Sunday Fulham Stuff - 11/01/26...

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FA Cup Result

Saturday 10/01
Fulham	3-1	Middlesbourgh
Wilsom ESR Kevin

CAF Africa Cup of Nations (quarter finals)

Saturday 10/01
Algeria	0-2	Nigeria

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Fulham 3-1 Middlesborough

At a glance

    Hayden Hackney gives Middlesbrough lead in FA Cup third round

    Hosts Fulham level through substitute Harry Wilson

    Goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Kevin complete comeback

Second-half goals from Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe and Kevin helped Fulham come from behind to defeat Middlesbrough in the FA Cup third round.

Boro, second in the Championship, opened the scoring through Hayden Hackney but the Cottagers turned to their strong bench in the second half.

The visitors went 1-0 up at Craven Cottage on the half-hour mark after fantastic work from Sam Silvera, who exchanged a one-two with Aidan Morris in the box and nutmegged both Ryan Sessegnon and Jorge Cuenca to square the ball for Hackney.

The Boro defence were rarely troubled until the final five minutes of the first half, but Luke Ayling had to clear off the line after Spanish centre-back Cuenca's first-time shot from a Harrison Reed corner in the 42nd minute.

Fulham, however, failed to sustain their late first-half flourish after the break, opting for a triple change after 11 minutes of the second half as regulars Wilson, Raul Jimenez and Tom Cairney were introduced.

And it produced an instant impact as Wilson's delightful curling shot from the edge of the box - less than four minutes after coming on - levelled the tie.

Tommy Conway almost restored Boro's lead two minutes later but was denied by the crossbar - and it was the Premier League side who struck next.

Cairney passed into the feet of Smith Rowe, who was afforded space inside the box and capitalised to bury past Boro goalkeeper Sol Brynn.

There was still time for Kevin to score his first goal for Fulham as the Brazilian winger connected with Wilson's cross from close range to send his side into the fourth round for the seventh season running.

Fulham analysis: Wilson shines to save Silva's blushes
This time last year Morgan Whittaker orchestrated an FA Cup upset with a fantastic late winner in the third round for Plymouth Argyle against Brentford.

Now in Middlesbrough colours, he came into the fixture having scored 10 goals in his past 17 games for the side pushing for promotion to the Premier League.

There was no upset here but Whittaker and Boro made it a nervy watch for Fulham manager Marco Silva, watching from the stands at Craven Cottage.

The Portuguese, serving a touchline ban for a third yellow card in the 2-1 win against Chelsea, made seven changes - which contributed to his side failing to click in attack in the first half.

Fulham goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte was called into action inside four minutes to deny Conway, while the hosts struggled to carve out many openings at the other end.

But it all changed in the second half when in-form Wilson came off the bench.

The Wales winger has seven goals in the Premier League this season and did not waste any time adding a cup goal to his tally - with his left foot proving dangerous again.

Wilson was involved in all three Fulham goals, finding Cairney for Smith Rowe's second and providing the assist for Kevin to seal the result - after Whittaker had gone agonisingly close to levelling the tie for the visitors.

Silva has now managed in eight FA Cup third-round ties and gone through every time - with Wilson to thank for his latest victory.

What's next for these teams?
ulham return to Premier League action with a trip to Leeds United on Saturday, 17 January (15:00 GMT), while Middlesbrough are at West Brom in the Championship on Friday, 16 January (20:00).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c0417yg2k39t

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Post-Middlesbrough Press Conference
Marco Silva was pleased with Fulham's response as the Whites booked their place in the Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup with a 3-1 comeback victory over Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage.

After falling behind in the first half, goals from Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe and Kevin turned the tie around after the break, as Silva's side showed their quality to overcome a stubborn Championship opponent.

Reflecting on the performance, our boss acknowledged that Fulham were below their usual standards early on, but praised the reaction after half-time.

"First-half, we didn't play at our best level, definitely. It was slow. Off the ball, we were too open in some moments, not compact and narrow enough. On the ball, we did not have the normal dynamic that we have to be able to create much more chances. I told the players at half-time what we should have done differently. Of course, we changed for the second-half and we won the game and I think we deserved it."

With Wilson introduced alongside Raúl Jiménez and Tom Cairney early in the second-half, Marco highlighted the impact of his substitutions.

"The changes made a big impact. Players that are playing with top confidence like Raúl, like Harry Wilson, Tom Cairney. The energy from Antonee Robinson helped the team. It's very difficult. Today's the fourth game in ten days we have played. Some of the guys like Emile Smith Rowe, for example, I knew that that the dynamic is not going to be the same. He made a massive effort to be there and to be decisive again.

"It's always tricky to go from Chelsea and Liverpool to play against a very good side from the Championship. Part of our preparation was in that direction - to not underestimate them, to not allow them to think it's guaranteed for us to be in the next round, because I know how this competition is if you're not at your best level.

"In the second-half we were, and of course when we are at our best level, our collective quality and individual quality got us on top and because of that, we won."

There was also special praise for Kevin, who capped the comeback with his first goal in English football.

"He was looking for it. The way his teammates celebrated with him, the fans, it was very important for him. If you are an offensive player, you need these type of moments, to be decisive with assists or goals. Before in some games, he had good chances but didn't score. Last game against Chelsea, he had a very good moment as well - he didn't score. Even this game, before the goal he had a great shot when he cut in and unfortunately for him it didn't go in.

"It's important. What an assist from Harry Wilson, what a brilliant moment again. I hope that can help him to be confident in those last moments because we need him in the best confidence. The talent is there, it's just for us to keep trusting in the process with him to develop him."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/10/post-middlesbrough-press-conference/

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Bayern Munich's Jonah Kusi-Asare to remain with Fulham for duration of loan stint
Kerry Hau reports that Bayern Munich attacker Jonah Kusi-Asare will be remaining with Fulham FC for the duration of his loan stint. Some recent rumor mill chatter suggested that the 18-year-old would be recalled from his loan stint early. The Sky Germany journalist nevertheless claims that Kusi-Asare's Premier League outfit finds itself pleased with some of his recent training performances.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva reportedly plans to give Kusi-Asare more playing time during the second half of the current campaign. The Sweden U21 international logged only 28 minutes of action during the first half of his loan spell. Bayern, meanwhile, possess other young players that they'd like to audition during the second half of the Bundesliga season.

Which new youngsters are Bayern Munich planning to audition?
Kicker Magazine correspondent Mario Krischel spent some time with the German record champions at their recent January mini-camp in Austria. Krischel reports that midfielders with some attacking prowess Felipe Chavez (18) and Guido Dello Rovere (18) made solid impressions. A-Jugend left-backs Deniz Ofli (18) and Maycon Douglas Cardozo (17) may make first team appearances soon.

After recently making his Bundesliga debut just prior to the winter break, Cassiano Kiala (16) finds himself poised to make the jump from the Bayern Campus. Defensive midfielder David Santos (18) demonstrates remarkable composure when moving both forward and backward with the ball. Like Kiala, Santos might earn a spot in FCB head coach Vincent Kompany's match-day selection.



https://www.getfootballnewsgermany.com/2026/jonah-kusi-asare-fulham/

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Inter Milan eyeing January move for Calvin Bassey
Inter Milan will reportedly look to sign 26-year-old Nigerian international Calvin Bassey from Fulham in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Calvin Bassey is the subject of interest from Inter Milan. The Serie A giants are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window. So, the 26-year-old Fulham defender has emerged as a target for the Nerazzurri.

Apart from Inter Milan, "other unnamed Serie A clubs are also believed to be tracking Bassey's situation" ahead of a possible January move. However, with Fulham in contention to secure European qualification, the Cottagers "have no desire to sanction a mid-season departure" due to the Italy-born defender's importance to Marco Silva's team.

How has Calvin Bassey fared for Fulham?
Calvin Bassey has established himself as one of the most dependable defenders in the Premier League since joining Fulham from Rangers in a deal worth £19 million in July 2023. Born in Aosta, the 26-year-old spent his formative years in England, passing through the academies at CM Futsal Academy and CrownPro Elite Football Academy before graduating from the youth division at Leicester City.

However, the 41-cap Nigerian international rose in prominence during his spell in Scotland before becoming a mainstay at the back for Fulham. Bassey has made nearly 100 appearances for Fulham thus far while chipping in with four goals. Meanwhile, his progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Inter Milan.

Serie A move on the horizon?
Inter Milan's interest in Calvin Bassey is understandable. The Serie A giants have been scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the winter transfer window. While Cristian Chivu has several top-class centre-backs in his squad, he must plan for life after Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi.

Both centre-backs are on the wrong side of 30 and in the twilight of their careers. Additionally, Acerbi's long-term future at Inter Milan is uncertain. Several candidates, including Nathan Ake, have thus emerged on the Serie A club's wishlist, with Bassey also a viable target.

Apart from Inter Milan, "other unnamed Serie A clubs are also believed to be tracking Bassey's situation" ahead of a possible January move. However, with Fulham in contention to secure European qualification, the Cottagers "have no desire to sanction a mid-season departure" due to the 41-cap Nigerian international defender's importance to Marco Silva's team. So, Inter must look elsewhere for a new centre-back this month.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/01/10/inter-milan-eyeing-january-move-for-calvin-bassey/

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Fulham come from behind to secure fourth-round place
Fulham's substitutes helped them come from behind to secure a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Harry Wilson continued his brilliant form by equalising soon after coming on, cancelling out Hayden Hackney's first-half opener.

Emile Smith Rowe then put the Whites ahead and Kevin's first Fulham goal sealed the win in stoppage time.

Championship side Middlesbrough went ahead on the half-hour mark when a nice move culminated in Sam Silvera pulling the ball back from the right for Hackney to score from close range.

Jorge Cuenca was denied before the interval by a clearance off the line by former Fulham loanee Matt Targett as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.

But they laboured after the restart, prompting boss Marco Silva to make a triple substitution early in the second half, sending on Wilson, Tom Cairney and Raul Jimenez.

And within a couple of minutes, Wilson found space on the right of the penalty area and delivered what appeared to be intended as a left-footed cross towards Jimenez, who did not get a touch and the ball ended up going into the far corner of the net.

Boro continued to threaten, though, and almost regained the lead when Tom Conway's strike hit the top of the bar.

Fulham responded, with Kevin firing just wide before Smith Rowe hit the target.

Two of the substitutes were involved in the build-up, with Cairney linking up with Wilson to set up Smith Rowe, who found the bottom corner.

And Kevin fired home to open his Fulham account, again after good work by Wilson, who found him at the far post.
Fulham: Lecomte, Castagne, Diop, Cuenca, Sessegnon (Robinson 66), Reed (Cairney 56), Lukic, Smith Rowe (Berge 860, Traore (Wilson 56), Kusi-Asare (Jimenez 56), Kevin.
Subs not used: Leno, Andersen, Amissah, Ridgeon



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-come-from-behind-to-secure-fourth-round-place

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FA Cup Fourth Round draw details
Marco Silva's side secured a place in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round on Saturday afternoon.

Second half goals from Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe and Kevin were enough to complete a turnaround and avoid an upset against Championship side Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage.

The 3-1 result marks a seventh consecutive Third Round victory for the Club and keeps Marco Silva's impressive unbeaten record at this stage, across his spells at Hull City, Watford, Everton and Fulham.

Attention now turns to the Fourth Round draw. Fulham will find out their next opponents on Monday, with TNT Sports broadcasting the draw live from Anfield at 6:35pm ahead of Liverpool's match against Barnsley.

Fulham will be ball 12. Further details and the full list of ball numbers can be found on the FA website here.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/10/fa-cup-fourth-round-draw-details/

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Fulham see off Championship side Middlesbrough in FA Cup
Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe and Kevin all scored in the second half as Fulham fought from behind to secure a 3-1 FA Cup victory against Middlesbrough.

Hayden Hackney gave the second-placed Championship side a deserved lead in the opening period at Craven Cottage before substitute Wilson struck a brilliant equaliser on the hour mark.

Tommy Conway hit the crossbar for Boro moments later only to see Smith Rowe then put Fulham ahead with 13 minutes to go. Kevin put the gloss on the victory with a third for the hosts in stoppage time.

The defeat marks an historic sixth consecutive FA Cup defeat for Boro and extends their winless streak in the competition in London to 23 matches across the last 69 years.

Fulham boss Marco Silva, who made seven changes from the side that saw off Chelsea 2-1 on Wednesday, was forced to watch from the stands as he served a touchline ban. And he would have been desperately disappointed with his side's first-half performance.

There was a warning sign for his players are just four minutes. Morgan Whittaker found Sam Silvera, and his first-time cross was turned goalwards by Conway, who was only to be denied by goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte's outstretched leg.

However, in the 30th minute, Boro earned a deserved breakthrough. Silvera played a a silky one-two with Aidan Morris before he rode Ryan Sessegnon's challenge, and then squared the ball back from the byline for Hackney to coolly convert.

"Premier League, you're having a laugh," goaded the raucous visiting support.

There was a chance for Fulham in the closing minutes of a bleak opening 45 minutes when Jorge Cuenca struck Harrison Reed's corner on target, but Luke Ayling produced an impressive goal-line clearance to ensure his side led at the interval.

Wilson, Raul Jimenez and Tom Cairney were all introduced just 10 minutes after the break to turn the tide in Fulham's favour. And it worked when Wilson conjured up a special equaliser.

In truth, the substitute was afforded too much time by the Boro defence as he collected Kevin's wayward cross before turning out of the penalty area.

He was allowed to compose himself on the edge of the box before unleashing a curling left-footed strike which nestled into the bottom corner.

The goal might have been expected to serve as a blow to Boro's confidence, but just minutes later they came within inches of restoring their lead when Conway's strike inside the box clipped Lecomte's crossbar.

On 71 minutes, Kevin latched on to Wilson's defence-splitting pass, but his bending effort dropped just wide. The influential Wilson then attempted to reproduce his equaliser but this time Bryn was equal to it with the Boro stopper saving Antonee Robinson's follow-up, too.

Fulham were in the ascendancy and Smith Rowe struck. The former Arsenal man drove at the Boro defence, finding Wilson and then collecting Cairney's pass unmarked in the area, before firing past Brynn.

Boro might have responded almost immediately but Whittaker fluffed his lines – swerving his strike wide when he should have found the target – and Kevin added a third in injury time from Wilson's fine cross as Fulham made sure of their sixth successive third-round triumph.

Boro might have responded almost immediately but Whittaker fluffed his lines – swerving his strike wide when he should have found the target – and Kevin added a third in injury time from Wilson's fine cross as Fulham made sure of their sixth successive third-round triumph.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/fulham-see-off-championship-side-170446333.html

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ulham 3-1 Middlesbrough
Fulham turned things around against Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage to secure their progression to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round.

The Championship promotion hopefuls had pegged us back through Hayden Hackney's opener, but second-half goals from Harry Wilson and Emile Smith Rowe saw us get back on top.

And in the dying embers of the tie, Kevin netted his first Whites goal to add some gloss to the scoreline and make the result safe.

Marco Silva – serving a touchline ban after picking up three yellow cards – made seven changes to the side that beat Chelsea in midweek, including a first start for Bayern Munich loanee Jonah Kusi-Asare.

Two of those changes linked up for the first sight of goal – with Adama Traoré's ball across the box met by Kevin, who couldn't quite get the proper connection to guide his effort on target.

Shooting towards an impressive away following in the Putney End, Fulham continued on the front foot. Traoré played some neat passes with Timothy Castagne, and the full-back's cross was headed on target by Kusi-Asare, although the striker couldn't generate the power needed to trouble goalkeeper Sol Brynn.

Harrison Reed, wearing the captain's armband for the day, was next to register a shot – but his first-time strike from 20 yards out flew over the bar. At the other end, Alex Gilbert lofted a cross to the far post that Hackney couldn't quite get on the end of, with Benjamin Lecomte covering his angles regardless.

Still the Whites ploughed forward on a chilly afternoon in SW6, but Reedy couldn't tuck home Ryan Sessegnon's excellent delivery from the left, and Castagne got too much power on his piledriver a couple of minutes later.

For all of Fulham's dominance, it was the away side who took the lead with half an hour played. Sam Silvera slalomed his way into the box, and Hackney poked past Lecomte to open the scoring.

Searching for an equaliser before the break, Kevin capitalised on some pinball in the box and forced the Boro defence into making a good block. Moments later, when Reed whipped in a corner, an excellent goalline clearance from Luke Ayling prevented Jorge Cuenca from levelling things up with a clever finish.

Wilson was introduced early in the second half alongside Raúl Jiménez and Cairney, and took no time at all to make his mark. Picking the ball up on the 18-yard line, the Wales international expertly curled into the bottom corner with his trusty left foot.

After battling so hard to get back into the contest, a lapse at the back almost saw Boro immediately retake the lead. Thankfully, Tommy Conway's shot was a few inches too high, clipping the crossbar on its way over.

On 70 minutes, Wilson almost turned provider when he threaded a pass through to Kevin – but the Brazilian's shot whistled just past the far post. When our number eight searched for the bottom corner again, Brynn pushed the ball away and gathered when Antonee Robinson tried to tap home the rebound.

The turnaround was complete with a quarter of an hour left, when Cairney slotted the ball through to Smith Rowe, who turned quickly and fired underneath the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

A scary moment followed when Morgan Whittaker found himself one-on-one with Lecomte, but under pressure from the Fulham shot-stopper, the Boro striker fluffed his lines.

And, having taken the sting out of a tie that had at one point looked dangerous, there was still time for Kevin to finally get his goal. Wilson (shock) was involved again, prodding a ball across for the winger to stab home a third.

Cupset avoided, Marco's men will now turn attention to protecting their unbeaten Premier League run with a trip to Leeds next weekend.
Fulham FC: Lecomte, Castagne, Diop, Cuenca, Sessegnon (Robinson 66'), Reed (Cairney 56'), Lukić, Traoré (Wilson 57'), Smith Rowe (Berge 86'), Kevin, Kusi-Asare (Jiménez 56')

Subs: Leno, Andersen, Jiménez, Wilson, Cairney, Berge, Robinson, Amissah, Ridgeon

Middlesbrough: Brynn, Browne, Ayling (Fry 80'), Malanda, Targett (Hansen 86'), Morris, Hackney (Nypan 80'), Silvera, Gilbert, Whittaker (Ibeh 81'), Conway (Burgzorg 63')

Subs: Fry, Burgzorg, Hamilton, Nypan, Hansen, McLaughlin, McCormick, Kanté, Ibeh



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/10/fulham-3-1-middlesbrough/

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Fulham 3-1 Middlesbrough: Cottagers dodge awkward cupset as Kevin caps comeback victory
Marco Silva's side trailed at the break but turned it around to win comfortably

Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe and Kevin all scored in the second half as Fulham fought from behind to secure a 3-1 FA Cup victory against Middlesbrough.

Hayden Hackney gave the second-placed Championship side a deserved lead in the opening period at Craven Cottage before substitute Wilson struck a brilliant equaliser on the hour mark.

Tommy Conway hit the crossbar for Boro moments later only to see Smith Rowe then put Fulham ahead with 13 minutes to go. Kevin put the gloss on the victory with a third for the hosts in stoppage time.

The defeat marks a historic sixth consecutive FA Cup defeat for Boro and extends their winless streak in the competition in London to 23 matches across the last 69 years.

Fulham boss Marco Silva, who made seven changes from the side that saw off Chelsea 2-1 on Wednesday, was forced to watch from the stands as he served a touchline ban. And he would have been desperately disappointed with his side's first-half performance.

There was a warning sign for his players are just four minutes. Morgan Whittaker found Sam Silvera, and his first-time cross was turned goalwards by Conway, who was only to be denied by goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte's outstretched leg.

However, in the 30th minute, Boro earned a deserved breakthrough. Silvera played a silky one-two with Aidan Morris before he rode Ryan Sessegnon's challenge, and then squared the ball back from the byline for Hackney to coolly convert.

"Premier League, you're having a laugh," goaded the raucous visiting support.

There was a chance for Fulham in the closing minutes of a bleak opening 45 minutes when Jorge Cuenca struck Harrison Reed's corner on target, but Luke Ayling produced an impressive goal-line clearance to ensure his side led at the interval.

Wilson, Raul Jimenez and Tom Cairney were all introduced just 10 minutes after the break to turn the tide in Fulham's favour. And it worked when Wilson conjured up a special equaliser.

In truth, the substitute was afforded too much time by the Boro defence as he collected Kevin's wayward cross before turning out of the penalty area.

He was allowed to compose himself on the edge of the box before unleashing a curling left-footed strike which nestled into the bottom corner.

The goal might have been expected to serve as a blow to Boro's confidence, but just minutes later they came within inches of restoring their lead when Conway's strike inside the box clipped Lecomte's crossbar.

On 71 minutes, Kevin latched on to Wilson's defence-splitting pass, but his bending effort dropped just wide. The influential Wilson then attempted to reproduce his equaliser but this time Bryn was equal to it with the Boro stopper saving Antonee Robinson's follow-up, too.

Fulham were in the ascendancy and Smith Rowe struck. The former Arsenal man drove at the Boro defence, finding Wilson and then collecting Cairney's pass unmarked in the area, before firing past Brynn.

Boro might have responded almost immediately but Whittaker fluffed his lines - swerving his strike wide when he should have found the target - and Kevin added a third in injury time from Wilson's fine cross as Fulham made sure of their sixth successive third-round triumph.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-middlesbrough-fa-cup-result-b1265897.html

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Marco Silva expects a 'very competitive' Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage
Fulham will have a fight on their hands in the FA Cup.

Marco Silva has highlighted his respect for Middlesbrough ahead of the FA Cup third round tie.

Fulham reached the quarter-final of the cup competition last campaign before bowing out to Crystal Palace in a 3-0 defeat. Now, they seek to start another deep run in a domestic tournament, but it is far from a certainty as the Cottagers host the second-best team in the Championship this weekend.

Boro have bounced back from the departure of Rob Edwards to sit on the coattails of Coventry in the race for a place in the Premier League, and they will bring that confidence to Craven Cottage.

"Very competitive, first of all. They are not in that position and fighting for the first two spots in the Championship by luck or coincidence. They are there because they have been very consistent in terms of performance, even with the change in the manager position, they kept the same type of results and consistency in that league that is so tough.

"Very experienced, good mix of experienced players. You see the backline, they have some Premier League experience there, they have some good midfielders. They come with full motivation: they had all week to prepare the game and to prepare for ourselves.

"And, of course, it's a chance for them to show against a Premier League side – in a competition that is very important for us, but for sure is important for them – that they are capable.

"They can, for sure, create a lot of problems for us, I don't have doubts about it. We just have to be in our best level to be there and to play the next round of the competition, like we want. Massive respect for them, like all teams – the preparation, everything, is the same that we did for Chelsea or for Liverpool, it's not going to be different. It's very short [turnaround], but we are going to be ready."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/01/10/fulham/1246849-marco-silva-expects-a-very-competitive-middlesbrough-atcraven-cottage.html

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Fulham through in the Cup with comeback win against Middlesbrough
Wilson, Smith Rowe and Kevin earn 3-1 win at the Cottage

Marco Silva has won every 3rd round game he's played in the FA Cup, and Fulham's 3-1 win over Middlesbrough ensures this record continues for another year. Hayden Hackney gave his side the lead in a difficult first half, but the quality from the bench ensured Fulham turned the game around - Wilson continued his fine scoring run with the equaliser, Cairney assisted Smith-Rowe beautifully to give us the lead, and Kevin scored his first goal for the club in stoppage time to plant Fulham into the next round. It's another win for Fulham, against a side that may well be joining us in the Premier League next year, and whilst it took a bit of time to get going there's plenty to be positive about in another win for Silva's men.

First Half
A lot of Premier League teams, when drawn a lower-division opponent in a cup, shift into a lower gear to recuperate energy from top-flight exertions. The assumption is a common one - being the higher-ranked side, you'll have the ability, depth and fitness to see off the lowly opponent, and by the end of the game progression will be secured. This is often the case, and plenty of results will demonstrate quite drastically the gulf between the summit of the game and those in the Football League. It's not unfair to say Fulham started today's match in this fashion, coasting through the early stages of the game at a gentle tempo.

On the face of it, this approach was playing out as expected. We had more of the ball, and played our usual routines, Sessegnon and Kevin overlapping on the left, Castagne advancing into attacking positions and combining with the pacey Traore on the right. But Middlesbrough, second in the Championship, aren't a poor side, and weren't particularly troubled by the pedestrian pace Fulham's initial moves in the game had. Lukic dragging a Traore cross wide, Kevin thumping a rebounded Reed cross into Hackney's chest and Kusi-Asare heading a decent Castagne cross straight to Brynn weren't awful, but spaced out enough from each other allowed Middlesbrough to gain a foothold in the game, calm and composed in the face of our ball consolidation.

The visitors had an initial flash at goal when Silvera crossed a ball for Conway to strike, needing Lecomte to dive low to stop. It was a fluid formation - Conway and Whittaker as roaming strikers on the left and right, Silvera as an inverted right-winger, Gilbert floating between the left and an AM role and the tenacious Hackney charging from deeper in midfield to link up attacking moves. Smart on the ball, and positively minded, Middlesbrough didn't look perturbed by facing us at all. After abating our possession-heavy start, they began putting their own moves together, working the ball around neatly. Whittaker played a smart ball through the lines to Silvera, darting into the box - Diop had to step across firmly to deny the shooting chance.

But the possession Middlesbrough were accumulating started to compound, and we were being pushed deeper into our half. When you string passes together, it builds momentum - watching Middlesbrough move through the pitch, it was clear they weren't interested in playing as the "weaker side". With the play concentrated in our final third, Targett at left-back played the ball centrally to Whittaker, whose clever one-touch pass put Hackney into an open left channel in the box. Whilst his cross was cleared by Kevin, our pieces were strewn across the pitch, and Middlesbrough had their feet on our throats. Whittaker retrieved the ball and played it to Brown, who combined with Morris to thread the ball through to Silvera on the right. The winger did brilliantly, using guile to nutmeg Sessegnon on the edge of the box and doing similar to Cuenca via his cross to Hackney, who had an easy tap in. It was humbling stuff for the nutmegged pair, and a statement of intent for Middlesbrough in the game.

We could have fallen further behind - Hellberg's men had their tails up, Silvera and Whittaker combining again on the right to force Lecomte into another save from the latter. A smart piece of play from Conway and Gilbert on the other side let Hackney sneak into the box between a wrongly-positioned Cuenca and the covering Traore - had he not deliberated over the finish and lifted it pensively over the bar, we'd have been two goals down.

It seemed to snap us into life, Traore doing his best to get down the wing and put balls into the middle. However, just as we'd seen earlier, they weren't being met by enough of an end product. Whilst the build-up play towards the closing minutes of the half was very good, our midfield duo finally putting a little energy into their movement and getting the ball into dangerous areas quicker, Middlesbrough's centre-backs had their bodies in the right place to deny us the scoring chance. Some slick play with Sess and Smith Rowe on the left gave Kevin a shooting chance, thumped into Ayling before it reached Brynn, and the former Leeds man was diligently on the line to prevent Reed's corner from being turned in by Cuenca's low volley. His own PL experience was proving useful in preserving their clean sheet.

Second Half
If Fulham thought their poor start was a fluke, that they were going to breeze past Middlesbrough in the second half, they were in for a rude awakening. The early breeziness of the first few moves, with more squandered opportunities from a Reed corner and a dismal Kevin cross, were quickly inverted by the visitors, injecting their own pace into the game. Right back Browne travelled forward to give Whittaker a run of his own, turning Sessegnon in the box and dribbling into a shooting position. Whether it was a shot or a cross, the angle wasn't favourable for the visitors and Fulham were spared. It was a little end-to-end in these opening minutes, both sides able to move the ball into shootable positions. Kevin, still struggling to connect his promise into something concrete, bent a shot into Ayling's body for another block. Gilbert unpieced Cuenca in midfield to take Middlesbrough forward on their own counter, causing a few nerves to fly in the Fulham team, before Lukic moved forward on the ball and powered a shot straight into Malanda, causing a brief pause in play.

This was a window for Silva, up in the stands, to change things around. We'd been wasteful on the ball and lethargic around the park - the solution came in the form of three big guns, captain Cairney, goalslinger Jimenez and the maestro Harry Wilson. Whilst Reed, Kusi-Asare and Traore all need the minutes, the three weren't doing enough to put Fulham on top in the game - this was the immediate target of the changes. It had an instant impact - whilst Middlesbrough still felt confident enough to fly forward, Diop needed to stop Conway latching onto Silvera's long ball into him, we had footballers with a touch more chemistry on the pitch, and there was an added slickness to our play. And sure enough, the opportunity came - Kevin, moving down the left, lifted the ball to Wilson, nipping into the box. Targett's poorly-timed jump let him collect the ball and manoeuvre into a shooting position - the Middlesbrough defence gave our star man far too much space and he bent the ball around Gilbert into the far left corner of the net.

Again, the equaliser was not the end of Middlesbrough, who seemed determined to take something from the game. A scary moment for Castagne saw Hackney pressure him into a poorly-placed pass - Gilbert latched onto the loose ball and passed Conway in space on the edge of the box, letting the striker lash a shot at goal. Only the crossbar denied them a restored lead. The striker swapped for Burgzorg, a bigger, swifter replacement, and his arrival seemed to put a spring in his teammates' step, taking us off the ball by moving back into our half. The combinations on the wing were really troubling our full-backs, producing dangerous crosses and corners - thankfully, our centre-backs were attuned to the added danger, and with the added energy of our substitutes kept the visitors from being able to take a dangerous shot at goal.

With each failed Middlesbrough assault, their energy drained a little, increasing the effectiveness of our own attacks. Cairney being on the pitch gave us extra vision and temperament on the ball, and put our key men in prime positions. After receiving the ball from Jimenez, Wilson spotted Kevin darting into space on the left at the halfway line. The Brazilian did brilliantly to stay ahead of Browne, but upon reaching the box and striking at goal the shot flew just wide of the right post. The quicker tempo was unnerving their defence though, and with energy depleting produced previously unseen mistakes. Malanda gave the ball away with Fulham bodies hovering around, keeping Fulham in the Middlesbrough final third for a good period of time - again, Kevin lashed at the chance he got from one such move, wasting Jimenez' lay off with a shot scuffed into the floor.

But the momentum proved too much for the visitors, and after we repelled their counter-attack our attackers had the space to make the move count. Smith Rowe surged through the pitch, moving the ball wide to Wilson. With the defence retreating Wilson played it back to Cairney, who had the space to play a killer pass through the lines to Smith Rowe, dangerously placed in the box. He turned away from Ayling and Morris in his pocket of breathing room to bury his shot into the net, turning the game on its head and letting Fulham fans breathe a sigh of relief - at last, we had the lead our expectations demanded.

They almost had a rapid equaliser - Morris, collecting an aerial ball, dinked a pass through to Whittaker, who'd escaped Cuenca. Lecomte spread his body and forced the forward to try and bend his shot around him - a wise move, as Whittaker narrowly missed the target. Yet Middlesbrough were reeling, having exhausted themselves across the game, and Hellberg made a triple change - Fox, Nypan and Ibeh all arrived to try and rescue the game for the visitors. But we've been in this position before - against European-calibre teams, no less - and consolidating the ball was the name of the game. Knowing the visitors would try and throw everyone forward, we simply had to run with the ball into their half, wait for them to inevitably try and take it off us, and play it around them to eat away the time. We had one real scare left, a menacing piece of physical play from Burgzorg that produced a shot Robinson needed to block, but it was our possession that dominated the final stages of the game.

There was a pleasant reward for us at the end of it too. Lukic took the ball forward in the aforementioned manner, forcing the tired men in red to track back with him. A passing sequence let us work it around the box with the forwards before Wilson, having collected a pass from a wide Jimenez, curled a lovely pass over the defence. With Browne out of position, and Morris too far to reach the ball, Kevin was in the right place to tap the ball in, finally breaking his duck and sealing a 3-1 win for his team.

A Cup Comeback
Fulham turned a game around that they were losing - you can never sniff at that, regardless of who the opposition is. I don't think we give enough credit to Silva for the way he's turned our cup performances around - we have taken these games seriously throughout his tenure. Many managers would have seen their sides dumped out here, and certainly wouldn't have been bold enough to put on three of the club's most important players in one go to turn the game around.

Wilson gets the limelight again, and why not? The man turns everything he touches to gold at the moment, with another dazzling display on the right to unwork Middlesbrough. Targett, who'd fought closely with Traore in the first half, was blown to pieces by the Welshman. Another goal, and an assist for Kevin, mean Wilson is amongst the strongest performing players in the league, and it's a testament to his development that he is now the key man for our goal-decisive moments. Don't sleep on the defensive contributions too - some really important tracking back took place across the second half to keep us from being swamped by Gilbert and Hackney making moves on our right.

Cairney was just as important - a cool head for a tough situation, and without quite the same physical pressure (and with rested legs to enter the game) he was a diamond in midfield, piecing together brilliant passing moves. Reed, much as we love him, was never going to provide the same quality, and certainly didn't have the wavelength of the defence as read as the captain. Jimenez shouldn't be forgotten either - how many games in a row has the man featured in now? He was everywhere, piecing together play, moving to the wings to create space for his teammates and chasing after defenders out of possession. Together, the pair meant Smith Rowe and Kevin, who had mediocre starts, ended the game in strong fashion, putting the Premier League seal on our performance today. They both scored in the end, a nice reward for their efforts - for Kevin in particular, there's a chance the goal can fix a mental block for him, and see his fabulous build-up play connect to more goals.

Defensively there were a few lapses today. Lukic and Reed worked hard, but the pair aren't a great combination, and we looked rudderless and vulnerable whilst the pair both manned the midfield. Cuenca, though better later on, wobbled during the process of Middlesbrough's attacks - Diop, conversely, looked great again, and really seems to have hit a good patch of form for us. Sessegnon didn't enjoy himself whatsoever, being embarrassed on a number of occasions by Whittaker and Silvera, and Robinson showcased why he is the starting left-back when he arrived. A shame for Sess, but hopefully this will make Silva start to trust him as an attacker, where his pace was one of the few things in the first half that functioned properly. Castagne, not for the first time, looked out of place at the back - cover for Tete is a necessity going forward.

Middlesbrough for Promotion?
How about Middlesbrough? There's clearly an aspirational team here, one that looked competent and capable for large parts of the game, and the dream of promotion doesn't seem outlandish on the basis of this performance. Our starting line-up was not filled with youth players - some of them have been regular starters across the season! Thus, it's not that unlikely we'll be seeing a good portion of this team again in the Premier League next year, should Middlesbrough navigate the play-offs. They've got some decent experience at the back in Targett and Ayling, and held their own against us for considerable stretches of the game.

Hackney has the fanfare and looked slick at times today, making it clear why so many want him poached from the club. I liked the forward four - the fluid movement meant it was hard to track who was running down the wings or moving between the defensive lines, making Middlesbrough's passing really solid. If we really had to be scrutinous, Conway might have offered a little more as a striker - compared to Whittaker, involved in more dangerous moments across the game, and the wider efforts of Gilbert and Silvera - one of whom struck an assist - the Scottish forward looked a little lacking. Still, it's not hard to see why they are in the Championship promotion race, making it even more impressive Fulham were able to turn this game around today.

This win puts us into the next round, ensures our 2026 remains unbeaten and keeps the mood around the club positive and vibrant. With AFCON slowly heading to its conclusion, and several players hitting decent form just as we've got through the tough run of games around New Year's, there's a lot to feel good about at the Cottage. Leeds are up next - here's hoping the momentum of progressing in the Cup can help us down one of the form teams in the league right now.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/fulham-through-in-the-cup-with-comeback

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 3-1 Middlesbrough: Harry Wilson scores as Marco Silva's Whites come from behind to secure FA Cup fourth round berth
Match report from the FA Cup third round tie between Fulham and Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage; Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe and Kevin score as Marco Silva's men come from behind to advance to the fourth round

Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe and Kevin all scored in the second half as Fulham fought from behind to secure a 3-1 FA Cup victory against Middlesbrough.

Hayden Hackney gave the second-placed Championship side a deserved lead in the opening period at Craven Cottage before substitute Wilson struck a brilliant equaliser on the hour mark.

Tommy Conway hit the crossbar for Boro moments later only to see Smith Rowe then put Fulham ahead with 13 minutes to go. Kevin put the gloss on the victory with a third for the hosts in stoppage time.

The defeat marks an historic sixth consecutive FA Cup defeat for Boro and extends their winless streak in the competition in London to 23 matches across the last 69 years.

Fulham boss Marco Silva, who made seven changes from the side that saw off Chelsea 2-1 on Wednesday, was forced to watch from the stands as he served a touchline ban. And he would have been desperately disappointed with his side's first-half performance.

There was a warning sign for his players are just four minutes. Morgan Whittaker found Sam Silvera, and his first-time cross was turned goalwards by Conway, who was only to be denied by goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte's outstretched leg.

However, in the 30th minute, Boro earned a deserved breakthrough. Silvera played a a silky one-two with Aidan Morris before he rode Ryan Sessegnon's challenge, and then squared the ball back from the byline for Hackney to coolly convert.

"Premier League, you're having a laugh," goaded the raucous visiting support.

There was a chance for Fulham in the closing minutes of a bleak opening 45 minutes when Jorge Cuenca struck Harrison Reed's corner on target, but Luke Ayling produced an impressive goal-line clearance to ensure his side led at the interval.

Wilson, Raul Jimenez and Tom Cairney were all introduced just 10 minutes after the break to turn the tide in Fulham's favour. And it worked when Wilson conjured up a special equaliser.

In truth, the substitute was afforded too much time by the Boro defence as he collected Kevin's wayward cross before turning out of the penalty area.

He was allowed to compose himself on the edge of the box before unleashing a curling left-footed strike which nestled into the bottom corner.

The goal might have been expected to serve as a blow to Boro's confidence, but just minutes later they came within inches of restoring their lead when Conway's strike inside the box clipped Lecomte's crossbar.

On 71 minutes, Kevin latched on to Wilson's defence-splitting pass, but his bending effort dropped just wide. The influential Wilson then attempted to reproduce his equaliser but this time Bryn was equal to it with the Boro stopper saving Antonee Robinson's follow-up, too.

Fulham were in the ascendancy and Smith Rowe struck. The former Arsenal man drove at the Boro defence, finding Wilson and then collecting Cairney's pass unmarked in the area, before firing past Brynn.

Boro might have responded almost immediately but Whittaker fluffed his lines - swerving his strike wide when he should have found the target - and Kevin added a third in injury time from Wilson's fine cross as Fulham made sure of their sixth successive third-round triumph.

Silva: We had to be at our best level
Fulham head coach Marco Silva:

"It is always tricky when you come from (Premier League) games against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Chelsea, which do not demand a lot of mental work from me on the players because the motivation is always there.

"Even if the FA Cup is always special, and you play at home, it is always tricky to go from Liverpool and Chelsea to play a Championship side, albeit a very good side.

"And we did not want to underestimate them or think that our place in the next round was guaranteed. We had to be at our best level and we were in the second half."

Hellberg disappointed to see Boro exit
Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg:

"I have mixed feelings. I felt we had a good chance to win it, and it was there for the taking.

"Over 60 or 70 minutes the game was quite even, I was impressed with how he we played - a lot of good things - but was disappointed we didn't win the game."



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-middlesbrough/report/550861

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva unsure of Harry Wilson's Fulham future amid stellar run of form
Wilson is out of contract in the summer.

Marco Silva hailed Harry Wilson as being in the form of his life – but admitted he could not guarantee his Fulham future – after the Wales international inspired a 3-1 FA Cup comeback victory against Middlesbrough.

Fulham's place in the fourth round was in doubt following Hayden Hackney's first-half opener for the Championship side at Craven Cottage.

But substitute Wilson drew Fulham level with a fine equaliser just minutes after coming off the bench. Wilson also played a role in Emile Smith Rowe's 77th minute strike, and Kevin's third in stoppage time.

The 28-year-old, who has now scored in his last three games – with strikes in Fulham's 2-2 draw against Liverpool and 2-1 win against Chelsea – is out of contract at the end of the season.

And Silva admitted: "I don't know if I am going to have him (Wilson) in one week, 15 days, three months or at the end of the season, with good or bad news. I cannot guarantee anything.

"What I do know, is that he is playing the best football of his career. He is in the best moment of his career and there is no doubt about it.

"We are talking about a very humble player that will not take his foot off the gas and Fulham fans should enjoy the brilliant moment of him.

"I know he will keep helping the team with goals and assists, and hard work, and now it is for the board and the player's representatives. He is in a happy place, and so is his family, and we will try to do our best to keep him."

Fulham are unbeaten in their last six matches and Silva made seven changes for what was the club's fourth match in 10 days.

He added: "It is always tricky when you come from (Premier League) games against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Chelsea, which do not demand a lot of mental work from me on the players because the motivation is always there.

"Even if the FA Cup is always special, and you play at home, it is always tricky to go from Liverpool and Chelsea to play a Championship side, albeit a very good side. And we did not want to underestimate them or think that our place in the next round was guaranteed. We had to be at our best level and we were in the second half."

Boro's Tommy Conway hit the crossbar for the impressive visitors just moments after Wilson's equaliser. And Morgan Whittaker also wasted a good opportunity in the closing stages.

Manager Kim Hellberg said: "I have mixed feelings. I felt we had a good chance to win it, and it was there for the taking.

"Over 60 or 70 minutes the game was quite even, I was impressed with how he we played – a lot of good things – but was disappointed we didn't win the game."



https://www.irishnews.com/sport/soccer/marco-silva-unsure-of-harry-wilsons-fulham-future-amid-stellar-run-of-form-OXGGE5HPTNMH5CF4XJUR66KUOE/

[WhiteJC]

Silva hopes first Fulham goal is a turning point for Kevin
Marco Silva hopes Kevin's first goal for Fulham proves to be a turning point for the Brazilian winger.

Kevin added a late third for the Whites as they came from behind to beat Championship side Middlesbrough 3-1 and secure a place in the FA Cup fourth round.

Signed during the summer for a club-record fee, Kevin has taken time to adjust to life in England.

"I think the way the team-mates celebrated with him, and the fans – very important for him," said Whites boss Silva.

"If you are an offensive player, you need these types of moments to be decisive, or with assists, or with the goal.

"Before, in some games, he had some good chances. He didn't score. Against Chelsea he had a very good moment as well and didn't score. Even in this game, he had a shot before his goal.

"I hope that can help him to be more confident in that last moment, last decision, because we need him."

Harry Wilson's brilliant form continued. The Welshman equalised soon after coming on as a substitute and set up Kevin's goal.

"What an assist from Harry Wilson. What a brilliant moment from Harry Wilson again," Silva declared.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-hopes-first-fulham-goal-is-a-turning-point-for-kevin

[WhiteJC]

Five Things We Learnt From Fulham 3–1 Middlesbrough
Fulham 3–1 Middlesbrough. Six unbeaten, one loss in the last eight, Fulham are into the next round of the cup. Has this month been the most impressive month of Marco Silva's Fulham tenure? Here's five things we learnt Fulham 3–1 Middlesbrough.

Kevin: The Start of Something Special?
At full time, Kevin was in tears, and I tell you what, I could be in tears too – I'm delighted for the guy.

This was the best starting display I've seen from Kevin.

The flicks and tricks were on display, his quick left to right foot cut inside was too – Kev' was unlucky not to score three times in that second half.

What will go unnoticed by many, though, is how much he contributed defensively for Fulham. Kevin won the most duels on the Cottage pitch (10) and also had the most tackles (6).

Over the past few games, we really have seen the best of Kevin, and a goal may well be what Kevin give him the confidence to be the player we have seen glimpses of in the first half of this season.

Issa Diop: Mr Dependable
Out in the cold for the majority of the first half of the season, Issa Diop has come into the side and not put a foot wrong. In fact, he may well of been Fulham's best centre half.

Today, it was more of the same from Issa. The Frenchman drove out of defence, and looked a physical mismatch for Tommy Conway.

The fact that he's our fourth choice centre half is a testament to our depth when fully fit. Joachim Andersen hasn't been at his best in the last couple of games – I'd be tempted to start Diop at Elland Road.

Fulham's Subs Changed The Game: Our Quality Told
Fulham looked slow and mundane for much of the first half. Middlesbrough midfield helped Boro be a tough cookie to break, and when the Teesiders came forward, they looked a threatening proposition.

When Fulham brought their subs on though, frankly, we looked a cut above. While Lukic and Reed still struggled to control Hellberg's sides counter attacks, when Tom Cairney came on, he added an element of control to our midfield (shock), and played in a beautiful ball to set up Emile Smith Rowe to put Fulham ahead.

Fulham's midweek heroes made the biggest difference, though. Harry Wilson continued the form of his life with a trademark Wilson strike and sumptuous ball into Kevin for his first Fulham goal.

Raul oozed class and came inches away from a diving headed finish late on. While Jonah Kusi Asare did well at points of his first start in English football, the golf in class between JKA and Raul was obvious.

Emile Smith Rowe: Showing Glimpses, But Lacking Consistency
Post Burnley away, I've not been impressed with ESR. And for much of today's game, he looked the indirect player it looked like we thought we had banished weeks ago.

But from the 60 minute mark, Emile look a different player. Alongside more creative talent, Smith Rowe was central to everything that went Fulham's way in the last half an hour.

Quick feet, dynamism, and directness. Today surmises Emile Fulham career, undoubtedly talent and flashing greatness, but ultimately, lacking consistency.

Adama: Here to Stay?
This won't be a popular one, I'm sure, but for large portions of today's game, Adama Traore was Fulham's most dangerous attacking threat.

Did we learnt anything new about Adama? No, what is there to learn? When doing what he does best, like today, he can get the best of any fullback. But Traore starting today does tell us how close his move away from Fulham is.

Fulham need players, we only have 18 available senior players, and losing one of them until a player comes in is out the question.

Besides, why would his speculative buyers, West Ham, bring in one of Nuno's targets when the Portuguese boss looks set to get the sack?

Today shows that Adama may be at Fulham till the summer.



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/five-things-we-learnt-from-fulham-3-1-middlesbrough-d5d097e4c50b

[WhiteJC]

Fulham will not sell their star midfielder in January
Ipswich Town are set to be left frustrated in their approach to sign Tom Cairney from Fulham in the January transfer window, sources have told TEAMtalk.

The Tractor Boys are making an attempt to snap up Cairney, but we understand there is no expectation of Fulham letting their captain leave this month.

Cairney, 34, has started the last two Premier League games against Liverpool and Chelsea and retains the full trust of boss Marco Silva.

The midfielder came on as a substitute in the second half of Fulham's 3-1 win against Middlesbrough in the third round of the FA Cup at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Cairney signed a one-year contract extension last year, and there is a strong possibility he earns another extension if he maintains his form and condition across the rest of this season.

The Scotsman joined Fulham in 2015 from Blackburn Rovers and has earned legendary status at the club over the past decade.

Cairney has made 371 appearances for Fulham so far in his career. The midfielder has scored 48 goals and registered 39 assists in those matches.

The midfielder has no desire to push for a move away from Fulham, and it is understood that his status at the club – alongside his continued high levels of performance – means he is not on the market at this stage.

Sources confirm that Ipswich would like to sign Cairney, but a deal is unlikely.

Ipswich are aiming to win automatic promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.

Latest Fulham transfer news: Inter Milan attack, Tottenham Hotspur raid
Meanwhile, our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported that Inter Milan are keeping tabs on a Fulham star and could move for him in the January transfer window.

Sources have told us that Fulham would consider a move for a Tottenham Hotspur midfielder should Thomas Frank's side decide not to make his loan deal permanent.

And finally, our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Fulham are among the clubs keen on signing a Chelsea player who has no future at the Blues.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/tom-cairney-ipswich-town-2026-january-transfer

[Bill2]

Five Things We Learnt From Fulham 3–1 Middlesbrough
Fulham 3–1 Middlesbrough. Six unbeaten, one loss in the last eight, Fulham are into the next round of the cup. Has this month been the most impressive month of Marco Silva's Fulham tenure? Here's five things we learnt Fulham 3–1 Middlesbrough.

Kevin: The Start of Something Special?
At full time, Kevin was in tears, and I tell you what, I could be in tears too – I'm delighted for the guy.

This was the best starting display I've seen from Kevin.

The flicks and tricks were on display, his quick left to right foot cut inside was too – Kev' was unlucky not to score three times in that second half.

What will go unnoticed by many, though, is how much he contributed defensively for Fulham. Kevin won the most duels on the Cottage pitch (10) and also had the most tackles (6).

Over the past few games, we really have seen the best of Kevin, and a goal may well be what Kevin give him the confidence to be the player we have seen glimpses of in the first half of this season.

Issa Diop: Mr Dependable
Out in the cold for the majority of the first half of the season, Issa Diop has come into the side and not put a foot wrong. In fact, he may well of been Fulham's best centre half.

Today, it was more of the same from Issa. The Frenchman drove out of defence, and looked a physical mismatch for Tommy Conway.

The fact that he's our fourth choice centre half is a testament to our depth when fully fit. Joachim Andersen hasn't been at his best in the last couple of games – I'd be tempted to start Diop at Elland Road.

Fulham's Subs Changed The Game: Our Quality Told
Fulham looked slow and mundane for much of the first half. Middlesbrough midfield helped Boro be a tough cookie to break, and when the Teesiders came forward, they looked a threatening proposition.

When Fulham brought their subs on though, frankly, we looked a cut above. While Lukic and Reed still struggled to control Hellberg's sides counter attacks, when Tom Cairney came on, he added an element of control to our midfield (shock), and played in a beautiful ball to set up Emile Smith Rowe to put Fulham ahead.

Fulham's midweek heroes made the biggest difference, though. Harry Wilson continued the form of his life with a trademark Wilson strike and sumptuous ball into Kevin for his first Fulham goal.

Raul oozed class and came inches away from a diving headed finish late on. While Jonah Kusi Asare did well at points of his first start in English football, the golf in class between JKA and Raul was obvious.

Emile Smith Rowe: Showing Glimpses, But Lacking Consistency
Post Burnley away, I've not been impressed with ESR. And for much of today's game, he looked the indirect player it looked like we thought we had banished weeks ago.

But from the 60 minute mark, Emile look a different player. Alongside more creative talent, Smith Rowe was central to everything that went Fulham's way in the last half an hour.

Quick feet, dynamism, and directness. Today surmises Emile Fulham career, undoubtedly talent and flashing greatness, but ultimately, lacking consistency.

Adama: Here to Stay?
This won't be a popular one, I'm sure, but for large portions of today's game, Adama Traore was Fulham's most dangerous attacking threat.

Did we learnt anything new about Adama? No, what is there to learn? When doing what he does best, like today, he can get the best of any fullback. But Traore starting today does tell us how close his move away from Fulham is.

Fulham need players, we only have 18 available senior players, and losing one of them until a player comes in is out the question.

Besides, why would his speculative buyers, West Ham, bring in one of Nuno's targets when the Portuguese boss looks set to get the sack?

Today shows that Adama may be at Fulham till the summer.



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/five-things-we-learnt-from-fulham-3-1-middlesbrough-d5d097e4c50b

Absolutely agree about Kevin, really pleased he scored today and yes myself and those around me do recognise the defensive work he does, tracking back and the tackling.
However, I cannot agree about Traore, he didn't do a thing, constantly failing to release the ball and running into trouble, especially when he cuts inside.