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2 in, 1 out: Fulham's transfer agenda that would enhance their squad

Fulham's push for automatic promotion is growing in pace, with victory over league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening a clear statement of intent to their top two rivals.

Ryan Sessegnon stole the show once again, scoring the opening goal and establishing himself as one of the best players on an extremely talented pitch, and fans will be growing increasingly confident that the club's Premier League exile could be approaching its end.

There is still a lot of work to do at Craven Cottage before manager Slavisa Jokanovic will even consider the notion of promotion, but the Serb will know that whatever happens in the second tier this term, he will have a huge task of him in the summer as he looks to bolster his squad once more.

These could be just come of the changes in West London this summer...

Out: Marcelo Djalo

The Spanish central defender arrived last summer from Lugo in Spain's second tier, identified by the club's statistical analyst team as an unknown player with the ability to thrive at this competitive level.

Fulham's coaching staff harboured reservations over a potential move but the deal went through regardless, but it appears those that expressed their concerns should have been listened to.

The 24-year-old has appeared just a handful of times and has hardly covered himself in glory, and it is expected that the player's time at Craven Cottage will be over before it has even started.

In: Scott Arfield

The 29-year-old Canadian international is set to be a free agent in the summer when his deal with Burnley expires, and would be an excellent addition to this Cottagers side should they secure promotion this term.

The player has plied his trade in the Premier League for many years now, and his experience would be vital to any survival bid should the club be promoted this season, or a promotion push from the second tier next year.

A tricky winger with the ability to play centrally, Arfield will attract bags of interest should he fail to agree a new deal at Turf Moor, and should certainly be on Jokanovic's wishlist in the summer.

In: Dwight Gayle

The Newcastle man was linked with a switch to Craven Cottage again in January, and a move could be explored by Jokanovic again this summer.

The former Crystal Palace man is back in the Magpies side and scoring goals, but could be moved on should manager Rafa Benitez secure his targets when the window opens for business once again.

The feeling is that Gayle is disposable at St James' Park despite his goals contributing to their bid for survival this year, and Fulham should certainly consider testing Newcastle's resolve.

Fulham have lacked an out-and-out striker for a couple of years now, and Gayle could be the final piece in the puzzle for promotion next year, if it isn't secured this term.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-in-1-out-fulhams-transfer-agenda-that-would-enhance-their-squad/

Ream delivers a display for the ages
by Sarah on February 25, 2018

If there's anyone who deserves the personal plaudits for Fulham's transition into the form team in the Championship, then it has to be Tim Ream. Slavisa Jokanovic's side's revival over the past three months has mirrored the American defender's understated renaissance at the heart of the Fulham back four. Where the St. Louis native was once written off as yesterday's man – much like the way Whites were labelled relegation candidates following November's shambolic reverse at Molineux – Ream is now arguably the most important part of a miserly back four upon which the team's promotion bid has been built.

If Ream's personal change in fortunes can be traced back to when he took an opportunity to replace Michael Madl as Tomas Kalas' regular partner during the second half of last season, the former Bolton centre back has only enhanced his level of performance this year. Where you once might have been worried about his lack of pace or the odd errant pass, Ream has become reliably personified and has helped spread confidence through the side. Last night's magnificent display against a team who are head and shoulders above the rest in the division only enhanced his standing amongst the Fulham faithful.

On paper it looked a tricky assignment. Leo Bonatini, the tall forward who had bullied Fulham in the air in the reverse fixture before Christmas, joined pacey wingers in Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro up front, but the trio who have terrorised Championship defences for fun this term held no fears for Ream. He was a commanding presence throughout, winning the ball in the air and looking as if he had all the time in the world on the floor – stepping out of defence with the ball without any pressure at all.

You can pay the American international no finer compliment than to say that this display was reminiscent of Aaron Hughes in his pomp. The Northern Ireland defender never got the praise that his performances alongside Brede Hangeland deserved, largely because of his unflappable nature – but you sensed he didn't care one jot. Ream would likely feel the same, but his positional sense and in timing in the challenge were first class last night.

That composure almost radiated itself to the fans during the periods were Wolves looked as though they were threatening to add a finish to some of their pretty approach play. He played his way out of trouble in the manner of Franz Beckenbauer in the first half – coming across as coolness personified when threading the perfect pass through to the midfield when they seemed to be be barely half a yard to work in – and when Fulham needed him, Ream came up big. His wonderfully judged intervention with Benik Afobe bearing down on Marcus Bettinelli with five minutes to play saved a certain goal, even if the moment will be remembered for Diogo Jota's eye-opening miss.

The manner in which Ream has blossomed under Jokanovic brings to mind how Jean Tigana nurtured three fine seasons at the highest level out of Rufus Brevett and Andy Melville when their Fulham careers seemed to be coming to a close. At thirty, the modern central defender could have three or four years of his prime left – and there's plenty of time for Ream to write himself into Fulham folklore. If this team do manage to return to the Premier League, you wouldn't beat against the former New York Red Bulls defender becoming a stalwart at the highest level. One thing's for certain – if Jokanovic's men do go up this year, Ream's relentless consistency will be one of the biggest reasons why.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/ream-delivers-a-display-for-the-ages/

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic scores again: 'Fulham know my qualities and so they try to use me'

Aleksandar Mitrovic on form and scoring goals can only be good for everybody concerned, including Newcastle United.


Aleksandar Mitrovic is most definitely back in form now.

He played a full part in last weekend's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa and John Terry, then followed that up with his first Fulham goal in midweek, earning a 1-1 draw at promotion rivals Bristol City.

Then yesterday against runaway leaders Wolves, Mitro was once again on top form, putting in an excellent performance and topping that with a superb solo goal on 71 minutes that finished the visitors off as it gave Fulham a 2-0 win.

Now on a 12 game unbeaten run, Fulham are the form team and Aleksandar Mitrovic is now targeting that second automatic promotion – Fulham only five points behind second placed Cardiff, although Wolves remain 14 points clear of the Cottagers.

The Newcastle loan striker also thinks that he is reaping the benefit of Fulham playing to his strengths: 'They know my qualities and they know where I'm strong, so they try to use me.'

The Serbian striker on form and scoring goals can only be good for everybody concerned, including Newcastle, whether it leads to him actually having a future at St James Park or a permanent move elsewhere.

Aleksandar Mitrovic speaking to Fulham's official TV channel:

"A really nice game, an important three points, we really enjoyed today.

"We played good football and in the end we scored two goals – the fans are happy, we are happy – we have now two days rest and then we have to prepare ourselves for the next big game.

"Wolves are a really tough team. They had some good forward players, very fast, very skillful but we managed them really good today. A really tough opponent to play against but we showed character, team spirit.

"(When I scored) I had the man on my back but this is my style, this is where I want the people, where I like to be and the last few games they use me really well.

"They know my qualities and they know where I'm strong, so they try to use me. My first goal at the Cottage was a nice feeling – I hope I can continue with this.

"The club, the stadium, everything here is full of tradition and you can feel it on the pitch, the fans are really passionate. This is my third game at home and against Villa it was unbelievable, today was unbelievable, they (the fans) helped us a lot and I want to thank them and I ask them to stay behind us.

"I think sincee last season everybody is scared of Fulham, the way we play I can say nobody likes it, because we play with a lot of possession and create a lot of chances every game.

Twelve games unbeaten is an important thing for the confidence and mentality of this team...a lot of games left to play until the end of the season and we will fight for second place."



https://www.themag.co.uk/2018/02/aleksandar-mitrovic-scores-fulham-know-qualities-try-use-newcastle-united/

 
Fulham PLAYER RATINGS: Mitrovic masterclass puts Wolves to the sword

Fulham toppled the league leaders under the Sky cameras to make it 12 games unbeaten

Another Ryan Sessegnon strike and a wonderful Aleksandar Mitrovic goal ensured Fulham beat league leaders Wolves 2-0 to stretch that unbeaten run to 12.

Slavisa Jokanovic decided to make three changes for the visit of the league leaders, with Floyd Ayite, Tomas Kalas and Ryan Fredericks all returning to the starting XI - the same side that beat Aston Villa last week.

The home side started well and nearly had the opener - Aleksander Mitrovic's lob after the ball fell into his path was hacked off the line however.

And it was Fulham who took the lead when Mitrovic's effort was parried into the path of Sessegnon, who was in the right place at the right time to poke it home.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14334046.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/PBP_SAH_WL180321_049.jpg)
(Image: Paul Burgman)

Mitrovic, who had been a pain for Wolves' defence all night, got the second when he turned his man and slammed the ball into the bottom left corner.

Wolves should've got one back when Marcus Bettinelli saved from Benik Afobe, he squared the rebound to Diogo Jota who was only yards out, but he scooped the ball over the bar.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 7: A few skewed kicks but some decent saves to keep Wolves at bay. Did what he had to do fairly well when called upon. Great save to deny Afobe.

Fredericks 8: Got the better of his man a few times down the right and did well defensively. Was fantastic in the second 45.

Kalas 7: Was a commanding display at centre back in the first half. Worked well to get back into positions to defend as Wolves broke.

Ream 9: Was absolutely solid at the back in the first 45 minutes and for the remainder of the game. Did a great job nullifying the Wolves front line.

Targett 7: Another solid display from the left back who did his job and without complaint in this game.

McDonald 8: Did well shielding and dropping into the back four, mopping up quick Wolves breaks. Another solid screening display from the Scotsman.

Cairney 8: Had eyes in the back of his head at times to deal with pressure in the midfield. Grew into the game and started to dictate play during the second half.

Johansen 8: Looked back to his best with a fantastic effort in the midfield as the engine. Linked defence to attack a number of times.

Ayite 7: Didn't have much to do in the first half but came into the game more during the second. Tracked back well and did a good job defending the right as Wolves doubled up.

Sessegnon 7: Right place, right time for the youngster as he scored the opener. Looked to attack his marker at every opportunity.

Mitrovic 9: Held the ball up well and did some fantastic work to get a shot off for the first goal. Stunning second goal when he created space for himself and slammed the ball home.

Subs -

Ojo 7: A good impact on the game, the former Wolves man added width to the right and did a good job defending with Fredericks.

Odoi N/A: Didn't get enough time on the pitch.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-player-ratings-mitrovic-masterclass-14332606

 
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero the ONLY player to score more league goals in 2018 than Ryan Sessegnon

The 17-year-old is in some world class company when it comes to the amount of league goals scored in 2018

When it comes to the top marksmen in England, the same names always pop up in everyone's minds.

Sergio Aguero, Mo Salah, Harry Kane.

One that might not necessarily jump out to fans across England just yet is that of Ryan Sessegnon - Fulham's 17-year-old wonderkid.

The Craven Cottage faithful have bore witness to the roots of a career that will almost certainly see the teenage star play for England and in the coliseums of world football.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14334345.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/PBP_SAH_WL180321_061.jpg)
(Image: Paul Burgman)

And another goal in the 2-0 victory over Wolves took his tally to 13 for the season, and only one man in England has scored more goals since than the turn of the year than Sessegnon.

Aguero, one of the best forwards in the world has netted 11 times in the league for the Premier League champions-elect, including four in one game against Leicester a few weeks ago.

Sessegnon, meanwhile, has banged in eight goals, including three braces as Fulham decide they're done with playing about in the Championship, going on a run of just two losses in 18 league games.

Behind him comes Kane, who has scored five so far in 2018, while Salah has netted six since the turn of the year.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-sergio-aguero-sessegnon-14334329

 
Steve Sidwell likens Newcastle United loan man Aleksandar Mitrovic to former Chelsea star

Sky Sports pundit has his say on loan signing

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his second goal in four days to cement Fulham's 2-0 win over league leaders Wolves on Saturday night.

The Whites made it 12 games unbeaten and eight straight home wins with victory over the champions-elect at Craven Cottage, with the Serbian striker adding a second half strike to Ryan Sessegnon's first half effort.

And the frontman could be key as Fulham aim to chase down Cardiff City in second place and win automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Former Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell was in the studio for the live Sky Sports clash last night and he likened the 23-year-old to former Chelsea star Diego Costa.

Sidwell said: "He offers that focal point at the top of the play, if you look at his style, it's very similar to Diego Costa, he's very bullish, strong and you don't want to take that away from him because if you do you lose the player that he is.

"He's there as a focal point to bring other players into the attack. What you've seen is classic Mitrovic, he wants to feel defenders, wants them to be touch tight, roll them and get his shot away."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sidwell-newcastle-united-aleksandar-mitrovic-14334444

 
The astonishing stats behind Fulham's rise from mid-table nothingness to promotion contenders

The charge to the brink of automatic promotion has been nothing short of sensational - here's the numbers behind it

Fulham's charge towards where they find themselves in the Championship table has been nothing short of sensational.

Between this weekend's 2-0 victory over Wolves and the return leg back in November, which was a 2-0 loss to the league leaders, things have really gone Fulham's way.

There's been 18 games since Nuno Esprito Santo's side made the game at Molineux look like a training match, and since then Fulham have risen nine places, taking a whopping FORTY points.

That run has included four draws and two losses, meaning Slavisa Jokanovic's men have won 12 of those fixtures, meaning 36 of those points have come from victories.

In that time they've scored 39 goals and only conceded 18, which has included a run of four clean sheets on the bounce at home for Marcus Bettinelli.

Fulham's last loss in the league came against Sunderland in December, and since then the stats speak for themselves:

    70 days since Fulham last lost
    10 weeks
    1,680 hours
    100,800 minutes
    6,048,000 second

Add to that the fact that in over 400 minutes of football at Craven Cottage, Fulham have scored 16 goals and not conceded once, and you have to agree that the club are probably the best side the in the division at the moment.

At time of writing, Fulham still have a lot to do to get into that final automatic spot, with Cardiff continuing to grind out results, but with those stats, I don't think anyone would bet against them.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/astonishing-stats-behind-fulhams-rise-14334421

 
McDonald: Incredible Application

Kevin McDonald feels the calibre of opposition that was put to the sword on Saturday demonstrates just how far Fulham have come in the last few months.

Wolverhampton Wanderers had lost just four times all season prior to their 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage, and McDonald was proud with the manner in which his side got one over on his former employers.


"Under the lights at the Cottage, it was a really good performance, a great win that was thoroughly deserved," he told fulhamfc.com.

""They got going a bit at the start of the second half, but they needed to, they're top of the league, they couldn't afford to come here and lose, but I thought we did really well from start to finish.

"We applied ourselves incredibly, and it shows that we're on a great run. They're the best team in the league.

"They're at the top, they deserve to be there as they've done fantastic throughout the whole season, so total respect to them but that shows you how far we've come.

"We've put in a great performance, at times played them off the park, they didn't know what to do, and all in all it's a great three points."

Fulham led at half-time through Ryan Sessegnon's 13th goal of the season, and effectively put the match to bed with Aleksandar Mitrović's superb strike on 71 minutes.

"They've got good players, good attacking players," McDonald admitted. "Their counter attack was unstoppable at times really.

"They got in a few times and it was really hard to deal with, so we coped with it well I thought and it could have gone either way, but we got the goal at the right time. I felt we were well worthy winners, and I'm sure they'd say the same.

"I thought Mitro was really good. He bullied their defence, he brought us up the pitch plenty of times.

"It's a different option for us and he deserved that goal. Fair play to him, it topped off a good performance from him."


Everyone to a man performed their duties impeccably on Saturday evening, with McDonald acknowledging that a monumental effort was required to defeat such an established outfit.

"I was in front of the back four as always and it was a tough game," he stated. "I had a bit of an injury at the start, I was hopeful I'd get through it, and the adrenaline and the fans kept me going.

"Last 10 minutes I blew up, I was so tired at the end that I think I gave the ball away more in the last 10 minutes than I did the whole game! It was one of them, but I was happy to get through the game, and to get three points for the team is huge."

The run of fixtures against promotion rivals continues next weekend with an intriguing test at Pride Park, but McDonald is in a positive mood courtesy of our 12 match unbeaten run.

"Wolves is a massive three points for us, the run keeps going as we head into Derby next week, which we know is another massive game," he said.

"Wolves was a so-called 'free game' because a lot of people don't expect you to beat a team of that quality, and we did. We went into it quietly confident, we knew we had the players in our squad to beat Wolves.

"It was such a good game, and now we go into Derby which is an even better game, one of the sides we're really up against in the fight for second spot.

"It's always a tough one at Derby, they always put us under pressure, but we've got to go there full of confidence like we did against Wolves, and hopefully get another three points."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/25/kevin-mcdonald-incredible-application

 
'Fulham didn't just beat the league leaders Wolves, they annihilated them'

Steve Sidwell assesses the Whites chances of promotion this season

Former Fulham man Steve Sidwell believes the Whites made a "massive statement" in beating league leaders Wolves yesterday.

Goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic secured all three points at Craven Cottage, to ensure they extended their unbeaten run to 12 games.

The match was live on Sky Sports and former Whites Sidwell was in the studio rounding up what happened on the pitch.

He said: "That's a massive statement, they've not only just beaten the top side in the division they've annihilated them really, from start to finish. They stifled them on their attacks and scored two decent goals against them.

"They're 12 unbeaten, the most in-form team in the division and every team they come up against now they'll be looking to win. Now they're going to be looking up, rather than behind them."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-wolves-steve-sidwell-league-14335083

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic pleased with changes to Transfer Window ahead of 2018-19 season

Clubs voted to change the deadline of the Summer Transfer Window from August 31 to August 9 for the 2018-19 season

Slavisa Jokanovic is happy that teams have voted to end the Transfer Window on August 9 this coming summer, as opposed to the old August 31 deadline.

The 2018-19 season is scheduled to start on August 4, meaning the window will shut only five days after the season starts, compared to previous seasons where nearly a whole month would remain.

Fulham lost Sone Aluko last season to Reading on August 29, much to Jokanovic's dismay, but the new rules mean that teams won't be losing players weeks into the season, with the window shutting at 5pm.

However, the new rules still allow teams outside of the top flight to sign players on loan until August 31, as well as sell players to teams whose transfer windows are still open, such as Europe.

And Fulham's head coach believes the change is a good one as it will allow him to prepare his side for the start of the season without the worry of losing any of his players.

He said: "This is a good change, I am happy with this decision.

"I don't have experience, okay I have some I have some kind of the experience of losing some people it last moments, but I have more experience with bringing people in in the last moment.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14335170.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/PBP_SAH_WL180321_005.jpg)
(Image: Paul Burgman)

"At the end, you need the time for working and time to make pre-season with these people and try check what these people have available and how they can help you.

"When the season starts, all the people are focused on results and this news is good news for myself, and I believe especially for all the coaches.

"We want time to work and this decision will give us a little bit more time to prepare our teams."




https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-pleased-14335154

Faultless Fulham firing on all cyclinders
by alandrewett on February 25, 2018

Fortress Fulham is back. This weekend saw another home game, another top side make the trip to Craven Cottage full of confidence and head home having fallen victim to the free-flowing Whites. Slavisa Jokanovic's men might have had to wait until their fourth home game of the season to taste victory, but they are making the most of their home comforts as the season moves into the final street. Yesterday's formidable filleting of league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers made it eight consecutive home wins and kept that second automatic promotion spot a real possibility.

The confidence that has come from the twelve game unbeaten run since that wretched defeat on Wearside by Chris Coleman's Sunderland is oozing through Jokanovic's side right now. Once they edged ahead of Wolves courtesy of Ryan Sessegnon's lightning reactions, they looked like a team that wasn't going to relinquish the lead without a scrap. And credit to Nuno Espirito Santo's Wolves, who came to west London intent on playing football rather than engaging in the physical battle Bristol City preferred in midweek.

The visitors are justifiably top of the league – having played splendid football throughout the season that has put them streets ahead of the rest of the Championship. They have players who can change the course of a game in a blink of an eye – and Wolves looked lightning quick on the counter-attack. Like the fans, Fulham were up for this huge test and they started at a real rate of knots, never letting Wolves settle. The Whites dominated possession and didn't look in too much danger until that glaring miss from Diogo Jota late on.

The team's performance was faultless from front to back. Everyone in the white shirt was excellent, but Aleksandar Mitrovic – who scored the splendid second goal that knocked the stuffing out of Wolves – Ryan Fredericks and Tim Ream are worthy of particular mention. Fredericks' display has to be one of his best in a Fulham shirt. His defensive work was superb – with his sheer determination to win every 50/50 shining through from the off. Ream's performance has to rank alongside the ones we became used to watching from Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland and the American is now the rock of Jokanovic's back four.

But it would be remiss not to highlight the excellence of Stefan Johansen in the Fulham engine room. He has brought energy and no little quality to the midfield since his arrival from Celtic last August and he seems to be hitting the heights of last season again after enduring a few ups and downs earlier this term. Irrepressible displays like last night's show just why Johansen is captain of his country. He was all over Wolves from the off, regularly turned defence into attack with a telling intervention and played an underappreciated part in both goals. As well as the eye-catching moments, Johansen's endeavour also gives his fellow midfielders Kevin McDonald and Tom Cairney the freedom to play to their strengths.

The big games keep coming with three tantalising tussles against Derby County, Preston North End and Sheffield United – who are all likely to be in the promotion picture until the final weeks of the season – looming large. They certainly won't fancy facing Fulham with Jokanovic's charges in such imperious form and the run-in promises plenty of excitement.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/faultless-fulham-firing-on-all-cyclinders/

Wolves win shows how far Fulham have come, says McDonald
by Dan on February 25, 2018

Fulham's fine victory over league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday shows just how much Slavisa Jokanovic's side have improved in the space of four months, according to midfielder Kevin McDonald.

The Whites underlined their own promotion credentials by inflicting Wolves' first away league defeat since October at Craven Cottage last night courtesy of goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic. McDonald, who spent three seasons with Wolves, feels the quality of Fulham's performance when compared with their meek capitulation at Molineux before Christmas is a measure of how far his side have progressed during their twelve match unbeaten run.

The Scottish midfielder told Fulham's official website that beating the league leaders was an outstanding achievement:

    Under the lights at the Cottage, it was a really good performance, a great win that was thoroughly deserved. They got going a bit at the start of the second half, but they needed to, they're top of the league, they couldn't afford to come here and lose, but I thought we did really well from start to finish. We applied ourselves incredibly, and it shows that we're on a great run.

    They're at the top, they deserve to be there as they've done fantastic throughout the whole season, so total respect to them but that shows you how far we've come. We've put in a great performance, at times played them off the park, they didn't know what to do, and all in all it's a great three points.

McDonald felt the home side handled Wolves' frightening abundance of attacking talent in the forward areas well – and were well worth their victory.

    They've got good players, good attacking players. Their counter attack was unstoppable at times really. They got in a few times and it was really hard to deal with, so we coped with it well I thought and it could have gone either way, but we got the goal at the right time. I felt we were well worthy winners, and I'm sure they'd say the same.

The former Sheffield United midfielder had words of praise for Mitrovic, who led the line superbly, and scored a wonderful clinching goal.

    I thought Mitro was really good. He bullied their defence, he brought us up the pitch plenty of times. It's a different option for us and he deserved that goal. Fair play to him, it topped off a good performance from him.

McDonald admitted that the buzz of the occasion helped him come through an early injury scare – and was delighted to claim a precious three points.

    I had a bit of an injury at the start, I was hopeful I'd get through it, and the adrenaline and the fans kept me going. Last 10 minutes I blew up, I was so tired at the end that I think I gave the ball away more in the last 10 minutes than I did the whole game! It was one of them, but I was happy to get through the game, and to get three points for the team is huge.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/wolves-win-shows-how-far-fulham-have-come-says-mcdonald/

 
'Different gravy, see you in Derby' – Fulham fans left in awe once again at showing of star man

Fulham ran out 2-0 winners against runaway leaders Wolves yesterday in the evening kick off in the Championship, dispatching Nuno Santo's men with an excellent performance at Craven Cottage.

The promotion chasing Cottagers were once again in fine form and were deserved winners in the end, as once again Ryan Sessegnon hit the back of the net and inspired his team to the win at just the tender age of 17-years-old.

The flying left sided winger has been in sensational form all season and he delivered again yesterday, and took the time out following the game to take to his Twitter account and show his delight at the win.

With Sessegnon becoming s firm favourite of the Fulham fans and no doubt on the radar of a host of Premier League clubs this summer, plenty of Cottagers fans took the time out to reply and sing the praises of the youngster.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/different-gravy-see-you-in-derby-fulham-fans-left-in-awe-once-again-at-showing-of-star-man/

 
Fulham defeat leaders Wolves to extend unbeaten run

Fulham consolidated their place in the Championship play-off places with a dominant victory over leaders Wolves.

Fulham, unbeaten in the league in 2018, began well and led when winger Ryan Sessegnon, 17, tapped in after Aleksandar Mitrovic's shot was parried.

Ivan Cavaleiro twice tested Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli but Mitrovic fired in a low second from 20 yards.

Stefan Johansen almost curled in a third before Diogo Jota blazed over Wolves' best chance from close range.

The Cottagers are unbeaten in 12 games and have now won eight in a row at Craven Cottage, lifting them to within five points of an automatic promotion spot.

Slaviša Jokanović told the club website that his team "played a very good game" to defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 on a chilly night at Craven Cottage.

"I definitely believe this was one of the best games we had at this level," Jokanović said. "My team played a very good game."

"Wolves are a strong, fast team," he noted. "We showed we can play against them. We came through adversity. We were brave, with great attitudes."

"We tried to not give them any space to move and at the end of the day we scored the necessary goals. Besides a good chance for them at the end of the game, we controlled the match—especially in the second half—and we must be satisfied."

"The whole team played a very good game. But Mitrović opens up different options for us"

"He scored a goal, he worked in the right direction for the team, and he held the ball up many times. He worked well off the ball too. He must be satisfied with his performance, just like we are satisfied with his performance."

Still, the Head Coach was insistent on making sure it was the whole squad that was recognised. "I want to underline that it's the whole team that is working well," he said.



http://the72.co.uk/98796/fulham-defeat-leaders-wolves-extend-unbeaten-run/

 
Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic fires warning to Aston Villa

Mitrovic's Fulham are behind Derby County, Aston Villa and Cardiff City in the race for second place

Aleksandar Mitrovic has fired a warning to Aston Villa and the rest of the Championship's promotion hopefuls, insisting 'everybody is scared of Fulham'.

Mitrovic scored his first goal for Fulham on Saturday as they beat top of the table Wolves and says the Whites have set their sights on second place.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side stretched their unbeaten run to twelve league games with the 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic told FulhamFCTV: "I think everybody since last season is scared of Fulham.

"The way we play I can say nobody likes it, because we play with a lot of possession and we create a lot of chances every game, so I think any team in the Championship doesn't like to play against Fulham.

"Twelve games unbeaten is an important thing as for the confidence and mentality of this team as we look forward and try to win every game.

"There's a lot of games to play until the end of the season and we'll fight for second place."

Cardiff currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot behind Wolves after Neil Warnock's side beat Bristol City on Sunday, while Villa are third following their win at Hillsborough.

Fulham, who downed Villa 2-0 earlier this month, are fifth behind Derby, eight points from second spot.

"There's a lot of games to play until the end of the season and we'll fight for second place."

Cardiff currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot behind Wolves after Neil Warnock's side beat Bristol City on Sunday, while Villa are third following their win at Hillsborough.

Fulham, who downed Villa 2-0 earlier this month, are fifth behind Derby, eight points from second spot.

Hutton latest

Steve Bruce has confirmed that Alan Hutton will be missing for "a few weeks" after the defender suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Hutton has been deployed in a previously unfamiliar position of left-back for much of the season, which has enabled Bruce to accommodate him and Ahmed Elmohamady in the same side.

It's been at the expense of Welshman and natural left back Neil Taylor, who replaced Hutton early in the second half at Hillsborough and who is now readying himself for a return to the starting XI.

It's still a further pain for Bruce, though, who admitted Hutton's absence will be felt - the Scot has been performing impressively for large parts of the season.

"We went to Sheffield Wednesday with four or five missing already, so to lose Alan was a blow," he said after the match.

"We're fortunate that when he goes down we've got someone like Neil Taylor to come on. That's not a bad replacement, is it?

"We don't want anymore injuries, though. It's a hamstring problem and it'll be a while for him.

"We'll be without him for a few weeks now. It's a shame because he's been fantastic.

"It's a squad game and I've used something like 36 players.

"We've had problems to deal with so hopefully we don't get anymore. Hopefully we get a few on the mend this week. That will help us."

Villa were also missing Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe at the back in the win over the Owls.

Albrighton explanation

Paul Lambert has explained that Marc Albrighton was released by Aston Villa on his watch because the club could not afford to offer him a new deal.

Winger and Villa fan Albrighton, who progressed through the claret and blue academy, was released by his boyhood club in 2014, when Scot Lambert was manager at the club.

He would be picked up on a free transfer by Leicester City as the Foxes were promoted back to the top flight, and within two years he had a Premier League winners' medal.

The decision to allow Albrighton to leave Villa Park is one that has rankled with a number of the club's supporters, even to this day.

However Lambert, speaking after his Stoke side earned a draw at the King Power Stadium, revealed that he had little choice in the matter.

"Believe it or not we couldn't afford to keep him at Aston Villa," he said.

"He has done great since, he really has. He is a terrific lad, great work ethic and a really nice kid as well. It's no surprise me how well he has done.

"Did anyone expect them to win the league? Probably not, but fair play to them, and he played his part. You don't begrudge a player like that, no.

"He's a good kid, a nice kid as well and deserves all the credit he got."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mitrovic-villa-derby-county-cardiff-14336310

 
Potentially excellent news for Derby County fans as Rowett offers update on fitness of key man

Derby County manager Gary Rowett has delivered some good news for Rams fans by confirming that striker Matej Vydra may be fit for the club's next game against promotion chasing Fulham.

Speaking to the Derby Telegraph, the Rams manager acknowledged the slight knock Vydra had picked up, a groin injury he has been carrying for three weeks, had kept him out of the game with Reading yesterday, a game which ended up being a stunning 3-3 draw in Berkshire.

However, Rowett is hoping that his star striker is on the mend, and will be fit for the game against the Cottagers this weekend.

Rowett confirmed that Vydra 'probably needed a bit of a breather' anyway, and that he is hoping the break will do the striker good as he looks to come back into the team and add to his impressive goal tally this season.

The Rams have seen their push for an automatic promotion place come unstuck in the last few weeks as Cardiff and Aston Villa have leapfrogged the Midlanders into pole position to seal the second promotion spot behind runaway leaders Wolves.

The game with Fulham will be a tough test though, with the Cottagers fresh off the back of an excellent win over Wolves this weekend.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/potentially-excellent-news-for-derby-county-fans-as-rowett-offers-update-on-fitness-of-key-man/

Eight years ago tonight, Brede Hangeland's header knocked Shakhtar Donetsk out of the Europa League
by Dan on February 25, 2018

It still seems as fresh as yesterday, but it was eight years ago this evening that Brede Hangeland's brilliant header helped Fulham to a famous draw in Donetsk that eliminated UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk from the Europa League in one of the best results of Roy Hodgson's side's remarkable run to the final. I'd still maintain that Shakhtar, with their sprinkling of Brazilian magic, are one of the best footballing sides I've ever seen visit Craven Cottage – but Fulham's defensive discipline under Hodgson helped the Whites hold on after Hangeland's crucial away goal.

Our match report from the evening began by recognising the enormity of the occasion and the magnitude of Fulham's backs-to-the-wall performance:

    It wasn't pretty. It was gritty, often nervy and – at times – even a little desperate but it was enough. Fulham claimed the sizeable scalp of the UEFA Cup holders, Shakhtar Donetsk, in Ukraine tonight with a performance full of the tenacity and organisation that has characterised their rapid rise under Roy Hodgson. The wily old coach, who unbelievably was thought to have something to prove in his homeland when he returned to the Premier League with Fulham staring relegation in the face in 2007, predicted that Shakhtar will unleash an early onslaught and he was right. But the Londoners stood firm, scored with their first attack and, barring a frantic finale which saw captain Danny Murphy sent off for an impetus kick at an opponent in injury, largely withstood the home pressure.

Writing for the Daily Mail, Laura Williamson lauded Hangeland's heroic display as Fulham soaked up almost relenting Shakhtar pressure in the second half.

The manager himself hailed the victory as 'wonderful':

    It has been a wonderful night for the club. Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career. I don't like to compare nights, but it's yet another marvellous night along the way and great credit to the team. I really enjoyed the night and the performance but I still hope there'll be some more good nights to come.

He wasn't wrong about that.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/eight-years-ago-tonight-brede-hangelands-header-knocked-shakhtar-donetsk-out-of-the-europa-league/

Mitrovic: 'I need Fulham as much as Fulham need me'
by Dan on February 25, 2018

Aleksandar Mitrovic says Fulham already feels like home after he scored his second goal in four days to see off league leaders Wolves last night and give the Cottagers' promotion push a shot in the arm.

The on-loan Newcastle United striker scored a sensational individual goal to clinch Fulham's eighth successive home league win over the Championship's champions-elect last night and demonstrated why Slavisa Jokanovic was so delighted to sign him right at the end of the January transfer window. Mitrovic is relishing the chance to play regular first team football after being frozen out at St. James' Park by Rafa Benitez and told GetWestLondon's Ryan O'Donovan that returning to the Premier League with the Whites is his main priority.

    My first target is to get promoted with Fulham directly first, if we can, the second thing is the World Cup. I will leave [the] World Cup until the end of the season, but at the moment I'm really focused with Fulham, the team and my game and try improve in training and help the team every game I can.

    It's a good feeling to be here and I am looking forward to every game and I want to play and get on the pitch, this is the reason I'm here. I think Fulham needs me and I need Fulham, we both need each other and I'm really happy.

Mitrovic admitted that reuniting with Jokanovic was one of the major reasons why he chose to make the late move to London on transfer deadline day. The pair, who were together at Partizan Belgrade when the 23 year-old was beginning his career, messaged each other on WhatsApp to ensure Mitrovic would head to Fulham after his proposed return to Anderlecht fell through.

    We have a really good connection, we are from the same country and he was a really big player in Serbia and now he is one of the best coaches that Serbia has. This is one of the reasons why I came here – I know he will understand me and I will understand him and this style that he play at Fulham for two, three years is really good and a style that I think every striker likes. This is [a] reason why I came and I'm really happy here, the team helped me in the beginning and I feel like I'm home and I really, really enjoy it here.

The Serbian international remains convinced of his ability to grace the finest stages in English and European football.

    Of course, I already played at that level, in my first season at Newcastle I scored ten goals as a 21-year-old. Okay we got relegated but I think I showed people I can play that level, but this season I couldn't show because I didn't play a lot. I know my qualities, I believe in myself and I know I have qualities to play not just Premier League, but Champions League level because I say I already played Champions League and Premier League and I saw how they play football and I know I have quality.

    But I'm not going to think about [the] Premier League, I'm a Fulham player and focused on Fulham and every game here. I'm really happy after a long time, I'm on the pitch, for the first time I don't know how long I play 90 minutes and I really enjoyed the moment and I want to stay here and help Fulham get promoted. This is the only target in my head.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/mitrovic-i-need-fulham-as-much-as-fulham-need-me/

 Wow,,,,,, what a Monday morning were up ,,,,,, thank you JC

Monday mornings after a Fulham win and with them in the top six in the top six are so much better.