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Fulham chairman Shahid Khan explains how the club went about business in the January Transfer Window

The Chairman has explained the philosophy behind the club's transfer policy in the January Transfer Window

Fulham owner Shahid Khan has explained how the club went about business in January - believing the side are far stronger than they were at the start of the window.

Matt Targett, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Cyrus Christie were all added to the squad, while the Cottagers managed to keep hold of key players in Ryan Sessegnon, Tom Cairney and Ryan Fredericks.

Players like Yohan Mollo, Jordan Graham and Ragnar Sigurdsson were all offloaded to streamline the side as they chase promotion back to the Premier League, and Mr Khan has taken today's game with Aston Villa as an opportunity to explain to supporters the philosophy behind Fulham's business.

He said in Fulham's official matchday programme: "We felt it was very important not to disrupt the dynamics of our current squad - that is, keeping coveted players like Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon, among others, here at Fulham - while also not getting caught up in what turned out to be out-of-control spending by clubs at every level of football throughout the month.

"We were clear during the window that a big payday wasn't our priority and, as you see today, we were sincere.

"We also wanted to thin out our squad by moving or loaning players who weren't essential at this time during training or on matchdays to our goal of promotion, resulting in greater energy and better chemistry throughout the club.

"A reality of football is not every player you develop or sign will turn out to be the right fit for your club. Recognising when it's time to take action can be difficult, but I commend our Vice Chair and Director of Football Operations, Tony Khan, and his staff for doing the right thing with our current group before exploring players that could be sensibly brought in to give us a real boost in our promotion push.

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Family: Shahid Khan and Tony Khan (Image: Norm Hall/Getty Images)

"I hope you are as happy as I am that we closed the window by welcoming three outstanding players to Fulham in Matt Targett, Aleksandar Mitrovic on loan through to the end of the season, as well as Cyrus Christie on a permanent deal.

"And the fundamental question of whether we're better after the transfer window than before, can be answered with one word - yes.

"I appreciate the superb collaboration between Tony and Head Coach Slavisa Jokanovic and, as always, CEO Alistair Mackintosh expertly guided the process."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-chairman-shahid-khan-explains-14302792

 
Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was happy with his side's overall performance, as the Whites' picked up their seventh consecutive win at Craven Cottage.


"We scored two goals and we could've scored more," said Jokanović.

"Normally, I complain about missing a second goal, but today we missed a third. In the end, we must satisfied with our performance. I believe we played well and a very good game of football, but in the end, it's only three points.

"In the first-half, we couldn't find a way to connect with our full-backs, but we changed our shape, tried something a little different and showed a better face in the second-half. We have enough experience from losing points against Bolton.

"We can't think the job is done, because it's not. We're fifth in the Championship and we must show solidarity and work together. I will need all the squad and if we push altogether in the same direction, we can think about positive things.

"Right now we need to rest, prepare for the next step and fight to find our best performance."

Ryan Sessegnon opened the scoring with a sublime effort and Fulham's Head Coach was quick to praise the young player.

"Sessegnon is an extremely talented player and we must push him in the right direction," explained Jokanović.

"He has definitely improved over the season and I expect he will improve in the future. He's a very important player within my team and my squad.

"We are satisfied with his performance today as he scored and important goal but he must push himself and try and improve each game."

Fulham's Head Coach also acknowledged the contribution of Aleksandar Mitrović, who impressed on his first start for the Whites. 

"Although he didn't score, Mitrović had a very good game for us," said Jokanović.

"He held the ball up very well and a positive impact on the game. His movement for the first goal allowed space for Sessegnon to score an important goal. He was unfortunate not to play for many months, we expect we can help him to be in better shape for the upcoming games."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/17/head-coach-reaction-aston-villa

 
Fulham 2-0 Aston Villa


Fulham made it 10 league games unbeaten and boosted their Championship promotion hopes by ending Aston Villa's seven-match winning run in the league.

After a tight first half it took just seven minutes after the break for Ryan Sessegnon to sweep the hosts in front.

Floyd Ayite made it 2-0, controlling keeper Sam Johnstone's poor free-kick from out wide and firing into an empty net from inside the centre circle.

Villa slipped a place to third with the loss, while Fulham stayed fifth.

Victory extended Fulham's home run to seven consecutive wins, while they have also scored 14 goals in their past four matches at Craven Cottage.

Both teams came into the game in form and full of goals but, the absence of Jack Grealish and leading scorer Albert Adomah, Villa's attacking options seemed blunted and Fulham capitalised.

The first half was a low-key affair, Conor Hourihane and Scott Hogan firing over the bar for the visitors, while Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, on loan from Newcastle United, was a lively presence without threatening the goal.

However, once Fulham had broken the deadlock, they were the side in control.

Steve Bruce's Villa dropped Championship points for the first time in 2018 and therefore were overhauled by Cardiff, who beat Middlesbrough to go second.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic:

"We played with confidence, but we cannot think the job is done. We must show solidarity and work together.

"All the squad will be needed, not just the players who started today, but those on the bench and in the stand.

"In the second half we tried something a little bit different, we scored two goals and we could have scored some more. We must be satisfied with our performance, we played very good football, (but) it is only three points."

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce told BBC WM:

"I didn't think there was anything in it. It was a tense game with two very good teams for the first 60 minutes.

"It was always going to be the first goal (that was likely to decide the game) and we're disappointed because we know they're very good down the flanks in particular, they're quick in wide areas and we've been done down the wide area..

"We've made a mistake for the first and a mistake for the second. We've made more mistakes today than we've probably done in six weeks, but that's football."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43012809

 
Fulham 2-0 Aston Villa: Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite on target for the hosts extending their unbeaten run to 10 games in the Championship

    Fulham extend their unbeaten run to 10 games in the Championship
    The win at Craven Cottage brings Aston Villa seven straight league wins to a halt
    Ryan Sessegnon broke the deadlock just after half time with a brilliant finish
    The teenager's strike was his seventh of 2018 and 12th of the season so far
    Floyd Ayite doubled the lead with a wonderfully taken long-range effort

Floyd Ayite stole the show with a wonderfully taken long-range effort as Fulham brought Aston Villa's run of seven consecutive league wins to a juddering halt.

The Togo international found the net from inside the centre circle at Craven Cottage after making the most of Sam Johnstone's poor clearance from a free kick on the right-hand touchline.

The strike was the cherry on top a devastating second-half display, where Slavisa Jokanovic's side went ahead through the right boot of 17-year-old Ryan Sessegnon.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2018/02/17/17/495253D600000578-5403561-image-a-29_1518887495460.jpg)
Floyd Ayite stole the show with a wonderfully taken long-range effort in the second half

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The Togo international found the back of the net from inside the centre circle at the Cottage

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Ayite made the most of Sam Johnstone's poor clearance from a free kick on right-hand side

It keeps Fulham's own unbeaten run in 2018 ticking along, and reignited their own hopes of sneaking into the Championship automatic promotion spots.

For Villa, the defeat was a tough one to take for a side chasing a little bit off club history, but an eighth successive win to match their 1975 predecessors never looked likely in the west London sunshine.

Signs of a difficult day were present from the team announcements, with Steve Bruce forced to leave out in form pair Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah, both of whom failed to overcome knocks from the emotionally charged derby victory against Birmingham.

This was not the game to be without your star players, with Fulham captain Tom Cairney describing it as the biggest game of the season so far. Not many would disagree, with Fulham in fifth and Villa sat second before kick off. The pace at which the game started suggested both teams knew it, too.

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Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon broke the deadlock just after half time with a brilliant finish

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He scored his seventh goal of 2018, only Sergio Aguero has more in top four English divisions

An early driving run from Mitrovic had the Villa defence backpedalling and his hard work provided space for Matty Targett to lash the first shot on goal which curled wide of Sam Johnstone's goal.

Moments later it was the striker himself who had a sight of goal. Ayite's cross was met by the Serbian, only to see his header back a cross goal bounce the wrong side of the post.

Villa, as you would expect from a team chasing their eighth consecutive league victory, responded. Scott Hogan, Bjarnason's surge was checked but the lay off ran kindly for the No 9 who fired narrowly over.

Bjarnason was allowed to roam through the Fulham unchallenged once more in the 15th minute this time taking aim himself, but couldn't find the bottom corner of Marcus Bettinelli's goal.

Villa began to assert themselves physically, a bit too much so for the home side's liking. Ryan Sessegnon struggled to make an impact down the right, with the highly sought after teenager shackled by the imposing Axel Tuanzebe.

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Villa boss Steve Bruce sees his side's run of seven consecutive league wins come to a halt

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Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone looks disappointed after conceding a long-range effort from Ayite

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Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe lost on his debut for Aston Villa at Craven Cottage

The Manchester United loanee was getting the better of Sessegnon at the other end too, muscling him off the ball to tee up Conor Hourihane who curled over the bar from the edge of the area.

The sign of a good player though is one who is able to make his presence felt, even on an off day. The 17-year-old opened the scoring after the break after finally breaking free of his tormentor's attention.

Floyd Ayite found a gap in the Villa backline to thread through a ball for full back Ryan Fredericks. Hi cut back fell invitingly for the unmarked Sessegnon, who steered a right-footed shot into the far corner.

Hogan saw a weak header easily kept out by Bettinelli but it was the hosts who appeared more intent on grabbing the game's second goal and putting it to bed.

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Sessegnon struggled to threaten down the right-hand side for Fulham as he faced Tuanzebe

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Villa captain John Terry looks dejected after their impressive winning streak comes to an end

They should have when three of them broke clear. Ayite dawdled in possession, unable to choose between slipping in Tom Cairney or Mitrovic. In the end, he did neither.

He made no such hesitation the next time the ball was at his feet. Johnstone's sloppy free kick from the flank fell straight at the forward's feet just inside the Villa half, with the goal gaping. He killed the ball dead looked up and arrowed it into the unguarded net.

Bruce's men looked shellshocked and went close to conceding again. Cairney burst down the left to fire a low cross along the face of goal but neither Ayite nor Mitrovic could get there.

The Serbian was then granted another chance, his low effort deflecting into the hands of a grateful Johnstone. He was afforded a standing ovation by the Cottage when Aboubakar Kamara replaced him in the 79th minute.

Villa regained some of their composure, Hogan finding space in behind but once more failing to find the target as any hopes of maintaining their own unbeaten run began to fade. Fulham's confidence only grows.

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Jedinak speaks to referee Tony Harrington after the Villa midfielder was shown a yellow card



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5403561/Fulham-2-0-Aston-Villa-Sessegnon-Ayite-target.html#ixzz57RO8aq6C
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Ayite scores from 50 yards as Fulham sink Villa

Fulham 2 Aston Villa 0

Fulham turned in a vibrant second-half performance to win the keenly anticipated clash between the two in-form teams in the Championship.

A stubborn Aston Villa held the Whites at arm's length in a cagey opening 45 minutes, but were no match for the hosts once they took the lead soon after the break.

Ryan Fredericks got away down the right and laid the ball across the box for Ryan Sessegnon to sweep home his 12th goal of the season.

And Floyd Ayite killed the game off with a fantastic lob from the edge of the centre circle into an empty net, after Villa keeper Sam Johnstone had fluffed a free-kick.

In the first half, Sessegnon had been almost completely shut down by Villa's Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe, as Steve Bruce's defensive set up nullified Fulham.

But on 52 minutes, the 17-year-old left his post to ghost unnoticed into the box and send Fredericks' low delivery past Johnstone.

The Villa keeper then mishit a free-kick straight to Ayite, who kept his composure to fire it in from distance.

Johnstone did atone for his error by saving twice from Aleksandar Mitrovic, while Ayite headed over as Fulham threatened to win by a larger margin.

As it is, their victory ended Villa's run of seven consecutive wins and stretched their own home run to seven victories – the club's best form at Craven Cottage in more than 17 years.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Targett; McDonald, Johansen (Odoi 90), Cairney; Ayite (Piazon 87), Mitrovic (Kamara 78), Sessegnon.
Subs not used: Button, Christie, Norwood, Kebano.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/ayite-scores-stunner-as-fulham-sink-aston-villa

 
Fulham 2 Aston Villa 0 REACTION: Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite on target as Villa drop to third

Gregg Evans reports from Craven Cottage

Aston Villa's unbeaten run in the Championship this year came to an abrupt end at Fulham.

Goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite gave the hosts a deserved win and cut the gap on the claret and blues to four points.

Villa kept it tight in the first-half with man-of-the-match Axel Tuanzebe impressing on his first start for the club.

But without the injured Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah, Villa lacked punch up top and were pinned back for long periods of the game.

After the break Fulham got their breakthrough.

Ryan Fredericks crossed for Sessegnon who drifted into the centre to steer past Sam Johnstone.

The Villa goalkeeper won't want to see the second goal back, either.

His clearance from outside of the box fell to Ayite's feet and from 45 yards out the Fulham attacker drove the ball into an empty net.

With Cardiff beating Middlesbrough, Villa surrendered second place and dropped down into third.




https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-fulham-live-reaction-14302748

 
Fulham 2-0: Aston Villa PLAYER RATINGS: Sessegnon and Ayite make it 10 unbeaten

A Ryan Sessegnon strike and a 45-yard goal from Floyd Ayite was enough to break Villa's winning run and make it 10 unbeaten for Fulham

A Ryan Sessegnon strike and a 45-yard goal from Floyd Ayite was enough to break Villa's winning run and make it 10 unbeaten for Fulham.

Slavisa Jokanovic made three changes for today's game, opting to start Tom Cairney, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Floyd Ayite in place of Oliver Norwood, Lucas Piazon and Rui Fonte.

The first half was more of a chess game than it was a football match, with both sides threatening in spells but without any clear cut opportunities.

But it was that man Sessegnon who opened the scoring when the ball came in from the right, and he was there to sweep the ball into the net.

And then Ayite made it two when a botched goal kick from Sam Johnstone fell right to his feet and he stuck it into the back of the net from 45 yards.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 7: Not a great deal to do but looked to get Fulham attacking fast when he had the ball in his hands. A few iffy kicks but a generally solid performance.

Fredericks 7: Big game player - didn't have much of an influence in the first half as he was isolated but got involved in the second. Defensively assured performance.

Kalas 7: Did well at the back again as he and Ream continued their strong defensive partnership.

Ream 8: Another solid performance at the heart of defence from the American who looked calm and collected on the ball.

Targett 8: Did really well defensively in the first half and attacked well down the left. It was another good performance from the loanee.

Cairney 7: Slotted back into the midfield and was the man who started everything for Fulham. It's clear what a difference having the skipper back makes to the team.

McDonald 7: Was the anchor in the midfield and commanded that area well once again, battling well in a congested area.

Johansen 7: Battled well in the middle of the park and tried to turn defence into attack. Harried in the midfle to slow down Villa's breaks.

Ayite 6: Kept drifting into the middle to try and have an impact on the game, but left Fulham lacking out wide. Didn't pick the best final balls but scored an worldie of a goal from 45 yards out.

Mitrovic 7: Battled well in the first half and was a physical presence up top. Was unlucky not to score but his strength added a different dimension to the side.

Sessegnon 6: Really struggled against Tuanzebe but got himself in the right position to sweep the ball into the net and give Fulham the lead.

Subs -

Kamara 6: Nearly scored with his first touch again after a nice one-two with Ayite saw him in. Has improved so much since his signing.

Piazon N/A: Not enough time to influence proceedings.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-2-0-aston-villa-14302953

 
Striker's treble helps U23s to 4-1 victory...

TYRESE CAMPBELL hit a superb second half hat-trick to help Stoke City's Under-23s record an emphatic 4-1 win over Fulham in Premier League 2 on Saturday afternoon.

After Oliver Shenton had seen his own sublime effort cancelled out moments before the break by Jon D'Agur Thorsteinsson, Campbell became the star of the show at the bet365 Stadium.

The 18-year-old drilled in his first shortly after the interval, before he powerfully headed home Lewis Banks' cross to net his second. His third was out of the top drawer as the forward curled home into the top corner from 18 yards.

The victory meanwhile means that the side have now recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time this season in PL2 following the 3-2 success at home to Middlesbrough a fortnight ago.

On a mild afternoon in North Staffordshire the Potters made the brighter start and within five minutes of the referee's whistle almost edged, but for an excellent save by Fulham 'keeper Luca Ashby-Hammond who turned Krisztofer Szereto's close range effort onto his near post.

Defenders Nathan Collins and Lewis Banks then went close for the Potters with efforts from corners, before the latter was called into action in front of his own goal in the 19th minute as he cleared Aaron Davies' overhead kick off the line.

City could, and really should, have gone ahead minutes later when Campbell latched onto Shenton's throughball, before he rounded the keeper and then fired an effort towards goal which clipped the outside of the post.

Shenton himself should have made more of his own opportunity when Campbell this time turned provider for the midfielder who stumbled upon his cross and saw the ball gratefully gathered by Ashby-Hammond.

The 20-year-old wasn't to fluff his lines in the 39th minute however as he expertly brought down Campbell's cross before turning and shooting into the back of the net from 14 yards.

City's lead didn't last long though as only 180 seconds later the Cottagers drew level when D'Agur Thorsteinsson fired a 20-yard effort into the bottom corner of Jakob Haugaard's net.

Despite suffering that suckerpunch, the Potters came out firing in the second 45 and within seven minutes of the restart retook the lead. A high press saw Szereto win possession deep inside the opposition half before feeding Campbell who powerfully drove home with his left foot.

The hosts almost let their advantage slip once more just past the hour mark when Luca De La Torre ghosted into the box and latched onto a left-wing cross, however Haugaard was at his agile best to thwart the attacker with his legs

Haugaard then kept out Tyrese Francois' volley at his near post, before the Potters added to their lead in the 78th minute. Banks centred for Campbell who manoeuvred himself in front of his marker to head home inside the keeper's near post.

Two goals was to become three for Campbell just a couple of minutes later when he worked the ball onto his left foot before curling a tremendous effort into the top corner of the net.

That strike proved to be the last meaningful attempt of the game as the Potters displayed excellent game management to pick up the three points, which, as a result, sees them move up 10th place in the table.



http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/campbell-hits-hat-trick-in-fulham-win

 
Fulham 2-0 Aston Villa

Fulham put an end to Aston Villa's winning run - and boosted their own chances of a push for automatic Sky Bet Championship promotion - with a 2-0 win at Craven Cottage.
Second-half goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite proved to be the difference, with the west London side pulling themselves within four points of their opponents.
Villa manager Steve Bruce was forced to make two changes, with Albert Adomah and Jack Grealish missing. Birkir Bjarnason and Axel Tuanzebe took their places.
Matt Targett, who scored his first professional goal against Bolton last week, had the first opportunity after just two minutes for the hosts, when he flashed his effort wide of the the left-hand post of Villa goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Aleksandar Mitrovic headed wide two minutes later for Fulham, who started the game with a clear attacking intent.
The visitors earned their first effort of the game after eight minutes, when after good work by Bjarnason, Scott Hogan fired wide from just outside the edge of the box.
The Iceland international almost turned goalscorer himself after 15 minutes, as he was able to make his way into the box and shoot off-target.
The game settled down into a holding pattern, with neither side making a serious threat on the opposition goal.
Bruce made a change for the visitors just before the restart, with Josh Onomah replacing Ahmed Elmohamady.
Hogan tested goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli four minutes after the restart, when his looping header was collected after it broke loose during a scramble in the box.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 51st minute by the home side. Ryan Fredericks was able to find space down the right-hand flank and squared into the box for Sessegnon - who calmly connected first time to drill past the outstretched Johnstone.
Villa made their second substitution of the afternoon on 66 minutes, when Mile Jedinak made way for Lewis Grabban.
However, an eighth straight victory looked out of reach for them after 71 minutes when Fulham doubled their lead - albeit with an awful mistake.
Johnstone was guilty of an appalling kick out which fell straight to Ayite just inside his own half, and he was able to direct his shot straight into an empty net.
Aboubakar Kamara replaced Mitrovic, while goalscorer Ayite was substituted for Lucas Piazon.
Keinan Davis came on for Robert Snodgrass late on, although the visitors left London without any points.



http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=483316

 
Villa fans rip into Hogan

Scott Hogan completed 90 minutes in the away defeat against Fulham on Saturday afternoon – and the Aston Villa fans on Twitter destroyed their attacker for his individual performance.

Steve Bruce's side suffered a 2-0 loss at Craven Cottage in the Championship, which saw them fall out of the automatic spots as Cardiff leapfrogged them in the league table.

17-year-old sensation Ryan Sessegnon continued his remarkable season by opening the scoring early in the second-half, which was his 12th goal of the campaign.

Floyd Ayite then doubled Fulham's advantage and made sure of the three points after a mistake from goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The Midlands giants saw their seven-game winning run finally come to an end in the league and they host promotion rivals Preston next.

Villa fans on social media decided to single out Hogan for his display and they feel the centre-forward made very little impact in attack.

The 25-year-old struggled to hold the ball up and failed to add to his eight-goal tally for the season.

He has been a key figure in recent weeks during their brilliant run of form and rediscovered his goalscoring touch, but came in for severe criticism after one bad day at the office.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/02/twitter/villa-fans-rip-into-hogan/

 
Wolves Tickets

Following a seventh consecutive league win at Craven Cottage, the Whites are back at home next Saturday 24th February, when they face current league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers (kick-off 5:30pm).

With over 24,000 inside the Cottage at our last outing against Aston Villa, be sure to secure your seat today to avoid missing out!

Tickets are on General Sale and start from £15 for juniors and £25 for adults.

Supporters can buy now online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

COYW!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/17/wolves-tickets

 
Fulham 2 Aston Villa 0 - Report

Villa dropped out of the Championship top two after their seven-game winning run was halted by Fulham.

Second half goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite saw the Cottagers inflict a first league defeat of 2018 on Steve Bruce's team.

Sessegnon opened the scoring seven minutes after the break when he fired home following good work by Ryan Fredericks.

And Ayite then sealed the win when he scored from the centre circle following an error by Villa keeper Sam Johnstone.

Analysis

Johnstone misfired a free-kick straight to the unmarked Fulham winger, who showed great composure to finish from long range.

The moment summed up a rather disjointed display from Bruce's men, who failed to overcome the loss of top scorer Albert Adomah and Jack Grealish, who both missed the game through injury.

That said, Villa's reshaped team was solid enough in the opening half against a Fulham team who had won their previous six league games.

But they also lost Ahmed Elmohamady to injury at half-time and once Sessegnon had opened the scoring there only looked like being one winner.

Villa were backed by a travelling army of at least 4,600 supporters but they had been rendered quiet by the closing stages as their team, for the first time in almost two months, misread the script.

Cardiff's 1-0 win over Middlesbrough saw them overtake Bruce's men and claim second in the table.

That will sting Villa but this result was perhaps a reminder that, for all their excellent form in recent weeks, automatic promotion will not be easily won.

Bruce made two changes from the team which won last Sunday's derby against Blues and both were enforced, with Adomah and Grealish missing out through hamstring and calf issues respectively.

In their place came Birkir Bjarnason and Axel Tuanzebe, for what was the Manchester United loanee's first Villa start.

The 20-year-old started the game at right-back, with Elmohamady at right-midfield and Robert Snodgrass switched to an unfamiliar position on the left-wing.

Perhaps unsurprisingly it was the home side who were quickest to settle, Matt Targett and Aleksander Mitrovic both sending efforts off target in the opening five minutes.

When Villa did begin to find their feet, they twice went close to taking the lead.

First, Snodgrass thumped an effort just off target after neat build-up play from Bjarnason.

The latter then went even closer, dragging a shot across goal and inches wide of the far post, having exchanged passes with Mile Jedinak and raced to the edge of the box.

That would be the closest either team got to breaking the deadlock in an opening half which rather petered out.

Alan Hutton was in the right place to block at close range from Floyd Ayite but with the dangerous Sessegnon well marshalled by Tuanzebe, the hosts were constantly left trying - and failing - to pick their way through a congested midfield.

Conor Hourihane had the last attempt of the 45 minutes, lifting a left-footed shot over the bar from the edge of the box.

Villa keeper Johnstone had not needed to make a save during the opening half but was picking the ball out of his net within seven minutes of the restart.

Fredericks, a non-factor in the final third during the opening 45 minutes, was the creator, racing onto a through ball and cutting it back for his team-mate to turn into the far corner.

It was far from the cleanest of finishes but that was of minor concern to the hosts.

With Villa looking solid but struggling to make headway, Bruce introduced Lewis Grabban midway through the half.

But any hopes of a comeback disappeared with 19 minutes remaining when Johnstone made an uncharacteristic but calamitous error.

Taking a free-kick on the right-wing, the keeper pulled his kick toward the centre circle and Ayite, who trapped the ball and looked up before sending it sailing toward the open goal.

Johnstone would redeem himself a little with a fine save to deny Mitrovic a minute later, while Ayite came close to a quickfire second when he headed over.

Hogan came close to getting Villa back in it when he fired off target after being found by Bjarnason.

But it was Fulham who were in control and Johnstone was forced to save from substitute Aboubakar Kamara, while Sessegnon also fired wide.

Teams

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Bettinelli, Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Targett, McDonald, Johansen (Odoi 90+1), Ayite (Piazon 88), Cairney, Sessegnon, Mitrovic (Kamara 79) Subs not used: Kebano, Norwood, Christie, Button (gk).

Villa (4-5-1): Johnstone, Tuanzebe, Chester, Terry, Hutton, Snodgrass (Davis 88), Elmohamady (Onomah HT), Jedinak (Grabban 67), Hourihane, Bjarnason, Hogan Subs not used: Taylor, Whelan, Lansbury, Bunn (gk).



Read more at https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2018/02/17/fulham-2-aston-villa-0---report/#a0EeYOdIRVqkxaD4.99

 
Aston Villa player ratings : A rare off day for Sam Johnstone, but Axel Tuanzebe shines - here's how everyone else performed

This is how Gregg Evans rated the Aston Villa players after the defeat to Fulham

MATCH REPORT

Aston Villa's unbeaten run in the Championship this year came to an abrupt end at Fulham.

Goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite gave the hosts a deserved win and cut the gap on the claret and blues to four points.

Villa kept it tight in the first-half with man-of-the-match Axel Tuanzebe impressing on his first start for the club.

But without the injured Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah, Villa lacked punch up top and were pinned back for long periods of the game.

After the break Fulham got their breakthrough.

Ryan Fredericks crossed for Sessegnon who drifted into the centre to steer past Sam Johnstone.

The Villa goalkeeper won't want to see the second goal back, either.

His clearance from outside of the box fell to Ayite's feet and from 45 yards out the Fulham attacker drove the ball into an empty net.

With Cardiff beating Middlesbrough, Villa surrendered second place and dropped down into third.

Gregg Evans was at the game, these are his player ratings:
STARTING FORMATION

(4-5-1)

JOHNSTONE, 4

Kicked a clearance into Ayite's path allowing the attacker to shoot into an empty net for the second. Saved well from Mitrovic after but it was too late. Doesn't make him a bad goalkeeper, though, He's been excellent this season.

TUANZEBE, 8

The stand-out performer for Villa on his first start. Won so many duels with Sessegnon, covered on numerous occasions and kept the scores down with last-gasp interventions. Dominant in the air, too and exceptionally quick.

CHESTER, 6

Mitrovic managed to get the better of him on a few occasions in duels and some of his headers went astray. Cleared up at times but had a tough afternoon.

TERRY, 6

Got booed for obvious reasons and couldn't get close enough to Sessegnon for the opener. Still, he was there to keep the scores down with other important clearances.

HUTTON, 6

Had his work cut out after the break as Fredericks bombed forward. Still, he made blocks and tackles including one crunching challenge in the first half. Was outnumbered for the opening goal.

ELMOHAMADY, 5.5

Did okay at right midfield as Villa doubled-up on Sessegnon but was wasteful going forward. Took a knock just before the break and was subbed.

JEDINAK, 5.5

Tried to marshall the midfield but didn't have the impact he had last week. Found it tough at times against a free-flowing Fulham. Booked and subbed.

BJARNASON. 7

Started well and looked a goal threat especially when he went close early on. Played a few nice passes in the second half and chased around to keep the pressure on.

HOURIHANE, 5

Lacked bite in this important game and just couldn't impose himself on the fluid midfield opponents. Had a few half-chances but was largely disappointing

SNODGRASS, 5.5

Switched to the left side to deal with injuries to key players in the first half but he just wasn't the same. Moved to the right after the break but created just one opening for himself.

HOGAN, 6

Fired over the bar early on, had a weak header easily saved after the break and shot wide late on, Made some clever runs throughout the game but he cut a isolated figure up top.

SUBSTITUTES

ONOMAH (for Elmohamady, 46), 5, Saw a lot of the ball early on in the second half but just couldn't do anything positive with it.

GRABBAN (for Jedinak, 68), 5, Hardly had a touch when he was introduced. Must be tearing his hair out.

DAVIS (for Snodgrass, 88), 5, Too late for him to make a difference

NOT USED

Bunn, Taylor, Whelan, Lansbury.

FULHAM (4-3-3)

Bettinelli, Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Targett, McDonald, Johansen, Cairney, Ayite (Piazon, 88) Sessegnon, Mitrovic (Kamara. 78) Subs: Button, Odoi, Kebano, Norwood, Piazon, Christie,

GOALS

Sessegnon (52), Ayite (71) - Fulham

ATTENDANCE

24,547

REFEREE

Tony Harrington

WHO'S NEXT?

Preston (home) Tuesday, 7:45PM



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-player-ratings--14303903

 
Fulham knock Villa out of automatic promotion places as Cardiff enter

(http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2018%2F0217%2Fr329382_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&w=570)
Aston Villa's Axel Tuanzebe and Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon Getty

Fulham put an end to Aston Villa's winning run and boosted their own chances of a push for automatic Championship promotion with a 2-0 win at Craven Cottage.

Second-half goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite proved to be the difference, with the west London side pulling themselves within four points of their opponents.

Ryan Fredericks was able to find space down the right-hand flank and squared into the box for Sessegnon, who calmly connected to drill past the outstretched Sam Johnstone in the 51st minute.

Fulham doubled their lead after 71 minutes -- albeit with an awful mistake -- as Johnstone's kick out fell straight to Ayite just inside his own half, and Ayite was able to direct his shot into an empty net.

Villa's defeat allowed Cardiff City to move back into the automatic promotion places with a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

Sean Morrison headed the winner after 34 minutes to seal all three points at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The hosts' fourth win in six matches was enough to also move them above Derby, who are not in action this weekend.

Runaway leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers' run of three successive victories ended when 10-man Preston North End extended their unbeaten run to six league games as they held on to seal a 1-1 draw.

Once Alan Browne put the hosts ahead just after the break, Helder Costa grabbed a second-half equaliser for Wolves almost immediately after John Welsh was dismissed for a second yellow card.

Sunderland passed up the chance to boost their survival hopes as Brentford won 2-0 on their first visit to the Stadium of Light.

Brentford secured the three points courtesy of two first-half goals and a solid opening 45 minutes, capitalising by following up Kamo Mokotjo's 14th-minute opener with a second goal in the 28th minute through striker Neal Maupay.

Goals from Joel Lynch and Matt Smith gave QPR a 2-0 victory over 10-man Bolton Wanderers at Loftus Road, with Bolton losing six of their last seven away league games.

Lynch nodded in the opener in the 72nd minute and Smith headed home in injury time.

Wanderers right-back Mark Little was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Massimo Luongo near the left-hand touchline four minutes into the second half.

Substitute Fred Onyedinma earned Millwall a 1-0 win at Birmingham City.

Onyedinma's goal completed the first double over Birmingham in 19 years and inflicted a third successive defeat in their battle to avoid relegation.

Birmingham enjoyed most of the early possession but Millwall, now unbeaten in six league matches, capably contained their opponents.

Burton Albion, the Championship's bottom side, failed to break down 10-man Nottingham Forest as a 0-0 draw at the Pirelli Stadium did little to improve the fortunes of either club.

Forest had to play for more than an hour a man down after Eric Lichaj was given a straight red card for a poor challenge on Albion attacker Martin Samuelsen on 28 minutes.

The result meant Albion's home frustrations continued, with no win at home since September, while Forest have failed to find the net in eight of their last nine league outings.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/english-league-championship/story/3386921/fulham-knock-aston-villa-out-of-automatic-promotion-places-cardiff-city-enter

 
Match report: Fulham 2-0 Villa

Game details

Match: Villa v Fulham
Date: February 17, 2018 
Competition: Sky Bet Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage
Kick-off: 3pm
Attendance:  24,547
Weather:  11c, sunny
Scoring summary

Sessegnon 51, Ayite 71
Analysis

Villa couldn't extend their winning run to eight against Fulham, going down 2-0 at Craven Cottage.

The hosts were out of the traps from the first whistle with Matt Targett driving an effort across goal before Aleksandar Mitrovic headed wide.

In an even first half, chances were at a premium: Scott Hogan side-footed wide after being teed up by Birkir Bjarnason and the Iceland international then played a neat one-two with Conor Hourihane and drove a shot off target.

Before the break, Hourihane also curled over after good work from Axel Tuanzebe down the right flank.

Scott Hogan's header in the first action of the second half was well pouched by Marcus BettinelliIt was the hosts who would take the lead minutes later when Ryan Sessegnon was in the perfect place to turn a low cross into the bottom corner.

Robert Snodgrass then sent a curling effort at Bettinelli before Fulham doubled their lead.

Sam Johnstone's clearance from a wide position on the right was intercepted by Floyd Ayite who clipped the ball into the unguarded net from distance.

The Fulham man could have had a second shortly afterwards but headed over the bar.

At the other end, Hogan couldn't steer Bjarnason's early cross on target as the claret and blues went in search of a way back into proceedings.
Misconduct summary
Fulham bookings

Johansen 67
Villa bookings

Jedinak 59
Line-ups

ASTON VILLA:  Johnstone; Tuanzebe, Terry, Chester, Hutton; Snodgrass (Davis 87), Jedinak (Grabban 67), Bjarnason, Elmohamady (Onomah 45); Hourihane, Hogan. Unused subs: Bunn, Taylor, Whelan, Lansbury.

FULHAM: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Targett, Cairney, McDonald, Johansen (Odoi 90), Ayite (Piazon 87), Mitrovic (Kamara 78), Sessegnon. Unused subs: Button, Odoi, Kebano, Norwood, Piazon, Christie.
Officials

Referee: T Harrington
Assistant Referee 1: G Russell
Assistant referee 2: M George
Fourth Official: K Stroud




https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2018/02/17/match-report-fulham-2-0-villa

 
Fulham boss says pressure is on Cardiff in race for promotion

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic insists automatic promotion would be "a big surprise" despite defeating in-form Aston Villa to secure their seventh home win in a row.

Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite struck in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

However, Cardiff – whose win lifted them into second spot – remain six points ahead of the Whites and Jokanovic said that was a big advantage.

"For us, it will be a big surprise if we finish in the top two," Jokanovic said.

"For them [Cardiff], it can be a little bit different.

"We're going to try chasing them without any pressure. All the pressure is on the teams in front of us.

"If I had six points more than the teams below me, I will be under pressure to not make mistakes."

Jokanovic again praised Sessegnon after the highly-rated 17-year-old scored his 12th goal of a remarkably productive season, only his second in professional football.

"He is really talented. He tries to push himself, he's never satisfied," the Whites boss said.

"He played fantastically at 16, is at 17 and probably will play better at 18.

"He is an important player in my team. But there is still space for him to improve."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-says-pressure-cardiff-race-promotion

 
Fulham 2-0 Aston Villa: Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite end Villa's winning run

Fulham put an end to Aston Villa's winning run - and boosted their own chances of a push for automatic Sky Bet Championship promotion - with a 2-0 win at Craven Cottage.

Second-half goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite proved to be the difference, with the west London side pulling themselves within four points of their opponents.

Villa manager Steve Bruce was forced to make two changes, with Albert Adomah and Jack Grealish missing. Birkir Bjarnason and Axel Tuanzebe took their places.

Matt Targett, who scored his first professional goal against Bolton last week, had the first opportunity after just two minutes for the hosts when he flashed his effort wide of the left-hand post of Villa goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Aleksandar Mitrovic headed wide two minutes later for Fulham, who started the game with a clear attacking intent.

The visitors earned their first effort of the game after eight minutes when after good work by Bjarnason, Scott Hogan fired wide from just outside the edge of the box.

The Iceland international almost turned goalscorer himself after 15 minutes, as he was able to make his way into the box and shoot off-target.

The game settled down into a holding pattern, with neither side making a serious threat on the opposition goal.

Bruce made a change for the visitors just before the restart, with Josh Onomah replacing Ahmed Elmohamady.

(http://e1.365dm.com/18/01/16-9/20/skysports-fulham-ryan-sessegnon_4210272.jpg?20180120181603)
Ryan Sessegnon scored his 12th goal of the season for Fulham

Hogan tested goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli four minutes after the restart when his looping header was collected after it broke loose during a scramble in the box.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 51st minute by the home side. Ryan Fredericks was able to find space down the right-hand flank and squared into the box for Sessegnon - who calmly connected first time to drill past the outstretched Johnstone.

Villa made their second substitution of the afternoon on 66 minutes when Mile Jedinak made way for Lewis Grabban.

However, an eighth straight victory looked out of reach for them after 71 minutes when Fulham doubled their lead - albeit with an awful mistake.

Johnstone was guilty of an appalling kick out which fell straight to Ayite just inside his own half, and he was able to direct his shot straight into an empty net.

Aboubakar Kamara replaced Mitrovic, while goalscorer Ayite was substituted for Lucas Piazon.

Keinan Davis came on for Robert Snodgrass late on, although the visitors left London without any points.

The managers
Slavisa Jokanovic: "We played with confidence but we cannot think the job is done. We must show solidarity and work together.

"All the squad will be needed, not just the players who started today but those on the bench and in the stand.

"In the second half we tried something a little bit different, we scored two goals and we could have scored some more. We must be satisfied with our performance, we played very good football (but) it is only three points."

Steve Bruce: "Losing Ahmed was a cruel blow, as well as losing Albert and Jack. They give us the penetration and the forward threat.

"Those two have been the catalyst for me for what we've achieved, especially Grealish in the middle of the pitch.

"We lacked that creativity today, which we've had in abundance in the last few weeks.

"They're a good side, Fulham, they've got some good players - they're one to beat, I predicted that at the start and I still think the same way.

"I always thought it was going to be whoever was going to get the first goal, but there was nothing in it and you could see a bit of quality from them in the wide area."



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-a-villa/report/374994

 
Fulham boost their promotion hopes by ending Aston Villa's winning run

Fulham 2 Aston Villa 0: The home side went ten league games unbeaten and boosted their promotion hopes thanks to goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/article_large/public/thumbnails/image/2018/02/17/17/ryan-sessegnon.jpg)
Floyd Ayite is congratulated after his second-half goal Getty

Fulham made it seven home wins on the bounce as they beat Aston Villa in a convincing 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

Second-half goals from Ryan Sessegnon and a stunner from Floyd Ayite saw off the visitors, who themselves were looking for their eighth successive win.

Both teams hadn't lost in the new year, and the back four on either side showed why with a solid display in the first half.

Aston Villa were coming into this with high spirits after a win in the Birmingham derby last Sunday, but they were without their top scorer Albert Adomah, who joined a number of others on the injury list for the visitors ahead of the trip.

Aleksandar Mitrovic made his first start for Fulham, and his first start in a league game since May 2017 – in Newcastle's final match of the Championship season.

Sessegnon, the Cottagers' own top scorer, was kept quiet too easily to begin with by Axel Tuanzebe, who was making his first start for Villa at right-back. As the hosts tried to opt for that side of the field they were kept out, with Villa finding similar trouble.

A packed Craven Cottage – this was their highest attendance of the season – had to wait until the second half for any real action. As Ryan Fredricks went on a driving run down the right-hand side, his pass into the box met Sessegnon, who was streaming in from the opposite flank. There was no Tuanzebe to hold him off this time and he found the net to the keeper's right for 12th of the season.

Villa didn't seem to have much in response, as they retreated back into their own half. Snodgrass tried to replicate his stunning goal just a few weeks back against Sheffield United, but the shot trickled easily through to the keeper.

Fulham had momentum on their side, and with 20 minutes to go, started to crank up the pace. A Villa free-kick from keeper Sam Johnstone landed dangerously at the feet of Floyd Ayite on the half-way line. With a gaping open goal, he went for the option everyone else was thinking. Johnstone scrambled to get back, but he didn't stand a chance. A stunning goal.

The chances then came flooding in for the Cottagers. Ayite came closest to making it three, heading over the bar from close range. Mitrovic also had an opportunity to impress, but found only Johnstone's gloves.

A combination between Fredericks and Sessegnon with a couple of minutes to go tried to replicate the first goal, but the shot went flying wide.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/fulham-2-aston-villa-0-match-report-highlights-a8215696.html

 
Everything Slavisa Jokanovic said after Fulham's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa

Here's everything Jokanovic said to the press after his side beat promotion chasing Villa 2-0

Here's everything Slavisa Jokanovic had to say after his side made it 10 games unbeaten with victory over promotion chasing Aston Villa.

What was said at half time?

"We had a very good first 45 minutes and at the end we try and show ambition for win the game.

"To be honest, they cut some line of the pass for us in the first 45, we didn't find a way to connect with our full backs.

"After in second half we move a little bit with our shape and try something different, the plan worked and we showed better face in the second time, we scored two goals and can score more goals.

"Normally I complain about missing the second goal, today I missed the third and we didn't do but at the end we must be satisfied with our performance and I believe we played very well.

"At the end, it's only three points and it's what we need to do right now is rest and prepare our next step and try fight to find our best performance and fight for points and win the game next game what is ahead of us."

Can beat anybody on your day?

"We play with confidence and have experience enough after losing the point against Bolton and top team too, we cannot be thinking that job is done because the job is not done.

"We are fifth in the Championship and some teams made better job than we made at the moment and we show responsibility and show solidarity and be together.

"I will need all the squad and all the players, not only players that start today but players from the bench and players from the stand and if we push all together in the same direction we can be thinking about positive things."

Sessegnon's 12th goal - exceeded expectations?

"He is definitely improved all the time, at the end I remember him playing at 16 and now he's 17 and he played fanatastic at those ages and will probably play better at 18.

"I am talking many times about him, he is important player in my team and he scored the goal and he finds a benefit for his work and team work too.

"At the end, we are satisfied with him and he must push forward and work harder to try be a better player.

"We expect he will improve in the future."

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14304070.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-v-Aston-Villa-Sky-Bet-Championship-Craven-Cottage.jpg)
(Image: Ian Walton/PA Wire)

Best 17-year-old you've ever managed?

"This question is not necessary, he is really talented man and his mind is happy and he try push himself and is never satisfied and try push in right direction himself and at the end I cannot compare, I don't remember."

Sess worth in market?

I don't know I am head coach, I don't sell and buy players.

Mitrovic?

"Mitrovic played very well, a very good game.

"He's a sensation he's already doing tricks. He didn't score today but he's movement for the first goal was fantastic and he created the space for Sessegnon to finish with the goal. He showed quality, power and did a great job for us.

"He didn't player for many many many months, he didn't compete, so we expect we can bring him in and prepare him for better shape and he can still help us in the future."

This week?

"It's not going to be over after this week. We start the week well and we can be satisfied with our performance and we can expect losses against bottom or top teams.

"I am not talking because after this week is going to arrive another week and I'll get asked something similar.

"I have only confidence and I prepare my game for the next step. I am not thinking about top-nothing or play-offs because this is football.

"Everything is possible. For us, it is going to be a big surprise if we are going to finish in the top two. We are going to try chasing them without any pressure because all the pressure is on the other teams.

"We are where we are, we cannot be under any pressure. I cannot make any mistakes".



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everything-slavisa-jokanovic-said-after-14304009

 
The Aston Villa injury news everyone was dreading ahead of Preston game

The injuries are not looking good at Villa Park at the moment

Aston Villa's injuries are starting to build again and there's further bad news after today's 2-0 defeat at Fulham.

Jack Grealish missed out with a calf injury and is also unlikely to be available for Tuesday's home game with Preston North End after sitting on the sidelines in training this week.

Albert Adomah, who joked last week that he's never picked up a hamstring injury, has sustained that very problem and is also unlikely to make the midweek meeting.

Andre Green would be Villa's usual replacement on the left but he's also injured a hamstring on his left leg hence why he wasn't involved at Craven Cottage today.

The minor good news is that it's the opposite leg to earlier in the season when he required surgery on a hamstring issue, but still, it isn't ideal.

Elsewhere, Ahmed Elmohamady was withdrawn at half-time following a challenge with Fulham's Matt Targett and will be assessed ahead of the next game.

Boss Steve Bruce said: "For me they have been the catalyst in terms of what we have achieved, with the penetration of Adomah and scoring the goals and then Grealish in the middle of the pitch.

"It's the creativity we lacked today and that penetration which we have had in abundance over the last few weeks.

"We missed it. We were dealt that blow and weren't able to cope with it."

Asked about Elmohamady, he said: "We had to change again, losing Elmo.

"It has been a cruel blow on us losing Albert and Grealish.

"They give us penetration and a forward threat.

"Take away Elmo as well and we did not have that penetration.

"When I opened us up and got a couple of strikers, they enjoyed that.

"But Fulham are a good side, they have some good players. They are ones to beat."

Report
Aston Villa's unbeaten run in the Championship this year came to an abrupt end at Fulham.

Goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite gave the hosts a deserved win and cut the gap on the claret and blues to four points.

Villa kept it tight in the first-half with man-of-the-match Axel Tuanzebe impressing on his first start for the club.

But without the injured Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah, Villa lacked punch up top and were pinned back for long periods of the game.

After the break Fulham got their breakthrough.

Ryan Fredericks crossed for Sessegnon who drifted into the centre to steer past Sam Johnstone.

The Villa goalkeeper won't want to see the second goal back, either.

His clearance from outside of the box fell to Ayite's feet and from 45 yards out the Fulham attacker drove the ball into an empty net.

With Cardiff beating Middlesbrough, Villa surrendered second place and dropped down into third.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-injury-news-everyone-14304169

 
'Mind the gap,' 'Coming for us?' – Wolves fans mock Aston Villa after defeat v Fulham

Aston Villa slipped to a 2-0 defeat away at Fulham on Saturday in a disappointing Championship result for the Birmingham based club.

An uneventful first half sprung to life in the second and goals from Ryan Sessegnon in the 52nd minute and Floyd Ayite in the 71st minute ended a run of seven straight league wins for Steve Bruce's side.

Considering that Derby County lost earlier in the day, it was an opportunity to put more daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.

Bruce had Jack Grealish missing in the centre of the park whose class and passing ability was sorely missed from the start and in his absence it highlighted the side's lack of strength in depth.

The defeat saw Cardiff City replaced Villa in the second automatic promotion spot and a two-point gap needs now to be overhauled if the Birmingham outfit are going to get back up second.

However, the Claret and Blues can quickly put the result behind them with three points against Preston on Tuesday.

There were plenty of football supporters that were pleased with Fulham's victory on Saturday.

The win was music to the ears of Wolves supporters who took the opportunity to mock their rival supporters in light of the loss.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/wolves-fans-mock-aston-villa-defeat-v-fulham/

 
Fulham 2 Aston Villa 0: Ryan Sessegnon strikes again to lift hosts into top six

Fulham won a seventh home league game in a row for the first time since 2000 to reinforce their place in the top six as Villa dropped out of the automatic promotion places.

Ryan Sessegnon scored his seventh league goal of 2018 and Floyd Ayite added a bizarre second as Slavisa  Jokanovic's side deservedly triumphed.

"For us, it is going to be a big  surprise if we finish in the top two," said Jokanovic, whose team are fifth but charging up the table. "Everything is possible. I am not talking about the play-offs or anything. It is only about how we prepare for the next game."

Prolonged runs of good form since the turn of the year have propelled each of these pre-season promotion contenders right into the midst of the top six after underwhelming first halves of the season.

Villa, without the influential Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah, adopted a conservative approach as they looked to win an eighth successive game for the first time since 1975. The challenge for manager Steve Bruce has been maintaining on-pitch consistency while facing personal trauma following the death of his father, Joe, last week and his mother, Sheenagh, being taken ill at the beginning of the month.

"When you lose your father and you've got a really sick mum at home too, it puts it in perspective," said Bruce. "Yes we want to win games, yes we want to get promoted but it's not everything. They are the one to beat, Fulham. I predicted that at the start and I still think the same way."

Fulham had near 100 per cent of the possession in the opening ten minutes but the first chance went the way of Villa, with Scott Hogan firing narrowly over the angle of post and bar after good work from Robert Snodgrass.

It was a cagey affair with  neither side able to create anything of note in the first half. The prodigious Sessegnon, January's Championship Player of the Month, was kept quiet by Axel Tuanzebe, the Manchester United loanee who was coping admirably at right-back. Bruce this week thanked the Villa's fans for their support of him in recent weeks and 4,000 made the journey south to roar their team on in the Thames-side sunshine.

However, they were silenced seven minutes after the break when Ryan Fredericks raced to the byeline and pulled the ball back for Sessegnon to sweep low into the bottom corner – his 12th goal of the season.

"He has definitely improved every day," said Jokanovic. "He played fantastically at 16, now at 17 and he's probably going to play better at 18. He is really talented, he tries to push himself, he is never satisfied."

Villa had set up to contain so required a change of approach to their game plan but they lost the match in calamitous circumstances.

A dreadful clearance from goalkeeper Sam Johnstone fell straight to Ayite who controlled it and then chipped into the empty net from 45 yards. Game over.

It could have got worse for Villa. Fredericks lashed across goal while Aboubakar Kamara came close but the home side had done more than enough. The Fulham fans were content to see out the final minutes singing "Terry, what's the score?" to the former Chelsea captain, John.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/02/17/fulham-2-aston-villa-0-ryan-sessegnon-strikes-lift-hosts-top/

 
Fulham 2 Aston Villa 0: Ryan Sessegnon shines as Villa's winning run ends

JOHN TERRY'S return to west London was upstaged by a teenager who was not even born when he was starting out.

Ryan Sessegnon – the latest name off the Fulham production line – enhanced his glowing reputation and scored the opening goal.

And then Floyd Ayite's 45-yard wonder strike caught Villa keeper Sam Johnstone off his line to settle this thriller which saw the the race at the top of the Championship table intensify.

With Wolves virtually over the line already, the contenders are ripping each other apart to join them.

Villa, in second place, have made a decent fist of it, arriving on a seven-match unbeaten run.

But fifth-placed Fulham can now match that feat and – on this form – look hard to stop.

The cards did not fall right for ex-Chelsea skipper Terry on his return to an area of London where he became a legend.

He was mercilessly booed by Fulham fans, but it seemed more out of respect than anger. They were too busy cheering their own local hero Sessegnon, who showed just why he is wanted by top clubs.

Head coach Slavisa Jokanovic said: "Sessegnon is a wonderful talent.

"He was fantastic at 16, now better at 18. He is an important player in my team. In his mind he is trying to push himself all the time.

"I have no idea how much he would be worth in the market. I don't want to sell."

This was always going to be a high-octane game. Moves flowed, tackles bit and little separated the teams until Sessegnon's breakthrough.

Then, Fulham really took off.

Their midfield was the most inventive, with Villa holding two stiff lines and hoping to shock on the break.

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Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon opened the scoring against Aston Villa

Steve Bruce's outfit almost achieved their objective when Birkir Bjarnason broke clear and sent a thunderous shot just wide of Fulham's goal in the 15th minute.

The highly vocal travelling support, officially recorded at 4,000, never stopped offering support, adding fervour, flavour and fire on a sun-kissed afternoon.

But Fulham's football was more fluent, passes went swiftly to foot and forward.

And Villa did well to hold on in the first half, with Cottagers skipper Tom Cairney pulling the strings.

He said in his programme notes this game was the biggest of the season so far and the next six could define it. They certainly made a statement yesterday.

Jokanovic said: "We showed ambition to win the game. We scored two, should have got a third, but I am still satisfied.

We now have to keep it going and fight for more points. We beat a side who had won seven games in a row but our job is still not done.

"We must show some solidarity."

It was a fierce start from both sides and referee Tony Harrington had to stop the game in the 31st minute to talk to the benches as passions rose in a frenzied game.

That all changed in the 51st minute when Ryan Fredericks broke on the right and crossed low for Sessegnon to skilfully turn home without breaking stride.

Fulham finally settled nerves when Ayite, just inside his own half, found the ball at his feet following a sloppy clearance and launched it back over the luckless Johnstone.

He went off late to a tremendous reception.

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic doesn't want to sell Ryan Sessegnon

"I always thought whoever got the first goal would decide it," said Bruce.

"They had quality in the first half. As soon as they opened us up it changed.

"Fulham played very well, particularly after their opening goal. I always said they are the team to beat. I said that at the start and this confirms it. We've been dealt a blow. We have to live with it. Sessegnon is a great talent for them."

Bruce, who is mourning the recent death of his father, saw his side drop out of the top-two.

He added: "Is football an escape after what you've been through? No. When you lose your father it puts it into perspective. It is life and you have to get on with it."

Both these sides have graced the Premier League before. It would not be an injustice if they both go up.



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Fans Are Divided After Margot Robbie Admitted She Supports Fulham


For some people Margot Robbie is the full package. However, for many British football fans, that package has been torn to shreds.

Some might seek solitude when a celebrity crush or icon reveals they support their football club, but will also be quick to judge when they don't.

The latter has happened with Robbie, after the Aussie admitted she's a supporter of none other than... Fulham.

That's right, rather than immersing herself in the ear-splitting noise of Anfield's Kop, or witnessing the skills of Paul Pogba at Old Trafford, or indeed admiring the empty seats at the Etihad and the Emirates, she prefers Craven Cottage.

Speaking on Football Focus, she said: "I actually haven't been to another Fulham game in a while, but I know they're playing tomorrow against Aston Villa.

"It's my two best friends - well it's my husband and my other best friend Josie - Aston Villa is Josie's team, Fulham is Tom's team, and they're going to the game together and it's very tense already.

"I've pledged my allegiance to Fulham, so I want Fulham to win."

The admission, of course, divided many...



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Sessegnon strikes again to end Villa's winning run
by Dan on February 17, 2018

In case their recent run of form had gone unnoticed, Fulham sent the rest of the Championship a warning as to the seriousness of their promotion credentials with possibly their most impressive performance of their campaign as they ended Aston Villa's seven-match winning streak at Craven Cottage this afternoon. Slavisa Jokanovic's side gradually wore down their visitors and were good value for their victory, which came courtesy of second half strikes from teenage winger Ryan Sessegnon and the returning Floyd Ayite.

Villa, set up to stifle Fulham's flowing football, had nullified the home side's attacking instincts after a promising early flurry but were swept aside after being breached by a beautiful move seven minutes after the interval. Ayite, preferred to Lucas Piazon on the right wing this afternoon, swept away from two would-be tacklers and fed the rampaging Ryan Fredericks, whose measured low cross found the advancing Sessegnon and the teenager's clever finish found the far corner.

That goal marked the first time Steve Bruce's side had been behind in the league since Boxing Day and, without the creativity usually provided by the injured Jack Grealish and Albert Adomoah, Villa never looked like getting back into the contest. The home side seemed suddenly to carry a greater goal threat ever time they went forward, but the crucial second arrived courtesy of a horrendous mistake from the usually reliable Sam Johnstone. The on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper attempted to clear his lines from a defensive free-kick in the Villa right back position but his kick only found Ayite in the centre circle and the Togolese winger chipped in from 50 yards with a modicum of fuss.

Bruce sent on Lewis Grabban and Keinan Davis in an attempt to inspire a fightback but their only opening came courtesy of Birkir Bjarnason's chipped ball that split Tim Ream and Tomas Kalas only for Scott Hogan – usually so deadly against Fulham – to spoon a volley high into the Putney End. At the other end, Fulham were rampant. Johnstone made a splendid sprawling save to deny the excellent Aleksandr Mitrovic and, from the next passage of play, Ayite headed over Sessegnon's floated cross. With the Fulham fans aiming ridicule at their favourite bête noire, John Terry, substitute Aboubakar Kamara stung Johnstone's palms with a fierce shot – and Bruce's side were relieved to hear the final whistle.

The Whites could have won by more, but they had made their statement in any case. Jokanovic was too wily to be drawn into where this all left the promotion picture after the final whistle, preferring to laud's his side's belief in their footballing style, which had survived one of its toughest tests of the season. The home side certainly settled the quicker with Matt Targett fizzing a speculative strike a few yards wide and then Mitrovic, who conclusively won one of the key battles against an ageing Terry, coming much closer with a header.

Villa could have taken the lead with their first real foray into Fulham territory with Bjarnason played a clever one-two with Mile Jedinak and advanced to the edge of the box before shooting fractionally wide of the far post. In a first half of few openings, Robert Snodgrass had fired just off target from outside the penalty area – but Fulham enjoyed the lion's share of possession, probing patiently in front of the visiting back four. They struggled for penetration as Tom Cairney worked his way into the contest after returning to the starting line-up with Sessegnon well shackled by Axel Tuanzebe, who used his pace and positional sense expertly to keep the young prospect quiet during the first period. Right on the stroke of half-time, Ayite glided a volley into Johnstone's gloves – but Jokanovic would have been disappointed at Fulham's failure to get behind the Villa defence despite dominating possession.

It was a different story in the second half. Fulham found ways to allow Sessegnon, Ayite and Fredericks – their three most likely sources of an opening – to engineer space in the final third, whilst Cairney gradually became more influential as the contest went on. Sessegnon showed great character to snaffle the vital opener only moments after failing to convert a glorious opportunity created for him by a brilliant bowl out from Marcus Bettinelli. The Fulham goalkeeper's throw sent the teenager haring down the left wing but he misjudged his pass to Stefan Johansen, who had surged forward in support.

It didn't unduly affect the teenager, who showed that predatory instinct to creep in from the wing as Fredericks breezed away from Alan Hutton, and then found the perfect finish to nestle in the far corner from the full back's low cross. The relief around a packed Craven Cottage gave way to ecstasy – as if Fulham's largest crowd of the season began to believe that automatic promotion might not be beyond Jokanovic's team. The Serbian's side still have a testing month ahead – but playing like this, they'll be a formidable match for any of the division's promotion contenders.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Targett, Kalas, Ream; McDonald, Johansen (Odoi 90+1), Cairney; Ayite (Piazon 88), R. Sessegnon, Mitrovic (Kamara 79). Subs (not used): Button, Christie, Norwood, Kebano.

BOOKED: Johansen.

GOALS: R. Sessegnon (52), Ayite (71).

ASTON VILLA (4-1-4-1): Johnstone; Tuanzebe, Hutton, Chester, Terry; Jedinak (Grabban 67); Bjarnason, Hourihane, Elmohamady (Onomah 45), Snodgrass (Davis 88); Hogan. Subs (not used): Bunn, Taylor, Whelan, Lansbury.

BOOKED: Jedinak.

REFEREE: Tony Harrington (Cleveland)

ATTENDANCE: 24,547



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Jokanovic insists nothing is won yet
by Dan on February 17, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic moved to downplay the importance of Fulham's win over Aston Villa by insisting that his side had not won anything more than three points after the win at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The Fulham head coach reflected on the fact that he was not left lamenting the Whites' failure to finish in front of goal after his side ended Aston Villa's seven match winning streak thanks to second half goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite. The Serbian told his post-match press conference that his only regret was that the final scoreline did not accurately portray his time's overall dominance:

    We scored two goals and we could've scored more. Normally, I complain about missing a second goal, but today we missed a third. In the end, we must satisfied with our performance. I believe we played a very good game of football, but in the end, it's only three points.

    In the first-half, we couldn't find a way to connect with our full-backs, but we changed our shape, tried something a little different and showed a better face in the second-half. We have enough experience from losing points against Bolton.

Jokanovic was keen to remind everybody that, whilst Fulham's recent run has certainly propelled them into promotion contention, the Whites hadn't won anything yet.

    We can't think the job is done, because it's not. We're fifth in the Championship and we must show solidarity and work together. We will need whole the squad and if we push together in the same direction, we can think about positive things. Right now, we need to rest, prepare for the next step and fight to find our best performance.

He was full of praise for Sessegnon's match-changing display in the second half, saluting the youngster's professional and his ongoing desire to improve.

    Sessegnon is an extremely talented player and we must push him in the right direction. He has definitely improved over the season and I expect he will improve in the future. He's a very important player within my team and my squad. We are satisfied with his performance today as he scored and important goal but he must push himself and try and improve each game.

The Fulham head coach also highlighted the way Aleksandar Mitrovic led the line on his first start since arriving on loan from Newcastle at the end of January.

    Although he didn't score, Mitrovic had a very good game for us. He held the ball up very well and a positive impact on the game. His movement for the first goal allowed space for Sessegnon to score an important goal. He was unfortunate not to play for many months, we expect we can help him to be in better shape for the upcoming games.



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Fulham 2-0 Aston Villa: Player ratings
by Dan on February 17, 2018

Marks out of ten after Fulham registered a massive win over Aston Villa in the Craven Cottage sunshine ..

Marcus Bettinelli: It was a measure of just how much Fulham were in control that the goalkeeper had little to do but field a pair of shots from Robert Snodgrass in the second half. Bettinelli wasn't overly tested but also helped set the tone for a far more searching examination of the Aston Villa defence in the second period when a brilliant throw released Ryan Sessegnon for a lightning quick break. He distributed the ball well after a slightly shaky start and deserves credit for another clean sheet against one of the league's in-form sides. 7

Ryan Fredericks: The Fulham right back in full flight is some sight. He cut a frustrated figure during the first half as he wasn't given the ball often enough to test out the ageing Alan Hutton. The second period was something else entirely as the full back flew down the right at will and became Fulham's most likely source of an opening. Made the opening goal with a superb burst into the box and a clever cut back for Sessegnon, which proved to be the game's turning point. 8

Matt Targett: As solid as ever in terms of a defensive display, Targett picked up from where he left off at Bolton last weekend by registering Fulham's first effort at goal with a strike from just outside the box that arrowed wide. With Sessegnon nullified for much of the first half, the home side's early threat down the left came from the Southampton loanee, who then kept Robert Snodgrass impressively quiet in the second 45 minutes. 7

Tomas Kalas: The Czech centre back delivered a dominant defensive display on John Terry's return to west London that perhaps carried more significance than many might have realised. Kalas has previously described the Villa centre back as one of his mentors in football – and he displayed the kind of commanding characteristics that underlined his impressive first campaign at Craven Cottage, whilst keeping Scott Hogan very quiet indeed. 7

Tim Ream: The American continued his fine season with another nerveless performance at the heart of a Fulham defence that never looked unduly troubled this afternoon. He felt emboldened enough to advance forward from the back on a couple of occasions and distributed the ball with the kind of confidence that we have come to expect. Oozed class and deserves great credit for forcing Steve Bruce to thrown on more forwards in a desperate attempt to enliven a laboured Villa performance. 7

Kevin McDonald: McDonald has been lauded as a leader of this team whilst Tom Cairney has been missing from Fulham's midfield – and the Scottish midfielder's display showed exactly why. He was organising and cajoling his team-mates from the off, ensuring they knew exactly where they had to be in a disciplined defensive showing, whilst reading the game as expertly as ever. Conclusively won the holding midfield battle by keeping Conor Hourihane quiet and might have crowned an excellent display with a third on the break, but slipped at the vital moment. 7

Stefan Johansen: Energy and endeavour from the Norwegian, who buzzed around busily from the outset. Harried Villa's most offensive operators throughout and kept up a frantic pace until he was replaced in the first minute of added time by Denis Odoi. Seems to have shaken off the groin problem that dogged his efforts earlier in the season and could have broken the deadlock early in the second half had Ryan Sessegnon's pass after a speedy break carried more power. 7

Tom Cairney: So pleasing to see Cairney back at the heart of the Fulham midfield. Slavisa Jokanovic's side look a far classier proposition with the Scot spraying passes around and maintaining the sort of tempo that makes opponents wilt. Began a number of promising attacks and began more influential as the match went on, gradually pushing Villa backwards, and you sense that Fulham's success this season will depend on how often he can feature in midfield. 7

Floyd Ayite: An excellent return to the starting line-up for the lively Togolese winger, who was preferred to Lucas Piazon on the right by Slavisa Jokanovic. Ayite's pace and decision making in the final third troubled Villa from the outset and he dovetailed well with Ryan Fredericks down the right. Played a crucial part in starting the move that led to Sessegnon's opener and then kept his cool to chip home from the centre circle after Sam Johnstone's free-kick picked him out perfectly. 8

Ryan Sessegnon: A quiet first half was forgotten once Sessegnon put Fulham ahead seven minutes after the break. The goal displayed the teenager's incredible poaching instinct once again as he improvised a fine finish from Fredericks' cut-back to find the far corner that Johnstone had left a little exposed. He struggled initially against Axel Tuanzebe but was posed Villa real problems after the break – surging deep into the visitors' territory from a fine Bettinelli throw-out, but – unusually – couldn't find the final ball on that occasion. 8

Aleksandar Mitrovic: The Serbian striker rewarded Jokanovic's faith with an imposing display up front on his first Fulham start. Mitrovic utterly bullied both John Terry and James Chester at the heart of the Villa defence, winning the physical battle hands down, and showed a fine first touch as he held the ball up well and brought his team-mates into play. Might have scored with a couple of headers – with Johnstone producing a brilliant stop in the second half – but showed enough to suggest the goals will come. 7

Substitutes:

Aboubakar Kamara (on for Aleksandar Mitrovic 79): Like at the Macron Stadium, the French forward could have scored with his first touch after a lovely link-up with Floyd Ayite but snatched at the chance. This miss wasn't half as damaging as the one at Bolton and the fact that Kamara even got into that position owed so much to his remarkable improvement as a footballer since arriving at Fulham back in August. 7

Lucas Piazon (on for Floyd Ayite 88): The briefest of cameos for the on-loan Chelsea winger, who will still have an integral part to play in Fulham's promotion push. 6

Denis Odoi (on for Stefan Johansen 90+1): The Belgian defender came on at the death after Stefan Johansen had run himself into the ground to help Fulham play out time. 6



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Cairney commends Fulham's 'special' victory
by Dan on February 18, 2018

Tom Cairney was delighted with Fulham's 'special victory' over Aston Villa – after the Whites' 2-0 win at Craven Cottage served notice of their promotion ambitions.

The Scottish playmaker returned to Slavisa Jokanovic's starting line-up after another injury lay-off caused by a persistent knee problem and gradually became more influential as the game wore one. Cairney told BBC London Sport he was really pleased by the way Fulham delivered a strong performance in such a crucial contest:

    It was a big victory. I'd say it was the biggest game in the Football League, to be fair, this weekend – two in-form teams and they'd won their last six or seven games. It was a huge game. To win, and win in the manner we did, was special.

    They were hard to break down. We've got a tight pitch and I think it suited them. They got ten men behind the ball and they defend well – that's why they are where they are – but I think in the second half, we took a lot more risks, had a few more shots and we kind of cut them open a little bit.

Cairney felt, taking the lead shortly after half time, proved pivotal in opening the game up and forcing Villa to move onto the front foot. He also saluted Ryan Sessegnon's persistence in scoring the opener after having had a quiet first half up front an impressive Axel Tuanzebe, who Steve Bruce deployed at full back.

    I think the first goal in any goal is important, but even more so today, because it had to bring them out and, as soon as we went 1-0 up, we could have scored a few more. I think the right back did really well. I think, as you say, he was really strong and quick so it was quite a tough test, but good players always adapt and he got his goal again.

The 27 year-old described Floyd Ayite's second – struck from the centre circle after Villa goalkeeper Sam Johnstone fluffed his clearance – as reminiscent of David Beckham's famous strike at Selhurst Park.

    It was a bit Beckham-esque and he stood still like Cantona after he scored as well, so it was a special goal from Floyd – but he's capable of that.

Cairney revealed afterwards that his troublesome knee felt quite strong and that he hopes he can be fit for Fulham's crucial run of upcoming games, including Wednesday's trip to promotion rivals Bristol City.

    I felt quite strong so hopefully my knee doesn't flare up and it's okay for the next game. It's been a little bit on and off all season., I had a good run over Christmas, but was out [for] a few games obviously of late, but today I felt good.

    I think we're in one hell of a run. I think every time we play in the next five games is either near us or above us so it couldn't be more of a tough test so I need to be ready. It's a massive confidence boost. They are second in the league today and I think we took them apart at times so we've all got to believe.



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