Monday Fulham Stuff - 22/08/22...

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Results

Sunday
Leeds	3-0	Chelsea
West Ham	0-2	Brighton
Newcastle	3-3	Man City

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Jack and Loz at the Cottage - Blog 223
Date: 20th August 2022

Opposition: Brentford
Score: 3-2
Fulham goal scorers: Decordova-Reid, Palhinha, 🔥
Weather: a perfect English summer's day
Atmosphere: a perfect Fulham atmosphere

MOTM (football): in a battle of the new signings, Pereria just edged out Palhinha. Andreas is skilful, intelligent and creative. He knows how good he is but the flicks and tricks which marred his performances have been stripped away to reveal his focus and determination. We were expecting ambition, we were hoping for expertise, we feared disinterest; no one told us about the hard graft
MOTM (non-football): if anyone is Forever Fulham, it's Brede Hangeland. Defensive bastion, hero of the Europa run, and ice cold captain. In one of the most Fulhamish moments ever, he once went to the referee's room after a match to apologise to the ref for having to give him a red card
Lunch: Riverside Studios

The last time we played Brentford it was in an empty Wembley Stadium at the end of a season which lasted 366 days. It was Joe Bryan's finest hour, Scott Parker's tactical peak. Manic-eyed Frank had told the media that Fulham feared Brentford but at the start of extra time Scott brought on the super-sub to end all super-subs and Aleksandar Mitrovic showed Brentford what fear really was.

But, of course, that's history now and Brentford are an established Premier League side who came to the Cottage smug and confident following their victory over league bottom-scrapers, Manchester United.

Fulham, meanwhile have had our wingers clipped. All of them. So for this vitally important London derby we had a cobbled together team with our flanks protected by the versatile Bobby Decordova-Reid and, making his first start in the top flight (and quite possibly his first start on the left wing) Jay Stansfield. But we needn't have worried. We've always been big fans of Bobby - quiet, hard-working and willing to commit everything to whichever position he plays (and, let's face it, he's played most of them). Jay meanwhile has all the qualities of youth - speed, energy, a desire to prove himself and, most importantly, fearlessness.

By coincidence (or just inspired tactics....) Jay and Bobby combined to score the first goal only 50 seconds into the match. But someone else did all the hard work - Mitro was already smouldering. Shortly afterwards, his own strike was ruled offside, then he won the corner which led to Palhinha's goal.

Although he was pipped by Andreas to MOTM, Joao is already staking his claim to Player of the Season. He looks like an accountant but he plays football like a demon. He has a sixth sense for danger and is always in the right place at the right time to deal with it, he's a black belt at the physical side of the game and now it seems that he knows where the goal is. Somehow, we have snared a world class midfielder and, as we know from his passionate celebration of the winner, made him fall in love with Fulham at world record pace!

For the first 25 minutes, this looked like a match from last season when Fulham were so dominant that it felt like a computer glitch had allocated us an opponent from a lower league. The defence had literally nothing to do except for Kenny Tete who took so many throw-ins that he must have thought he was playing netball.

Brentford play football the long and direct way and, gradually, this started to work. Their first goal came from a well-worked set piece but Fulham were too casual about allowing the corner and too lazy at marking the attackers at a crucial moment. Fulhamishly, our supremacy crumbled into capitulation just before half time.

Brentford began the second half where they'd finished the first and Ivan Toney's disallowed goal swiftly followed. It turns out that when VAR makes a decision in your favour, you celebrate it as intensely as a goal. The whole episode must have been embarrassing for Toney who attempted to dedicate the goal to his hero, Mitro. Luckily for him, a legal goal spared his blushes and he was able to complete his tribute. He needs to work on getting the replica celebration just right, though.

We all know about pressure at work. Deadlines, targets, demanding bosses, unreasonable clients. Imagine though, if just as your work day was starting, 20,000 people sang your name in expectation of you performing your role perfectly. How do you cope with that pressure? We also all know that however hard you work and however good you are at your job, you can't be on fire all the time. You'd burn out. So how do you maximise your chances of success?

It's all a matter of timing. We've seen Mitro do it before - he'll miss once, he'll miss twice, but he'll rarely miss a third time. Give him Silva service consistently and he will score. And as for that fervent chorus of Mitro's on Fire before kick-off, it works both ways. It about pressure but also support, it's about expectations but also belief. When Mitro fluffed the one-on-one which would have given us a 3-1 lead, we were still singing his name. We trust him, and he repays that trust.

Frank, his eyes almost popping out of his head, took a scattergun approach to substitutions and made use of his 5 subs early on. Marco Silva didn't really have 5 subs but the 3 he used were targeted. Perfectly. The swap of Tom for the tiring (but excellent) Jay and the entrance of Mbabu changed the game. We like Tete a lot, but Mbabu has to start. He he is a class apart. His long cross for the winner arched like an arrow shot to fall temptingly into the box.

And Mitro did the rest. The crowd exploded in delirium. The derby was won, mistakes were atoned for, we got the result we deserved. Nothing beats a last minute winner. Literally.

Random musings:-

- It was interesting that this was Leno's first start; presumably Rodak will play in the Cup. Overall, we were satisfied but not blown away whereas the first time we watched Areola, we knew he was world class. Berne's sweeping is better than his distribution, let's put it that way

- The home crowd is going to play a huge part in this season, which of course we couldn't do last time we were in the Prem. We have to make sure we keep using the Cottage atmosphere to our advantage

- The ref had a pretty good game

- "you're going down with United!"

- "Joe Bryan from the half way line!"

- The third sub was Shane Duffy who feels like a very safe pair of feet to bring on to protect a lead

- Who is taller out of Hangeland, Duffy and Diop??? They're all massive!

- Mitro's and Reed's accidental biplane celebration was very endearing...

- And Mitro just couldn't stop patting the badge after the match.

Obviously, we all came away from the Cottage on Cloud 9. Fulham unbeaten, a LMW in a WLD and, ridiculously, in a Champion's League spot. Fourth place won't last but the memories will. And there is more to take away from the game than just the exciting result.

That is a match which we would have lost or drawn under previous managers. The positive reaction to losing the lead and the grit to fight until the last minute are new. And exciting. Our last few seasons in the Premier League have been disheartening and miserable. This one is beginning to feel like it might be something special.



https://werdsmith.com/p/QjJjgdNEtKTsPw

[WhiteJC]

Fulham join race for Championship star as Nottingham Forest prepare seven-figure bid

Fulham have joined the race for Blackpool winger Josh Bowler, as per a Patreon report from journalist Alan Nixon.

The 23-year-old, who has attracted lots of interest from the higher division during this summer already, has started the new second-tier campaign in strong form.

The report also states that one of the clubs that have held a relatively long-term interest in the former Everton man, Nottingham Forest, are prepared to table a £2.5 million bid.

It remains to be seen what kind of figure will tempt the Seasiders into selling one of, if not their most prized asset, especially when considering the kind of figures Championship clubs have generated in player sales in recent years.

Bowler netted seven times and provided three assists last time out, chipping in with a goal already during this campaign.

The verdict

Both Fulham and Nottingham Forest have first hand experience of seeing what Bowler can do after Bowler impressed in the Championship last time out.

The right winger has a wand of left foot, and whilst he is someone who thrives on either flank, he can also create and carve out opportunities in a number 10 role, offering flexibility to both clubs currently in pursuit.

Of course, Bowler has just a year left on his current deal, meaning that the Seasiders run the risk of losing him for free if they are unable to strike an agreement this summer.

Given his influence in the team, and the proximity to the window shutting, Michael Appleton will be eager to keep hold of the young winger.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-join-race-for-championship-star-as-nottingham-forest-prepare-seven-figure-bid/

[WhiteJC]

Muniz Joins Boro On Loan

The Club can confirm that Rodrigo Muniz has joined SkyBet Championship side Middlesbrough on a season-long loan.

Rodrigo made 23 appearances during our title-winning campaign last season, scoring five goals in the process.

We would like to wish Rodrigo the very best of luck for the year.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/august/21/muniz-joins-boro-on-loan/

[WhiteJC]

Muniz makes Middlesbrough loan move

Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz has signed for Middlesbrough on a season-long loan, the club confirmed this morning.

The Brazilian striker, who picked Craven Cottage over the Riverside when he left Flamengo last summer, scored five goals in 23 matches as the Whites won the Championship last season. The 21 year-old was largely used as Aleksandar Mitrovic's understudy – and with first-team chances at a premium in the Premier League to date – Fulham have opted to allow him to gain more experience of English football with Boro.

The Whites are believed to be close to announced the signing of a new striker themselves, with reports linking them with a permanent move for Brighton's French forward Neal Maupay.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/muniz-makes-middlesbrough-loan-move/

[WhiteJC]

Rodrigo Muniz: Middlesbrough sign Fulham striker on season-long loan from Fulham

Rodrigo Muniz watched from the stands as Middlesbrough were defeated 1-0 away at Reading on Saturday

Middlesbrough have signed Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz on a season-long loan from Premier League side Fulham.

The 21-year-old appeared 28 times for the Cottagers last season as they secured the Championship title and promotion to the top flight.

Muniz previously played for Flamengo in the Brazilian top-flight before switching to London last summer.

"He's a real talented player and we're delighted to have him here," Boro boss Chris Wilder told the club website.

"He's a player the club have history with and tried to sign him last year."

Muniz becomes the ninth new signing at the Riverside this summer, following the arrivals of Zack Steffen, Liam Roberts, Ryan Giles, Darragh Lenihan, Tommy Smith, Alex Mowatt, Marcus Forss and Matthew Hoppe, with another 10 days remaining until the transfer window closes on September 1.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62624570

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva impressed with Joao Palhinha's start to life in the Premier League

Summer recruit Palhinha thumped home a header from a well-worked corner in Fulham's 3-2 derby win over Brentford at Craven Cottage on Saturday


Joao Palhinha, right, celebrates scoring his first goal for Fulham in the 3-2 win over Brentford (Bradley Collyer/PA)
(PA Wire)

Marco Silva has hailed new dad Joao Palhinha for settling straight into Premier League rhythm at Fulham.

Summer recruit Palhinha thumped home a header from a well-worked corner in Fulham's 3-2 derby win over Brentford at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The £20million signing from Sporting Lisbon toasted his goal with a celebration to mark a week also including the birth of his child.

Palhinha put his thumb in his mouth and the ball up his shirt before being mobbed by his delighted team-mates in south west London.

And Whites boss Silva admitted the 27-year-old has made a quick adjustment to life in both London and the Premier League.

"His wife had a baby this week, and everyone's delighted for him and his family," said Silva.

"It's important for him to feel that support from us, but it's also important that he's settled really well into our team and at the club.

"We knew when we were signing him that he would be a plus for us, for our squad; on the ball, off the ball, set pieces as well.

"And to see him scoring a goal and playing so well is great.

"It's good to see the players take positives from something that we spent a long time on in the week."

Aleksandar Mitrovic's last-minute header scrambled Fulham their first victory of the new top-flight campaign.

The hosts stormed into a 2-0 lead through Bobby Decordova-Reid and Palhinha, but Brentford fought back to level the scores in the second half.

Christian Norgaard volleyed home to cut the deficit, before Ivan Toney pounced to make it 2-2.

Toney saw two fine finishes chalked off for offside, handing big reprieves to a grateful Fulham, who were then able to steal all three points.

Striker Toney was a constant threat for Brentford once the Bees had come alive after a quiet first half-hour.

Boss Thomas Frank hailed Toney for already showing his full dangerous repertoire in front of goal.

"The two disallowed goals, those finishes, they are fantastic," said Frank.

"The way he collected the ball, the calmness of the finishing, it's at a very high level.

"It's fantastic to see, and our attacking play in general, I'm very pleased with that too.

"I will keep pushing us towards that, because I think we're already seeing this season just how important it is to be scoring high numbers of goals to secure wins."



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-fulham-craven-cottage-brentford-premier-league-b2149508.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's €23 million man earns praise for start to life in the Premier League

MARCO SILVA has hailed new dad Joao Palhinha for settling straight into Premier League rhythm at Fulham.

Summer recruit Palhinha thumped home a header from a well-worked corner in Fulham's 3-2 derby win over Brentford at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The £20 million (€23 million) signing from Sporting Lisbon toasted his goal with a celebration to mark a week also including the birth of his child.

Palhinha put his thumb in his mouth and the ball up his shirt before being mobbed by his delighted teammates in southwest London.

And Whites boss Silva admitted the 27-year-old has made a quick adjustment to life in both London and the Premier League.

"His wife had a baby this week, and everyone's delighted for him and his family," said Silva.

"It's important for him to feel that support from us, but it's also important that he's settled really well into our team and at the club.

"We knew when we were signing him that he would be a plus for us, for our squad; on the ball, off the ball, set pieces as well.

"And to see him scoring a goal and playing so well is great.

"It's good to see the players take positives from something that we spent a long time on in the week."

Aleksandar Mitrovic's last-minute header scrambled Fulham their first victory of the new top-flight campaign.

The hosts stormed into a 2-0 lead through Bobby Decordova-Reid and Palhinha, but Brentford fought back to level the scores in the second half.

Christian Norgaard volleyed home to cut the deficit, before Ivan Toney pounced to make it 2-2.

Toney saw two fine finishes chalked off for offside, handing big reprieves to a grateful Fulham, who were then able to steal all three points.

Striker Toney was a constant threat for Brentford once the Bees had come alive after a quiet first half-hour.

Boss Thomas Frank hailed Toney for already showing his full dangerous repertoire in front of goal.

"The two disallowed goals, those finishes, they are fantastic," said Frank.

"The way he collected the ball, the calmness of the finishing, it's at a very high level.

"It's fantastic to see, and our attacking play in general, I'm very pleased with that too.

"I will keep pushing us towards that because I think we're already seeing this season just how important it is to be scoring high numbers of goals to secure wins."



https://www.the42.ie/fulhams-e23-million-man-earns-praise-for-start-to-life-in-the-premier-league-5845662-Aug2022/

[WhiteJC]

Preview: Crawley Town vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups

Fulham will be bidding to reach the third round of the EFL Cup when they make the trip to League Two outfit Crawley Town on Tuesday night.

The visitors will enter the match off the back of a 3-2 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, while Crawley suffered a 2-0 home defeat to AFC Wimbledon in League Two on the same afternoon.

Match preview
Crawley finished 12th in League Two last season, 16 points off the playoff positions, so they are once again operating in the fourth tier of English football, and it has been a tough start to the 2022-23 campaign.

The Red Devils have only picked up a single point from their opening five matches of the season, which has left them down in 23rd position in the table.

Crawley lost 1-0 to both Carlisle United and Leyton Orient in their opening two games of the league campaign before playing out a goalless draw with Harrogate Town on August 13.

Kevin Betsy's side have lost their last two against Northampton Town and AFC Wimbledon, which has left them inside the relegation zone, but they can take confidence from their clash with Bristol Rovers in the first round of the EFL Cup on August 9, recording a 1-0 victory at home to advance to the next round.

Fulham, meanwhile, won the Championship last season to secure a return to the Premier League, and they have made an impressive start to the 2022-23 campaign, picking up five points from three matches to sit fourth in the table.

The Cottagers drew 2-2 with Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season before playing out a goalless draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers one week later; they were winners on Saturday, though, with Aleksandar Mitrovic's 90th-minute effort securing a 3-2 success over Brentford.

Marco Silva's side have shown plenty of positive signs in the early stages of the season, as they bid to consolidate at this level, and they have a huge game away at London rivals Arsenal on Saturday.

Fulham have never won the League Cup, with their best run in a major cup competition coming in 1975, when they reached reached the final of the FA Cup, suffering a 2-0 defeat to West Ham United.

The Whites have won three of their last five matches in the EFL Cup, though, and were only beaten by Leeds United in the third round of last season's competition on penalties.

Crawley Town EFL Cup form:

    W


Crawley Town form (all competitions):

    L    L    W    D    L    L

Fulham form (all competitions):

    D    D    W


Team News
Crawley have not reported any fresh injury concerns from their 2-0 loss to AFC Wimbledon in the league on Saturday, but Tony Craig is suspended following his red card in the fourth-tier fixture.

Craig's absence could open the door for Ben Wells to start at the back, but Betsy is expected to send a relatively strong XI onto the field for this match.

Ashley Nadesan is again likely to lead the line for the League Two side, while there should also be spots in the side for the likes of Tom Nichols and Jakob Hassenthaler.

As for Fulham, Harry Wilson, Joe Bryan, Manor Solomon and Neeskens Kebano will again be on the sidelines through injury.

Head coach Silva will make a number of changes to the side that started against Brentford in the league on Saturday, with Tom Cairney, Nathaniel Chalobah and Marek Rodak among those expected to be in the XI.

New signings Kevin Mbabu, Shane Duffy and Issa Diop are also likely to feature from the first whistle, while Terry Ablade could be given a start in the final third of the field.

Crawley Town possible starting lineup:
Addai; Francillette, Conroy, Wells; Francomb, Hassenthaler, Powell, Ogungbo; Appiah, Nadesan, Nichols

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Mbabu, Diop, Duffy, Robinson; Chalobah, Francois; Reid, Cairney, Ablade; Stansfield

We say: Crawley Town 0-2 Fulham

Fulham will not be at full strength on Tuesday evening, but we are finding it very difficult to predict anything other than an away victory. Crawley are short of confidence, but Fulham are flying after a strong start to their Premier League campaign, and the Cottagers should be too strong for their opponents here.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/league-cup/preview/preview-crawley-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_492708.html?cQx=NN&newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Women's team beaten narrowly by Fulham

Sutton's women's team's first game in the London & South East Regional League Premier Division ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat against Fulham this afternoon.

A crowd of 284 saw a well contested game that was level until fifteen minutes from time when a low right foot cross was turned in at the far post, and in the 90th minute Fulham scored a second, again a close range tap-in. Sutton pulled back a deserved goal in stoppage time, a superb strike from Olivia Watson opening her account of the season but too late to prevent Fulham holding on for the victory.

To complete this weekend's action, the academy side lost by the only goal of the game at Gillingham on Saturday morning.



https://www.suttonunited.net/news/2022/august2/womens-team-beaten-narrowly/

[Bassey the warrior]

Fulham's €23 million man earns praise for start to life in the Premier League

MARCO SILVA has hailed new dad Joao Palhinha for settling straight into Premier League rhythm at Fulham.

Summer recruit Palhinha thumped home a header from a well-worked corner in Fulham's 3-2 derby win over Brentford at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The £20 million (€23 million) signing from Sporting Lisbon toasted his goal with a celebration to mark a week also including the birth of his child.

Palhinha put his thumb in his mouth and the ball up his shirt before being mobbed by his delighted teammates in southwest London.

And Whites boss Silva admitted the 27-year-old has made a quick adjustment to life in both London and the Premier League.

"His wife had a baby this week, and everyone's delighted for him and his family," said Silva.

"It's important for him to feel that support from us, but it's also important that he's settled really well into our team and at the club.

"We knew when we were signing him that he would be a plus for us, for our squad; on the ball, off the ball, set pieces as well.

"And to see him scoring a goal and playing so well is great.

"It's good to see the players take positives from something that we spent a long time on in the week."

Aleksandar Mitrovic's last-minute header scrambled Fulham their first victory of the new top-flight campaign.

The hosts stormed into a 2-0 lead through Bobby Decordova-Reid and Palhinha, but Brentford fought back to level the scores in the second half.

Christian Norgaard volleyed home to cut the deficit, before Ivan Toney pounced to make it 2-2.

Toney saw two fine finishes chalked off for offside, handing big reprieves to a grateful Fulham, who were then able to steal all three points.

Striker Toney was a constant threat for Brentford once the Bees had come alive after a quiet first half-hour.

Boss Thomas Frank hailed Toney for already showing his full dangerous repertoire in front of goal.

"The two disallowed goals, those finishes, they are fantastic," said Frank.

"The way he collected the ball, the calmness of the finishing, it's at a very high level.

"It's fantastic to see, and our attacking play in general, I'm very pleased with that too.

"I will keep pushing us towards that because I think we're already seeing this season just how important it is to be scoring high numbers of goals to secure wins."



https://www.the42.ie/fulhams-e23-million-man-earns-praise-for-start-to-life-in-the-premier-league-5845662-Aug2022/

I thought he cost £17m, or could this be including add ons?

[WhiteJC]

Silva showers peerless Palhinha with praise

Marco Silva says summer signing Joao Palhinha has settled seamlessly into Premier League football and feels there is more to come after the holding midfielder headed home his first Fulham goal against Brentford yesterday.

Palhinha, who became a father for the first time last week, celebrated with a powerful header that put the Whites 2-0 up in the west London derby at Craven Cottage. Silva's side did allow the Bees to level proceedings at 2-2, but another astonishing late header from Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed Fulham's first win of the season.

The Fulham head coach was full of praise for the way the Portuguese international has adjusted to life in the English top flight since his £17m move from Sporting:

"His wife had a baby this week, and everyone's delighted for him and his family. It's important for him to feel that support from us, but it's also important that he's settled really well into our team and at the club.

We knew when we were signing him that he would be a plus for us, for our squad; on the ball, off the ball, set pieces as well. And to see him scoring a goal and playing so well is great. It's good to see the players take positives from something that we spent a long time on in the week."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/silva-showers-peerless-palhinha-with-praise/

[WhiteJC]

Olds and Ogle fire Fulham Women to win at Sutton

Fulham Women were made to work hard on the opening day of the season by a spirited Sutton United side but second half strikes from Ellie Olds and Helen Ogle sealed all three points.

Both goals came late as the Whites' superior fitness and clinical finishing eventually proved too much for the newly-promoted Sutton. Steve Jaye's side had to wait until fifteen minutes from time for the opener which came from a sweeping move along the right flank started by skipper Mary Southgate. George Heasman galloped to the byline and produced a brilliant low ball in that Olds converted inside the six yard box at the back post.

The visitors made sure of victory three minutes from time when a left-footed volley from Southgate was parried out by the Sutton goalkeeper only for Ogle, who shared the leading goalscorer's crown with Olds last term, to poach the pivotal second from the rebound. The hosts did pull a goal back in stoppage time when Olivia Watson strode past a couple of white shirts and struck an unstoppable effort from distance past Edie Kelly, but there wasn't enough time for United to mount a late comeback.

Fulham largely dominated the first half but the incisiveness of the football that took them close to promotion last season wasn't quite there. Kelly had to make a brilliant double save as Sutton grew in confidence, but the visitors came closest to breaking the deadlock. Midfielder Lilly Lambird, who has spent the summer playing in the United States, volleyed just over the crossbar and the lively Heasman clipped the frame of the goal with a rising drive.

The Whites raised the tempo at the start of the second half with Charmaine True, Ogle and Olds all coming close to scoring but Sutton kept them at bay impressively and created a couple of openings of their own on the counter attack. Fulham had to be patient and will be happy to take home all three points against a disciplined outfit who should surprise plenty of opponents on their home turf.

Fulham women are in action against next Sunday against Enfield Town at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in a 2pm kick off.

SUTTON UNITED WOMEN: Jenkins; Howell, Poynton, Gillet, Button, Backhurst, Colepio, Savage, Brinkley, Wells, Watson. Subs: Brown, McNulty, Malcolm, Staple, Mirjan.

GOAL: Watson (90+7).

FULHAM WOMEN (4-3-3): Kelly; Allen, Armstrong, Southgate, Bird; Foreman, Lambird, Christison-McNee; Ogle, Heasman, True. Subs: Olds, Woodland, Mendes, Cowan.

GOALS: Olds (75), Ogle (89).

ATTENDANCE: 289.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/olds-and-ogle-fire-fulham-women-to-win-at-sutton/

[WhiteJC]

Aleksandar Mitrovic seems to have finally banished his Premier League demons - scoring three goals in three games in Fulham's unbeaten start

    Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored three times in three games for Fulham
    The Serbian striker has already leveled his tally from his last top flight campaign
    Mitrovic scored a late winner as Fulham defeated Brentford at Craven Cottage

Back at Motspur Park after the disappointment of missing a penalty at Wolves last week, Aleksandar Mitrovic made sure to get in plenty of shooting practice.

Frustrated at having passed up the chance of three points at Molineux, the Serbia striker was taking his irritation out in front of goal — and, it appears, team-mate Tom Cairney's car.

Mitrovic took aim and missed, sending the ball flying into the windscreen of captain Cairney's motor.

'I need to talk to him!' laughed Mitrovic. 'I broke it but it was not on purpose. It was nothing big... but he was OK. His car is behind the goal at finishing practice!'


Aleksander Mitrovic netted a late winner for Fulham against Brentford on Saturday


The 27-year-old added to his two goals scored in the opening weekend against Liverpool

When it mattered most, there was no chance of him missing the target here, though, and with Cairney sent on from the bench, they were both able to laugh about the repair-shop bill that will soon land at Mitrovic's door.

Mitrovic, 27, had had one goal chalked off for offside in the first half, had seen David Raya miraculously deny him one-on-one at 2-2 and a header with five minutes left on the clock was somehow tipped into the Hammersmith End.

But he would not be deterred and it was eighth time lucky when he pinned Vitaly Janelt — just as he had Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold on the opening day — rose high and planted a header into the bottom corner.



Mitrovic was the matchwinner this time and his team-mates with cars will probably be grateful for it this week in training.

His winner — sending Fulham to a first top-flight London derby win in 25 matches — means Mitrovic has already matched his tally from the last time Fulham were in the Premier League in 2020-21. He mustered three in 27 appearances that time.

There were doubts this summer that he was really cut out for Premier League football. No one is questioning him now.

'I don't care about critics,' he said. 'I always knew I belonged here. I feel good, I'm enjoying the moment, enjoying the Premier League, helping the team and working hard every day. Critics are always going to have different opinions but I don't care about it.'


The striker managed just three goals from 27 appearances in his last top flight campaign

Truth be told, this shouldn't have required a late show from Mitrovic, such was Fulham's dominance in the opening 20 minutes. They swarmed all over Brentford just as Brentford had done to Manchester United a week earlier.

Thomas Frank's side looked shell-shocked as Bobby Decordova-Reid made it 1-0 after 45 seconds and Joao Palhinha powered in a header to make it two.

Brentford twice rallied, first through Christian Norgaard and then Ivan Toney, who chose to imitate Mitrovic's trademark celebration.

But it was Mitrovic who had the last laugh and in the words of Cairney's sibling Jack: 'You can smash my brother's windscreen any day of the week if you keep doing that!'


FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno 7; Tete 6 (Mbabu 77min, 7), Adarabioyo 6.5, Ream 6.5, Robinson 7; Palhinha 6.5, Reed 6; Decordova-Reid 7, Pereira 8, Stansfield 7 (Cairney 77, 6); Mitrovic 7 (Duffy 90).

Scorers: Decordova-Reid 1, Palhinha 20, Mitrovic 90.

Booked: Palhinha, Tete, Mbabu.

Manager: Marco Silva 7.5.

BRENTFORD (4-3-3): Raya 7.5; Hickey 5 (Lewis-Potter 59, 6.5), Jansson 5, Mee 5, Henry 6; Norgaard 6.5, Dasilva 7 (Baptiste 74, 6), Jensen 5 (Janelt 59, 5); Wissa 6.5 (Ghoddos 83), Toney 7, Mbeumo 6. Scorers: Norgaard 44, Toney 71. Booked: Dasilva, Mee.

Manager: Thomas Frank 6.

Referee: Peter Bankes 7.

Attendance: 21,798.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11132421/Aleksandar-Mitrovic-finally-banished-Premier-League-demons-Fulham-unbeaten.html

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'I don't care about the critics,' says Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic isn't worried about what the critics might say about him – and the Serbian striker is well on his way to proving he belongs among the English elite after scoring three goals as many games.

Fulham's talimsanic number nine had been frustrated by David Raya throughout a see-saw west London derby and his frustration was rising after Brentford's goalkeeper pulled off a pair of superb saves and the visitors roared back from 2-0 down to level proceedings at Craven Cottage. But, as he has so often during his time at Craven Cottage, Mitrovic came up with a moment of magic when it mattered most.

The centre forward is quoted in this morning's Daily Mail as saying:

"I don't care about critics. I always knew I belonged here. I feel good, I'm enjoying the moment, enjoying the Premier League, helping the team and working hard every day. Critics are always going to have different opinions but I don't care about it."

Mitrovic was even able to share a joke with Tom Cairney, whose windscreen he smashed with an errant shot at Motspur Park earlier this week, after the skipper stepped off the bench to help tilt an end-to-end encounter in Fulham's favour.

"I need to talk to him!' I broke it but it was not on purpose. It was nothing big... but he was OK. His car is behind the goal at finishing practice!'



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/i-dont-care-about-the-critics-says-mitrovic/

[WhiteJC]

Mitrovic: 'I'm probably Toney's idol'

When Ivan Toney chose to celebrate bringing Brentford level in the west London derby on Saturday by mimicking Aleksandar Mitrovic's goal celebration, the Bees' centre forward must have known he was risking tempting fate. The Serbian striker wasn't content with breaking Brentford hearts by climbing majestically to meet Kevin Mbabu's last-minute cross and scoring the winner.

Mitrovic – known to dislike the media commitments that come with being a matchwinner – offered his own personal riposte following the final whistle. Today's Times quotes the Fulham number nine discussing Toney as follows:

    "Everybody has idols. He used to play with me in Newcastle and he was my boy. My idol was [Alan] Shearer and I am probably his idol."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/mitrovic-im-probably-toneys-idol/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham game sees the worst ending possible. After full time.

The morning after the weekend before. An intriguing two days of Premier League football where, of course, for Brentford the only result that really counted was the 3-2 reverse at Fulham. A scoreline that does little to tell the story of a game that went back and forth until, eventually, there was 90th minute heartbreak after the Bees had thrown a second-half kitchen sink at our hosts. It was a defeat where any feel good factor from last weekend's demolition of Manchester United was gone in 44 seconds although one in which, eventually, the result really could have gone either way. Elsewhere, Everton warmed up for Saturday's trip to Lionel Road with their first point on the board whilst the Priti Patel saga had further 'light' shed on it. You've been warned so please feel free to leave now if that upsets you.

However, the real subject for discussion this morning has to be the game at Fulham. By all rights, Brentford should have been dead in the water and out of sight within the opening quarter. 2-0 down after Joao Palhinha had doubled their lead with twenty minutes on the clock whilst between their opening pair, Aleksander Mitrovic had also seen one chalked off by VAR. Truly, it was a woeful start from The Bees. Think Southampton away or Everton (FA cup) levels of bad. We would also accept: Burnley (a) or Norwich (h).

Brentford reeling. The team that had blown Manchester United off the park just a week earlier now being outclassed and outpaced. No movement and second to everything. Fans still showing wonderful support but wondering where anything would come from. Fulham one goal away from properly putting it to bed. Except, of course, they didn't. As we've all seen now, The Bees clung on until 44 minutes when Christian Norgaard leathered a corner kick from Mathias Jensen straight past Bernd Leno on the volley. Our first and only real moment of attacking intent leaving the Fulham 'keeper for dead. 2-1 at half time and, suddenly, the scoreboard offered a glimmer of hope.

It was an opportunity seized with both hands. Ivan Toney a man possessed as he found the back of the net three times. One, fair enough offside. One, on 55 minutes, as close and dubious as they come. It took a good two minutes of VAR deliberation and set squares before his trailing leg was eventually adjudged to be interfering with play. As he turned away from the Fulham goal. They're the rules but, as we've seen so many times, they don't half kill the game. It was a beautiful finish and deserved more.

Had we equalised then, who knows what might have been? Brentford with their tails up and driving forwards. As it is, things were levelled on 70. Ivan Toney, again. This time the goal allowed to stand – moreso as there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. 2-0 down and looking dead in the water now back to 2-2 and only one team in the driving seat. Fulham woke up. David Raya in nets absolutely wonderful. Save followed save as the game swung back and forth. Toney denied a late penalty after Mr Bankes deemed he'd thrown himself to ground when clean through in the box and bearing down on goal. As he does. Apparently.

In the end though, it wasn't to be. Mitrovic doing a Jota. 90 minutes on the clock and he out jumped Bryan Mbeumo (don't, just don't) to steer home a ball that could, probably should, have been well cleared prior. Brentford not quite able to see it through. Fulham with all the points. What is their to say?

No complaints from here. We'd shot ourselves in the foot early doors but at least had sufficient about ourselves to launch a quite wonderful fight back. A game is won over 90 minutes, not 20, and whilst we couldn't quite do the business this time the opening three games have shown there is enough about this team to suggest the season will be an exciting one.

The player review and deeper dive will be up here very shortly. For now, the other takeaways from the game perhaps revealing the real reason for defeat. A pre-match encounter with Harry Potter (Simon, not the boy wizard) brought about this shocking revelation that.. "I'm teetotal today."

"I'm sorry? What?" Was the reply from TC with genuine incredulity. The human embodiment of Gunnersaurus, Brentford's own Winston Churchill, universally known in TW8 for his bighearted exuberance and love of all things Brentford. Perhaps those vocal styling were stifled by a dry throat. Who knows?

Elsewhere, there was the bizarre sight, or should that be sound, of Freed From Desire being played moments before the teams walked out. Seriously? I mean, not complaining but talk about a way to stoke up the away fans. The only thing missing was a AA with Hey Jude. By all accounts, they's also played YNWA when Liverpool visited last week. Go figure.

I'm sorry? What?
Then there was the away end. Appreciate they are still finishing off their new stand on the river side (something that has taken even longer to build than La Sagrada Familia) but having a mixed zone of home and away fans in the bar areas behind the goal felt odd. That's the polite term. Unsegregated football hasn't been a thing for decades and whilst we're all a friendly bunch in the main, it's an emotional game. A trailblazing step in the right direction or an accident waiting to happen? There was no bother that I saw although I heard differently from others. Their next few home games see visits from Brighton and then Chelsea. Good luck.

For Brentford, Everton are next up. An 88th minute equaliser saw them pick up a first point of the season at home to Nottingham Forest. Only Wolves, Leicester City, West Ham and Manchester Untied below them in the table. It's not been the best start, with injuries and departure compounding to their woes from last season. On paper, the perfect opposition for Brentford. In practice, they're already in survival mode. A caged tiger of a team. Backed in to corner and fighting for their lives or, at the least, to prove all the pundits wrong. The awesome power of everyone's favourite Brazilian, Allan, currently confined to the bench but surely set to be unleashed at Lionel Road.

Ok. Turn away now if you are going to get upset about more Priti Patel. Last time out we asked on these pages what had happened there? Put the questions out there to try and understand why our stadium had been turned into a political arena? Moreso, when the person in question holds views that are so diametrically opposed to those of the club. We eventually got a brief statement saying that she had been invited by the Premier League, journalists had gone off topic and it wasn't our media team controlling events. It was as neutral an 'answer' as would have been expected. 

Bees United were quicker out of the blocks, noting that, amongst other things whilst it hadn't been us that invited her, the club "Should have anticipated that the media would ask about wider political issues such as government policy towards asylum seekers. Brentford's stadium thus became the background for political views which are not universally shared by fans".

You can read that one in full, here.

Whatever the explanation. Whatever the outcome. One thing is clear that we all share different views. The vast majority of Brentford fans would seem to be extemely unhappy about what played out. I'm still of the belief that things could have been handled differently. That things should have been handled differently. That's me.

We've not even had a formal piece on the real reason for her visit but, all things considered, that horse has long since bolted and perhaps it is best one we all box off.

Our club have always been amazingly proud of their values and the amazing work being done on that front. If any positive can be taken out of all this, it is that the reaction of so many supporters shows how much we all share these. That, for me, is the real story to take away from all of this. Now let's never talk of it again.

Finally, if there was one thing worse than the final score at Fulham it was the disaster that befell yours truly after the game. With the club putting out a tweet before kick off about the wonderful change shirt being worn for this match, the thought process naturally gravitated towards the brown/orange. Which was duly worn. Rightly so, until walking back to the pub it snagged against a bit of metal on the side of a white van. Disaster. Nooooooo. Ruined.

Like punching a hole in the face of the Mona Lisa, a masterpiece has been ruined. Kitman Bob? The club shop? Anyone? Is there a spare out there? Does anyone have one of these Jaffa caked beauties lying around gathering dust? I'll be at the Everton and would be happy to broker a deal. Probably let's play safe and say in an XL.

Over to you. Please...



https://nickbruzonslastword.wordpress.com/2022/08/22/fulham-game-sees-the-worst-ending-possible-after-full-time/

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Premier League Team Agrees Personal Terms With 'Exciting' Dutch Winger

Fulham are close to signing Dutch winger Justin Kluivert from AS Roma, according to Fabrizio Romano. The son of footballing legend Patrick Kluivert is reportedly close to joining the West London club on a loan deal with an option to buy.

The 23-year-old would be the eighth summer signing for the newly promoted Cottagers as they look to maintain their place in the Premier League.

Dutch Winger in Talks With Marco Silva and Fulham

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1560183971354492928

A Tough Few Years for the Dutch Winger
Kluivert began his career with Ajax, the club with which his father won the Champions League. The Dutch winger quickly made a name for himself there and, as a result, earned himself a move to Serie A. After two relatively pedestrian seasons under the stewardship of Eusebio di Francesco, Kluivert was unable to establish himself as a first-team regular and was subsequently sent out on loan for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons to RB Leipzig and OGC Nice respectively. The latter was the more impressive spell of the two as the winger managed four goals and five assists in 27 Ligue 1 appearances.

After a season playing under manager Christophe Galtier in Nice, The Dutchman finds himself back in the Eternal City and it appears England could be his next destination. Fulham are hoping to make smarter moves in the transfer window this time around and so a move for Kluivert poses a lot more questions than answers.

The Dutch winger has shown a moment of magic at his various destinations but consistency is the key. From Edwin van der Sar to Ryan Babel, several of Kluivert's fellow countrymen have represented the Cottagers. When it comes to the player, "His priority is to join the English club as soon as possible" and it seems that Roma manager Jose Mourinho is keen to move him on from the Stadio Olimpico.

A More Astute Transfer Window From Fulham
Fulham were hugely criticised for their dealings in the transfer window last time around in the Premier League. Coming off the back of Aleksandar Mitrovic's record-breaking season in the Championship and then a brace on the opening day against Liverpool, the Serbia international is in need of reinforcement.

Fabio Carvalho has made the move to Anfield whilst former Red Harry Wilson has made his loan to Craven Cottage permanent. Most of Silva's business has been done further down the pitch, including Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno and Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha. The Dutch winger would be a step in the right direction when it comes to attacking additions with Willian and Ben Brereton-Diaz being rumoured also.



https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2022/08/22/dutch-winger-kluivert-personal-terms-fulham/