. It's one that will live long in the memory for both the wrong and the right reasons.
There's no getting away from the fact that we conceded 5 goals in abject fashion.
But Fulham fans came away from the Cottage on a high. Tuesday night was a revelation. The team's soul was there for all to see. Not only did they attack with artistry and without quarter, with goals created from everywhere across a shape shifting front line, but they fought to the end for our shirt, our Club. And we fought beside them.
Tuesday night was what football is all about. What Fulham is all about.
Random musings:-
- It was lovely to see Stan Horne receive his Forever Fulham award at half time
- It's great that the Club have got involved in the White Ribbon campaign
- Not all black kits are equal
- Pep was blatantly trying to recruit Samu after the match. Too late - he's already found his English home.
- The ref let the City players get away with weapons grade time wasting
- The impromptu lap of appreciation was even more heartfelt than when we win. While the players will be disappointed we hope they're not despondent; we are so proud of them.
Collective effervescence is defined as the intense feeling of emotional and social energy that occurs when a group of people come together and share the same thought or action. At Fulham, under the lights, it happens quite a lot. No will ever forget singing Stand Up if You Still Believe, or Juve's Cannavaro blaming his red card on the atmosphere Fulham fans created.
Of course, Tuesday wasn't one of those great Craven Cottage nights but when Marco spoke after the game of the connection between fans and players, when Alex and Samu were quick to praise the Fulham Faithful, you know the relationship is real.
This was a hugely entertaining match. But it was more than that - a declaration of the team's commitment as well as their abilities; and hopefully a source of confidence, a platform for the rest of the season.
Now we know what our team can do, we can't wait to see what happens next.
https://werdsmith.com/p/WAt8p2zkhhMz44
Five learnings from Man City to take into the Crystal Palace game
As the dust settles on a wild Tuesday night at the Cottage, there are issues to address.
I think Owen Macdonald said it best on Tuesday night: the City loss "doesn't quite feel like a defeat". It was an entertaining game that, after a difficult start, saw us play some fantastic attacking football in the second half.
But a defeat it most certainly was. A silver lining with losses, however, is the learnings you can take from them - and there were plenty of lessons dished out on Tuesday. Here are the ones I think we need to use to help us beat Palace on Sunday.
1. The Berge/Lukic pivot is dead
All the discourse I see online has us all largely in agreement: this just is not working. The success of our starting XI lives and dies on the central midfield mix - and it has done for years. This combination is rigid, it's stilted, and it's bringing both men down.
Sander Berge is twice the player when he's got Alex Iwobi alongside him, and I'd hazard a guess Sasa Lukic would be the same as and when he's given the opportunity. But Sasa had a tough night at the office on Tuesday and you would expect him to be on the bench for this one.
There was talk of using Berge and Lukic in games where we don't expect to see much of the ball, but I think even that is a dud now. We just have no dynamism, ambition, or creativity when we deploy them both - and without those attributes, we're dead in the water.
2. Alex Iwobi is a number eight - end of discussion
We all want to see it - and Alex wants to do it. So Marco must stop beating around the bush and commit to it.
Iwobi spoke about his move into the middle in Tuesday's matchday programme. He was clear that it's his preferred and most natural position - and it shows. Yes, we'll need to find a fix when he heads to AFCON, but let's make the most of him in the next two games. Alex gives us that drive forwards that we dearly lack with the aforementioned 'axis of boredom', and it frees up space on the wing for our brightest light currently - Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze.
3. Samuel Chukwueze is a nailed-on starter
We let out a collective groan in the pub when we saw Samu was on the bench on Tuesday. What a way to reward a player who turned in a man-of-the-match-winning performance against Spurs three days earlier.
Before City, Chukwueze had three assists in five substitute appearances, helping us to bag nine points along the way. It's not rocket science: we are a better side with him in it. His clinical finishing against Pep's men is exactly what we've been missing this season. I'm beyond excited to see what damage he can do before and after AFCON.
4. Kevin deserves longer to impact the game
Finishing the game with Chuk and Kevin on the wings was like having an uzi in each hand - it felt devastating.
I love Harry Wilson and he's having a fine season. It is hard to make an argument to drop him, so I'm not going to. But Kevin needs more than 10 minutes to make an impact. And he deserves it too. I'd love to see him come on earlier on Sunday and scorch the touchline.
5. Jonah Kusi-Asare is ready - use him!
If Marco wants to perpetuate the myth that young Jonah is a deer in the headlights who's miles away from being Premier League ready, then he made a fatal error on Tuesday. JKA looked calm and assured, with some nice touches in and around the box in what was actually a high-pressure situation as we chased an unlikely point.
His height is a real asset and something we don't have up top at all - we should be utilising all these differentiators when and where we can. It was a solid cameo for Jonah and hopefully one that sparks a change in fortune for him this season - I genuinely think we'll all benefit.
This run of fixtures into the new year offers huge opportunities to get points on the board, and how we set up from the start will determine how much we take advantage of that.
The City game showed us at our worst and at our best this season, all wrapped up in 100 minutes of football. If Marco chooses to ignore the learnngs offered from this, then I'll have to whack the dunce's hat on him. But I'm sure he's smarter than that. You Whites.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/five-learnings-from-man-city-to-take
Crystal Palace and Fulham providing 'fierce competition' – €8-€12m can seal deal
Watford's Rocco Vata has grown in stature this season. The talent is now attracting attention from Fulham and Crystal Palace.
TuttoAtalanta take a look at the 20-year-old, who has scored two goals and has two assists in the current campaign.
The outlet report Atalanta have been scouting the Irishman but Crystal Palace and Fulham are providing 'fierce competition' in the race.
The two clubs have shown an inclination towards signing players from the Championship and Vata could be next. Eintracht Frankfurt are also interested and this could prove to be a threat for the Premier League sides.
Atalanta have been keeping an eye on the youngster for the last two years too. Torino and Frosinone have also tried to sign Vata in the past.
Fulham and Crystal Palace would have to pay between €8m and €12m for the attacker, whose valuation has increased over the past two years.
The report mentions that Vata is of interest to 'half of Europe', having joined Watford from Celtic in 2024.
The talent had scored three Championship goals in his first season at Vicarage Road. He is currently nursing a hamstring injury but it will not be a surprise if he keeps growing this season.
https://sportwitness.co.uk/crystal-palace-and-fulham-providing-fierce-competition-e8-e12m-can-seal-deal/
Fulham will have to pay AC Milan N47.2b to sign Chukwueze on a full deal
Super Eagles dazzler Samuel Chukwueze is enjoying a new lease of life at Premier League side Fulham, having rediscovered his confidence after a difficult period for form and minutes at Italian giants AC Milan.
The 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup winner has recorded five goal contributions — two goals and three assists — in his last six Premier League appearances, a clear indication that he is operating close to his brilliant best once again.
Chukwueze arrived at Craven Cottage on deadline day, with Fulham securing an option to make the deal permanent.
According to Calciomercato, that option has been set at €28 million, approximately ₦47.2 billion.
Should the Cottagers opt to trigger the clause, the former Villarreal prodigy would become the fifth-costliest signing in the club's history, behind Kevin, Emile Smith Rowe, Jean Michaël Seri and Joachim Andersen.
While Fulham have yet to make a final decision on a full deal, the Nigeria international has drawn widespread praise for his recent displays.
He was voted Royal Caribbean Legend of the Match after providing the game-winning assist against Sunderland, and later claimed Premier League Player of the Match honours following another assist in the victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Chukwueze will enter the final two years of his AC Milan contract at the end of the current campaign.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
https://allnigeriasoccer.com/fulham-will-have-to-pay-ac-milan-n472b-to-sign-chukwueze-on-a-full-deal
Samuel Chukwueze seems to be happy with how his time at Fulham is going, especially after netting twice against Manchester City.
After providing two assists in the previous two Premier League games against Sunderland and Tottenham, Chukwueze went up another level on Tuesday night as he scored two lovely goals past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
There has already been talk about the future of the Nigerian off the back of it, with Calciomercato.com confirming that Fulham have an option to buy him for around €28m, but that the winger has not ruled out the idea of returning to Milan to fight for a spot in the squad.
'Finding myself'
Chukwueze reflected on a dramatic evening at Craven Cottage as his side were eventually beaten 5-4 by Manchester City in a thrilling game. He spoke to Fulham's official website after his first two goals in English football.
"It was a crazy game today. We conceded goals we shouldn't have conceded but I liked the spirit of the team for the comeback. The chances we created in the second half were almost there," he said.
"It was a difficult one to take because we wanted three wins in a row and it didn't happen, but we'll keep our heads up. We fought until the last minute and on Sunday (against Crystal Palace) we're going to give everything for the fans.
"For me, I always believe. If we don't believe, we won't score. Everybody believed that we could come back – the team, the coach and the fans. The fans were amazing – supportive from 5-1 to 5-4. We gave everything and I think we need to lift our heads up and say we fought well. We have to move on.
"For me, it's a good feeling to score two goals but not a good feeling to lose. If I had scored my two goals and we won, it would have meant a lot to me – but for now, it doesn't mean a lot.
"I think I'm finding myself. The coach believes in me. That's the most important thing – a coach that believes in you, pushes you and the fans. My teammates push me a lot, so I have to give them credit and the coach credit as well."
https://sempremilan.com/chukwueze-importance-faith-fulham-silva
Three Fulham players up for PL2 Player of the Month
Three Fulham players have been nominated for PL2 Player of the Month.
Farhaan Ali Wahid, Jon Esenga and Ollie Gofford are all up for November's award.
Hayden Mullins' side only played two PL2 matches during November, but our trio all chipped in with multiple goal contributions.
Back-to-back Goal of the Month winner Ali Wahid scored a stunner in the 5-1 win at Reading – as well as registering an assist – and he followed that up with the opener against Tottenham a week later.
A late flurry of goals made sure of that impressive win at Reading, and it was Esenga who created three of them in an 11-minute spell. The defender racked up three assists after his crosses were converted by Eddy Nsasi, Gofford and Aaron Loupalo-Bi.
Gofford scored twice in that triumph at Bearwood Park. His first – assisted by Ali Wahid – was a controlled side-footed volley beyond Harrison Rhone, before he finished a teasing Esenga delivery late on.
With our Young Whites the only unbeaten side in PL2, all three players have played influential roles in our successful start to the season.
Our lads are up against Favour Fawunmi (Stoke City), Sonny Finch (Middlesbrough), Kalum Thompson (Nottingham Forest), George Pickford (Everton) and Emeke Adiele (West Ham).
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/04/three-fulham-players-up-for-pl2-player-of-the-month/
Team News: Injury update as Palace prepare for Fulham
Manager Oliver Glasner has provided a fitness update ahead of the Eagles next Premier League test, away at Fulham on Sunday (16:30 GMT).
As confirmed before the win over Burnley, Ismaïla Sarr will still be absent following the ankle injury he sustained in the Manchester United game last Sunday.
But full-back Borna Sosa has a good chance of returning to the frame for selection. The summer signing has not featured in the previous three matchday squads, but could be involved at Craven Cottage.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Glasner delivered a positive update: "In my experience, you can never plan too far ahead. Fortunately it looks like we have no injury concerns from the Burnley game.
"Of course, the issues you always have after a Premier League game, there are a few knocks and a few players with some pain. But now it's a little bit easier, we have three days in between, so one more day to rest and also to prepare, so everybody should be fine.
"I think Borna Sosa looks like he could return for the matchday squad. That gives us one more option."
Match Details
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Sunday, 7th December
16:30 GMT
Premier League
Craven Cottage
https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/first-team/team-news-injury-update-as-palace-prepare-for-fulham/
Vote Marco for Manager of the Month!
Marco Silva has been nominated for the Premier League's Barclays Manager of the Month award.
No side won more than Fulham's three matches in November, with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur all put to the sword.
Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, Pep Guardiola, Fabian Hurzeler and Enzo Maresca are also in consideration.
Voting is open from now until 11am on Monday, and you can show your support for Marco at the below link.
Vote for Marco (https://www.premierleague.com/en/awards/manager-of-the-month/2025-26/november)
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/04/vote-marco-for-manager-of-the-month/
Samuel Chukwueze wants permanent move to Fulham
Samuel Chukwueze is reportedly ready to complete a permanent move to Fulham, with AC Milan also open to sanctioning a deal for the 26-year-old Nigerian winger.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Fulham will aim to complete a permanent move for Samuel Chukwueze after the 2025/26 season ends. The West London club signed the 26-year-old on a season-long loan deal in the summer transfer window, with the deal giving them an option to complete a long-term deal next year.
The African winger is "keen on extending his stay at Craven Cottage" after rediscovering his best form under Marco Silva since arriving from AC Milan several weeks ago. Meanwhile, the Serie A giants are open to "making Chukwueze's loan deal with Fulham a permanent move" next summer.
How has Samuel Chukwueze fared at Fulham?
Samuel Chukwueze has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining AC Milan from Villarreal in July 2023. The 26-year-old struggled to remain consistent throughout his spell at the Serie A club, and it was hardly surprising when the Rossoneri sanctioned a loan departure in the summer transfer window.
The Nigerian international was slow off the blocks for Fulham, but he has made considerable progress in the last few weeks. Chukwueze recently scored a brace as Fulham came close to stealing a point against Manchester City this week. The player has two goals and three assists in seven Premier League outings thus far.
What next?
While Chukwueze has not been an undisputed first-choice starter for Fulham, he has contributed to a goal every 45.8 minutes in the Premier League, illustrating his utility to the team. With Marco Silva bringing the best out of the AC Milan misfit, a permanent move may be on the cards.
The latest report has revealed Chukwueze's stance on a permanent move, as the Umuahia native is keen on extending his stay at Craven Cottage beyond the 2025/26 season. The former Villarreal winger believes he is "personally thriving under Silva's guidance and hopes his loan move will eventually turn into a longer-term deal" next year.
Meanwhile, AC Milan will not stand in Fulham's way if the Cottagers are ready to push for a deal beyond the 2025/26 season. With the West London club having the option to seal a permanent move, it will be interesting to see if the 26-year-old Nigerian winger remains at Craven Cottage for the long haul.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/12/04/samuel-chukwueze-wants-permanent-move-to-fulham/
Vote Harry for Premier League Goal of the Month!
Harry Wilson's sumptuous strike against Tottenham Hotspur has been nominated for the Premier League's Guinness Goal of the Month award.
The chance may have come about as a result of a mistake by Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, but Wilson still had so much to do when the ball was laid off to him by Josh King.
Both angle and distance were against him – the 36.6m he netted from is the second longest range goal of the season so far – but Wilson expertly dispatched his first time strike, one that looked in from the moment it left his boot.
Tyler Adams actually beat Wilson's distance by 6.7m for Bournemouth earlier in the day and is also on the shortlist, alongside Amad Diallo, Iliman Ndiaye, Jeremy Doku, Yeremy Pino, Richarlison and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Vote for Harry at the following link until 12pm Monday, and enjoy his goal from all angles below!
VOTE FOR HARRY (https://www.premierleague.com/en/awards/goal-of-the-month/2025-26/november)
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/04/vote-harry-for-premier-league-goal-of-the-month/
Report: Fulham told to pay £28m to sign Serie A forward
Chukwueze's Premier League Surge and Fulham's Calculated Gamble
Fulham's season has needed fresh electricity in wide areas and Samuel Chukwueze has stepped into that role with remarkable timing. According to Calcio Mercato, the winger arrived at Craven Cottage after what had been a complicated introduction to London life, with "a few too many benches before the spark that is changing history." That spark has now become a wildfire.
The turning point was the dynamic victory at Tottenham, followed by a stunning brace against Manchester City. Calcio Mercato describes him as "the man of the moment, the most in-form player in the Premier League," and that booming form has reignited memories of his vibrant spell at Villarreal.
One source close to Fulham's dressing room reflected with real excitement, saying, "He is terrifying defenders again, he looks confident and fearless and we see that every day in training."
Decision Deferred on Permanent Move
Fulham's 5-4 thriller with Manchester City, a match in which the champions had once led 5-1, has only amplified the intrigue around Chukwueze's future. The Premier League "amusement park of emotions," as Calcio Mercato labelled it, has provided the perfect platform for his revival.
The club hierarchy, however, is not rushing into a decision. As the original report outlines, "the possible permanent confirmation of the Nigerian will only be decided in the Primavera." Senior Fulham figures want to see how he adapts over a longer stretch before committing significant funds.
A Fulham insider added, "There is admiration for him and real belief in his talent but the decision must fit the financial and sporting project."
Win-Win Situation for Milan
Milan have watched developments from afar with satisfaction. As Calcio Mercato explained, they viewed the late-window move as a "win-win situation" that could relaunch Chukwueze's trajectory. The Premier League stage has certainly accomplished that.
Crucially, the redemption figure has now been clarified. "The figure for the right to buy, according to what Calciomercato.com has learned, is 28 million." For a player delivering match-defining performances, it is a fee that invites serious contemplation.
A Milan board member, speaking hypothetically from the sentiment of the report, might say, "We always knew he needed rhythm and minutes. England gives him that and we are pleased to see him flourish."
Fulham's Calculated Assessment
Fulham are excited but pragmatic. Performance, value, longevity and squad balance will all be monitored across the coming months. The message is clear. They will decide on the Nigerian's long term future when emotions have cooled and the season's trajectory is clearer.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Fulham supporter's perspective, this report lands with a mix of pride and curiosity. Watching Chukwueze tear through Premier League defences has been a joy, especially given the slow start that had some fans wondering whether he would settle. The Tottenham performance felt like a breakout and the brace against Manchester City was the moment many fans realised they might be witnessing something special.
The idea that the club will wait until spring makes sense. Fulham have made emotional decisions in the past and supporters generally approve of this new measured approach. That said, when a player is performing like this, the instinctive response from the fanbase is simple: secure him quickly. At £28m, the fee feels reasonable in the current market, especially for someone who injects speed, unpredictability and genuine threat into the side.
Fans also appreciate that Milan saw this as a win-win. It hints at the possibility that Fulham have stumbled upon a high ceiling talent whose confidence simply needed a fresh stage. The early hesitations now feel distant. If he keeps scoring, dribbling and dazzling as he has in recent weeks, many at Craven Cottage will be desperate for the club to push the button early and avoid a bidding war.
Chukwueze feels like a player who can lift the ceiling of the project, and supporters are already imagining how far he could take this side.
https://eplindex.com/139887/report-fulham-told-to-pay-28m-to-sign-serie-a-forward.html
Ticket update: Crystal Palace
Tickets for our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this Sunday will go on General Sale from 10am on Friday 5th December.
oin us at Craven Cottage this weekend for our London derby against The Eagles on Sunday 7th December, kick-off 4:30pm.
All supporters can now secure up to four tickets for this Premier League fixture.
Further matchday information available found here.
BUY TICKETS
HOW TO BUY
Online at fulhamfc.com/tickets
By calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
In person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4:30pm)
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/04/ticket-update-crystal-palace/