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

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Fulham 2-1 Sunderland: Aleksandar Mitrovic header keeps Cottagers' Premier League promotion dream alive

The Serbian headed home in the second half to give owner Shahid Khan the prospect of a Premier League club


Mitrovic kept Fulham's promption hopes alive (Image: PA)

Aleksandar Mitrovic kept Fulham on course to give Shahid Khan a Premier League club to go with Wembley Stadium.

Twenty-four hours after his stunning £600m bid to buy the national stadium, which is set to be successful, emerged there was more good news for Fulham's billionaire owner from the other ground on his mind right now.

Mitrovic's 76th minute winner – his 12th goal in just 13 games – against already-relegated Sunderland earned Fulham a deserved but nervy win to lift them back up to second.

And the on-loan Newcastle frontman struck just when it was starting to look like a trip to Khan's target, Wembley, and the play-offs was going to be Fulham's best hope of promotion.

The pressure is now back on Cardiff who need to win at Hull today to go into the next Sunday's final day in pole position to finish second.


Mitrovic's header was the crucial moment (Image: PA)


Fulham are back into second place... but for how long? (Image: Getty Images Europe)

If someone buying Wembley off the FA might have seemed far-fetched once upon a time so would the idea of a Fulham automatic promotion bid after they last faced Sunderland.

The Black Cats beat Fulham in December to leave Slavisa Jokanovic's side languishing in 12th.

But a remarkable 22-game unbeaten run has propelled Fulham up the table and into the top two hunt.

This was Chris Coleman's first return to the club he played for and managed since he left in 2007.

And he was in danger of losing some of his popularity after his side took advantage of Fulham's uncharacteristic poor start to take a 28th minute lead.


Sunderland took a shock lead at Craven Cottage (Image: Getty Images Europe)


But Fulham were back on level terms before the break (Image: Sunderland AFC)

Joel Asoro collected Ashley Fletcher's knockdown, spun Matt Targett and fired a skidding 25-yarder into the bottom corner to mark his 19th birthday in style.

Sunderland then had a penalty appeal waved away for a Tim Ream foul on Ovie Ejaria and their frustration was compounded when Fulham countered to level.

Just when the natives were starting to get restless, sub Aboubakar Kamara and Ryan Fredericks combined twice down the right to tee up Lucas Piazon for a tap-in on the stroke of half time.

Fulham peppered the Sunderland goal after the break and were finally rewarded with 14 minutes left when Mitrovic headed in Stefan Johansen's free-kick.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-2-1-sunderland-aleksandar-12441624

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Jokanovic admits Fulham felt under pressure

Slavisa Jokanovic admitted Fulham felt the pressure of a "crucial moment" in their season before coming from behind the beat relegated Sunderland.

The Whites moved back into second place with a 2-1 win but must hope third-placed Cardiff, who have two games left, drop points.

Whites boss Jokanovic said: "In the first 45 minutes we wanted to dominate but we started by not taking risks with the pass or being dangerous enough.

"We weren't comfortable enough and missed some easy passes, and Sunderland said 'okay we'll do some damage' – and their goal wasn't an easy moment for us.

"I am talking about some kind of pressure. This is a crucial moment in the Championship but on the other side I expect us to take this pressure off our backs.

"I don't expect we are going to be under this kind of pressure in the next game."

Aleksandar Mitrovic's late winning header looked to be offside and Jokanovic admitted his team may have got lucky.

"Sometimes you must be lucky in this life. It's important," Jokanovic said.

"I thought we showed great character to get this very important three points and we must now try and beat Birmingham."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jokanovic-admits-fulham-felt-pressure

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Soccer: Fulham climb to second with 2-1 win over Sunderland

LONDON (Reuters) - Fulham moved back into the automatic Championship promotion spots with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over relegated Sunderland thanks to goals by Lucas Piazon and Aleksandar Mitrovic on Friday.

The hard-fought home victory took Slavisa Jokanovic's side into second and two points above third-placed Cardiff City, who visit Hull City on Saturday, in the race for the Premier League.

Fulham's Serbia striker Mitrovic, on loan from Newcastle United, struck in the 75th minute with a downward header after Brazilian Piazon had levelled for the hosts before halftime

"Today it was complicated for us and I am happy to take the pressure off our back. It's part of the competition," said Jokanovic. "Aleksandar's contribution is crucial. He's scored many winning goals and today it was an important goal for us."

The home side fell behind just before the half-hour when Sunderland's Joel Asoro celebrated his 19th birthday with a superb goal after turning smartly and firing home a low shot.

The strike stunned the expectant Fulham fans but they were soon cheering when Brazilian Piazon, on loan from neighbours Chelsea, equalised from a Ryan Fredericks cross before Mitrovic rose high above the Sunderland defence to grab the winner.

Fulham, who extended their unbeaten run to 23 games, have 88 points with one game left. Cardiff are on 86 but with two games to play. The top two go up automatically with the next four entering the playoffs for a third promotion place.

The home side fell behind just before the half-hour when Sunderland's Joel Asoro celebrated his 19th birthday with a superb goal after turning smartly and firing home a low shot.

The strike stunned the expectant Fulham fans but they were soon cheering when Brazilian Piazon, on loan from neighbours Chelsea, equalised from a Ryan Fredericks cross before Mitrovic rose high above the Sunderland defence to grab the winner.

Fulham, who extended their unbeaten run to 23 games, have 88 points with one game left. Cardiff are on 86 but with two games to play. The top two go up automatically with the next four entering the playoffs for a third promotion place.



https://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-england-championship/soccer-fulham-climb-to-second-with-2-1-win-over-sunderland-idINKBN1HY2ZO?rpc=401&;

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Chris Coleman on the refereeing blunders that cost Sunderland at Fulham

Sunderland boss Chris Coleman was an unhappy man as referee Peter Bankes and his assistants cost the Black Cats any chance of victory

Chris Coleman branded referee Peter Bankes' performance 'bitterly disappointing' as blunders by the officials cost Sunderland any chance of victory at promotion-chasing Fulham.

The Black Cats were leading thanks to birthday boy Joel Asoro's first-half strike, only for Bankes to wave away their appeals for a stonewall penalty on the stroke of half-time when Ovie Ejaria was sent tumbling by Tim Ream - and to compound the error, just a minute later Fulham levelled through Lucas Piazon.

Bankes' night did not improve in the second half as neither he nor his assistant spotted that Aleksandar Mitrovic was offside when he headed Fulham's winner 15 minutes from time.

With Sunderland's relegation confirmed last weekend, it made little difference in the grand scheme of things but that was of no consolation to Coleman.


Fulham Manager Slavisa Jokanovic (L) and Sunderland manager Chris Coleman (Image: Getty Images Europe)

"I was pleased with the performance, I was delighted with the boys," said Coleman.

"It was a hard game. We were up against a team that was playing for something.

"I wasn't disappointed [with my team] at all - I was bitterly disappointed with the officials, though.

"Fulham don't need any help, they are a good team, but they got some help tonight."

Asked whether Ejaria should have had a penalty, he said: "Definitely. It's not even a tough call.

"And Fulham's second goal was a yard offside, and the linesman was right in line with it.

"I thought it was [offside] in real time, and fair play to whoever is in charge of the TVs here, they played it on the big screen - but they [the officials] didn't chalk it off, mind you!


Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic (second from right) scores his side's second goal (Image: PA)

"It was a yard offside, it wasn't even a tough call.

"Look, we haven't been relegated because of referees, we've been relegated because we haven't been good enough.

"Nevertheless, in games you want the right calls to be made. It still means something to us.

"I was disappointed with that, because we had stood up to Fulham who are ever such a good team.

"We had a crack, we involved some young boys, and they didn't have any fear."

It is not the first time in the run-in Sunderland have been on the wrong end of poor decisions by referees, with Coleman branding some of them 'astonishing'.

He said: "In the last seven or eight games we have upped it, we've played better - take Burton out of it, we didn't play very well - but right back to Derby County.

"Some of the calls we have had have been astonishing. Huge calls.

"Maybe we haven't earned it. Perhaps the way the footballing gods work is that you have to earn it from the start, and there have been too many games where we have been under-par.

"But you still want the right calls made. Some of them are not difficult calls.

"I know it's hard for referees, the game is fast, the atmosphere here was brilliant and there was a lot on it for Fulham, but they still have to make the right call.

"It is such an obvious decision, it really is.

"We need a bit of help from the referee, we don't need him to be against us!

"I'm not saying he's against us on purpose, he's just called it wrong.

"We're in the game, we're fighting against Fulham, we're doing OK, we're holding our own, and then it sickens you when that happens."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chris-coleman-refereeing-blunders-cost-14587865

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Mitrovic heads Fulham into second
by Dan on April 28, 2018

Lady luck smiled on Fulham this evening as they inched above Cardiff City with a tense win over Sunderland at Craven Cottage and ensured the race for the second automatic promotion place into the Premier League will head into the final weekend of the season. Former Fulham captain and manager Chris Coleman, making a return to the club where his managerial career began sixteen years ago, was incensed that referee Peter Bankes waved two strong Sunderland penalty shouts before Aleksandar Mitrovic's decisive header was allowed to stand despite the Serbian striker being marginally offside from Stefan Johansen's free-kick.

Small margins matter a great deal in a league as competitive as the Championship. It was to Coleman's immense credit that Sunderland, with only pride to play for after they had been relegated following a home defeat by Burton Albion last weekend, went toe-to-toe with Slavisa Jokanovic's side. The Mackems will consider themselves unfortunate not to have completed a remarkable double over Fulham as they followed their win at the Stadium of Light in December, which appeared then to have breathed new life into their battle against the drop, with an energetic and enterprising performance that worried an expectant home crowd long before Joel Asoro marked his nineteenth birthday with a superb finish past Marcus Bettinelli from 20 yards.

The visitors were the quicker to settle on a wet evening by the River Thames, with Fulham's usual flunecy missing in the early exchanges. Ashley Fletcher proved a lively presence in the lone striker role, with he and Asoro linking up impressively to allow the Swedish under-21 international a sight of goal in the twelfth minute but the midfielder skewed his effort wide of the far post. Fletcher then showed his agility by stretching to control a through ball and hold off Tim Ream but the on-loan Middlesbrough forward ballooned his shot over the bar and into the Hammersmith End.

Fulham, whose only moment of adventure to trouble Jason Steele came when the Sunderland stopper clawed away an angled drive from Ryan Sessegnon, failed to heed the visitors' early warnings. The Black Cats seized the lead just before the half hour mark when Fletcher flicked on a long ball into the path of Asoro, who showed good strength to hold off Matt Targett, and carry the ball into a threatening position before placing an unerring low shot beyond Bettinelli into the bottom right corner of the net. It was the least Sunderland deserved for their excellent start, especially as many had wondered whether Coleman would simply pack the midfield on his return to the Cottage.

Targett manfully tried to shake off a knee injury sustained in the tussle with Asoro that had preceded the teenager's goal, but had to admit defeat five minutes before the break. Jokanovic went for the most attacking change, throwing on Aboubakar Kamara as the full back's replacement – and the French forward was Fulham's most potent threat thereafter. The hosts had threatened an equaliser from their first attack after going behind with Lucas Piazon shooting wide from just outside the box, but Kamara's pace gave the Whites an outlet in behind the Sunderland defence and he ghosted past Marc Wilson at will.

It was the substitute's sense of adventure that fashioned Fulham's equaliser right on the stroke of half time. Kamara burst onto a Stefan Johansen pass and cleverly sent Ryan Fredericks scurrying towards the byline on the overlap. The full back sent in a low cross looking for Mitrovic but Steele's untimely parry presented an open goal for Piazon to prod home a vital leveller into the unguarded net from close range. Sunderland were furious that referee Bankes had allowed Fulham to mount that counter attack after Ovie Ajaria was caught in the box by Tim Ream – with skipper John O'Shea cautioned for his protests – and the television replays showed that the Black Cats had a strong case for a penalty.

That sense of injustice would have been heightened had Fulham gone in front in first half stoppage time. Sunderland needed a well-timed tackle from Lamina Kone to preserve parity as Tom Cairney seemed set to slam in a second after Mitrovic had risen majestically to nod Kamara's floated cross back to the Fulham captain, but Kone sniffed out the danger in the nick of time. Fulham had been well short of their past before the break, but stepped up their level after the interval – penning Sunderland back for long periods.

They had a sight of goal inside the first minute of the second half but Johansen blazed wildly over after some intelligent interplay before Steele did well to block a ferocious drive from Kamara after he cut in from the right. Steele then kept out a Johansen free kick and a Mitrovic strike in quick succession as the visitors' defence threatened to buckle, but Coleman's charges continued to mount an impressive rearguard action with O'Shea blocking a Fredericks effort after another slalom dribble from the Fulham full back.

Both McDonald and Cairney curled efforts wide as Fulham upped the pressure, with the Fulham's captain's curling strike dropping inches wide of the far corner, and just when it seemed as if Jokanovic's men might fall short of the win they desperately needed, Kamara was sent sprawling on the edge of the box. Johansen bent in a delicious delivery and Mitrovic soared above Fletcher to nod home at the far post, although it wasn't exactly the Serb's most convincing header of his Fulham career.

The home side spurned a number of presentable chances to wrap it up. Steele produced a superb save to turn away Johansen's excellent free kick and that meant Fulham had to grind their way through six minutes of added time before celebrating the slenderest of victories. The three points temporarily take the Whites above Cardiff into second spot, with Neil Warnock's side heading to Hull City tomorrow afternoon.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Targett (Kamara 40), Odoi, Ream; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney (Kalas 90); Piazon (Fonte 74), R. Sessegnon, Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Button, Christie, Norwood, de la Torre.

BOOKED: Bettinelli, Kamara.

GOAL: Piazon (45), Mitrovic (76).

SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1): Steele; Jones (Matthews 45), Wilson, Kone, O'Shea; McNair, Robson (Maja 45), Asoro, Ejaria (McManaman 77), Honeyman; Fletcher. Subs (not used): Camp, Clarke-Salter, Lua-Lua, Mumba.

BOOKED: O'Shea, Fletcher, Steele, McManaman.

GOAL: Asoro (28).

REFEREE: Peter Bankes (Merseyside).

ATTENDANCE: 21,849



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/mitrovic-heads-fulham-into-second/

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Slavisa Jokanovic switches focus to Cardiff after Fulham climb into automatic promotion places with Sunderland win: 'Now it's their turn, we'll see if they are under pressure'

    Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham came from a goal down to beat Sunderland on Friday
    Aleksandar Mitrovic and Lucas Piazon scored to cancel out Joel Asoro's opener
    Fulham go second two points above of Cardiff ahead of the Bluebirds' trip to Hull
    Jokanovic insists the pressure is back on Neil Warnock's Cardiff side on Saturday

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes the pressure has shifted onto Cardiff after his side moved up to second in the Championship with a 2-1 win over relegated Sunderland.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's 76th-minute header completed the Cottagers' comeback win after Lucas Piazon had cancelled out Joel Asoro's opening goal.

The win lifted Fulham two points above Cardiff, who play Hull on Saturday, and means the race for automatic promotion will now go to the final day.


Slavisa Jokanovic celebrates at full time after Fulham put the pressure right back on Cardiff

And while Jokanovic maintains the Welsh outfit still hold the upper hand, he was satisfied his team had made life as difficult as possible for their rivals.

He said: 'This is a crucial stage in the Championship but I don't expect there to be this pressure in the next game.

'Now it's the turn of Cardiff and we are waiting to see if they are under the pressure. Now the ball is in a different court.

'I don't know if they are under pressure or not under pressure. It's not under my control. The situation is still in Cardiff's control. If they win two games, we cannot do anything.


Aleksandar Mitrovic with Ryan Sessegnon (left) and Rui Fonte (right) after scoring the winner

'We have to try and win the last game against Birmingham and if that's not enough, we have to be ready for the next steps and be ready for the play-offs.

'If we can't finish it in the short way, we have to be ready to finish in the long way.'

Piazon's goal came after Sunderland had an appeal for a penalty turned down while Mitrovic appeared to have strayed offside when he headed the winner.

Jokanovic added: 'Maybe we were lucky. I don't know if he touched the player or inside or outside. And the situation when Mitrovic got the goal too. Sometimes you must be lucky in this life. Sometimes it's very important.'

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was adamant his side had been hard done to by the decisions of referee Peter Bankes and his assistants.


Fulham went above Cardiff on Friday night ahead of the Bluebirds' trip to Hull on Saturday


Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was adamant his side had been hard done by on Friday

He said: 'I was pleased with the performance. I was pleased with our guys but I was bitterly disappointed with the officials. Fulham are a good team and don't need any help, but they got some help tonight.

'It should have been a penalty. It wasn't even a tough call. And the second one is a yard offside and it's right in line with the linesman. And I thought it was in real time.

'We haven't been relegated because of referees, we've been relegated because we aren't good enough. But you want a bit of help.'

Coleman drew positives from the performance but admitted his rebuilding plans for next season cannot be put in place while the future ownership of the club is in doubt.

He said: 'There is definitely a core to work with. But again until we know who's going to come in and say 'here we go' we don't know what we can do. We're a League One side and we have to build a team to get promotion.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-5666881/Slavisa-Jokanovic-switches-focus-Cardiff-Fulham-climb-Championship-two.html#ixzz5Dx5QZmVO
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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic feels Cardiff could now be 'under the pressure'

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes the pressure has shifted onto Cardiff after his side moved up to second in the Championship with a 2-1 win over relegated Sunderland.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's 76th-minute header completed the Cottagers' comeback win after Lucas Piazon had cancelled out Joel Asoro's opening goal.

The win lifted Fulham two points above Cardiff, who play Hull on Saturday, and means the race for automatic promotion will now go to the final day.

And while Jokanovic maintains the Welsh outfit still hold the upper hand, he was satisfied his team had made life as difficult as possible for their rivals.

He said: "This is a crucial stage in the Championship but I don't expect there to be this pressure in the next game.

"Now it's the turn of Cardiff and we are waiting to see if they are under the pressure. Now the ball is in a different court.

"I don't know if they are under pressure or not under pressure. It's not under my control. The situation is still in Cardiff's control. If they win two games, we cannot do anything.

"We have to try and win the last game against Birmingham and if that's not enough, we have to be ready for the next steps and be ready for the playoffs.

"If we can't finish it in the short way, we have to be ready to finish in the long way.''

Piazon's goal came after Sunderland had an appeal for a penalty turned down while Mitrovic appeared to have strayed offside when he headed the winner.

Jokanovic added: "Maybe we were lucky. I don't know if he touched the player or inside or outside. And the situation when Mitrovic got the goal too. Sometimes you must be lucky in this life. Sometimes it's very important.''

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was adamant his side had been hard done to by the decisions of referee Peter Bankes and his assistants.

He said: "I was pleased with the performance. I was pleased with our guys but I was bitterly disappointed with the officials. Fulham are a good team and don't need any help, but they got some help tonight.

"It should have been a penalty. It wasn't even a tough call. And the second one is a yard offside and it's right in line with the linesman. And I thought it was in real time.

"We haven't been relegated because of referees, we've been relegated because we aren't good enough. But you want a bit of help.''

Coleman drew positives from the performance but admitted his rebuilding plans for next season cannot be put in place while the future ownership of the club is in doubt.

He said: "There is definitely a core to work with. But again until we know who's going to come in and say 'here we go' we don't know what we can do. We're a League One side and we have to build a team to get promotion.''



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/english-league-championship/story/3474021/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-feels-cardiff-could-now-be-under-the-pressure

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Fulham take automatic promotion fight to the wire after victory over Sunderland

Fulham 2 Sunderland 1: A winning header from Aleksandar Mitrovic pushes Fulham back into second place ahead of their final game

Fulham are back in second place once again after a 2-0 win over Sunderland, as the pressure switches to Cardiff to match them tomorrow.

A winning header from Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed the win for the home side in a game that should have been more comfortable than they made it. The Cottagers continued their impeccable run of form, making it 23 games unbeaten. The last side to win against them were Sunderland.

Those picking the TV football schedule might have hoped this to be a decider in Sunderland's woeful season, but their League One fate was already confirmed the weekend before. They were just playing for pride.

ut for Fulham, who have been toying with automatic promotion for the last month, at least a point would take them into second place, taking things down to final fixture next Sunday.

Visiting boss Chris Coleman was back on familiar turf, returning here for the first time since he managed Fulham in the Premier League 11 years ago.

Coleman was doing his old side no favours to begin with though. Fulham players have spoken in the last few weeks about feeling the pressure, and a couple of stray passes were beginning to reflect it. They let both Millwall and Brentford in to their half in their last two games, and were letting Sunderland in once again.

Without anything to offer, it was the visitors who drew first blood. As Ashley Fletcher flicked the ball on to Joel Asoro, the midfielder hit a low, driving shot that Marcus Bettinelli could only touch into his own net. A birthday treat for the 19-year-old that he wasn't too quick to celebrate.

"We're going to win the league" – sang some of the travelling Black Cats, embracing the humour. It takes commitment to come some 250 miles down from the north east when there's nothing at stake.

Whites left-back Matt Targett was knocked down twice, the second of which forced Fulham to bring on Aboubakar Kamara, who would offer more than expected in replacing him.

As the home team began to wake up, things started to get heated towards the half-time whistle. Just as Sunderland began to get comfortable in their opposition's half, Fulham hit on the counter. Aboubakar Kamara fed a ball to Fredericks on the right wing. His ball flashed across the box, and Jason Steele could only get a parrying glove to it, falling to Lucas Piazon, who coolly tucked away the equaliser.

But Fulham were lucky, as there were claims of a penalty seconds before for Sunderland, as Ovie Ejaria was brought clattering down by Tim Ream. Replays showed the referee was wrong to ignore it.

As both sides returned for the second half, Fulham were the ones who harnessed a fighting attitude, making their way back into the game, hust as they have done of the past couple of weeks against both Brentford and Millwall. It was a question of scoring, and closing it out.

Kamara was heavily involved as he switched out to the right wing, Sessegnon dropping back to cover the defence on the left-hand side. They didn't need his goalscoring ability this evening.

There were chances Tom Cairney, the pressure resting with both the players and their audience, as calls of "shoot" on whenever Fulham found space outside the box. The captain did try two curling efforts, both agonisingly missing the far post.

Fulham carried on, wearing down their visitors, who began to give away numerous fouls. With 13 minutes to go, it was one of those free-kicks that finally put the hosts in front. Stefan Johansen sent a looping ball over to the back post, and there to meet it was Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serbian, who was in an offside position, headed home his 12th goal since arriving at the end of January to the delight, and relief, of Craven Cottage. Shaking a clenched fist in celebration as he returned to the centre circle, Mitrovic's look of determination was matched by his teammates.

The PA system asked fans to remain in their seats and not to invade the pitch on the final whistle. They were good enough to hold their horses. If luck goes their way, this will be their final home game of the season, the next could be in the Premier League. Over to Cardiff.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/fulham-sunderland-match-report-automatic-promotion-victory-goals-highlights-a8326331.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic switches focus to Cardiff after Fulham climb into top two

The Cottagers are two points clear of the Welsh side, who face Hull on Saturday.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes the pressure has shifted onto Cardiff after his side moved up to second in the Championship with a 2-1 win over relegated Sunderland.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's 76th-minute header completed the Cottagers' comeback win after Lucas Piazon had cancelled out Joel Asoro's opening goal.

The win lifted Fulham two points above Cardiff, who play Hull on Saturday, and means the race for automatic promotion will now go to the final day.

And while Jokanovic maintains the Welsh outfit still hold the upper hand, he was satisfied his team had made life as difficult as possible for their rivals.

He said: "This is a crucial stage in the Championship but I don't expect there to be this pressure in the next game.

"Now it's the turn of Cardiff and we are waiting to see if they are under the pressure. Now the ball is in a different court.

"I don't know if they are under pressure or not under pressure. It's not under my control. The situation is still in Cardiff's control. If they win two games, we cannot do anything.

"We have to try and win the last game against Birmingham and if that's not enough, we have to be ready for the next steps and be ready for the play-offs.

"If we can't finish it in the short way, we have to be ready to finish in the long way."

Piazon's goal came after Sunderland had an appeal for a penalty turned down while Mitrovic appeared to have strayed offside when he headed the winner.

Jokanovic added: "Maybe we were lucky. I don't know if he touched the player or inside or outside. And the situation when Mitrovic got the goal too. Sometimes you must be lucky in this life. Sometimes it's very important."

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was adamant his side had been hard done to by the decisions of referee Peter Bankes and his assistants.

He said: "I was pleased with the performance. I was pleased with our guys but I was bitterly disappointed with the officials. Fulham are a good team and don't need any help, but they got some help tonight.

"It should have been a penalty. It wasn't even a tough call. And the second one is a yard offside and it's right in line with the linesman. And I thought it was in real time.

"We haven't been relegated because of referees, we've been relegated because we aren't good enough. But you want a bit of help."

Coleman drew positives from the performance but admitted his rebuilding plans for next season cannot be put in place while the future ownership of the club is in doubt.

He said: "There is definitely a core to work with. But again until we know who's going to come in and say 'here we go' we don't know what we can do. We're a League One side and we have to build a team to get promotion."



http://sport.bt.com/football/jokanovic-switches-focus-to-cardiff-after-fulham-climb-into-top-two-S11364267298940

[WhiteJC]

 
'It's a perfect, win-win situation' - Rafa on why he was right to loan Aleksandar Mitrovic to Fulham

Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 11 goals in 13 starts on loan at Championship side Fulham

Aleksandar Mitrovic's loan move to Fulham has developed into a "perfect, win-win situation" for Newcastle United, believes Rafa Benitez.

The 23-year-old has scored 11 goals in 13 Championship starts since joining the Cottagers on loan on transfer-deadline day in January.

Mitrovic had failed to start a Premier League game for Newcastle in 2017/18 - he made six substitute appearances, but a three-match suspension saw him fall down the United pecking order - yet his form for Fulham has alerted clubs across Europe to his potential availability this summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have already secured promotion to the Premier League, and Brighton and Hove Albion are among the Serbian's admirers - while Mitrovic's former club Anderlecht, as well as French outfits Bordeaux and Marseille, are also interested in the forward.

Yet if Mitrovic helps fire Fulham to promotion this season, then the Cottagers are expected to use some of their Premier League windfall in order to sign the Serbia international permanently - with Newcastle rumoured to be willing to sell the forward for £20million this summer.

But Benitez - who has kept in touch with Mitrovic during the striker's loan spell in west London - insists it is a "win-win situation" for the player and both clubs.

While Mitrovic has secured gametime and confidence ahead of the World Cup, Newcastle's asset has increased in value, while Fulham have been able to launch a promotion push.

"It's been perfect, we are in a win-win situation," Benitez said of Mitrovic's loan move to Fulham.

"He's still our player. I stay in touch with all the players who are out on loan, we follow them and I have watched the highlights of some of the games."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/its-perfect-win-win-situation-14587244

[WhiteJC]

Jokanovic salutes Fulham's 'character'
by Dan on April 28, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic praised Fulham's 'character' and 'confidence' as the Whites came from behind to beat Sunderland last night and move above Cardiff in the race for promotion to the Premier League.

Fulham were able to dust themselves down after the shock of going behind to an excellent strike from Joel Asoro and equalised at just the right time through Lucas Piazon right on the stroke of half-time. The home side were much improved in the second half but had to wait until fourteen minutes from time when Aleksandar Mitrovic headed in Stefan Johansen's free-kick to secure a precious three points.

Jokanovic told his post-match press conference:

    In the first 45 minutes we wanted to dominate the situation. 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.

The Fulham head coach was delighted with the application of his senior players as well as Aboubakar Kamara after the French forward turned the game having replaced the injured Matt Targett late in the first half.

    Everyone showed character, players like Tim Ream or Kevin McDonald or Aleksandar Mitrovic, 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.

Jokanovic insisted that the win will mean nothing if Cardiff City are able to beat Hull and Reading to take the second automatic promotion place.

    Now it's Cardiff's turn and we're going to wait and see if they're under some kind of pressure or not. 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 [the] play-offs. If we cannot finish the short way, we must be ready to finish this job in the longest way.

The Serbian remained optimistic that Targett would be available to play in the final game of the season at St. Andrew's despite suffering a painful injury in the build up to Asoro's stunning strike.

    It's an ankle problem. I don't know, but we expect he's going to be available,



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/jokanovic-salutes-fulhams-character/

[WhiteJC]

 
Rafa Benitez reacts to 'win-win' scenario for Newcastle's Aleksandar Mitrovic

Rafa Benitez says Aleksandar Mitrovic's loan has been a "win-win situation" for Newcastle United and Fulham.

The striker was loaned to the Championship club in January.

    It's been perfect. We're in a win-win situation. He's still our player.
    Rafa Benitez

And Mitrovic's goals have helped Fulham push for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old scored the club's winner in last night's 2-1 win over Sunderland at Craven Cottage.

"It's been perfect," said United manager Benitez.

"We're in a win-win situation. He's still our player."

Benitez has been in contact with all Newcastle's loan players.

"I stay in touch with all the players who are out on loan," he said.

"We follow them, and I have watched the highlights of some of the games."

There have been calls for Mitrovic, signed from Anderlecht three years ago, to be given another chance at United next season.

However, Newcastle will look to cash in on the 23-year-old, who will go to the World Cup finals in Russia with Serbia.

Fulham are interested in signing Mitrovic on a permanent deal, while promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers have also been linked with a move for him.



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/rafa-benitez-reacts-to-win-win-scenario-for-newcastle-s-aleksandar-mitrovic-1-9139351

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 2-1 Sunderland: Player ratings
by Dan on April 28, 2018

Man-to-marking after Fulham come from behind to see off Sunderland in a nervy display at Craven Cottage last night ...

Marcus Bettinelli: The Fulham goalkeeper didn't have an awful lot to after picking Joel Asoro's superb strike out of his bottom corner. He had little chance with the stunning effort that gave Sunderland a lead their excellent start more than merited and Bettinelli's early distribution seemed a little off-colour as the visitors pressed high. The Fulham academy graduate marshalled his defence impressively and made one smart save in the second half. 7

Ryan Fredericks: An all-action display from the rampaging Fulham full-back that fully justified the Sky Sports man of the match award. Fredericks burst forward to great effect, dovetailing impressively the substitute Aboubakar Kamara down the right hand side, and giving poor old Marc Wilson a torrid time throughout. The pair linked up effectively for Fulham's equaliser, which arrived at the perfect time just before the break, and Fredericks continued to be a real offensive option throughout a second period that the home side thoroughly dominated. If that is to be his last appearance at Craven Cottage in a Fulham shirt, he picked a hell of a way to sign off.

Matt Targett: The Southampton loanee seemed a little below par in the early stages with a couple of missed tackles and poor passes. He was beaten by Asoro for the Sunderland goal and came off worse following a tussle between the pair just before the teenager drove that unstoppable shot beyond Marcus Bettinelli. Tried gamely to carry on despite picking up a painful ankle injury before finally admitting defeat five minutes before half-time. The Fulham medical staff now face a race against team to get the left back fit for the final day showdown at St. Andrew's.

Denis Odoi: Another excellent display at the heart of the Fulham back four for the versatile Belgian. Odoi initially struggled to pick out the intelligent movement of Sunderland's lone striker Ashley Fletcher, but he grew in confidence as the game went on. Proved himself to be strong in the air even though he appears to be on the short side for a conventional centre back and his ball-playing prowess is so well-suited to Jokanovic's total football approach. Odoi's emergence as a genuine option at centre back remains one of the stories of this incredible unbeaten run. 7

Tim Ream: Not the American's most commanding of performances in his outstanding season, but there were enough reminders of Ream's understated class when he turned away from blue shirts with such ease even though there appeared to be no way out. Fulham's night could have been so different had referee Peter Bankes penalised his trip on Ovie Ejaria right before the equaliser, but the former Bolton defender got away without conceding a penalty. It was much easier for Ream during a second half that Fulham throughly dominated – and his reading of the game and distribution from the back stood out. 7

Kevin McDonald: The Scottish international was a picture of rage and frustration for much of the first half before Lucas Piazon's timely equaliser. With Fulham failing to find their usual fluency, McDonald was forced to snap into far too many tackles to bail his side out, even if he was caught the wrong side of the ball when Asoro latched onto Fletcher's intelligent flick and found the bottom corner from a fair way out. The former Sheffield United and Wolves midfielder kept driving Fulham forward until Mitrovic headed them in front with fourteen minutes to play. 7

Stefan Johansen: Not the Norwegian midfielder's finest hour, but he kept on running throughout what threatened to be a really frustrating evening. Struggled to find his usual range of passing with a number of wasteful balls characterising a disappointing side from Jokanovic's side as the Whites were suffocated by the number of blue shirts Sunderland got behind the ball. Drove Fulham on to a much more dominant display after the break, with his work rate coming to the fore. Delivered a perfect free-kick right on to Mitrovic's head to give the home side the lead. 6

Tom Cairney: A quiet evening for the skipper, who seemed to struggle for rhythm after being clattered by a late tackle in the early exchanges. Just as he seemed certain to put the home side in front in first half stoppage time, Lamina Kone arrived to produce the perfect goal-saving tackle and Cairney came off worse in that collision as well. Retreated to a deeper role as Sunderland pressed the ball impressively for much of the first half, but became more influential after the interval. Almost curled in a brilliant strike from the edge of the box as Fulham pressed for a winner. 6

Lucas Piazon: The Brazilian might have scored the equaliser at the end of the first half, but this was a workmanlike rather than inspired performance. Piazon has struggled for form of late but demonstrated the kind of character that makes him such a favourite of both Slavisa Jokanovic and the Fulham faithful by dropping into the left midfield role after Matt Targett's untimely injury. Did well to provide plenty of defensive cover for Ryan Sessegnon before being replaced by Rui Fonte for the final quarter of an hour. 6

Ryan Sessegnon: This wasn't the kind of performance to set pulses racing but then it would be so surprise if the talented teenager was feeling the after-effects of featuring in every league game this season. The seventeen year-old struggled to get beyond Billy Jones into attacking positions for much of the first half before slotting back into the left back position that he had vacated around the turn of the year when Targett went off injured. Could have conceded a penalty for handball shortly before Mitrovic's winner. 6

Aleksandar Mitrovic: The Serbian striker struggled for service during a first half where he was largely anonymous, but it was little surprise that the on-loan Newcastle forward eventually popped up to score against the Magpies' biggest rivals. Grew into the game as Fulham got more of a foothold in the contest and some of his lay-offs to link the play reminded me of Bobby Zamora in his prime. Gave the Sunderland centre backs a real going over and crowned a far more effective second 45 minutes with the matchwinning header at the far post from Johansen's free kick. 7

Substitutes:

Aboubakar Kamara (on for Matt Targett, 40): It is no exaggeration to suggest that Jokanovic's bold decision to send on the French forward for his injured left back changed the course of a contest that seemed to be slipping away from Fulham. Kamara was fired up from the off and his pace and power posed problems for Marc Wilson throughout. He linked up impressively with Ryan Fredericks for the Fulham equaliser and continued to be the home side's most likely source of a goal in the second half. He was fouled on the edge of the box for the free-kick that led to Mitrovic's winner and might have had a goal himself but for a superb reaction save from Jason Steele at his near post. 8

Rui Fonte (on for Lucas Piazon, 74): The Portuguese forward might have been a surprise replacement for Piazon but he put himself about effectively in the final quarter of hour. He darted in field to give Sunderland's tiring defenders something else to think about and drifted dangerously in between the lines. The former Braga forward is now certainly Jokanovic's third choice forward but he showed enough intelligence and desire this evening not to be discarded during the summer. 6

Tomas Kalas (on for Tom Cairney, 90): The Czech centre half was sent on to shore on Fulham's defence during injury time just when the Whites appeared vulnerable to conceding another late, late sucker punch and did his job effectively. 6



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/fulham-2-1-sunderland-player-ratings/

[WhiteJC]

 
Outstanding Mitrovic, Excellent Odoi – The best and the worst rated Fulham players vs Sunderland

Full Time: Fulham 2-1 Sunderland

An excellent victory for Fulham in a fixture that was never going to be as straight-forward as the table implied. The pressure was off on Sunderland as they had been relegated and they could play with a bit of freedom, which was obvious from the first 30 mins.

Fulham managed to get the victory in the end and that takes them to second place in the table, although Cardiff still have a game in hand. A great result for Fulham.

Fulham Player Ratings
Marcus Bettinelli – 6/10

Bettinelli didn't have much to do and only made one save. Will have been disappointed to pick up a yellow card.
Ryan Fredericks – 6.5/10

Managed to get forward quite a lot but his final ball was always lacking. Defended well when called upon.
Denis Odoi – 8/10

Odoi had an excellent game and looked absolutely solid at the back. Dominated in the air and tackled well.
Tim Ream – 8/10

The 30-year-old had an excellent game for Fulham. Got off to a sluggish start but grew into the game well.

Matt Targett – 6/10

Targett had a good game but sadly went off injured. Will be a big miss for Fulham.
Kevin McDonald – 7/10

Had a great game in the middle of the park and controlled the midfield well. Also got forward when necessary and created some good chances for his team.
Tom Cairney – 6/10

Did not have his best game ever in the Fulham shirt. Never really looked at the races today, perhaps a bit of late-season fatigue.
Stefan Johansen – 7/10

Stefan Johansen had a reasonably good game. He provided a good assist for his team but was pretty anonymous for the rest of the game.
Ryan Sessegnon – 7/10

Looked threatening on the wing but was neutered when he dropped to left-back after Matt Targett got injured.
Lucas Piazon – 7.5/10

Piazon was in the right place at the right time to grab a goal for his team and that's all you can ask of your wingers.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – 9/10

Mitrovic did it again – grabbed a vital goal for his team. If Fulham do get automatically promoted, then they will have a lot to thank the big man for.
Substitutes
Aboubakar Kamara – 7.5/10

Replaced Targett in the 39th minute. Looked threatening at times and attacked well.
Rui Fonte – 6.5/10

Came on in the 73rd minute to replace Lucas Piazon.
Tomas Kalas– 6/10

Came on in the 89th minute to give Fulham more legs for the last part of the game.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/04/28/outstanding-mitrovic-excellent-odoi-the-best-and-the-worst-rated-fulham-players-vs-sunderland/

[WhiteJC]

 
Mitrovic downs Sunderland "Shows more passion than I have ever seen in a loan player"

After scoring the dramatic Friday night winner against Sunderland, Newcastle fan Mitrovic declared 'Of course I was confident.'

Aleksandar Mitrovic made it 12 goals in the last two months at Fulham and no doubt it will have been the one he has enjoyed the most.

Sunderland took the lead on Friday night through Asoro, before Piazon equalised on the stroke of half-time.

With time running out in this crucial promotion match, Fulham's loan striker came up with a majestic header in the 76th minute to win the game.

The win puts the Cottagers back in an automatic promotion spot with one game to play, two points and a better goal difference [seven higher] than Cardiff, who have a game in hand.

For the Newcastle fan and player, the goal will have had that extra edge.

Asked about the match, Mitrovic afterwards said 'Of course I was confident.'

Much of the post-match talk revolved around Mitro, his manager saying the striker's contribution since his arrival has been 'crucial' with 'many winning goals.'

Meanwhile, teammate Ryan Fredericks declared: Aleksandar has been amazing...He shows more passion than I have ever seen in a loan player.'

The result also means that Sunderland now definitely have the honour of consecutive relegations, both in the very bottom position.

Aleksandar Mitrovic:

"Of course I was confident.

"If the team play good, I play good as well.

"We didn't play the best as we have for most of the season but in the end we got three points.

"It was a really hard and tough game but we have to be happy with this win tonight.

"We have one game left and we have to make that final push and see what is going to happen.

"We came a really long way. If someone asked us before Christmas to take second place in the last game, and be in this position, the gaffer would 100% have taken it."

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic:

"Today it was complicated for us and I am happy to take the pressure off our back.

"The contribution of Aleksandar [Mitrovic] is crucial.

"He has scored many winning goals and today it was an important goal for us."

Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks:

"Aleksandar has been amazing.

"He has come in and scored a hatful of goals and the passion he shows is like he has been here for five years.

"He shows more passion than I have ever seen in a loan player.

"Credit to him, he came here with a point to prove and I think he's done that."



https://www.themag.co.uk/2018/04/mitrovic-downs-sunderland-shows-passion-ever-seen-loan-player-newcastle-united-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham have shifted pressure onto Cardiff in Premier League promotion race, says Slavisa Jokanovic

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes the pressure has shifted onto Cardiff after his side moved up to second in the Championship with a 2-1 win over relegated Sunderland.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's 76th-minute header completed the Cottagers' comeback win after Lucas Piazon had cancelled out Joel Asoro's opening goal.

The win lifted Fulham two points above Cardiff, who play Hull on Saturday, and means the race for automatic promotion will now go to the final day.

And while Jokanovic maintains the Welsh outfit still hold the upper hand, he was satisfied his team had made life as difficult as possible for their rivals.

He said: "This is a crucial stage in the Championship but I don't expect there to be this pressure in the next game.

"Now it's the turn of Cardiff and we are waiting to see if they are under the pressure. Now the ball is in a different court.

"I don't know if they are under pressure or not under pressure. It's not under my control. The situation is still in Cardiff's control. If they win two games, we cannot do anything.

"We have to try and win the last game against Birmingham and if that's not enough, we have to be ready for the next steps and be ready for the play-offs.

"If we can't finish it in the short way, we have to be ready to finish in the long way."

Piazon's goal came after Sunderland had an appeal for a penalty turned down while Mitrovic appeared to have strayed offside when he headed the winner.

Jokanovic added: "Maybe we were lucky. I don't know if he touched the player or inside or outside. And the situation when Mitrovic got the goal too. Sometimes you must be lucky in this life. Sometimes it's very important."

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was adamant his side had been hard done to by the decisions of referee Peter Bankes and his assistants.

He said: "I was pleased with the performance. I was pleased with our guys but I was bitterly disappointed with the officials. Fulham are a good team and don't need any help, but they got some help tonight.

"It should have been a penalty. It wasn't even a tough call. And the second one is a yard offside and it's right in line with the linesman. And I thought it was in real time.

"We haven't been relegated because of referees, we've been relegated because we aren't good enough. But you want a bit of help."

Coleman drew positives from the performance but admitted his rebuilding plans for next season cannot be put in place while the future ownership of the club is in doubt.

He said: "There is definitely a core to work with. But again until we know who's going to come in and say 'here we go' we don't know what we can do. We're a League One side and we have to build a team to get promotion."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-have-shifted-pressure-onto-cardiff-in-premier-league-promotion-race-says-slavisa-jokanovic-a3825961.html