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Sunday Fulham Stuff (04/03/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, March 04, 2018, 07:58:28 AM

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WhiteJC


Results

















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

WhiteJC

 
Derby County 1-2 Fulham


Aleksandar Mitrovic joined Fulham from Premier League side Newcastle in January and has scored three goals in four starts for his new club

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his third goal in as many games as Fulham beat Derby County to secure a 10th win in 13 matches and move above their promotion rivals into fourth.

Mitrovic's deflected shot after a slick short corner and an angled Ryan Sessegnon strike put Fulham in control.

Derby, who have collected just 12 points from 30, rallied and Tom Huddlestone's 18-yard shot made it 2-1.

But the Londoners held on despite some strong late home pressure.

Cameron Jerome and Richard Keogh both went close in stoppage-time but Fulham were good value for a win which takes them to within five points of second-placed Cardiff City.

The Rams struggled to cope with Mitrovic's physicality all afternoon and the big Serbian striker had already threatened to open the scoring in a lively start at a bitterly cold Pride Park.

Sessegnon also had a shot saved by keeper Scott Carson, while Andreas Weimann saw an effort ruled out for offside at the other end following a slick move.

But Mitrovic reacted smartly to turn the ball in after good approach play by Stefan Johansen and the Norwegian midfielder then teed up Fulham's second.

A mistake by Richard Keogh gifted possession to Johansen, who played in teenager Sessengon for his 13th goal in his past 18 Championship matches.

The visitors could easily have added to their lead against a Derby side lacking in confidence, with Mitrovic and Floyd Ayite both wasting chances before the interval.

Gary Rowett's Derby side upped both the quality and tempo on the resumption but Huddlestone's fine strike was all they had to show despite a frantic finish which saw Jerome's effort brush the post.

Derby manager Gary Rowett said:

"Certainly from the start of the game we were very, very good, very aggressive and made it difficult for Fulham to play out.

"But once again, the reality is we made two very poor mistakes for the goals and from starting the game really well, we are 2-0 down at home.

"If I'm being honest, in the 10 minutes before half-time we looked a bit sorry for ourselves, two or three players had their heads down and we started to feel it wasn't going to be our day and I don't want that, we have to show fight."

Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic:

"I started working with Ryan Sessegnon when he was 16 years old and I believe he can be part of the English national team for the World Cup.

"Experience is important but he is a really expert player for his age at this moment. It's evident that if he doesn't have any injury problems, he will be a top player.

"He is not a kid, he is a man and he gives myself, the club and his team-mates many things and we try to support him and make him still better than he is right now."


The match was just one of five in the Championship that managed to beat the cold weather



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43178130

WhiteJC

 
Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović praised the role played by the travelling Fulham faithful after leading his team to victory at Derby County.

The 2-1 triumph saw us leapfrog the Rams in the Sky Bet Championship table, much to the delight of the 1,894 fans who made the trip to a freezing cold Pride Park.

"My job is to try and win the game, and we chose the way we thought was best to do that," he explained. "I always enjoy it when I win the game. I believe my players are enjoying playing in this style.


"I believe our supporters are satisfied and are enjoying this way that we chose. Especially today, it was really important support on a really cold, really bad day.

"We brought a full stand, around 2,000 supporters, which is fantastic for us. They pushed us, and I believe they are enjoying themselves."

The win means Fulham have now taken 10 points from a possible 12 against promotion rivals in the last four outings, although Jokanović would have preferred a less nervy finale.

"We played a very good football game and gave a good performance," he stated. "We scored two goals, [but] missed the chance to be more clinical and kill the game.

"We made some chances to kill the game but didn't do it. Derby scored a goal and when that happens in the Championship you are always in trouble.

"We were in trouble in the last few minutes, fortunately we won the three points, and it's great news for us as we keep going."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/03/head-coach-reaction-derby-county


WhiteJC

 
Sheffield United face anxious wait over key duo ahead of Fulham tie

Sheffield United will face an anxiou wait to see if key attacking duo David Brooks and Leon Clarke can get fit in time for Tuesday's trip to promotion chasing Fulham, reports the Sheffield Star.

Brooks has been struggling ever since the Christmas period, when he came down with a bout of glandular fever, but did return in the FA Cup tie at Leicester City to give Blades fans hope he would be involved for the run in. However, he has since missed games with back and shoulder problems, and there seems to be no sign as to when he might be fully fit.

Clarke on the other hand was withdrawn during the midweek win over Reading with a hamstring problem, and will be hoping to shake it off in time to lead the line at Craven Cottage this week.

Clarke is still one of the Championship's top scorers, netting 15 times this term, but has been on a poor run in front of goal, bagging only once in his last nine outings.

Blades manager Chris Wilder is hoping to have as many options at his disposal as possible during  the run in as he looks to guide his side to what would be a second successive promotion by sneaking a top six spot.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sheffield-united-face-anxious-wait-over-key-duo-ahead-of-fulham-tie/

WhiteJC

 
Newcastle's Aleksandar Mitrovic makes it three goals in three games for Fulham


Aleksandar Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic has made it three goals in three games for loan club Fulham.

The Newcastle United striker opened the scoring against Derby County at Pride Park this afternoon.

Mitrovic, starting a third successive Championship game, scored from a 10th minute corner.

Ryan Sessegnon doubled Fulham's advantage with a 22nd-minute strike.

Mitrovic had spent the first season on the fringes of Rafa Benitez's starting XI at Newcastle.

And the frustrated Serbia international left in January to play regular football ahead of the summer's World Cup finals after hinting at his frustration at a lack of football. Mitrovic had scored against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bristol City in his previous two outings. A win would take promotion-chasing Fulham, managed by Mitrovic's Serbian countryman Slavisa Jokanovic, above fourth-placed Derby in the table. MItrovic, 23, helped Newcastle win the Championship last season.



Read more at: https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-s-aleksandar-mitrovic-makes-it-three-goals-in-three-games-for-fulham-1-9046252

WhiteJC

 
Derby County 1-2 Fulham

Ryan Sessegnon continued his remarkable scoring run as Fulham won 2-1 at Pride Park to go above Derby in the Championship.
The 17-year-old scored his 10th goal in 12 league games after Aleksandar Mitrovic had put Fulham ahead in a first half dominated by the London side.
Derby hit back through Tom Huddlestone and could have snatched a point in stoppage time, but with Tom Cairney delivering a fine display in midfield the visitors deserved their 10th win in 13 matches.
The first chance fell to Fulham in the fourth minute when the ball broke to Sessegnon 10 yards out on the left but Scott Carson got down well to save at his near post.
Derby swept upfield and Andre Wisdom whipped in a low cross from the right which Andreas Weimann turned in only to be denied by an offside flag.
Fulham were ahead in the 10th minute when a corner was lobbed back in by Stefan Johansen and the ball bounced off Craig Forsyth for Mitrovic to beat Carson from eight yards.
Derby responded well with first Cameron Jerome having a shot blocked by Denis Odoi before Kevin McDonald got across to take the ball away as the former Norwich striker was poised to strike.
Wisdom fired wide after cutting in from the right in the 17th minute but Fulham scored again in the 22nd minute when Johansen's back-heel wrong-footed the defence and Sessegnon drove a shot across Carson and inside his left post.
Fulham were close to a third when Floyd Ayite had a shot charged down by Wisdom and Mitrovic saw a shot flash just wide in the final minute of the first half.
The Serb striker had another chance in the 52nd minute when a Matt Targett cross was deflected into his path at the back post but he stabbed the ball wide.
Cairney was running the game but Derby were back in it in the 68th minute when a Tom Lawrence free-kick was headed across the face of the area and Huddlestone took a touch inside before firing a low shot into the bottom left corner.
Fulham almost gifted Derby an equaliser in the 78th minute when Marcus Bettinelli spilled the ball as he tried to collect a defensive header but Lawrence's follow-up was blocked by Tim Ream.
Derby twice went close in stoppage time as first Lawrence had a shot deflected behind by McDonald and then Bettinelli turned over a Richard Keogh drive but Fulham held on for another victory.



http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=483283


WhiteJC

 
Fulham up to fourth after brilliant victory at Derby

Derby 1 Fulham 2


Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his third goal in as many games and Ryan Sessegnon his 14th of the season as Fulham continued their march towards the top two.

The victory at Pride Park saw the Whites leapfrog Derby County into fourth place in the Championship – just five points behind the automatic promotion places.

Derby had chances and were given hope when Tom Huddlestone pulled a goal back with a strike from near the edge of the penalty area midway through the second half.

But Fulham secured the three points and are now unbeaten in 13 matches.

After Derby's Andreas Weimann had a goal disallowed for offside, on-loan Newcastle striker Mitrovic opened the scoring with a deflected effort following a 10th-minute corner.

Sessegnon netted 12 minutes later, slotting home after Matt Targett's pass had been cleverly back-heeled towards the youngster by Stefan Johansen.

Both sides had excellent opportunities to score after Huddlestone's goal.

Lucas Piazon should have made it 3-1 but failed to finish after being set up by Ryan Fredericks.

And Tom Lawrence fluffed a chance to equalise following a misplaced clearance by keeper Marcus Bettinelli.
Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett, McDonald, Johansen (Norwood 63), Cairney, Ayite (Piazon 71), Mitrovic, Sessegnon (Ojo 88)
Subs not used: Norman, Christie, Fonte, Kamara.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-fourth-brilliant-victory-derby

WhiteJC

 
Derby 1-2 Fulham: Cottagers climb to fourth

Ryan Sessegnon continued his remarkable scoring run as Fulham won 2-1 at Pride Park to go above Derby in the Championship.

The 17-year-old scored his 10th goal in 12 league games after Aleksandar Mitrovic had put Fulham ahead in a first half dominated by the London side.

Derby hit back through Tom Huddlestone and could have snatched a point in stoppage time, but with Tom Cairney delivering a fine display in midfield the visitors deserved their 10th win in 13 matches.

The first chance fell to Fulham in the fourth minute when the ball broke to Sessegnon 10 yards out on the left but Scott Carson got down well to save at his near post.

Derby swept upfield and Andre Wisdom whipped in a low cross from the right which Andreas Weimann turned in only to be denied by an offside flag.

Fulham were ahead in the 10th minute when a corner was lobbed back in by Stefan Johansen and the ball bounced off Craig Forsyth for Mitrovic to beat Carson from eight yards.

Derby responded well with first Cameron Jerome having a shot blocked by Denis Odoi before Kevin McDonald got across to take the ball away as the former Norwich striker was poised to strike.

Wisdom fired wide after cutting in from the right in the 17th minute but Fulham scored again in the 22nd minute when Johansen's back-heel wrong-footed the defence and Sessegnon drove a shot across Carson and inside his left post.

Fulham were close to a third when Floyd Ayite had a shot charged down by Wisdom and Mitrovic saw a shot flash just wide in the final minute of the first half.

The Serb striker had another chance in the 52nd minute when a Matt Targett cross was deflected into his path at the back post but he stabbed the ball wide.

Cairney was running the game but Derby were back in it in the 68th minute when a Tom Lawrence free-kick was headed across the face of the area and Huddlestone took a touch inside before firing a low shot into the bottom left corner.

Fulham almost gifted Derby an equaliser in the 78th minute when Marcus Bettinelli spilled the ball as he tried to collect a defensive header but Lawrence's follow-up was blocked by Tim Ream.

Derby twice went close in stoppage time as first Lawrence had a shot deflected behind by McDonald and then Bettinelli turned over a Richard Keogh drive but Fulham held on for another victory.

The managers


Gary Rowett: "Certainly from the start of the game we were very, very good, very aggressive and made it difficult for Fulham to play out. But once again, the reality is we made two very poor mistakes for the goals and from starting the game really well, we are 2-0 down at home.

"If I'm being honest, in the 10 minutes before half-time we looked a bit sorry for ourselves, two or three players had their heads down and we started to feel it wasn't going to be our day and I don't want that. I've got no time for that, we have to show fight."

Slavisa Jokanovic: "I started working with him when he was 16 years and two months or something like that and I believe he can be part of the English national team for the World Cup. I cannot recommend him to people but nobody can make mistakes with this kid. Experience is important but he is a really expert player for his age at this moment.

"I will repeat, if the national team don't take this decision this time, they will push him for the next European tournament. It's evident that if he doesn't have any injury problems, he will be a top player. He is not a kid, he is a man and he gives myself, the club and his team-mates many things and we try to support him and make him still better than he is right now."



http://www.skysports.com/football/derby-vs-fulham/375032

WhiteJC

 
Derby County vs Fulham: PLAYER RATINGS as Fulham leapfrog the Rams in the table with a 2-1 away win

It's three points on the road for Fulham, but how did we rate Slavisa Jokanovic's team?

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon goals gave Fulham a 2-1 win over Derby County and ensured they made up space on their rivals on a day many of them fell foul of the weather.

Slavisa Jokanovic made just the one change for this tie, with Denis Odoi coming into the starting XI in place of Tomas Kalas, who dropped out of the squad altogether with a slight hip injury.

Mitrovic got Fulham the lead after just ten minutes when his shot took a deflection after a nice lob in by Stefan Johansen.

You can't have a Fulham game without Sessegnon scoring, and he made sure that continued when he doubled the lead - firing into the bottom corner after Johansen backheeled it to the 17-year-old.

Derby hit back through Tom Huddlestone - the away side will feel aggrieved with the freekick conceded in the build-up but should've done better clearing their lines.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 7: Did what he had to do well once again and claimed crosses with ease. Nearly let Derby in with a mistake but Ream was there to mop up. Great save at the death.

Fredericks 7: Attacked down the right and gave problems to his marker.

Odoi 7: Did well coming into the centre back role and dealt with the presence of Jerome well.

Ream 9: Was solid once again in the first 45 and put in a number of big challenges. Colossal performance once again.

Targett 7: Strong defensive performance from the loan man for the first 45. Did well under pressure during the second 45.

McDonald 8: Another steady performance in the anchor role from McDonald. Match saving block right at the end.

Johansen 8: Two wonderful assists for both Fulham goals. Was a machine in the midfield but a yellow game for a cynical challenge meant he was replaced early for Norwood as Derby started to break through the middle.

Cairney 8: Marvellous first half performance as he dictated play and made the Derby players chase shadows.

Ayite 7: Did well and caused problems drifting from the right, but a few times could've done better with his first touch.

Mitrovic 8: Caused a problem up front and got his third goal in as many games. Outstanding hold-up play, adding that little bit extra that Fulham have lacked in the past.

Sessegnon 7: All he needs is a touch and he scored - he did well to get another today. Struggled at points against Wisdom but another solid showing.

Subs -

Norwood 7: Brought on to combat Derby in the middle as they looked to break through the lines.

Piazon 6: Gave a good account of himself when he was on the pitch but didn't have too much of an impact on the game.

Ojo 6: Brought on with a couple of minutes left to steady the ship at give Fulham an outlet down the right.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/derby-county-vs-fulham-player-14363605


WhiteJC

 
Derby 1-2 Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon both strike to boost automatic promotion hopes of Slavisa Jokanovic's side

    Goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon saw Fulham beat Derby
    Tom Huddlestone pulled one back for the home side but they couldn't level
    Fulham overtook Derby to move within five points of automatic promotion
    Slavisa Jokanovic's side have now won 10 times in a 13-match unbeaten run

Ryan Sessegnon demonstrated why the clamour for his call-up to England's World Cup squad is growing as his 14th goal of the season helped Fulham climb above Derby County and to within five points of the automatic promotion places.

The 17-year-old struck the decisive second goal as Fulham won for the tenth time in a 13-match unbeaten that has taken them from 17th to fourth place in the Championship.

Slavisa Jokanovic, Fulham's head coach, reiterated his belief that Sessegnon is ready to join the elite. 'I believe he can be part of the England squad for the World Cup,' he said. 'Nobody can make a mistake with this kid. Experience is really important but he's a really expert player.'


Goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon saw Fulham beat Derby 2-1 on Saturday

England play friendlies against Holland and Italy at the end of the month and Gareth Southgate knows all about Sessegnon from the left wing-back's top-scoring contribution to last year's European Under-19 Championship triumph.

Sessegnon was typically classy but then so were Fulham in a dominant first half that set them up for their latest triumph.

How Derby, with one point from five games, must have wished their game had fallen to the weather that caused cancellations up in Yorkshire and across the West Midlands.

The teams were so close in the table but miles apart in form. While Derby have gained just one win in eight games, Fuham are the Championship's best side at present, having also beaten Aston Villa and Wolves recently.

Fulham just seem to have extra time on the ball, Tom Cairney manoeuvring space in midfield at his pace, passing when he chooses.


Ryan Sessegnon directed home from a tight angle to double Fulham's lead early on


It was his 14th goal of the season and only adds to his ever-growing reputation


Now they also have the cutting edge that Aleksandar Mitrovic offers and the on-loan Newcastle United struck in the tenth minute to set up the win.

The corner delivered all the way back to Stefan Johansen carried no immediate danger. But when the ball was then played instantly into the Derby penalty area, the ball ricocheted back for the Serbian striker to strike his third goal in successive games.

Fulham have more than one way of cutting through opponents however. One of the most alluring of these is when Sessegnon marauds in from the left hand side and when Johansen backheeled the ball into space, the full-back-cum-winger directed home from a tight angle.

Fulham were so far in command at this stage, it was tempting to feel sorry for Derby. But the introduction of Kasey Palmer prompted a wholehearted fightback and Tom Huddlestone scored from the edge of the area in the 68th minute. But Fulham had done enough to merit their victory.


Slavisa Jokanovic's side have now won 10 times in an emphatic 13-match unbeaten run



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5458183/Derby-1-2-Fulham-Aleksandar-Mitrovic-Ryan-Sessegnon-strike.html#ixzz58la1SFRz
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

WhiteJC


Mitrovic and Sessegnon fire Fulham into fourth
by Sarah on March 3, 2018

Early strikes from Aleksandr Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon were enough to secure Fulham's first win at Derby in sixteen years and help Slavisa Jokanovic's side move above the Rams into fourth place in the Championship. But the Whites did have to dig deep to hold on for three precious points at Pride Park after Tom Huddlestone halved Derby's arrears midway through the second half – and Gary Rowett's side certainly made things nervy during a tense finale.

It looked as if the Londoners would stroll to another success after going two up in the first 22 minutes on a freezing East Midlands afternoon. Fulham had already fired an early warning shot with Aleksandr Mitrovic, who outmuscled the Derby defence all afternoon, forcing a desperate challenge from Curtis Davies and allowing Ryan Sessegnon to test Scott Carson's reflexes. Jokanovic's side breathed a sigh of relief when Andi Weimann's cool finish from Andree Wisdom's was ruled out by an offside flag, but Fulham looked lively going forward and took the lead in the tenth minute.

Matt Targett's corner found Stefan Johansen unattended 35 yards from goal and the Norwegian's first time ball caused consternation in the Derby box. Craig Forsyth inexplicably attempted to chest the ball down in front of Mitrovic eight yards out and the Serbian gleefully steered his third goal in as many games past Carson, although the former England goalkeeper stood no chance as the ball deflected off the desperate defender. Mitrovic's best scoring run in English football encapsulates the potency he has added to Fulham's front line.

Derby mustered a spirited response to going behind with Cameron Jerome, rumoured to have been on Jokanovic's summer wishlist, and George Thorne having shots blocked before Weimman turned provider for Wisdom, but the former Liverpool defender drove wastefully wide from a promising position. Rowett's men were swiftly made to pay for their profligacy. Targett found acres of room down the left and, after a brilliant backheel from Johansen, Sessegnon smashed a low shot into the far corner to double Fulham's lead.

The first half remained an open affair, but aside from the lively Tom Lawrence firing a half-volley at Marcus Bettinelli from the edge of the area, it was Fulham who looked like adding to their lead. Carson denied Floyd Ayite at his near post and, in stoppage time at the end of the first half, Mitrovic spun away from his marker to shoot wide. The pattern appeared set to continue after the break when Mitrovic drove wide after Targett's deflected cross reached him, but the home side were woken from their slumber once on-loan Chelsea youngster Kasey Palmer replaced Thorne.

Jerome might have handed Derby a lifeline when he burst into the Fulham box but for a heavy touch and both Lawrence and Huddlestone went close with long-range efforts. Rowett's men were putting the visitors under far more concerted pressure than they had managed in a strangely subdued first half and they got a reward for their endeavour when, following a generous free-kick award, the former Hull midfielder drove home his second of the season – with the aid of a deflection – from just outside the box.

Suddenly, the Rams had their tails up and Fulham, who had appeared irresistible in the game's first quarter, looked fallible for the first time. Jerome picked Bettinelli's pocket after a bad error from the Fulham goalkeeper but just as Lawrence looked poised to stroke in a leveller from the edge of the box, Tim Ream arrived to block the Welshman's shot. Derby penned Fulham back but during five minutes of added time, two bits of last-ditch defending ensured the Whites' grip on a vital win wasn't loosened.

Firstly, Kevin McDonald produced the perfectly-timed intervention to prevent Matej Vydra from converting Jerome's cross from close range and then, as Fulham scrambled to clear their lines again, Richard Keogh saw his improvised shot at the far post brilliantly palmed over by Bettinelli. The late defending contrasted starkly with the exhilarating football with which Fulham had began the afternoon but Jokanovic won't complain about his side's strength of character that has characterised their remarkable post-Christmas climb up the table.

DERBY COUNTY (4-2-3-1): Carson; Wisdom (Anya 77), Keogh, Davies, Forsyth; Thorne (Palmer 56), Huddlestone (Johnson 84); Weimann, Vydra, Lawrence; Jerome. Subs (not used): Roos, Pearce, Ledley, Nugent.

BOOKED: Lawrence, Palmer, Weimann.

GOAL: Huddlestone (68).

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Targett, Odoi, Ream; McDonald, Johansen (Norwood 63), Cairney; Ayite (Piazon 71), R. Sessegnon (Ojo 87), Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Norman, Christie, Fonte, Kamara.

BOOKED: Johansen, Mitrovic.

GOALS: Mitrovic (10), Sessegnon (22).

REFEREE: Lee Mason (Portsmouth).

ATTENDANCE: 27,138.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/mitrovic-and-sessegnon-fire-fulham-into-fourth/

WhiteJC

 
Slavisa Jokanovic gives biggest backing yet that Tottenham target Ryan Sessegnon should go to the World Cup

The Fulham has given Ryan Sessegnon his biggest backing yet that the youngster should be in the England squad

Slavisa Jokanovic has given Ryan Sessegnon his biggest backing for England yet - saying outright that the 17-year-old should be in the England squad for the World Cup.

The 17-year-old bagged his 14th goal of the season as Fulham beat Derby County 2-1 at Pride Park to leapfrog the Rams and go fourth in the Championship - going 13 unbeaten in the process.

Jokanovic said on Thursday that he backed him for the 2020 Euro squad, but today said that Sessegnon should definitely be in the squad, believing any manager who spends two weeks with the youngster will play him regardless.

Sessegnon has yet to win a senior cap, but Jokanovic believes his age means nothing and that he has the quality to be in Gareth Southgate's squad.


Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring his sides fifth goal against Burton Albion (Image: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

When asked should Sessegnon be in the England squad, Jokanovic said: "Yes.

"I didn't take any risk because working with this man I start using him at 16 and one month or something.

"At the end, to make this decision is not easy but if some coaches work with him for two works, he will use him, and I believe he can be part of the English national team for World Cup.

"I cannot recommend the people or choose, but nobody can make a mistake with this kid, he deserves everything and I believe if not this time, soon he will be in big competition or top around the world.

"Some players play at 38 and they are so old, this is between being so young or old is a relative thing.

"We must be thinking about good and bad players, experience is important but he is really experienced player for his age in this moment.

"He showed the quality in senior football and now I will repeat, if national team coach don't take this decision this time, this guy will be pushed for next European championships.

"This is evident if he doesn't have any extra problem and will be a top player.

"Generally this player is growing up in right direction and in one moment he will arrive to compete in top level.

"In which moment we will see in the future, we will take decision and I take it two years ago to play with this kid and two years ago this kid became a man.

"He gives myself, tame mates and club many things and we try for our side to support him and make him better."

Jokanovic has also revealed that he hasn't been asked directly about Sessegnon by the England boss, but has said he can come to Craven Cottage and make his own decision.



He added: "No, he (Southgate) didn't ask, but they can buy tickets and watch the games and make conclusion."

And he also had words on Steven Sessegnon, who is training with the first team and is on the cusp of breaking into Jokanovic's plans having won the World Cup with the U17s in 2017

"His brother is a good player and has great mind, focused on working with the team and in the future he can be good too.

"Now, he is good for his age."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-gives-biggest-backing-14364704


WhiteJC


Jokanovic savours 'very good performance'
by Dan on March 3, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic praised his players for 'a very good performance' after Fulham leapfrogged Derby to go fourth in the Championship with a 2-1 win at Pride Park this afternoon.

The Serbian head coach was delighted with Fulham's application throughout an absorbing contest, which they controlled from the outset after early goals from Aleksandr Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon. Jokanovic told his post-match press conference that he was frustrated Fulham couldn't kill off the game in the second half and became a little more concerned once Tom Huddlestone had pulled a goal back for the hosts.

    We played a very good football game and gave a good performance. We scored two goals, [but] missed the chance to be more clinical and kill the game. We made some chances to kill the game but didn't do it. Derby scored a goal and when that happens in the Championship you are always in trouble.

    We were in trouble in the last few minutes, fortunately we won the three points, and it's great news for us as we keep going. I always enjoy it when I win the game. I believe my players are enjoying playing in this style.

The Fulham boss had words of praise for Fulham's travelling support, who he believes helped the Whites hold on for a vital victory in their promotion push.

    I believe our supporters are satisfied and are enjoying this way that we chose. Especially today, it was really important support on a really cold, really bad day. We brought a full stand, around 2,000 supporters, which is fantastic for us. They pushed us, and I believe they are enjoying themselves.

Jokanovic also reasserted his view that Sessegnon, who followed up a double award-wining week with his fourteenth goal of the season, was worthy of an England call-up.

    I didn't take any risk because working with this man I start using him at 16 and one month or something. At the end, to make this decision is not easy but if some coaches work with him for two works, he will use him, and I believe he can be part of the English national team for World Cup.

    I recommend the people or choose, but nobody can make a mistake with this kid. He deserves everything and I believe, if not this time, soon he will be in [a] big competition or [at the] top around the world. Some players play at 38 and they are so old – so this is between being so young or old. It's a relative thing.

    He is really experienced for a player of his age. He showed the quality and I repeat if the national team coach doesn't take this decision this time – this guy will be pushed for the next European Championships. If he doesn't have any extra problem, he will be a top player.

    Two years ago I took the decision to play with this kid and two years ago he became a man. He gives his team-mates, myself and the club so many things and we try from our side to support him and make him better.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/jokanovic-savours-very-good-performance/

WhiteJC

 
'Fulham don't justify the collective soiling of pants' Aston Villa fans on the promotion race

AVFC didn't play today, but FFC continued their climb up the table

While Aston Villa have been scraping the snow off the windscreen of their promotion bus today, looming large in the rear view mirror was a Fulham bandwagon travelling at full throttle.

The Cottagers won 2-1 at Derby County this afternoon to move within a point of Villa in the race for second place.

Villa were out of action after their scheduled match against Queens Park Rangers at Villa Park fell foul of the big freeze.

Steve Bruce's team have a game in hand over Fulham (the QPR match has been rearranged for Tuesday March 13), but there's been plenty of chat among the claret and blue faithful about the threat posed by Slavisa Jokanovic's in-form side.

Fulham have taken 26 points from their last 10 games with eight wins and two draws. It only marginally eclipses Villa who have 25 points from 10 matches with eight wins, one defeat and a draw.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-dont-justify-collective-soiling-14364761

WhiteJC


Scott Carson's touch of class
by Dan on March 3, 2018

The unforgiving nature of modern football means that Scott Carson will probably still be associated with that forgettable night at Wembley when England's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 were ruthlessly extinguished by Croatia long after he hangs up his boots. He won't look back on this afternoon at Pride Park with too much fondness, either, as Derby's promotion hopes were dented by another Fulham victory – but there was a moment in injury time that told you all need to know about the character of the man.

The Rams were pressing for an equaliser with time ticking away and Carson had been waved forward by Gary Rowett for a late set play. He found himself in the centre of the penalty area as the ball broke to Richard Keogh inside the box. The Derby defender fashioned a chance for himself and fired a venomous volley towards the top corner – only for Marcus Bettinelli to make a magnificent reaction save. Despite there being another to prepare for, Carson's first thought was to offer his hand in congratulations to his opposite number in recognition of a first class stop. You can see the entire passage of play on the Sky Sports highlights package here.

Even setting aside the goalkeeper's union, Carson's instinctive response was a touch of class. It might not have won Derby an extra point, but it should earn Carson plenty of respect.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/scott-carsons-touch-of-class/


WhiteJC


Bettinelli downplays his wonder save
by Dan on March 3, 2018

Marcus Bettinelli downplayed the significance of his magnificent stoppage-time save from Richard Keogh after Fulham added further momentum to their push for the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Derby County this afternoon.

The Fulham goalkeeper insisted Kevin McDonald's superb saving tackle a few moments earlier that robbed Matej Vydra of an easy tap-in was far more important in earning the three points than his lightning reactions to push away Keogh's powerful volley. Speaking to BBC Radio London after the final whistle. Bettinelli modestly talked down his own intervention.

    At times, a team needs a goalkeeper to produce saves and thankfully I was there to make that save today. It actually came from a punch from me but it is one of those ones – you get a couple of those a season. In the last minute, I knew I had to produce something. Thankfully, I managed to get a decent hand on it and touch it wide.

    Forget my save for a minute, I think Kevin McDonald needs to get a huge amount of credit for a couple of minutes earlier. Jerome cuts the ball back and it gets beyond me and Vydra's got an easy tap-in and somehow Kevin McDonald gets from behind him and manages to toe it away and out for a corner. That there was the save of the day from Kevin. He doesn't get as much credit as some of the other midfielders at times, but the defensive role he plays and the job he does for us is absolutely key to our success.

The 25 year-old feels that Fulham can go on and claim the second automatic promotion place from Cardiff if they can continue their superb form since the turn of the year, which has seen Slavisa Jokanovic's side go thirteen matches without defeat.

    That's the way we're thinking. That's the mentality we've got at the moment. We know it is going to be tough. Cardiff are a good side, there's Villa and obviously Derby there as well. We're not going to be silly. We know we've got a lot of teams chasing our tails as well so it is going to be a hell of an end to the season. I know it's really tight up there. We'll keep working hard. We'll keep progressing. We'll see how far it takes us.

    We knew today was going to be a really tough game. Derby are a great side, [have] a great manager and they play really aggressive football. Their whole squad has Premier League quality. I thought first half we were brilliant – we played some great football and, then, in years gone by, we might have conceded that two goal deficit but we defended well and got there in the end.

Bettinelli also paid tribute to the around 1,800 travelling Fulham fans who made light of the beast from the east to make the journey to the East Midlands, despite transport plans being thrown into turmoil.

    The weather leading up to this game obviously caused carnage up and down the country. I've got to say thank you to the fans that travelled. I know a lot of them were wary of the travel – not sure whether the game was going to be on or off and the conditions that they travelled in. The fact they've given up their time and taken the risk to travel up is fantastic. I think everyone in the team appreciates their support today. It meant a lot and thankfully we gave them something to go home with today.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/bettinelli-downplays-his-wonder-save/

WhiteJC

 
Manchester City to battle Manchester United for Ryan Sessegnon


Ryan Sessegnon has enjoyed a sensational season (Picture: PA Wire)

Manchester City are poised to go to war with Manchester United over Ryan Sessegnon, reports say.

United have been monitoring the Fulham wonderkid for over a year and are planning a summer raid.

Liverpool and Tottenham have also been linked with Sessegnon, who has gone from strength to strength at Fulham in the last 18 months.

The Mirror claim Sessegnon's rapid progress has now attracted the gaze of soon-to-be Premier League champions, City.

Pep Guardiola is keen to add further young English talent to his talented squad and Sessegnon is considered as a future star by scouts from every top club in the Premier League.

Fulham are bracing themselves for a host of offers for Sessegnon this summer and City's interest looks set to spark a serious bidding war.

Sessegnon rejected overtures from Liverpool and Tottenham last year in favour of continuing his development at Craven Cottage and has seen his performance reach a new level this season.

Splitting his time between left full-back and on the left side of midfield, Sessegnon has scored 14 goals and even bagged his first ever hat-trick.

Eight of Sessegnon's last games have been on the left wing and the 17-year-old has scored seven times in those matches.

The teenage sensation will cost a hefty fee and has a contract at Fulham that runs until 2020.

Sessegnon's future seems to be in attack, but it may be hard to convince the youngster to leave Fulham in the summer, especially if the Londoners secure promotion to the Premier League.



http://metro.co.uk/2018/03/03/manchester-city-battle-manchester-united-ryan-sessegnon-7358984/

WhiteJC

 
Manchester City 'join race for Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon' as United and Tottenham eye summer moves

    Fulham are already bracing themselves for offers for 17-year-old Ryan Sessegnon
    The left-sided player has drawn interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich
    Tottenham and Manchester United eyed a bid in January and retain an interest

Manchester City are ready to join their Premier League rivals in the race to sign teen sensation Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham this summer, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The 17-year-old has been in sensational form at Craven Cottage this season, scoring 13 goals to help them into the Championship play-off places. Operating anywhere on the left side, comparisons with Gareth Bale have come naturally.

Tottenham and Manchester United have held a long-term interest in Sessegnon as have European juggernauts Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but now City are preparing to throw their financial muscle into the mixer.


Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon is wanted by Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United


The 17-year-old scored his 13th goal of the season in Fulham's 2-1 win at Derby on Saturday


Manchester City have found themselves short at left back this season following the knee ligament injury suffered by £50million signing Benjamin Mendy while they also need more homegrown products to stay within Premier League quotas.

But first-team football is likely to be the main consideration when Sessegnon decides on his next club and Pep Guardiola is unlikely to offer as much as either Jose Mourinho or Mauricio Pochettino.


Sessegnon (left) poses with Sol Campbell after claiming Young London Player of the Year

Sessegnon's rapid rise was honoured at the London Football Awards on Friday night as he picked up the EFL Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year before justifying them with the winning goal in Fulham's 2-1 victory at Derby on Saturday.

Following another good display his manager Slavisa Jokanovic suggested he could even go to the World Cup with England this summer.

Jokanovic said: 'I started working with him when he was 16 years and two months or something like that and I believe he can be part of the English national team for the World Cup.

'I will repeat, if the national team don't take this decision this time, they will push him for the next European tournament.

'It's evident that if he doesn't have any injury problems, he will be a top player.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5459115/Man-City-join-race-Fulham-wonderkid-Ryan-Sessegnon.html#ixzz58lfK5lS4
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WhiteJC


Derby County 1-2 Fulham: Player ratings
by Sarah on March 4, 2018

Marks out of ten after Fulham recorded an important victory at Pride Park yesterday afternoon ...

Marcus Bettinelli: The only blemish on a solid afternoon for the Fulham goalkeeper was the moment when he let Cameron Jerome prod the ball out of his grasp and almost fashion a chance for Tom Lawrence to equalise. Fortunately, Tim Ream was on hand to block the shot. Looks much more confident in coming for crosses, fielded a number of long-range efforts with ease and produced an outstanding save to push away Richard Keogh's goalbound strike in injury-time. 7

Ryan Fredericks: Another high-octane display from Fredericks on his 100th appearance for Fulham. Got forward effectively and posed real problems for Derby down their left side, but was dependable defensively – reading the game well and timing his challenges excellently. 7

Matt Targett: Made an impact at both ends of the field in the first half. Did well to nullify what had looked like Derby's most likely source of down down their right in the early exchanges and always looked to offer an outlet in support of Ryan Sessegnon going forward. Delivered the short corner that gave Stefan Johansen the time and space to chip into the box and led to Fulham's opening goal. 7

Tim Ream: Another astonishing display from the American, who has become of the division's best defenders this season. Made a number of important interceptions and blocks in what was a very open first 45 minutes and came to the fore as Derby put Fulham after some serious pressure after the break. Produced a brave block to prevent Lawrence from levelling the contest – and, as ever, looked composed on the ball. Outstanding. 9

Denis Odoi: Stepped in for Tomas Kalas after the Czech international had hurt his hip and rarely put a foot wrong. Largely had the better of Cameron Jerome aside from a couple of moments where the former Norwich City striker got away in the second half. Was an effective distributor of possession and battled away in the air throughout. 7

Kevin McDonald: Anchored the midfield expertly and it was largely down to the Scottish midfielder than Lawrence and then Kasey Palmer didn't have the space to wreak real havoc. Dropped back to support his back four often, but won a number of crucial 50-50s and was first to countless loose ball. Tidy in possession and carried the ball forward with purpose. McDonald remains one of the major reasons for Fulham's sudden upturn in form since Christmas. 8

Stefan Johansen: Did brilliantly for the hour or so he was on the field. Made both goals with two different moments of magic. Produced a clever chip that completely befuddled Craig Forsyth and allowed Aleksandr Mitrovic to give Fulham the perfect start. His backheel to find Ryan Sessegnon for the second goal was simply outrageous. Covered so much ground with his trademark energy, but was replaced after being booked for a cynical challenge. Fulham's retention of the ball suffered after his departure. 8

Tom Cairney: Class from the captain, who now looks like he is getting back to his peerless best. Set the tone and tempo of proceedings from a deep playmaking role but soon left the Derby midfield trailing in his wake. Seemed to have all the time in the world to operate, but his role became even more pivotal once Gary Rowett's men were pushing for that equaliser. Some of his close control and touches were mesmerising, especially after he took another clattering from the opposition. 9

Floyd Ayite: Preferred to Piazon again down the right and this was a typical Ayite display – full of pace and desire to get beyond his full-back. Gave Derby real problems throughout the first 45 minutes and almost surprised Carson at his near post with a speculative shot just before half-time. Still sometimes picks the wrong option in the final third, but looked lively in taking on defenders. 7

Ryan Sessegnon: Showed his class with the way he punished Derby for offering him a yard's worth of space inside their box. Smashed a finish across Carson and into the far corner with the minimum of fuss and got through an awful lot of work. Had been pushed back in the early stages by Andre Wisdom, but won that individual battle hands down, with the former Liverpool full-back being substituted by Rowett. 7

Aleksandr Mitrovic: We might have been severely understating it in describing the Serbian as Fulham's missing local. Mitrovic was at his imposing best here, continually rolling off his makers to either fire in shots or find a team-mate. Took what was ultimately a scrappy goal really well by decisively measuring a finish after Forsyth's horrible blunder. Engaged in a running battle with the Derby centre backs and held the ball up brilliantly, before fading slightly later on in the contest. 8

Substitutes:

Ollie Norwood (replaced Stefan Johansen, 62): Was quieter than Johansen, which was to be expected as Derby were building up at a hand of steam at the time of his introduction. The Northern Ireland international was often times as deep as McDonald in trying to prevent the Rams from breezing through Fulham's midifeld and did his drop well – even if a few passes went astray. 7

Lucas Piazon: (replaced Floyd Ayite, 71): Got through plenty of work after replacing Ayite – toiling manfully to prevent Derby from finding too much space in front of the Fulham defence and also trying to get forward wherever possible. Never really had the chance to hurt Derby in their final third, but did a decent job of helping the Whites absorb the pressure. 6

Sheyi Ojo (replaced Ryan Sessegnon, 88): The Liverpool loanee didn't have a lot of time to impress but provided a useful outlet when Fulham were penned deep inside their own half. 6



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/derby-county-1-2-fulham-player-ratings/

WhiteJC


Fulham finally exorcise the ghost of Derby 1983
by Dan on March 4, 2018

It was fitting that Robert Wilson was at Pride Park yesterday to watch Slavisa Jokanovic's side secure another vital win in their push for promotion back to the top flight. The former Republic of Ireland under-21 international follows the Whites around the country with his family these days and he could be forgiven for smiling to himself after the final whistle as Fulham finally put to rest the ghost of a horrible day in 1983, which must rank as one of Wilson's most painful memories in the game.

That year Malcolm Macdonald's eye-catching side went to the Baseball Ground on the final day of the season needing to better Leicester's result against Burnley to win promotion from the old Second Division. Set aside for a moment the fact that Fulham's woeful run of form in February and March had handed the Foxes the imitative, the scenes that followed Bobby Davison's late volley were disgraceful. There might have been plenty riding on the match for the Rams, who only eight years after winning the league title, needed a point to stay up – but even the infamously intimidating atmosphere of the Baseball Ground was surpassed that afternoon. LWT's highlights for the 'Saturday Match' capture some of the chaos.

Play was halted for several minutes after Davison's goal after the home fans spilled on onto the pitch in premature celebration – and police officers with dogs had to restore order. For some reason, the pens were opened before the end of the game, allowing fans to crowd around the side of the pitch again. This resulted in the game finishing in farce, with Wilson being kicked by Derby supporters and another pitch invasion with two minutes to play after the home fans thought the referee had sounded the final whistle rather than merely blowing for a free kick.

Those who were there tell of an atmosphere of animosity long before Davison scored what controversially turned out to be the winner. Coins reined down on the Fulham fans from the home supporters above, a pig's head was launched into the area of the ground housing the away fans, whilst Macdonald's side never looked like securing the advantage they desperately needed. In the last season before live television coverage began to totally transform the game, the fact that the football authorities declined Fulham's appeal to have the game replayed – and that the final two minutes of the contest never took play – still rankles.

The fact that Macdonald's team was systemically dismantled afterwards by the asset-stripping Ernie Clay, sparking Fulham's dramatic spiral down the divisions and several battles for the very future of the club, makes it even more of a travesty. Fulham might have fallen short of the high standards they'd set up that season well before the final day in the Midlands, but the way it ended at the Baseball Ground left a deep mark on everyone involved.

Yesterday it was Jokanovic's side clinging on for a precious victory. Fulham's previous win at Pride Park back in 2002, when the weather was similarly atrocious, seemed devoid of much feeling – and it is important to stress that there's a totally different atmosphere around Derby's new ground, as well as a new generation following the Rams these days. This weekend's win won't avenge the anger of thirty five years ago, but it may offer a fonder memory for Fulham followers of a certain generation. I don't know what Wilson did to celebrate following the final whistle yesterday. The travelling Fulham faithful have regularly bumped into the modest midfielder and his family sharing memories over pre and post-match pints over the years. I'm sure Saturday's would have tasted very sweet indeed.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/fulham-finally-exorcise-the-ghost-of-derby-1983/