Sunday Fulham Stuff - 27/12/20...

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Results

Saturday
Leicester	2-2	Man Utd
Villa	3-0	Palace
Fulham	0-0	Southampton
Arsenal	3-1	Chelsea
Man City	2-0	Newcastle
Sheff Utd	0-1	Everton

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Fulham 0-0 Southampton

Southampton twice had goals ruled out for offside

Fulham and Southampton played out a goalless draw in a hard-fought Premier League encounter at Craven Cottage.

The visitors twice had the ball in the back of the Fulham net but VAR correctly ruled both efforts out, with Shane Long offside before scoring and Che Adams also offside prior to teeing up Theo Walcott's close-range finish.

Defeat would have been harsh on the hosts, who dominated for long periods despite the absence of manager Scott Parker, who was self-isolating.

Now unbeaten in four league matches, they were unfortunate not to continue their recent improvement with a win.

Both Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Ivan Cavaleiro missed good opportunities to score and a late siege on the visitors' goal also saw Aleksandar Mitrovic go close with a left-foot shot.

The subdued Saints came closest to scoring a legitimate goal when James Ward-Prowse hit the crossbar with a first-half free-kick.

The result sees Fulham remain 18th in the table while Southampton drop to eighth.

Parker calls the shots from home
While Parker had talked of being unable to work to the "maximum" in recent days, his team made light of his enforced absence and he still hosted the half-time teamtalk via a computer and made the substitutions remotely.

A high-octane start allowed them to control possession and work the ball into several promising positions.

Defenders Ola Aina and Antonee Robinson contributed with searching deliveries from either flank while Zambo Anguissa and Ruben Loftus-Cheek galvanised the Cottagers from midfield.

Had Cameroon international Zambo Anguissa been able to readjust his body to strike Ademola Lookman's cutback from eight yards, the hosts would have taken a merited lead.

Instead, the former Marseille midfielder saw the ball trickle to safety off his standing leg.

While Southampton briefly rallied before the interval the second period followed the same pattern with the hosts pressing forward in search of their third win of the season.

Robinson's pinpoint delivery from the left deserved better than Cavaleiro's wayward header and there were chances for Lookman and Harrison Reed before substitute Mitrovic almost stole all three points.

"The final piece of the jigsaw is to put the ball in the net," said assistant Stuart Gray.

"I'm a glass-half-full guy, and four games unbeaten compared to the start of the season says we're going in the right direction."

Under-strength Saints stutter
With Oriol Romeu, Jannik Vestergaard and Danny Ings missing Southampton's spine was noticeably weakened.

And that perhaps contributed to a sluggish performance against determined opponents.

The Saints were second to every ball early on and looked a shadow of the side that has been in and around the top four for the majority of the campaign.

While Ward-Prowse's superb free-kick - which span away from Adams following up after Alphonse Areola had touched it on to the crossbar - jolted them into life it did not inspire them to seize the initiative.

The front three of Walcott, Adams and Long were starved of service and had the fewest touches of any of the visiting players.

That was underlined by their meagre tally of three shots, their joint fewest in a Premier League game since 2003-04.

"It's tough here - the pitch is tight, they put on a lot of pressure and if you concede a goal you have nearly no chance to come back," said Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.

"The clean sheet was the most important thing today."

Solid Fulham keep another clean sheet
    Fulham have drawn each of their past four Premier League games, after drawing just one of their first 21 in the competition under Scott Parker.
    Southampton have lost just one of their past 13 Premier League away games (W6 D6), and are unbeaten in their past seven on the road since defeat at Crystal Palace on the opening day.
    Fulham have kept three home clean sheets in the Premier League this season, as many as they did at Craven Cottage in the whole of their last top-flight campaign in 2018-19.
    Fulham had the first shot on target in this match in the eighth minute, but didn't manage another effort on target for the rest of the match.
    Ademola Lookman was involved in half of Fulham's 10 shots against Southampton, having two attempts and creating a further three.

What's next?

Fulham travel across London to face Tottenham in their next Premier League game on Wednesday, 30 December (18:00 GMT).

Southampton host West Ham in their next top-flight game on Tuesday, 29 December (18:00).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55373756

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Gray's Post-Southampton press conference

Stuart Gray stood in on press conference duty after he saw Fulham stretch their unbeaten run to four games.

A second stalemate in as many games at Craven Cottage boosts an impressive defensive record that means Scott Parker's side haven't conceded from open play in the previous four.

"We're a little disappointed," Gray admitted. "You can tell by their reaction that they were happy to get the point. We got into some very good areas. The final ball let us down at times but that's now four games unbeaten in the Premier League which is very difficult to do."

"We're playing against a very good side today in what they do. The pressure and closure they bring, we worked on it all week, we knew five or six would come to close down. Credit to our boys for being brave on the ball and we worked the ball into good areas. The final piece of the jigsaw is to put the ball in the net. I'm a glass-half-full guy, and four games unbeaten compared to the start of the season says we're going in the right direction."

Scott Parker remained in constant contact throughout the game, including hosting the half time team talk via computer. The Head Coach also had dialogue through the game, overseeing substitutes.

"Most importantly, the attitude and application of the players is spot on. The work rate they put in has been outstanding. We did a meeting at half-time through a computer, he [Scott] was making the decisions with subs and strategy, but credit to the lads who knew their game plan. They're seeing it more as two points lost."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/december/Gray-s-Post-Southampton-press conference/

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Fulham manager Scott Parker to return to dugout against Tottenham after second negative coronavirus test

Scott Parker is set to be back in the Fulham dugout against Tottenham next Wednesday after returning a second negative test for coronavirus.

Parker did not take charge of Fulham against Southampton on Boxing Day after he was forced to isolate after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.

Assistant manager Stuart Gray and first-team coach Matt Wells took the reins at Craven Cottage in his absence.

But Gray confirmed ahead of the clash with Southampton that Parker, who tested negative earlier in the week, has now returned a second negative result.

It means Parker should be able to return to training in the coming days before being back on the touchline when Fulham travel to Spurs on December 30.

Parker is keeping in touch with Gray and Wells from home during the Southampton game, staying in contact over the phone - just as West Ham manager David Moyes did earlier this year when he missed two Premier League games following his own positive test.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-scott-parker-return-tottenham-second-negative-covid-test-b511173.html

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Fulham 0-0 Southampton: Scott Parker missing from dugout as Cottagers record fourth consecutive draw



Theo Walcott had a late winner for Southampton ruled out for offside as Fulham recorded their fourth consecutive draw in the absence of manager Scott Parker.

Parker was not in the dugout at Craven Cottage on Boxing Day after he was forced to isolate after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.

Assistant manager Stuart Gray and first-team coach Matt Wells took charge of the team in his absence and Parker, watching from home, would have breathed a sigh of relief in the final five minutes when Walcott thought he had won it.

But the goal was ruled out by VAR when replays showed Che Adams was just offside in the build-up.

The result means Fulham stay in the bottom three.

Parker is set to be back in the Fulham dugout against Tottenham next Wednesday after returning a second negative test for coronavirus.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa fluffed Fulham's best chance of a quiet first half when he got it all wrong and miss-hit a shot at the end of a slick team move.

Alphonse Areola then produced a wonder save to tip a James Ward-Prowse free-kick onto the bar and Adams could not convert the rebound.

Fulham had a good chance at the start of the second half when Antonee Robinson crossed for a totally free Ivan Cavaleiro inside the area but he headed over.

Parker would have been relieved a penalty was not given after a VAR check when the ball hit Ola Aina on the arm inside the area.

Shane Long then had the ball in the net for Southampton but he was offside and the game ended goalless after Walcott also had a goal ruled out.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-vs-southampton-result-premier-league-2020-parker-b512681.html

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Fulham vs Southampton result: Hosts play out fourth straight draw in nervous bid for Premier League survival

Fulham 0-0 Southampton: Saints had two goals ruled out for offside at Craven Cottage


Southampton's Theo Walcott (right) had a late goal disallowed for offside
(Getty Images)

Southampton were left to rue the woodwork and close offside calls as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Saturday.

Fulham threatened to break the deadlock through early counterattacks led by Andre-Frank Anguissa and Ademola Lookman while Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse's free-kick in the 26th minute was tipped onto the woodwork, with Che Adams missing the follow-up from just one yard out.

The visitors stepped up their intensity in the second half, with striker Shane Long's thunderous half-volley forcing an impressive save from Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

Long, who led the Southampton attack in the absence of the injured Danny Ings, found the net with 15 minutes remaining, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

A similar situation soon followed for the Saints, when Theo Walcott's late goal seemed set to claim all three points, before VAR found fellow forward Adams to have been offside in the build-up.

The result marked Fulham's fourth straight draw in the top flight, keeping them in the relegation zone.

Southampton, meanwhile, remained eighth after the draw.

Fulham boss Scott Parker missed the match while self-isolating, following a positive coronavirus test from within his household earlier this week.




https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham/southampton-result-highlights-table-b1779114.html

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Fulham earn point in stalemate with Saints

Fulham were left frustrated and had to settle for point at Craven Cottage.

The Whites will welcome the outcome against Southampton to a certain extent – but their lack of goals remains a significant issue in an encounter that was mostly forgettable.

Fulham had to be prepared for a tough test against the Saints, who arrived in west London in eighth place. However, the hosts had suffered just one defeat in their last five league games, amid their attempts to escape the drop zone before the new year.

Scott Parker's side started aggressively enough and were keen to press forward – but it was Ralph Hasenhuttl's side who came closest to breaking the deadlock.

In the 26th minute, James Ward-Prowse shaped up to curl a lovely 25-yard free-kick that caught the crossbar and away from danger for the Whites.

Otherwise, it was a patchy 45 minutes from Fulham's perspective.

The hosts were lacking a cutting edge for long spells and, in 55 minutes, Ivan Cavaleiro's misdirected header when unmarked from seven yards out was a disappointing end to a fantastic cross from the left by Antonee Robinson.

Fulham keeper Alphonse Areloa needed to fingertip an impressive long range effort over from Shane Long in 68 minutes.

However, neither side were supplying much in terms of real opportunities, although Long did have a goal disallowed.

Fulham survived a late scare when Theo Walcott's well-taken, close range goal on the counter-attack for Southampton was ruled out by VAR.

Fulham: Areola, Adarabioyo, Andersen, Aina, Robinson, Reed, Anguissa, Reid (Mitrovic 82), Lookman (Kebano 89), Loftus-Cheek, Cavaleiro




https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-fulham-earn-point-in-stalemate-with-saints

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Fulham draw but miss chance of more against weakened Southampton


James Ward-Prowse fires a free-kick over the Fulham wall during Southampton's goalless draw at Craven Cottage. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

If your glass is half full, Fulham have solidified to an extent that bodes well for the scrap ahead. For those feeling drained of festive cheer, Scott Parker's side cannot afford to drop many more points when they catch their opponents on an off-day such as this. A fourth consecutive draw, and second goalless affair at Craven Cottage in 10 days, was fair and adds to the sense their early-season defensive calamities are behind them; given victory against an under-strength Southampton side would have wrenched them out of the relegation zone, though, it was hard not to sense this was a missed chance.

In fairness, there were not too many of those during the afternoon. Football without fans feels particularly bleak on Boxing Day, when the conviviality of the season is supposed to pulsate around the stands and spill into surrounding streets, and both teams could have used some extra buzz. Neither could be faulted for endeavour and there was plenty to admire about their structures off the ball; none of that was enough to set pulses racing and the major frustration was felt by those in home colours.

"It's a disappointed dressing room, we feel it was two points lost," said Stuart Gray, the Fulham assistant manager, who took remote orders from the self-isolating Parker throughout the 90 minutes. "You can tell by [Southampton's] reaction that they're happy with the point. We got into some very good areas and our final ball just let us down."

He was right about Fulham's inability to make promising positions count. They worked the ball wide smartly enough but tended to fall short through a mixture of inadequate delivery and an absence of focal point. When both were in sync, 10 minutes after half-time, the impressive Antonee Robinson crossed deliciously from the left only for an unmarked Ivan Cavaleiro to head over.


Shane Long puts the ball into the net, one of two Southampton goals ruled out by VAR. Photograph: Clive Rose/Reuters

That was their best opportunity, although André-Frank Zambo Anguissa had air-kicked when found by Ademola Lookman during an opening spell that promised more. They threatened again towards the end, when the substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic volleyed wide after more fine work from Robinson and Ola Aina had an effort blocked, but the sum of their efforts was not really enough given Southampton never really got going.

"It was the most important thing first to have a clean sheet," said Ralph Hasenhüttl, who confirmed Gray's view by adding that he could "live with a point". That was largely because his list of absentees included Danny Ings, Oriol Romeu and Jannik Vestergaard, meaning the spine of Southampton's side was decimated. Shane Long and Ibrahima Diallo had to make their first top-flight starts of the season and there was a recall for Jack Stephens at the back. They looked disjointed, their ambition noticeably a notch below usual levels, although they came closest to scoring a winner and returning to the top four.

James Ward-Prowse's brilliance from set pieces was a constant amid the flux and, although Darren England looked happy to play the advantage after a foul by Harrison Reed before the half-hour, the midfielder had eyes for one thing only.

His free-kick from 25 yards was among the best of a sparkling collection, aimed plum into Alphonse Areola's top-right corner, and that made the outcome all the more astonishing. Areola somehow managed to claw the ball on to the angle of post and bar, Che Adams somehow failing to connect with the rebound as it bounced down. In a split-second Fulham had been blessed by a save-of-the-season contender and a glaring miss.

"We had the bigger chances," Hasenhüttl said, pointing to disallowed second-half efforts from Long and Theo Walcott. The latter was chalked off after a tight, but correct, VAR call against the provider Adams. By the end, though, the result felt entirely correct.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/dec/26/fulham-southampton-premier-league-match-report

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Ivan Cavaleiro let Scott Parker down with his display against Southampton

Fulham were forced to settle for a point against Southampton on Boxing Day, with the game finishing as a 0-0 draw, but the Cottagers will surely see it as a missed opportunity to pick up all three points.

Whilst the visitors had two goals disallowed for offside in the second half, Scott Parker's side created plenty of chances of their own but were unable to find a way past a resolute Saints defence.

One man who particularly disappointed with his performance was Portuguese winger Ivan Cavaleiro.

The 27-year-old was deployed as a striker for the game against Ralph Hasenhuttl's side but was unable to trouble Alex McCarthy in the Southampton goal, and was also very wasteful in possession.

As per SofaScore, the former Wolves man picked up a disappointing 6.3 rating for his display, with only Bobby DeCordova Reid and Ruben Loftus-Cheek earning lower of the Fulham players who started the game.

During the game, Cavaleiro was successful in just two of his six dribble attempts, whilst he also missed a great opportunity to give Fulham the lead in the second half but headed over from Antonee Robinson's excellent cross.

He was also able to complete just 13/21 of his attempted passes, resulting in a disappointing pass accuracy rate of 62%.

The winger, who earns £60k per week at Fulham, was wasteful when he received the ball in promising positions, as none of his six attempted crosses would find a Fulham shirt, whilst he also lost possession a remarkable 28 times during the 90 minutes.

It was clear that the Southampton defenders got the better of the 27-year-old during the game at Craven Cottage, as he was able to win just 10 of his 28 duels during the game.

With the Cottagers facing a tough run of games over the next month, with games against Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley, Chelsea and Manchester United to come, Parker will no doubt be disappointed that Cavaleiro, amongst others, failed to earn Fulham the win against Southampton on Boxing Day.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-news/ivan-cavaleiro-scott-parker-southampton-fulham-cottagers

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Fulham stifle Saints in drab draw

Four consecutive draws suggest that Fulham are far more competitive than in the early weeks of a Premier League campaign that suggested an immediate return to the Championship was a racing certainty. Much of that improvement is down to a new system devised by Scott Parker, who was absent from the dugout this afternoon as a member of his family had contracted coronavirus, and the Cottagers' new found defensive solidity was on show as they blunted Southampton's pretty passing but struggled for much penetration of their own. A third clean sheet at Craven Cottage already matches their entire home tally from their last disastrous top flight campaign, but toothlessness in the final third could yet prove decisive come May.

After nine years without a league goalless draw at Craven Cottage, here was a second stalemate in as many matches. Southampton were denied two potential winners due to the intervention of VAR, with Shane Long twice correctly ruled offside when he lashed in a glorious left-footed finish and then supplied a cross for Theo Walcott to turn home late on. The visitors enjoyed more of the ball as the game went on, but Fulham more than played their part and made have snatched a winner themselves at the death, with substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic shooting wide and Dale Stephens making a brave block to deny Ola Aina right on the whistle.

The hosts looked the likelier scorers in the early stages with the adventure of Ademola Lookman and Antonee Robinson posing serious problems for the Saints down the Fulham left. The on-loan Leipzig winger was Fulham's most potent threat, seeing an early shot, blocked and then smothered by Alex McCarthy, and then tried to find Ruben Loftus-Cheek but his pass was blocked by the arm of Jan Bednarek, with both referee Darren England and the video assistant referee Jon Moss waving away shouts for a penalty.

Fulham's finest move of the match should have produced the opening goal moments later. They swarmed around Southampton on the half way line with Bobby Decordova-Reid winning possession and freeing Loftus-Cheek down the right. The on-loan Chelsea midfielder showed a real turn of pace to motor clear and produced a dangerous low cross to the back post. Instead of pulling the trigger, Lookman took a touch and fed Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, whose overall excellence didn't translate to finishing – the Cameroonian completely missed his kick from ten yards and an excellent opening evaporated.

The Whites were thankful to Alphonse Areola and a slice of luck that they weren't made to pay for that miss immediately. Harrison Reed, eager to make an impression against his former employers, carelessly conceded a free kick in James Ward-Prowse territory and the England midfielder curled a fine effort towards the top corner. Areola did magnificently to tip it onto the woodwork and the rebound spun agonisingly away from Che Adams, denying the Saints striker a simple tap-in.

The second half continued in a similar cagey fashion. Fulham were disciplined but limited in the final third. Ivan Cavaleiro, operating as a false nine, spurned the sort of headed chance Mitrovic dreams of when he headed a delicious delivery from Robinson well over the bar having been left completed unattended in the penalty area. Southampton probed patiently but sorely missed the predatory finishing of Danny Ings. Shane Long lashed a snapshot from just outside the box towards goal, but Areola pushed it over the bar with a modicum of fuss, and Ibrahim Diallo, on his first Premier League start, produced an airshot to rival Anguissa's from just outside the box when the Irish forward cut an intelligent ball back towards him.

Ralph Hassenhuttl thought his side had made the breakthrough when Ryan Bertrand clipped a ball behind the Fulham back line and Long conjured up a curling finish that made light of an acute angle, only for the offside flag to go up immediately. Walcott looked as though he had pinched it with a clever run and finish to meet Long's low ball in with five minutes to play, but the video replays showed Long had strayed just ahead of the home defence before he crossed it in.

Fulham waited what seemed an age to introduce Mitrovic, who almost an immediate impact. The Serbian striker, who is in the worst scoring drought of his career, angled a drive just wide of McCarthy's near post after being intelligently found on the edge of the area by Robinson and the hosts carried more of a threat in the four minutes of stoppage time than what had just preceded it. A mesmerising run from Anguissa parted the previously watertight Southampton defence but Stephens flung himself full length to prevent Aina's venomous drive from extending McCarthy.

It says much about Fulham's recent improvement that this will feel like two points dropped – and both Parker and the club's hierarchy must have attacking reinforcements high on their January agenda to fully profit from a far more miserly backline.

FULHAM (3-4-3): Areola; Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo; Decordova-Reid (Mitrovic 83), Robinson, Reed, Anguissa; Loftus-Cheek, Lookman (Kebano 90), Cavaleiro. Subs (not used): Rodak, Odoi, Ream, Hector, Bryan, Cairney, Kamara.

BOOKED: Decordova-Reid, Anguissa.

SOUTHAMPTON (4-4-2): McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Bertrand, Bednarek, Stephens; Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Walcott, Armstrong (Djenepo 90); Adams, Long (N'Lundulu 90). Subs (not used): Forster, Valery, Salisu, Smallbone, Tella, Vokins, Obafemi.

REFEREE: Darren England (South Yorkshire).

VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE: Jon Moss (West Yorkshire).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/12/fulham-stifle-saints-in-drab-draw/

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Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham Earned Another Point

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, Emilio Di Nello and Russ Goldman shared their initial reactions to Fulham's 0-0 draw against Southampton. They also looked back at all of the key moments as well.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/12/26/22200658/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-earned-another-point

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'Fulham let two points slip away,' says Gray

Fulham assistant manager Stuart Gray felt the Whites 'let two points slip away' after their goalless draw with Southampton at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

Gray, a former Southampton manager, was in joint-charge on the touchline with first team coach Matt Wells after Scott Parker was forced to self-isolate following the news that a member of his family had tested positive for coronavirus. Gray, who spoke to Sky Sports after the final whistle, said he was proud of Fulham's strong performance against high-flying opposition but believed they could have snatched a late victory:

Very much so. I just spoke to the manager – he's disappointed that we haven't got the three points. Some of our play deserved the three points. You could see at the end of the game, the Southampton manager's reaction – I think they were happy just to get the point. We probably just let ourselves down in the final third with our final ball at the times but the effort, the commitment from the players was fantastic and that's four games unbeaten now and in the Premier League that's a big achievement.

Gray feels that Fulham have now adapted to life in the top flight having made a difficult start – and was full of praise for the spirit shown by his players.

Probably just the turnaround and having enough time with the players. They're all buying into it now, working so hard off the ball to win possession back. Today, the effort and the commitment was fantastic – just that last piece of the jigsaw was putting the ball in the net.

He also felt both Southampton's goals, ruled out for offside, wouldn't stand.

They say these things balance themselves over the season, but we were very confident that the lad was offside. You could tell by our defender's reaction. It is one of these moments. You're holding your breath thinking, 'Will it go for you?' and the fourth official helps, just to let you know the goal hasn't been awarded.

Gray revealed that Parker had been in constant touch with his two lieutenants as he watched from home – and the Fulham boss should be back in dugout when the Whites travel to Tottenham next Wednesday.

He was on the phone on a regular basis, telling us what he wanted to do regarding the substitutions as well. He's just spoken to us there in the dressing room and again at half-time, he spoke to the lads as well via the computer.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/12/fulham-let-two-points-slip-away-says-gray/

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Quality play by Fulham but no cutting edge as they draw 0-0 with Southampton at the Cottage

Fulham 0 Southampton 0

A point is better than a defeat and Fulham can take solace from a determined and energetic performance that just lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.

The 0-0 scoreline against an equally positive Southampton suggest a dour encounter but this was nothing like that.

Both sides showed high technical skill, the odd pass going astray inevitably let to a counter-attacking outlook and The Saints can count themselves a tad unlucky not to have had a goal or two.

Twice VAR intervened to deny the visitors - a tight penalty and a disallowed Shane Long strike for offside in the build-up speed the west Londoners blushes, while substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic almost snatched a late winner for the home side but a point was just about deserved.

Ademola Lookman had the first chance on goal, on eight minutes, but his left-footer from just inside the Saints penalty area, took a slight deflection, which also took the pace off the box and Alex McCarthy snaffled the ball to his midriff.

All the early pressure came from the home side.

A brilliant break by Fulham, inspired by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, on 25 minutes set up Andre Anguissa, but the striker fluffed his lines and air-shot the ball from close-range allowing it to be cleared.

The woodwork came to Fulham's' aid on 27 minutes when James Ward-Prowse's brilliant free kick crashed against the angle of right post and crossbar before being cleared by Bobby De Cordova Reid.

De Cordova Reid was the first player to enter Darren England's little book on 39 minutes for a foul.

There were no changes by either side at half-time.

The second half reflected much of the first, both sides high on endeavour but lacking in any kind of cutting edge.

A quick break by the Whites on 55 minutes almost reaped dividends nut a header from Ivan Cavaleiro lacked direction and zipped over McCarthy's goal.

A blistering long range half-volley by Shane Long forced Alphonse Areola into a finger-tip save to redirected the goal-bound effort over his crossbar on 68 minutes.

Southampton had a shout for a penalty denied when Ryan Bertrand volley appeared to be handled by Ola Aina. VAR intervened and after a needless minute's wait, play on was ordered.

Long thought he had opened the score for the visitors with 15 minutes left on the clock, but the striker, who produced a wonderful, dipping left-footer over McCarthy, to plant the ball deep into the inside of the net was inches offside.

Decordova Reid was replaced by Aleksandar Mitrovic for the final eight minutes.

But a minute later and the visitors struck when Theo Walcott was on the spot to poke home from close range.

VAR intervened again and ruled the goal was an offside by the crosser of the byline ball Che Adam's.

Neeskens Kebano replaced Lookman as the clock moved into added time.

Mitrovic almost snatched a winner but his left-footed volley was inched wide of McCarthy's right post.

Fulham remain third from bottom in the Premier League and their next game is away to Spurs on Wednesday.



Teams: Fulham

Areola, Andersen, De Cordova Reid, Loftus-Cheek, Adarabioyo, Cavaleiro, Lookman, Reed, Anguissa, Robinson, Aina,

Subs: Rodak, Hector, Odoi, Kebano, Mitrovic, Cairney, Ream, Bryan, Kamara


Southampton

McCarthy, Walker-Peters, Bertrand, Stephens, Long, Ward-Prowse, Adams, Armstrong, Diallo, Walcott, Bednarek

Subs: Forster, Djenepo, Obafemi, Valery, Smallbone, Salisu, Tella, Vokins, N'Lundulu

Referee: Darren England




https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/quality-play-by-fulham-but-no-cutting-edge-as-they-draw-0-0-with-southampton-at-the-cottage

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Robinson salutes Fulham's 'steady base'

Antonee Robinson believes Fulham have made serious defensive strides over the past few weeks and feels that improvement will serve the Whites well in the battle against the drop.

Scott Parker's side played out a second successive goalless draw at Craven Cottage by blunting one of their league's in-form sides in Southampton and the American full-back reckons that limiting the visitors to only three shots on target shows just how far Fulham have come. The Londoners haven't conceded a goal from open play in some 445 minutes of football and Robinson told the club's official website that this showing typified their solidity at the back:

I felt like today we played really well. Defended everything we had to, kept our defensive principles really well. You've seen the VAR decisions for offside, that's down to us getting our lines right and things. Going forward we were unlucky not to convert some chances – so even though it's not three points, it's still a clean sheet.

We've done everything that we worked on in training to try and stop them creating chances and I felt like apart from set pieces – even though they are a very good side – we've limited them to very few chances today, so defensively I think it was a great performance. They're a great side. I think the last few games we've really upped our standard and it is just a matter of time before we start getting wins and climbing up the league where we belong.

If you're not going to win games, make sure you don't lose them because every point is going to be massive. We feel like we've got a very steady base to go anywhere and play anyone. I feel like we're trying every game to win games – we're not just sitting back and trying to hold off pressure, we're actively trying to go and get points so I feel like it's just more of the same.

I think we've improved defensively a lot. The new lads who've come in – myself included – we've had quite a few games together now to gel and get used to each other. We're just going to keep working hard and trying to limit every team's chances, so that hopefully we'll start converting chances up top and we'll win games.

The former Wigan full-back had a shot blocked and almost created the winner for Ivan Cavaleiro, which would have been a fitting reward for another all action display down the Fulham left flank.

I was pleased I was getting involved – I was just disappointed that I couldn't get any goals or assists today. Like I said, if I keep putting in performances like that and getting involved, hopefully the assists will come, the goals will come for us and it is what we deserve really.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/12/robinson-salutes-fulhams-steady-base/

[WhiteJC]

OLA AINA: How Scott Parker turned us into winning side

Nigeria and Fulham right back Ola Aina has been talking about his brilliant left-footer screamer that sealed a 2-0 win over West Brom. It was his first English Premiership goal and the victory marked Fulham's first in the season. The goal was also picked as the best strike for the month of November.

Fulham has been struggling this season condemned to relegation zone until the win catapulted them out. This is followed by elating 2-1 away win over Leicester and home draw with champions Liverpool.

Special on the November Goal of the Month, Aina says: "It was a good strike from me. The ball came to my left and I felt very comfortable to strike hard and that's it. Since my young age I've been working on it to ensure that when an opportunity comes I can also use my left leg very well and achieve good result. When the ball came to my left leg, it seems more natural to me to strike with it even though I am a right footer because I've been working hard on it. It seems a natural thing for me to do. That is what happened so that when a ball comes to my left foot I can strike it well. At that particular time there was no other way so I just have to take it. It's something that I've been working on ever since I can remember. It is like a natural thing to me and I've been doing it in training."

Aina says the goal and win is also a massive boost for the team. "It is our first win of the season and it was good for the team's spirit. It lifted our spirit. It was really good and we just trying to build upon that. The players are always confident. They are always confident in what they can do."

Aina, a former Chelsea academy graduate, also has something good to say about Fulham manager Scott Parker. He credits Parker with kick-starting the turnaround.

'He has been great, keeping the belief within the camp and he always tells us that he believes in each and every one of us, believes in our ability and what we can achieve,' he told the Evening Standard.

Fulham had gone six games without victory prior to the 2-0 win at Craven Cottage, secured thanks to a header from Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aina's left-footed shot from distance – his first Premier League goal.

The Nigeria international admits it was a relief for the hosts to climb out of the relegation zone with a crucial win at the seventh time of asking.

'It was massive,' he said. 'Everyone knows it has been a tough start to the season and to get the three points and the clean sheet, those things are very important.

'You have to work hard at that, keep training and putting in the effort. What we did against West Brom should be the minimum. We were up against Leicester and Liverpool, hopefully, we can kick on from here and keep improving.'

Aina started his career at Fulham's west London neighbours Chelsea, where the full-back played a key role in back-to-back FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League titles.

But he left in search of greater first-team opportunities when he was loaned to Hull City and then Torino in Serie A, who made his spell permanent for £8.9million after a promising first season in Italy.

He returned to England when he joined Fulham on a season-long loan this summer and has started their last four Premier League games.

Aina admits that it was their finest display since earning promotion, with debutant defender Joachim Andersen helping secure a first clean sheet of the season, too, and Aina says that, after the relief of getting their first win, such a performance must be the minimum expectation going forward.

"It was massive," Aina says. "Everyone knows it has been a tough start to the season and to get the three points and the clean sheet, those things are very important.

"We dug in and really showed some resilience, it is an amazing feeling. It is a long season, the team and I have to take every game as it comes.

Parker says it was a relief to finally have the pressure of a winless run end and praised his squad for their desire to improve, something Aina says is driven by the manager himself.

"He has been great, keeping the belief within the camp and he always tells us that he believes in each and everyone of us, believes in our ability and what we can achieve," Aina said.

"He has been very positive with us — where we lack, he lets us know, and where we do well, he lets us know. He is a very truthful guy and he has been great."

The full-back, who signed on loan with an option to buy from Torino the day before the season started, has had to wait to establish himself in the Premier League, but is now living out his dream at Craven Cottage.

"It is always special getting your first Premier League goal," he says. "It has been a long time since I made my League debut.

"I am just glad that the goal came and I was able to help the team with it.

"It is a dream to play in the Premier League and score, and get games in the Premier League. When I left Chelsea, it was kick-starting a career for myself."

Coming to Fulham, he said was a straight thing. The fact is that his parents lives close to Fulham training ground and he could sneak back to for a quick bite. ""I always wanted to come back and play in the Premier League. I am just happy that I am making it a reality. Joining Fulham was an easy decision to make. It was a straightforward decision because I am close to the Premiership. I know many people here and they are like my friends. My family lived close to the training ground and I could pop in and eat some good food after training. I know that part of London very well. I am really big on family and that played a big part in my decision," adds Aina.



https://thenationonlineng.net/ola-aina-how-scott-parker-turned-us-into-winning-side/

[WhiteJC]

Verdict: More good signs for Fulham – but a shrewd loan signing is needed

Fulham carved out their fourth draw in a row – this time against Southampton in a very forgettable match.

Chances were at a premium, but the Whites are making it plain they're nothing like the cannon fodder of 2018-19 when they shot straight back to the Championship.

The passing was slick on a slick surface, but that extra bit of quality in front of goal is missing.

Fulham need a slightly better version of Ivan Cavaleiro in the January transfer window.

That second-half header over the bar from the Portuguese when in the clear sums up the reason his side have scored just 13 in 16 games.

Neither he nor Aleksandar Mitrovic are in the zone right now.

In fact, no-one is a potent threat, not even Ademola Lookman, and that's because sides are now doubling up on the tricky forward.

But where to find someone who hits the ground running, or rather the net?

No-one in the Premier League is going to loan a forward in form, and shopping in Europe can be hit and miss.

Although to be fair to Fulham this season, their choices have been more hit than miss. Now they need another astute loan.

Surprise, surprise – it's VAR again

This time, Fulham got the rub of the green twice against the Saints – that puts them ahead 3-2 on favourable replays over the last four games.

Theo Walcott's late effort was chalked off for an offside Southampton foot in the build-up, but Fulham can consider themselves lucky that Ola Aina's arm-to-ball moment didn't require a second look by the match referee or Jon Moss watching the screens.

The expression 'I've seen them given' came to mind as Fulham and Aina took a deep sigh of relief.

Cairney and Mitro back on the bench

Clearly neither made an impression at Newcastle on their absent boss

Who would have thought, say, three months ago, both would see more of the bench that action on the pitch?

Heroes they may be (or were), but on form head coach Scott Parker thinks not.

Cav and Mitro are much of a muchness as goal threats, but the Portuguese is faster, and speed tends to win out in the Premier League.

Not to mention Mitro's forlorn body language as he laboured last week.

Midfield issues

Who's the least pacey out of Andre-Frank Anguissa, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Cairney?

Add to the mix, the talents in this game that were James Ward-Prowse, Bobby Decordova-Reid, and Kyle Walker-Peters.

Maybe the latter should get himself a hyphenated name? Tom Pickme-Cairney, anyone?

Anguissa's mucked up twice in front of goal in recent games

It looks as the midfielder swiped at the ball when he's had the whites of the posts his eyes in that first-half attempt.

You don't get too many of those in a top-flight match.

Give yourself a heartbeat longer, Frank.

That said, the hunger, technique and athleticism Anguissa shows is a major reason for a more controlled look about the middle third from a Fulham point of view.

An air shot, but an 8/10 performance otherwise.

Areola delivers

Three loans to no-one in particular and then bench warmer at Real Madrid was his lot before arriving at Fulham in August. It wasn't the most exciting signing of the transfer window.

But his first-half tip on to the post from Ward-Prowse's free-kick was the goods, and he's done much the same in most games.

Parker trowelled on the pressure recently when he said his keeper needed to keep the side in games on occasions.

He is clearly rising to the challenge.




https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/verdict-more-good-signs-for-fulham-but-a-shrewd-loan-signing-is-needed

[WhiteJC]

Plymouth Argyle send striker back to Fulham

Plymouth Argyle have ended Fulham striker Timmy Abraham's loan early, as per a report by Plymouth Live.

The Pilgrims decided to let him return to Craven Cottage a couple of weeks early for the festive period.

Abraham, who is 19 years old, joined Ryan Lowe's side on a short-term loan deal in October but he failed to score in his four appearances in all competitions.

He was linked with fellow League One side Charlton Athletic in the last transfer window, as per The72, but it was Plymouth who won the race for his signature.

'He can go back'...

Lowe has said: "Timmy's (loan deal) is actually up on the second (of January) so we have told him he can go back. He has been missing out on the squad but he has been fantastic with his attitude.

"We didn't want him to be disappointed over the Christmas period, away from his family, so he will be going back to Fulham. We thank Timmy for everything that he gave us in the few games that he played. It's not fair on the kid travelling him up and down the country over the Christmas period when he could be the spare man."

Brother of Tammy...

The London-born forward is the brother of Chelsea and England star Tammy Abraham and was actually on the books at Charlton's academy before switching to Fulham in 2017.

Abraham has never made a senior appearance for the Cottagers and was loaned out to League One side Bristol Rovers in January. He made four appearances for the Pirates during the second-half of last season.

Fulham now have a decision to make on his situation in January, with another loan switch to the Football League not beyond the realms of possibility.



https://the72.co.uk/210610/plymouth-argyle-send-striker-back-to-fulham/