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Fulham 2-1 Sunderland


Fulham moved back into the automatic promotion places but had to come from behind to beat relegated Sunderland.

The Black Cats, who are now sure to finish bottom, took a surprise lead through Joel Asoro's fine low strike.

The hosts were well short of their best but levelled on the stroke of half-time when Lucas Piazon slotted in.

Aleksandar Mitrovic headed home at the far post to put Fulham two points above Cardiff and send the Championship promotion race into the final weekend.

The battle to finish second behind champions Wolves is still in the Bluebirds' hands, with Neil Warnock's side able to climb back above the Cottagers if they beat Hull City on Saturday.

Regardless of the result at the KCOM Stadium, both teams are guaranteed to be in with a shot at securing promotion to the Premier League on the final day of the season - with Fulham visiting Birmingham and Cardiff hosting Reading on Sunday, 6 May.

Aston Villa can also mathematically still catch Fulham, but they are now six points behind with just two games remaining.

Fulham survive a Sunderland scare
If the Whites had lost to Sunderland on Friday then Cardiff could have sealed promotion with victory against Hull - and a shock result at Craven Cottage looked a genuine possibility when Asoro marked his 19th birthday by opening the scoring.

The Black Cats were more than competitive in the contest and were unlucky to find themselves level towards the end of the half, with Piazon's equaliser coming 60 seconds after Ovie Ejaria appeared to be tripped in the Fulham box.

Slavisa Jokanovic's team, now 23 games unbeaten, were brilliant in dismantling Millwall in the second period last Friday, but clear chances were hard to come by despite dominating possession against Sunderland.

The pressure eventually told, however, when Newcastle loanee Mitrovic continued his fine form by scoring his 12th Fulham goal to secure victory for the hosts.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic told BBC Radio 5 live:
"You can see how complicated this competition is. We wanted to control the situation but didn't attack enough and take risks.

"In the second half we started to move the ball better and there was a big difference with our passing.

"We can talk about our character and our confidence.

"I am not going to watch the Cardiff game. I have different plans."

Sunderland boss Chris Coleman:
"Slav has done a big job so it was always going to be tough. I thought tonight our performance deserved something, we didn't deserve nothing.

"Their second goal was a yard offside and it's not even a hard call for the linesman to call that and we should have had a penalty in the first half.

"We need those big calls and simple calls because, when they go against you, everyone starts thinking 'Oh Sunderland always get bad calls' and we start feeling sorry for ourselves."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43833102

 
Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was proud of his side's character as they came from behind to defeat Sunderland on Friday night.

The Whites toiled at times in the first half and trailed to Joel Asoro's opener, but a late Lucas Piazon effort restored parity going into the break.

And Fulham showed their quality after the restart, taking a vital three points courtesy of Aleksandar Mitrović's headed winner.


"In the first 45 minutes we wanted to dominate the situation," Jokanović explained. "We moved the ball but without the last pass, without enough shots.

"We dominated the situation but we weren't dangerous enough. Sunderland wanted to do us damage and they scored the goal.

"It wasn't easy for us but we showed great character at the end of the first 45 minutes and especially in the second half. We really wanted to win the game and we took the necessary risks.

"We didn't find our best performance, but we showed great character, great confidence to change our situation, and we made a very important comeback to win these very important points for us.

"Everyone showed character, players like Tim Ream or Kevin McDonald or Aleksandar Mitrović, who scored the goal.

"[Aboubakar] Kamara made a great impact for the team. Stefan [Johansen] again showed great character in the second half. They pushed the team in the right way to win the game."

The victory means Fulham's automatic promotion hopes will remain in our hands going into the final weekend, if Cardiff City drop points in Hull on Saturday.

"Now it's Cardiff's turn and we're going to wait and see if they're under some kind of pressure or not," he said. "The ball is in their court now.

"I've repeated many times, if they win these two games that are ahead of them, we cannot do anything.

"But we must be comfortable and we must try to be competitive and try to win the game against Birmingham.

"It might not be enough for us, but we must be ready for Play-Offs. If we cannot finish the short way, we must be ready to finish this job in the longest way."

One blemish on the evening was Matt Targett's early departure from proceedings, and Jokanović said of his left-back: "It's an ankle problem. I don't know, but we expect he's going to be available."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/27/head-coach-reaction-sunderland

 
Cardiff City fans are incensed after Sunderland are denied penalty in crucial Fulham clash

Fulham went down the other end and scored straight away

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Cardiff City fans have voiced their anger on social media as Fulham got a huge slice of luck in their vital promotion clash with Sunderland.

The Cottagers, off colour in the first half against Chris Coleman's relegated side, were already trailing to Joel Asoro's strike when they looked to have conceded a penalty.

Fulham defender Tim Ream appeared to foul Ovie Ejaria in the box, an incident which would have given Sunderland the chance to make it 2-0 — and hand the initiative to Cardiff in the race for second place.

But referee Peter Bankes waved played on and Cardiff's luck was out in more ways than one, as Lucas Piazon going down the other end to make it 1-1 60 seconds after the incident, completing an incisive Fulham counter attack.

There was fury among Cardiff fans on social media, with a few neutrals making the same joke about how Neil Warnock would have reacted.

They knew a Fulham defeat would allow the Blubierds the chance to seal promotion with a win at Hull on Saturday.

Pundit Keith Andrews on Sky Sports said: "The leg dangles and for me it's an absolute stonewall penalty, the reactions from Sunderland players tell you it's a penalty."

Micky Gray said: "He (the referee) had a great view on it and it's a surprise it's not a penalty. As soon as Ream makes the challenge he's looking to the referee and it's not minimal contaxt. But the referee doesn't give it.

"Fulham didn't deserve to go in level at half time but it's amazing how a game can change."



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-fans-incensed-after-14587676

 
Fulham 2 Sunderland 1: Aleksandar Mitrovic the hero once more as Whites move second

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(Getty Images)

Aleksandar Mitrovic was Fulham's hero yet again as the Serbian striker struck late to earn the promotion-chasers a 2-1 win over Sunderland at Craven Cottage.

Victory propelled Fulham into second and though Cardiff can jump back into the automatic promotion spots at Hull on Saturday only a win will do for Neil Warnock's side ahead of the final day of the Championship season.

Their unbeaten run now at 23 games, if Fulham do indeed make it to the Premier League they will be able to toast one of the shrewdest bits of business of any side in recent years. Mitrovic, scorer of 12 goals in 16 games, has added the cutting edge that was the final piece of the jigsaw. It might just be enough for the Cottagers to bank the £170million prize of promotion.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side had hit heights unmatched in the Championship and indeed much of the top flight during a hot streak dating back to the last time they met Sunderland, a 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light on December 16. But since the possibility of automatic promotion has become more than just the faintest of dreams Slavisa Jokanovic's side have had to learn how to deal with a pressure that was not there in the early months of the campaign and win ugly.

Not that they couldn't put together crisp passing moves, Ryan Fredericks ending one midway through the first half with a rasping shot well saved by Jason Steele. But in the driving rain, against a team battling for Championship survival, there was little of the grace and sophistication that has been a hallmark of their rise up the table.

A draw would have seen them leapfrog Cardiff into second - but only on goal difference having played a game more. Fulham needed to win, and their cumbersome play in the opening period suggested they were all too aware of that reality.

Their challenge only grew on 25 minutes, when the vibrant right winger Asoro found space inside of Targett to run into, before skidding a low drive across the sodden surface and beyond the despairing grasp of Marcus Bettinelli.

"How s*** must you be, we're winning away," chanted the Sunderland fans who have endured such hardship in recent years. Lucas Piazon nearly provided an immediate riposte, firing wide from 25 yards out, but something wasn't right with Fulham. A perfect through ball from Tom Cairney released Ryan Sessegnon on the corner of the box. Usually he would hammer the ball into the net. Here it rolled under his feet.

Tom Cairney and Matt Targett both required treatment twice in a gruelling first half, the latter making way for striker Aboubakar Kamara, forcing a limping Sessegnon, still the Cottagers' most potent attacking force, to drop back to left-back.

Nerves and tempers were fraying on and off the pitch but just before the interval Fulham got their salvation. Ryan Fredericks hurtled to the byline, where his low cross was pushed away from the waiting Aleksandar Mitrovic by Jason Steele. Unfortunately for the Sunderland goalkeeper he only managed to tee up Lucas Piazon to tap in the equaliser.

The second half brought renewed zip from Fulham even as Sunderland hit every tackle more ferociously. Kamara danced through several flailing legs in the box but his shot from a tight angle was parried by Steele.

Mitrovic, a perisperhal figure in the first period, was beginning to impose himself on the game and a snap shot from the edge of the area once more brought the best out of Sunderland's goalkeeper, who was proving to be a one-man obstacle to Fulham's promotion dreams.

He couldn't deny the Newcastle loanee forever though as Mitrovic rose to head Stefan Johansen's free-kick into the net with 15 minutes remaining.

Fulham's fate remains in Cardiff's hands but they are doing all they can to force the Bluebirds to crack under the pressure.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-2-sunderland-1-aleksandar-mitrovic-the-hero-once-more-as-whites-move-second-a3825921.html

 
Fulham complete comeback against Sunderland to pile the pressure back on Cardiff City

Fulham overcame a one-goal deficit to see off already relegated Sunderland on Friday evening to move into second place.

Jokanovic's men have once again done their bit to pile the pressure on Cardiff City ahead of their trip to Hull on Saturday afternoon.

The Cottagers are now 23 unbeaten – that's half of the Championship season – after victory over Sunderland who are now guaranteed to finish bottom of the league.

Sunderland actually took the lead at Craven Cottage to raise hopes around South Wales and raise spirits around the North East.

Joel Asoro found the net from long-range and it all got a little nervy for a moment around Craven Cottage.

Even more so when Tim Ream brought down his man in the box late in the half, but referee Peter Bankes appeared to be the only man in Craven Cottage who wasn't convinced.

And Fulham took full advantage when Lucas Piazon turned home a cross at the back post less than 60 seconds later, on the stroke of half-time.

Fulham picked up a little in the second half but nerves were still present, at least until the 76th minute when in-form Aleksandar Mitrovic rose highest to head the home side into the lead.

That was enough for Jokanovic's men on the night and it's enough for them to move into second place – temporarily at least.

Cardiff can still reclaim second spot with a win tomorrow afternoon in their game in-hand against Hull City at the Kcom Stadium, but the pressure is now on with Fulham two points ahead as things stand.

Just one game remains for each of the teams after this weekend's games and the final round of fixtures sees Cardiff host Reading, while Fulham travel to Birmingham City.



http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/fulham-pile-pressure-cardiff/

 
Fulham 2-1 Sunderland: Aleksandar Mitrovic heads winning goal as Cottagers come from behind to beat Championship's bottom side and edge into automatic promotion places

    Joel Asoro gave relegated Sunderland a surprise lead with a long-range effort
    Fulham levelled just before half-time when Ryan Fredericks set up Lucas Piazon
    Loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic headed home winning goal 15 minutes from time
    Result puts Fulham above Cardiff in second ahead of Bluebirds' trip to Hull

Fulham owner Shahid Khan may be buying Wembley Stadium but he wants to avoid his club having to visit his potential new premises in their pursuit of the Premier League.

The Cottagers came from behind to beat Chris Coleman's Sunderland on Friday night to pile the pressure on Cardiff City, their competition for the final automatic promotion place.

It was Aleksandar Mitrovic, the striker on loan from Newcastle, who completed the turnaround as Fulham made it 23 games unbeaten under Slavisa Jokanovic.

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Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates after scoring his 12th goal since joining Fulham on loan

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Lucas Piazon celebrates with Tom Cairney (left) after equalising on the stroke of half-time

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Joel Asoro (second left) is congratulated by his team-mates after giving Sunderland the lead

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic at Craven Cottage before the crucial Championship clash

Jokanovic wants to steer clear of the Championship's play-off minefield and, with Cardiff travelling to Hull on Saturday, the Serbian manager said: 'We were in an uncomfortable position. We showed great character, great confidence. A very important comeback.

'I will not watch (Cardiff face Hull). The situation is in Cardiff's control. They have two games. We have one.'

Mitrovic was half a yard offside when he headed home the winner, summing up Sunderland's luck.

Not to mention, the fact a forward on loan from their biggest rivals confirmed they will finish rock bottom of the Championship only rubbed salt into the wounds. League One awaits.

'I was bitterly disappointed with the officials,' Coleman said. 'Not with our lads.'

The last time Fulham lost in the league was at Sunderland on December 16. Back then, the Cottagers were 12th in the table and the Black Cats were outside of the bottom three.

Times have changed but Fulham seemed nervous under the Friday night floodlights. It was not until the 23rd minute that they forced a save out of Jason Steele through Ryan Fredericks.

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Fulham went two points ahead of Cardiff - ahead of the Bluebirds' clash with Hull on Saturday

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Asoro rifled home from outside the area with a low effort just out of Marcus Bettinelli's reach

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Asoro's team-mates celebrate with the striker after he put the League One-bound side ahead

Sunderland did not seem too bothered in going forward themselves yet then, out of the blue, Coleman's side scored and an upset was on the cards.

Joel Asoro, on his 19th birthday, turned Matt Targett then shot from distance. Perhaps on a dry day, Marcus Bettinelli would have got a hand to it. On this slick surface, the ball slid beyond him.

It was a goal celebrated in Cardiff. A Fulham loss would leave Neil Warnock's side a win away from confirming promotion to the Premier League.

Yet the home side levelled just before the break with a move that typified their passing style of play. The ball was passed from defence to midfield to attack, before being buried by Lucas Piazon.

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Fulham's Denis Odoi stoops to clear during the first half of the clash on Friday evening

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Lucas Piazon (second left) tucked home Fulham's equaliser from Ryan Fredericks' cross

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Fredericks runs the ball back to the centre spot after setting up the leveller at Craven Cottage

Sunderland were furious. They felt Ovie Ejaria had been brought down in the box before Fulham's breakaway but referee Peter Bankes showed no sympathy.

It was all Fulham in the second half and a header from Mitrovic made it 2-1 in the 76th minute. He had his 12th goal in 13 games and at full time, walked away thumping the badge on his chest.

'Cardiff City, we're coming for you,' Fulham's fans sang as they left the Cottage. 

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Mitrovic rises highest to nod home Stefan Johansen's set-piece 15 minutes from time

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The striker toasts netting his 12th goal since joining Fulham on loan from Newcastle in January



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5666309/Fulham-2-1-Sunderland-Match-report.html#ixzz5DwmcmctC
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Match report:
Lads beaten at Fulham

Fulham 2-1 Sunderland

Sunderland's final away game of the season ended in defeat as Fulham came from behind to take all three points at Craven Cottage.

Joel Asoro's solo effort opened the scoring as the 19-year-old marked his birthday with a goal, and Chris Coleman's side should have been awarded a penalty on 44 minutes when Ovie Ejaria was tripped in the box.

One minute later, an electric counter attack provided the catalyst for an equaliser, as Ryan Fredericks galloped down the right before picking out Lucas Piazon, who tucked home at the back post.

Fulham pushed forward following the restart but Sunderland weathered the storm, and for the second time in the game they saw penalty appeals waved away when Asoro's cross struck an arm.

And the Whites took full advantage, as Aleksandar Mitrovic headed home the winner with 15 minutes remaining as Fulham moved back into the top two.

Review all the action below...

PRODUCTION LINE

The 2017-18 season has been a tough one, but the club's academy products have led the way and once again many of them were involved in Coleman's matchday squad. George Honeyman, Ethan Robson and Asoro were included in the starting XI, as Josh Maja and 16-year-old Bali Mumba were named on the bench. Elliot Embleton and Luke Molyneux were also part of the squad that made the trip to West London.

OPENING

Fulham's first sight at goal fell to on-loan Newcastle United man Mitrovic, but the striker was charged down by Robson on the edge of the box and the midfielder confidently tidied up the danger. The Lads responded with their first meaningful foray into opposition territory, but Asoro's 20-yard strike was deflected well wide, and the Cottagers cleared the resulting corner. Fredericks' engineered the next opening with 18 minutes played, but Marc Wilson recovered to block the full-back's cross.

ASORO STRIKES

Fredericks continued to threaten down the left as PFA Young Player of the Year nominee Ryan Sessegnon endured a quite start on the opposite flank, with Fredericks zooming past Wilson again before seeing his effort beaten away by Jason Steele. With 28 minutes played, it was time for one of Sunderland's speedsters to shine. Asoro picked up Fletcher's knockdown and turned his marker inside out, and he provided the finish to top it all as a low strike nestled into the corner. Piazon responded with an effort from range, but if whistled just wide of the post.

LEVEL

Fulham were dealt a further blow ahead of the break as Matt Targett was forced off, with Aboubakar Kamara replacing the defender as Sessegnon dropped into the left-back berth. They should have been dealt an even bigger blow on 44 minutes, though, when Ejaria was clearly tripped in the box, but instead they levelled as a blistering counter attack resulted in Piazon bagging from close range. The equaliser injected fresh purpose into the home side's play, but it remained level at the break thanks to a cracking challenge from Lamine Kone on Tom Cairney inside the box.

BACK UNDERWAY

Sunderland made a change at the interval as Billy Jones was replaced by Adam Matthews, and the Welshman was a busy man early in the second period as the Cottagers pushed forward. After coming off the bench to assist the equaliser, Aboubakar Kamara continued to menace and give Wilson a torrid time, with Steele forced to deny the winger before Mitrovic tested the Black Cats stopper. On 71 minutes, the Lads' more than justified penalty appeals were waved away for a second time, as the referee waved play on despite Asoro's cross clearly striking an arm.

LATE WINNER

After a real battling performance, the Lads were undone by a set piece with 15 minutes remaining. Stefan Johansen swung in a deep cross to the back post and Mitrovic planted his header into the ground and beyond Stele. It had to be him. Johansen almost grabbed a third but Steele managed to claw his curling free-kick away from the top corner, but the Lads couldn't find an equaliser as Fulham maintained their push for automatic promotion.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett (Kamara 42), McDonald, Johansen, Cairney (Kalas 90), Piazon (Fonte 74), Mitrovic Sessegnon.
Subs not used: Button, Christie, Norwood, De la Torre.

Sunderland: Steele, Jones (Matthews 45), McNair, Fletcher, O'Shea, Kone, Honeyman, Robson (Maja 85), Asoro, Wilson, Ejaria (McManaman 76).
Subs not used: Lualua, Camp, Clarke-Salter, Mumba.



https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2018/april/match-report-v-fulham

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic heads winner to confirm Sunderland will finish bottom of the Championship

Fulham piled the pressure on Cardiff City after a late Aleksandar Mitrovic goal against Sunderland.

The hosts overturned Joel Asoro's early goal but there was more than a hint of controversy about both of their efforts. Sunderland battled hard for the most part but were outplayed by Slavisa Jokanovic's side in the final stages. The defeat means they will finish the season rock bottom of the Championship.

Fulham controlled the early stages of the contest but struggled to open the Black Cats up, the visitors defending well. They had the first effort of the game when Paddy McNair flicked on a long-range pass. Ashley Fletcher taking two touches on his weaker foot before firing wide. Teen prodigy Ryan Sessegnon struggled to make inroads down the left and it was down the other flank that Fulham threatened, Ryan Fredericks constantly searching for the overlap. He broke free 20 minutes in but Jason Steele did well to turn the ball away. When the goal came it was against the run of play, Fletcher doing brilliant to flick a long ball to Joel Asoro. The Swede twisted and turned away from Fulham's midfield before firing home on the edge of the area.

Fulham controlled the early stages of the contest but struggled to open the Black Cats up, the visitors defending well. They had the first effort of the game when Paddy McNair flicked on a long-range pass. Ashley Fletcher taking two touches on his weaker foot before firing wide. Teen prodigy Ryan Sessegnon struggled to make inroads down the left and it was down the other flank that Fulham threatened, Ryan Fredericks constantly searching for the overlap. He broke free 20 minutes in but Jason Steele did well to turn the ball away. When the goal came it was against the run of play, Fletcher doing brilliant to flick a long ball to Joel Asoro. The Swede twisted and turned away from Fulham's midfield before firing home on the edge of the area. Fulham levelled just before the break but it was a controversial goal. Tim Ream tripped Ovie Ejaria in the box but no penalty was given. The hosts broke clear with Aboubakar Kamara teeing up Fredericks. His cross was turned into the path of Lucas Piazon who had a simple finish. The hosts began to build up a head of steam in the second half and went close first when Aleksandar Mitrovic stung the palms of Steele, then when Tom Cairney curled an effort wide of the far post on the hour mark. They continued to dominate proceedings and the pressure finally told as Mitrovic headed home a free-kick at the back post. He looked to be a touch offside but the goal was given and Sunderland now know they will finish the season 24th.



Read more at: https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/aleksandar-mitrovic-heads-winner-to-confirm-sunderland-will-finish-bottom-of-the-championship-1-9139581

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic snatches winner as Fulham put pressure on Cardiff for automatic promotion

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Aleksandar Mitrovic heads home the crucial winner for Fulham Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Slavisa Jokanovic warned promotion rivals Cardiff City that it is their turn to feel the pressure after Aleksandar Mitrovic headed in Fulham's winner.

Jokanovic's Fulham side leap-frogged Cardiff into the automatic promotion spots with this win. They are two points clear of the Welsh club, whose game in hand is on Saturday at Hull City.

The pressure on Fulham was visible here and they were helped by the officials. Having trailed 1-0 to already-relegated Sunderland, Fulham were lucky to not concede a penalty when Ovie Ejaria went down - and the home side quickly counter-attacked to equalise. Mitrovic was also fortunate to escape an offside decision when he scored the winner.

"We have taken pressure off our backs," said Jokanovic, who added that he does not want to watch Cardiff's game. "Now it is the turn for Cardiff."

The winning goal by Mitrovic, on loan from Newcastle United, ensured Sunderland will finish the season bottom but the visitors, led by former Fulham manager Chris Coleman, were competitive here.

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Mitrovic has 14 goals in his last 14 games for Fulham Credit: OFFSIDE

Fulham dominated possession in the early stages but players were not willing to take risks and passes were going astray.

Joel Asoro snatched the lead for Sunderland, on his 19th birthday, as he turned beyond Matt Targett and scored with a low, 25-yard shot.

After Sunderland were denied a spot-kick, when Ejaria appeared to be tripped by Tim Ream, the momentum swung. Fulham's Ryan Fredericks crossed, the ball was palmed out by Jason Steele, and Lucas Piazon slotted in the equaliser.

Jokanovic's men showed more character in the second half and eventually broke through when Stefan Johansen's free-kick teed up in-form Mitrovic.

"I was bitterly disappointed with the officials, but not our lads," said Coleman. "Fulham don't need any help but they got it."



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/04/27/aleksandar-mitrovic-snatches-winner-fulham-keep-automatic-promotion/

 
Fulham 2 Sunderland 1: Mitrovic header piles pressure on Cardiff
Fulham had to come from behind to beat Sunderland but Slavisa Jokanovic's side are up to second in the Championship table.


Aleksandar Mitrovic headed a late winner to move Fulham a step closer to promotion to the Premier League as Slavisa Jokanovic's side came from behind to beat Sunderland 2-1 in the Championship.

Mitrovic's 76th-minute effort keeps Fulham in the running for a return to the top-flight after four seasons away, but promotion is still in Cardiff City's hands and Neil Warnock's men will finish in the top two if they take maximum points from their remaining two games.

Joel Asoro gave relegated Sunderland a surprise 28th-minute lead at Craven Cottage on Friday, linking up with strike partner Ashley Fletcher and spinning away from a defender to rifle a fine arrowed strike into Marcus Bettinelli's bottom-right corner.

The Swedish striker - marking his 19th birthday - was continuing to cause problems for the Fulham defence and perhaps should have had a penalty when he was caught by Tim Ream in the box.

But within a minute Fulham - unbeaten in the league since losing at Sunderland in December - were level, Lucas Piazon slotting in after goalkeeper Jason Steele was only able to turn a low cross from Ryan Fredericks to the Brazilian at the end of a flowing team move.

Mitrovic then came up with the crucial second-half winner for his side, scoring for the third league game in a row by heading a Stefan Johansen free-kick into the ground and out of the reach of Steele, meaning Cardiff cannot afford to slip up at Hull City on Saturday.



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What Fulham's win over Sunderland means for Cardiff City and Aston Villa's automatic promotion hopes

The result at Craven Cottage leaves the Bluebirds back in third place

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Marcus Bettinelli of Fulham celebrates after his team mate Lucas Piazon equalises

Cardiff City are back down to third in the Championship after Fulham's 2-1 win over Sunderland kept the heat on the Bluebirds in the race for second place.

Neil Warnock's side watched the Cottagers fight back from a goal down to claim a vital three points at Craven Cottage, which puts Slavisa Jokanovic's men two points ahead of Cardiff.

The Bluebirds have played a game fewer and now travel to Hull City on Saturday afternoon.

Joel Asoro initially gave Sunderland a shock lead from 20 yards in the first half, before a controversial 60-second period at the end of the half turned the game in Fulham's favour.

Ovie Ejaria looked to have been fouled by Fulham's Tim Ream in the 18-yard box, but referee Peter Bankes gave no penalty — and the Cottagers streamed forward to level through Lucas Piazon on the brink of half time.

Aleksandar Mitrović's header then made it 2-1 to the hosts, who stretch their unbeaten run to 23 matches.

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Tom Cairney of Fulham FC competes for the ball with Ovie Ejaria of Sunderland

The result means Cardiff must beat Hull to stay ahead in the race for second place, otherwise the Bluebirds' fate will be out of their hands. A draw or loss at the KCom would allow Fulham to remain in second position and seal promotion with one more win.

If Warnock's men can secure victories against Hull and Reading, they will still earn automatic promotion no matter how Fulham fare against Birmingham City in their final game.

Aston Villa can still mathematically draw level with Fulham and snatch second, but only by winning their final two games and hoping for a swing in goal difference — as well as a Cardiff slip up.

Remaining fixtures

Hull City vs Cardiff City (Sat April 28)

Aston Villa vs Derby County (Sat April 29)

Birmingham vs Fulham (Sunday May 6)

Cardiff City vs Reading (Sunday May 6)

Millwall vs Aston Villa (Sunday May 6)



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-fulhams-win-over-sunderland-14587161

 
Result: Fulham bounce back against Sunderland to move into second place

Fulham have survived a scare against relegated Sunderland by bouncing back from a goal down to win 2-1 in this evening's Championship clash at Craven Cottage.

Three points were a must for the home side, who move into second place in the standings with one game of their season left to play.

The Whites, now unbeaten in 23 league matches, are two points in front of Cardiff City ahead of the Bluebirds' game in hand at Hull City on Saturday.

League One-bound Sunderland gave a good account of themselves, edging in front through Joel Asoro half and hour in, only for Lucas Piazon and star man Aleksandar Mitrovic to turn the game around for Fulham.

With the pressure off following last week's relegation, the Black Cats fired away the game's first shot 12 minutes in through Astro.

That attempt deflected wide, while Ashley Fletcher sliced over the bar soon after as the visitors looked to make it four away games without defeat.

Fulham's slow start to the match was punished by Asoro with a third of the game played, as the youngster turned Matt Targett and hit a low shot past Marcus Bettinelli for a goal on his 19th birthday.

The setback did wake the home side up, however, with Stefan Johansen striking the ball narrowly wide and Ryan Sessegnon also coming close after being picked out by Tom Cairney.

A big moment in the match arrived shortly before half time as, after a couple of penalty appeals went against Sunderland - one for a challenge by Tim Ream on Ovie Ejaria - Fulham were back on level terms.

Ryan Fredericks's cross was punched to the far post by Jason Steele, where Piazon was waiting to pounce - the sixth time the attacking midfielder has directly been involved in a goal at Craven Cottage in his last eight appearance.

Johansen and Aboubakar Kamara were next to try their luck, the latter forcing Steele into a save, before the visiting keeper got across to deny Mitrovic from the Serbian's first sight of goal.

Fulham were turning the screw as the final 30 minutes approached, with Cairney the next to be denied by Steele and Kevin McDonald shooting over.

Just when it was looking like being one of those days for the Cottagers, a marginally offside Mitrovic got on the end of Johansen's cross to guide the ball past Steele with a downward header.

Fulham, who boast the most Championship goals in the final 15 minutes of games, nearly added to their tally through Johansen's well-taken shot.

A one-goal win was all that mattered for Slavisa Jokanovic's charges, though, piling the pressure on Cardiff ahead of their meeting with Hull.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett (Kamara 40'); Cairney (Kalas 90'), McDonald, Johansen; Piazon (Fonte 74'), Mitrovic, Sessegnon

SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1): Steele; Jones (Matthews 46'), Kone, O'Shea, Wilson; McNair, Robson (Maja 87'); Asoro, Ejaria (McManaman 77'), Honeyman; Fletcher



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/result-fulham-bounce-back-to-move-into-second_324550.html

 
Fulham 2-1 Sunderland: Aleksandar Mitrovic's header completes Fulham fightback

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the vital winner for Fulham as they leapfrogged Cardiff into second in the Sky Bet Championship standings with a 2-1 win over Sunderland on Friday, ensuring the race for automatic promotion will go to the final day

Joel Asoro capped an energetic start for the Black Cats when he drove the opener home after 28 minutes, but Lucas Piazon slotted an equaliser on the stroke of half-time, moments after Ovie Ejaria had a penalty appeal turned down after a challenge from Tim Ream.

The hosts lost influential left-back Matt Targett to injury in the first half and it looked as though it would not be their evening, but Mitrovic powered home a header 14 minutes from time to seal the three points at Craven Cottage.


Player ratings

Fulham: Bettinelli (6), Fredericks (8), Odoi (6), Ream (6), Targett (5), Cairney (7), McDonald (7), Johansen (8), Piazon (7), Sessegnon (6), Mitrovic (7)

Subs: Kamara (7), Fonte (5), Kalas (n/a)

Sunderland: Steele (7), Jones (6), O'Shea (6), Kone (5), Wilson (5), McNair (6), Robson (6), Honeyman (5), Ejaria (6), Fletcher (5), Asoro (6)

Subs: Matthews (5), McManaman (n/a), Maja (n/a)

Man of the match: Ryan Fredericks

Slavisa Jokanovic's men move two points clear of the Bluebirds after the victory - one that makes it 23 games unbeaten for the Whites - while Sunderland remain rooted to the bottom of the table, having had their relegation confirmed last weekend.

As had been the case against Millwall last Friday, the Whites got off to a laboured start in front of their home fans and were made to look ordinary by a Sunderland side playing with significantly decreased pressure on them.

Both Ashley Fletcher and Asoro saw chances fly wide of the target in the first 20 minutes - as did Ryan Fredericks at the opposite end - but the opener fell to Chris Coleman's men when Asoro spun Targett and hit a low effort beyond the reach of Marcus Bettinelli.

Naturally, going behind sparked the Whites into action, and as half-time approached, through a slight stroke of fortune, they drew level.

Centre-back Ream clumsily brought down Liverpool loanee Ejaria, but referee Peter Bankes waved away appeals, allowing the hosts to break and Piazon to sidefoot home at the far post, after Jason Steele had pushed Fredericks' cross into his path.

Team news
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic named the same starting 11 for the fourth successive game, while the Black Cats made three changes from the side that lost 2-1 to Burton last weekend, as Joel Asoro, Ethan Robson and Ovie Ejaria replaced Callum McManaman, Aiden McGeady and Lee Cattermole, who misses out with a knee injury. 16 year-old Bali Mumba was named on the bench.

Aboubakar Kamara replaced Targett in the first half and proved to be a constant danger on the right hand side in the second half as both sides bombarded one another with shots from range, but it was the visitors who perhaps created a better impression of themselves on the night.

That said, Fulham's ability to kill off games shone through in the end. They were far from their slick best, but earned their vital three points when Mitrovic rose highest to nod Stefan Johansen's dipping free-kick into the back of the net to claim all three points.

Man of the match - Ryan Fredericks

Fulham's full-backs tend to escape the media spotlight, with the stellar frontline of Sessegnon, Mitrovic et al taking the majority of the headlines in their unprecedented 23-game unbeaten run.

Alongside Matt Targett, Fredericks is perhaps one of the key figures in this Fulham and looked a threat on numerous occasions in the first half, despite Fulham's below-par display at the Cottage. The 25-year-old has attracted Premier League suitors in recent weeks and Slavisa Jokanovic will be hoping to tie him down with fresh terms with his contract due to expire this summer.

The managers

Slavisa Jokanovic: "It was a really important and strange game for us. We suffered so much during the game and we weren't comfortable in the first 45 minutes. Without being under any kind of stress, Sunderland played without any pressure and created many problems for us.

"He's [Mitrovic] been crucial. He's scored many goals - many winning goals - and today was really important for us. Cardiff are not under my control but I suspect we have taken the pressure from ourselves and we are going to be better for the next game."

Chris Coleman: "I thought we showed a lot of courage here tonight because it's not the physical side of it for us now, it's the psychological side. They are a good team, Fulham, and they are going to be there or thereabouts with a game to go. But I could ask for anything more from my players, they put a proper performance in and I don't think Fulham beat us tonight, I think it was decisions from the officials. There were huge calls that we didn't get - when you are already relegated some people think it doesn't matter to you, but I promise you that it does to us.

"When things are going wrong for you you tend to attract negativity unfortunately and those little things that should go for you don't. I can swallow that, but I can't swallow big things. The performance deserved something tonight.

"We've got to change a lot, there needs to be big changes. We need to get rid of the uncertainty - who is going to own the club and what the plan is. As long as we know that, we can draw a line under that and say, 'let's have a crack at this' because it's about bouncing back immediately. It's as simple as that."

What's next?

Both sides are next in action on the final day of the season, Sunday, May 6. Fulham travel to St Andrew's to face Birmingham as they look to secure automatic promotion, while relegated Sunderland finish the campaign at home to champions Wolves. All Championship games get underway in conjunction at 12.30pm.



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-sland/375150

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic heads Fulham past Sunderland to boost promotion hopes

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Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates after scoring Fulham's winner in the second half. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Reuters

Overcoming a team condemned to playing in League One next season was supposed to be the easy part for Fulham but nothing felt straightforward on a night of tension at Craven Cottage and, if Neil Warnock was watching this game on television, he will no doubt have taken note of some generous refereeing decisions. It was only when the marginally offside Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the decisive goal that Fulham could be confident of hauling themselves back into the Championship's top two with one match left.

For all the late drama, however, the real challenge for Slavisa Jokanovic's players will be finding a way to enjoy their Saturday. It seems preposterous that a team on a 23-match unbeaten run could be forced to endure the torture of the play-offs. But there is no escaping the unforgiving nature of this race to win automatic promotion, with Fulham all too aware they will be a point below Cardiff if Warnock's team win at 18th-placed Hull this afternoon.

"We will see what Cardiff do," said Mitrovic, who has scored 12 goals since arriving on loan from Newcastle in January. "Of course we are confident we can pip them."

That might depend on Cardiff playing with the kind of anxiety that threatened to derail Fulham's challenge for much of this fraught encounter. Jokanovic admitted his players felt the pressure, particularly during the first half, and their choked display allowed Sunderland to prey on their nerves.

Sunderland had only had a week to digest the ignominy of successive relegations but Chris Coleman's team were roared on by a good-humoured away following and Fulham had already survived a couple of scares before Joel Asoro broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Ashley Fletcher flicked a long ball on to the winger, who celebrated his 19th birthday by spinning away from Matt Targett and angling a low shot past Marcus Bettinelli from 20 yards.

Fulham could have no complaints. Loose touches, sloppy passing and misunderstandings had undermined their spirited approach, Tom Cairney was struggling to find his range in midfield and this was one of Ryan Sessegnon's quieter games.

There was further alarm when Targett limped off with an ankle injury. But luck was on Fulham's side, with Peter Bankes waving away Sunderland's appeals for a penalty when Tim Ream caught Ovie Ajaria on the stroke of half-time. "I was bitterly disappointed with the decisions," Coleman said. "It's not a tough call. And Fulham's second goal was a yard offside. But look, we haven't been relegated because of referees."

Fulham were level moments after Ream's escape. Aboubakar Kamara, Targett's replacement, released Ryan Fredericks and, although Jason Steele tipped the right-back's cutback away from Mitrovic, the Sunderland goalkeeper's intervention only presented Lucas Piazon with an open goal.

"We wanted to dominate but we moved the ball without taking a risk with the last pass," Jokanovic said. "It was not an easy moment for us. We showed some great character."

Fulham strove to assert themselves at the start of the second half. Kamara, impressing on the right, was a thorn in Marc Wilson's side and the substitute almost found a way through with a powerful shot, only for Steele to react sharply at his near post.

It was clear Coleman, a former Fulham captain and manager, also wanted to leave a good impression at the place he once called home. Mitrovic threatened and Steele was booked for timewasting, but Sunderland were defending with dogged resolve. The frustration was building.

When Cairney bent an effort inches wide, it seemed Fulham's hopes were slipping away. But when Stefan Johansen lifted a free-kick to the far post and the flag stayed down, Mitrovic silenced his detractors in the away end with a deft header. Now Fulham need a favour from Hull.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/fulham-sunderland-championship-match-report

Fulham 2-1 Sunderland: Predictable - MITROVIC condemns us to defeat! Player Ratings & Report
Sunderland started brightly, nabbed a goal, failed to hold onto the lead and subsequently went on to lose. It's everything we've come to expect. Here's how it panned out, and how the lads rated.

Summary

The Black Cats once again showed they were incapable of holding onto a lead this evening as they lost 2-1 against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Joel Asoro's beauty of a finish was ultimately in vain as the home side replied with a goal from Lucas Piazon and the likely pantomime villain Alexsandar Mitrovic.

Both of Fulham's goals had an aura of controversy around them though. The first should arguably have never come about, and the second seemed to be offside.

Oh well, we were going down anyway.

Lineups

    Fulham: Marcus Bettlinelli, Ryan Fredericks, Denis Odoi, Tim Ream, Matt Targett, Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen, Tom Cairney, Lucas Piazon, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ryan Sessegnon

    Subs: David Button, Tomas Kalas, Cyrus Christie, Oliver Norwood, Luca de la Torre, Rui Fonte, Aboubakar Kamara

    Sunderland: Jason Steele, Billy Jones, John O'Shea, Lamine Kone, Marc Wilson, Paddy McNair, George Honeyman, Ethan Robson, Joel Asoro, Ovie Ejaria, Ashley Fletcher

    Subs: Lee Camp, Kazenga LuaLua, Callum McManaman, Josh Maja, Adam Matthews, Jake Clarke-Salter, Bali Mumba

First Half

Sunderland saw their first sight on goal on eleven minutes. Ashley Fletcher squared the ball to George Honeyman on the edge of the box, who in turn teed up the advancing Joel Asoro - but the young Swede's effort flashed across the face of goal and went out.

Fulham's first real chance came eleven minutes after that. Ryan Fredericks made a mazy run down the right flank before firing a dangerous ball across the face of goal, luckily no one was there to meet it as it sailed out of harm's way.

But things would pick up before too long - Asoro ensured that with an absolute screamer!

Fletcher headed the ball down into the nineteen year old's path, who then seamlessly turned away from his man, raced towards goal and fired with pinpoint accuracy into the the bottom left corner.

Lucas Piazon nearly got a near-instant reply for his side, as his effort from outside the box narrowly grazed the outside of the right post.

Sunderland played the remainder of the first half with what I can only assume was a sense of ironic confidence - the defense sprayed the ball around with ease and Marc Wilson even managed something resembling a Cruyff turn. Fulham, on the other hand, were struggling to get into the game at all.

On the verge of half time, however, they did. Ovie Ejaria's penalty appeal was controversially waved away, giving Fulham the opportunity to catch Sunderland on the break; and catch us they did - Piazon tapped home a ball squared to him from the home side's forward burst.

The first half ended with both sides once again even.

HT: Fulham 1-1 Sunderland (Asoro 28', Piazon 45')

Second Half

Sunderland stepped out of the dugout and straight into the eye of the storm.

Fulham were well on top once play resumed. Aboubakar Kamara weaved his way through our blue shirts in the box and fired at goal from close range - but Jason Steele displayed good reflexes to turn it away. Aleksandar Mitrovic had a decent effort too, but once again Steele palmed away the danger.

The second half ticked on and the home side showed no sign of letting up. Tom Cairney came particularly close as he was slipped in by Fredericks, but he fired wide of the far posr.

Fulham (eventually) found their second. The home side swung in a free-kick and Mitrovic (naturally) evaded his marker Fletcher and headed the ball down and into the net - though questions will be raised as to whether or not the Serbian international was offside.

Johansen's free-kick nearly got the Cottagers their third not too long after, but Steele once again produced a fine save to keep the opposition at bay.

Sunderland, for the vast majority of the second half, were completely ineffectual going forward. The match ended with Fulham haven successfully overturned their deficit.

FT: Fulham 2-1 Sunderland (Asoro 28', Piazon 45', Mitrovic 76')



https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2018/4/27/17260928/fulham-2-1-sunderland-predictable-mitrovic-condemns-us-to-defeat-player-ratings-report

 
Fulham back up to second after beating Sunderland

Fulham 2 Sunderland 1

---

Aleksandar Mitrovic's winner fired Fulham back above Cardiff and into the automatic promotion places.

The on-loan Newcastle striker, who looked offside, sealed a comeback victory with a header that lifted the Whites back into second place by two points.

Cardiff have two games left and play Hull on Saturday – and relegated Sunderland looked to be doing them a favour when they took a surprise early lead through youngster Joel Astro.

But Lucas Piazon equalised from close range on the stroke of half-time and Fulham, who have one game remaining, had multiple chances to score in a dominant second-half display.

They were slow from the outset and the lively Asoro threatened on 12 minutes with a shot deflected just wide.

Ashley Fletcher also fired a volley that missed the target before Asoro exquisitely turned his marker and finished low past Marcus Bettinelli into the far corner.

Fulham lost on-loan Southampton left-back Matt Targett to injury six minutes before half-time but substitute Aboubakar Kamara did well in the build-up to their first goal, sliding in Ryan Fredericks for the cut-back to Piazon.

Mitrovic drew an excellent save from Jason Steele just after the break, while Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald also flashed shots over the bar before the Serbian headed home what could be a crucial goal in the Whites' pursuit of promotion.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett (Kamara 39), McDonald, Johansen, Cairney, Sessegnon, Piazon (Fonte 74), Mitrovic.
Subs not used: Button, Christie, Kalas, Norwood, De La Torre.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/aleksandar-mitrovic-strikes-fulham-go-second-beating-sunderland

 
Mitrovic on fire, longest unbeaten run in England - Fulham vs Sunderland talking points

Here's all the talking points from Fulham's 2-1 victory over Sunderland at Craven Cottage

Fulham's 2-1 victory over Sunderland means the Whites now hold the record for the longest unbeaten streak in English football, surpassing Manchester City.

It wasn't an easy evening for the side, who went behind to a great Joel Asoro strike - the 19-year-old celebrating his birthday with a goal against a promotion contender.

But Fulham fought back - Lucas Piazon netted first before Aleksandar Mitrovic's headed goal sent Craven Cottage into raptures.

Here's what we took from the game.

Steady team paves the way

Fulham named an unchanged side for the fourth time in a row for the visit of Sunderland - something that has been seen them build their momentum into the final game of the season.

The side's ability to name a consistent side for the most of the their run since December has been key in seeing them produce consistent results and mount their promotion charge.

It's stark difference to the first part of the season, where injuries to key members, like Tom Cairney, meant Jokanovic had to cut and change his side regularly, including giving a senior debut to Tayo Edun back in November.

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(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images))

The return of Chris Coleman

The last manager to beat Fulham - his side gave it a real good go this evening and would've made their supporters proud.

They took the lead and battled well, but the Whites quality eventually showed through at Craven Cottage but the future looks bright for the Black Cats under the stewardship of Coleman.

The home fans gave him a good reception on his return to the Cottage too.

Another slow start

Despite Fulham not losing any of their last 22 games before tonight, a standout factor in their previous few games was the time it took the side to get out of first gear, and the same was true tonight.

It took until the 23rd minute for the Whites to have a shot on goal, despite controlling the tempo of the game, with a number of poor touches and bad decisions in the final third meaning the side took a while before they started to worry Jason Steele.

It's not been that big of a problem in previous games, but if the side are to play in the play-offs, it could start to become one.

Targett injury a big blow

Alongside Aleksandar Mitrovic, the signing of Matt Targett is one of the reasons why Fulham have been so good in the second half of the season.

However, he limped off in the 40th minute and that could prove to be such a big blow to the side's promotion chances.

He's been an ever-present since signing and plugged a problem area in that left back role - without him it'll be interesting to see how Fulham cope, with Ryan Sessegnon playing the rest of the Sunderland game at left back once more.

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(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Mitros on fire!

How many times does it happen?

The Serbian barely had a sniff all game but produced with the goods once more when he nodded home to make it 2-1.

Fulham's acquisition of Mitrovic could be one of the deals of not just the season, but one of the deals of the century - his goals have made the side into the powerhouse they are today.

No matter how much impact he has on the game, Mitrovic seems to deliver when it matters most and that's what makes a good side turn into a great one.

Longest unbeaten run in English football

23 games undefeated, half a season and the longest streak in English football this season.

Manchester City held the record, along with Fulham, before tonight's game, but with victory comes the record for the Whites.

It's a fantastic achievement for a side who were 17th in November, and if they go 24 undefeated the could well be celebrating automatic promotion come next Sunday.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/mitrovic-fire-longest-unbeaten-run-14587291

 
Cottagers come from behind to claim second spot in Championship

Piazon and Mitrovic goals see off relegated Sunderland.

Fulham came from behind to secure a 2-1 home victory over relegated Sunderland and move up to second place in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Cottagers – owned by Shahid Khan, the US businessman who this week launched a near £1billion bid to buy Wembley – recovered after falling behind to a 28th-minute goal from Joel Asoro.

Lucas Piazon levelled just before the break after the visitors had strong claims for a penalty turned down, before Aleksandar Mitrovic won it with his 12th goal since arriving on loan from Newcastle in January.

Victory moved the Cottagers two points above Cardiff, with the Welsh club facing Hull on Saturday, ensuring the fight to secure automatic promotion will go into the final game of the season.

Fulham came into the game on the back of a 22-game unbeaten league run dating back to the December loss against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Form suggested there was little chance of a repeat, but after initially struggling to move through the gears in the victory at Millwall seven days previously, Slavisa Jokanovic's side again started slowly.

Their normally slick passing style was missing as Sunderland started the game more positively, and were apparently showing no ill effects from last weekend's relegation to League One.

Ashley Fletcher posed an early threat for the visitors with a long-range shot and it took Fulham until midway through the first half before they forced a save from Black Cats goalkeeper Jason Steele.

The Cottagers' Championship player of the year Ryan Sessegnon saw little of the ball during the opening exchanges while in-form Mitrovic found himself isolated up front.

And the home side's poor start was confirmed when Asoro fired Sunderland into the lead in the 28th minute.

The winger marked his 19th birthday by collecting Fletcher's nod down and turning left-back Matt Targett before drilling a low shot beyond Marcus Bettinelli from outside the Fulham penalty area.

The Cottagers were struggling to make an impression on the game but they forced their way back onto level terms in the 44th minute, although Sunderland were convinced Jokanovic's side should not have had the opportunity to equalise.

Ovie Ejaria went down under a challenge from Tim Ream inside the home penalty area but claims for a penalty were ignored by referee Peter Bankes.

And Fulham made the most of the reprieve by breaking swiftly down the right hand flank from where Ryan Fredericks delivered a low cross that was turned home by Piazon from close range.

The hosts stepped up the tempo after the break with Mitrovic threatening to add to his 11 goals for the club with a shot that drew a fine save from Jason Steele.

And the striker finally found a way past the Sunderland keeper with a header from Stefan Johansen's floated free-kick, despite appeals for offside from the visitors.



http://sport.bt.com/football/cottagers-come-from-behind-to-claim-second-spot-in-championship-S11364267270778

 
Fulham Looking To Secure A Permanent Deal For Their Prolific Striker: Good Move For All Parties?

Fulham are in with a chance for promotion to the top flight football as they are currently in the third spot and are just one point behind Cardiff City. However, the time is not on their side as the season draws to an end. They will be facing the relegation-elect Sunderland in the next game and a slip up from Cardiff can put the Cottagers in prime position to qualify for the Premier League. Even at worst they are going to be in with a chance for promotion as they are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.

Fulham's rise has been on the back of prolific showing from some of their key players and their on-loan striker Aleksandr Mitrovic has been instrumental in their success this season. The Serbian international has been in brilliant form as he has notched up 11 goals in his last 12 games. Such immaculate performance will certainly impress the manager of his parent club, Newcastle United, and there could be a high chance that Rafael Benitez recalls him for next season.

He has hit a rich vein of form for Slaviša Jokanović's side and it is expected that Fulham will make a move for the Serbian to tie him down at Craven Cottage on a permanent basis. According to reports, they might have to shell out £20million to bring him in. He has gelled well with his current team-mates and has got used to the manager's system. Mitrovic was considered to be an inconsistent player but it seems that at Fulham he has rectified his errors.

Mitrovic's nature has been compared to Diego Costa as he is a fiery character on the pitch and can get into altercations with the opposition players and referees. But when he is on song, he is a sight to behold and has been in tremendous touch for Fulham this season.

Mitrovic himself has acknowledged that he feels good at Fulham. He said,-"I'm really happy here, I enjoy it a lot here, my family as well." He further added-"The manager [Slavisa Jokanovic], obviously being Serbian too, helped me a lot and the style they play, the players they have, suits me. I played against them last season and this season they play the style that I like."

Benitez as a manager is keen on the discipline department and maybe that is the reason why isn't too keen on bringing in Mitrovic. However, it won't be a bad move for the Magpies if they bring him back after his loan spell is over. Fulham, on the other hand, must make all possible attempts to bring the Serbian ace permanently into the squad and strengthen it for the next season, which might be a brand new one for them in the Premier League.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/04/fulham-looking-secure-permanent-deal-prolific-striker-good-move-parties/

 
Fulham 2-1 Sunderland: Aleksandar Mitrovic header keeps Cottagers' Premier League promotion dream alive

The Serbian headed home in the second half to give owner Shahid Khan the prospect of a Premier League club

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Mitrovic kept Fulham's promption hopes alive (Image: PA)

Aleksandar Mitrovic kept Fulham on course to give Shahid Khan a Premier League club to go with Wembley Stadium.

Twenty-four hours after his stunning £600m bid to buy the national stadium, which is set to be successful, emerged there was more good news for Fulham's billionaire owner from the other ground on his mind right now.

Mitrovic's 76th minute winner – his 12th goal in just 13 games – against already-relegated Sunderland earned Fulham a deserved but nervy win to lift them back up to second.

And the on-loan Newcastle frontman struck just when it was starting to look like a trip to Khan's target, Wembley, and the play-offs was going to be Fulham's best hope of promotion.

The pressure is now back on Cardiff who need to win at Hull today to go into the next Sunday's final day in pole position to finish second.

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Mitrovic's header was the crucial moment (Image: PA)

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Fulham are back into second place... but for how long? (Image: Getty Images Europe)

If someone buying Wembley off the FA might have seemed far-fetched once upon a time so would the idea of a Fulham automatic promotion bid after they last faced Sunderland.

The Black Cats beat Fulham in December to leave Slavisa Jokanovic's side languishing in 12th.

But a remarkable 22-game unbeaten run has propelled Fulham up the table and into the top two hunt.

This was Chris Coleman's first return to the club he played for and managed since he left in 2007.

And he was in danger of losing some of his popularity after his side took advantage of Fulham's uncharacteristic poor start to take a 28th minute lead.

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Sunderland took a shock lead at Craven Cottage (Image: Getty Images Europe)

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But Fulham were back on level terms before the break (Image: Sunderland AFC)

Joel Asoro collected Ashley Fletcher's knockdown, spun Matt Targett and fired a skidding 25-yarder into the bottom corner to mark his 19th birthday in style.

Sunderland then had a penalty appeal waved away for a Tim Ream foul on Ovie Ejaria and their frustration was compounded when Fulham countered to level.

Just when the natives were starting to get restless, sub Aboubakar Kamara and Ryan Fredericks combined twice down the right to tee up Lucas Piazon for a tap-in on the stroke of half time.

Fulham peppered the Sunderland goal after the break and were finally rewarded with 14 minutes left when Mitrovic headed in Stefan Johansen's free-kick.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-2-1-sunderland-aleksandar-12441624

 
Jokanovic admits Fulham felt under pressure

Slavisa Jokanovic admitted Fulham felt the pressure of a "crucial moment" in their season before coming from behind the beat relegated Sunderland.

The Whites moved back into second place with a 2-1 win but must hope third-placed Cardiff, who have two games left, drop points.

Whites boss Jokanovic said: "In the first 45 minutes we wanted to dominate but we started by not taking risks with the pass or being dangerous enough.

"We weren't comfortable enough and missed some easy passes, and Sunderland said 'okay we'll do some damage' – and their goal wasn't an easy moment for us.

"I am talking about some kind of pressure. This is a crucial moment in the Championship but on the other side I expect us to take this pressure off our backs.

"I don't expect we are going to be under this kind of pressure in the next game."

Aleksandar Mitrovic's late winning header looked to be offside and Jokanovic admitted his team may have got lucky.

"Sometimes you must be lucky in this life. It's important," Jokanovic said.

"I thought we showed great character to get this very important three points and we must now try and beat Birmingham."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jokanovic-admits-fulham-felt-pressure

 
Soccer: Fulham climb to second with 2-1 win over Sunderland

LONDON (Reuters) - Fulham moved back into the automatic Championship promotion spots with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over relegated Sunderland thanks to goals by Lucas Piazon and Aleksandar Mitrovic on Friday.

The hard-fought home victory took Slavisa Jokanovic's side into second and two points above third-placed Cardiff City, who visit Hull City on Saturday, in the race for the Premier League.

Fulham's Serbia striker Mitrovic, on loan from Newcastle United, struck in the 75th minute with a downward header after Brazilian Piazon had levelled for the hosts before halftime

"Today it was complicated for us and I am happy to take the pressure off our back. It's part of the competition," said Jokanovic. "Aleksandar's contribution is crucial. He's scored many winning goals and today it was an important goal for us."

The home side fell behind just before the half-hour when Sunderland's Joel Asoro celebrated his 19th birthday with a superb goal after turning smartly and firing home a low shot.

The strike stunned the expectant Fulham fans but they were soon cheering when Brazilian Piazon, on loan from neighbours Chelsea, equalised from a Ryan Fredericks cross before Mitrovic rose high above the Sunderland defence to grab the winner.

Fulham, who extended their unbeaten run to 23 games, have 88 points with one game left. Cardiff are on 86 but with two games to play. The top two go up automatically with the next four entering the playoffs for a third promotion place.

The home side fell behind just before the half-hour when Sunderland's Joel Asoro celebrated his 19th birthday with a superb goal after turning smartly and firing home a low shot.

The strike stunned the expectant Fulham fans but they were soon cheering when Brazilian Piazon, on loan from neighbours Chelsea, equalised from a Ryan Fredericks cross before Mitrovic rose high above the Sunderland defence to grab the winner.

Fulham, who extended their unbeaten run to 23 games, have 88 points with one game left. Cardiff are on 86 but with two games to play. The top two go up automatically with the next four entering the playoffs for a third promotion place.



https://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-england-championship/soccer-fulham-climb-to-second-with-2-1-win-over-sunderland-idINKBN1HY2ZO?rpc=401&

 
Chris Coleman on the refereeing blunders that cost Sunderland at Fulham

Sunderland boss Chris Coleman was an unhappy man as referee Peter Bankes and his assistants cost the Black Cats any chance of victory

Chris Coleman branded referee Peter Bankes' performance 'bitterly disappointing' as blunders by the officials cost Sunderland any chance of victory at promotion-chasing Fulham.

The Black Cats were leading thanks to birthday boy Joel Asoro's first-half strike, only for Bankes to wave away their appeals for a stonewall penalty on the stroke of half-time when Ovie Ejaria was sent tumbling by Tim Ream - and to compound the error, just a minute later Fulham levelled through Lucas Piazon.

Bankes' night did not improve in the second half as neither he nor his assistant spotted that Aleksandar Mitrovic was offside when he headed Fulham's winner 15 minutes from time.

With Sunderland's relegation confirmed last weekend, it made little difference in the grand scheme of things but that was of no consolation to Coleman.

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Fulham Manager Slavisa Jokanovic (L) and Sunderland manager Chris Coleman (Image: Getty Images Europe)

"I was pleased with the performance, I was delighted with the boys," said Coleman.

"It was a hard game. We were up against a team that was playing for something.

"I wasn't disappointed [with my team] at all - I was bitterly disappointed with the officials, though.

"Fulham don't need any help, they are a good team, but they got some help tonight."

Asked whether Ejaria should have had a penalty, he said: "Definitely. It's not even a tough call.

"And Fulham's second goal was a yard offside, and the linesman was right in line with it.

"I thought it was [offside] in real time, and fair play to whoever is in charge of the TVs here, they played it on the big screen - but they [the officials] didn't chalk it off, mind you!

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Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic (second from right) scores his side's second goal (Image: PA)

"It was a yard offside, it wasn't even a tough call.

"Look, we haven't been relegated because of referees, we've been relegated because we haven't been good enough.

"Nevertheless, in games you want the right calls to be made. It still means something to us.

"I was disappointed with that, because we had stood up to Fulham who are ever such a good team.

"We had a crack, we involved some young boys, and they didn't have any fear."

It is not the first time in the run-in Sunderland have been on the wrong end of poor decisions by referees, with Coleman branding some of them 'astonishing'.

He said: "In the last seven or eight games we have upped it, we've played better - take Burton out of it, we didn't play very well - but right back to Derby County.

"Some of the calls we have had have been astonishing. Huge calls.

"Maybe we haven't earned it. Perhaps the way the footballing gods work is that you have to earn it from the start, and there have been too many games where we have been under-par.

"But you still want the right calls made. Some of them are not difficult calls.

"I know it's hard for referees, the game is fast, the atmosphere here was brilliant and there was a lot on it for Fulham, but they still have to make the right call.

"It is such an obvious decision, it really is.

"We need a bit of help from the referee, we don't need him to be against us!

"I'm not saying he's against us on purpose, he's just called it wrong.

"We're in the game, we're fighting against Fulham, we're doing OK, we're holding our own, and then it sickens you when that happens."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chris-coleman-refereeing-blunders-cost-14587865

Mitrovic heads Fulham into second
by Dan on April 28, 2018

Lady luck smiled on Fulham this evening as they inched above Cardiff City with a tense win over Sunderland at Craven Cottage and ensured the race for the second automatic promotion place into the Premier League will head into the final weekend of the season. Former Fulham captain and manager Chris Coleman, making a return to the club where his managerial career began sixteen years ago, was incensed that referee Peter Bankes waved two strong Sunderland penalty shouts before Aleksandar Mitrovic's decisive header was allowed to stand despite the Serbian striker being marginally offside from Stefan Johansen's free-kick.

Small margins matter a great deal in a league as competitive as the Championship. It was to Coleman's immense credit that Sunderland, with only pride to play for after they had been relegated following a home defeat by Burton Albion last weekend, went toe-to-toe with Slavisa Jokanovic's side. The Mackems will consider themselves unfortunate not to have completed a remarkable double over Fulham as they followed their win at the Stadium of Light in December, which appeared then to have breathed new life into their battle against the drop, with an energetic and enterprising performance that worried an expectant home crowd long before Joel Asoro marked his nineteenth birthday with a superb finish past Marcus Bettinelli from 20 yards.

The visitors were the quicker to settle on a wet evening by the River Thames, with Fulham's usual flunecy missing in the early exchanges. Ashley Fletcher proved a lively presence in the lone striker role, with he and Asoro linking up impressively to allow the Swedish under-21 international a sight of goal in the twelfth minute but the midfielder skewed his effort wide of the far post. Fletcher then showed his agility by stretching to control a through ball and hold off Tim Ream but the on-loan Middlesbrough forward ballooned his shot over the bar and into the Hammersmith End.

Fulham, whose only moment of adventure to trouble Jason Steele came when the Sunderland stopper clawed away an angled drive from Ryan Sessegnon, failed to heed the visitors' early warnings. The Black Cats seized the lead just before the half hour mark when Fletcher flicked on a long ball into the path of Asoro, who showed good strength to hold off Matt Targett, and carry the ball into a threatening position before placing an unerring low shot beyond Bettinelli into the bottom right corner of the net. It was the least Sunderland deserved for their excellent start, especially as many had wondered whether Coleman would simply pack the midfield on his return to the Cottage.

Targett manfully tried to shake off a knee injury sustained in the tussle with Asoro that had preceded the teenager's goal, but had to admit defeat five minutes before the break. Jokanovic went for the most attacking change, throwing on Aboubakar Kamara as the full back's replacement – and the French forward was Fulham's most potent threat thereafter. The hosts had threatened an equaliser from their first attack after going behind with Lucas Piazon shooting wide from just outside the box, but Kamara's pace gave the Whites an outlet in behind the Sunderland defence and he ghosted past Marc Wilson at will.

It was the substitute's sense of adventure that fashioned Fulham's equaliser right on the stroke of half time. Kamara burst onto a Stefan Johansen pass and cleverly sent Ryan Fredericks scurrying towards the byline on the overlap. The full back sent in a low cross looking for Mitrovic but Steele's untimely parry presented an open goal for Piazon to prod home a vital leveller into the unguarded net from close range. Sunderland were furious that referee Bankes had allowed Fulham to mount that counter attack after Ovie Ajaria was caught in the box by Tim Ream – with skipper John O'Shea cautioned for his protests – and the television replays showed that the Black Cats had a strong case for a penalty.

That sense of injustice would have been heightened had Fulham gone in front in first half stoppage time. Sunderland needed a well-timed tackle from Lamina Kone to preserve parity as Tom Cairney seemed set to slam in a second after Mitrovic had risen majestically to nod Kamara's floated cross back to the Fulham captain, but Kone sniffed out the danger in the nick of time. Fulham had been well short of their past before the break, but stepped up their level after the interval – penning Sunderland back for long periods.

They had a sight of goal inside the first minute of the second half but Johansen blazed wildly over after some intelligent interplay before Steele did well to block a ferocious drive from Kamara after he cut in from the right. Steele then kept out a Johansen free kick and a Mitrovic strike in quick succession as the visitors' defence threatened to buckle, but Coleman's charges continued to mount an impressive rearguard action with O'Shea blocking a Fredericks effort after another slalom dribble from the Fulham full back.

Both McDonald and Cairney curled efforts wide as Fulham upped the pressure, with the Fulham's captain's curling strike dropping inches wide of the far corner, and just when it seemed as if Jokanovic's men might fall short of the win they desperately needed, Kamara was sent sprawling on the edge of the box. Johansen bent in a delicious delivery and Mitrovic soared above Fletcher to nod home at the far post, although it wasn't exactly the Serb's most convincing header of his Fulham career.

The home side spurned a number of presentable chances to wrap it up. Steele produced a superb save to turn away Johansen's excellent free kick and that meant Fulham had to grind their way through six minutes of added time before celebrating the slenderest of victories. The three points temporarily take the Whites above Cardiff into second spot, with Neil Warnock's side heading to Hull City tomorrow afternoon.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Targett (Kamara 40), Odoi, Ream; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney (Kalas 90); Piazon (Fonte 74), R. Sessegnon, Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Button, Christie, Norwood, de la Torre.

BOOKED: Bettinelli, Kamara.

GOAL: Piazon (45), Mitrovic (76).

SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1): Steele; Jones (Matthews 45), Wilson, Kone, O'Shea; McNair, Robson (Maja 45), Asoro, Ejaria (McManaman 77), Honeyman; Fletcher. Subs (not used): Camp, Clarke-Salter, Lua-Lua, Mumba.

BOOKED: O'Shea, Fletcher, Steele, McManaman.

GOAL: Asoro (28).

REFEREE: Peter Bankes (Merseyside).

ATTENDANCE: 21,849



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/mitrovic-heads-fulham-into-second/

 
Slavisa Jokanovic switches focus to Cardiff after Fulham climb into automatic promotion places with Sunderland win: 'Now it's their turn, we'll see if they are under pressure'

    Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham came from a goal down to beat Sunderland on Friday
    Aleksandar Mitrovic and Lucas Piazon scored to cancel out Joel Asoro's opener
    Fulham go second two points above of Cardiff ahead of the Bluebirds' trip to Hull
    Jokanovic insists the pressure is back on Neil Warnock's Cardiff side on Saturday

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes the pressure has shifted onto Cardiff after his side moved up to second in the Championship with a 2-1 win over relegated Sunderland.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's 76th-minute header completed the Cottagers' comeback win after Lucas Piazon had cancelled out Joel Asoro's opening goal.

The win lifted Fulham two points above Cardiff, who play Hull on Saturday, and means the race for automatic promotion will now go to the final day.

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Slavisa Jokanovic celebrates at full time after Fulham put the pressure right back on Cardiff

And while Jokanovic maintains the Welsh outfit still hold the upper hand, he was satisfied his team had made life as difficult as possible for their rivals.

He said: 'This is a crucial stage in the Championship but I don't expect there to be this pressure in the next game.

'Now it's the turn of Cardiff and we are waiting to see if they are under the pressure. Now the ball is in a different court.

'I don't know if they are under pressure or not under pressure. It's not under my control. The situation is still in Cardiff's control. If they win two games, we cannot do anything.

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Aleksandar Mitrovic with Ryan Sessegnon (left) and Rui Fonte (right) after scoring the winner

'We have to try and win the last game against Birmingham and if that's not enough, we have to be ready for the next steps and be ready for the play-offs.

'If we can't finish it in the short way, we have to be ready to finish in the long way.'

Piazon's goal came after Sunderland had an appeal for a penalty turned down while Mitrovic appeared to have strayed offside when he headed the winner.

Jokanovic added: 'Maybe we were lucky. I don't know if he touched the player or inside or outside. And the situation when Mitrovic got the goal too. Sometimes you must be lucky in this life. Sometimes it's very important.'

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was adamant his side had been hard done to by the decisions of referee Peter Bankes and his assistants.

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Fulham went above Cardiff on Friday night ahead of the Bluebirds' trip to Hull on Saturday

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Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was adamant his side had been hard done by on Friday

He said: 'I was pleased with the performance. I was pleased with our guys but I was bitterly disappointed with the officials. Fulham are a good team and don't need any help, but they got some help tonight.

'It should have been a penalty. It wasn't even a tough call. And the second one is a yard offside and it's right in line with the linesman. And I thought it was in real time.

'We haven't been relegated because of referees, we've been relegated because we aren't good enough. But you want a bit of help.'

Coleman drew positives from the performance but admitted his rebuilding plans for next season cannot be put in place while the future ownership of the club is in doubt.

He said: 'There is definitely a core to work with. But again until we know who's going to come in and say 'here we go' we don't know what we can do. We're a League One side and we have to build a team to get promotion.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-5666881/Slavisa-Jokanovic-switches-focus-Cardiff-Fulham-climb-Championship-two.html#ixzz5Dx5QZmVO
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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic feels Cardiff could now be 'under the pressure'

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes the pressure has shifted onto Cardiff after his side moved up to second in the Championship with a 2-1 win over relegated Sunderland.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's 76th-minute header completed the Cottagers' comeback win after Lucas Piazon had cancelled out Joel Asoro's opening goal.

The win lifted Fulham two points above Cardiff, who play Hull on Saturday, and means the race for automatic promotion will now go to the final day.

And while Jokanovic maintains the Welsh outfit still hold the upper hand, he was satisfied his team had made life as difficult as possible for their rivals.

He said: "This is a crucial stage in the Championship but I don't expect there to be this pressure in the next game.

"Now it's the turn of Cardiff and we are waiting to see if they are under the pressure. Now the ball is in a different court.

"I don't know if they are under pressure or not under pressure. It's not under my control. The situation is still in Cardiff's control. If they win two games, we cannot do anything.

"We have to try and win the last game against Birmingham and if that's not enough, we have to be ready for the next steps and be ready for the playoffs.

"If we can't finish it in the short way, we have to be ready to finish in the long way.''

Piazon's goal came after Sunderland had an appeal for a penalty turned down while Mitrovic appeared to have strayed offside when he headed the winner.

Jokanovic added: "Maybe we were lucky. I don't know if he touched the player or inside or outside. And the situation when Mitrovic got the goal too. Sometimes you must be lucky in this life. Sometimes it's very important.''

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was adamant his side had been hard done to by the decisions of referee Peter Bankes and his assistants.

He said: "I was pleased with the performance. I was pleased with our guys but I was bitterly disappointed with the officials. Fulham are a good team and don't need any help, but they got some help tonight.

"It should have been a penalty. It wasn't even a tough call. And the second one is a yard offside and it's right in line with the linesman. And I thought it was in real time.

"We haven't been relegated because of referees, we've been relegated because we aren't good enough. But you want a bit of help.''

Coleman drew positives from the performance but admitted his rebuilding plans for next season cannot be put in place while the future ownership of the club is in doubt.

He said: "There is definitely a core to work with. But again until we know who's going to come in and say 'here we go' we don't know what we can do. We're a League One side and we have to build a team to get promotion.''



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/english-league-championship/story/3474021/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-feels-cardiff-could-now-be-under-the-pressure

 
Fulham take automatic promotion fight to the wire after victory over Sunderland

Fulham 2 Sunderland 1: A winning header from Aleksandar Mitrovic pushes Fulham back into second place ahead of their final game

Fulham are back in second place once again after a 2-0 win over Sunderland, as the pressure switches to Cardiff to match them tomorrow.

A winning header from Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed the win for the home side in a game that should have been more comfortable than they made it. The Cottagers continued their impeccable run of form, making it 23 games unbeaten. The last side to win against them were Sunderland.

Those picking the TV football schedule might have hoped this to be a decider in Sunderland's woeful season, but their League One fate was already confirmed the weekend before. They were just playing for pride.

ut for Fulham, who have been toying with automatic promotion for the last month, at least a point would take them into second place, taking things down to final fixture next Sunday.

Visiting boss Chris Coleman was back on familiar turf, returning here for the first time since he managed Fulham in the Premier League 11 years ago.

Coleman was doing his old side no favours to begin with though. Fulham players have spoken in the last few weeks about feeling the pressure, and a couple of stray passes were beginning to reflect it. They let both Millwall and Brentford in to their half in their last two games, and were letting Sunderland in once again.

Without anything to offer, it was the visitors who drew first blood. As Ashley Fletcher flicked the ball on to Joel Asoro, the midfielder hit a low, driving shot that Marcus Bettinelli could only touch into his own net. A birthday treat for the 19-year-old that he wasn't too quick to celebrate.

"We're going to win the league" – sang some of the travelling Black Cats, embracing the humour. It takes commitment to come some 250 miles down from the north east when there's nothing at stake.

Whites left-back Matt Targett was knocked down twice, the second of which forced Fulham to bring on Aboubakar Kamara, who would offer more than expected in replacing him.

As the home team began to wake up, things started to get heated towards the half-time whistle. Just as Sunderland began to get comfortable in their opposition's half, Fulham hit on the counter. Aboubakar Kamara fed a ball to Fredericks on the right wing. His ball flashed across the box, and Jason Steele could only get a parrying glove to it, falling to Lucas Piazon, who coolly tucked away the equaliser.

But Fulham were lucky, as there were claims of a penalty seconds before for Sunderland, as Ovie Ejaria was brought clattering down by Tim Ream. Replays showed the referee was wrong to ignore it.

As both sides returned for the second half, Fulham were the ones who harnessed a fighting attitude, making their way back into the game, hust as they have done of the past couple of weeks against both Brentford and Millwall. It was a question of scoring, and closing it out.

Kamara was heavily involved as he switched out to the right wing, Sessegnon dropping back to cover the defence on the left-hand side. They didn't need his goalscoring ability this evening.

There were chances Tom Cairney, the pressure resting with both the players and their audience, as calls of "shoot" on whenever Fulham found space outside the box. The captain did try two curling efforts, both agonisingly missing the far post.

Fulham carried on, wearing down their visitors, who began to give away numerous fouls. With 13 minutes to go, it was one of those free-kicks that finally put the hosts in front. Stefan Johansen sent a looping ball over to the back post, and there to meet it was Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serbian, who was in an offside position, headed home his 12th goal since arriving at the end of January to the delight, and relief, of Craven Cottage. Shaking a clenched fist in celebration as he returned to the centre circle, Mitrovic's look of determination was matched by his teammates.

The PA system asked fans to remain in their seats and not to invade the pitch on the final whistle. They were good enough to hold their horses. If luck goes their way, this will be their final home game of the season, the next could be in the Premier League. Over to Cardiff.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/fulham-sunderland-match-report-automatic-promotion-victory-goals-highlights-a8326331.html

 
Jokanovic switches focus to Cardiff after Fulham climb into top two

The Cottagers are two points clear of the Welsh side, who face Hull on Saturday.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes the pressure has shifted onto Cardiff after his side moved up to second in the Championship with a 2-1 win over relegated Sunderland.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's 76th-minute header completed the Cottagers' comeback win after Lucas Piazon had cancelled out Joel Asoro's opening goal.

The win lifted Fulham two points above Cardiff, who play Hull on Saturday, and means the race for automatic promotion will now go to the final day.

And while Jokanovic maintains the Welsh outfit still hold the upper hand, he was satisfied his team had made life as difficult as possible for their rivals.

He said: "This is a crucial stage in the Championship but I don't expect there to be this pressure in the next game.

"Now it's the turn of Cardiff and we are waiting to see if they are under the pressure. Now the ball is in a different court.

"I don't know if they are under pressure or not under pressure. It's not under my control. The situation is still in Cardiff's control. If they win two games, we cannot do anything.

"We have to try and win the last game against Birmingham and if that's not enough, we have to be ready for the next steps and be ready for the play-offs.

"If we can't finish it in the short way, we have to be ready to finish in the long way."

Piazon's goal came after Sunderland had an appeal for a penalty turned down while Mitrovic appeared to have strayed offside when he headed the winner.

Jokanovic added: "Maybe we were lucky. I don't know if he touched the player or inside or outside. And the situation when Mitrovic got the goal too. Sometimes you must be lucky in this life. Sometimes it's very important."

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was adamant his side had been hard done to by the decisions of referee Peter Bankes and his assistants.

He said: "I was pleased with the performance. I was pleased with our guys but I was bitterly disappointed with the officials. Fulham are a good team and don't need any help, but they got some help tonight.

"It should have been a penalty. It wasn't even a tough call. And the second one is a yard offside and it's right in line with the linesman. And I thought it was in real time.

"We haven't been relegated because of referees, we've been relegated because we aren't good enough. But you want a bit of help."

Coleman drew positives from the performance but admitted his rebuilding plans for next season cannot be put in place while the future ownership of the club is in doubt.

He said: "There is definitely a core to work with. But again until we know who's going to come in and say 'here we go' we don't know what we can do. We're a League One side and we have to build a team to get promotion."



http://sport.bt.com/football/jokanovic-switches-focus-to-cardiff-after-fulham-climb-into-top-two-S11364267298940

 
'It's a perfect, win-win situation' - Rafa on why he was right to loan Aleksandar Mitrovic to Fulham

Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 11 goals in 13 starts on loan at Championship side Fulham

Aleksandar Mitrovic's loan move to Fulham has developed into a "perfect, win-win situation" for Newcastle United, believes Rafa Benitez.

The 23-year-old has scored 11 goals in 13 Championship starts since joining the Cottagers on loan on transfer-deadline day in January.

Mitrovic had failed to start a Premier League game for Newcastle in 2017/18 - he made six substitute appearances, but a three-match suspension saw him fall down the United pecking order - yet his form for Fulham has alerted clubs across Europe to his potential availability this summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have already secured promotion to the Premier League, and Brighton and Hove Albion are among the Serbian's admirers - while Mitrovic's former club Anderlecht, as well as French outfits Bordeaux and Marseille, are also interested in the forward.

Yet if Mitrovic helps fire Fulham to promotion this season, then the Cottagers are expected to use some of their Premier League windfall in order to sign the Serbia international permanently - with Newcastle rumoured to be willing to sell the forward for £20million this summer.

But Benitez - who has kept in touch with Mitrovic during the striker's loan spell in west London - insists it is a "win-win situation" for the player and both clubs.

While Mitrovic has secured gametime and confidence ahead of the World Cup, Newcastle's asset has increased in value, while Fulham have been able to launch a promotion push.

"It's been perfect, we are in a win-win situation," Benitez said of Mitrovic's loan move to Fulham.

"He's still our player. I stay in touch with all the players who are out on loan, we follow them and I have watched the highlights of some of the games."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/its-perfect-win-win-situation-14587244

Jokanovic salutes Fulham's 'character'
by Dan on April 28, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic praised Fulham's 'character' and 'confidence' as the Whites came from behind to beat Sunderland last night and move above Cardiff in the race for promotion to the Premier League.

Fulham were able to dust themselves down after the shock of going behind to an excellent strike from Joel Asoro and equalised at just the right time through Lucas Piazon right on the stroke of half-time. The home side were much improved in the second half but had to wait until fourteen minutes from time when Aleksandar Mitrovic headed in Stefan Johansen's free-kick to secure a precious three points.

Jokanovic told his post-match press conference:

    In the first 45 minutes we wanted to dominate the situation. We moved the ball but without the last pass, without enough shots. We dominated the situation but we weren't dangerous enough. Sunderland wanted to do us damage and they scored the goal.

    It wasn't easy for us but we showed great character at the end of the first 45 minutes and especially in the second half. We really wanted to win the game and we took the necessary risks. We didn't find our best performance, but we showed great character, great confidence to change our situation, and we made a very important comeback to win these very important points for us.

The Fulham head coach was delighted with the application of his senior players as well as Aboubakar Kamara after the French forward turned the game having replaced the injured Matt Targett late in the first half.

    Everyone showed character, players like Tim Ream or Kevin McDonald or Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scored the goal. [Aboubakar] Kamara made a great impact for the team. Stefan [Johansen] again showed great character in the second half. They pushed the team in the right way to win the game.

Jokanovic insisted that the win will mean nothing if Cardiff City are able to beat Hull and Reading to take the second automatic promotion place.

    Now it's Cardiff's turn and we're going to wait and see if they're under some kind of pressure or not. The ball is in their court now. I've repeated many times, if they win these two games that are ahead of them, we cannot do anything.

    But we must be comfortable and we must try to be competitive and try to win the game against Birmingham. It might not be enough for us, but we must be ready for [the] play-offs. If we cannot finish the short way, we must be ready to finish this job in the longest way.

The Serbian remained optimistic that Targett would be available to play in the final game of the season at St. Andrew's despite suffering a painful injury in the build up to Asoro's stunning strike.

    It's an ankle problem. I don't know, but we expect he's going to be available,



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/jokanovic-salutes-fulhams-character/

 
Rafa Benitez reacts to 'win-win' scenario for Newcastle's Aleksandar Mitrovic

Rafa Benitez says Aleksandar Mitrovic's loan has been a "win-win situation" for Newcastle United and Fulham.

The striker was loaned to the Championship club in January.

    It's been perfect. We're in a win-win situation. He's still our player.
    Rafa Benitez

And Mitrovic's goals have helped Fulham push for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old scored the club's winner in last night's 2-1 win over Sunderland at Craven Cottage.

"It's been perfect," said United manager Benitez.

"We're in a win-win situation. He's still our player."

Benitez has been in contact with all Newcastle's loan players.

"I stay in touch with all the players who are out on loan," he said.

"We follow them, and I have watched the highlights of some of the games."

There have been calls for Mitrovic, signed from Anderlecht three years ago, to be given another chance at United next season.

However, Newcastle will look to cash in on the 23-year-old, who will go to the World Cup finals in Russia with Serbia.

Fulham are interested in signing Mitrovic on a permanent deal, while promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers have also been linked with a move for him.



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/rafa-benitez-reacts-to-win-win-scenario-for-newcastle-s-aleksandar-mitrovic-1-9139351

Fulham 2-1 Sunderland: Player ratings
by Dan on April 28, 2018

Man-to-marking after Fulham come from behind to see off Sunderland in a nervy display at Craven Cottage last night ...

Marcus Bettinelli: The Fulham goalkeeper didn't have an awful lot to after picking Joel Asoro's superb strike out of his bottom corner. He had little chance with the stunning effort that gave Sunderland a lead their excellent start more than merited and Bettinelli's early distribution seemed a little off-colour as the visitors pressed high. The Fulham academy graduate marshalled his defence impressively and made one smart save in the second half. 7

Ryan Fredericks: An all-action display from the rampaging Fulham full-back that fully justified the Sky Sports man of the match award. Fredericks burst forward to great effect, dovetailing impressively the substitute Aboubakar Kamara down the right hand side, and giving poor old Marc Wilson a torrid time throughout. The pair linked up effectively for Fulham's equaliser, which arrived at the perfect time just before the break, and Fredericks continued to be a real offensive option throughout a second period that the home side thoroughly dominated. If that is to be his last appearance at Craven Cottage in a Fulham shirt, he picked a hell of a way to sign off.

Matt Targett: The Southampton loanee seemed a little below par in the early stages with a couple of missed tackles and poor passes. He was beaten by Asoro for the Sunderland goal and came off worse following a tussle between the pair just before the teenager drove that unstoppable shot beyond Marcus Bettinelli. Tried gamely to carry on despite picking up a painful ankle injury before finally admitting defeat five minutes before half-time. The Fulham medical staff now face a race against team to get the left back fit for the final day showdown at St. Andrew's.

Denis Odoi: Another excellent display at the heart of the Fulham back four for the versatile Belgian. Odoi initially struggled to pick out the intelligent movement of Sunderland's lone striker Ashley Fletcher, but he grew in confidence as the game went on. Proved himself to be strong in the air even though he appears to be on the short side for a conventional centre back and his ball-playing prowess is so well-suited to Jokanovic's total football approach. Odoi's emergence as a genuine option at centre back remains one of the stories of this incredible unbeaten run. 7

Tim Ream: Not the American's most commanding of performances in his outstanding season, but there were enough reminders of Ream's understated class when he turned away from blue shirts with such ease even though there appeared to be no way out. Fulham's night could have been so different had referee Peter Bankes penalised his trip on Ovie Ejaria right before the equaliser, but the former Bolton defender got away without conceding a penalty. It was much easier for Ream during a second half that Fulham throughly dominated – and his reading of the game and distribution from the back stood out. 7

Kevin McDonald: The Scottish international was a picture of rage and frustration for much of the first half before Lucas Piazon's timely equaliser. With Fulham failing to find their usual fluency, McDonald was forced to snap into far too many tackles to bail his side out, even if he was caught the wrong side of the ball when Asoro latched onto Fletcher's intelligent flick and found the bottom corner from a fair way out. The former Sheffield United and Wolves midfielder kept driving Fulham forward until Mitrovic headed them in front with fourteen minutes to play. 7

Stefan Johansen: Not the Norwegian midfielder's finest hour, but he kept on running throughout what threatened to be a really frustrating evening. Struggled to find his usual range of passing with a number of wasteful balls characterising a disappointing side from Jokanovic's side as the Whites were suffocated by the number of blue shirts Sunderland got behind the ball. Drove Fulham on to a much more dominant display after the break, with his work rate coming to the fore. Delivered a perfect free-kick right on to Mitrovic's head to give the home side the lead. 6

Tom Cairney: A quiet evening for the skipper, who seemed to struggle for rhythm after being clattered by a late tackle in the early exchanges. Just as he seemed certain to put the home side in front in first half stoppage time, Lamina Kone arrived to produce the perfect goal-saving tackle and Cairney came off worse in that collision as well. Retreated to a deeper role as Sunderland pressed the ball impressively for much of the first half, but became more influential after the interval. Almost curled in a brilliant strike from the edge of the box as Fulham pressed for a winner. 6

Lucas Piazon: The Brazilian might have scored the equaliser at the end of the first half, but this was a workmanlike rather than inspired performance. Piazon has struggled for form of late but demonstrated the kind of character that makes him such a favourite of both Slavisa Jokanovic and the Fulham faithful by dropping into the left midfield role after Matt Targett's untimely injury. Did well to provide plenty of defensive cover for Ryan Sessegnon before being replaced by Rui Fonte for the final quarter of an hour. 6

Ryan Sessegnon: This wasn't the kind of performance to set pulses racing but then it would be so surprise if the talented teenager was feeling the after-effects of featuring in every league game this season. The seventeen year-old struggled to get beyond Billy Jones into attacking positions for much of the first half before slotting back into the left back position that he had vacated around the turn of the year when Targett went off injured. Could have conceded a penalty for handball shortly before Mitrovic's winner. 6

Aleksandar Mitrovic: The Serbian striker struggled for service during a first half where he was largely anonymous, but it was little surprise that the on-loan Newcastle forward eventually popped up to score against the Magpies' biggest rivals. Grew into the game as Fulham got more of a foothold in the contest and some of his lay-offs to link the play reminded me of Bobby Zamora in his prime. Gave the Sunderland centre backs a real going over and crowned a far more effective second 45 minutes with the matchwinning header at the far post from Johansen's free kick. 7

Substitutes:

Aboubakar Kamara (on for Matt Targett, 40): It is no exaggeration to suggest that Jokanovic's bold decision to send on the French forward for his injured left back changed the course of a contest that seemed to be slipping away from Fulham. Kamara was fired up from the off and his pace and power posed problems for Marc Wilson throughout. He linked up impressively with Ryan Fredericks for the Fulham equaliser and continued to be the home side's most likely source of a goal in the second half. He was fouled on the edge of the box for the free-kick that led to Mitrovic's winner and might have had a goal himself but for a superb reaction save from Jason Steele at his near post. 8

Rui Fonte (on for Lucas Piazon, 74): The Portuguese forward might have been a surprise replacement for Piazon but he put himself about effectively in the final quarter of hour. He darted in field to give Sunderland's tiring defenders something else to think about and drifted dangerously in between the lines. The former Braga forward is now certainly Jokanovic's third choice forward but he showed enough intelligence and desire this evening not to be discarded during the summer. 6

Tomas Kalas (on for Tom Cairney, 90): The Czech centre half was sent on to shore on Fulham's defence during injury time just when the Whites appeared vulnerable to conceding another late, late sucker punch and did his job effectively. 6



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/fulham-2-1-sunderland-player-ratings/

 
Outstanding Mitrovic, Excellent Odoi – The best and the worst rated Fulham players vs Sunderland

Full Time: Fulham 2-1 Sunderland

An excellent victory for Fulham in a fixture that was never going to be as straight-forward as the table implied. The pressure was off on Sunderland as they had been relegated and they could play with a bit of freedom, which was obvious from the first 30 mins.

Fulham managed to get the victory in the end and that takes them to second place in the table, although Cardiff still have a game in hand. A great result for Fulham.

Fulham Player Ratings
Marcus Bettinelli – 6/10

Bettinelli didn't have much to do and only made one save. Will have been disappointed to pick up a yellow card.
Ryan Fredericks – 6.5/10

Managed to get forward quite a lot but his final ball was always lacking. Defended well when called upon.
Denis Odoi – 8/10

Odoi had an excellent game and looked absolutely solid at the back. Dominated in the air and tackled well.
Tim Ream – 8/10

The 30-year-old had an excellent game for Fulham. Got off to a sluggish start but grew into the game well.

Matt Targett – 6/10

Targett had a good game but sadly went off injured. Will be a big miss for Fulham.
Kevin McDonald – 7/10

Had a great game in the middle of the park and controlled the midfield well. Also got forward when necessary and created some good chances for his team.
Tom Cairney – 6/10

Did not have his best game ever in the Fulham shirt. Never really looked at the races today, perhaps a bit of late-season fatigue.
Stefan Johansen – 7/10

Stefan Johansen had a reasonably good game. He provided a good assist for his team but was pretty anonymous for the rest of the game.
Ryan Sessegnon – 7/10

Looked threatening on the wing but was neutered when he dropped to left-back after Matt Targett got injured.
Lucas Piazon – 7.5/10

Piazon was in the right place at the right time to grab a goal for his team and that's all you can ask of your wingers.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – 9/10

Mitrovic did it again – grabbed a vital goal for his team. If Fulham do get automatically promoted, then they will have a lot to thank the big man for.
Substitutes
Aboubakar Kamara – 7.5/10

Replaced Targett in the 39th minute. Looked threatening at times and attacked well.
Rui Fonte – 6.5/10

Came on in the 73rd minute to replace Lucas Piazon.
Tomas Kalas– 6/10

Came on in the 89th minute to give Fulham more legs for the last part of the game.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/04/28/outstanding-mitrovic-excellent-odoi-the-best-and-the-worst-rated-fulham-players-vs-sunderland/

 
Mitrovic downs Sunderland "Shows more passion than I have ever seen in a loan player"

After scoring the dramatic Friday night winner against Sunderland, Newcastle fan Mitrovic declared 'Of course I was confident.'

Aleksandar Mitrovic made it 12 goals in the last two months at Fulham and no doubt it will have been the one he has enjoyed the most.

Sunderland took the lead on Friday night through Asoro, before Piazon equalised on the stroke of half-time.

With time running out in this crucial promotion match, Fulham's loan striker came up with a majestic header in the 76th minute to win the game.

The win puts the Cottagers back in an automatic promotion spot with one game to play, two points and a better goal difference [seven higher] than Cardiff, who have a game in hand.

For the Newcastle fan and player, the goal will have had that extra edge.

Asked about the match, Mitrovic afterwards said 'Of course I was confident.'

Much of the post-match talk revolved around Mitro, his manager saying the striker's contribution since his arrival has been 'crucial' with 'many winning goals.'

Meanwhile, teammate Ryan Fredericks declared: Aleksandar has been amazing...He shows more passion than I have ever seen in a loan player.'

The result also means that Sunderland now definitely have the honour of consecutive relegations, both in the very bottom position.

Aleksandar Mitrovic:

"Of course I was confident.

"If the team play good, I play good as well.

"We didn't play the best as we have for most of the season but in the end we got three points.

"It was a really hard and tough game but we have to be happy with this win tonight.

"We have one game left and we have to make that final push and see what is going to happen.

"We came a really long way. If someone asked us before Christmas to take second place in the last game, and be in this position, the gaffer would 100% have taken it."

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic:

"Today it was complicated for us and I am happy to take the pressure off our back.

"The contribution of Aleksandar [Mitrovic] is crucial.

"He has scored many winning goals and today it was an important goal for us."

Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks:

"Aleksandar has been amazing.

"He has come in and scored a hatful of goals and the passion he shows is like he has been here for five years.

"He shows more passion than I have ever seen in a loan player.

"Credit to him, he came here with a point to prove and I think he's done that."



https://www.themag.co.uk/2018/04/mitrovic-downs-sunderland-shows-passion-ever-seen-loan-player-newcastle-united-fulham/

 
Fulham have shifted pressure onto Cardiff in Premier League promotion race, says Slavisa Jokanovic

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes the pressure has shifted onto Cardiff after his side moved up to second in the Championship with a 2-1 win over relegated Sunderland.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's 76th-minute header completed the Cottagers' comeback win after Lucas Piazon had cancelled out Joel Asoro's opening goal.

The win lifted Fulham two points above Cardiff, who play Hull on Saturday, and means the race for automatic promotion will now go to the final day.

And while Jokanovic maintains the Welsh outfit still hold the upper hand, he was satisfied his team had made life as difficult as possible for their rivals.

He said: "This is a crucial stage in the Championship but I don't expect there to be this pressure in the next game.

"Now it's the turn of Cardiff and we are waiting to see if they are under the pressure. Now the ball is in a different court.

"I don't know if they are under pressure or not under pressure. It's not under my control. The situation is still in Cardiff's control. If they win two games, we cannot do anything.

"We have to try and win the last game against Birmingham and if that's not enough, we have to be ready for the next steps and be ready for the play-offs.

"If we can't finish it in the short way, we have to be ready to finish in the long way."

Piazon's goal came after Sunderland had an appeal for a penalty turned down while Mitrovic appeared to have strayed offside when he headed the winner.

Jokanovic added: "Maybe we were lucky. I don't know if he touched the player or inside or outside. And the situation when Mitrovic got the goal too. Sometimes you must be lucky in this life. Sometimes it's very important."

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was adamant his side had been hard done to by the decisions of referee Peter Bankes and his assistants.

He said: "I was pleased with the performance. I was pleased with our guys but I was bitterly disappointed with the officials. Fulham are a good team and don't need any help, but they got some help tonight.

"It should have been a penalty. It wasn't even a tough call. And the second one is a yard offside and it's right in line with the linesman. And I thought it was in real time.

"We haven't been relegated because of referees, we've been relegated because we aren't good enough. But you want a bit of help."

Coleman drew positives from the performance but admitted his rebuilding plans for next season cannot be put in place while the future ownership of the club is in doubt.

He said: "There is definitely a core to work with. But again until we know who's going to come in and say 'here we go' we don't know what we can do. We're a League One side and we have to build a team to get promotion."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-have-shifted-pressure-onto-cardiff-in-premier-league-promotion-race-says-slavisa-jokanovic-a3825961.html