Saturday Fulham Stuff (28/04/18)...

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Results

Friday
Fulham	2 - 1	Sunderland

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Fulham 2-1 Sunderland

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his 12th goal in his past 13 games for Fulham

Fulham moved back into the automatic promotion places but had to come from behind to beat relegated Sunderland.

The Black Cats, who are now sure to finish bottom, took a surprise lead through Joel Asoro's fine low strike.

The hosts were well short of their best but levelled on the stroke of half-time when Lucas Piazon slotted in.

Aleksandar Mitrovic headed home at the far post to put Fulham two points above Cardiff and send the Championship promotion race into the final weekend.

The battle to finish second behind champions Wolves is still in the Bluebirds' hands, with Neil Warnock's side able to climb back above the Cottagers if they beat Hull City on Saturday.

Regardless of the result at the KCOM Stadium, both teams are guaranteed to be in with a shot at securing promotion to the Premier League on the final day of the season - with Fulham visiting Birmingham and Cardiff hosting Reading on Sunday, 6 May.

Aston Villa can also mathematically still catch Fulham, but they are now six points behind with just two games remaining.

Fulham survive a Sunderland scare
If the Whites had lost to Sunderland on Friday then Cardiff could have sealed promotion with victory against Hull - and a shock result at Craven Cottage looked a genuine possibility when Asoro marked his 19th birthday by opening the scoring.

The Black Cats were more than competitive in the contest and were unlucky to find themselves level towards the end of the half, with Piazon's equaliser coming 60 seconds after Ovie Ejaria appeared to be tripped in the Fulham box.

Slavisa Jokanovic's team, now 23 games unbeaten, were brilliant in dismantling Millwall in the second period last Friday, but clear chances were hard to come by despite dominating possession against Sunderland.

The pressure eventually told, however, when Newcastle loanee Mitrovic continued his fine form by scoring his 12th Fulham goal to secure victory for the hosts.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic told BBC Radio 5 live:
"You can see how complicated this competition is. We wanted to control the situation but didn't attack enough and take risks.

"In the second half we started to move the ball better and there was a big difference with our passing.

"We can talk about our character and our confidence.

"I am not going to watch the Cardiff game. I have different plans."

Sunderland boss Chris Coleman:
"Slav has done a big job so it was always going to be tough. I thought tonight our performance deserved something, we didn't deserve nothing.

"Their second goal was a yard offside and it's not even a hard call for the linesman to call that and we should have had a penalty in the first half.

"We need those big calls and simple calls because, when they go against you, everyone starts thinking 'Oh Sunderland always get bad calls' and we start feeling sorry for ourselves."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43833102

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was proud of his side's character as they came from behind to defeat Sunderland on Friday night.

The Whites toiled at times in the first half and trailed to Joel Asoro's opener, but a late Lucas Piazon effort restored parity going into the break.

And Fulham showed their quality after the restart, taking a vital three points courtesy of Aleksandar Mitrović's headed winner.

"In the first 45 minutes we wanted to dominate the situation," Jokanović explained. "We moved the ball but without the last pass, without enough shots.

"We dominated the situation but we weren't dangerous enough. Sunderland wanted to do us damage and they scored the goal.

"It wasn't easy for us but we showed great character at the end of the first 45 minutes and especially in the second half. We really wanted to win the game and we took the necessary risks.

"We didn't find our best performance, but we showed great character, great confidence to change our situation, and we made a very important comeback to win these very important points for us.

"Everyone showed character, players like Tim Ream or Kevin McDonald or Aleksandar Mitrović, who scored the goal.

"[Aboubakar] Kamara made a great impact for the team. Stefan [Johansen] again showed great character in the second half. They pushed the team in the right way to win the game."

The victory means Fulham's automatic promotion hopes will remain in our hands going into the final weekend, if Cardiff City drop points in Hull on Saturday.

"Now it's Cardiff's turn and we're going to wait and see if they're under some kind of pressure or not," he said. "The ball is in their court now.

"I've repeated many times, if they win these two games that are ahead of them, we cannot do anything.

"But we must be comfortable and we must try to be competitive and try to win the game against Birmingham.

"It might not be enough for us, but we must be ready for Play-Offs. If we cannot finish the short way, we must be ready to finish this job in the longest way."

One blemish on the evening was Matt Targett's early departure from proceedings, and Jokanović said of his left-back: "It's an ankle problem. I don't know, but we expect he's going to be available."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/27/head-coach-reaction-sunderland

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Cardiff City fans are incensed after Sunderland are denied penalty in crucial Fulham clash

Fulham went down the other end and scored straight away



Cardiff City fans have voiced their anger on social media as Fulham got a huge slice of luck in their vital promotion clash with Sunderland.

The Cottagers, off colour in the first half against Chris Coleman's relegated side, were already trailing to Joel Asoro's strike when they looked to have conceded a penalty.

Fulham defender Tim Ream appeared to foul Ovie Ejaria in the box, an incident which would have given Sunderland the chance to make it 2-0 — and hand the initiative to Cardiff in the race for second place.

But referee Peter Bankes waved played on and Cardiff's luck was out in more ways than one, as Lucas Piazon going down the other end to make it 1-1 60 seconds after the incident, completing an incisive Fulham counter attack.

There was fury among Cardiff fans on social media, with a few neutrals making the same joke about how Neil Warnock would have reacted.

They knew a Fulham defeat would allow the Blubierds the chance to seal promotion with a win at Hull on Saturday.

Pundit Keith Andrews on Sky Sports said: "The leg dangles and for me it's an absolute stonewall penalty, the reactions from Sunderland players tell you it's a penalty."

Micky Gray said: "He (the referee) had a great view on it and it's a surprise it's not a penalty. As soon as Ream makes the challenge he's looking to the referee and it's not minimal contaxt. But the referee doesn't give it.

"Fulham didn't deserve to go in level at half time but it's amazing how a game can change."



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-fans-incensed-after-14587676

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Fulham 2 Sunderland 1: Aleksandar Mitrovic the hero once more as Whites move second


(Getty Images)

Aleksandar Mitrovic was Fulham's hero yet again as the Serbian striker struck late to earn the promotion-chasers a 2-1 win over Sunderland at Craven Cottage.

Victory propelled Fulham into second and though Cardiff can jump back into the automatic promotion spots at Hull on Saturday only a win will do for Neil Warnock's side ahead of the final day of the Championship season.

Their unbeaten run now at 23 games, if Fulham do indeed make it to the Premier League they will be able to toast one of the shrewdest bits of business of any side in recent years. Mitrovic, scorer of 12 goals in 16 games, has added the cutting edge that was the final piece of the jigsaw. It might just be enough for the Cottagers to bank the £170million prize of promotion.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side had hit heights unmatched in the Championship and indeed much of the top flight during a hot streak dating back to the last time they met Sunderland, a 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light on December 16. But since the possibility of automatic promotion has become more than just the faintest of dreams Slavisa Jokanovic's side have had to learn how to deal with a pressure that was not there in the early months of the campaign and win ugly.

Not that they couldn't put together crisp passing moves, Ryan Fredericks ending one midway through the first half with a rasping shot well saved by Jason Steele. But in the driving rain, against a team battling for Championship survival, there was little of the grace and sophistication that has been a hallmark of their rise up the table.

A draw would have seen them leapfrog Cardiff into second - but only on goal difference having played a game more. Fulham needed to win, and their cumbersome play in the opening period suggested they were all too aware of that reality.

Their challenge only grew on 25 minutes, when the vibrant right winger Asoro found space inside of Targett to run into, before skidding a low drive across the sodden surface and beyond the despairing grasp of Marcus Bettinelli.

"How s*** must you be, we're winning away," chanted the Sunderland fans who have endured such hardship in recent years. Lucas Piazon nearly provided an immediate riposte, firing wide from 25 yards out, but something wasn't right with Fulham. A perfect through ball from Tom Cairney released Ryan Sessegnon on the corner of the box. Usually he would hammer the ball into the net. Here it rolled under his feet.

Tom Cairney and Matt Targett both required treatment twice in a gruelling first half, the latter making way for striker Aboubakar Kamara, forcing a limping Sessegnon, still the Cottagers' most potent attacking force, to drop back to left-back.

Nerves and tempers were fraying on and off the pitch but just before the interval Fulham got their salvation. Ryan Fredericks hurtled to the byline, where his low cross was pushed away from the waiting Aleksandar Mitrovic by Jason Steele. Unfortunately for the Sunderland goalkeeper he only managed to tee up Lucas Piazon to tap in the equaliser.

The second half brought renewed zip from Fulham even as Sunderland hit every tackle more ferociously. Kamara danced through several flailing legs in the box but his shot from a tight angle was parried by Steele.

Mitrovic, a perisperhal figure in the first period, was beginning to impose himself on the game and a snap shot from the edge of the area once more brought the best out of Sunderland's goalkeeper, who was proving to be a one-man obstacle to Fulham's promotion dreams.

He couldn't deny the Newcastle loanee forever though as Mitrovic rose to head Stefan Johansen's free-kick into the net with 15 minutes remaining.

Fulham's fate remains in Cardiff's hands but they are doing all they can to force the Bluebirds to crack under the pressure.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-2-sunderland-1-aleksandar-mitrovic-the-hero-once-more-as-whites-move-second-a3825921.html

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Fulham complete comeback against Sunderland to pile the pressure back on Cardiff City

Fulham overcame a one-goal deficit to see off already relegated Sunderland on Friday evening to move into second place.

Jokanovic's men have once again done their bit to pile the pressure on Cardiff City ahead of their trip to Hull on Saturday afternoon.

The Cottagers are now 23 unbeaten – that's half of the Championship season – after victory over Sunderland who are now guaranteed to finish bottom of the league.

Sunderland actually took the lead at Craven Cottage to raise hopes around South Wales and raise spirits around the North East.

Joel Asoro found the net from long-range and it all got a little nervy for a moment around Craven Cottage.

Even more so when Tim Ream brought down his man in the box late in the half, but referee Peter Bankes appeared to be the only man in Craven Cottage who wasn't convinced.

And Fulham took full advantage when Lucas Piazon turned home a cross at the back post less than 60 seconds later, on the stroke of half-time.

Fulham picked up a little in the second half but nerves were still present, at least until the 76th minute when in-form Aleksandar Mitrovic rose highest to head the home side into the lead.

That was enough for Jokanovic's men on the night and it's enough for them to move into second place – temporarily at least.

Cardiff can still reclaim second spot with a win tomorrow afternoon in their game in-hand against Hull City at the Kcom Stadium, but the pressure is now on with Fulham two points ahead as things stand.

Just one game remains for each of the teams after this weekend's games and the final round of fixtures sees Cardiff host Reading, while Fulham travel to Birmingham City.



http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/fulham-pile-pressure-cardiff/

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Fulham 2-1 Sunderland: Aleksandar Mitrovic heads winning goal as Cottagers come from behind to beat Championship's bottom side and edge into automatic promotion places

    Joel Asoro gave relegated Sunderland a surprise lead with a long-range effort
    Fulham levelled just before half-time when Ryan Fredericks set up Lucas Piazon
    Loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic headed home winning goal 15 minutes from time
    Result puts Fulham above Cardiff in second ahead of Bluebirds' trip to Hull

Fulham owner Shahid Khan may be buying Wembley Stadium but he wants to avoid his club having to visit his potential new premises in their pursuit of the Premier League.

The Cottagers came from behind to beat Chris Coleman's Sunderland on Friday night to pile the pressure on Cardiff City, their competition for the final automatic promotion place.

It was Aleksandar Mitrovic, the striker on loan from Newcastle, who completed the turnaround as Fulham made it 23 games unbeaten under Slavisa Jokanovic.


Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates after scoring his 12th goal since joining Fulham on loan


Lucas Piazon celebrates with Tom Cairney (left) after equalising on the stroke of half-time


Joel Asoro (second left) is congratulated by his team-mates after giving Sunderland the lead


Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic at Craven Cottage before the crucial Championship clash

Jokanovic wants to steer clear of the Championship's play-off minefield and, with Cardiff travelling to Hull on Saturday, the Serbian manager said: 'We were in an uncomfortable position. We showed great character, great confidence. A very important comeback.

'I will not watch (Cardiff face Hull). The situation is in Cardiff's control. They have two games. We have one.'

Mitrovic was half a yard offside when he headed home the winner, summing up Sunderland's luck.

Not to mention, the fact a forward on loan from their biggest rivals confirmed they will finish rock bottom of the Championship only rubbed salt into the wounds. League One awaits.

'I was bitterly disappointed with the officials,' Coleman said. 'Not with our lads.'

The last time Fulham lost in the league was at Sunderland on December 16. Back then, the Cottagers were 12th in the table and the Black Cats were outside of the bottom three.

Times have changed but Fulham seemed nervous under the Friday night floodlights. It was not until the 23rd minute that they forced a save out of Jason Steele through Ryan Fredericks.


Fulham went two points ahead of Cardiff - ahead of the Bluebirds' clash with Hull on Saturday


Asoro rifled home from outside the area with a low effort just out of Marcus Bettinelli's reach


Asoro's team-mates celebrate with the striker after he put the League One-bound side ahead

Sunderland did not seem too bothered in going forward themselves yet then, out of the blue, Coleman's side scored and an upset was on the cards.

Joel Asoro, on his 19th birthday, turned Matt Targett then shot from distance. Perhaps on a dry day, Marcus Bettinelli would have got a hand to it. On this slick surface, the ball slid beyond him.

It was a goal celebrated in Cardiff. A Fulham loss would leave Neil Warnock's side a win away from confirming promotion to the Premier League.

Yet the home side levelled just before the break with a move that typified their passing style of play. The ball was passed from defence to midfield to attack, before being buried by Lucas Piazon.


Fulham's Denis Odoi stoops to clear during the first half of the clash on Friday evening


Lucas Piazon (second left) tucked home Fulham's equaliser from Ryan Fredericks' cross


Fredericks runs the ball back to the centre spot after setting up the leveller at Craven Cottage

Sunderland were furious. They felt Ovie Ejaria had been brought down in the box before Fulham's breakaway but referee Peter Bankes showed no sympathy.

It was all Fulham in the second half and a header from Mitrovic made it 2-1 in the 76th minute. He had his 12th goal in 13 games and at full time, walked away thumping the badge on his chest.

'Cardiff City, we're coming for you,' Fulham's fans sang as they left the Cottage. 


Mitrovic rises highest to nod home Stefan Johansen's set-piece 15 minutes from time


The striker toasts netting his 12th goal since joining Fulham on loan from Newcastle in January



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5666309/Fulham-2-1-Sunderland-Match-report.html#ixzz5DwmcmctC
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Match report:
Lads beaten at Fulham

Fulham 2-1 Sunderland

Sunderland's final away game of the season ended in defeat as Fulham came from behind to take all three points at Craven Cottage.

Joel Asoro's solo effort opened the scoring as the 19-year-old marked his birthday with a goal, and Chris Coleman's side should have been awarded a penalty on 44 minutes when Ovie Ejaria was tripped in the box.

One minute later, an electric counter attack provided the catalyst for an equaliser, as Ryan Fredericks galloped down the right before picking out Lucas Piazon, who tucked home at the back post.

Fulham pushed forward following the restart but Sunderland weathered the storm, and for the second time in the game they saw penalty appeals waved away when Asoro's cross struck an arm.

And the Whites took full advantage, as Aleksandar Mitrovic headed home the winner with 15 minutes remaining as Fulham moved back into the top two.

Review all the action below...

PRODUCTION LINE

The 2017-18 season has been a tough one, but the club's academy products have led the way and once again many of them were involved in Coleman's matchday squad. George Honeyman, Ethan Robson and Asoro were included in the starting XI, as Josh Maja and 16-year-old Bali Mumba were named on the bench. Elliot Embleton and Luke Molyneux were also part of the squad that made the trip to West London.

OPENING

Fulham's first sight at goal fell to on-loan Newcastle United man Mitrovic, but the striker was charged down by Robson on the edge of the box and the midfielder confidently tidied up the danger. The Lads responded with their first meaningful foray into opposition territory, but Asoro's 20-yard strike was deflected well wide, and the Cottagers cleared the resulting corner. Fredericks' engineered the next opening with 18 minutes played, but Marc Wilson recovered to block the full-back's cross.

ASORO STRIKES

Fredericks continued to threaten down the left as PFA Young Player of the Year nominee Ryan Sessegnon endured a quite start on the opposite flank, with Fredericks zooming past Wilson again before seeing his effort beaten away by Jason Steele. With 28 minutes played, it was time for one of Sunderland's speedsters to shine. Asoro picked up Fletcher's knockdown and turned his marker inside out, and he provided the finish to top it all as a low strike nestled into the corner. Piazon responded with an effort from range, but if whistled just wide of the post.

LEVEL

Fulham were dealt a further blow ahead of the break as Matt Targett was forced off, with Aboubakar Kamara replacing the defender as Sessegnon dropped into the left-back berth. They should have been dealt an even bigger blow on 44 minutes, though, when Ejaria was clearly tripped in the box, but instead they levelled as a blistering counter attack resulted in Piazon bagging from close range. The equaliser injected fresh purpose into the home side's play, but it remained level at the break thanks to a cracking challenge from Lamine Kone on Tom Cairney inside the box.

BACK UNDERWAY

Sunderland made a change at the interval as Billy Jones was replaced by Adam Matthews, and the Welshman was a busy man early in the second period as the Cottagers pushed forward. After coming off the bench to assist the equaliser, Aboubakar Kamara continued to menace and give Wilson a torrid time, with Steele forced to deny the winger before Mitrovic tested the Black Cats stopper. On 71 minutes, the Lads' more than justified penalty appeals were waved away for a second time, as the referee waved play on despite Asoro's cross clearly striking an arm.

LATE WINNER

After a real battling performance, the Lads were undone by a set piece with 15 minutes remaining. Stefan Johansen swung in a deep cross to the back post and Mitrovic planted his header into the ground and beyond Stele. It had to be him. Johansen almost grabbed a third but Steele managed to claw his curling free-kick away from the top corner, but the Lads couldn't find an equaliser as Fulham maintained their push for automatic promotion.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett (Kamara 42), McDonald, Johansen, Cairney (Kalas 90), Piazon (Fonte 74), Mitrovic Sessegnon.
Subs not used: Button, Christie, Norwood, De la Torre.

Sunderland: Steele, Jones (Matthews 45), McNair, Fletcher, O'Shea, Kone, Honeyman, Robson (Maja 85), Asoro, Wilson, Ejaria (McManaman 76).
Subs not used: Lualua, Camp, Clarke-Salter, Mumba.



https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2018/april/match-report-v-fulham

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Aleksandar Mitrovic heads winner to confirm Sunderland will finish bottom of the Championship

Fulham piled the pressure on Cardiff City after a late Aleksandar Mitrovic goal against Sunderland.

The hosts overturned Joel Asoro's early goal but there was more than a hint of controversy about both of their efforts. Sunderland battled hard for the most part but were outplayed by Slavisa Jokanovic's side in the final stages. The defeat means they will finish the season rock bottom of the Championship.

Fulham controlled the early stages of the contest but struggled to open the Black Cats up, the visitors defending well. They had the first effort of the game when Paddy McNair flicked on a long-range pass. Ashley Fletcher taking two touches on his weaker foot before firing wide. Teen prodigy Ryan Sessegnon struggled to make inroads down the left and it was down the other flank that Fulham threatened, Ryan Fredericks constantly searching for the overlap. He broke free 20 minutes in but Jason Steele did well to turn the ball away. When the goal came it was against the run of play, Fletcher doing brilliant to flick a long ball to Joel Asoro. The Swede twisted and turned away from Fulham's midfield before firing home on the edge of the area.

Fulham controlled the early stages of the contest but struggled to open the Black Cats up, the visitors defending well. They had the first effort of the game when Paddy McNair flicked on a long-range pass. Ashley Fletcher taking two touches on his weaker foot before firing wide. Teen prodigy Ryan Sessegnon struggled to make inroads down the left and it was down the other flank that Fulham threatened, Ryan Fredericks constantly searching for the overlap. He broke free 20 minutes in but Jason Steele did well to turn the ball away. When the goal came it was against the run of play, Fletcher doing brilliant to flick a long ball to Joel Asoro. The Swede twisted and turned away from Fulham's midfield before firing home on the edge of the area. Fulham levelled just before the break but it was a controversial goal. Tim Ream tripped Ovie Ejaria in the box but no penalty was given. The hosts broke clear with Aboubakar Kamara teeing up Fredericks. His cross was turned into the path of Lucas Piazon who had a simple finish. The hosts began to build up a head of steam in the second half and went close first when Aleksandar Mitrovic stung the palms of Steele, then when Tom Cairney curled an effort wide of the far post on the hour mark. They continued to dominate proceedings and the pressure finally told as Mitrovic headed home a free-kick at the back post. He looked to be a touch offside but the goal was given and Sunderland now know they will finish the season 24th.



Read more at: https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/aleksandar-mitrovic-heads-winner-to-confirm-sunderland-will-finish-bottom-of-the-championship-1-9139581

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Aleksandar Mitrovic snatches winner as Fulham put pressure on Cardiff for automatic promotion


Aleksandar Mitrovic heads home the crucial winner for Fulham Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Slavisa Jokanovic warned promotion rivals Cardiff City that it is their turn to feel the pressure after Aleksandar Mitrovic headed in Fulham's winner.

Jokanovic's Fulham side leap-frogged Cardiff into the automatic promotion spots with this win. They are two points clear of the Welsh club, whose game in hand is on Saturday at Hull City.

The pressure on Fulham was visible here and they were helped by the officials. Having trailed 1-0 to already-relegated Sunderland, Fulham were lucky to not concede a penalty when Ovie Ejaria went down - and the home side quickly counter-attacked to equalise. Mitrovic was also fortunate to escape an offside decision when he scored the winner.

"We have taken pressure off our backs," said Jokanovic, who added that he does not want to watch Cardiff's game. "Now it is the turn for Cardiff."

The winning goal by Mitrovic, on loan from Newcastle United, ensured Sunderland will finish the season bottom but the visitors, led by former Fulham manager Chris Coleman, were competitive here.


Mitrovic has 14 goals in his last 14 games for Fulham Credit: OFFSIDE

Fulham dominated possession in the early stages but players were not willing to take risks and passes were going astray.

Joel Asoro snatched the lead for Sunderland, on his 19th birthday, as he turned beyond Matt Targett and scored with a low, 25-yard shot.

After Sunderland were denied a spot-kick, when Ejaria appeared to be tripped by Tim Ream, the momentum swung. Fulham's Ryan Fredericks crossed, the ball was palmed out by Jason Steele, and Lucas Piazon slotted in the equaliser.

Jokanovic's men showed more character in the second half and eventually broke through when Stefan Johansen's free-kick teed up in-form Mitrovic.

"I was bitterly disappointed with the officials, but not our lads," said Coleman. "Fulham don't need any help but they got it."



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/04/27/aleksandar-mitrovic-snatches-winner-fulham-keep-automatic-promotion/

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Fulham 2 Sunderland 1: Mitrovic header piles pressure on Cardiff
Fulham had to come from behind to beat Sunderland but Slavisa Jokanovic's side are up to second in the Championship table.

Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic headed a late winner to move Fulham a step closer to promotion to the Premier League as Slavisa Jokanovic's side came from behind to beat Sunderland 2-1 in the Championship.

Mitrovic's 76th-minute effort keeps Fulham in the running for a return to the top-flight after four seasons away, but promotion is still in Cardiff City's hands and Neil Warnock's men will finish in the top two if they take maximum points from their remaining two games.

Joel Asoro gave relegated Sunderland a surprise 28th-minute lead at Craven Cottage on Friday, linking up with strike partner Ashley Fletcher and spinning away from a defender to rifle a fine arrowed strike into Marcus Bettinelli's bottom-right corner.

The Swedish striker - marking his 19th birthday - was continuing to cause problems for the Fulham defence and perhaps should have had a penalty when he was caught by Tim Ream in the box.

But within a minute Fulham - unbeaten in the league since losing at Sunderland in December - were level, Lucas Piazon slotting in after goalkeeper Jason Steele was only able to turn a low cross from Ryan Fredericks to the Brazilian at the end of a flowing team move.

Mitrovic then came up with the crucial second-half winner for his side, scoring for the third league game in a row by heading a Stefan Johansen free-kick into the ground and out of the reach of Steele, meaning Cardiff cannot afford to slip up at Hull City on Saturday.



https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/fulham-2-sunderland-1-mitrovic-header-piles-pressure-on-cardiff?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sportskeeda

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What Fulham's win over Sunderland means for Cardiff City and Aston Villa's automatic promotion hopes

The result at Craven Cottage leaves the Bluebirds back in third place


Marcus Bettinelli of Fulham celebrates after his team mate Lucas Piazon equalises

Cardiff City are back down to third in the Championship after Fulham's 2-1 win over Sunderland kept the heat on the Bluebirds in the race for second place.

Neil Warnock's side watched the Cottagers fight back from a goal down to claim a vital three points at Craven Cottage, which puts Slavisa Jokanovic's men two points ahead of Cardiff.

The Bluebirds have played a game fewer and now travel to Hull City on Saturday afternoon.

Joel Asoro initially gave Sunderland a shock lead from 20 yards in the first half, before a controversial 60-second period at the end of the half turned the game in Fulham's favour.

Ovie Ejaria looked to have been fouled by Fulham's Tim Ream in the 18-yard box, but referee Peter Bankes gave no penalty — and the Cottagers streamed forward to level through Lucas Piazon on the brink of half time.

Aleksandar Mitrović's header then made it 2-1 to the hosts, who stretch their unbeaten run to 23 matches.


Tom Cairney of Fulham FC competes for the ball with Ovie Ejaria of Sunderland

The result means Cardiff must beat Hull to stay ahead in the race for second place, otherwise the Bluebirds' fate will be out of their hands. A draw or loss at the KCom would allow Fulham to remain in second position and seal promotion with one more win.

If Warnock's men can secure victories against Hull and Reading, they will still earn automatic promotion no matter how Fulham fare against Birmingham City in their final game.

Aston Villa can still mathematically draw level with Fulham and snatch second, but only by winning their final two games and hoping for a swing in goal difference — as well as a Cardiff slip up.

Remaining fixtures

Hull City vs Cardiff City (Sat April 28)

Aston Villa vs Derby County (Sat April 29)

Birmingham vs Fulham (Sunday May 6)

Cardiff City vs Reading (Sunday May 6)

Millwall vs Aston Villa (Sunday May 6)



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-fulhams-win-over-sunderland-14587161

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Result: Fulham bounce back against Sunderland to move into second place

Fulham have survived a scare against relegated Sunderland by bouncing back from a goal down to win 2-1 in this evening's Championship clash at Craven Cottage.

Three points were a must for the home side, who move into second place in the standings with one game of their season left to play.

The Whites, now unbeaten in 23 league matches, are two points in front of Cardiff City ahead of the Bluebirds' game in hand at Hull City on Saturday.

League One-bound Sunderland gave a good account of themselves, edging in front through Joel Asoro half and hour in, only for Lucas Piazon and star man Aleksandar Mitrovic to turn the game around for Fulham.

With the pressure off following last week's relegation, the Black Cats fired away the game's first shot 12 minutes in through Astro.

That attempt deflected wide, while Ashley Fletcher sliced over the bar soon after as the visitors looked to make it four away games without defeat.

Fulham's slow start to the match was punished by Asoro with a third of the game played, as the youngster turned Matt Targett and hit a low shot past Marcus Bettinelli for a goal on his 19th birthday.

The setback did wake the home side up, however, with Stefan Johansen striking the ball narrowly wide and Ryan Sessegnon also coming close after being picked out by Tom Cairney.

A big moment in the match arrived shortly before half time as, after a couple of penalty appeals went against Sunderland - one for a challenge by Tim Ream on Ovie Ejaria - Fulham were back on level terms.

Ryan Fredericks's cross was punched to the far post by Jason Steele, where Piazon was waiting to pounce - the sixth time the attacking midfielder has directly been involved in a goal at Craven Cottage in his last eight appearance.

Johansen and Aboubakar Kamara were next to try their luck, the latter forcing Steele into a save, before the visiting keeper got across to deny Mitrovic from the Serbian's first sight of goal.

Fulham were turning the screw as the final 30 minutes approached, with Cairney the next to be denied by Steele and Kevin McDonald shooting over.

Just when it was looking like being one of those days for the Cottagers, a marginally offside Mitrovic got on the end of Johansen's cross to guide the ball past Steele with a downward header.

Fulham, who boast the most Championship goals in the final 15 minutes of games, nearly added to their tally through Johansen's well-taken shot.

A one-goal win was all that mattered for Slavisa Jokanovic's charges, though, piling the pressure on Cardiff ahead of their meeting with Hull.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett (Kamara 40'); Cairney (Kalas 90'), McDonald, Johansen; Piazon (Fonte 74'), Mitrovic, Sessegnon

SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1): Steele; Jones (Matthews 46'), Kone, O'Shea, Wilson; McNair, Robson (Maja 87'); Asoro, Ejaria (McManaman 77'), Honeyman; Fletcher



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/result-fulham-bounce-back-to-move-into-second_324550.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 2-1 Sunderland: Aleksandar Mitrovic's header completes Fulham fightback

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the vital winner for Fulham as they leapfrogged Cardiff into second in the Sky Bet Championship standings with a 2-1 win over Sunderland on Friday, ensuring the race for automatic promotion will go to the final day

Joel Asoro capped an energetic start for the Black Cats when he drove the opener home after 28 minutes, but Lucas Piazon slotted an equaliser on the stroke of half-time, moments after Ovie Ejaria had a penalty appeal turned down after a challenge from Tim Ream.

The hosts lost influential left-back Matt Targett to injury in the first half and it looked as though it would not be their evening, but Mitrovic powered home a header 14 minutes from time to seal the three points at Craven Cottage.


Player ratings

Fulham: Bettinelli (6), Fredericks (8), Odoi (6), Ream (6), Targett (5), Cairney (7), McDonald (7), Johansen (8), Piazon (7), Sessegnon (6), Mitrovic (7)

Subs: Kamara (7), Fonte (5), Kalas (n/a)

Sunderland: Steele (7), Jones (6), O'Shea (6), Kone (5), Wilson (5), McNair (6), Robson (6), Honeyman (5), Ejaria (6), Fletcher (5), Asoro (6)

Subs: Matthews (5), McManaman (n/a), Maja (n/a)

Man of the match: Ryan Fredericks

Slavisa Jokanovic's men move two points clear of the Bluebirds after the victory - one that makes it 23 games unbeaten for the Whites - while Sunderland remain rooted to the bottom of the table, having had their relegation confirmed last weekend.

As had been the case against Millwall last Friday, the Whites got off to a laboured start in front of their home fans and were made to look ordinary by a Sunderland side playing with significantly decreased pressure on them.

Both Ashley Fletcher and Asoro saw chances fly wide of the target in the first 20 minutes - as did Ryan Fredericks at the opposite end - but the opener fell to Chris Coleman's men when Asoro spun Targett and hit a low effort beyond the reach of Marcus Bettinelli.

Naturally, going behind sparked the Whites into action, and as half-time approached, through a slight stroke of fortune, they drew level.

Centre-back Ream clumsily brought down Liverpool loanee Ejaria, but referee Peter Bankes waved away appeals, allowing the hosts to break and Piazon to sidefoot home at the far post, after Jason Steele had pushed Fredericks' cross into his path.

Team news
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic named the same starting 11 for the fourth successive game, while the Black Cats made three changes from the side that lost 2-1 to Burton last weekend, as Joel Asoro, Ethan Robson and Ovie Ejaria replaced Callum McManaman, Aiden McGeady and Lee Cattermole, who misses out with a knee injury. 16 year-old Bali Mumba was named on the bench.

Aboubakar Kamara replaced Targett in the first half and proved to be a constant danger on the right hand side in the second half as both sides bombarded one another with shots from range, but it was the visitors who perhaps created a better impression of themselves on the night.

That said, Fulham's ability to kill off games shone through in the end. They were far from their slick best, but earned their vital three points when Mitrovic rose highest to nod Stefan Johansen's dipping free-kick into the back of the net to claim all three points.

Man of the match - Ryan Fredericks

Fulham's full-backs tend to escape the media spotlight, with the stellar frontline of Sessegnon, Mitrovic et al taking the majority of the headlines in their unprecedented 23-game unbeaten run.

Alongside Matt Targett, Fredericks is perhaps one of the key figures in this Fulham and looked a threat on numerous occasions in the first half, despite Fulham's below-par display at the Cottage. The 25-year-old has attracted Premier League suitors in recent weeks and Slavisa Jokanovic will be hoping to tie him down with fresh terms with his contract due to expire this summer.

The managers

Slavisa Jokanovic: "It was a really important and strange game for us. We suffered so much during the game and we weren't comfortable in the first 45 minutes. Without being under any kind of stress, Sunderland played without any pressure and created many problems for us.

"He's [Mitrovic] been crucial. He's scored many goals - many winning goals - and today was really important for us. Cardiff are not under my control but I suspect we have taken the pressure from ourselves and we are going to be better for the next game."

Chris Coleman: "I thought we showed a lot of courage here tonight because it's not the physical side of it for us now, it's the psychological side. They are a good team, Fulham, and they are going to be there or thereabouts with a game to go. But I could ask for anything more from my players, they put a proper performance in and I don't think Fulham beat us tonight, I think it was decisions from the officials. There were huge calls that we didn't get - when you are already relegated some people think it doesn't matter to you, but I promise you that it does to us.

"When things are going wrong for you you tend to attract negativity unfortunately and those little things that should go for you don't. I can swallow that, but I can't swallow big things. The performance deserved something tonight.

"We've got to change a lot, there needs to be big changes. We need to get rid of the uncertainty - who is going to own the club and what the plan is. As long as we know that, we can draw a line under that and say, 'let's have a crack at this' because it's about bouncing back immediately. It's as simple as that."

What's next?

Both sides are next in action on the final day of the season, Sunday, May 6. Fulham travel to St Andrew's to face Birmingham as they look to secure automatic promotion, while relegated Sunderland finish the campaign at home to champions Wolves. All Championship games get underway in conjunction at 12.30pm.



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-sland/375150

[WhiteJC]

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic heads Fulham past Sunderland to boost promotion hopes


Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates after scoring Fulham's winner in the second half. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Reuters

Overcoming a team condemned to playing in League One next season was supposed to be the easy part for Fulham but nothing felt straightforward on a night of tension at Craven Cottage and, if Neil Warnock was watching this game on television, he will no doubt have taken note of some generous refereeing decisions. It was only when the marginally offside Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the decisive goal that Fulham could be confident of hauling themselves back into the Championship's top two with one match left.

For all the late drama, however, the real challenge for Slavisa Jokanovic's players will be finding a way to enjoy their Saturday. It seems preposterous that a team on a 23-match unbeaten run could be forced to endure the torture of the play-offs. But there is no escaping the unforgiving nature of this race to win automatic promotion, with Fulham all too aware they will be a point below Cardiff if Warnock's team win at 18th-placed Hull this afternoon.

"We will see what Cardiff do," said Mitrovic, who has scored 12 goals since arriving on loan from Newcastle in January. "Of course we are confident we can pip them."

That might depend on Cardiff playing with the kind of anxiety that threatened to derail Fulham's challenge for much of this fraught encounter. Jokanovic admitted his players felt the pressure, particularly during the first half, and their choked display allowed Sunderland to prey on their nerves.

Sunderland had only had a week to digest the ignominy of successive relegations but Chris Coleman's team were roared on by a good-humoured away following and Fulham had already survived a couple of scares before Joel Asoro broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Ashley Fletcher flicked a long ball on to the winger, who celebrated his 19th birthday by spinning away from Matt Targett and angling a low shot past Marcus Bettinelli from 20 yards.

Fulham could have no complaints. Loose touches, sloppy passing and misunderstandings had undermined their spirited approach, Tom Cairney was struggling to find his range in midfield and this was one of Ryan Sessegnon's quieter games.

There was further alarm when Targett limped off with an ankle injury. But luck was on Fulham's side, with Peter Bankes waving away Sunderland's appeals for a penalty when Tim Ream caught Ovie Ajaria on the stroke of half-time. "I was bitterly disappointed with the decisions," Coleman said. "It's not a tough call. And Fulham's second goal was a yard offside. But look, we haven't been relegated because of referees."

Fulham were level moments after Ream's escape. Aboubakar Kamara, Targett's replacement, released Ryan Fredericks and, although Jason Steele tipped the right-back's cutback away from Mitrovic, the Sunderland goalkeeper's intervention only presented Lucas Piazon with an open goal.

"We wanted to dominate but we moved the ball without taking a risk with the last pass," Jokanovic said. "It was not an easy moment for us. We showed some great character."

Fulham strove to assert themselves at the start of the second half. Kamara, impressing on the right, was a thorn in Marc Wilson's side and the substitute almost found a way through with a powerful shot, only for Steele to react sharply at his near post.

It was clear Coleman, a former Fulham captain and manager, also wanted to leave a good impression at the place he once called home. Mitrovic threatened and Steele was booked for timewasting, but Sunderland were defending with dogged resolve. The frustration was building.

When Cairney bent an effort inches wide, it seemed Fulham's hopes were slipping away. But when Stefan Johansen lifted a free-kick to the far post and the flag stayed down, Mitrovic silenced his detractors in the away end with a deft header. Now Fulham need a favour from Hull.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/fulham-sunderland-championship-match-report

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 2-1 Sunderland: Predictable - MITROVIC condemns us to defeat! Player Ratings & Report
Sunderland started brightly, nabbed a goal, failed to hold onto the lead and subsequently went on to lose. It's everything we've come to expect. Here's how it panned out, and how the lads rated.

Summary

The Black Cats once again showed they were incapable of holding onto a lead this evening as they lost 2-1 against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Joel Asoro's beauty of a finish was ultimately in vain as the home side replied with a goal from Lucas Piazon and the likely pantomime villain Alexsandar Mitrovic.

Both of Fulham's goals had an aura of controversy around them though. The first should arguably have never come about, and the second seemed to be offside.

Oh well, we were going down anyway.

Lineups

    Fulham: Marcus Bettlinelli, Ryan Fredericks, Denis Odoi, Tim Ream, Matt Targett, Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen, Tom Cairney, Lucas Piazon, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ryan Sessegnon

    Subs: David Button, Tomas Kalas, Cyrus Christie, Oliver Norwood, Luca de la Torre, Rui Fonte, Aboubakar Kamara

    Sunderland: Jason Steele, Billy Jones, John O'Shea, Lamine Kone, Marc Wilson, Paddy McNair, George Honeyman, Ethan Robson, Joel Asoro, Ovie Ejaria, Ashley Fletcher

    Subs: Lee Camp, Kazenga LuaLua, Callum McManaman, Josh Maja, Adam Matthews, Jake Clarke-Salter, Bali Mumba

First Half

Sunderland saw their first sight on goal on eleven minutes. Ashley Fletcher squared the ball to George Honeyman on the edge of the box, who in turn teed up the advancing Joel Asoro - but the young Swede's effort flashed across the face of goal and went out.

Fulham's first real chance came eleven minutes after that. Ryan Fredericks made a mazy run down the right flank before firing a dangerous ball across the face of goal, luckily no one was there to meet it as it sailed out of harm's way.

But things would pick up before too long - Asoro ensured that with an absolute screamer!

Fletcher headed the ball down into the nineteen year old's path, who then seamlessly turned away from his man, raced towards goal and fired with pinpoint accuracy into the the bottom left corner.

Lucas Piazon nearly got a near-instant reply for his side, as his effort from outside the box narrowly grazed the outside of the right post.

Sunderland played the remainder of the first half with what I can only assume was a sense of ironic confidence - the defense sprayed the ball around with ease and Marc Wilson even managed something resembling a Cruyff turn. Fulham, on the other hand, were struggling to get into the game at all.

On the verge of half time, however, they did. Ovie Ejaria's penalty appeal was controversially waved away, giving Fulham the opportunity to catch Sunderland on the break; and catch us they did - Piazon tapped home a ball squared to him from the home side's forward burst.

The first half ended with both sides once again even.

HT: Fulham 1-1 Sunderland (Asoro 28', Piazon 45')

Second Half

Sunderland stepped out of the dugout and straight into the eye of the storm.

Fulham were well on top once play resumed. Aboubakar Kamara weaved his way through our blue shirts in the box and fired at goal from close range - but Jason Steele displayed good reflexes to turn it away. Aleksandar Mitrovic had a decent effort too, but once again Steele palmed away the danger.

The second half ticked on and the home side showed no sign of letting up. Tom Cairney came particularly close as he was slipped in by Fredericks, but he fired wide of the far posr.

Fulham (eventually) found their second. The home side swung in a free-kick and Mitrovic (naturally) evaded his marker Fletcher and headed the ball down and into the net - though questions will be raised as to whether or not the Serbian international was offside.

Johansen's free-kick nearly got the Cottagers their third not too long after, but Steele once again produced a fine save to keep the opposition at bay.

Sunderland, for the vast majority of the second half, were completely ineffectual going forward. The match ended with Fulham haven successfully overturned their deficit.

FT: Fulham 2-1 Sunderland (Asoro 28', Piazon 45', Mitrovic 76')



https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2018/4/27/17260928/fulham-2-1-sunderland-predictable-mitrovic-condemns-us-to-defeat-player-ratings-report

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham back up to second after beating Sunderland

Fulham 2 Sunderland 1

Aleksandar Mitrovic's winner fired Fulham back above Cardiff and into the automatic promotion places.

The on-loan Newcastle striker, who looked offside, sealed a comeback victory with a header that lifted the Whites back into second place by two points.

Cardiff have two games left and play Hull on Saturday – and relegated Sunderland looked to be doing them a favour when they took a surprise early lead through youngster Joel Astro.

But Lucas Piazon equalised from close range on the stroke of half-time and Fulham, who have one game remaining, had multiple chances to score in a dominant second-half display.

They were slow from the outset and the lively Asoro threatened on 12 minutes with a shot deflected just wide.

Ashley Fletcher also fired a volley that missed the target before Asoro exquisitely turned his marker and finished low past Marcus Bettinelli into the far corner.

Fulham lost on-loan Southampton left-back Matt Targett to injury six minutes before half-time but substitute Aboubakar Kamara did well in the build-up to their first goal, sliding in Ryan Fredericks for the cut-back to Piazon.

Mitrovic drew an excellent save from Jason Steele just after the break, while Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald also flashed shots over the bar before the Serbian headed home what could be a crucial goal in the Whites' pursuit of promotion.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett (Kamara 39), McDonald, Johansen, Cairney, Sessegnon, Piazon (Fonte 74), Mitrovic.
Subs not used: Button, Christie, Kalas, Norwood, De La Torre.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/aleksandar-mitrovic-strikes-fulham-go-second-beating-sunderland

[WhiteJC]

 
Mitrovic on fire, longest unbeaten run in England - Fulham vs Sunderland talking points

Here's all the talking points from Fulham's 2-1 victory over Sunderland at Craven Cottage

Fulham's 2-1 victory over Sunderland means the Whites now hold the record for the longest unbeaten streak in English football, surpassing Manchester City.

It wasn't an easy evening for the side, who went behind to a great Joel Asoro strike - the 19-year-old celebrating his birthday with a goal against a promotion contender.

But Fulham fought back - Lucas Piazon netted first before Aleksandar Mitrovic's headed goal sent Craven Cottage into raptures.

Here's what we took from the game.

Steady team paves the way

Fulham named an unchanged side for the fourth time in a row for the visit of Sunderland - something that has been seen them build their momentum into the final game of the season.

The side's ability to name a consistent side for the most of the their run since December has been key in seeing them produce consistent results and mount their promotion charge.

It's stark difference to the first part of the season, where injuries to key members, like Tom Cairney, meant Jokanovic had to cut and change his side regularly, including giving a senior debut to Tayo Edun back in November.


(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images))

The return of Chris Coleman

The last manager to beat Fulham - his side gave it a real good go this evening and would've made their supporters proud.

They took the lead and battled well, but the Whites quality eventually showed through at Craven Cottage but the future looks bright for the Black Cats under the stewardship of Coleman.

The home fans gave him a good reception on his return to the Cottage too.

Another slow start

Despite Fulham not losing any of their last 22 games before tonight, a standout factor in their previous few games was the time it took the side to get out of first gear, and the same was true tonight.

It took until the 23rd minute for the Whites to have a shot on goal, despite controlling the tempo of the game, with a number of poor touches and bad decisions in the final third meaning the side took a while before they started to worry Jason Steele.

It's not been that big of a problem in previous games, but if the side are to play in the play-offs, it could start to become one.

Targett injury a big blow

Alongside Aleksandar Mitrovic, the signing of Matt Targett is one of the reasons why Fulham have been so good in the second half of the season.

However, he limped off in the 40th minute and that could prove to be such a big blow to the side's promotion chances.

He's been an ever-present since signing and plugged a problem area in that left back role - without him it'll be interesting to see how Fulham cope, with Ryan Sessegnon playing the rest of the Sunderland game at left back once more.


(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Mitros on fire!

How many times does it happen?

The Serbian barely had a sniff all game but produced with the goods once more when he nodded home to make it 2-1.

Fulham's acquisition of Mitrovic could be one of the deals of not just the season, but one of the deals of the century - his goals have made the side into the powerhouse they are today.

No matter how much impact he has on the game, Mitrovic seems to deliver when it matters most and that's what makes a good side turn into a great one.

Longest unbeaten run in English football

23 games undefeated, half a season and the longest streak in English football this season.

Manchester City held the record, along with Fulham, before tonight's game, but with victory comes the record for the Whites.

It's a fantastic achievement for a side who were 17th in November, and if they go 24 undefeated the could well be celebrating automatic promotion come next Sunday.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/mitrovic-fire-longest-unbeaten-run-14587291

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers come from behind to claim second spot in Championship

Piazon and Mitrovic goals see off relegated Sunderland.

Fulham came from behind to secure a 2-1 home victory over relegated Sunderland and move up to second place in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Cottagers – owned by Shahid Khan, the US businessman who this week launched a near £1billion bid to buy Wembley – recovered after falling behind to a 28th-minute goal from Joel Asoro.

Lucas Piazon levelled just before the break after the visitors had strong claims for a penalty turned down, before Aleksandar Mitrovic won it with his 12th goal since arriving on loan from Newcastle in January.

Victory moved the Cottagers two points above Cardiff, with the Welsh club facing Hull on Saturday, ensuring the fight to secure automatic promotion will go into the final game of the season.

Fulham came into the game on the back of a 22-game unbeaten league run dating back to the December loss against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Form suggested there was little chance of a repeat, but after initially struggling to move through the gears in the victory at Millwall seven days previously, Slavisa Jokanovic's side again started slowly.

Their normally slick passing style was missing as Sunderland started the game more positively, and were apparently showing no ill effects from last weekend's relegation to League One.

Ashley Fletcher posed an early threat for the visitors with a long-range shot and it took Fulham until midway through the first half before they forced a save from Black Cats goalkeeper Jason Steele.

The Cottagers' Championship player of the year Ryan Sessegnon saw little of the ball during the opening exchanges while in-form Mitrovic found himself isolated up front.

And the home side's poor start was confirmed when Asoro fired Sunderland into the lead in the 28th minute.

The winger marked his 19th birthday by collecting Fletcher's nod down and turning left-back Matt Targett before drilling a low shot beyond Marcus Bettinelli from outside the Fulham penalty area.

The Cottagers were struggling to make an impression on the game but they forced their way back onto level terms in the 44th minute, although Sunderland were convinced Jokanovic's side should not have had the opportunity to equalise.

Ovie Ejaria went down under a challenge from Tim Ream inside the home penalty area but claims for a penalty were ignored by referee Peter Bankes.

And Fulham made the most of the reprieve by breaking swiftly down the right hand flank from where Ryan Fredericks delivered a low cross that was turned home by Piazon from close range.

The hosts stepped up the tempo after the break with Mitrovic threatening to add to his 11 goals for the club with a shot that drew a fine save from Jason Steele.

And the striker finally found a way past the Sunderland keeper with a header from Stefan Johansen's floated free-kick, despite appeals for offside from the visitors.



http://sport.bt.com/football/cottagers-come-from-behind-to-claim-second-spot-in-championship-S11364267270778

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Looking To Secure A Permanent Deal For Their Prolific Striker: Good Move For All Parties?

Fulham are in with a chance for promotion to the top flight football as they are currently in the third spot and are just one point behind Cardiff City. However, the time is not on their side as the season draws to an end. They will be facing the relegation-elect Sunderland in the next game and a slip up from Cardiff can put the Cottagers in prime position to qualify for the Premier League. Even at worst they are going to be in with a chance for promotion as they are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.

Fulham's rise has been on the back of prolific showing from some of their key players and their on-loan striker Aleksandr Mitrovic has been instrumental in their success this season. The Serbian international has been in brilliant form as he has notched up 11 goals in his last 12 games. Such immaculate performance will certainly impress the manager of his parent club, Newcastle United, and there could be a high chance that Rafael Benitez recalls him for next season.

He has hit a rich vein of form for Slaviša Jokanović's side and it is expected that Fulham will make a move for the Serbian to tie him down at Craven Cottage on a permanent basis. According to reports, they might have to shell out £20million to bring him in. He has gelled well with his current team-mates and has got used to the manager's system. Mitrovic was considered to be an inconsistent player but it seems that at Fulham he has rectified his errors.

Mitrovic's nature has been compared to Diego Costa as he is a fiery character on the pitch and can get into altercations with the opposition players and referees. But when he is on song, he is a sight to behold and has been in tremendous touch for Fulham this season.

Mitrovic himself has acknowledged that he feels good at Fulham. He said,-"I'm really happy here, I enjoy it a lot here, my family as well." He further added-"The manager [Slavisa Jokanovic], obviously being Serbian too, helped me a lot and the style they play, the players they have, suits me. I played against them last season and this season they play the style that I like."

Benitez as a manager is keen on the discipline department and maybe that is the reason why isn't too keen on bringing in Mitrovic. However, it won't be a bad move for the Magpies if they bring him back after his loan spell is over. Fulham, on the other hand, must make all possible attempts to bring the Serbian ace permanently into the squad and strengthen it for the next season, which might be a brand new one for them in the Premier League.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/04/fulham-looking-secure-permanent-deal-prolific-striker-good-move-parties/