Wednesday Fulham Stuff (27/12/17)...

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Results

Tuesday
Millwall	2 - 2	Wolves
Barnsley	0 - 0	Preston NE
Birmingham	0 - 2	Norwich
Bristol City	2 - 0	Reading
Burton	1 - 2	Leeds
Cardiff	2 - 4	Fulham
Hull	0 - 0	Derby
Ipswich	0 - 0	QPR
Middlesborough	2 - 0	Bolton
Nottm Forest	0 - 3	Sheff Wed
Sheff Utd	3 - 0	Sunderland
Brentford	2 - 1	Aston Villa

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was delighted to give the Fulham faithful the perfect Christmas present with victory over Cardiff City.

A slick attacking display earned his side a 4-2 victory in the Welsh capital, and when complimented by the press on how the Whites performed, our Head Coach replied: "It's true we played well. We scored four goals, we created chances.

"I believe we should have had a penalty before Tim Ream scored the first goal. We defended well, we didn't drop into our box, we tried to hold the line and defend high.

"The team showed great spirit with the ball, but without the ball too. Normally we are the winner in terms of possession of the ball, but today we were a little bit more clinical. We scored the goals and we showed we can be solid without the ball too."

The Bluebirds were sitting in the automatic promotion spots prior to kick-off, having not lost at home all season, making the Whites' victory all the more impressive.

"It's a tough team for everyone," Jokanović said. "We know how difficult it is to play against Cardiff at the moment, they're a really solid and strong team.

"It's only three points, but it's important. I know how important it is for our supporters to win on Boxing Day and I must be happy for them and happy for my players.

"We showed we can still be competitive, and I expect we are going to try and move ourselves in the January transfer window to be stronger and help us fight until the end of the Championship."

The festive period has been faultless so far for Fulham, with the Boxing Day win following up victory over Barnsley.

Hull City provide the final opposition of 2017, and that is as far ahead as Jokanović is currently looking.

"I hope we can achieve three points in the next game we play against Hull," he responded when asked what his side can achieve in the current campaign. "At the end of the season, where are we going to finish, I don't know.

"When we compare this season with last season after 24 games, last season we won 36, this year it's 35. There doesn't exist a big difference between points when you compare with our Play-Off season.

"We must keep going, we're not surrendering in this competition. We can improve ourselves, [but] games like today encourage me, the Club and our supporters to believe we can be competitive in the Championship and fight for important targets."

Ryan Sessegnon was deployed on the left-wing for the first time since netting a hat-trick at Sheffield United, and ended the day with a goal and assist to his name.

"He is 17-years-old and at the moment I use him as a left-back," Jokanović explained. "People are happier when he plays in a more offensive wide position. In the end, it depends on my team, it depends on how I can use my players.

"I prefer to use Floyd Ayité as a winger. I couldn't do that today because I felt the best option for the team was to use him as a striker.

"This is the same situation with Ryan Sessegnon, he can play well in both positions, he is only 17, and he has many games behind him but all of us believe he's still going to get better in the future. There is huge space in front of him to improve, and he can improve in both positions."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/december/26/head-coach-reaction-cardiff

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Will Celtic's Moussa Dembele look to progress with a Premier League move?

The transfer window is fast approaching and Brighton look set to make an early breakthrough with the signing of Celtic striker Moussa Dembele. According to Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol, the two clubs have agreed a fee of £18 million for the French striker. The Seagulls had been heavily linked to the player, but it will come as a surprise if a deal has been reached with the Bhoys. The Scottish Premier League club know that the 21-year-old is an asset that continues to increase in value and it could be that this story has been leaked to flush out more interest.

However, the transfer window is rarely clear cut and there are parties operating with different objectives. Every story needs to be treated with caution and The Sun have posted a contradictory report, with Celtic sources branding Sky's story as 'nonsense'. This is certainly a story to keep an eye on. The report from Sky may be premature, but they are a reliable source and it does seem like there is some substance to the transfer story.

Brighton fans will understandably be excited about the potential of Dembele, as they are in dire need of more attacking options. Glenn Murray has been their main striker for the first half of the season. Although he is doing well, there are doubts about his ability to be a starting Premier League striker for the long-term. The Seagulls are likely to be in a relegation battle and they need a more reliable source of goals to ensure they do remain out of the bottom three.

During their last seven Premier League matches, Brighton have scored only two goals. An organised defence has allowed them to continue picking up points, but they can't expect to stay clear of danger unless they score more often. They have some excellent midfield players that are capable of creating chances, such as Davy Propper, Anthony Knockaert and Pascal Gross. If they can bring in a quality striker to help out Murray and chip in with a few goals, they will be in a great position to do well during the second half of the season.

His career to date

The Frenchman first came to England when he joined Fulham as a teenager from Paris Saint Germain.

He initially made headlines for his name, rather than his reputation on the pitch, with the Cottagers losing Mousa Dembele to Tottenham at the same time his younger namesake (a slight spelling difference aside) arrived at Craven Cottage. It was a great piece of scouting from the club and academy director Huw Jennings told BBC Sport why the striker had emerged on their radar:

"When Moussa was 16 there was no doubt he possessed all the raw ingredients you look for in a striker. He's got pace and power, he can finish, use both feet and he is good in the air. He has got good intelligence."

"What stood out for me was not only what you could see on the pitch but I felt a calmness and assuredness off the pitch. It is not easy coming across from a foreign country at a young age and the thing Moussa has had to demonstrate more than any others is resilience."

It didn't take long for Dembele to feature in the first-team, as he made his Premier League debut in November 2013 and featured on one more occasion during the relegation season. The drop to the Championship was a massive blow for the club, but it provided a chance for the young players to make a mark at senior level. The Frenchman grabbed that with both hands and was one of the best young players during the 2015-16 campaign.

He started 37 Championship matches and made a further six appearances from the bench as he began to develop a reputation as one of the best young players in the Football League. Dembele contributed an impressive 15 goals and six assists, with a goal involvement rate of one every 160 minutes. Unluckily for Fulham, he was in the final year of his contract and he opted to move on at the end of the season on a free transfer.

According to BBC Sport, he came close to joining Tottenham during the January transfer window, with a deal being agreed for £5 million. That deal didn't come to fruition. but it underlines how highly-rated the Frenchman is in the game. He remained with Fulham for the rest of the season before joining Celtic in the summer. It was a decision that raised eyebrows, but he quickly became the best player in the division and the leader of the attack.

A lot of young players have been criticised for making the jump to a big club too soon, but Dembele's career has been well mapped out and that shows his impressive temperament. Few 16-year-olds would choose to leave PSG to join Fulham, but the striker is determined to make it to the top and he isn't afraid for it to be a slow journey.

Since joining Celtic, he has continued to develop and his role in their unbeaten domestic season cannot be underplayed, as he registered 27 goals across all domestic competitions. The Scottish league is not as good as it once was, in terms of quality, but it is still a huge responsibility to play for Celtic and Dembele has thrived under that. Brendan Rodgers has been a huge influence on his star striker's career and believes that he can go to the very top:

"Moussa showed last year that when he's fit he's got that capability to play at that level and that's all you want.

"Now it's the case of over the next few years consistently showing that he can do that."

Celtic and Rodgers will be realistic when it comes to their chances of keeping hold of the 21-year-old. The latest links to Brighton may come as a surprise, as it was expected that a bigger club would come in for him. However, his career path to date shows that he is keen to earn his way to the top and prioritises first-team football over club prestige.

In the modern game, a move from Celtic to a bottom-half Premier League club is a step upwards. It is important that Dembele proves himself in one of the top five European leagues and a transfer to the Seagulls would be a logical move for him.



http://tbrfootball.com/celtic-moussa-dembele-january/

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Cardiff City 2-4 Fulham: A case of the Boxing Day blues for the Bluebirds as poor display lands them a first home defeat of the season

Goals: Ream (12′), Ayite (56′), Zohore (57′), Sessegnon (78′), Paterson (90+1), Johansen (90+5)

Attendance: 21,662

Cardiff City succumb to their first home defeat of the season against Fulham in a poor Boxing Day display.

The Bluebirds were forced to part with their unbeaten home record following a disappointing performance against last season's play-off semi-finalists, Fulham.

This result means Cardiff suffer back-to-back defeats for the first time this season, dropping below Severnside rivals Bristol City and into third.

Fulham, meanwhile, move to within six points of the play-offs after taking advantage of this rare lacklustre home performance from Neil Warnock's men.

Match Report
Fulham looked dangerous from minute one with the pace they possess across the front-line and they looked to have won a penalty within minutes.

Floyd Ayite made his way across the box with the ball before seemingly being chopped down by Bruno Ecuele-Manga. Everything seemed to stop with even home fans expecting the penalty to be awarded, but it wasn't.

Fulham didn't dwell on it, though, and they would take the lead on the 12 minute when neat play between Floyd Ayite and Tom Cairney opened up the opportunity for a cross. An unmarked Tim Ream got on the end of that cross at the back post, heading home the opener unchallenged.

Cardiff struggled to create anything of note in the first-half, looking strangely unorganised, especially in the midfield where Damour, Ralls and Bryson seemed to be on a different wave-length.

Fulham didn't see an awful lot of the ball, but they did look more incisive on the attack when the did win possession.

It took Cardiff until the 40th minute to register a meaningful effort of their own. Kenneth Zohore headed a Mendez-Laing cross goalwards and his deflected effort had to be pushed around the post by Marcus Bettinelli.

Into the second half and Cardiff again started sloppily, with Fulham looking the more dangerous in the early exchanges of the second period.

And they were rewarded for their dominance when Floyd Ayite turned in a square ball after Cardiff were again opened up all too easily.

Game over? Not quite. Cardiff responded within a minute with a goal of their own and it was the returning Kenneth Zohore who got himself on the scoresheet with an absolute screamer.

Zohore took the ball on the edge of the box and quickly rifled a volley into the top corner of Bettenelli's net.

That wasn't the last of the goals, either, and Fulham managed to get a third with 13 minutes left on the clock.

Rui Fonte, just seconds after being introduced, delivered a cross to the edge of the area. Ryan Sessegnon got in front of Joe Ralls in the middle and flicked it past the Bluebirds' midfielder before rolling the ball into Neil Etherdige's net.

Cardiff got one back in stoppage time when Callum Paterson home his effort, but it wasn't to be for the Bluebirds with Fulham desperate to hang on to all three points.

And they did just that, finishing the game off through Stefan Johansen – who dispatched a deft chip over Neil Etheridge with Cardiff City committed up field – to pick up their first ever league win at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Final Word
We haven't seen a Cardiff City home performance as bad as this, this season and that, after all, is why their home record has been so good.

Cardiff were sloppy in and out of possession and they looked easy to tear open all afternoon. That isn't an area in which you can afford to fail against a Fulham side with very dangerous players.

Neil Warnock will be furious with how his men performed and it means they lose their second place spot to cross-border rivals Bristol City.

The pressure is now on Cardiff City for Friday night's home clash against Preston – they'll need a big performance after suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time, or heads will start to drop.



http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/review-cardiff-city-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Cardiff City 2-4 Fulham

Cardiff dropped out of the Sky Bet Championship automatic promotion places after Fulham inflicted a 4-2 defeat on Neil Warnock's side.
Floyd Ayite crossed for Tim Ream to put the visitors 1-0 ahead in the first-half before he got on the scoresheet to double the lead in the second half.
A spectacular strike from returning Bluebirds striker Kenneth Zohore looked to have sparked a comeback.
But Ryan Sessegnon made sure Fulham would be the first team to win at the Cardiff City Stadium this season.
There was still time for Callum Paterson to give Cardiff hope in stoppage time, before Stefan Johansen got Fulham's fourth with virtually the final kick of the game.
The result means Warnock's men drop into third place behind Bristol City on goal difference.
Fulham felt they should have had a penalty in the fifth minute after Bruno Manga had looked to have brought down Johansen after the Norwegian burst into the box.
But referee Simon Hooper waved away strong appeals from the Cottagers' players and staff and allowed play to go on.
The breakthrough came after 12 minutes when Fulham winger Ayite swung the ball back into the penalty area after it was cleared by the Cardiff defence.
He found the head of Kevin McDonald, who flicked it on for Ream to nod in at the far post.
Joe Ralls had a low shot saved by Marcus Bettinelli, before the Fulham goalkeeper was called into action again to keep his side's 1-0 lead intact.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing crossed to the back-post for Zohore, but Bettinelli reacted to get down and push the ball away.
Tom Cairney almost made it 2-0 seven minutes into the second half when he ghosted past Loic Damour and curled a shoot inches wide of the post.
Sheyi Ojo had an opportunity of his own, before Ayite looked to have wrapped up the three points in the 56th minute.
The Togo international exchanged passes with Sessegnon down the left flank before bursting into the box and steering the ball past Neil Etheridge.
But the comeback looked to be on two minutes later when the ball sat up for Zohore to unleash a fierce left-footed volley to make it 2-1.
Cardiff pressed for the equaliser that would have kept them in the top two, but it was Fulham who struck to secure all three points.
Substitute Rui Fonte broke downfield and spread the ball to the onrushing Sessengon, who touched the ball past Sol Bamba and finished into the bottom corner.
There was still time for Lee Peltier to cross for Paterson to give Cardiff hope in stoppage time, before Johansen chipped in at the death to make it 4-2.
ends



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/report?gameId=483415

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Cardiff City stunned by Fulham as crushing defeat sees them drop out of automatic promotion spots

The Bluebirdfs suffered a second consecutive defeat for the first time in nearly a year as they were beaten 4-2 by Fulham

The Christmas celebrations didn't last long for Cardiff City as the Bluebirds suffered their first home defeat of the season on a miserable Boxing Day by shipping four to Fulham.

And not even a comeback goal for striker Kenneth Zohore could soften the blow as the Cottagers' victory made it the first time Neil Warnock's side have suffered back-to-back defeats in almost a year.

It sees Cardiff slip to third following rivals' Bristol City win over Reading, with Wolves' getting away with their draw against Millwall; the leaders' cushion over Cardiff is now eight points.

Still, it is the end of the home record that will annoy Warnock more who saw his side struggle to get going and fall behind to Tim Ream's early goal before Floyd Ayite made it two shortly after half-time.

Andf despite Zohore's stunner on his first start after injury, Ryan Sessegnon made it three before Stefan Johansen wrapped things up in injury time following Callum Paterson's own late goal.

Cardiff had looked sluggish very early on. Indeed, the game was only five minutes old when Bruno Manga slid dangerously in on the advancing Stefan Johansen inside the area. Though referee Simon Hooper waved away insistent Fulham claims for a penalty, it appeared – at least at first glance - the Bluebirds had got away with one.


Nathaniel Mendez-Laing of Cardiff City is challenged by Denis Odoi (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Not for long, though. Just seven minutes later, and with Cardiff struggling with the visitor's sprightly movement, Floyd Ayite's run and chip was flicked on by Kevin McDonald and Ream was left waiting at the far post to hand the Londoners the lead.

Sloppy errors in soggy conditions didn't help early attempts at a response while a few wrong decisions in the final third meant that the Boxing Day crowd of 21,662 had to wait until the 27th minute to see a Cardiff shot on target, midfielder Joe Ralls shooting inside and forcing Marcus Bettinelli to stretch and gather.

Cardiff did manage to get hold of more of the ball and start to push Fulham back towards their own box, with Joe Ralls doing much to drive his side on.

And Zohore - making his first start in two-and-a-half months - saw a header pushed wide as the Bluebirds began to ask more searching questions of last year's play-off semi-finalists.

But it gave Jokanovic's side plenty of hope on the counter which Sol Bamba had to make sure he was alert to thwart to keep Cardiff in the game going into the interval.

Yet, just 11 minutes after the restart, Fulham managed to grab a second as Sessegnon got free down the right and squeezed a ball across for Ayite to convert from close range.

It seemed as though the game was already beyond the Bluebirds, but Zohore came good with a moment of quality at the perfect time. With Ralls finding Hoilett, the wideman held up play for the returning striker who took the ball with his chest and volleyed into the far corner from 25 yards.

Bruno Manga was denied by a good Bettinelli save as Cardiff sensed a comeback, and Zohore flashed a trademark shot across goal that also required stopping.

But as Cardiff knocked on the door, they couldn't find the leveller and Fulham got their breakaway when Sessegnon rolled Ralls on the edge of the box following a counter and slotted past Etheridge with 12 minutes to go.

The Bluebirds did keep going in search of another turnaround and two substitutes combined in injury time to give a fantic finale, Rhys Healey slipping in Zohore to cause panic before Paterson finished from Peltier's ball.

But Johansen's break-away as Cardiff searched for the leveller saw him chip Etheridge to seal the first home defeat for Warnock's men this season heading into Friday's final Cardiff City Stadium fixture of 2017 when Preston - who beat Cardiff 3-0 at Deepdale earlier this season - arrive in South Wales.

MATCH DETAILS
Cardiff: Etheridge; Peltier, Manga, Bamba(Capt), Bennett; Ralls, Bryson, Damour(Paterson 74); Mendez-Laing, Zohore, Hoilett(Healey 74).

Subs Not Used: Murphy(gk), Halford, Feeney, Pilkington, Tomlin.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Odoi; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney(Capt), Ojo(Kebano 86); Sessegnon(Piazon 90), Ayite(Fonte 77).

Subs Not Used: Button(gk), Djalo, Norwood, de la Torre.

SCORERS -

Cardiff: Zohore 58, Paterson 90+1

Fulham: Ream 12, Ayite 56, Sessegnon 78, Johansen 90+6

YELLOW CARDS -

Cardiff: Ralls 90

Fulham: Ayite 34, Fredericks 43, Odoi 82, Bettinelli 90+1

Referee: Simon Hooper (Wilts)

Attendance: 21,662



http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-fulham-report-14081968

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Tim Ream scores in Fulham win

Tim Ream isn't known for his goalscoring, but the Fulham defender stepped up for a Boxing Day goal in a Fulham win.

The U.S. Men's National Team defender scored the first of four goals on Tuesday for Fulham in a 4-2 win over Cardiff City. The goal was Ream's second since joining Fulham in in 2015 and the third of his club career.

Ream's finish was a header from open play as Fulham took the lead int he 12th minute. Following a headed pass from Kevin McDonald, Ream provided the finish to score Fulham's opener in the eventual victory.

With the win, Ream and Fulham sit 11th in the Championship, six points out of a playoff place.



http://sbisoccer.com/2017/12/tim-ream-scores-in-fulham-win

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham hit four in superb win at Cardiff

Cardiff City 2 Fulham 4

Fulham survived a couple of Cardiff comebacks to seal a morale-boosting away victory at the Championship high-flyers.

Tim Ream headed in early on to give the Whites the lead, which was doubled after the break by Floyd Ayite.

Kenneth Zahore's terrific effort from distance got Neil Warnock's side back into the game, only for Ryan Sessegnon to restore the two-goal margin.

Cardiff set up a tense finish when Callum Paterson scored in injury time, but Stefan Johansen killed the hosts off with a fourth Fulham goal.

The Bluebirds had not lost at home in the Championship this season but were up against it when Ream found himself unmarked at the far post to score his first goal since the October 2016 west London derby against QPR.

Fulham were indebted to goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli for keeping them ahead at the break as he saved Kenneth Zahore's header.

Ayite put Fulham 2-0 up, converting Sessegnon's cross, but the advantage was instantly halved by Zahore's cracking half volley.

Bettinelli then prevented an equaliser by clawing away Manga's header as Cardiff found renewed energy.

But, having scored 12 minutes into both halves, Fulham then added a third, appropriately, 12 minutes from time – substitute Rui Fonte dropping the ball into the advanced Sessegnon, who nipped away from a defender before finishing.

Paterson's header from a right-wing cross gave Cardiff hope but Johansen broke clear with a lung-busting run from his own half before chipping the goalkeeper.

A further fillip for Fulham was the return of Lucas Piazon, as a late substitute, after four months out with a broken leg.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Odoi; Johansen, McDonald, Cairney; Ojo (Kebano 86), Ayite (Fonte 77), Sessegnon (Piazon 90).
Subs not used: Button, Djalo, De La Torre, Norwood.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-hit-four-superb-win-cardiff

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic speaks for the first time about links to Swansea City job

Jokanovic watched his side sweep aside Cardiff City before being asked about links to the Swansea City job

Slavisa Jokanovic has insisted he is happy at Fulham – but has not ruled out an interest in the Swansea City job.

Jokanovic is among the potential candidates to replace Paul Clement, the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich No.2 who was axed as Swans boss last week.

The Serbian has developed a reputation for impressive football during spells at Watford and now Fulham, something that fits with a determination to re-introduce Swansea's stylish ways after recent problems.

Although there is a preference to appoint a manager with Premier League experience, Jokanovic is thought to have his supporters among the Swansea hierarchy.

And, asked directly about the links to the top-flight strugglers, Jokanovic did say he was happy at Fulham, though also suggested he was flattered by the reported interest, saying: "I am working with my team, I am happy with where I am, my job is here and not with another side, but if somebody is interested in myself then I must be happy."


Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic and Cardiff boss Neil Warnock (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Facing media following Fulham's 4-2 win over promotion-chasing Cardiff , a result that leaves last year's play-off semi-finalists six points short of the top six, Jokanovic was asked if he was aware of any contact from Swansea, but he replied: "I am thinking only about my team and preparing my team for the next game."

Jokanovic, the 49-year-old former Yugoslavia international who enjoyed spells in Spain and with Chelsea as a player, has impressed plenty with his side's style of play.

And he has proven pedigree in the Championship having led Watford to promotion in 2015 before being replaced ahead of their Premier League return.

And before taking over at Fulham where he firstly kept them in the Championship before achieving a top-six finish in his first full season, Jokanovic also led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Champions League group stages.



http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-speaks-14083093

[WhiteJC]

 
Cardiff 2-4 Fulham: Bluebirds out of top two

Cardiff dropped out of the Sky Bet Championship automatic promotion places after Fulham inflicted a 4-2 defeat on Neil Warnock's side.

Floyd Ayite crossed for Tim Ream to put the visitors 1-0 ahead in the first half before he got on the scoresheet to double the lead in the second half.

A spectacular strike from returning Bluebirds striker Kenneth Zohore looked to have sparked a comeback. But Ryan Sessegnon made sure Fulham would be the first team to win at the Cardiff City Stadium this season.

There was still time for Callum Paterson to give Cardiff hope in stoppage time, before Stefan Johansen got Fulham's fourth with virtually the final kick of the game. The result means Warnock's men drop into third place behind Bristol City on goal difference.

Fulham felt they should have had a penalty in the fifth minute after Bruno Manga had looked to have brought down Johansen after the Norwegian burst into the box. But referee Simon Hooper waved away strong appeals from the Cottagers' players and staff and allowed play to go on.

The breakthrough came after 12 minutes when Fulham winger Ayite swung the ball back into the penalty area after it was cleared by the Cardiff defence. He found the head of Kevin McDonald, who flicked it on for Ream to nod in at the far post.

Joe Ralls had a low shot saved by Marcus Bettinelli, before the Fulham goalkeeper was called into action again to keep his side's 1-0 lead intact.

Tom Cairney almost made it 2-0 seven minutes into the second half when he ghosted past Loic Damour and curled a shot inches wide of the post.

Sheyi Ojo had an opportunity of his own, before Ayite looked to have wrapped up the three points in the 56th minute. The Togo international exchanged passes with Sessegnon down the left flank before bursting into the box and steering the ball past Neil Etheridge.

But the comeback looked to be on two minutes later when the ball sat up for Zohore to unleash a fierce left-footed volley to make it 2-1.

Cardiff pressed for the equaliser that would have kept them in the top two, but it was Fulham who struck to secure all three points. Substitute Rui Fonte broke downfield and spread the ball to the onrushing Sessegnon, who touched the ball past Sol Bamba and finished into the bottom corner.

There was still time for Lee Peltier to cross for Paterson to give Cardiff hope in stoppage time, before Johansen chipped in at the death to make it 4-2.

The managers
Neil Warnock: "I am disappointed at losing the home record. But If you'd told me at the start of the season we would lose our home record at Christmas time, then I would have been delighted.

"I was disappointed in the goals we conceded. But overall they were better than us. But it says a lot about us as a team that we kept going and I can't fault them for attitude.

"Our aim at the start of the season was to get into play-offs, but we have exceeded expectations so now the aim is a little higher. I still think we are well placed for that."

Slavisa Jokanovic: "We played well. We scored four goals and created more chances. We defended well and tried to hold the line high. The team showed great spirit with the ball and also without.

"We were more clinical today and showed we can be more solid in defence. It's a tough trip for all teams to come to Cardiff. They are a solid and strong team, but it's only three points.

"It's important for supporters because they like to win on Boxing Day. We showed we can be competitive in this league. I hope we can achieve three points in the next game."



http://www.skysports.com/football/cardiff-vs-fulham/374900

[WhiteJC]

Four-star Fulham cruise past Cardiff
by Dan on December 26, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham produced their most complete performance of the season to inflict a first home defeat on high-flying Cardiff City in south Wales this afternoon.

The visitors were good value for the first half lead given to them by Tim Ream's far post header and delivered a vintage away display that brought to mind the dominance Fulham enjoyed at Huddersfield and Newcastle last season. In driving rain and against physical opposition, the Whites remained true to Jokanovic's attacking mantra and, at times, looked liable to score from every attack.

Fulham went on the front foot early and their ambition seemed to surprise Neil Warnock's side. They shrugged off referee Simon Hooper's reluctance to award a penalty for a clear trip by Bruno Ecula Manga on the marauding Stefan Johansen and took the lead after Ryan Fredericks and Tom Cairney worked an opening for Ream, who headed home emphatically after Cardiff had failed to clear a corner.

The goal only increased Fulham's stranglehold on proceedings, with Cairney, Johansen and Kevin McDonald dictating play from the centre of midfield. With wingers Sheyi Ojo and Ryan Sessegnon pushing Cardiff back, it took until the 40th minute for the Bluebirds to register a shot on target – when Marcus Bettinelli fielded a low shot from Joe Ralls.

The same pattern continued after the interval, with Ojo finishing a quick Fulham break by cutting inside and stinging Neil Etheridge's palms with a low shot. Fulham soon fashioned a second through a swift break down the left. Sessegnon surged into space located by a precise pass from Cairney and Floyd Ayite swept home a clinical finish from close range.

Just as the belief was draining away from the Cardiff support, Kenneth Zohore replied with a majestic strike from outside the box. The big striker controlled a long punt forward on his chest, spun his man instantaneously and fired an unstoppable effort from 25 yards. Suddenly, the intensity was amped up by the home side – but Fulham rose to the challenge, soaking up a period of sustained pressure before striking twice as time ticked away.

Substitute Rui Fonte spread the play superbly to find Sessegnon breaking through on the edge of the box. The teenager still had plenty to do, but beat his man in the blink of an eye before rolling an assured finish home from ten yards as Etheridge advanced to narrow the angle.

Some sloppy defending might have set up a grandstand finish when Callum Patterson's deft downward header beat Bettinelli, who had previously made two fine saves, but the Whites had the final say through Johansen. The Norwegian, looking closer to his energetic best, strode onto a long clearance and ran half the length of the pitch before lifting a lovely finish over Etheridge.

CARDIFF CITY (4-3-3): Etheridge; Peltier, Bennett, Ecuele Manga, Bamba; Damour (Healey 73), Bryson, Ralls; Mendez-Laing, Hoilett (Paterson 73), Zohore. Subs (not used): Murphy, Halford, Feeney, Pilkington, Tomlin.

BOOOKED: Ralls.

GOALS: Zohore (57), Paterson (90+2).

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli, Fredericks, Odoi, Kalas, Ream; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney; Ojo (Kebano 86), R. Sessegnon (Piazon 90), Ayite (Fonte 77). Subs (not used): Button, Djalo, Norwood, de la Torre.

BOOKED: Ayite, Fredericks, Odoi, Bettinelli.

GOALS: Ream (12), Ayite (56), R. Sessegnon (78), Johansen (90+5).

REFEREE: Simon Hooper.

ATTENDANCE: 21,196



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/four-star-fulham-cruise-past-cardiff/

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham and Manchester United target on target as fabulous Fulham crush Cardiff

Bluebirds' home run ends



Championship automatic promotion places after Fulham inflicted a 4-2 defeat on Neil Warnock's side.

Floyd Ayite crossed for Tim Ream to put the visitors 1-0 ahead in the first-half before he got on the scoresheet to double the lead in the second half.

A spectacular strike from returning Bluebirds striker Kenneth Zohore looked to have sparked a comeback.

But Ryan Sessegnon made sure Fulham would be the first team to win at the Cardiff City Stadium this season.

There was still time for Callum Paterson to give Cardiff hope in stoppage time, before Stefan Johansen got Fulham's fourth with virtually the final kick of the game.

The result means Warnock's men drop into third place behind Bristol City on goal difference.

Fulham felt they should have had a penalty in the fifth minute after Bruno Manga had looked to have brought down Johansen after the Norwegian burst into the box.

But referee Simon Hooper waved away strong appeals from the Cottagers' players and staff and allowed play to go on.

The breakthrough came after 12 minutes when Fulham winger Ayite swung the ball back into the penalty area after it was cleared by the Cardiff defence.

He found the head of Kevin McDonald, who flicked it on for Ream to nod in at the far post.

Joe Ralls had a low shot saved by Marcus Bettinelli, before the Fulham goalkeeper was called into action again to keep his side's 1-0 lead intact.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing crossed to the back-post for Zohore, but Bettinelli reacted to get down and push the ball away.

Tom Cairney almost made it 2-0 seven minutes into the second half when he ghosted past Loic Damour and curled a shoot inches wide of the post.

Sheyi Ojo had an opportunity of his own, before Ayite looked to have wrapped up the three points in the 56th minute.

The Togo international exchanged passes with Sessegnon down the left flank before bursting into the box and steering the ball past Neil Etheridge.

But the comeback looked to be on two minutes later when the ball sat up for Zohore to unleash a fierce left-footed volley to make it 2-1.

Cardiff pressed for the equaliser that would have kept them in the top two, but it was Fulham who struck to secure all three points.

Substitute Rui Fonte broke downfield and spread the ball to the onrushing Sessengon, who touched the ball past Sol Bamba and finished into the bottom corner.

There was still time for Lee Peltier to cross for Paterson to give Cardiff hope in stoppage time, before Johansen chipped in at the death to make it 4-2.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tottenham-manchester-united-target-target-14083181

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic reflects on Cardiff performance

The Whites inflicted a first home defeat on the Bluebirds, who slipped out of the automatic promotion places in the Championship

Slavisa Jokanovic felt his Fulham side were worthy winners at Cardiff after claiming a 4-2 victory.

The Whites inflicted a first home defeat on the Bluebirds, who slipped out of the automatic promotion places in the Championship.

Floyd Ayite crossed for Tim Ream to put the visitors ahead in the first-half before he got on the score sheet himself after the break.

A spectacular strike from the returning Bluebirds striker Kenneth Zohore offered Cardiff hope, but Ryan Sessengon restored Fulham's two-goal advantage.

There was time for late drama with Callum Paterson pulling another goal back for Cardiff in stoppage time before Stefan Johansen sealed victory for Fulham with virtually the last kick.

"We played well," Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic said. "We scored four goals and created more chances.

"We defended well and tried to hold the line high. The team showed great spirit with the ball and also without.

"We were more clinical today and showed we can be more solid in defence. It's a tough trip for all teams to come to Cardiff. They are a solid and strong team, but it's only three points.

"It's important for supporters because they like to win on Boxing Day. We showed we can be competitive in this league. I hope we can achieve three points in the next game. Where we finish at the at end of the season, I don't know.

"We must keep going and we can improve. Some games like today give us encouragement.

"We believe we can be competitive in this league and achieve our targets."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-reflects-14083261

[WhiteJC]

 
Cardiff 2-4 Fulham: Slavisa Jokanovic's side inflict first home defeat on Neil Warnock's team in the league this season as loss moves them to third

    Cardiff suffered their first home defeat in the league this season against Fulham
    Tim Ream opened the scoring for Fulham before Floyd Ayite doubled their lead
    Cardiff's Kenneth Zohore pulled a goal back, but Ryan Sessengon made it 3-1
    Callum Paterson gave Cardiff hope but Stefan Johansen also scored late on

Cardiff City's Premier League dream was dealt a major blow as Fulham knocked them out of the Championship automatic promotion places.

Slavisa Jokanovic inflicted a first home defeat on Neil Warnock's side during this league campaign as Bristol City moved into the top-two on goals scored.

Floyd Ayite crossed for Tim Ream to put the visitors 1-0 ahead in the first-half before he got on the scoresheet to double the lead in the second-half.


Fulham's Tim Ream (No 13) celebrates with Ryan Fredericks after scoring the opening goal

A spectacular strike from the returning Bluebirds striker Kenneth Zohore looked to have sparked a comeback. But Ryan Sessengon made sure Fulham would be the first team to win at the Cardiff City Stadium in the league this season.

There was still time for Callum Paterson to give Cardiff hope in stoppage time, before Stefan Johansen got the fourth with virtually the final kick of the game.

Danish striker Zohore made his long awaited return from injury two months and two weeks after suffering an injury Neil Warnock hoped would only keep him out for seven days.

He looked keen to make up for lost time in the opening minute when he drove forward and had a shot blocked away for a throw-in.


Cardiff's Kenneth Zohore returned from injury and scored to make it 2-1 against Fulham

But the visitors hit their stride and felt they should have had a penalty five minutes later when Stefan Johansen burst clear in the box and was scythed down by Bruno Manga.

Referee Simon Hooper waved away strong appeals from the Cottagers' players and staff, but they did not have to wait long for the breakthrough.

Fulham winger Floyd Ayite swung the ball back into the penalty area after it was cleared by the Cardiff defence. He found the head of Kevin McDonald, who flicked it on for Ream to nod in at the far post.

Joe Ralls had a low shot saved by Marcus Bettinelli, before the Fulham goalkeeper was called into action again to keep his side's 1-0 lead intact.


Fulham's Floyd Ayite (right) doubled their lead in the second-half after setting up the first goal

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing crossed to the back-post for Zohore, but Bettinelli reacted to get down and push the ball away.

There looked to be nothing stopping Tom Cairney almost made it 2-0 seven minutes into the second-half when he ghosted past Loic Damour and curled a shoot inches wide of the post.

Sheyi Ojo had another chance to double the lead, before Ayite went from provider to scorer to give Fulham some breathing distance.

The Togo winger started a flowing move, interchanging passes with Sessegnon before winning the race to the ball to find the back of the net.


Slavisa Jokanovic (left) inflicted a first home defeat on Neil Warnock's side in the league

The fightback looked to be on two minutes later when the ball sat up for Zohore to unleash a fierce left-footed volley to make it 2-1.

Cardiff pressed for the equaliser that would have kept them in the top-two, but their eagerness to attack proved to be their downfall.

Substitute Rui Fonte broke downfield and spread the ball to the onrushing Sessengon, who touched the ball past Sol Bamba and finished into the bottom corner.

There was still time for Lee Peltier to cross for Paterson to give Cardiff hope in stoppage time, but Johansen chipped in on the break to make sure of victory.

With the transfer window to open on Monday, Warnock said: 'We just need a little bit of help from Vincent Tan in the transfer market and there is no reason why we can't give it a good shout.'

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic said: 'We must keep going and we can improve. We believe we can be competitive and achieve our targets.'




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5213491/Cardiff-2-4-Fulham-Cardiff-suffer-home-league-loss.html#ixzz52S0Bc44r
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[WhiteJC]

Jokanovic praises Fulham's 'great spirit'
by Dan on December 27, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic praised Fulham's 'great spirit' after the Whites delivered an outstanding display to end Cardiff City's unbeaten home record on Boxing Day.

The Whites stunned Neil Warnock's men as an utterly dominant display saw them record a 4-2 victory at the Cardiff City Stadium with four different goalscorers running riot. Jokanovic was delighted with the quality of his team's performance after the final whistle, saying:

    It's true that we played well. We scored four goals, we created chances. I believe we should have had a penalty before Tim Ream scored the first goal. We defended well, we didn't drop into our box, we tried to hold the line and defend high.

    The team showed great spirit with the ball, but without the ball too. Normally we are the winner in terms of possession with the ball, but today we were a little bit more clinical. We scored the goals and we showed we can be solid without the ball too.

Jokanovic knew just how hard a proposition Cardiff would prove to be on their home turf and feels that the result will help to boost Fulham's confidence.

    It's a tough team for everyone to play. We know how difficult it can be to play Cardiff at the moment, they are a really solid and strong team. It's only three points, but It's important. I know how important it is for our supporters to win on Boxing Day and I must be happy for them and happy for my players.

    We showed that we can be competitive and I expect that we will move in the January transfer window to be stronger and help us fight until the end of the Championship. I hope we can achieve three points against Hull. At the end of the season, where we are going to finish, I don't know.

The Fulham head coach urged his side to continue their strong recent form at Hull on Saturday to finish 2017 in style.

    When we compare this season to last season after 24 games, we had 36 points, this year it is 35. There doesn't exist a big difference between points when we compare this season and our play-off season. We must keep going, we're not surrendering in this competition. We can improve – [but] games like today, encourage me, the club and our supporters to believe we can be competitive in the Championship and fight for important targets.

Jokanovic also addressed the ongoing debate about Ryan Sessegnon's best position after another virtuoso display by the young starlet.

    He is 17 years old and at the moment I use him as a left back. People are happier when he plays in a more offensive wide position. In the end, it depends on my team, it depends on how I can use my players. I prefer to use Floyd Ayite as a winger. I couldn't do that today because I felt the best option was to use him as a striker.

    This is the same situation with Ryan Sessegnon. He can play well in both positions, he is only 17, and he has many games behind him but all of us believe he is going to get better in the future. There is huge space in front of him to improve and he can improve in both positions.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/jokanovic-praises-fulhams-great-spirit/

[WhiteJC]

 
Outclassed City given a football lesson.

Neil Warnock probably went for the right approach as he talked about his team's 4-2 Boxing Day defeat by an impressive Fulham side which saw the ending of City's unbeaten home record.

Our manager almost always finds some refereeing decision or another to be critical of when his side is beaten and there was a reference to one or two advantage decisions which went against us (I can remember one of them). However, by refusing Fulham what looked to me like a certain penalty early on when Bruno Manga brought down Stefan Johansen, referee Simon Hooper more than made up for any other more minor decisions which benefited the visitors – I thought the linesman on the Ninian Stand side had a bit of a shocker in the second half, but the ref wasn't too bad throughout. Indeed, Mr Warnock's heart didn't seem to be in his criticism of the officials and, in the end, he just admitted that "they were better than us".

In fact, it seemed to me that this was Fulham back to the standard they set in the second half of last season when they were, in my view, the best team in the Championship and really should have gone up via the Play Offs.

This time around, the Londoners have been far less impressive. Until fairly recently, they had just the one home win as a series of draws at Craven Cottage held them back and they have been inconsistent on the road – obviously, they have not been playing as well as they did yesterday, because they wouldn't find themselves eleventh and six points out of the Play Off zone if they had been.

City played Fulham at home twice in the first two months of 2017 and the second of them was my favourite game of last season. That day, Fulham showed the combination play which marked them out as being different from other "passing" sides in the league, because they were able to retain possession while moving the ball forward and you had the impression that City were at times hanging on by their fingertips to contain the visitors.

However, led by a rampant Kenneth Zohore, City had a string of early opportunities which could have brought two or three goals and they continued to cause the Fulham defence problems right to the end when Declan John (who signed for Rangers on a three and a half year contract last week) hit the post in the last minute as we chased a winner.

We might not have been as easy on the eye with our passing as Fulham were that afternoon, but our more direct game had a vibrancy and a doggedness to it which, if anything, left us as the team with perhaps the stronger claim for the the win after a pulsating ninety minutes ended 2-2.

Unfortunately, although our will and team ethic meant that we were still in with a chance of forcing a draw deep into added time, yesterday's match was more reminiscent of the FA Cup clash between the sides some six weeks or so earlier when Fulham strolled to an untroubled 2-1 win after falling behind via a deflected Anthony Pilkington free kick early on.

City spent most of that lunchtime chasing shadows as the visitors won largely as they pleased, but at least had the excuse that it was virtually a second string side they had out – we are without important players through injury currently, but,up until quite recently at least, we were coping well enough to maintain a top two placing – the early season dynamism may have been missing, but we were doing enough to pick up a series of largely deserved victories.

Actually, there is one player, who was only injured quite recently, who, on yesterday's evidence, is being sorely missed. Much maligned by some, captain Sean Morrison's injury at Reading is looking increasingly like a key moment for us.

There are sections of the local media which call for Morrison's omission on a regular basis as they refer to what the so called dream partnership of Sol Bamba and Bruno Manga could give us. This tends to concentrate on what those two can do when they are in possession of the ball as the defending part of their game is taken for granted – we would have to be better with Bamba and Manga passing the ball out from the back than Morrison hoofing it surely?

Now, it needs to be said, that Fulham do not play with an obvious targetman and attack in a way that Morrison would not feel comfortable in dealing with, so I make no claims that we would definitely not have conceded four yesterday with him in there. However,  we have now conceded six times in our last one hundred and five minutes of football and we've not come remotely close to a record as poor as that with Morrison (who had played every minute of the Championship season for us before he went off at Reading) in the team.

Yes, Bamba did make some trademark interceptions and tackles and Manga did come up with those classy moments he is also capable of producing, but there were plenty of times when they looked uneasy individually and as a pairing, while I saw plenty of fairly aimless centreback hoofing of the type Morrison is frequently accused of yesterday.

If we looked a lot more porous at centreback than normal, then the same could be said about our full backs.

Back in our Premier League days, we were frequently opened up by passes played inside our full backs which dragged a centreback out of position and created overlaps through the middle which were usually exploited by out opponents. Fulham were able to do that to us virtually from the word go yesterday – they'd already got into dangerous positions in that channel ten to fifteen yards from the touchline three times before they managed to do it again in the lead up to their opening goal and their second one came from a similar situation as well.

Therefore, Lee Peltier and Joe Bennett were two others who were some way from their best. Of course, these days, and especially under this manager, our two wingers are supposed to do their bit defensively. Junior Hoilett and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing also found this side of the game a struggle and as, in my opinion, they were as poor going forward as a pair as I've seen them this season, those who were not there in the flesh or able to watch online can begin to see that we fell well short of the standards we have set for ourselves in most areas of the pitch yesterday.

However, nowhere was the difference between the two teams more marked than in central midfield.

I thought most of the momentum Fulham had from about this time onwards last season came from their midfield where Johnasen, Kevin McDonald and Tom Cairney represented a high quality blend of different styles which combined perfectly.

This season they've added Oliver Norwood, another good technical player with the ability to produce something special who was an unused sub yesterday, on loan from Brighton. Now, the league table tells you that, although the influential Cairney, who was nominated by some as the best player in the Championship in 17/18, has been absent through injury for a portion of it, these players have not been playing to their potential as a unit and probably individually.

Nevertheless, I'd like to see any of that quarter in our midfield, but would Neil Warnock?

I've mentioned before that I've heard our manager often talk about Aron Gunnarsson and Joe Ralls as "bread and butter" players. I think most of us will know what our manager means when he uses the term in that way, but, just to be sure, I've looked up "bread and butter" in a few online dictionaries and found things like "everyday", "ordinary", "basic" and "reliable", but "essential", "important" and "key" are there as well.

So, "bread and butter" is a complimentary description, as well as the fairly mundane one that I must admit I think of first when hearing it applied to footballers. Our manager is right therefore – every side needs it's "bread and butter" midfielders (I happen to think that Fulham might well be in the Premier League now if they'd had, say, a Gunnarsson in their squad last season), but do they need as many of them as we seem to have?

We went with three midfielders yesterday in Ralls, the fit again Craig Bryson and Loic Damour, but you can throw in the injured Gunnarsson as well and, certainly compared to Fulham, they all look much of a muchness.

On an individual basis, I thought that, apart from being caught out when Ryan Sessignon scored his obligatory goal against us to make it 3-1, Ralls played well yesterday, Bryson did better in the second half after an opening forty five minutes where, once again, there was plenty of activity with hardly any end product and Damour wasn't poor either, but as a threesome, they were a long way short of the trio directly opposing them – there was none of the "jam" that Fulham possess.

By and large, City don't do "jam" in midfield under Neil Warnock, they do have someone who has provided that something extra in slightly advanced areas of where Gunnarsson, Ralls etc. are most comfortable playing, but he was nowhere to be seen as City laboured for the creativity to unlock a Fulham defence which is far from impregnable.

However, leaving Lee Tomlin aside just for now, I have to say that I just don't get why a side struggling to retrieve a two goal deficit would not use all three substitutions available rather than the two seen yesterday – with our wingers struggling, why not give Liam Feeney a try or use Pilkington to provide some support for Kenneth Zohore who spent most of his afternoon chasing those aforementioned hoofs forward (i.e. lost causes)?

The truth is though that out of the subs available to Neil Warnock, Tomlin for me was the obvious first choice to come on and try to change things – especially when we wasted quite a few promising positions in that thirty yards from the opponent's goal areas which are his natural habitat.

Now, I'm not as much of a fan of the Lee Tomlin who is playing for us as I was of the one who played for Peterborough or Middlesbrough and I rate him very much as a disappointing signing so far. I don't think his displays so far merit a starting place in the team every week either, but he has shown in matches like Sheffield United, Ipswich and Reading that he can give us things that other players in our squad cannot- you need a bit of the rapier when the bludgeon isn't working.

It's impossible not to consider Tomlin's non use yesterday without making reference to his substitution fifteen minutes after himself coming on as a sub at Bolton on Saturday. If Tomlin had started against Fulham or had been introduced as first change on, say, the hour mark, then the reason given by Neil Warnock for what happened in the previous match (he was taken off before he was sent off) would ring true, but it's harder to accept it now – the impression created yesterday was that our manager has, for now at least, given up on Tomlin, but, if that's the case, why have him on the bench in the first place?

Instead of Tomlin, we saw Rhys Healey come on for his first taste of senior team action since he sustained that injury against Rotherham last February. Healey has been described as the only player we have who can make runs beyond our main striker from the number ten position – that may not have been what he produced yesterday, but his burst of acceleration, backed up by a strong run and a lovely, weighted, pass to put Zohore into space just as the game went into added time, represented just about the first example of us creating something which opened up the Fulham defence from open play in the whole game.

Zohore's "worldy" from twenty five yards just after Fulham's second goal owed nothing to smooth build up play  and so Healey's run and pass and Peltier's cross (the best one we produced all match) seconds later that enabled the other sub, Callum Paterson, to head home represented the clear high points, in terms of creativity, of a frustrating, very cold and wet afternoon.

Vincent Tan was there against Fulham watching his third game this season and, although he reiterated that the days of spending "silly money" are gone, he did confirm that there is some available to Neil Warnock next month. For his part, our manager heavily hinted that we will be looking at a couple of loan signings, one of whom is at a Premier League club and the other is with one in the Championship.

With the injuries to Danny Ward and Gunnarsson being specifically referred to by the manager, it's widely accepted that we are talking about a striker and a midfield player coming in – in the case of the latter, I enjoy bread and butter, but do like that something extra to give it a bit more flavour now and again.




http://mauveandyellowarmy.net/outclassed-city-given-a-football-lesson/

[WhiteJC]

Cardiff City 2-4 Fulham: Player ratings
by Dan on December 27, 2017

How Slavisa Jokanovic's men rated after they ended Cardiff City's unbeaten home record on Boxing Day ...

Marcus Bettinelli: After a somewhat sloppy display on Saturday against Barnsley, Bettinelli underlined his credentials as Fulham's number one with a performance full of character yesterday. He overcame some nervy early kicking to produce two excellent reaction saves when his side were under prolonged pressure in the second half. Organised his defence well and had no chance with either Kenneth Zohore's piledriver or Callum Patterson's stoppage time header. 7

Ryan Fredericks: Another energetic display from Fulham's rampaging right back who got forward with purpose but also managed to nullify Neil Warnock's dangerous wingers. Fredericks dovetailed well with both Sheyi Ojo and Ryan Sessegnon in front of him and, when others might have thought about whacking the ball as far away as possible in stoppage time, released Stefan Johansen to score Fulham's fourth. 7

Denis Odoi: The versatile defender slotted in at left back and produced a steady showing that significantly restricted the supply of crosses to the returning Zohore. Odoi wisely avoided any more needless disciplinary problems after picking up a cheap early booking and his diligence allowed Sessegnon to roam across the forward line at wi?l. 7
Tomas Kalas: Was sometimes troubled by the physicality of the Cardiff forwards but gradually grew into the contest. Composed as ever with the ball at his feet, Kalas was reassuring at the heart of the Fulham defence until Warnock's side went longer in the final stages. 6

Tim Ream: The American scored his second goal for the Whites with a fine header at the back post to give Fulham the lead and showed great desire to clear the visitors' lines over and over again. Ream frequently had the ball at his feet and distributed possession effectively during a performance that spread confidence right through the spine of Jokanovic's side. 7

Kevin McDonald: The Scottish midfielder's hod carrying wasn't as immediately noticeable as it had been at the weekend, but it proved no less important. After rising sublimely to flick on the cross from which Ream headed Fulham in front, McDonald shut down the space in which the likes of Zohore and Mendez-Laing have operated so impressively. Not much got past him all afternoon 7

Tom Cairney: This was a much more encouraging display from the Fulham skipper that his laboured 90 minutes against Barnsley. Cairney courageously withstood a succession of cynical Cardiff challenges designed to dilute his influence but he still dictated play effortlessly from central midfield. Might have scored with a lovely second half curler that flew fractionally wide. 7

Stefan Johansen: This was probably the Norwegian's best display in a Fulham shirt since last term. His energy levels were bag to what we have been accustomed to – as shown by the sixty yard dash in stoppage time that took him before the impudent dink over Neil Etheridge. When Fulham's midfield three are operating in tandem the Whites look like a totally different side and Johansen's part in offering more dynamism shouldn't be overlooked. 7

Sheyi Ojo: The Liverpool loanee might not have maintained his hot scoring streak but this performance of passion, pace and power put the Bluebirds on the back foot from the off. His venturing off the right flank was pivotal to introducing the fluidity Fulham's forward line had lacked of late. The standing ovation he received from the travelling fans said it all. 7

Ryan Sessegnon: Another mature and utterly devastating display from the pridigously talented teenager. Cardiff allowed him time on the ball from the outset and he looked threatening every time Fulham crossed the halfway line. Made the third with a high-tenpo give and go with Floyd Ayite before spinning around the last defender and stroking a sublime to put clear water between the teams after a terrific switch of play by Rui Fonte. 9

Floyd Ayite: The Togo international followed up his blockbuster against Barnsley with what looked a fat more simple finish yesterday but his clever running off the ball created the opening. He worried the Cardiff back line throughout and, operating right across the width of the field, delivered the sort of all-action performance that bodes well for the remainder of the campaign. 8

Substitutes:

Neeskens Kebano: Another excellent cameo from the Congolese winger as he continues on the path back to full match sharpness after that hamstring injured. His raw pace proved a real asset on the counter attack 7

Rui Fonte: The Portuguese made a real impression despite a lack of playing time. He scrapped for the ball from the get go and a raking crossfield pass put in Sessegnon for Fulham's third. 7

Lucas Piazon: The Brazilian received a rapturous reception from the Fulham faithful when he entered the fray since August. There was little time for Piazon to impress but it was cheering to see one of the game's good guys out there again after such a serious injury setback. 6



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