Monday Fulham Stuff - 26/08/24...

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Results

Sunday 25/08
Bournemouth	1-1	Newcastle
Wolves	2-6	Chelsea
Liverpool	2-0	Brentford

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Joachim Andersen slams 'cold' Crystal Palace after completing £30m Fulham transfer
Joachim Andersen has not held back after completing his move from Crystal Palace to Fulham.

New Fulham defender Joachim Andersen has slammed Crystal Palace over their handling of his exit. The centre-back became a key starter at Selhurst Park following his 2021 arrival from Lyon but was sold to London rivals Fulham earlier this week on a deal worth around £30million.

The Eagles previously set their asking price at £40million but wound up sealing a deal for £10million less despite also facing the possibility of losing another centre-back in Marc Guehi ahead of Friday night's deadline. The sale of Andersen was a surprising one given the Dane's importance to Oliver Glasner's starting XI, and particularly given the 28-year-old was sold to a London rival who are likely to have similar aims for this season.

Andersen returns to Fulham having had a loan spell with the Cottagers during his Lyon days, and after completing his move, he took a stab at Palace over their handling of the deal.

"I was a little disappointed that Palace could not offer me such a deal, in relation to the length," he told Tipsbladet. "It was really a cold and cynical move from Palace so they could also make the last coins from me. But that's how it is, it's business from Palace's side."

Andersen was also quizzed on whether he was making a sideways move by joining Fulham, who have invested significantly this summer. He responded: "Yes, I can easily understand that. I can understand that people may wonder a little, but there are many concerns in a switch and there are many considerations. Actually, I just think that Fulham have shown me a lot of trust. It is a big investment on their part. Of course, Palace get a great offer, which they accept.

"I am 28 years old and I had two years left, so that they could get such money, it is clear that they are thinking about it. It was of course a difficult decision, but I think I have made the right one."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/crystal-palace/joachim-andersen-slams-cold-crystal-palace-after-completing-ps30m-fulham-transfer-4755786

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Man of the Match Result: Leicester

Emile Smith Rowe's excellent weekend has continued with the Man of the Match award from Fulham versus Leicester City.

The ball carrying abilities that made him such a popular figure at Arsenal were on display in abundance at Craven Cottage, notably for the opening goal where he simply glided beyond James Justin before dinking a perfect strike inside the far post.

His link-up play and understanding with Antonee Robinson and Alex Iwobi down the left generated numerous promising moments, and bodes excitingly for what is still to come this season.

"We dominated for large parts of the game and we're happy with the three points," ESR said afterwards. "I'm delighted with my goal. Adama was running across the pitch with the ball and put me through, so I just tried to stay composed, and it was a nice goal.

"It was a bit of relief. It's been a long time [since last scoring] so I'm really happy to get my first goal in the league for Fulham.

"The boys have welcomed me so nicely, not just the players but the staff, and I can definitely feel the love from the fans as well, so it's been amazing so far."

There were strong performances across the park on Saturday, but Smith Rowe took the accolade with 29.7 per cent of the vote, edging out the imperious Saša Lukić (23.9) and relentless Antonee Robinson (15.5).

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/25/man-of-the-match-result-leicester/

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Player ratings: Fulham 2 – 1 Leicester City

In his debut piece, Mikey Sheldrake recaps the Whites' performance against Leicester City.

Fulham returned to Craven Cottage for the first time this season and would face the test of a newly-promoted Leicester City side, who were fired up on the back of an impressive draw against Tottenham in their first game. Fulham had to bounce back after a defeat at Old Trafford on opening night, and that's exactly what we did, taking our first points of the season in a convincing performance. But how did the players perform individually?

Bernd Leno
It was a fairly quiet game for our super Bernd in goal, but when called upon he was able to successfully claim crosses and command his penalty area well. He produced three saves including the denial of a goal from former Fulham man Bobby De Cordova-Reid after his strike from outside the box in the early stages. 7/10

Antonee Robinson
Robinson had the tough job of marking Leicester danger-man Fatawu throughout the game, but as we know his incredible pace and athleticism allow him to get up and aid the build up while still being able to recover to his position after we lose the ball, today was another example of this, and I thought he linked up with Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe very well on the left hand side, also getting himself an assist for the winning goal. Very good game barring one or two wasteful deliveries. 8.5/10 – Man of the match

Issa Diop
Diop had to fight for his place after the recent signing of Joachim Andersen and to be fair to him he had another solid performance at centre back. There have been many doubts around his ability to play out from the back, but his defensive game today was very good. However, I don't think it was enough to warrant him starting over Joachim Andersen at Ipswich. 7/10

Calvin Bassey
It was a very good start to the game for Bassey, using his physical strength and speed to limit Jamie Vardy, but it was a poor attempted long pass from the back that allowed Leicester to go forward and win a corner, from which he subsequently was beaten to a header by Wout Faes who scored. The rest of his game made up for this, and luckily today it wasn't costly, but after some similar passing errors against United it's certainly something that needs to be ironed out. 6.5/10

Kenny Tete
Kenny proved once again today why he deserves to be our first choice right back, he provided good support going forward and was impressive defensively, reminding me of his form throughout the 22/23 season. It's great to see him back to his best; it provides very interesting, healthy competition between himself and Castagne. 7.5/10

Sasa Lukic
I thought Sasa started the game fantastically flying in with a few lovely tackles as he attempted to fill the void left by Palhinha as we wait for Berge to be fit enough to start. It was clear that he was in a more defensive role than last season, as is necessary with Andreas partnering him in the 8. As the game went on I feel he blended in a little bit but overall another good performance from the Serbian. 7.5/10

Andreas Pereira
Another player who has been dropped into a deeper role in order to fit all the attackers in. He has received a fair bit of stick recently and I thought he started the game well, as it went on I feel some of his deliveries could have been better but it was an improvement on the United performance and it was nice to see us fit so many attacking players into the eleven, particularly when we are the stronger side and at home as we were allowed much more attacking freedom and time on the ball than we were at Old Trafford. 6/10

Emile Smith Rowe
It was a home debut to remember for our new star as he started the game off with some neat touches and passes, you could see from the get-go that he is a quality player, and he only backed that when he slotted away the opener with a composed finish over the keeper, he was seen drifting to the left to link up with Iwobi and Robinson quite often as we saw consistently over pre season. He was subbed off just after the hour mark as Marco aims to build him back up to full fitness. If he gets any better than he is now, then we can be very excited. 8/10

Alex Iwobi
Iwobi had Leicester full-back James Justin on him today, so it wasn't easy for him and the pace disparity was there to see, however with Emile drifting to the left and Robinson's outstanding overlapping to support him there was always an option for him which allowed our play down the left-hand side to be very successful. He also managed to drive well with the ball and get away from his defender for his goal, which he just about managed to squeeze past the keeper to win it. 7.5/10

Adama Traore
Adama followed up his good performance from last week into the first home game, his brute strength and speed was once again a lethal weapon, he was often found one-on-one with the Leicester full back Kristiansen performing some tricks he must have learnt from the Brazilians. He provided an impressive assist for Emile's opener and was able to get a couple of shots off himself, we could be in for a treat watching Adama this season. 8/10

Rodrigo Muniz
Rodrigo would have come into this game wanting to score, and he had some chances but it wasn't to be for him, he attempted his customary acrobatics as he blasted a bicycle kick over the bar and he came close with a header which half the hammy end seemed to think went in. His hold up was effective at times as he performed a nice flick-on in the build up for the first goal. We know he is a form player and he came very close to scoring in this outing, so we can only hope that when he gets his first the floodgates open once again. 6/10

Substitutes

Tom Cairney
The skipper came on with 20 minutes to go, and managed to help us control the game while we were ahead, he received a yellow for a tactical foul which was probably needed and won a free kick deep in our own half with not long left which successfully helped slow Leicester's attacking momentum allowing us to see the game out. 6.5/10

Harry Wilson
Harry came on to replace Traore in the same interval as Cairney, he didn't have enough time to make a huge impact but he did all he could and helped with some build up on that right hand side. 6/10

Raul Jimenez
Raul came on to replace Muniz with ten minutes to go, when we were hanging on to a 2-1 lead, he gave us more attacking intent for a few minutes but a lot of the final stages of the game saw Leicester attacking as you'd expect at 2-1, pressed the defence well. 6/10

Harrison Reed
Our special one Iniesta came on in the 86th minute, but for the few minutes he was on I thought he was able to get into the game quickly and perform well. 6/10



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-08-25-player-ratings-fulham-2-1-leicester-city/

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Positives and negatives: Fulham 2-1 Leicester City

One pound pints probably can't have a section dedicated to them but with a drizzly game to examine, Cam's pulled a few points of interest from Saturday's victory instead.

Positives

Points on the board

Obviously it kind of goes without saying that at home especially, you start as you mean to go on. Claiming a W at Craven Cottage against a side that are going to be dragged into a relegation battle pretty early on was crucial and though it wasn't as straight forward as people had envisaged, we eventually made our distinct dominance pay.

Leicester City are due to be docked 10 points for FFP breaches and that meant that for them, gaining points to soften the blow is practically life or death, even at this incredibly early stage of the season. We had to be on our guard and other than a few minor lapses, the Whites were very much large and in charge from the first minute to the last.

There wasn't really a period of the game where I thought we could let maximum points slip, even at 1-1. We're not functioning at the best of our collective ability as yet, there's still much for us to address but even so, we came out on top in suitable comfort and in a season riddled with obstacles, dodging this banana skin was essential. We couldn't have settled for anything less than a win.

These are the games where Fulham should be in the ascendency, building solid foundations at home is the bedrock for any team, no matter what division they're part of and now we've points on the board, we can appreciate how we secured them and work to be even better next time out at Portman Road and indeed when we return to the Cottage in a fortnight.

Alex and Emile Smith Rowe

Nothing to see here, just a couple Hale End products winning football matches in the splendour of SW6 for the shaggin' Whites, and I like it, I like it, I like it! Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi netted the goals that ensured Fulham's first three points of the season and as they rekindle their on-field chemistry, we are going to reap the benefits and they're going to be plentiful.

Smith Rowe has had to wait two-and-a-half-years for a Premier League goal amid injury setbacks and inactivity and in front of his new adoring public, 18 minutes into his home debut, he broke the deadlock in sublime style. Full flow, shifting from his right foot to his left, ESR glided into the penalty area and as Mads Hermansen shuffled out, our record signing lifted his strike into the target, cold and composed, and the relief that came from tucking it away was clear for all to see.

He was chuffed to bits, as we all were. Stars like Smith Rowe don't miss in those areas, not after leaving defenders for dead and I sincerely hope this is where he begins a beautiful journey back into Three Lions contention. Make no mistake, this lad is international quality and as he regains his sharpness, he is going to cause a stir for all the right reasons.

Before our second squirmed under Hermansen, I'd actually called for Iwobi to be subbed. Not because I thought he was toilet, I just presumed that he'd be first in line for an exit as we freshened things up and I am eternally glad that I'm not an accredited coach in any way, shape, or form. A chef's kiss of a through ball from Antonee Robinson – which we'll gawp over in greater detail a little later – skipped into Iwobi's stride as he spun from his marker and with 50-odd meters to leap into, Alex couldn't be caught.

With time to pick his spot, maybe almost too much of it, Iwobi pressed his effort low and while Leicester's stopper made contact, our number 17's strike had the right amount of power and intent, any more it would've hopped over the crossbar, any less it probably would've been thwarted. He and Emile are in the goals, smiles on faces, and I predict that both of their tallies will grow significantly from here on out. Game changers, them.

Sasa and Sander, who says no?

With the arrival of Sander Berge last week, Fulham's midfield department is shaping up in a very encouraging way and one player that will almost certainly partner our newest Norwegian is Sasa Lukic, another man of the moment. Without being extravagant or excessive, Lukic had the measure of his midfield opponents and with an additional spring in his step, he's proving to be a highly effective piece of the puzzle.

The Serb has had to weather the weight of expectation since his arrival in January 2023, he's had to toughen up and knuckle down and with a brief window to peddle his wares to Silva, he has been hugely convincing and I, for one, am sold. He rarely drifted, his discipline and understanding of his role enabled the Whites to gain territory and with that, Sasa was vigilant.

He dug deep to scavenge possession, he nipped in to steal loose balls and he restored order with calming passes to simple options. He isn't a firecracker of a midfielder, but Lukic is a willing competitor that is now attuned to Premier League pressures. Committed while challenging, mindful with the ball at his feet, Sasa was in control and command and for me he's no longer a fringe player, he's a definite starter.

I doubt we'll dip into the transfer market for another midfielder and if Lukic is seen to be good enough by Marco, then he will always be good enough for me. Stylistically, with what Berge will offer, he is precisely what our team needs in terms of balance and stability. If Sander goes, Sasa will sit and I think it's a partnership that'll go from strength to strength.

Fine on the flanks

We are so, so safe with Antonee Robinson and Kenny Tete manning the flanks. As he was in Manchester, Tete served up another top drawer performance along the right and on the left, with a sweet assist to his credit, Robinson was simply unstoppable. Neither Issahaku Fatawu or former fan favourite Bobby Decordova-Reid could get a look-in edgeways, they were both held under lock and key by our ever-dependable fullbacks and on the charge, the American was lively and the Dutchman was flying.

For our second of the afternoon, the Whites went from back to front in no less than ten seconds and Jedi engineered a defence-splitting breakaway and boy, was it pleasing on the eye. Treating his weaker right foot like Ronnie O'Sullivan's Masters cue, Antonee screwed the ball into uninhabited space and sent Iwobi on his way. It was gorgeous, a stroke of sheer perfection and it had the Foxes chasing their tails.

Is he actually the best left-back in the division and if that's so, England? He's a manager's dream, he blasts the touchline without relent and for the life of me, I cannot think of another player, anywhere, that I'd want in the starting line-up in his position more than Robinson. He is him.

Timothy Castagne will know he's got a serious task on his hands if he's to grab that starting spot from Kenny. Starting both of our opening games, Tete has been nothing short of sensational and praise has been fully merited. He stubbed out potential danger and he didn't bow out when he had to shield possession, he may not be the quickest across the surface but his positional awareness enabled him to cordon off corridors and shoulder to shoulder, he had BDR's number. Light work.

While we're at it, I also have to lend Adama Traore the big up he deserves, too. Naysayers said he wasn't meant for this, that he was a liability above all else and that is a great, stinking lie. He tore virtually every Leicester player a new one, he got a piece of all of them and as he rampaged in the same way a bull runs so furiously at the San Fermin Festival, those in blue toppled like human skittles. He has an assist to his name, he doesn't have attacking intelligence, apparently, and I'd like those that doubt him so openly to pick up a fork, fasten the bib and chow down on humble pie. Hold that.

Negatives

No sign of Sess, yet

We're all eager to see Ryan Sessegnon take to the turf in the Premier League for Fulham once again but for now, we'll just have to be patient. He was omitted from Silva's matchday selection at Old Trafford as he wasn't quite ready and while he returned to the bench on Saturday, we didn't get to give him the proper standing ovation we, and he, has been longing for.

We did serenade him while he was warming up in front of the Riverside, though, so I guess we did sample a little dopamine rush of sorts and I reckon he'll start against Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup, too. I doubt it's personal, Silva probably wants to be 100% certain that he's fit enough to compete and if that means he has to be spared, then I'm all for it.

On Tuesday evening, I'm sure he'll get a decent run out and then, he'll gradually warm to Premier League matters as well. Give it time, people, and trust the process. He'll be back up and running in the famous black and white before you know it and the feels are gonna hit differently. For that, we will be there.

Keep at it, Rodrigo

Not to discredit Muniz's performance, because I actually thought he went about his business excellently but many of us are slightly uneased about our striking options this season. Rodrigo fought for virtually every single ball that flew his way against two physical centre-halves in Jannik Vestergaard and Wout Faes, his knockdown in the build up to our opener was terrific but in moments where he really should be working the target, he was off the mark and I don't want him to dwell on them as I seem to be.

I'm not putting his ability on trial because we all know what he can bring to the table when he's fully focused but as this is a new season entirely where he'll have to spark that fire that saw his bang home 9 goals in the second half of the previous season, a goal simply has to come for him, fast. I am adamant they'll come, it's simply a question of when.

He was supplied on Saturday, inviting crosses were pumped into the penalty area and while he was first to most of them, he lacked conviction, if only by a few inches in one instance where his header skewed wide of the upright in the first half. The Brazilian's a striker that feeds off confidence, he's not a striker that can pop up every so often with single goal here and there, he's an attacker that makes the most of purple patches and once he finds the back of the net, a flurry will follow and his efforts will have reward.

I suppose it's premature to raise these concerns, we're only two games into the campaign but I don't want the next few weeks to pass him by, I want him to reintroduce himself to the Premier League with that samba style that saw him become one of Europe's hottest number nines between February and April. I am looking at this constructively, he's got that dog in him somewhere and I am backing him to make a telling impact very soon indeed.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-08-25-positives-and-negatives-fulham-2-1-leicester-city/

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Manchester City 4-1 Ipswich Town: Sammie Szmodics reaction
Ipswich Town goalscorer Sammie Szmodics insists nothing has shocked the Blues about the step up to the Premier League.

 Town lost back-to-back league games for the first time under Kieran McKenna yesterday, falling 4-1 at four-time defending champions Manchester City after opening the season with a battling 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool.

For Szmodics, it was a day of mixed emotions - he bagged his first Premier League goal on his first Town start just seven minutes in, before City roared back to take a 3-1 lead in a matter of minutes.

 "It's mixed emotions," the £9m signing from Blackburn admitted to Town TV. "Amazing for me – first Premier League start and goal, and I think first half we probably deserved a little bit more, the way we played.

"It's just individual mistakes and errors that we need to learn from at this level.

"The mistakes are going to get punished at this level – and we've got to learn quick."

Of his goal, he added: "We worked on it in the week. We knew City, like Liverpool, play a high line and it was all about timing our runs, because I think against Liverpool we got caught offside four or five times.

"So (Lee) Granty has been working in the week, and the gaffer's been working with us about making your run as late as you can, and as soon as the ball fell to Ben (Johnson) I knew he would just play it through.

 "I timed my run well, got a bit lucky with the finish but it went through Ederson and it was a proud moment for me.

"I think it's just about managing the game after that."

 City wasted no time getting back on level terms after Town's shock opener and then went ahead to stay, scoring three times in short order.

"I think defensively the shape was good, the communication was good and we tried to frustrate a top, top team," Szmodics insisted.

"And it's just individual mistakes, which we will learn from. We've been punished at this level and you'd rather make them (mistakes) in the second game of the season.

"But nothing's shocked us in the first two games. We're truly good enough and fit enough to be where we're at, in this Premier League, and the lads will dust themselves off, recover and look forward to getting back to Portman Road."

After those three quickfire goals, the Blues kept City out until Erling Haaland's late long range effort which completed his hat-trick.

"It was skip (Sam Morsy) and Leif (Davis) pulling us all together and saying 'right, let's get some composure,'"  Szmodics explained.

"I think we leaked three goals in four minutes, and that's not us at all.

"You get punished at this level with people like Haaland on the pitch, and we were five or six minutes off drawing the second half 0-0.

"I think we've got to look at these little positives. Haaland scored from 25 yards, this what we're up against, but we've played two of the best teams in the league and we've got to learn quickly."

 Of the second half, Szmodics added: "I think we did ourselves proud with the way we did play.

"We frustrated a top, top team and on another day we want to press forward more and nick the ball and get on the counter attack.

"But the manager mentioned it in there, we were five minutes off drawing the second half and we've got to take these positives as much as we can.

"Nothing's shocked us at all in the last two games and we're a good enough team to be in this league."

 After a baptism of fire in their first two Premier League games, it's back to Suffolk next Saturday - via a Carabao Cup clash at AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday - to host Fulham, as the season really begins in earnest.

And Szmodics stressed: "We take the positives out of today, we've got a cup game where we can get minutes in again and we look forward to a good backing at Portman Road against Fulham, where we can, I think, play with a bit more bravery and a bit more courage.

"But I think with the defensive shape that we showed out there today we'll be fine and we can really compete."

If Town are to defy the odds and stay up this season, their army of fans will be crucial - something Szmodics also recognised.

"The fans are amazing," he said. "They travel in numbers and they had three tiers today,  which is an unbelievable following and you could hear them throughout.

"We need it, it's like a 12th man – and especially the last five or ten minutes when we are in the lead, we need them backing us.

"And I thought today, throughout, they were fantastic."



https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/24540908.manchester-city-4-1-ipswich-town-sammie-szmodics-reaction/

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"Do I square it" – Fulham's Alex Iwobi reflects on match-winning goal against Leicester City
Alex Iwobi expressed his delight with a solid team effort as Fulham secured their first Premier League victory of the season, overcoming newly-promoted Leicester City at Craven Cottage, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian international was instrumental in the win, netting the decisive goal in the 70th minute after sprinting past Harry Winks and firing a low shot past Leicester's goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

Iwobi's contributions since joining Fulham have been outstanding, demonstrating that the club made a shrewd move by signing him.

His resurgence under manager Marco Silva is evident, with Iwobi having been involved in nine goals across 35 appearances in all competitions.

Reflecting on the match, Iwobi shared his determination to secure all three points after Fulham's near-miss against Manchester United in their season opener.

    Speaking to FFCTV, he stated, "We were proud of our performance against United but we didn't get the result we wanted, so it was only right we get our first three points at home and there's no better feeling. The main message was to start on the front foot and I believe that we did, especially the first thirty minutes, we were dominating the game in my opinion.

    "We were disappointed to concede the goal in the way that we did because set pieces are something we work on a lot, but the main thing was get the three points – to stay resilient and strong in the end. The manager said at halftime to keep playing the way we started the game, keep applying the pressure the way we did and that's why we were able to get the second goal."

Iwobi revealed that his winning goal had its genesis on the Motspur Park training pitches.

    "It's something we've worked on in training and when the right back pushed on to press Jedi, he had play it first time and I just had to stay onside. Luckily for me, there was no one in way until the goal, so I was able to go towards the goal and remain composed. I had a lot of time – it felt like I was running for ages, I was thinking, 'Do I square it?' but I just thought, 'I'm in front of goal, I might as well go with my weak foot' and luckily for me, it went in.

    "It was important that we were able to see the game out. We know what Leicester are like; they have a lot of threat going forward. We made some changes that brought new dynamics to the game but were able to close the game out and get the three points ahead of a busy week."

Fulham and Iwobi will want to make it back-to-back victories when they trade tackles with Birmingham City in the League Cup on August 27.



https://soccernet.ng/2024/08/do-i-square-it-fulhams-alex-iwobi-reflects-on-match-winning-goal-against-leicester-city.html

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Preview: Birmingham City vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups
Bidding to at least replicate last year's memorable run to the EFL Cup semi-finals, Fulham's latest knockout adventure begins with a second-round trip to Birmingham City on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, their League One hosts have already had to navigate their way past Charlton Athletic to set up a tie with Premier League opposition, as both endeavour to build on weekend wins.

Match preview
Two goals that were made in Arsenal's Hale End academy, Fulham got off the Premier League mark for 2024-25 at the second time of asking on a wet and windy Saturday afternoon, where they survived a brief scare to send Leicester City packing.

After succumbing to a narrow loss to Manchester United in the season's inaugural match, Emile Smith Rowe's account-opener and Alex Iwobi's second either side of a Wout Faes header ensured that Fulham posted the points that their overall dominance warranted.

Sinking Steve Cooper's side saw Fulham snap a dismal five-game winless sequence in Premier League football, a chain of results that prevented them from escaping the obscurity of mid-table last season, although they could pat themselves on the back as far as the EFL Cup was concerned.

Indeed, Fulham - who are still searching for their maiden major honour excluding Championship and League One titles - progressed to the League Cup semis for the very first time in 2023-24 and put in a good shift over the 180 minutes against Liverpool, only to fall to a 3-2 aggregate loss.

As well as a potential assault on the European places in the Premier League, an inaugural piece of silverware is long overdue at Craven Cottage, but Birmingham already know what it takes to conquer the EFL Cup.

No fewer than 13 years have passed since Laurent Koscielny and Wojciech Szczesny's mix-up in the 2011 League Cup final, where Obafemi Martins pounced before whipping out his trademark acrobatic celebration as Birmingham pulled off a mighty Arsenal upset.

Two-time winners of the EFL Cup - also defeating local foes Aston Villa in a two-legged final in 1963 - Birmingham's more recent history in the competition has been much more modest; they have not been past the second round since coincidentally losing to Villa in the 2015-16 third round.

However, with former Tottenham Hotspur coach Chris Davies at the helm, the hosts have kicked off their quest for immediate promotion in near-faultless fashion, taking seven points from a possible nine against Reading, Wycombe Wanderers and Leyton Orient in League One.

Blues also overcame fellow third-tier side Charlton in the first round of the EFL Cup, but not without a couple of huge scares, having seen Ryan Allsop save a Tyreece Campbell penalty before Dion Sanderson's late red card for two bookable offences.

Nevertheless, Davies's 10 men dug deep at The Valley to earn a second-round date with Fulham, whom they have not squared up to since a chastening 6-2 Championship defeat in January 2022, which marked the Cottagers' fifth straight triumph in this fixture.

Birmingham City EFL Cup form:

    W

Birmingham City form (all competitions):

    D    W    W    W

Fulham form (all competitions):

    L    W

Team News
All of Fulham's troops came through Saturday's victory over Leicester unscathed, although new signing Sander Berge was not considered for his debut soon after his arrival from Burnley, and nor was defensive returnee Joachim Andersen.

Marco Silva confirmed that neither was ready for Premier League action in gameweek two, meaning that starts on Tuesday can also be considered unlikely, but the Cottagers have plentiful options for change anyway.

Goalkeeper Bernd Leno could enjoy a break as Steven Benda gets a run-out in goal, but Jay Stansfield - who scored 12 Championship goals for Birmingham on loan last season - will likely lose out to Raul Jimenez for an attacking start.

After Stansfield's successful spell last season, Birmingham have signed another Fulham man on a temporary basis in the shape of playmaker Luke Harris, although the 19-year-old is ineligible for the second round, as is Bristol City-owned Taylor Gardner-Hickman.

Sanderson has now served his red-card suspension, but the centre-back was missing from the win over Leyton Orient at the weekend due to an unspecified injury, which will sideline him for a few weeks.

With Sanderson out of contention, Christoph Klarer and Krystian Bielik paired up at the weekend and should also be tasked with keeping the Fulham attack quiet on Tuesday, where Lukas Jutkiewicz may return to lead the line.


Birmingham City possible starting lineup:
Allsop; Laird, Bielik, Klarer, Cochane; Leonard, Paik; Anderson, Willumsson, Hansson; Jutkiewicz

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Benda; Castagne, Cuenca, Bassey, Sessegnon; Reed, Cairney; Traore, Pereira, Iwobi; Jimenez

We say: Birmingham City 0-2 Fulham
Even though Birmingham have quickly developed a winning formula under Davies, they well and truly rode their luck against Charlton in round one and will face a serious step-up in quality here.

Blues should not be blown to smithereens by any stretch, but a place in the third-round draw surely belongs to the Cottagers.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/birmingham-city/league-cup/preview/preview-birmingham-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_551217.html

[WhiteJC]

Spurs put five past Fulham U18s
Tottenham Hotspur put five past an inexperienced Fulham under 18s outfit at Motspur Park this afternoon.

The visitors, who beat Crystal Palace 6-4 on the opening weekend, went ahead in the tenth minute when centre forward Ellis Lehane lifted a confident finish over the advancing Marco Underwood after latching onto Luca Williams-Barnett's through ball. Fulham levelled midway through the first period as Seth Ridgeon set up Basmil Lubega who finished a length-of-the-pitch move with a fine finish into the bottom corner, but Spurs stormed well clear as they dominated the second half.

Six minutes after the interval, Calum Logan picked up a poor pass out from the back and found Williams-Barnett, who threaded through Ronny Moncur and fired home from twelve yards out. Spurs extended their advantage just two minutes later when Lehane's lovely flick fell perfectly for Williams-Barnett, who improvised an authoritative first-time finish as he lost his balance in the area.

Herbie James rounded off an excellent display with a well-taken goal twenty minutes from time as he followed up after Underwood had palmed a dangerous cross from the impressive Moncur. The away side completed the rout seven minutes from time when Tynan Thompson punished another poor pass by crossing from the left flank for George Feeney to turn home.

FULHAM UNDER 18s (4-3-3): Underwood; White (Picotto 77), Morrison (Faux 77), Walters, Cooke; Quashie, Ridgeon, Lubega; Zepa, Ali Wahid, Wingate (Platel 80). Subs (not used): Varney, Khan.

BOOKED: Ridgeon, Wingate.

GOAL: Lubega (22).

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR UNDER 18s (4-2-3-1): Archer; Adewole, Logan (Orr 84), Egan-Riley (Byrne 73), Byfield; Beggs, Feeney; Moncur (Elliot-Parris 79), James (Thompson 79); Williams-Barnett; Lehane. Subs (not used): Warren.

BOOKED: Williams-Barnett, James, Logan, Lehan.

GOALS: Lehane (11), Moncur (52), Williams-Barnett (54), James (70), Feeney (84).

REFEREE: Ralph Frostick.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/spurs-put-five-past-fulham-u18s/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham U21s thrash Reading
Fulham's under 21s made a superb start to their Premier League 2 campaign by thrashing Reading 5-1 at Bearwood Park this afternoon.

Kristian Sekularac put the Whites ahead when he converted a ball from Ollie Gofford and the Swiss youth international then finished off an outstanding fourteen-pass move by finding the far corner with a lovely finish from the edge of the area after converting a cross from Josh King.

Callum Osmand followed up his fine goal at Shrewsbury Town in the Football League Trophy in midweek with a brace before half-time to put Hayden Mullins' men in complete control. Louie Holzman pulled a goal back for the Royals six minutes after the break before Sekularac spurned a great opportunity to bring up a hat-trick from the penalty spot just before the hour.

Winger Terrell Works did finish off the scoring with a fifth deep into stoppage time having by set up by substitute Chibby Nwoko.

READING UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): Norcott; Beacroft, Source (Omoregie 65), Stickland, Holzman; Spencer (Trialist 65), Spencer-Ngoyi; Barough, Osho, Sackey (Trialist 81). Subs (not used): Rhone, Trialist.

BOOKED: Holzman, Beacroft.

GOAL: Holzman (51).

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): McNally; Gofford, Esenga (Tabares 68), Amissah, Nsasi; Donnell, King (Loupalo-Bi 68); Works, Gordon (Nwoko 68), Sekularac; Osmand (McFarlane 88). Subs (not used): Allen.

BOOKED: Donnell.

GOALS: Sekularac (10, 16), Osmand (30, 45+1), Works (90+4).

REFEREE: Sam Mulhall.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/fulham-u21s-thrash-reading/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Women put seven past Millwall
Fulham Women made it two wins from two in the London and South East Regional Premier Division with a 7-0 demolition of Millwall Lionesses at Motspur Park this afternoon.

The Whites needed just six minutes to take the lead when Sophie Manzi turned home a cross from Ellie Olds. The influential Olds, a constant threat on the opening weekend of the season, went close herself midway through the first half before Madi Parsonson's corner was headed goalwards by the razor sharp Manzi only for the striker to be denied by an excellent save from the Millwall goalkeeper.

Megalie Mendes and Lily Stevens went close from free-kicks that well handled by the visiting custodian – as Fulham's slender lead at the interval barely reflected their dominance, with Olds shooting over from a good position just before the half time whistle. It was a similar story immediately after the interval with Manzi missing the target with the first opportunity but Ella Tagliavini doubled Fulham's lead with a low drive just before the hour mark.

Amber Webber made a solid stop from a rare Millwall break to preserve Fulham's clean sheet before the Whites put clear water between the sides with Manzi converting a pinpoint cross from Parsonson to score her second of the afternoon. Parsonson then took centre stage with a piledriver making it four just a minute later and the wing-back finished emphatically when she found space in the box two minutes later as Fulham's greater fitness began to tell.

The lively Georgia Heasman fired in the fifth after holding off a Millwall defender and Belle Taylor-Makepeace completed the rout in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

The Whites, who sit top of the table on goal difference, will look to extend their 100% record when they welcome Newhaven to Motspur Park next Sunday afternoon.

FULHAM FC WOMEN: Webber; Tagliavini, Gane, Dale, Beaver; Mendes, Parsonson, Stevens, Barron-Clarke, Manzi, Olds. Subs: Gibbs, Stormer, Taylor-Makepeace, Adamson, Heasman.

GOALS: Manzi (6, 65), Tagliavini (57), Parsonson (66, 68), Heasman (76), Taylor-Makepeace (90+6).

REFEREE: Mourad Bougoizi.

ATTENDANCE: 121.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/fulham-women-put-seven-past-millwall/

[WhiteJC]

Super-chilled Hibs goal hero chasing red-hot scoring streak - all part of the plan for Bowie
'I don't feel pressure' insists star striker with burning ambition

As cool as the other side of the pillow but cutting through defenders like a hot knife through the least substantial low calorie spread, Kieron Bowie certainly brings an extra dimension to this Hibs team. After opening his scoring account against Dundee on Sunday, his next goal is, well, more goals. Helped by nailing down a starting spot in David Gray's first-choice XI.

Still working his way back from a pre-season injury with another half-hour cameo in the 2-2 draw at Easter Road, Bowie was entitled to think that his goal with less than 20 minutes remaining had secured three points for the home side. Simon Murray, of course, had other ideas.

Yet this most mature of 21-year-olds, already a dad to twin girls and benefiting from the foresight of buying a home in Scotland in order to make family life easier, isn't about to start whining or whinging about being denied his match-winning moment. He's far too chilled for that.

Asked if he feels under any pressure to perform after Hibs paid around £600,000 for his services AND handed him a four-year contract, the Scotland Under-21 striker insisted: "Nah. Honestly, I don't really feel pressure. Seriously. I'm just coming in and playing my usual game, hoping to make an impact.

"That's what I've come here to do. That's what I am to do.

"I think every striker wants a goal. It builds confidence to do certain things you maybe wouldn't do if you've not had a goal in a while.

"So a goal so early is really great, coming off the bench. It's good to get it out of the way and have no added pressure on me, personally.

"When you score, the emotion, honestly there's nothing better than putting the ball in the back of the net. That's my first. And hopefully there will be many more this season."

Being held back to reduce the risk of injury is a difficult sort of limbo for any otherwise fit player to endure, Bowie admitting: "I mean, when I found out I wasn't starting on Friday, I was thinking: 'Oh, I really wish I was playing.'

"But at the same time, you have to take a step back. I thought I would get a chance to come on – and I believed I could make an impact.

"Obviously I was injured and I've played the last three games, half an hour each game. We're almost there.

"I don't want to rush into it and do too much, then have the injury reoccur and I'm not right. We know we can't push it too soon. That is always difficult.

"Next weekend? I mean, I hope so. Everyone hopes to start every week. But who knows what the manager is thinking? He will have his own ideas on selection, obviously."

Insisting he had settled at Hibs quickly, Bowie explained: "I already had a house back up here, so I've just moved in there. It's been sort of flawless.

"I've not really had to settle at all. Folk at the club were saying that, with other players, foreign players, they had to show them around areas to live, show them new places. I just moved in and came straight into training!

"It was always part of the plan. I had it here because my partner, who is from here, and my little girls could come home. Or I could come home in the summer, have a place to go and stay.

"I always had that. So it worked out really well. Even though I'm really young, I have a good plan.

"And it definitely makes life easier, having no doubt in my mind that the family are happiest up here. If you have a happy life, you will be happy on the pitch. No doubt about it."

With head coach David Gray having added Bowie, Mykola Kuharevich, Junior Hoilett – still to play due to injury – and Nicky Cadden over recent weeks, creating and scoring goals shouldn't be an issue, the Fifer saying: "If you look around the changing room, there is definitely the ability there to do much better than we have been doing. That's the frustrating thing, that we've not been doing as well as we should. That will come in time.

"It takes time for everyone to gel together. As a team, we haven't really played together for that long. So I think it will come.

"One hundred per cent, the gaffer can get the best out of us. We've shown it some flashes, haven't we?

"But we've conceded too many goals at the other end. And that's something we ALL have to work on.

"That can be the strikers pressing, the midfielders getting up, defenders defending. It's a collective. And it's never one person's fault, it's the whole squad who take responsibility.

"I think three points will do us the world of good, when we get that win. That's what we're trying to achieve every week, isn't it?

"The two games against Celtic, they're tough to assess. Because going to Celtic Park, even them coming here, they're going to be really difficult games.

"I wasn't here for the St Mirren game. But there isn't really any pressure – we look to get the three points next week."

Explaining that his move for the goal, with its similarities to a near miss against Celtic, hadn't been something pre-planned, Bowie said: "It's just sort of off the cuff, isn't it? The ball comes to me in a game, I do what comes to me naturally. It's not something I work on, to be honest.

"I think when you score to make it 2-1 so late in the game, yeah, you maybe think it's the winner. But to concede a goal so late is not really good enough. Everyone knows that, anyway.

"There are still a lot of positives to build on from the game. But there are obvious negatives, as well.

"Yeah, obviously there's anger. But it's mainly disappointment, I think. There's not much you can say. It's self-inflicted, isn't it, really?

"That's what has happened in the last few games. We have to improve in that area."



https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/super-chilled-hibs-goal-hero-chasing-red-hot-scoring-streak-all-part-of-the-plan-for-bowie-4755707

[WhiteJC]

Silva salutes Robinson's resilience
Marco Silva has praised Fulham full back Antonee Robinson's resilience after revealing that the defender has overcome two summer surgeries to shine for the Whites at the start of this season.

Robinson made the winner in Saturday's win over Leicester City and Silva revealed after the final whistle at Craven Cottage that left back has been under the knife for groin and wrist complaints during the summer – when he also competed for the United States at the Copa America.

Silva told the Athletic's Peter Rutzler:

"Last season he was one of the best players of the season. You know, he never stops. He went to the Copa America after a long and a tough season and then had two small surgeries. He came directly to London to have a small surgery on his wrist, and then something on his groin. Afterwards, he was able to start the Premier League after two or three weeks.

The way he started last week, he's a great great athlete. He's a crucial crucial player for us. If he keeps improving then it will be another big season ahead for him. A great assist, great decision to do it first time for Iwobi. He has to really like his performance."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/silva-salutes-robinsons-resilience/

[WhiteJC]

Alex Iwobi backs 'very intelligent' Emile Smith Rowe to help Fulham push for a top-half finish this season - after former Arsenal duo led Cottagers to victory against Leicester

    Fulham beat Leicester 2-1 at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Saturday
    Ex-Arsenal duo Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi scored the goals for Fulham

Fulham forward Alex Iwobi is backing Emile Smith Rowe to help the club push for a top-half finish this season.

Smith Rowe, a club-record £34million signing from Arsenal, opened the scoring with his first Premier League goal in more than two years, before Iwobi netted a second-half winner.

Iwobi played with Smith Rowe at Arsenal and believes he can reach his full potential at Fulham after a frustrating spell with injuries.

'In pre-season he got two goals and he's just getting sharper by the day in training,' said Iwobi.

'I've seen his qualities over the years.

'He's such an attacking threat, very intelligent on and off the ball, and he's the sort of player we need, especially as we're trying to be a bit more dynamic.'

Fulham finished 13th last season having been 10th the campaign before that, and Iwobi says Smith Rowe can help Marco Silva's side get back to challenging for the top half.

'I feel like we've got at least two players per position now,' he said. 'It's healthy competition. We want to achieve and go into the top 10.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13778917/Alex-Iwobi-backs-intelligent-Emile-Smith-Rowe-help-Fulham-push-half-finish-season.html

[WhiteJC]

Iwobi targets top ten
Alex Iwobi feels Fulham have the squad to finish in the Premier League's top ten – and believes summer signing Emile Smith Rowe can help the Whites get there.

The two former Arsenal academy graduates scored the goals as Marco Silva's side earned their first win of the new season by beating newly-promoted Leicester City at Craven Cottage yesterday and the Nigerian international says Fulham's record signing is getting sharper with every training session after an injury-hit end to his Gunners career.

Iwobi told the Daily Mail:

"In pre-season he got two goals and he's just getting sharper by the day in training. I've seen his qualities over the years. He's such an attacking threat, very intelligent on and off the ball, and he's the sort of player we need, especially as we're trying to be a bit more dynamic.

I feel like we've got at least two players per position now. It's healthy competition. We want to achieve and go into the top ten."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/iwobi-targets-top-ten/

[Fulham 442]

Joachim Andersen slams 'cold' Crystal Palace after completing £30m Fulham transfer
Joachim Andersen has not held back after completing his move from Crystal Palace to Fulham.

New Fulham defender Joachim Andersen has slammed Crystal Palace over their handling of his exit. The centre-back became a key starter at Selhurst Park following his 2021 arrival from Lyon but was sold to London rivals Fulham earlier this week on a deal worth around £30million.

The Eagles previously set their asking price at £40million but wound up sealing a deal for £10million less despite also facing the possibility of losing another centre-back in Marc Guehi ahead of Friday night's deadline. The sale of Andersen was a surprising one given the Dane's importance to Oliver Glasner's starting XI, and particularly given the 28-year-old was sold to a London rival who are likely to have similar aims for this season.

Andersen returns to Fulham having had a loan spell with the Cottagers during his Lyon days, and after completing his move, he took a stab at Palace over their handling of the deal.

"I was a little disappointed that Palace could not offer me such a deal, in relation to the length," he told Tipsbladet. "It was really a cold and cynical move from Palace so they could also make the last coins from me. But that's how it is, it's business from Palace's side."

Andersen was also quizzed on whether he was making a sideways move by joining Fulham, who have invested significantly this summer. He responded: "Yes, I can easily understand that. I can understand that people may wonder a little, but there are many concerns in a switch and there are many considerations. Actually, I just think that Fulham have shown me a lot of trust. It is a big investment on their part. Of course, Palace get a great offer, which they accept.

"I am 28 years old and I had two years left, so that they could get such money, it is clear that they are thinking about it. It was of course a difficult decision, but I think I have made the right one."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/crystal-palace/joachim-andersen-slams-cold-crystal-palace-after-completing-ps30m-fulham-transfer-4755786

He had two years left on his contract and we offered him five plus a years extension and probably improved terms but he wanted Palace to offer him the same or similar, which they clearly weren't interested in doing, and preferred to cash in.  It sounds to me as though he's feeling a bit bitter and disappointed at being sold tbh!

[gang]

Iwobi targets top ten
Alex Iwobi feels Fulham have the squad to finish in the Premier League's top ten – and believes summer signing Emile Smith Rowe can help the Whites get there.

The two former Arsenal academy graduates scored the goals as Marco Silva's side earned their first win of the new season by beating newly-promoted Leicester City at Craven Cottage yesterday and the Nigerian international says Fulham's record signing is getting sharper with every training session after an injury-hit end to his Gunners career.

Iwobi told the Daily Mail:

"In pre-season he got two goals and he's just getting sharper by the day in training. I've seen his qualities over the years. He's such an attacking threat, very intelligent on and off the ball, and he's the sort of player we need, especially as we're trying to be a bit more dynamic.

I feel like we've got at least two players per position now. It's healthy competition. We want to achieve and go into the top ten."


No Alex we haven't got 2 good strikers.


https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/iwobi-targets-top-ten/

[alfie]

Joachim Andersen slams 'cold' Crystal Palace after completing £30m Fulham transfer
Joachim Andersen has not held back after completing his move from Crystal Palace to Fulham.

New Fulham defender Joachim Andersen has slammed Crystal Palace over their handling of his exit. The centre-back became a key starter at Selhurst Park following his 2021 arrival from Lyon but was sold to London rivals Fulham earlier this week on a deal worth around £30million.

The Eagles previously set their asking price at £40million but wound up sealing a deal for £10million less despite also facing the possibility of losing another centre-back in Marc Guehi ahead of Friday night's deadline. The sale of Andersen was a surprising one given the Dane's importance to Oliver Glasner's starting XI, and particularly given the 28-year-old was sold to a London rival who are likely to have similar aims for this season.

Andersen returns to Fulham having had a loan spell with the Cottagers during his Lyon days, and after completing his move, he took a stab at Palace over their handling of the deal.

"I was a little disappointed that Palace could not offer me such a deal, in relation to the length," he told Tipsbladet. "It was really a cold and cynical move from Palace so they could also make the last coins from me. But that's how it is, it's business from Palace's side."

Andersen was also quizzed on whether he was making a sideways move by joining Fulham, who have invested significantly this summer. He responded: "Yes, I can easily understand that. I can understand that people may wonder a little, but there are many concerns in a switch and there are many considerations. Actually, I just think that Fulham have shown me a lot of trust. It is a big investment on their part. Of course, Palace get a great offer, which they accept.

"I am 28 years old and I had two years left, so that they could get such money, it is clear that they are thinking about it. It was of course a difficult decision, but I think I have made the right one."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/crystal-palace/joachim-andersen-slams-cold-crystal-palace-after-completing-ps30m-fulham-transfer-4755786

He had two years left on his contract and we offered him five plus a years extension and probably improved terms but he wanted Palace to offer him the same or similar, which they clearly weren't interested in doing, and preferred to cash in.  It sounds to me as though he's feeling a bit bitter and disappointed at being sold tbh!

Sounds to me that he would rather have stayed there.