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Fulham 3-0 Sheffield United


Two Aleksandar Mitrovic goals helped Fulham cruise past play-off rivals Sheffield United at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic, who is on loan from Premier League Newcastle, opened the scoring after connecting with a Ryan Fredericks cross with half an hour played.

The Serbian then combined with Stefan Johansen to add a second before the break - his fifth goal in four games.

Fulham captain Tom Cairney added a third in the second half following a swift counter-attack.

The Whites have taken 29 points from 11 league games in 2018 to remain in contention for automatic promotion, having completed a league double over the Blades following a 5-4 win at Bramall Lane in November.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side are fourth, five points behind second-placed Cardiff.

Conversely, this result means Chris Wilder's United have now lost four of their past seven league games.

The south Yorkshire club drop to ninth in the Championship table, three points off Middlesbrough in sixth, having played a game less than the Teessiders.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic:

"He [Aleksandar Mitrovic] is a quality player, he has started well with us. He is a proper striker that we have been looking for.

"We are fourth in the Championship, we are playing with confidence, we know we can beat all teams in the division.

"We have to be mentally strong and push hard for the next step. It's important we keep winning the games and the stats are less important."

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:

"Mitrovic is an outstanding player and thankfully we won't be coming up against him in the next 11 games. He's going to the World Cup, Newcastle paid what for him? £15m? He should be playing in the Premier League.

"We were well beaten in the end. It is no disgrace getting beaten to a team bang in form, a team that has won every game at home since the start of November.

"I'd rather be here on a Tuesday night in London than being somewhere else in another league like we have been for the last six years."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43206630

 
Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović described his team's performance in their 3-0 victory over Sheffield United as "a credit" to his players and how much work they've been putting in during the past few weeks.

Fulham were a class above on the night and a first-half brace from Aleksandar Mitrović and a 61st-minute goal from Tom Cairney were enough to ensure the Whites ran out as comfortable victors.


"It's a credit to the players, they played very good football," the Head Coach said.

"It's not easy to play against Sheffield United. They are a solid and strong team. But in the end we adapted ourselves. We controlled the situation and the team managed themselves, in the end, in a perfect way."

When he was asked about Mitrović, the Head Coach emphasised that, as good as his striker was, there's still more to come from the 23-year old. "He's a quality player," Jokanović said.

"He's started well for us. He's a proper striker. He scored two goals, but he also held up the ball and worked well off the ball too. I've said it before. He's a great addition for us, but I expect he can be even better in the games we have ahead of us.

"He brings us a different option," the Head Coach continued. "He offers quality to myself, his teammates, and the Fulham supporters too.

"We must be satisfied with him at this juncture. But we still have 10 games ahead of us, and we expect he'll be still better in those games than he has been this past month."

But Jokanović wanted to reiterate that his whole squad was responsible for this great form, not just his red-hot striker. "If we're talking about Mitrović, we have to talk about all the players," he said.

"Matt Targett has done a great job for us. Cyrus Christie is another who pushes us all to be better. These are three players who give us an extra level. This is without even talking about Tim Ream, Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen or Tom Cairney.

"I can't forget any of the players," Jokanović said. "I can only use 11 players in the game, but it's really important work that we do altogether during the week."

For Jokanović, an incremental approach is the best way to head into the final part of the season. "We're trying to be mentally strong," he said, "always focusing on the next step, and after that the next step, and then the next step and the next step. That's it.

"We're playing well. But if we don't play well it's still important to win the games."

In the end, the Head Coach sounded a triumphant note, noting the squad's fearless nature. "We are playing with confidence," he said. "We know we can beat every Championship team."




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/06/head-coach-reaction-sheffield-united

 
Newcastle United fans react on Twitter to Aleksandar Mitrovic's latest comments

Newcastle United have sent out Aleksandar Mitrovic on loan to Fulham.

Some Newcastle United fans have criticised Aleksandar Mitrovic, after his comments to the Chronicle yesterday.

Mitrovic claimed that he was enjoying his football on loan at Fulham more than he was at Newcastle, because there was less focus on tactics.

The Serbian target-man was required to perform a role where he was forced to contribute both defensively and offensively at Newcastle.

And Mitrovic is enjoying the increased freedom he has been given at Fulham.

"It's a different style we play here," Mitrovic, a £13 million signing from Anderlecht, admitted.

"The players enjoy the football more than last season with Newcastle, where we knew how we wanted to play, we always played on the results — that's it.

"This season, this team, we always try to score more goals than the opponent.

"Newcastle was more tactically [set up].

"We didn't play as much attacking football as we play now."

Mitrovic certainly seems to be making an impact at Fulham, as he has netted three goals in his last three outings.

But Newcastle fans have accused him of finding his level at Craven Cottage, while others have been more understanding of the comments.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/03/06/newcastle-united-fans-react-on-twitter-to-aleksandar-mitrovics-l/

 
Insistence Arsenal are keen on 21 year old, and set up for battle with Fulham for him

We know we covered a story about Arsenal scouting Andrija Zivkovic yesterday, but believe it or not, the Gunners' interest in the Benfica winger is back being mentioned in today's edition of Record.

As the Portuguese newspaper has a big story saying Fulham are interested in the 21-year-old, they just couldn't ignore the fact that Arsene Wenger is said to be monitoring the player for a long time now.

Record recalls the fact that Arsenal emissaries were present at the Estádio da Luz on Saturday, and Zivkovic's goal may have impressed the officials who were there to watch him.

Now they claim that since the player is followed by several European sides, summer may be the time when Benfica will finally get offers for him, even though they don't know which club will be doing it.

Arsenal have been linked to Zivkovic since early 2017, but apart from the scouting, no further talks have been reported.

It really sounds like the Gunners are just following the player's development, and the news of 'multiple offers' in the summer could definitely be an ultimatum for an offer, which could turn into an auction.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/insistence-arsenal-keen-21-year-old-set-battle-fulham/

 
Fulham 3-0 Sheffield United: Aleksandar Mitrovic leads the charge to lift Slavisa Jokanovic's hopes of securing automatic promotion

    Fulham eased past Sheffield United to continue hunt for automatic promotion
    Aleksandar Mitrovic's first-half brace gave Fulham a dominant lead at home
    The on-loan Newcastle striker broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark
    Serbian striker then doubled his goal tally and Fulham's lead before half time
    Substitute Lucas Piazon made an instant impact setting Tom Cairney up for 3-0

Aleksandar Mitrovic probably killed off any hope of playing Premier League football with Newcastle United by criticising Rafa Benitez's negative style and tactics at the weekend.

Luckily, thanks to the on-loan Serbian striker, Fulham are looking a good bet to get there anyway.

Mitrovic made it five goals in four matches and extended Fulham's unbeaten run to 14 matches with a first-half double to jeopardise Sheffield United's own play-off ambitions.

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Aleksandar Mitrovic's first-half brace gave Fulham a dominant lead at Craven Cottage

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The Serbian striker tucked home Ryan Fredericks' cross on the half-hour mark

The Serbian striker admitted he was a Fulham fan even as he helped Newcastle win promotion last season and football under his compatriot Slavisa Jokanovic certainly suits him.

Fulham's fans have certainly taken him to their hearts, appreciating his work rate, physicality, hold-up play and scoring touch. Whichever league they end up in next season, surely they'll sign him.

After their play-off disappointment last season, losing to Reading in the semi-finals, Mitrovic could well be the missing piece to help Fulham over the line and back to the big time for the first time since 2014.

Tom Cairney added Fulham's third to make sure as they further cemented their spot in the play-off places, though they remain five points behind second-placed Cardiff City and promotion the easy way.

But encouraging for Fulham is that their recent good form has included wins over Wolves, Aston Villa, Cardiff and Derby, all promotion hopefuls. The toughest opponents are behind them; now for the run-in.

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The on-loan Newcastle striker wheels away in celebration as Fulham lead on Tuesday night

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Mitrovic then doubled his goal tally and Fulham's lead a minute before the half-time break

Fulham edged a nine-goal thriller the last time these two sides met back in November on a night when United could have gone top of the table. Their respective fortunes have certainly shifted since then.

Knowing only a win would lift them into the play-offs again, the visitors started the brighter with Chris Basham's early cross-cum-shot beaten away by Marcus Bettinelli.

The Blades' 13-goal striker Billy Sharp, loosely marked just 10 yards from goal, then headed over the top from Mark Duffy's right-side cross.

But once Fulham asserted themselves, they soon took control of the contest. Mitrovic had been throwing himself around from the outset, though his first taste of combat with Richard Stearman left him rolling around on the turf clutching his nose.

Eventually Mitrovic returned to his feet, presumably once he realised the Blades defender wasn't going to be punished for the off-the-ball incident.

The Serbian soon had the upper hand. His hold-up play was exemplary, bringing his team-mates into play, and he took joy in bouncing off Stearman and the other defenders from then on.

He almost pounced when Jamal Blackman spilled a low Stefan Johansen cross, then flicked a through pass into Johansen, his shot taking a deflection and almost looping in.

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Tom Cairney put to the game to bed in the second half as Fulham took away all three points

Fulham were getting warmer but there was no mistake just past the half-hour when their positive intent was finally rewarded.

Captain Cairney had the presence of mind to know Ryan Fredericks was charging down the flank to his right and rolled the perfect pass into him.

Fredericks swung in a low cross and there was Mitrovic, holding off his marker, to finish off the underside of the crossbar from just a couple of yards.

Mitrovic celebrated by flexing his heavily tattooed biceps in the direction of the home dug-out, a gesture that earned him a ticking off from referee Keith Stroud for whatever reason.

And the guns were out again on the brink of half-time. Johansen played a quick ball from the left into the box and, instead of holding it up as normal, Mitrovic stole half-a-yard and flicked it first-time past Blackman at his near post. The United keeper didn't move, so unexpected was the scoring touch.

He was a fraction away from a first-half hat-trick, firing just over after Ryan Sessegnon had bombed down the left to cross. The players walked off at the break to the sound of 'Mitro, Mitro' and rightly so.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/06/22/49F0848600000578-5469703-image-a-33_1520374394548.jpg)
The 23-year-old Mitrovic was a real handful for Sheffield United at Craven Cottage on Tuesday

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Enda Stevens (right) does his best to stop Ryan Fredericks (left) down the wing

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Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli denies Clayton Donaldson from close range on Tuesday

Jokanovic, late emerging from the changing rooms, had to run across the pitch back to the bench. His team were equally in a rush to wrap things up.

Johansen forced a save from Blackman with a half-volley, though he clearly handled in trying to control it. Confidence was so high even defender Denis Odoi was embarking on 50-yard dribbles, ended by a crude Jack O'Connell tackle.

On the hour, they had a third. A marvellous swing of the left boot by Cairney from Lucas Piazon's pass sent the ball flying past Blackman and the hosts could breathe easy.

It was 'ole!' football from that point on. There were even ironic cheers when United got a rare touch. Mitrovic received his standing ovation when taken off with four minutes left. Fulham are flying in every regard.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5469703/Fulham-3-0-Sheffield-United-Aleksandar-Mitrovic-nets-brace.html#ixzz592crGfsN
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Southampton ready to sack Mauricio Pellegrino even if they survive - with replacements already being lined up

Fulham's Slavisa Jokanovic and Ostersund chief Graham Potter are among those being considered by the Saints
By Alex Crook
Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino is facing the sack at the end of the season even if he leads the south coast side to Premier League survival.
The Saints board have already started drawing up a short-list of potential replacements for Pellegrino – who has won just five of his 29 league games in charge.
Fulham's Slavisa Jokanovic and Ostersund chief Graham Potter are among those on the radar.
Pellegrino has fallen way short of the target he was set when he replaced Claude Puel last summer, which was to challenge for a European place via the league.
The Argentine could become the second Saints boss in as many seasons to lose his job despite leading them to Wembley.
Saints, who under Puel reached the EFL Cup final, face League One high-fliers Wigan in the FA Cup quarter finals later this month.
Many Southampton fans want Pellegrino fired immediately but vice-chairman of football Les Reed is reluctant to make a change before the summer and risk a panic appointment.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/southampton-ready-sack-mauricio-pellegrino-12132489

 
Two for Mitrovic as Fulham win again

Fulham 3 Sheff Utd 0

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Fulham kept the heat on second-placed Cardiff thanks to two more goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic and another from Tom Cairney.

On-loan Newcastle striker Mitrovic added his fourth and fifth strikes in four games as the Whites raced into a two-goal half-time lead.

Cairney then finished off a swift breakaway in the second half as the play-off-chasing Blades pushed hard to get back in the game, but instead they allowed the hosts a third successive Championship victory.

Fulham's formidable run shows no sign of derailing and they worked hard for their openings in the first half against a well-organised side fresh from an away win at Reading at the weekend.

Cairney produced the superb breakthrough pass for the opening goal, playing in Ryan Fredericks on the right to cross low for Mitrovic to turn home via the crossbar on 33 minutes.

The Serbian then produced a deft touch to find his second goal from Stefan Johansen's whipped cross, and he could have had a hat-trick before the break when he side-footed just inches over the crossbar.

Cairney curled home the third inside the far post after an hour of play and Mitrovic went close again with a sliced effort wide of the far post before he was subbed off late in the game.
Fulham (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett; McDonald, Johansen (Norwood 64), Cairney; Ojo (Piazon 59), Mitrovic (Fonte 84), Sessegnon

Subs not used: Norman, Ayite, Christie, Kamara



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/two-mitrovic-fulham-continue-promotion-charge-crushing-sheffield-united

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic scores 2 more – Making it 5 in 14 days for Newcastle loan striker

Aleksandar Mitrovic is...on fire. Newcastle loan striker makes it 5 goals in 4 matches.

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When Aleksandar Mitrovic went out on loan, Rafa Benitez said 'Hopefully he will score 20 or 25 goals'.

A little optimistic seen as Fulham had only 17 Championship matches left at the time.

After almost nine months without a league start, the Cottagers eased Mitrovic into the team, starting him with appearances off the bench.

With three goals in his last three games before Tuesday night, Mitro was...on fire.

Against fellow promotion contenders Sheffield United, the Newcastle loan striker has added another two goals tonight.

This makes it five goals in the last 14 days.

In seven appearances since he arrived at Fulham, Aleksandar Mitrovic has helped the West London club get five wins and two draws, lifting them to fourth in the table.

I understand Rafa Benitez' reasoning about why Mitro doesn't maybe suit the style he wants/needs to play in the Premier League but I do think it is a fair question to ask why the Serbian only got 11 starts in the Championship.

Tonight Mitrovic scored twice in the first half and almost got his hat-trick in the second, Fulham eventually winning 3-0, the other goal from past Newcastle target Tom Cairney.

3 February 2017 – Rafa Benitez asked about Aleksandar Mitrovic:

"My relationship with him (Aleksandar Mitrovic) is fine.

"He is a nice lad.

"You pick your team and I don't need to worry about my ego – I have won trophies around the world and I don't need to be worried about my ego.

"My priority to win games and you pick your team thinking...'This is the best team for me'.

"It was clear that he wanted, and needed, to play games.

"Now he has an opportunity.

"Hopefully he will score 20 or 25 goals.

"We will be happy with that.

"He would have more value.

"He will come here and say...'I am a new player and you have to trust me because I have scored 25 goals.'

"Fine, no problem."



https://www.themag.co.uk/2018/03/aleksandar-mitrovic-scores-2-making-5-14-days-newcastle-loan-striker-newcastle-united-fulham/

 
Newcastle should demand Stefan Johansen as makeweight for potential Fulham Mitrovic deal

Fulham's Norwegian star Stefan Johansen has been enjoying his football at Craven Cottage and has been one of the keys behind the team's recent success.

Fulham's Stefan Johansen had a hand in yet another Fulham goal on the weekend as he assisted Ryan Sessegnon who sent the West London side 2-0 up against Derby County.

The goal proved vital with Derby netting one of their own through Tom Huddlestone in the second half, ensuring all three points were taken back to Craven Cottage.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men look set to seal a play-off place and are currently sitting in fourth, as they look to restore their club's Premier League status for the first time since 2014.

Should Fulham fail to win promotion, however, Johansen could serve as quite the addition to a top flight team, and given the Norwegian's form, he is surely on the radar of a number of clubs.

The former Celtic man enjoyed three massively successful seasons in Glasgow, winning three consecutive league titles, before earning a move down south to the Championship. With his eyes surely on a shot at the Premier League, Johansen himself may be keen on a move should he fail to help his side get through the play-offs.

With Aleksandar Mitrovic currently on loan at Fulham from Newcastle, the Magpies should definitely look to use Johansen as a makeweight for any possible deal that would see the Serbian move permanently to Craven Cottage.

Fulham are reportedly keen on landing Mitrovic on a full-time deal who has a strong record of one in two for the London club so far.

Johansen, who has netted six goals of his own, has contributed a further four assists, and is the club's third top scorer this term. There is no doubt that Fulham will be looking to retain him, regardless of whether they win promotion, which is why Newcastle must use the power of Mitrovic in their favour.

The Norwegian is the exact sort of creative link that Newcastle are currently lacking, with his ability to create opportunities for the forwards whilst also serving as a handful for defenders himself.

At 27-years-old, Johansen should be just hitting his peak years, and with an impressive 84% pass completion rate in the Championship this season, he could make a fine addition to Rafa Benitez's squad come September.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/03/06/rm-newcastle-should-demand-stefan-johansen-as-make-weight-for-po/

 
Fulham 3-0 Sheffield United PLAYER RATINGS: Mitrovic impresses with a brace

Two Mitrovic goals and a Tom Cairney strike made it 14 unbeaten for the Cottagers

Slavisa Jokanovic opted for just the one change for the visit of Sheffield United, with Sheyi Ojo coming into the side in place of Floyd Ayite, who dropped to the bench.

Fulham grew into the game and Stefan Johansen had their first chance after some good hold up play by Mitrovic, but a deflection took the sting out of his effort.

But it only took half an hour for Mitrovic to get his fourth goal in as many games when he got onto the end of Ryan Fredericks' ball across the face to make it 1-0.

And he got on the end of a fantastic flowing move from Fulham to make it two with a lovely touch to poke it past Jamal Blackman with the outside of his boot.

And it was three with a lethal break in the second half - Fulham defended well and allowed United the ball before Tim Ream won it back with a fantastic tackle, with Sessegnon feeding Lucas Piazon who gave it to Cairney to curl home.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 8: Great save to deny Fleck in the 36th minute. Did great to get down to Donaldon's shot. Looked a lot more assured coming for crosses and controlling his area.

Fredericks 8: Great ball in for Mitrovic's goal. Really solid defensively and going forward in another great display.

Odoi 8: Did well once again filling in at centre half and put in another performance that will have Jokanovic thinking whether to continue with him there.

Ream 9: Once again, a solid performance in the heart of the defence from Ream Great tackle to win the ball back for the third goal.

Targett 8: Always looked comfortable, regardless of the challenge facing him. Linked up well with Sessegnon once again.

Cairney 8: Didn't see as much of the ball in the first half but had the quality when in possession. Really well taken goal.

Johansen 8: Brilliant ball to set Mitrovic up for his second. Looked a real attacking threat for the majority of the game.

McDonald 8: Strong anchoring performance once again from the Scot. Lead on the pitch and was an ever present in front of the back four.

Ojo 7: Directness caused Sheffield United a problem down the right but was taken off at the 60 minute mark in his first start for a while.

Sessegnon 7: Got down the left and caused his marker problems. Didn't do too much this evening but was an outlet.

Mitrovic 9: Did well to get in front of his man and make it four goals from four. Stunning finish for his second.

Subs -

Piazon 7: Lovely touch to set up the third Fulham goal. Got in between the lines and caused the United defence problems.

Norwood 6: Did well but nearly made a costly mistake when trying to clear a corner perhaps a bit too smartly. Lost the ball a few too many times in dangerous areas.

Fonte N/A: Had very little time to have an effect on proceedings.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-3-0-sheffield-united-14374887

 
Fulham 3-0 Sheffield United

Fulham continued their relentless pursuit of the Sky Bet Championship automatic promotion places as Aleksandar Mitrovic's double inspired an imperious 3-0 win over Sheffield United.
Mitrovic crashed in his fourth and fifth goals since joining on loan from Newcastle and Tom Cairney added a third after the break as the Cottagers posted an 11th win out of 14 games and ninth in a row at home.
That run has catapulted Slavisa Jokanovic's men into the hunt for the top two and they trail second-placed Cardiff by only five points, with nobody in English football taking more points than Fulham in the last 10 games.
And with striker Mitrovic taking his tally to five goals in a Fulham shirt, Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez must be questioning his decision to allow the Serb to leave on January's transfer deadline day.
Visiting manager Chris Wilder also has problems to ponder as his side slipped to ninth and - although they are only three points off the top six - their play-off push seems to be stuttering following a fourth defeat in seven games.
Given the reverse fixture finished 5-4 to Fulham, there was little surprise that both sides had chances in the opening 20 minutes.
Billy Sharp should have put the Blades ahead in the 13th minute but he criminally put a free header from Mark Duffy's cross over before Jamal Blackman had to be alert to keep out Stefan Johansen's deflected effort at the other end.
The Cottagers began to turn the screw and they were eventually rewarded in the 32nd minute as Mitrovic continued his impressive streak.
Fulham worked the ball down well down the right, Ryan Fredericks beat his marker and sent a low cross in for the Newcastle loanee to ram home off the crossbar from close range.
United did have chances to get back into it but John Fleck's low effort was well saved by Marcus Bettinelli before Clayton Donaldson unbelievably fluffed his lines only two yards out from a corner.
And that proved fatal as Fulham were in no mood for mercy, doubling their lead in irresistible style in the 44th minute, with Johansen's brilliant throughball deftly poked home at the near post by Mitrovic.
The rampant Mitrovic almost grabbed a 15-minute hat-trick but he was inches wide when Ryan Sessegnon put on the after-burners down the left and teed up his team-mate.
Fulham did not let up after the break and made it 3-0 just after the hour when Cairney swept home following good work from Lucas Piazon.
Mitrovic was desperate for a first career hat-trick and had another effort go just wide as he did not connect cleanly with an 18-yard shot.
His and Fulham's work was done, though, and they added the Blades to a list of recent scalps that includes Wolves, Aston Villa and Derby.



http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=483278

 
Newcastle's Aleksandar Mitrovic makes it FIVE goals in four games for Fulham

Aleksandar Mitrovic took his goal tally for Fulham to five goals from four games with a double against Sheffield United.

The on-loan Newcastle United striker netted twice in tonight's 3-0 Championship win at Craven Cottage.

Fourth-placed Fulham have not lost since Mitrovic joined the club on transfer deadline day in January.
The Serbia international, a fringe player at Newcastle under Rafa Benitez, left St James's Park in search of regular first-team football ahead of the summer's World Cup finals. Mitrovic opened the scoring against Sheffield United with a 31st-minute shot from close range.

Mitrovic opened the scoring against Sheffield United with a 31st-minute shot from close range.

And the 23-year-old doubled Fulham's advantage before the break with a delicate finish after Stefan Johansen chipped the ball into his path. Former United target Tom Cairney scored a third goal for Slavisa Jokanovic's side in the second half.

Fulham, unbeaten in 14 games, are a point behind third-placed Aston Villa, who beat bottom-placed Sunderland 3-0 at the Stadium of Light. Mitrovic had previously scored against Derby County, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bristol City.



Read more at: https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-s-aleksandar-mitrovic-makes-it-five-goals-in-four-games-for-fulham-1-9050640

 
Fulham 3-0 Sheffield United: Aleksandar Mitrovic double inspires victory

Fulham continued their relentless pursuit of the Sky Bet Championship automatic promotion places as Aleksandar Mitrovic's double inspired an imperious 3-0 win over Sheffield United.

Mitrovic crashed in his fourth and fifth goals since joining on loan from Newcastle and Tom Cairney added a third after the break as the Cottagers posted an 11th win out of 14 games and ninth in a row at home.

That run has catapulted Slavisa Jokanovic's men into the hunt for the top two and they trail second-placed Cardiff by only five points, with nobody in English football taking more points than Fulham in the last 10 games.

And with striker Mitrovic taking his tally to five goals in a Fulham shirt, Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez must be questioning his decision to allow the Serb to leave on January's transfer deadline day.

Visiting manager Chris Wilder also has problems to ponder as his side slipped to ninth and - although they are only three points off the top six - their play-off push seems to be stuttering following a fourth defeat in seven games.

Given the reverse fixture finished 5-4 to Fulham, there was little surprise that both sides had chances in the opening 20 minutes.

Billy Sharp should have put the Blades ahead in the 13th minute but he criminally put a free header from Mark Duffy's cross over before Jamal Blackman had to be alert to keep out Stefan Johansen's deflected effort at the other end.

The Cottagers began to turn the screw and they were eventually rewarded in the 32nd minute as Mitrovic continued his impressive streak.

Fulham worked the ball down well down the right, Ryan Fredericks beat his marker and sent a low cross in for the Newcastle loanee to ram home off the crossbar from close range.

United did have chances to get back into it but John Fleck's low effort was well saved by Marcus Bettinelli before Clayton Donaldson unbelievably fluffed his lines only two yards out from a corner.

And that proved fatal as Fulham were in no mood for mercy, doubling their lead in irresistible style in the 44th minute, with Johansen's brilliant throughball deftly poked home at the near post by Mitrovic.

The rampant Mitrovic almost grabbed a 15-minute hat-trick but he was inches wide when Ryan Sessegnon put on the after-burners down the left and teed up his team-mate.

Fulham did not let up after the break and made it 3-0 just after the hour when Cairney swept home following good work from Lucas Piazon.

Mitrovic was desperate for a first career hat-trick and had another effort go just wide as he did not connect cleanly with an 18-yard shot.

His and Fulham's work was done, though, and they added the Blades to a list of recent scalps that includes Wolves, Aston Villa and Derby.

The managers

---

Slavisa Jokanovic: "[Mitrovic] is a quality player, he has started well with us. He is a proper striker that we have been looking for. He scored two goals and did a great job for us. He can help us in the defensive set-pieces too, he is a great signing for us and he has started well.

"He has adapted well and joined in well with the team and he can get even better. He brings us different options and we have to be satisfied with how he has started."

Chris Wilder: "He shouldn't playing in the division. He should be playing at Newcastle. He has made the decision to drop down. Mitrovic is an outstanding player and thankfully we won't be coming up against him in the next 11 games. He's going to the World Cup, Newcastle paid what for him? £15million. He should be playing in the Premier League.

"We were well beaten in the end. It is no disgrace getting beaten to a team bang in form, a team that has won every game at home since the start of November. I'd rather be here on a Tuesday night in London than being somewhere else in another league like we have been for the last six years."



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-sheff-utd/375042

 
Ryan Sessegnon wants Liverpool move despite Man Utd, Spurs, Chelsea interest - EXCLUSIVE
RYAN SESSEGNON favours a move to Liverpool over any other of the Premier League big boys.

The 17-year-old whizzkid is one of the most sought-after players on the planet after lighting up the Championship with Fulham.

He has bagged 10 goals in the last 12 Championship games and is wanted by Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Express Sport understands Sessegnon could have moved on last summer but he signed a Fulham contract in a bid to get more first-team football.

Sessegnon's worry before was that he would be dumped in the Under-23s of a top-tier side and it would stifle his development. But sources close to the player know he is now no longer a prodigy and is already the real deal.

The teenager may have signed a contract to keep him at Craven Cottage until 2020 but it's now inevitable that bids will be tabled in the summer.

One of those is likely to come from Liverpool with Sessegnon a possible option to play on the left in their three-pronged attack.

And it's understood from sources close to the player that a move to Anfield is something Sessegnon would be keen on - if Fulham don't win promotion. Playing under Jurgen Klopp appeals to the youngster who grew up a boyhood Liverpool fan.

Sessegnon has played 34 times this season and while he believes he made the right choice in staying playing Premier League football is crucial to fulfilling his England ambitions.

On a possible move last summer, Sessegnon said last month: "It was flattering to be linked with other clubs but my main focus was on Fulham. My aim has always been to try and help the club get back into the Premier League.

"I didn't pay too much attention to it. I'm always focused on my job at Fulham.

"As you can see in every league game I've started, each game I try to be better than the last. I'm enjoying having this good season. That is down to the game time I'm getting."

The landscape could change, however, if Fulham go up. Sessegnon has helped his side into the play-off places and he would be more inclined to stay if Fulham win promotion.

There is no suggestion he is unhappy with life under Slavisa Jokanovic at all. Sessegnon has grown up playing for the club, lives in London and his twin brother Steven is alongside him in the Fulham ranks - but moves to one of the big boys will be hard to turn down.

Bookies this week slashed their odds on Sessegnon to make the England squad for the World Cup this summer and Jokanovic believes the player has what it takes to make it.

He said: "I started working with him when he was 16 years and two months or something like that and I believe he can be part of the English national team for the World Cup.

"I cannot recommend him to people but nobody can make mistakes with this kid. Experience is important but he is a really expert player for his age at this moment. I will repeat, if the national team don't take this decision this time, they will push him for the next European tournament.

"It's evident that if he doesn't have any injury problems, he will be a top player. He is not a kid, he is a man and he gives myself, the club and his team-mates many things and we try to support him and make him still better than he is right now."



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/928137/Ryan-Sessegnon-Liverpool-transfer-news-Manchester-United-Spurs-Chelsea

 
Ruthless hosts cut open the Blades with £13m man at the double: Fulham 3, Sheffield United 0

Fulham continued their relentless pursuit of the Sky Bet Championship automatic promotion places as Aleksandar Mitrovic's double inspired an imperious 3-0 win over Sheffield United.
Mitrovic crashed in his fourth and fifth goals since joining on loan from Newcastle and Tom Cairney added a third after the break as the Cottagers posted an 11th win out of 14 games and ninth in a row at home.

Fulham continued their relentless pursuit of the Sky Bet Championship automatic promotion places as Aleksandar Mitrovic's double inspired an imperious 3-0 win over Sheffield United. Mitrovic crashed in his fourth and fifth goals since joining on loan from Newcastle and Tom Cairney added a third after the break as the Cottagers posted an 11th win out of 14 games and ninth in a row at home.

That run has catapulted Slavisa Jokanovic's men into the hunt for the top two and they trail second-placed Cardiff by only five points, with nobody in English football taking more points than Fulham in the last 10 games. And with striker Mitrovic taking his tally to five goals in a Fulham shirt, Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez must be questioning his decision to allow the Serb to leave on January's transfer deadline day. Visiting manager Chris Wilder also has problems to ponder as his side slipped to ninth and - although they are only three points off the top six - their play-off push seems to be stuttering following a fourth defeat in seven games.

Given the reverse fixture finished 5-4 to Fulham, there was little surprise that both sides had chances in the opening 20 minutes. Billy Sharp should have put the Blades ahead in the 13th minute but he criminally put a free header from Mark Duffy's cross over before Jamal Blackman had to be alert to keep out Stefan Johansen's deflected effort at the other end. The Cottagers began to turn the screw and they were eventually rewarded in the 32nd minute as Mitrovic continued his impressive streak. Fulham worked the ball down well down the right, Ryan Fredericks beat his marker and sent a low cross in for the Newcastle loanee to ram home off the crossbar from close range. United did have chances to get back into it but John Fleck's low effort was well saved by Marcus Bettinelli before Clayton Donaldson unbelievably fluffed his lines only two yards out from a corner. And that proved fatal as Fulham were in no mood for mercy, doubling their lead in irresistible style in the 44th minute, with Johansen's brilliant throughball deftly poked home at the near post by Mitrovic.

The rampant Mitrovic almost grabbed a 15-minute hat-trick but he was inches wide when Ryan Sessegnon put on the after-burners down the left and teed up his team-mate.

Fulham did not let up after the break and made it 3-0 just after the hour when Cairney swept home following good work from Lucas Piazon. Mitrovic was desperate for a first career hat-trick and had another effort go just wide as he did not connect cleanly with an 18-yard shot. His and Fulham's work was done, though, and they added the Blades to a list of recent scalps that includes Wolves, Aston Villa and Derby.



Read more at: https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/ruthless-hosts-cut-open-the-blades-with-13m-man-at-the-double-fulham-3-sheffield-united-0-1-9050650

 
Fulham ease to victory over Sheffield United as they continue fight for automatic promotion

Fulham 3 Sheffield United 0: The Cottagers are in hot form with striker Aleksandar Mitrovic grabbing his fifth goal in four games

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/article_large/public/thumbnails/image/2018/03/06/22/fulham-sheffield-united.jpg)
The in-form Aleksandar Mitrovic grabbed two goals for the hosts Getty

Fulham made it nine home victories in a row as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Sheffield United at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night.

Two first-half goals from the in-form Aleksandar Mitrovic and another from captain Tom Cairney helped them see off the visitors, who were themselves looking for a chance to break into the play-off places.

Fulham are in the best form they've had for some time – and the quality of their football shows it – clinching their 11th win in 14 games, while remaining unbeaten since mid-December.

With just ten games to go in the Championship season, they're still in search of an automatic promotion spot – only Cardiff and Aston Villa stand in the way, with 5 points separating them.

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_medium/public/thumbnails/image/2018/03/06/22/fulham.jpg)
Ryan Sessegnon spins away from Enda Stevens (Getty)

Sheffield United began the game fighting, but were lacking both an edge and top scorer Leon Clarke. It wasn't long before Slaviša Jokanović's men then started to take control.

Newcastle loanee Mitrovic has settled nicely into life in south-west London, and his confidence on the ball showed as he held up the play, allowing his teammates space to run in behind him on a couple of occasions.

But it was the Serbian himself who opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark; a low ball in from raiding wing-back Ryan Fredricks found him in the middle to clatter home his fourth goal in as many games. He glided proudly back for the restart, celebrating with a bodybuilder pose.

Sheffield United had their chance to respond from a corner 10 minutes later. An unmarked Clayton Donaldson was picked out from a corner at the far post, but fluffed his chance to the dismay of the travelling Blades.

Shortly after Mitrovic then doubled the lead for Fulham. On the break, a clever ball over from Johansen into the box found the outside of the loanee's right boot just before half time. A slick move from Fulham, and a chance to flex their muscles. And, much to the crowd's enjoyment, so did Mitrovic as he was quick to copy his strongman celebration once more.

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_medium/public/thumbnails/image/2018/03/06/22/aleksandar-mitrovic.jpg)
Aleksandar Mitrovic scores his side's first goal of the game (Getty)

He should have also had a hat-trick before the half-time whistle too, had he not put a shot from Sessegnon's pass inches wide.

Although the visitors tried to keep a tight line at the back, and kept a close eye on top-scorer Sessegnon, he wasn't needed as much as usual as the free-flowing football transcended the second half.

Captain Cairney got in on the action himself just after the hour mark when substitute Lucas Piazon had enough time and space to lay a pass off to the midfielder inside the box. A curling shot from his left foot gave keeper Jamal Blackman no chance.

The hosts closed out the half easily without much of a response. Cheers from the home crowd only put more pressure on the Sheffield United defence as they slipped and almost allowed a fourth late on. By this point, the game was all but done.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/fulham-3-sheffield-united-0-football-league-championship-result-match-report-highlights-a8243066.html

 
Fulham 3 Sheffield United 0: No disgrace in Cottagers defeat, reveals Wilder

Sheffield United were well beaten on Tuesday as Fulham continued their relentless pursuit of the Sky Bet Championship automatic promotion places as Aleksandar Mitrovic's double inspired an imperious 3-0 win.
Boss Chris Wilder had few complaints and will not be looking forward to coming up against Mitrovic any time soon. "He shouldn't playing in the division," Wilder said. "He should be playing at Newcastle. He has made the decision to drop down. "Mitrovic is an outstanding player and thankfully we won't be coming up against him in the next 11 games. "He's going to the World Cup, Newcastle paid what for him? £15million. He should be playing in the Premier League.

"We were well beaten in the end. It is no disgrace getting beaten to a team bang in form, a team that has won every game at home since the start of November. "I'd rather be here on a Tuesday night in London than being somewhere else in another league like we have been for the last six years." Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic believes there is even more to come from his side: "We are fourth in the Championship, we are playing with confidence, we know we can beat all teams in the division.

"We have to be mentally strong and push hard for the next step. It's important we keep winning the games and the stats are less important." Mitrovic crashed in his fourth and fifth goals since joining on loan from Newcastle and Tom Cairney added a third after the break as the Cottagers posted an 11th win out of 14 games and ninth in a row at home. That run has catapulted Slavisa Jokanovic's men into the hunt for the top two and they trail second-placed Cardiff by only five points, with nobody in English football taking more points than Fulham in the last 10 games. And with striker Mitrovic taking his tally to five goals in a Fulham shirt, Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez must be questioning his decision to allow the Serb to leave on January's transfer deadline day.

Visiting manager Chris Wilder also has problems to ponder as his side slipped to ninth and - although they are only three points off the top six - their play-off push seems to be stuttering following a fourth defeat in seven games. Given the reverse fixture finished 5-4 to Fulham, there was little surprise that both sides had chances in the opening 20 minutes. Billy Sharp should have put the Blades ahead in the 13th minute but he criminally put a free header from Mark Duffy's cross over before Jamal Blackman had to be alert to keep out Stefan Johansen's deflected effort at the other end. The Cottagers began to turn the screw and they were eventually rewarded in the 32nd minute as Mitrovic continued his impressive streak. Fulham worked the ball down well down the right, Ryan Fredericks beat his marker and sent a low cross in for the Newcastle loanee to ram home off the crossbar from close range.

United did have chances to get back into it but John Fleck's low effort was well saved by Marcus Bettinelli before Clayton Donaldson unbelievably fluffed his lines only two yards out from a corner. And that proved fatal as Fulham were in no mood for mercy, doubling their lead in irresistible style in the 44th minute, with Johansen's brilliant throughball deftly poked home at the near post by Mitrovic.

The rampant Mitrovic almost grabbed a 15-minute hat-trick but he was inches wide when Ryan Sessegnon put on the after-burners down the left and teed up his team-mate. Fulham did not let up after the break and made it 3-0 just after the hour when Cairney swept home following good work from Lucas Piazon. Mitrovic was desperate for a first career hat-trick and had another effort go just wide as he did not connect cleanly with an 18-yard shot. His and Fulham's work was done, though, and they added the Blades to a list of recent scalps that includes Wolves, Aston Villa and Derby.



Read more at: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/fulham-3-sheffield-united-0-no-disgrace-in-cottagers-defeat-reveals-wilder-1-9050664

 
Aston Villa, Fulham victories keep promotion pressure on Wolves, Cardiff

Aston Villa and Fulham kept up the pressure on Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City in the Championship's automatic promotion places as they cruised to comfortable 3-0 wins on Tuesday.

Goals from Lewis Grabban and James Chester and a Bryan Oviedo own goal kept Aston Villa in third position as Steve Bruce enjoyed a successful return to Sunderland and the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland's defeat keeps them rooted to the foot of the table, four points adrift of safety, and means they now have just 10 matches to save their Championship status.

Villa went into the game having won six of their previous eight matches, and while they were not quite at their best for long periods of the game, they always had too much for the side at the foot of the table.

Fulham continued their relentless pursuit of promotion as Aleksandar Mitrovic's double inspired a win over Sheffield United.

Mitrovic scored his fourth and fifth goals since joining on loan from Newcastle United and Tom Cairney added a third after the break as Fulham posted an 11th win out of 14 games and ninth in a row at home.

That run has catapulted Slavisa Jokanovic's men into the hunt for the top two and they trail second-placed Cardiff by only five points, with nobody in English football taking more points than Fulham in the last 10 games.

United manager Chris Wilder also has problems to ponder as his side slipped to ninth and, although they are only three points off the top six, their playoff push seems to be stuttering following a fourth defeat in seven games.

Cardiff moved to within three points of leaders Wolves after they held on to earn a 2-1 victory over Barnsley.

Callum Paterson opened the scoring on 31 minutes, and on-loan Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic doubled the lead early in the second half.

Oliver McBurnie, on loan from Swansea City, pulled a goal back on the hour.

Wolves can restore a six-point cushion when they travel to Leeds United on Wednesday.

Derby, beaten by Fulham on Saturday, were held to a 1-1 draw at Queens Park Rangers.

Andreas Weimann put Derby ahead on 38 minutes, but Massimo Luongo headed in an equaliser with just three minutes left.

New Birmingham City manager Garry Monk had a 39th birthday to forget as his first match in charge ended with 1-0 defeat by former club Middlesbrough at St Andrew's.

Patrick Bamford's close-range finish on 39 minutes proved enough for Boro, who are into sixth, while Birmingham remain in the bottom three.

Burton Albion are also still in trouble after a 2-0 home defeat by Brentford, who went ahead on the hour through an own goal from Burton captain Kyle McFadzean and Ollie Watkins scored a second with 10 minutes left.

Hull City are also looking over their shoulders after losing 2-1 at home to Millwall.

Hull swept ahead inside the opening minute through George Saville and Jake Cooper then headed in from a corner on 33 minutes.

Substitute Abel Hernandez, in his first appearance since August after injury, pulled a goal back with 11 minutes left.

Preston North End dented Bristol City's playoff hopes with a 2-1 win at Deepdale.

Alan Browne's chip broke the deadlock on 20 minutes, before City equalised through Famara Diedhiou's header on 67 minutes.

Preston, though, were soon back in front when Sean Maguire finished off a counter-attack. City defender Aden Flint was then sent off in stoppage time for a stray arm in the penalty area.

Martyn Waghorn scored twice as Ipswich Town won 2-1 at Sheffield Wednesday.

Striker Waghorn put the visitors ahead on 51 minutes, but Wednesday substitute Lucas Joao levelled after 69 minutes.

Waghorn, though, had the final say when he clipped in an angled free kick with seven minutes left.

Norwich City and Nottingham Forest played out a goalless draw at Carrow Road, and relegation-battlers Reading and Bolton Wanderers drew 1-1.

Reading's Mo Barrow opened the scoring on 32 minutes before Adam Le Fondre bundled in an equaliser on the stroke of half-time against his former club.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/english-league-championship/story/3409509/aston-villa-fulham-victories-keep-promotion-pressure-on-wolverhampton-wanderers-cardiff-city

 
Everything Slavisa Jokanovic said after Fulham beat Sheffield United 3-0

It was another strong performance as Fulham put the Blades to the sword - here's what the gaffer had to say

Two Aleksandar Mitrovic goals and a Tom Cairney strike gave Fulham a 3-0 win over Sheffield United - their 14th unbeaten - here's everything Slavisa Jokanovic had to say after the game.
Another fantastic performance

"It's credit to the players, we play very good football.

"At the beginning of the game, it's not easy to play against Sheffield United, they're really solid and strong team and at the beginning of the game they put us under many pressure.

"After 15 mins we start to control the situation and move the ball a little bit better and start to be more dangerous in front of the opposite goal.

"We score first, at the end we continued looking for the second and in the second half they change a little bit, they changed the shape and start to move better the ball and try looking to score.

"They interpreted the situation well and we adapted ourselves, scored the third goal and we controlled the situation, looking for the fourth without taking unnecessary risks.

"At the end, we managed the situation in perfect way."

Did you expect Mitrovic to be so good so quickly?

"Yeah, why not?

"Ha quality player, he showed well with us and at the end he's a proper striker, what we were looking for a long period.

"At the end, he scored two goals, he made great job for us, he protect and hold many balls and working well in of the goal.

"We have one weapon more in offensive set pieces, and for another side he can help us in the defensive set pieces too.

"At the end, what I said before, he's a great signing for us and he start well, now he adapt himself and I believe he is enjoying the rest of the team and we expect he can be better in the games what is ahead of us."

Is proving a point to many people?

"Yes, we have chance to observe the situation, he bring us different option and at the end people are thinking I need the help yes I need the help, Fulham players need the help to.

"He offered the job to myself, to his team mates and our supporters too - at the end we must be satisfied with how he start this time with us.

"He's staying ten or more games, we expect he will still be in better shape and expect he will contribute with the team like he start in the beginning of this month."
Stats are outstanding - best team in the Championship at the moment?

"Okay we are fourth in the league, we catch one great momentum in this moment and we play with the confidence.

"We know we can beat all the Championship teams and we are now in the some challenge with ourself, we know one day we will lose a game but now it's been mentally strong and push hard for the next step and next step and that's it.

"We play good and when we don't play good, it's important to win the games and less important the style.

"For myself, it's important the style, for press and supporters it's important to win the games, we're a good side but probably can be better."

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14377136.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-928200314.jpg)

More complete side than last season?

"We are now working altogether two and a half years.

"At the end, I have some players from the start and especially for the last season, it's easier for them, easier for us too, easier for new players to adapt.

"If you want, this last transfer window we bring the quality players, we are talking about Mitrovic, we are talking about new players or if you want we are talking about all players.

"We must mention Matt Targett, how he made great job for us.

"For another side, we didn't use many times, Cyrus Christie, because Fredericks is in great level of form but this guy is another guy who improved our work in the training ground and who push us.

"I must only use 11 players, but it's really important work what we make during the week, and this I mention too, one what I use only one game against Bristol.

"This is three players who give us some extra push without talking about Tim Ream or Stefan Johansen or Cairney, but if you want ask me about McDonald who made some fantastic job for the team.

"It's brilliant in this job he is doing but is type of the player who sometimes press or supporters forget is important for my team."
Can Mitrovic make the difference this season?

"Today he made the difference, he made his job, his job is striker and he scored the goals.

"I explain many positive things that this guy offer us tonight, in football the past doesn't exist and this game is now behind us.

"I expect him to be still in better level where we will have another chance for fighting for the three points."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everything-slavisa-jokanovic-said-after-14377072

 
Mitrovic was what Fulham needed – Jokanovic

Slavisa Jovanovic says the form of Aleksandar Mitrovic is vindicating his demand for Fulham to sign a top-quality striker.

The on-loan Newcastle forward bagged two more goals to crush Sheffield United on Tuesday – his fourth and fifth in four matches – and Whites boss Jovanovic expects his fellow Serb to keep improving.

"I expected him to be like this. He's a quality player and he started well with us. He is proper striker, what we have been looking for, for a long period," he said.

"He brings us different options. People are thinking I need the help, yes I need the help, but the Fulham players need the help too.

"He's a great signing for us. He started well, now he has adapted and I still think he can do better. We expect he is still going to be in better shape and contribute to the team like he has done so far.

"He scored two goals and made a great job for us tonight. He protected and held many balls for the guys and worked well for the goals, and he can also help at set pieces and defend set pieces.

"It was another good performance. It's not easy to play against Sheffield United but we adapted ourselves and in the end we controlled and managed he situation in the perfect way."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jokanovic-feels-proved-right-demanding-striker

Jokanovic praises 'perfect' Fulham performance
by Dan on March 6, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic praised his players for their 'very good football' after Fulham saw off another one of their promotion rivals with a commanding victory over Sheffield United at Craven Cottage tonight.

A double from the in-form Aleksandr Mitrovic and Tom Cairney's first goal in five months gave the Whites another important three points in their quest for promotion back to the Premier League. The Serbian head coach told his post-match press conference that he was delighted with the completeness of Fulham's fabulous performance:

    It's a credit to the players, they played very good football. It's not easy to play against Sheffield United. They are a solid and strong team. But in the end we adapted ourselves. We controlled the situation and the team managed themselves, in the end, in a perfect way.

He was full of praise for Mitrovic, who has now scored five goals in seven appearances since joining Fulham on loan from Newcastle at the end of January.

    He's a quality player. He's started well for us. He's a proper striker. He scored two goals, but he also held up the ball and worked well off the ball too. I've said it before. He's a great addition for us, but I expect he can be even better in the games we have ahead of us.

    He brings us a different option. He offers quality to myself, his teammates, and the Fulham supporters too. We must be satisfied with him at this juncture. But we still have 10 games ahead of us, and we expect he'll be still better in those games than he has been this past month.

Jokanovic was insistent that he had to compliment all of his squad – and not just the Serbian striker – after the Whites' extended their unbeaten start to 2018.

    If we're talking about Mitrovic, we have to talk about all the players. Matt Targett has done a great job for us. Cyrus Christie is another who pushes us all to be better. These are three players who give us an extra level. This is without even talking about Tim Ream, Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen or Tom Cairney. I can't forget any of the players. I can only use 11 players in the game, but it's really important work that we do altogether during the week.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/19359/

Fulham 3-0 Sheffield United: Player ratings
by Dan on March 7, 2018

Man-to-man marking after the Whites buried Sheffield United at Craven Cottage tonight ...

Marcus Bettinelli: Made a couple of crucial saves to keep another Fulham clean sheet at Craven Cottage as the Whites' remarkable start to 2018 continues. Bettinelli somehow got a fingertip to a John Fleck daisycutter that appeared destined for the bottom corner and reacted quickly to thwart Clayton Donaldson at a corner. His distribution, with a pair of excellent throws in the second half starting dangerous breaks, and command of his penalty area seems much improved since his return to the side. 7

Ryan Fredericks: Lauded after reaching a century of Fulham appearances at Derby at the weekend and the full back showed just how devastating he can be in attack when he whipped in a devilish ball for the game's opening goal. Seemed strangely reluctant to venture in front of Sheyi Ojo down the right in the early exchanges, but proved a real threat whenever he ran at the Blades back line. Chris Wilder's side had little answer to his raw pace and penetration. 7

Matt Targett: We've come to expect outstanding displays from the Southampton loanee and Targett didn't disappoint tonight. He was full of running from the first whistle and gradually pushed the Blades wing-backs deeper and deeper after Sheffield United's enterprising start. Dealt well with a more physical task than he has had in recent weeks and still surged forward as Jokanovic wants his full backs to do. 7

Denis Odoi: Stepped in again for the injured Tomas Kalas and continued where he had left off at Pride Park on Saturday. Another composed display at the heart of the Fulham back four, where he seemed blessed with plenty of time both in his decision making and possession of the ball. One driving run from the back at the start of the second half might have culminated in a goal had it not been cynically ended by Jack O'Connell. Slavisa Jokanovic will now have a real conundrum over whether to pick him ahead of Kalas should the Czech centre back be fit for the trip to Preston this weekend. 7

Tim Ream: The American was commanding once again, as he has been for much of this season. Both he and Odoi were kept busy by the intelligent runs of Billy Sharp and Clayton Donaldson but it was largely down to Ream's organisation and reading of the game that the home side appeared so comfortable. His determination to win every individual battle shone through when he shrugged John Fleck aside to seize possession midway through his own half and it was fitting that his intervention began the move for Tom Cairney's lovely strike. 8

Kevin McDonald: Another accomplished and unfussy display at the heart of the Fulham midfield against his old club. Broke up play with real relish in front of the back four and was a vocal organiser of the side. Covered plenty of ground and his precise passing often goes unnoticed given the how quality of technicians Jokanovic employs in the engine room. Looks an even bigger steal from Wolves with every week that passes. 8

Stefan Johansen: The Norwegian still hassled and harried the opposition from the off, even though he is walking a suspension tight rope – one booking away from a ban at the business end of the season. He had an excellent game in the final third as well, injecting energy and penetration into Fulham's attacks that can sometimes seem a little preocuppied with sideways passing. Produced a beautiful ball for Mitrovic's second and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself. 8

Tom Cairney: The skipper seems to be back to his supreme best as the orchestrator of Fulham's flowing football. Dictated the pace of play from a deeper position with consummate ease all evening and shrugged off Sheffield United's robust challenges just as he did at Derby a few days ago. Became more prominent in the second period as the home side stroked the ball around imperiously and fully deserved his first goal in five months to crown another excellent evening. 9

Sheyi Ojo: Made his first start since January and immediately frightened the Blades with his pace, as he had done at Bramall Lane in November – where his Fulham career really kicked off. Looked lively down the right and had the beating of his man every time, although shot wildly on a couple of occasions from outside the box. Taken off just before the hour mark, but you sense the Liverpool loanee could be a crucial part of Jokanovic's plans in the final months of the season. 6

Ryan Sessegnon: One of the teenager's quieter outings, but still had a real impact on proceedings. Might have helped Mitrovic complete a first half hat-trick with an outrageous burst of speed down the left in stoppage time and had a hand in Cairney's goal when he made up for an overhit pass to Johansen by threading the ball between Blades defenders to find Lucas Piazon. Sheffield United doubled up on him throughout, but he still found time and space with his intelligent movement. 7

Aleksandr Mitrovic: The Serbian's sensational start to life at Craven Cottage continues. He's made a tangible difference up front – and conclusively won a physical battle with the former Fulham defender Richard Stearman, whose early elbow only served to spur on the on-loan Newcastle striker. Showed great desire to turn home Fredericks' cross for the first before that unbelievable finish put the game beyond the Blades. Will feel he should have had a hat-trick, but that match sharpness seems to be returning. 9

Substitutes:

Lucas Piazon (on for Sheyi Ojo, 59): Immediately involved in Fulham's third after replacing Ojo and kept his composure to play in the unattended Cairney outside him when others might have taken on a shot themselves. Ventured inside to pose a different problem for the Blades defence than Ojo did – and linked the play well to sustain a number of promising Fulham breaks. 7

Ollie Norwood (on for Stefan Johansen, 65): Kept it nice and simple in midfield after replacing the Norwegian. Misplaced a few passes as he got into his stride – and once alarmingly overplayed it when Fulham were defending a corner, but the Northern Irish international remains a fine understudy at this level. 6

Rui Fonte (on for Aleksandr Mitrovic, 85): The briefest of outings for the Portuguese forward, who could do with a bit of sharpness having been usurped in the pecking order by Aboubakar Kamara since Christmas. Looked desperate to impress and chased down every lost cause, holding the ball up and distributing it well. Also produced a lovely bit of skill to evade Stearman's attentions on the edge of the box. 6



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/fulham-3-0-sheffield-united-player-ratings/

 
Newcastle fans react to Aleksandar Mitrovic's brace against Sheffield United


On-loan Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic continued his good form with a brace against Sheffield United last night.

The Fulham striker seems to have rediscovered his form following a January move to the Championship and if he keeps up this form, he could guide to Londoners to the Premier League. Fulham are undefeated in their last 14 matches in the Championship.

The Serbian struggled to adapt at Newcastle and Benitez decided to send him out on loan. The 23-year-old has scored five goals in his last four games and he has picked up three man of the match awards for Fulham so far.

Both Newcastle and Fulham fans seemed quite impressed with the Serbian's performance last night. Fulham fans urged the club to sign Mitrovic on a permanent deal at the end of this season. Meanwhile, Newcastle fans seemed unhappy with the decision to let him leave on loan in January.

Newcastle have struggled to score goals this season and an in-form Mitrovic could have made a big difference for them in the relegation battle.

Here is how the Newcastle fans reacted to Mitrovic's performance on Twitter.




http://sportslens.com/newcastle-fans-react-to-aleksandar-mitrovics-brace-against-sheffield-united/226607/

 
Jarvis set for first game in almost a year as City U23s take on Fulham at Carrow Road

Matt Jarvis is set to make his injury return at Carrow Road this evening when Norwich City Under-23s take on Fulham in Premier League Two.

The former England international winger has not played in almost a year, since injuring his ankle in an U23s game in late March, but has back in full training for the last few weeks.

Jarvis signed from West Ham in January 2016 but injury problems have kept him out of the first team since the end of the 2015-16 season.

The 31-year-old former Wolves and Gillingham forward is poised to join Matt Gill's development squad for his first attempt at a comeback (7pm kick-off), who are chasing a third win on the spin.

Young defender Owen Wallis scored a late winner at a snowbound Colney last Monday to seal a 1-0 win over Bury in the PL Cup but the win was not enough to reach the knockout rounds.

Before that a Savvas Mourgos double earned an impressive 2-0 win away to West Brom in PL2, leaving Gill's squad seventh in Division Two and just a point from the play-offs.



http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/jarvis-set-for-first-game-in-a-year-as-city-u23s-take-on-fulham-1-5421071

 
Slavisa Jokanovic: 'Fulham are in a great moment'

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has admitted that his side are "in a great moment" after they extended their impressive run with a 3-0 win over Sheffield United at Craven Cottage last night.

Two goals from on-loan Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and a strike from skipper Tom Cairney handed the Cottagers all three points to make it eight wins in their last 10 games - a run that has seen them defeat leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as fellow playoff contenders Aston Villa, Derby County and Middlesbrough.

The London side remain fourth in the Championship table and are currently just five points behind Cardiff City in second with 10 games of their season remaining.

"We are in a great moment. We played with confidence, we know we can beat all the Championship teams," Jokanovic told reporters after last night's game. "We are now in a challenge with ourselves.

"It's being mentally strong and pushing hard for the next step and then the next step and the next step.

"It's important we win the games, it's less important the style. For us, for myself, the style is important - for the supporters it's important we win the games."

Fulham's run of final 10 games includes seven matches against teams in the bottom half of the table, with their toughest game on paper - an away trip to eighth-placed Preston North End - coming this weekend.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/championship-promotion-race/news/jokanovic-fulham-are-in-a-great-moment_320271.html