Wednesday Fulham Stuff (25/09/13)...

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Capital One Cup: Bent off the bench to finally give home fans something to cheer

FULHAM 2 vs EVERTON 1

FULHAM striker Darren Bent climbed off the bench to score his second goal for the club and treat the home fans at Craven Cottage to a first win since 1 April.

Bent, who joined on loan from Aston Villa last month, dropped out of the starting line-up having gone three games without a goal.

But, after Dimitar Berbatov had cancelled out Steven Naismith's first-half strike, manager Martin Jol introduced Bent from the bench and the former Tottenham striker netted the decisive goal to put Fulham in the Capital One Cup fourth round for the first time since 2004.

The Toffees, who suffered their first defeat since manager Roberto Martinez succeeded David Moyes in the summer, were deservedly ahead at half-time after Naismith finished off the excellent Gerard Deulofeu's threaded pass.

Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, were close to adding a second as Everton cranked up the pressure on a frail-looking home side, whose only win since the opening day of the season had come courtesy of a penalty shoot-out in the previous round of this competition at League Two club Burton Albion.

But Fulham levelled after the break when Berbatov struck his first goal of the season from close range.

And, three minutes after his introduction from the bench, Bent collected Giorgos Karagounis's free-kick and fired in to ease the pressure on Jol and put Fulham in the hat for tonight's draw.



- See more at: http://www.cityam.com/article/1380064468/capital-one-cup-bent-bench-finally-give-home-fans-something-cheer?#sthash.PAublZg8.dpuf

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Brilliant Darren Bent delivers relief for Martin Jol as Fulham down Everton

ENGLAND boss Roy Hodgson turned up at the Cottage to see a Spaniard steal the show in the first-half and luckily for him, then saw substitute Darren Bent fire home a winner as Fulham came from behind.


Darren Bent scores Fulham's winner [ACTION]

Everton's Barcelona loanee Gerard Deulofeu ran rings around Fulham.

Hodgson might have gone elsewhere had he known just three Englishman would start this third-round tie.

Fulham fielded two in David Stockdale and Scott Parker, Everton just one with youngster John Stones among their eight changes.

Steven Naismith's 12th-minute opener came when midfield schemer Deulofeu ran through unchallenged to flick the ball to Naismith, who tucked in through David Stockdale's legs.

Deulofeu was a joy to watch as the 19-year-old brought some Spanish tiki-taka to the tie.

Fulham's Dimitar Berbatov mirrored his style, albeit it in his trademark languid manner that saw him caught offside three times in the first-half as Fulham looked for a reply.


Gerard Deulofeu rang rings around the Fulham defence [PA]


But Martin Jol would have been pleased with the way his Cottagers came out with purpose after the break, though when presented with an easy chance just 10-yards out Alexander Kacaniklic's volley almost ended up as a throw-in.

Jol's side tried to break through the middle, but up against Darron Gibson and James McCarthy there was no way through.

Fulham needed a slice of luck if they were going to get back in it and Seamus Coleman diverted the ball into Berbatov's path to get an unlucky assist for the equaliser in the 54th minute.

Bent was only on the pitch three minutes when he justified Hodgson's reason for coming, slamming the ball home in the 68th minute.



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/431957/Brilliant-Darren-Bent-delivers-relief-for-Martin-Jol-as-Fulham-down-Everton

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Fulham: 3 Potential Signings Before The Window Closes

Matin Jol quickly showed Fulham's intentions for the upcoming season with impressive early signings such as Maarten Stekelenberg, although recently that early window spark has flickered out. With barely any rumours circulating around, it appears Fulham's business this window could nearly be over.

Jol is making all the right moves by looking to improve all aspects of his current Fulham team and the loan signing of Adel Taarabt could be an exciting addition to his squad.

Fulham managed to secure Sascha Riether after a superb season as a loanee at Craven Cottage. Sascha has himself said that Fulham are targeting a top 10 finish, which with a few more signings should be in their reach. Let's see who they could potentially bring in.

Walter Gargano (Midfielder, Napoli)

Despite recent interest from Sunderland, Fulham still have a good chance of signing the Uruguayan international. He missed out on a move to Inter Milan and has since turned down clubs to keep his options open. A move to the Premier League could be what he is holding out for. A defensive midfielder with great vision and 56 international caps, Gargano could anchor Fulham's midfield superbly. The 29 year old should cost around the £6 million mark, and if they can keep him away for Sunderland he would add class and protection to their midfield. Another option could be Eyong Enoh, who joined Fulham on loan in January. He has since returned to Ajax and if Fulham can negotiate lower than the £3 million asking price he could well return permanently.

Scott Dann (Defender, Blackburn Rovers)

The English defender wants to leave the championship club and Fulham are keen on signing him. Despite captaining Blackburn this season, he wants to step up to the Premier League and Blackburn seem happy to get him off their big wage bill. Due to this they would even consider a loan offer. Everton are also rumoured to have an eye on the big defender. Prone to chipping in with the occasional goal, he would add further depth to their defensive options.

Pablo Osvaldo (Striker, Roma)

The Italian international has gained a lot of attention recently, with a long list of clubs fighting for his signature. After a solid season, scoring 16 goals in 29 league appearances, it's easy to see why. A capable finisher with both feet and head it appears he will be playing elsewhere next season. Tottenham emerged as early front runners but have since faded away. Fulham are in competition with Benfica, Southampton and Inter Milan to secure his talents. Roma seem reluctant to sell to a rival, so Inter Milan could be out. Saying that, Osvaldo seems as though he would prefer to stay in Serie A, to help him gain more international caps. If the controversial striker can live up to his potential Fulham fans could adore him. Another option could be Watford striker Troy Deeney who has started the season superbly. Though with Darren Bent's loan move nearing completion, another striker may not even be needed.


http://www.kettlemag.co.uk/article/fulham-3-potential-signings-window-closes?

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Jol hopeful over Ruiz

MARTIN Jol is confident Bryan Ruiz will be fit for Fulham's crunch clash with Cardiff City at the weekend.

The Costa Rica star hasn't featured since suffering an ankle injury against West Brom earlier this month.

Ruiz missed Saturday's derby defeat at Chelsea and was left out of the squad for last night's Capital One Cup win against Everton after Jol decided not to risk him.

But the Dutchman hopes the 28-year-old will be ready to face the Bluebirds as Fulham look for their first Premier League victory since the opening day of the season.

"It was a risk to involve him, that's why I played Kasami," he said.

"Kieran Richardson was rested and Aaron Hughes wasn't 100 per cent fit."



Read more: Fulham Chronicle http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/09/25/82029-33883131/?#ixzz2ftD2A9mN