Saturday Fulham Stuff (05/11/16)...

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FULHAM SHOULD LOOK TO POACH THESE 2 MANCHESTER UTD PLAYERS IN JANUARY

Fulham have disappointed many supporters since their relegation from the Premier League in 2014, having competed in the Europa League final just over six years ago.

The Cottagers are yet to mount a promotion push since then after suffering a survival battle in the 2015/16 campaign.

Currently in the Sky Bet Championship, Fulham are owned by Shahid Khan, who is a billionaire from Pakistan.

He hasn't really established himself as an owner thriving for top-flight football as soon as possible after a number of big-name sales recently.

Most notably is striker Ross McCormack who left Craven Cottage during the summer and joined fellow second-tier side Aston Villa.

As well as Frenchman Moussa Dembele, joining Scottish Premiership champions Celtic and currently scoring goals for fun north of the border.

Although Fulham have one or two promising youngsters coming through, the club need to look big and possibly attract one or two names from the Premier League.

Here are TWO players which Fulham should look to poach from Manchester United in January.....

TIMOTHY FOSU-MENSAH – LOAN


The Dutch Under-21 international has already been a star at Old Trafford after making his debut for Manchester United in late February this year against Arsenal, filling in at left-back.

Fosu-Mensah is labelled as a defensive midfielder, but is clearly versatile and can play in a number of positions, something which would be beneficial at Craven Cottage.

Despite this, it may cost Fulham a lot to prize him away from the Red Devils as the 18-year-old has recently signed a new long-term contract until 2010 with Manchester United.

Perhaps a loan move would be more suitable for both parties but I am sure he would tighten the defence for the Cottagers, who look to improve on their 11th position in the Championship table so far.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah also adds that international experience to Slaviša Jokanović's team as he has several caps for Holland at various youth-levels.

JOE RILEY


Joe Riley is current member of the youth set-up at Manchester United, but has been on the substitute bench for the Red Devils under previous manager Louis van Gaal.

The midfielder can also play left-back, which is where he has most recently been playing for the under-21 side at Old Trafford this season.

Riley has made two appearances for the Manchester United first-team in his career so far, coming on during their FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town in February and a Europa League game in a 5-1 home victory.

The 19-year-old doesn't have that much experience obviously but would definitely offer something different at Fulham, which they don't already have – whether it be in the midfield or as a full-back, I am sure the Cottagers would benefit if they poached Joe Riley in January from the Premier League giants.



http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-should-look-to-poach-these-2-manchester-utd-players-in-january/?

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IT'S TIME FOR JOKANOVIC TO WIELD HIS AXE ON THESE 3 FULHAM PLAYERS

After quite possibly the result of the season last weekend, Fulham fans should be feeling in a confident mood for the rest of the campaign.

The 5-0 home thrashing of Huddersfield Town who, until now, had been flying in the division has really set down a benchmark to other teams in the league.

Jokanovic has plenty of quality at his disposal and when things are good at Craven Cottage, it can be really very good indeed.

But the problem with the Cottagers is that they always seem to have two sides to them.

We've seen some shocking performances from the Whites as well as the good and in this article, we want to highlight some of the perpetrators.

Who in this side isn't pulling their weight?

Who promises so much but actually offers so little?

With that in mind, and considering the January transfer window is fast approaching, here are 3 Fulham players who might be axed by Jokanovic very soon indeed...

RICHARD STEARMAN


Former Wolves man Richard Stearman is currently back at his former employers Wolves in a loan move and if we're being brutally honest, it's difficult to see him breaking back into this strong-looking Fulham squad.

The Whites have Michael Madl, Tim Ream and Ragnar Sigurdsson as defenders ready and waiting and Stearman just isn't as good as he was five years ago.

JESSE JORONEN


Finnish goalkeeper Jesse Joronen is a player who is surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage.

The 23-year-old has made just four senior appearances in seven years for the Whites and sits behind Marcus Bettinelli and David Button in the goalkeeping ranks.

He's a man that should move on for the sake of his own career anyway and the chances are that he won't be at the club much longer.

LASSE VIGEN CHRISTENS


Danish midfielder Lasse Vigen Christensen is a player who is still adapting to English football, even after three years with Fulham.

He's out of the first team picture right now and even manager Slavisa Jokanovic has questioned whether the 22-year-old is ready for constant first team football in the coming months.

Losing the public backing of your manager is always tough and it could be a sign the Denmark under-21 international could be on his way in the near future.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/its-time-for-jokanovic-to-wield-his-axe-on-these-3-fulham-players/?

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Brentford 0-2 Fulham: Cottagers win west London derby

Fulham earned the bragging rights in west London as they won 2-0 at Brentford in the Sky Bet Championship on Friday night.

Sone Aluko bagged the opener in the first half and Tom Cairney added a late second as Fulham deservedly beat their local rivals at Griffin Park.

The result lifts the Cottagers to seventh and the cusp of the play-off places ahead of the rest of the weekend's action, while Dean Smith's Brentford stay in 11th in the table.

Both sides named unchanged sides following wins last week, with Fulham thrashing Huddersfield 5-0 and Brentford winning 2-0 at fellow west London rivals QPR, but it was the away side who had by far the better of the first half.


Kevin McDonald passes the ball under pressure from Josh McEachran

Slavisa Jokanovic's side dominated virtually from the start, and only some poor finishing and a couple of great saves from Daniel Bentley prevented them from taking the lead sooner.

Eventually, though, they did find the breakthrough thanks to Aluko. The former Hull striker had been guilty of missing a few chances, but made up for it after 36 minutes as he poked home at the second time of asking after seeing his initial attempt from the edge of the area saved by Bentley.

Brentford improved dramatically after the break and finally tested David Button for the first time after 61 minutes. Josh Clarke, who had previously been quiet, finally came alive as the home side countered, charging into the box after a good move before seeing his effort tipped over by the Fulham goalkeeper.

And four minutes later, Clarke tested Button again, but Button was more than equal to it as he kept out the Brentford midfielder's effort from a narrow angle.

That was as close as Brentford would come to an equaliser, though, and in truth it was Fulham who saw out the rest of the game in relative comfort, eventually adding a second in stoppage time thanks to Cairney's cool finish after a swift counter-attack.

Brentford boss Dean Smith:
"We probably had too many five or six out of tens. Last week, we had more seven or eights and if you drop that much at this level, you get beat. I don't think we had to do a lot to be better in the second half as we weren't very good in the first half.

"They've got a number of good players in their team and they can always hurt you. I keep saying in this league the first goal is very important and when they got it they could afford to sit deep and hit us on the break."

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic:
"We showed a very good performance and we showed our progress and in general I'm happy for the fans. It was a very good night for us.

"We played the first 45 minutes very well, we found it harder in the second half but then we got the second late on. Generally we have to be happy with this result."


http://www.skysports.com/football/brentford-vs-fulham/report/358291

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Brentford 0-2 Fulham: Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney seal victory to prove Championship play-off potential
Fulham remain in play-off contention with a narrow win at Griffin Park
Sone Aluko gave Fulham the lead after bundling the ball into the net
The Cottagers move up to seventh in the table with Brentford down to 11th
Tom Cairney added a second in injury time to seal a hard-earned victory

The bragging rights well and truly went to Fulham on Friday night as they not only beat Brentford in their own back garden but largely dominated this west London derby.

Just six miles separates these two teams but they were nowhere near on the pitch at Griffin Park when Sone Aluko scored the game's opening goal before half time.

Fulham piled on the pressure in the first half, took the lead, then saw it out in the second, and scored again in stoppage time through Tom Cairney to make this look as comfortable as it was.


Brentford goalkeeper Daniel Bentley saved Sone Aluko's original effort on goal

But the rebound fell to Aluko's feet and he ended up in the net along with the ball

The goal was Aluko's third of the Championship season and Fulham's 22nd in 16 games

Fresh from humiliating high-flying Huddersfield in a 5-0 win last week, this took Fulham to seventh. Make no mistake, Slavisa Jokanovic's side are in the mix for a play-off place.

Brentford went into this above Fulham in the Championship table but the first half told a different story.

It was all Fulham in the early exchanges as Aluko, Cairney, and Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon went close.

Brentford are known to be slow out of the blocks – just two of their 21 goals in the Championship this season were scored in the opening half hour – and it was the same old story.

In the 21st minute Fulham's Stefan Johansen went for the far corner but Brentford goalkeeper Daniel Bentley denied him.

Aluko's eyes lit up soon after, too, but his curled effort went wide.


Lucas Piazon and Chris Martin look on after the Chelsea loanee missed a good chance

Bentley came 35 yards out of his area to beat Tom Cairney to the ball late in the second-half

Stefan Johansen of Fulham steals a yard on Brentford star Ryan Woods

Not since February 1987 had there been a draw between these teams at Brentford and the deadlock was broken by Aluko.

A cross by Johansen found the 27-year-old, who hit it first time. Bentley saved but could not hold on to it, and Aluko scored at the second bite of the cherry from close range.

Fulham should have got a second before half time, too, but Piazon could not compose himself.

Brentford had zero shots on target in the first half and they had to up their game if they were to avoid defeat.

In the second half their greatest chance fell to Josh Clarke when Fulham's defence was split wide open, but former Brentford goalkeeper David Button tipped it over.

And it was the same again minutes later, when Button was forced to block Clarke's shot on an angle. Suddenly, Fulham were regretting not wrapping this up in the first half.


Kevin McDonald dispossesses Brentford's most threatening player on the night, Josh Clarke

Nico Yennaris and Tomas Kalas clash in the air as Brentford searched for an equaliser

Yet with Brentford piling players forward, it left gaps at the back, which Fulham were brave enough to exploit.

It was Cairney who scored in stoppage time by sliding the ball beyond Bentley at his near post, and that was that.

A win for Brentford would have moved them into the play-off places, while a win for Fulham would see them knocking on the door of the top six.

In the end, it was no contest.


After absorbing heavy pressure, Cairney sealed the win with an injury-time breakaway goal

The goal capped an impressively resilient performance from Slavisa Jokanovic's side


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3906738/Brentford-0-2-Fulham-Sone-Aluko-Tom-Cairney-seal-victory-prove-Championship-play-potential.html#ixzz4P7lYL4g6
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Fulham claim West London bragging rights with derby win

Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney settled the west London derby as Fulham sank neighbours Brentford 2-0 at Griffin Park.

Aluko hit his third goal of the season in the first half and Cairney struck in injury-time to seal a deserved win for the visitors from just along the Thames.

The Bees had tasted derby success the previous Friday night when won 2-0 at QPR, but missed the chance to make it a double and move into the play-off spots.

Instead Fulham, with just six wins from 16 games this season, are now up to seventh and outside the top six only on goal difference.

Aluko was at the heart of every Fulham attack in a dominant first half and got his reward in the 36th minute.

The summer signing from Hull had already got on the end of Chris Martin's header back across goal only to see his shot deflected wide.

Aluko curled another effort wide when he should have hit the target, and then crashed a shot against the supporting pole behind Daniel Bentley's goal.

But when his fourth chance arrived -- or rather his fifth -- Aluko made no mistake.


Fulham gave Brentford little room to manoeuvre and won 2-0. John Walton/EMPICS Sport

Lucas Piazon fed Stefan Johansen down the right-hand side of the area and the Norwegian pinged a low cross to Aluko, lurking on the edge of the box.

The forward's initial shot was parried by Bentley but the ball kindly fell back at the feet of Aluko who slid in to bundle home the rebound.

It was no more than Fulham deserved from a first half during which Brentford did not manage a single shot at goal.

So much so visiting keeper David Button had nothing to do but listen to the jeers from home fans, unhappy at his decision to leave Griffin Park for their rivals in the summer.

Fulham could have had more before the break but the impressive Cairney curled an early effort over and had another drive saved by Bentley, with Piazon blazing the rebound over.

Brentford improved in the second half and finally forced a save out of Button on the hour mark, when Josh Clarke raced through, although his unconvincing shot was comfortably dealt with.

Moments later Clarke got free again and this time brought a fine near-post save from Button, before the midfielder scuffed the rebound back across goal.

But Fulham weathered the late storm and then in stoppage time wrapped up the points on the counter-attack as Martin fed Cairney to slot in the second.


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=453029

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Scott Malone believes Fulham can finish in the top six - if they start winning more games at home
The defender thinks that the Cottagers' home form hasn't been good enough


Sone Aluko of Fulham (R) celebrates scoring his sides first goal with team mate Stefan Johansen during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Fulham at Griffin Park on November 4, 2016 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Scott Malone believes that Fulham can finish in the top six and that they are now looking upwards after their convincing 2-0 win over Brentford at Griffin Park.

The defender put in a brilliant display as goals from Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney gave the visitors three points - which was enough to move them in to seventh place in the Championship table.

Malone now believes that Fulham should be aiming to finish in the top six - but only if they can match their strong away form with results at home.

"It's massive for us, we've come off the back of not winning in eight I think it was," Malone said to Sky Sports after the game.

"With the group here and the squad we've got, that wasn't good enough. We've had a look at that in the last few games, tweaked a few things here and there.

"I don't think there is a secret [to our away form] I just think our home form differs to our away form.

"We should be winning at home as well as away and, if we do that, we can finish in the top six.


FULHAM GOAL at Brentford FC v Fulham FC, Brentford Football Club, Griffin park, Brentford on 04-11-2016. CREDIT - LEWIS DARLING

"We're looking up. Christmas is massive for us, just get in to January in the top six and then push on from there."

Scorer of the first goal Sone Aluko also spoke to Sky Sports after the game - and admitted that he should have probably scored more than once.

The forward praised Brentford keeper Daniel Bentley who put in another fine display, but still highlighted chances for him to have scored a couple more goals over the course of the match.

He said: "I've just kept going, kept shooting!

"The goalkeeper had a blinder today as well so credit to him, but I'm happy to get a goal.

"There was one in the second half I thought I should have done better with but at the end of the day I'm happy with a goal scored."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scott-malone-believes-fulham-can-12131166?

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Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney earn dominant Fulham victory at Brentford

Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney settled the west London derby as Fulham sank their neighbours Brentford at Griffin Park.

Aluko hit his third goal of the season in the first half and Cairney struck in injury-time to seal a deserved win for the visitors from along the Thames.

The Bees had tasted derby success the previous Friday night when they won 2-0 at QPR but missed the chance to make it a double and move into the play-off spots. Instead Fulham, with only six wins from 16 games this season, are up to seventh and outside the top six only on goal difference.

Aluko was at the heart of every Fulham attack in a dominant first half and got his reward in the 36th minute. The summer signing from Hull had already got on the end of Chris Martin's header back across goal only to see his shot deflected wide.

He curled another effort wide when he should have hit the target and then crashed a shot against the supporting pole behind Daniel Bentley's goal.

But when his fourth chance arrived – or rather his fifth – Aluko made no mistake.

Lucas Piazon fed Stefan Johansen down the right-hand side of the area and the Norwegian pinged a low cross to Aluko, lurking on the edge of the box. The forward's initial shot was parried by Bentley but the ball kindly fell back at the feet of Aluko, who slid in to bundle home the rebound.

It was no more than Fulham deserved from a first half during which Brentford did not manage a single shot at goal. The visiting keeper, David Button, had nothing to do but listen to the jeers from home fans, unhappy at his decision to leave Griffin Park for their rivals in the summer.

Fulham could have had more before the break but the impressive Cairney curled an early effort over and had another drive saved by Bentley, with Piazon blazing the rebound over.

Brentford improved in the second half and finally forced a save out of Button on the hour, when Josh Clarke raced through, although his unconvincing shot was comfortably dealt with. Moments later Clarke got free again and this time brought a fine near-post save from Button, before the midfielder scuffed the rebound back across goal.

But Fulham weathered the late storm and then in stoppage time wrapped up the points on the counter-attack as Martin fed Cairney to slot in the second.


https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/nov/04/brentford-fulham-championship-match-report?

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Brentford 0-2 Fulham: Cottagers record first win at Griffin Park for 18 years

Fulham beat Brentford 2-0 at Griffin Park to kick-off the Matchday 16 action in the Sky Bet Championship.
Goals from Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney secured the victory for the Cottagers, 18 years after their last triumph at Griffin Park.

The visitors started the brighter with defender Scott Malone causing problems down the left, delivering dangerous balls into the box.

Brentford goalkeeper Dan Bentley had to be alert to keep out efforts from Stefan Johansen and Sone Aluko, but the latter eventually found the breakthrough in the 36th minute.

The lively winger's initial effort was saved by Bentley but he followed up to prod home and give the visitors the lead.

Aluko had another chance early in the second half but headed wide, while Fulham stopper David Button denied the Bees' Josh Clarke in a one-on-one at the other end.

Brentford pressed for a leveller and the opened the game up as it wore on, but it was Fulham who sealed the victory in injury time.

The Cottagers broke quickly and Johansen played in Cairney, who finished confidently to lift his side up to seventh in the table.



Read more at http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/fulham-record-first-win-at-griffin-park-for-18-years-3400099.aspx#iBMelEVDIjEdgMVg.99

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Dean Smith admits Brentford were not good enough in West London derby loss to Fulham
Goals from Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney condemned the hosts to defeat at Griffin Park


Dean Smith, manager of Brentford looks on before the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Fulham at Griffin Park on November 4, 2016 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Dean Smith knows that his Brentford side were not good enough in their 2-0 West London derby defeat to Fulham at Griffin Park.

The boss was concerned especially with his side's first half performance - which saw Sone Aluko give the visitors the lead despite some good work from Daniel Bentley .

Tom Cairney's late strike wrapped up all three points for Fulham - and it was a well-deserved victory for the visitors in the eyes of the Brentford manager.

"First half we weren't good enough. We had too many of five and six out of tens which isn't good enough at this level," Smith said.

"They had more like sevens and eights out of tens and they got the result.

"It's a local derby, I expected them to start quick. We didn't help ourselves, we played in front of them and they allowed them to come and press us even more.

"They deserved to win."

However, Smith is hoping that his side can improve again after the international break and kick on from there.

He said: "I think tonight showed our average age - there's a little bit of inexperience. One of the youngest in the league.


Harlee Dean of Brentford battles for the ball with Chris Martin of Fulham during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Fulham at Griffin Park on November 4, 2016 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

"But after last week I felt that we'd be good enough to go and put in a performance. Too many players didn't perform at the level that was required tonight.

"We won last week and hopefully we can go and get a win after the international break.

"It's disappointing that we've lost a home game today, we've had chances in the second half but so have they. After last week it's a disappointment."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dean-smith-admits-brentford-were-12131232?

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Slavisa Jokanovic happy with Fulham's progress after beating Brentford

Slavisa Jokanovic feels Fulham are starting to make strides in the Sky Bet Championship after Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney shot down Brentford.

After an indifferent start to the season a 2-0 win at their west London rivals, on the back of last week's 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield, lifted the Whites to seventh place and outside the play-offs only on goal difference.

"I believe we have made progress but we still have to learn," said Cottagers boss Jokanovic.

"We have had two months working all together, and step by step we are starting to be more competitive. "And very good news for us is our fifth clean sheet - last season we kept only four. But I believe there is still the space to improve.

"I am not thinking about the season. It's very clear what the ambition of this club and the supporters is because I know very well, but I prefer thinking about the short steps." Aluko had already passed up three presentable chances when he opened the scoring in the 36th minute.

The forward's initial shot was parried by Daniel Bentley but the ball fell kindly back at the feet of Aluko who slid in to bundle home the rebound.

Brentford rallied after the break but former Bees keeper David Button twice denied Josh Clarke. And Cairney wrapped up the points in stoppage time on the counter-attack to cap another impressive display.

The Scottish midfielder has been Fulham's stand-out player this season and is bound to attract interest in January. But White boss Jokanovic added: "I guarantee he will stay with us, he's a very important player.

"I've said many times he's a Premier League player but I don't expect us to put him on the market." It was a disappointing night for the Bees, who seven days earlier had secured a derby win over their other neighbours, QPR.

"We had too many five or six-out-of-10s on the pitch, whereas last week it was seven and eights," said manager Dean Smith.

"If you drop below that level you lose. We weren't very good in the first half and they have players who can hurt you if you are not on your game.

"The first goal was always going to be important and when they got it they could defend deep and hit us on the break. We played into their hands."


Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/slavisa-jokanovic-happy-with-fulhams-progress-after-beating-1830194.html?

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Fulham and five things that made for a great night against Brentford
Whites are the stars of the live TV show as they take the sting out of Bees and keep a clean sheet that is significant already


Daniel Bentley of Brentford looks on as Sone Aluko of Fulham scores his sides first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Fulham at Griffin Park on November 4, 2016 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Make no mistake - even though it was only 2-0 this was as good a Fulham win as seen in the last three seasons.

Here are the reasons why.

Fulham pressed all the game unlike QPR last week
Some of the defending wasn't pretty but last week Brentford were allowed to get up a head of steam against a lack-lustre Rs.

Wherever there was a red shirt waiting for the ball, there was a white one welded to his back or side.

Fulham looked exhausted at the end. They had every right to be after sticking to the job throughout.

Last season, there were only four clean sheets throughout. This campaign, Fulham have four already.

Sone Aluko is the new Scott Parker
They don't play the same positions, but the influence the ex-Hull City player has exerted over the last two games has been immense.

Parker runs the show when he's at his best, and in a different way, Aluko's hold-up play, darting runs and shooting in this game till he made way in the second half contributed mightily to a new found belief in the side.


Well done: Sone Aluko of Fulham (R) celebrates

Fulham should wrap the hamstrings of Ryan Fredericks in cotton wool in between games
My, the Whites right-back is fast!

OK, he was up against a makeshift centre back in Andreas Bjelland, but even so it was a case of give the former Tottenham player the ball knowing he was going to skip past his opponent or anyone else in red-and-white when it came to it.

It unnerved Brentford form the off and set the tone for the rest of the night.

Brentford 0-10 Fulham
If you don't let the other side have the ball - they can't do anything.

Whites made sure Brentford chased fresh air for the entire 45 minutes and should have been more than a goal ahead by the break.

As it was, the hosts did not have a single shot of any sort, wayward, on target or even at the corner flag - Fulham had 10 with Bees keeper Dan Bentley called into action three times to divert balls away.

One of them kindly for Aluko to convert.


Jump: Kevin McDonald (R) controls under pressure from Nico Yennaris

What a difference six months make
Fulham were cheered to the rafters of the away Brook Road stand at the end of the game.

At the end of April and a 3-0 defeat they were booed all the way back to the changing room.

That defence and this one is very different. Last time, the dangerous Scott Hogan ran a moribund central pairing of Richard Stearman and Fernando Amorebieta ragged.

But Tomas Kalas and Ragnar Sigurdsson are not of same cloth, and neither are the full backs: Fredericks and Scott Malone.

OK, so Fulham are far from free-scoring but they are way tighter at the back.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-five-things-made-great-12130550?

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Brentford 0-2 Fulham player ratings: Cairney shines

Fulham won at West London rivals Brentford on Friday night, goals from Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney securing a 2-0 win in a strong performance. Here are The Football Lab's player ratings:

Brentford

Daniel Bentley – not at fault for either goal. Brentford's defeat could have been more painful without his saves. 7

Maxime Colin – quiet in the first half, but was one of Brentford's main outlets after the break. 6

Harlee Dean – blocked Aluko's shot in the first half, but otherwise a tad rash. 4

John Egan – outdone by Cairney for Fulham's 2nd goal, but he was generally solid and started moves quickly. Both centre-backs needed more protection. 6

Andreas Bjelland – as a centre-back by trade, he did not look comfortable going forward. Sawyers and Kaikai suffered on the left wing as a result. 3

Josh McEachran – didn't show enough desire, rightly taken off in the second half. 2

Ryan Woods – showed flashes of creativity in the first half but looked hesitant when closing down opponents. 5

Nico Yennaris – like fellow midfielders, lacked physicality and grit without the ball. Misplaced a few simple passes. 3

Josh Clarke – combined well with Colin in the second half. One of the livelier players but his end product could have been better. 6

Romaine Sawyers – more suited to a central role than the left wing one he was given. Wasn't given the overlapping support to utilize his creative attributes. 3

Scott Hogan – worked hard but needed better quality service. A frustrating night through little fault of his own. 6

Sulley Kaikai (on 63) – made a lot of runs off the ball but not much of the play went down his left side. 6

Lasse Vibe (on 72) – looked bright but his presence up top with Hogan left gaps in midfield. 6

Philipp Hoffman (on 85) – didn't do anything to justify the removal of Clarke, but had little time. 5

Fulham

David Button – kept his focus despite stick from sections of the home fans for leaving Brentford. Made some good second half saves. 6

Ryan Fredericks – very quick. Got forward well in the first half, was more disciplined later on. 6

Ragnar Sigurdsson – made some key last ditch blocks, one superbly timed on Vibe in the second half. 8

Tomas Kalas – did not make as many brutish interventions as Sigurdsson but quietly effective. 6

Scott Malone – showed a strong work rate. Protected the centre-backs when needed and always offered his team an attacking outlet. 8

Tom Cairney – clever movement and excellent through balls made him the main creative influence behind his side's attacking play. 9

Kevin McDonald – allied his undoubted passing ability with the defensive qualities required for the holding role. 7

Stefan Johansen – lively throughout. He willingly pressed the ball and was always positive in possession. 7

Sone Aluko – could have scored more but his pace and movement caused problems and opened spaces for the creative midfielders. 6

Chris Martin – not the quickest but provided strength and composure in the final third. 6

Lucas Piazon – worked hard and could have been used more often. Missed a good chance just before half-time. 5

Floyd Ayite (on 71) – offered a counter-attacking threat, particularly useful given the open nature of Brentford's midfield. 7

Scott Parker (on 78) – provided experience and composure late on. 6

Tim Ream (on 90)


http://www.thefootballab.co.uk/2016/brentford-0-2-fulham-player-ratings-cairney-shines/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic vows to fend off interest in Tom Cairney after Scot impresses in Brentford victory
Fulham remain in play-off contention with a narrow win at Griffin Park
Sone Aluko gave Fulham the lead after bundling the ball into the net
Tom Cairney added a second in injury time to seal a hard-earned victory

Slavisa Jokanovic feels Fulham are starting to make strides in the Sky Bet Championship after Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney shot down Brentford.

After an indifferent start to the season a 2-0 win at their west London rivals, on the back of last week's 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield, lifted the Whites to seventh place and outside the play-offs only on goal difference.

'I believe we have made progress but we still have to learn,' said Jokanovic.


Brentford goalkeeper Daniel Bentley saved Sone Aluko's original effort on goal

'We have had two months working all together, and step by step we are starting to be more competitive.

'And very good news for us is our fifth clean sheet - last season we kept only four. But I believe there is still the space to improve.

'I am not thinking about the season. It's very clear what the ambition of this club and the supporters is because I know very well, but I prefer thinking about the short steps.'


But the rebound fell to Aluko's feet and he ended up in the net along with the ball

Aluko had already passed up three presentable chances when he opened the scoring in the 36th minute.

The forward's initial shot was parried by Daniel Bentley but the ball fell kindly back at the feet of Aluko who slid in to bundle home the rebound.

Brentford rallied after the break but former Bees keeper David Button twice denied Josh Clarke.


The goal was Aluko's third of the Championship season and Fulham's 22nd in 16 games

And Cairney wrapped up the points in stoppage time on the counter-attack to cap another impressive display.

The Scottish midfielder has been Fulham's stand-out player this season and is bound to attract interest in January.

But White boss Jokanovic added: 'I guarantee he will stay with us, he's a very important player.


Lucas Piazon and Chris Martin look on after the Chelsea loanee missed a good chance

'I've said many times he's a Premier League player but I don't expect us to put him on the market.'

It was a disappointing night for the Bees, who seven days earlier had secured a derby win over their other neighbours, QPR.

'We had too many five or six-out-of-10s on the pitch, whereas last week it was seven and eights,' said manager Dean Smith.


Bentley came 35 yards out of his area to beat Tom Cairney to the ball late in the second-half

'If you drop below that level you lose. We weren't very good in the first half and they have players who can hurt you if you are not on your game.

'The first goal was always going to be important and when they got it they could defend deep and hit us on the break. We played into their hands.'


Stefan Johansen of Fulham steals a yard on Brentford star Ryan Woods

Kevin McDonald dispossesses Brentford's most threatening player on the night, Josh Clarke

Nico Yennaris and Tomas Kalas clash in the air as Brentford searched for an equaliser

After absorbing heavy pressure, Cairney sealed the win with an injury-time breakaway goal

The goal capped an impressively resilient performance from Slavisa Jokanovic's side


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3907312/Fulham-boss-Slavisa-Jokanovic-vows-fend-Tom-Cairney-midfielder-impresses-victory-Brentford.html#ixzz4P7rl0CBq
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Aluko and Cairney underline Fulham's dominance
by DAN on NOVEMBER 4, 2016

A stylish and dominant Fulham side cut Brentford down to size to secure local bragging rights at Griffin Park tonight and simultaneously sounded out a warning to the rest of the Championship about their promotion pedigree. This was a display to leave even the perfectionist in Slavisa Jokanovic purring as his previously inconsistent outfit outpassed, outplayed and out-thought their neighbours – themselves harbouring ambitions of a tilt at the top flight – during the first 45 minutes and had the composure to repel an improved Brentford side after the interval, before applying the killer touch in stoppage time through the talismanic Tom Cairney.

It was Sone Aluko, the Hounslow-born Nigerian forward, who stole the show for the second week. Aluko was outstanding in Saturday's demolition of high-flying Huddersfield and picked up where he left off with a display full of pace, power and no little finesse. His scurrying runs, combined with the bewildering speed of Ryan Fredericks down the right flank, worried Brentford's overworked full-backs, and Aluko was at the forefront of wave after wave of Fulham attacks. The only thing Aluko had lacked was composure in the penalty area, but when his moment arrived, persistence paid off.

Nine minutes before the break, Fulham weaved a pretty pattern in front of the Brentford defence. Lucas Piazon and Stefan Johansen prized open a space on the right side of the box before the Danish playmaker, who never stopped running throughout another fluent display, picked out Aluko on the edge of the box. The former Hull City forward's first shot was thwarted by Daniel Bentley, but Aluko was clever enough to follow his effort in and bundled in the rebound to give Fulham a deserved lead.

In truth, Jokanovic's side could have been out of sight by half time. Aluko was prominent involved at the end of Fulham's most clear-cut openings. A deep cross from the impressive Scott Malone was headed back across goal by Chris Martin and Aluko's low drive was on target but deflected wide. Bentley beat away a first-time effort from Johansen after he had been found by a crisp Cairney pass and Aluko would have felt he should have done better than curling wide from the edge of the box as well as when he struck the stanchion after a lightening break out from a Brentford corner was led by Malone before Cairney cleverly slipped in Aluko down the left.

Fulham's most glaring miss came in first half stoppage time after Cairney had been brilliantly denied by another fine Bentley reaction save, only for Piazon to blaze the rebound horribly over the crossbar with Chris Martin standing seemingly in acres of space alongside him. Dean Smith would have been grateful to get his side, who offered not a single shot at goal in the first 45 minutes, to the interval just a single goal behind – and it was inevitable that the hosts would produce a better display in the second period.

They registered their first effort just a minute after the interval when Josh Clarke, who had been largely anonymous in the first half, blazed over from the edge of the box and former Chelsea midfielder Josh McEachran offered notice of Brentford's increased ambition when he dragged a shot wide from distance. Fulham continued to create openings at the other end with Aluko glancing a Johansen cross wide and Martin having a shot bravely blocked at source, but they were almost caught out on the counter when, with yellow shirts committed well up the field, Clarke raced clear on goal and was only denied by a fine save from former Brentford keeper David Button.

Button, booed throughout by Brentford fans dismayed by his summer switch to Craven Cottage, denied Clarke again by getting his angles right to keep out another drive at the near post – but Fulham weathered Brentford's most promising period in the game and almost added a second after some unselfish approach play from Martin released substitute Floyd Ayite, but the winger's placed shot went right across the face of goal.

The visitors wrapped up the contest in the second minute of stoppage time – and the more convincing gloss on the scoreline was the very least they deserved. Martin slipped in Cairney with a perfectly paced return ball after Brentford wasted possession deep in the Fulham half and the Scottish midfielder kept his cool, feinting his way past the last man with a dummy as he cut inside, before beating Bentley from an acute angle and celebrating with over 1,000 delirious fans in the Brook Road Stand.

BRENTFORD (4-3-3): Bentley; Colin, Bjelland, Dean, Egan; Woods, Yennaris, McEachran (Kaikai 63); Clarke (Hofman 85), Hogan, Sawyers (Vibe 71). Subs (not used): Onariase, Barbet, Kerschbaumer.

BOOKED: Dean, Vibe.

FULHAM (4-1-2-3): Button; Fredericks, Malone (Ream 90), Kalas, Sigurdsson; McDonald; Johansen, Cairney; Aluko (Parker 78), Piazon (Ayite 71), Martin. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Odoi, Sessegnon, Smith.

BOOKED: McDonald.

GOALS: Aluko (36), Cairney (90 + 1).

REFEREE: Tim Robinson (Sussex).

ATTENDANCE: 12,052.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/11/aluko-and-cairney-underline-fulhams-dominance/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic pleased with Fulham progress
by DAN on NOVEMBER 5, 2016

Slavisa Jokanovic feels his Fulham side are beginning to make progress in the Championship after their 2-0 derby victory over Brentford at Griffin Park tonight – but believes there is still work to do if the Whites are to figure in the promotion shake-up.

The Serbian was cheered by back-to-back victories that have put Fulham outside the play-off positions on goal difference. Fulham's success in the latest west London derby was earned by strikes from Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney, although the extent of their dominance wasn't reflected in the scoreline.

I believe we have made progress but we still have to learn. We have had two months working all together, and step by step we are starting to be more competitive.

And very good news for us is our fifth clean sheet – last season we kept only four. But I believe there is still the space to improve. I am not thinking about the season. It's very clear what the ambition of this club and the supporters is because I know very well, but I prefer thinking about the short steps.

The Fulham head coach also warned potential suitors off a move for former Hull and Blackburn midfielder Cairney, who marked his 200th club appearance with the crucial second goal. Jokanovic was emphatic that the Scottish midfielder would be leaving Craven Cottage.

I guarantee he will stay with us, he's a very important player. I've said many times he's a Premier League player but I don't expect us to put him on the market.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/11/jokanovic-pleased-with-fulham-progress/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Malone: Fulham can reach the top six
by DAN on NOVEMBER 5, 2016

Scott Malone says there's no reason why Fulham can't make the Championship top six – as long as they improve on their home form.

The left back, who was named Sky Sports' man of the match for his all-action performance in Fulham's dismantling of local rivals Brentford, believes that securing back-to-back wins over high flying Huddersfield Town and the Bees will have done wonders for Fulham's confidence. The former Millwall and Cardiff City defender believes that the quality of the display that won the local bragging rights also serves to show the strength of talent that Slavisa Jokanovic has at his disposal.

It's massive for us, we've come off the back of not winning in eight I think it was. With the group here and the squad we've got, that wasn't good enough. We've had a look at that in the last few games, tweaked a few things here and there.

I don't think there is a secret [to our away form] I just think our home form differs to our away form. We should be winning at home as well as away and, if we do that, we can finish in the top six. We're looking up. Christmas is massive for us, just get in to January in the top six and then push on from there.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/11/malone-fulham-can-reach-the-top-six/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Aluko: Persistence pays off
by DAN on NOVEMBER 5, 2016

Sone Aluko was delighted to open the scoring in Fulham's victory over Brentford at Griffin Park tonight – but was honest enough to admit that should have added to his tally in a convincing Fulham win.

Aluko's third goal for Fulham owed much to his persistence after Daniel Bentley saved his initial effort and the Nigerian forward followed up to slide in the crucial opening goal that Fulham's flowing football had more than merited. Aluko, who had starred in Saturday's five goal romp past Huddersfield without finding the net, was happy to get back on the scoresheet but felt he could have scored again after passing up several presentable chances.

The former Hull City man was fulsome in his praise for Bentley but admitted his disappointment at wasting a couple of decent opportunities in the second half – but Aluko was very happy to see Tom Cairney secure the three points in second half stoppage-time.

I've just kept going, kept shooting! The goalkeeper had a blinder today as well so credit to him, but I'm happy to get a goal.

There was one in the second half I thought I should have done better with but at the end of the day I'm happy with a goal scored.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/11/aluko-persistence-pays-off/?

[Fulham1959]

Brilliant, WhiteJC  -  "Thank you so much", for all of the above !

[NogoodBoyo]

Brilliant, WhiteJC  -  "Thank you so much", for all of the above !

I would like to echo that.  WHite JC - your compilations have been missed as much as have decent Fulham performances.  Nice to see them back.
Nogood "a feast of good stuff, see" Boyo

[SuffolkWhite]

Many thanks White JC