Monday Fulham Stuff (28/11/16)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Frustrated Fulham beaten by Brighton

Kevin McDonald had put the Whites ahead on 18 minutes when his back-post header from Stefan Johansen's corner crept over the line.

They had further chances to extend their lead before the break but found their former keeper David Stockdale in terrific form.

Equally brilliant was Sam Baldock's crashing volley early in the second half which levelled the scores, and an unmarked Murray snatched the points late on.

Although Fulham were left to rue their missed opportunities, they were grateful initially to a good save from David Button to deny Murray early on.

But after they went in front, Slavisa Jokanovic's side attacked with purpose – Floyd Ayite's deflected shot produced a magnificent save from Stockdale, who also denied Scott Malone after terrific interplay in midfield.

Seven minutes after the break, Albion levelled. There appeared little danger during a bit of head tennis, but when the ball came out to Baldock on the edge of the box, he rifled in past Button.

Stockdale kept out efforts from Ayite and Denis Odoi while at the other end, Baldock brought down a header and might have swept the ball home but for a last-ditch challenge from Tomas Kalas, who diverted it on to the post.

But Brighton had the last word, with Fulham's defence leaving Murray in space to convert Baldock's cross.

Fulham: Button; Odoi (Fredericks 85), Kalas, Sigurdsson, Malone; Cairney, McDonald; Aluko (Piazon 84), Johansen, Ayite (Kebano 85); Martin.
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Ream, Sessegnon, Smith.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/frustrated-fulham-beaten-brighton?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham must keep the faith – Jokanovic


Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic urged his players to keep faith in themselves and their way of playing despite defeat at Brighton.

The Whites led 1-0 at the Amex at half-time, having created several good chances, but conceded twice in the second half to lose 2-1.

Jokanovic admitted lapses in concentration cost his side, but wants to focus on the positives of the performance.

"It's very important the players believe in themselves," he said.

"This is our style, this is how we want to win the game. We created many things, we were very close to winning three points but we didn't do it.

"We have to be more clinical, try to find the end product and put the ball in the net.

"They were clinical with the two very cheap goals and at the end we paid an expensive price.

"If you don't score the goals, you have to have enough concentration to not concede this kind of goals that we conceded today."


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-wls-fulham-boss-urges-players-keep-faith-brighton-defeat

[WhiteJC]

 
Chris Hughton highlights David Stockdale's role as Brighton and Hove Albion beat Fulham


David Stockdale swats a dangerous cross to safety. Picture by Simon Dack

Chris Hughton has praised his goalkeeper's part in Albion's win over Fulham.

But he would have preferred David Stockdale to have been a bit less busy.

Stockdale twice denied Floyd Ayite in the 2-1 success over his old club and also parried a shot from Scott Malone.

He lost his footing when Kevin McDonald headed Fulham in front, possibly as a result of contact with team-mate Dale Stephens in the goalmouth.

Albion boss Hughton said: "He had to deal with a lot of crosses, he was blocked on a few occasions. He was a little bit unfortunate on the goal.

"It was a busy day, one we would prefer him not to have, but you are going to get days when you are reliant on a keeper performing well."

Stockdale kept Albion in the game during a sluggish first half.

Hughton added: "We know we weren't at anywhere near our best in the first half. We afforded a very good Fulham team too much space and time on the ball.

"Probably the biggest thing in that first half was we didn't keep the ball well enough.

"It gives them a lot of possession and they can use it very well."


http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/14930703.Hughton_highlights_Stockdale_s_role_in_Albion_comeback/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Celtic's Moussa Dembele: No regrets over decision to leave PSG for Fulham

Celtic striker Moussa Dembele says he had always wanted to play for Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, but does not regret his decision to move on to Fulham in 2012.

The 20-year-old, who hails from the Parisian suburb of Pontoise, left PSG for Fulham at the age of 16 without having made a single senior appearance for the Ligue 1 side.

Speaking with TF1's Telefoot, Dembele revealed he was not given much cause for optimism in the first year of Qatar Sports Investments' (QSI) ownership of PSG and decided to sign professional terms with Fulham instead.

"At PSG, I found there was not much faith put in the youth academy graduates," he said. "I would have liked to play at the Parc [des Princes] at least once but I am happy with the choice I made and I am good here at Celtic."

Since moving to Celtic from Fulham in the summer, Dembele has been in impressive form and his seven goals in 12 Scottish Premiership appearances have attracted the interest of Manchester United, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Southampton, sources have told ESPN FC.

The player with Malian roots is currently establishing himself with France's under-21 side, but has his eyes on a call-up to the senior squad.

"It occupies a corner of my mind," Dembele said. "If I remain this efficient, then it should happen. I must continue to work hard though."

On top of his seven league goals from 12 matches, Dembele has bagged three goals in five Champions League group stage outings and scored two more in qualifying.

Dembele has fond memories of his hat trick in the 5-1 Old Firm derby win against rivals Rangers in September and lavished praise upon the Bhoys supporters for the "level of atmosphere" they create at Celtic Park.

"When you score a hat trick, you remember it all your life," Dembele said. "It is etched into the history of this derby. Without the fans, I do not think Celtic would be as big a club as they are. There are perhaps only one, two or maybe three clubs in Europe that can boast this level of atmosphere."


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/celtic/story/3005980/celtics-moussa-dembele-has-no-regrets-over-decision-to-leave-psg-for-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham consider Akpom loan deal
by DAN on NOVEMBER 27, 2016

Fulham are giving serious consideration to a January loan move for Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom after it emerged that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants to give his young forward another taste of first-team football in the new year.

The 21 year-old is nearing full fitness once again as he recovers from a back injury sustained in September and Wenger is eyeing the opening of the transfer window in January as an opportunity to reprise Akpom's excellent Championship showing from last season's loan stint with promoted Hull City. The England under 21 international, who has four goals in five caps at that level for his country, scored seven goals in 40 appearances for the Tigers last season – with his haul including an FA Cup hat-trick against Bury.

There will be no shortage of potential destinations for the 6ft striker with the likes of Cardiff City and Brentford, for whom Akpom made four appearances in a brief loan spell two seasons ago, also interested in his services. Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic is likely to be looking for further additions to his forward line when the transfer window re-opens with only Cauley Woodrow and Matt Smith as potential replacements for Chris Martin, who is currently the first choice for the lone striker role.

Wenger is keen for Akpom to continue his development on loan as he will struggle to feature due to the fierce competition for places at Arsenal. The youngster has made just one appearance for the first-team this season, which came in the 4-0 EFL Cup victory against Nottingham Forest in September.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/11/fulham-consider-akpom-loan-deal/?