Wednesday Fulham Stuff (30/01/19)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 4-2 Brighton and Hove Albion

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri said his side are "alive" in the race to avoid relegation from the Premier League after the Cottagers staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to claim a crucial victory over Brighton at Craven Cottage.

Ranieri's side had trailed 2-0 at the break, but Calum Chambers' volley gave them hope early in the second half before Aleksandar Mitrovic's brace put Fulham in front for the first time in the match.

Luciano Vietto fired home Fulham's fourth after Tom Cairney's long-range effort had cannoned off the crossbar.

"We can see a little light in front of us," said Ranieri.

"It is only a little step but we are alive. We showed very good fighting spirit."

Glenn Murray's first-half brace had given Brighton what appeared to be a comfortable lead inside the opening 20 minutes, the veteran striker slotting into the far corner from Martin Montoya's cross before turning home Pascal Gross's overhead flick-on.

"It was a very strange match," added Ranieri.

"We were 2-0 down after 17 minutes. At half-time, I gave confidence to my players and positivity - I told them we are in the match.

"The goal from Chambers was very important, it gave the players the opportunity to say 'we can do something good tonight'.

"We gave some good balls to Mitrovic. He is very dangerous with the crosses into the box.

"We deserved to win and played very good football."

The victory lifts 19th-placed Fulham to within six points of safety, while Brighton stay in 13th.

Brighton fail to cope with Mitrovic

Ranieri said before the match that this was the sort of fixture Fulham had to win to maintain realistic hopes of avoiding an immediate return to the second tier.

But the Cottagers could hardly have made a worse start to proceedings as Brighton brutally exposed the hosts' defensive frailties inside the opening 20 minutes.

Fulham had managed just one shot on target in the first 45 minutes, but Chambers' first goal for the Londoners - a tremendous strike into the corner from the edge of the penalty area - changed the course of the game.

Mitrovic, who had failed to score since his last-minute winner against Huddersfield on 29 December, was a constant thorn in Brighton's side after half-time and put his side on course for an unlikely victory with a pair of trademark headers.

The former Newcastle man capitalised on some questionable Seagulls defending to nod home the equaliser, before heading Joe Bryan's exquisite cross past Mat Ryan to make it 3-2 after 74 minutes.

Vietto tapped home his first goal of the season to put the seal on what could prove to be a pivotal victory in Fulham's battle to avoid the drop.

They nearly made it five with eight minutes remaining, but Cairney struck the woodwork for the second time in a matter of minutes with a dipping drive from outside the area.

Mixed evening for Murray

Brighton have fared no better than Fulham in recent weeks, with both sides registering only five points from a possible 24 in the run-up to Tuesday's meeting.

The Seagulls also went into the game with the worst away record outside the Premier League's bottom three, but they looked set to claim only their third win on the road this season after Murray's early brace.

It ended a run of eight league games without a goal for the 35-year-old striker, but the contest could have taken on an entirely different complexion had he taken one of several opportunities to complete his hat-trick either side of half-time.

He headed Gross's cross inches wide of the Sergio Rico's right-hand post late in the first half, before firing straight at Fulham's Spanish custodian from point-blank range moments later.

Murray was thwarted again by Rico two minutes before Mitrovic's second goal, his flicked header from Montoya's delivery palmed to safety by the Cottagers' goalkeeper.

Victory for Brighton would have lifted them 10 points clear of the bottom three with 14 games remaining, but their second-half capitulation leaves them seven points clear of the relegation places, and just four points off Southampton in 17th.

Man of the match - Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)


Mitrovic played an instrumental role in Fulham's astonishing second-half revival, scoring twice and contesting more duels (26) than anyone else on the pitch.

Mitrovic sets personal best - the stats

Fulham v Brighton is just the second match-up in Premier League history to see both sides come from two goals behind to avoid defeat in their two meetings within a season, after Blackburn Rovers v Bolton Wanderers in 2003-04.
Fulham came from behind in a Premier League game after being two or more goals down at half-time for the first time since 26 April 2008, when they beat Manchester City 3-2 away from home after being 0-2 behind at half-time.
Murray's opening goal ended an eight-game run without a goal for Brighton & Hove Albion - his worst-ever run without a goal in the Premier League for the club.
In scoring the first goal of this game, Murray opened the scoring in a Premier League match for the sixth time this season - only Mohamed Salah (nine games) has done so more often than the Brighton and Hove Albion striker (level with Harry Kane).
Murray's double saw him become the oldest player to score a brace in a Premier League game (35y 126d) since Frank Lampard for Chelsea v West Ham on 23 November 2013 (35y 156d).
Mitrovic has scored 10 Premier League goals in 2018-19, one more than his previous best tally within a season in the competition (nine in 2015-16 with Newcastle).
Mitrovic has now scored 20 Premier League goals - scoring five of those under Steve McClaren, five under Rafa Benitez, five under Slavisa Jokanovic and five under Ranieri.

Fulham 'a little more confident' - what the managers said

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri: "I did not imagine this. It was great to score in the second half, and the reaction was unbelievable.

"Mitrovic is a goalscorer. He plays this way, covers the ball, fights for every ball and gives spirit to everybody.

"We know nothing is done, but we are a little more confident that something could happen."

Brighton manager Chris Hughton:
"As good as we were in the first half, we were equally as bad in the second half.

"We knew they would come out in the second half and go for it. We knew they would have good possession, but you've got to defend well in all of those situations.

"Once they got their first goal, that gave them some momentum. Once they got the second one, they were then in full flow.

"If you allow them the space and time to get the crosses in that they did, then you're asking for trouble. You're hoping that they don't show quality at the end of it, but unfortunately for us they did."

What's next?

Fulham travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier league on Saturday, 2 February (15:00 GMT), while Brighton host Watford at the same time.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46955255

[WhiteJC]

 
Manager Reaction

Claudio Ranieri believes a Fulham win was the correct result on Tuesday night at Craven Cottage.

Brighton & Hove Albion had stormed into an early two-goal lead, but the revitalised Whites claimed the points in the second half courtesy of Aleksandar Mitrović's brace and Calum Chambers and Luciano Vietto's first goals for the Club.

"It was a very strange match," Ranieri admitted. "After 17 minutes we were down 2-0 and at that moment I said to myself it is much better to concede now rather than at the end, where you don't have time to react.

"It was good because we reacted immediately, even in the first half despite not scoring a goal. The Chambers goal was very important as it gave all the other players more confidence, which allowed them to think we can win tonight. We deserved to win and we played very good football.

"Tonight we provided Mitrović with good crosses, and with crosses Mitrović is a very dangerous player. Calum's goal was also very good as we had very good build-up play leading up to it."

"At half-time I gave my players positivity and let them know that we are still in the match. We had to move the ball very quickly and try and find a solution to break the lines with Mitrović, Cairney, Vietto and Babel.

"Babel gave us some experience and leadership, every time he received the ball he was very calm and did something good for the team, the other players also followed him."

The manner of the victory gives the Whites plenty of cause for optimism ahead of the final 14 fixtures, beginning at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

"These three points mean that we are alive, we can see a little light but it is only a little step forwards," he said. "I want to keep seeing this fighting spirit shown this evening.

"For us every match is tough but they are crucial because we are in the relegation zone. We are confident – this match and result tonight was very important for us.

"We believe always but tomorrow we have to restart because we have another tough match ahead of us on Saturday."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/january/29/manager-reaction-brighton

[WhiteJC]

 
Tyrese Francois could be tempted to follow Moussa Dembele's path from Fulham to Celtic
Tyrese Francois has been linked with Celtic.

In summer 2016, Celtic completed the signing of Fulham starlet Moussa Dembele and he proved to be a hit in Glasgow.

In two seasons with the Bhoys, Dembele scored more than 50 goals for the club before his move to Lyon last summer.

And now Celtic are being linked with yet another Fulham youngster – could he follow Dembele's path to Celtic glory?

According to Sky Sports News, Celtic are "aware" of Fulham starlet Tyrese Francois' contract situation in West London.

Francois is out of contract at the end of this campaign, although Fulham are likely to offer him an extension.

Nonetheless, Celtic, Crystal Palace and Valencia are keen on the versatile midfielder, who operates as a holding midfielder or further forward in a central role.

The 18-year-old may be tempted to follow the trend of players leaving England to try their luck in the continent.

The success of Jadon Sancho, Reiss Nelson and others might convince Francois to take that career path.

But the blueprint is there for him to leave Fulham and make a move to Celtic. Dembele took that unusual career route and has ended up a much better player as a result.

Francois is a highly rated youngster who could feature in Brendan Rodgers' long-term Celtic plans.

The Australia-born midfielder, who also holds British citizenship, now has to decide whether to stay in London, move to Spain or try his luck at Celtic.



https://tbrfootball.com/tyrese-francois-could-be-tempted-to-follow-moussa-dembeles-path-from-fulham-to-celtic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Final Six On Sale

Tickets for Fulham's remaining Premier League home games of the 2018/19 campaign will go on sale from 10am on Thursday 31st January.

March sees the Whites host their first SW6 derby in five years against Chelsea on Sunday 3rd (kick-off 2:05pm), before fixtures against title challengers Liverpool (Sunday 17th, kick-off 2:05pm) and Manchester City (Saturday 30th, kick-off 12:30pm).

For our final three home games of the season, Everton (Saturday 13th April, 3pm), Cardiff City (Saturday 27th April 3pm) and Newcastle United (Sunday 12th May, 3pm) will all make the trip to Craven Cottage. Please note, kick-off dates and times for these three fixtures remain subject to change.

Tickets for all six home games will go on sale from 10am on Thursday, initially to 18/19 Members, before 18/19 Season Ticket Holders can secure additional seats.

Full pricing for each game can be found on the respective Match Centre pages, while supporters are advised to check the full selling schedule information for each of these matches before attempting to purchase.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/january/29/final-six-on-sale

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 4-2 Brighton: Aleksandar Mitrovic scores twice as Fulham produce stunning comeback to beat Brighton and edge closer to safety after falling two goals behind

    Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as Fulham came from two goals down to breathe life into relegation battle
    The Cottagers, who had lost all four previous games in 2019, were 2-0 down at half-time on Tuesday night
    But Calum Chambers pulled one back with a volley before two trademark Mitrovic headers put hosts in front
    Luciano Vietto opened his account with the fourth to wrap up the league victory for Claudio Ranieri's side

Fulham showed there is life in them yet as Claudio Ranieri's side completed a sensational comeback at Craven Cottage, clawing their way back from 2-0 down at half-time to win 4-2.

A brace from Glenn Murray had given Brighton a two-goal lead at the break and Ranieri's relegation scrappers seemed set for a fifth successive loss in all competitions.

Then, Aleksandar Mitrovic turned into Fulham's hero. He helped himself to two headed goals, grabbing the leveller then giving them the lead as Fulham picked up their first points in 2019.


Aleksandar Mitrovic scored two trademark headers in a stunning second-half fightback by Claudio Ranieri's men


Mitrovic made the most of the windswept conditions to celebrate with a dive along the greasy surface at Craven Cottage

It showed all is not lost. Fulham may have played like a pub team in the first half but they looked Premier League worthy in the second, and Ranieri highlighted the significance of this result.

'These three points means we are alive,' Ranieri said afterwards. 'I can see some light in front of us. It means we are alive. I want to see again this fighting spirit together. We believe, always.'

Calum Chambers and Luciano Vietto got Fulham's other goals and Brighton boss Chris Hughton could not hide his frustration afterwards. 'I was angry with the team,' he admitted.


Brighton enjoyed the perfect start as striker Glenn Murray put the visitors ahead in just the third minute on Tuesday


Brighton's Martin Montoya was allowed to stride unchallenged down the right and cross for Murray to guide home


Murray has scored the opening goal in six Premier League games this season - only Liverpool's Mo Salah (9) has scored more

'From 2-0 up in the game, comfortable, then to concede four goals in one half, then yes, I was angry. That was not like us, that second half. That's not us.'

Who knows how crucial these three points could prove for Fulham come May?

This felt particularly crucial considering their impending Premier League fixture list at Craven Cottage. Manchester United visit next, followed by Chelsea, Liverpool then Manchester City.

Indeed that is enough to send shivers down the spines of any defence, let alone the one that has leaked the most goals in Europe's big five leagues this season.

It was dire defending that saw Brighton take the lead within three minutes.

Martin Montoya was allowed to run down the right wing unchallenged before crossing. Murray got to the ball ahead of Maxime Le Marchand, flicking a shot into the far corner.

It became 2-0 when Pascal Gross' overhead kick fell to the feet of Murray, who poked home for his 10th Premier League goal of the season.

Murray should have had his first-half hat-trick but Sergio Rico denied him with his feet, while Davy Propper also smacked the crossbar from 25 yards.

There were boos as the half-time whistle went. Fulham had been amateurish, but Chambers got them back in the game with a beauty of a half-volley in the 47th minute.

That was the reaction Ranieri wanted. On the hour mark, it got better as Mitrovic bravely beat both of Brighton's centre backs and goalkeeper Mathew Ryan to head home.


Fulham defender Cyrus Christie battles for possession with Brighton forward Jurgen Locadia during the first half


Rival managers Chris Hughton and Claudio Ranieri braved the elements to stand on the touchline at Craven Cottage

Fulham then went in search of a winner. Jean Michael Seri struck the woodwork before a Joe Bryan cross found the head of Mitrovic for their third goal.

Now, could Fulham hang on? Indeed they could, and they could make Brighton's night worse too.

Vietto had been introduced at half-time and got Fulham's fourth goal after Tom Cairney, making his 150th appearance for the club, had hit the post.


Defender Calum Chambers handed the home side a lifeline with a stunning volley from the edge of the box just after half-time


Chambers, on loan from Arsenal, got Fulham back into the game with a beauty of a half-volley in the 47th minute

From 2-0 down to 4-2 up, the turnaround was complete. Ranieri previously told his players to show some fight, though Aboubakar Kamara took those comments too literally.

The 23-year-old striker is still banned from the club after he was arrested at their training ground on suspicion of actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

This was the fight he meant. This was the courage that Ranieri called for, and it was personified by Mitrovic in this stunning second-half comeback.


Mitrovic bravely beat both of Brighton's centre backs and goalkeeper Mathew Ryan to head home in the 58th minute


Striker Mitrovic scored twice as Fulham came from two goals down to breathe life into their relegation battle


Tom Cairney struck the crossbar and Luciano Vietto tucked the rebound away to complete the dramatic turnaround




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6645979/Fulham-4-2-Brighton-Mitrovic-scores-twice-stunning-fightback-secure-precious-victory.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 4 Brighton 2: Aleksandar Mitrovic brace seals stunning comeback win

Fulham pulled off a sensational second-half comeback to beat Brighton and keep their Premier League dream alive.

The Cottagers looked down and out at half-time as two goals from striker Glenn Murray gave Brighton a commanding lead.

However, Fulham produced a stunning second-half display and scored four goals in 32 minutes to win a pulsating match.

Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic struck either side of Calum Chamber's 47th minute volley, while forward Luciano Vietto rounded off the remarkable victory with his first goal for the club.

It is a result that breathes new life into Fulham's bid for survival as they remain 19th in the Premier League but crucially close the gap to 17th placed Southampton to five points.

After narrowly losing their last match to Tottenham 2-1, Claudio Ranieri opted to name an unchanged side for this encounter.

Brighton, meanwhile, made just one change from the team that lost 2-1 to Manchester United on January 19 as Matt Ryan started in goal after returning from the Asian Cup with Australia.

And it was the visitors who took the lead after just three minutes thanks to a goal from Murray.

Full-back Martin Montoya crossed the ball in from the right and the striker was all too easily able to nip in front of Maxime Le Marchand to score.

Within 15 minutes Brighton's lead was doubled as Murray got his second of the night to pour more misery on Fulham.

It was almost a carbon copy of the opening goal as again a ball from the right was not cleared and the 35-year-old was able to prod the ball home.

Staring in the face of a 16th Premier League defeat of the season, Ranieri opted to make a change after just 27 minutes as Tom Cairney came on for defender Tim Ream.

Fulham shifted to back four but, other than Andre Schurrle having an effort cleared off the line, they had little to shout about.

Instead it was Brighton who looked the most likely to score again as Murray was denied by a good save from Sergio Rico and Davy Propper rattled the crossbar.

In truth it was a miserable first-half for Fulham, even more so because Brighton midfielder Dale Stephens could have seen red instead of yellow for a challenge on Schurrle.

They were, though, right back in the match after the break as Chambers pulled a goal back with a superbly-struck volley from the edge of the box.

It was the spark Fulham needed and suddenly they were alive in a game that at half-time looked dead and buried.

And by the 58th minute they were back on level terms as Mitrovic, who has so often been their one shining light this season, got in on the act.

The ball was hoisted into the box after a corner and, as the Brighton defenders failed to clear their lines, Mitrovic pounced to head home.

Fulham were now going all out for the win and they came so close to the decisive goal when Jean-Michael Seri struck the post with 25 minutes to go.

Brighton, however, were not out of it and Rico's brilliant save from Murray's header moments later was a reminder of how vulnerable Fulham are in defence.

But the hosts' comeback was completed in the 74th minute as once more Mitrovic came to the rescue.

Once again it was a header as he rose above Brighton captain Lewis Dunk to power home Joe Bryan's cross.

Five minutes later it got even better as Vietto found the net after Ryan Babel squared the ball to him when Cairney's shot had struck the bar.

It led to pandemonium in the stands and all of a sudden Fulham's bid for Premier League survival does not seem a lost cause.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham/fulham-4-brighton-2-aleksandar-mitrovic-brace-seals-stunning-comeback-win-a4052371.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham player ratings: Stunning comeback led by Mitrovic secures all three points

The two halves from the hosts couldn't be more different as Fulham beat Brighton 4-2

Fulham produced a comeback full of the fighting spirit they'll need to stay up in the Premier League this season to beat Bright and hove Albion 4-2.

Brighton enjoyed a great start after three minutes when Martin Montoya was allowed all the time and space in the world to charge down the right and put a ball into Glenn Murray, who got in front of his man to put it into the bottom corner.

It was 2-0 in the 18th minute when Fulham's defence was once again shown up - Pascal Gross managed to get the ball back into the box after the home side failed to deal with a cross and Murray was there to poke home.

Fulham needed to get the second half started quickly and they did just that when Chambers opened his Fulham account with a wonderful half volley to get themselves back in the game.

And they got the equaliser after 58 minutes when Mitrovic was the man to rise highest and nod past an on-rushing Mathew Ryan, putting the ball into an empty net.

Fulham were enjoying a good second half and who else but Mitrovic to pop up, rise highest and nod home a wonderful Joe Bryan cross to give themselves the lead.

They then got their fourth when Tom Cairney unleashed a lovely curled strike onto the crossbar - Ryan Babel got the rebound to Luciano Vietto who headed home.

Sergio Rico - First half, 5/ Second half, 7

Pulled off a wonderful save to keep the score 2-2 and had a reasonably decent game.

Cyrus Christie - First half, 4/ Second half, 8

Played Murray onside and let him go free for the second goal. Had a really good second half where he found space out right and continued to attack his marker one-on-one.

Denis Odoi - First half, 5/ Second half, 7

Did alright in defence, he looked to get onto the ball and actually make things happen.

Tim Ream - 4

Like most of the defence endured a torrid opening period and was hooked off for Tom Cairney after just 27 minutes of the game.

Maxime Le Marchand - First half, 3/ Second half, 6

Allowed Glenn Murray to get in front of him to score the first goal. Had a few iffy spells over the course of the game.

Joe Bryan - First half, 3/ Second half, 8

Really poor first half. Allowed Brighton's right sided players far too much time and space to deliver balls into the box. Enjoyed a better second half and defended much better, while he went forward well.

Jean-Michael Seri - First half, 4/ Second half, 8

Saw a lot of the ball in the midfield but couldn't do anything with it to unlock the Brighton defence. Struggled defensively. Got into a more advanced position in the second half and had a much better performance, probably one of his best in a Fulham shirt.

Calum Chambers First half, 5/ Second half, 8

Was his usual busy self but played too many over hit balls. Dropped deeper in front of the back four and broke up play after play in the second half. Scored a wonderful goal to get Fulham back into the game after the break.

Andre Schurrle - 3

Had a decent effort saved but didn't do anything of note with the ball in the first half. Hauled off at half time.

Ryan Babel First half, 4/ Second half, 6

Moved about the pitch but didn't track back for the first Brighton goal and struggled to really make things happen up front. Looked a bit isolated out in the second half but showed good reactions to get to Cairney's rebound.

Aleksandar Mitrovic First half, 4/ Second half, 8

Cut an isolated figure for the first half and was beaten in the air by Duffy and Dunk every time Fulham went long. Did brilliantly to not let it affect him and get the equaliser. Was a monster in the second half as he won the physical battle against the Brighton centre backs.

Substitutes

Tom Cairney - 7

Came on after 28 minutes and was used out right, but barely saw the ball and was so ineffective in that position. He didn't see much of the ball in the second half but it was clear having him on and changing formation changed the tie.

Luciano Vietto - 6

Was busy in between the lines and managed to get his goal by being in the right place at the right time to nod home.

Ryan Sessegnon - 5

Didn't really do too much after coming on but settled in well at left back in the absence of Joe Bryan.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-player-ratings-stunning-comeback-15750103

[WhiteJC]

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic at the double as Fulham fightback stuns Brighton


Aleksander Mitrovic rises to level the scores at Craven Cottage Photograph: Kieran McManus/BPI/Rex/Shutterstock

For a team sucked deep into the frozen depths of relegation, what could warm the cockles more than a feverish comeback? At half-time, trailing 2-0 as sleet turned to snow Claudio Ranieri looked on grimly from beneath the hood of his coat. After that Fulham became the embodiment of the adage that attack is the best form of defence – just as well, really, to breathe new hope into the challenge of Premier League survival. "These three points mean we are alive," Ranieri said. "We could see a little light in front of us."

This was the latest in a series of must-win games for Ranieri's team and until now fans had been watching through their fingers with a gnawing sense of dread in their gut. All that gloom was transformed into euphoria as Fulham's avalanche of second-half goals had a reviving effect.

In a blazing second period Aleksandar Mitrovic was in one of his unplayable moods, winning aerial balls like a kid reaching into the sky to catch bubbles. Luciano Vietto came on, made a nuisance of himself and scored his first goal for the club. Tom Cairney orchestrated with a classy touch. Ryan Babel earned particular praise from his manager for the way he used his experience to show his teammates how to find their forward momentum.

It was, as Ranieri explained, "a very strange game" in that dominance swung in such an extreme way. Brighton were so comfortably in front early on there seemed no obvious way back for the hosts. Fulham's plight has not been helped by the worrying number of goals conceded this season – they went into this game with the worst defensive record of any team in Europe's five major leagues – and they haemorrhaged two more in the opening 17 minutes. Both were snaffled by the evergreen Glenn Murray, who even had the chance to grab a first half hat-trick, such was Brighton's supremacy.

The gravity of the situation called for a tactical substitution midway through the first half, Cairney introduced as part of a reshuffle. For a team incapable of defending, there was no option than to engage in a shooting match. "Believe me, in that moment I said it's much better at the beginning than at the end like [Sunday's last-minute defeat] against Tottenham when you don't have time to react. We reacted immediately."

They seized a lifeline early in the second half when Calum Chambers connected with Mitrovic's knock-down and smacked the ball low past Ryan. The Craven Cottage crowd dug deep into their well of optimism and allowed themselves to believe in something. Anything.

The chances came in a flurry and when a long ball fell in the vicinity of Mitrovic, the hulking striker beat two markers and Ryan to make sure he won the ball and nodded into the net. This critical game hung in the balance and though Fulham rode their luck when Rico saved a header from the unmarked Murray, the keeper's teammates took it as the signal to come on strong again. Joe Bryan did the sensible thing by standing his cross up for Mitrovic, who again won the aerial battle to seal a remarkable turnaround.

They are used to seeing defenders at odds with one another here but this time it was Brighton's pair of Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk arguing as their team fell apart, put under pressure by Fulham's commitment to attack.

"It was not like us," said Chris Hughton, who was surprised and not a little angered by an uncharacteristic implosion. "As good as we were in the first half we were as poor in second. We found it hard to cope and needed to work harder. Of course I was angry to be leading 2-0 and concede four goals in one half."

The roar when Vietto gave Fulham breathing space after Cairney struck the bar was visceral, immense. They have not had too many moments like that at Fulham this season. Now they need a few more.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jan/29/fulham-brighton-premier-league-match-report

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic leads storming comeback to stun Brighton

Fulham 4-2 Brighton: Claudio Ranieri's side earned a vital three points with a stirring display


Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as Fulham smashed four past Brighton

Aleksandar Mitrovic inspired Fulham's dramatic recovery after Claudio Ranieri's relegation-threatened side recovered from a two-goal half-time deficit to secure a victory that will fuel belief they can survive in the Premier League.

In desperate trouble having fallen behind to two early Glenn Murray goals, Fulham produced an outstanding response with their fight-back kick-started by Calum Chambers valley two minutes after the break before two Mitrovic headers put the home side in front.

Luciano Vietto added a fourth to cap a remarkable comeback that left Brighton overwhelmed.

Fulham will need many more performances like this if they are to survive, but Ranieri will justifiably believe this is a significant step in the right direction.

Ranieri had insisted before the game that he is a "positive man'. It's hard to belief, however, that the Italian felt that way after watching his side's dismal start to this game.

In desperate need of points to breathe new life into their battle against relegation Fulham were anxious to build on some of the positive aspects of their performance in the narrow defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

Instead, they found themselves trailing inside three minutes, having seen an already difficult test against Chris Hughton's well organised Brighton side side having become even more challenging.

The initial signs were more promising with the Cottagers forcing a corner after little more than a minute and had Maxime Le Marchand directed his header more accurately, Ranieri's men might have found themselves in early control of the game. Instead, they were exposed as Brighton responded immediately to force the opening goal that should have been prevented.

A positive run from Brighton right-back Martin Montoya allowed the defender to whip in a cross towards the near post where Murray demonstrated his experience in getting ahead of the inattentive Le Marchand to volley the ball past Sergio Rico.

Worse was to come for Fulham as they seemed unable to establish a foothold in the game against a Brighton side who were understandably lifted by that start. A second goal was always likely and it came in the 17th minute when another defensive lapse was punished ruthlessly by the visitors.

This time it was Solly March who delivered the cross from the right but the danger would have been snuffed out had Denis Odoi been able to make a clean contact with his attempted clearance. Instead, the defender sliced the ball towards the edge of the box towards Pascal Gross who returned it into six-yard box where Murray stabbed home for the second.

Ranieri decided action was required and he replaced defender Tom Ream with midfielder Tom Cairney after just 27 minutes, switching to a back four. The change gave Fulham more presence in midfield and they finally tested Brighton keeper Mat Ryan – just returned from the Asian Cup with Australia – in the 32nd minute when Ryan Babel almost directed a shot inside the post.

Babel was again involved six minutes later when he crossed for Schurrle whose volley appeared destined for goal until Albion centre-back Shane Duffy cleared off the line.

Brighton, though, could have ended the contest shortly before half-time when Davy Propper struck the bar and the boos from home supporters that greeted the half-time whistle summed up Fulham's first half display.

The Cottagers needed an early response and, with Luciano Vietto on for Schurrle, they immediately looked more purposeful. Brighton found themselves pushed backwards and Fulham were quickly rewarded when Chambers latched on to Duffy's headed clearance to volley past Ryan from the edge of the area.

Mitrovic then twice bullied the Brighton defence to put Fulham ahead before Vietto wrapped things up.

Fulham (3-4-3): Rico 6; Odoi 5, Le Marchand 5, Ream 5 (Cairney 27); Christie 6, Seri 7, Chambers 7, Bryan 6 (Sessegnon 74,6); Schurrle 5 (Vietto 46,6), Mitrovic 9, Babel 7. Substitutes not used: Bettinelli, Kebano, Ayite, Cisse.

Brighton (4-3-3): Ryan 7; Montoya 6, Duffy 6, Dunk 5, Bong 6; Gross 5 (Andone 74,6), Stephens 6, Propper 6; March 5, Murray 7, Locadia 6 (Knockaert 71). Substitutes not used: Button, Saltor, Kayal, Bissouma, Burn.

Referee: L Probert 6



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-brighton-aleksandar-mitrovic-goals-match-report-a8753311.html

[WhiteJC]

 
REPORT: FULHAM 4 ALBION 2

    Albion are beaten 4-2 by Fulham
    Glenn Murray scores twice for Albion
    Calum Chambers, Aleksandar Mitrovic (2) and Luciano Vietto on target for Fulham
    Albion next in action at home to Watford on Saturday

Brighton & Hove Albion let a 2-0 lead slip to lose 4-2 against Fulham, on a frustrating night at Craven Cottage.

Glenn Murray's brace inside the opening 17 minutes gave Albion a perfect start, but Aleksandar Mitrovic's double and a goal each from Calum Chambers and Luciano Vietto gave the hosts all three points.
Chris Hughton made one change to the last league match away at Manchester United, with Maty Ryan returning to the starting line-up after Asian Cup duty in place of David Button.

Albion broke the deadlock inside three minutes courtesy of Murray, who brilliantly turned in Martin Montoya's cross with a superb first-time flick from close range.

The Seagulls and Murray struck again with 17 minutes played, as he deftly guided a Pascal Gross bicycle kick past Sergio Rico after Solly March's cross caused havoc in the Fulham defence.

Ryan Babel had a chance to halve the deficit following some good link-up play with Mitrovic on the edge of the box, but the former's strike was pushed away by Ryan.

Murray nearly had a hat-trick after meeting Gross's enticing free kick into the box, but Rico kept out the frontman's second attempt with his leg.

There was a nervy moment for the Albion defence when Babel found Andre Schurrle at the far post, but the German's effort was brilliantly cleared over the crossbar by Shane Duffy.

Davy Propper almost added a third for Albion in emphatic fashion, but his effort from distance rebounded off the crossbar.

After making the best-possible start to the first half, the Seagulls were undone by a fine strike from Chambers three minutes after the re-start, as his left-footed volley from the edge of the area found the top corner.

Stephens then tried to get on the scoresheet with a left-footed volley of his own, but the midfielder's shot went a whisker past the left post.

After twice coming close to getting a second, Fulham wiped out Albion's lead when Mitrovic rose highest in the box to beat Ryan and head the ball into an empty net just shy of the hour mark.

The Cottagers were on top and came within inches of turning the game completely on its head, as Jen Michael Seri's strike rebounded off the post.

Fulham did get a third through Mitrovic in the 74th minute, after the Serbian leapt highest in the box from Joe Bryan's cross despite appearing to foul Lewis Dunk as he jumped to meet the ball.

It went from bad to worse for the Seagulls, as Fulham got a fourth through Vietto, who headed home at the far post after Babel headed the ball back across the area, following Tom Cairney's initial effort that struck the bar.

Mitrovic could've had a hat-trick when he raced through on goal late on, but he fired over the bar and the game finished 4-2, and Albion's attention now turns to the visit of Watford on Saturday.

ALBION: Ryan, Montoya, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Stephens, Propper; March, Gross (Andone 77), Locadia (Knockaert 71); Murray.

SUBS NOT USED: Button (GK), Bruno, Burn, Kayal, Bissouma.



https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2019/january/match-report-for-fulham-vs-brighton-and-hove-albion-on-29-jan-19/

[WhiteJC]

 
survivors? Fulham 4-2 Brighton: Cottagers fight back from two goals down to seal incredible victory

Aleksandar Mitrovic led the comeback with two goals as Claudio Ranieri's side edged closer to safety

Aleksandar Mitrovic bagged a heroic brace as Fulham came from two goals down to breathe life into their relegation battle with a 4-2 win over Brighton.

The Cottagers, who had lost all four matches in 2019, were staring down the barrel of another defeat after two first-half goals from Glenn Murray.

But Calum Chambers pulled one back with his first Fulham goal before two trademark Mitrovic headers put the hosts in front, and Luciano Vietto opened his account with the fourth to wrap up the victory.

Manager Claudio Ranieri had urged his players to "continue to fight" after the narrow defeat by Tottenham nine days ago.

It was a message taken a little too literally by striker Aboubakar Kamara who has since been suspended by the club following an altercation at the training ground.

But Fulham certainly showed plenty of mettle in a thrilling second-half display which will raise hopes that they can still save themselves this season.

Fulham have conceded more goals than any other team in Europe's five major leagues this season, and it was easy to see why in the first half.

Just three minutes had elapsed when Martin Montoya was allowed to stride unchallenged down the right and cross for Murray to guide home.

Then another Montoya ball into the box was only half-cleared by Denis Odoi and Pascal Gross' attempted shot fell kindly for Murray to strike again, hitting his seventh goal in his last five league matches against Fulham.

Ranieri had seen enough, and defender Tim Ream suffered the ignominy of being substituted after just 27 minutes with Tom Cairney sent on.

Murray twice almost completed a first-half hat-trick, Sergio Rico blocking his close-range effort with his legs before the striker hooked another chance wide, while Davy Propper's 25-yard drive crashed against the crossbar.

Yet somehow Fulham clawed themselves back into the contest two minutes after the interval, Chambers beating Maty Ryan with a thumping drive from 20 yards.

Suddenly Fulham were peppering the Brighton goal, and Vietto and Odoi saw efforts blocked before Mitrovic bravely threw himself at a bouncing cross to head in the equaliser.

With their tails up, the hosts were denied by the woodwork when Jean Michael Seri hit the foot of a post.

Rico was called into action to keep the scores level with a fine stop from Murray's header, and it proved a vital save as moments later Mitrovic rose highest to nod in a Joe Bryan cross and give Fulham the lead.

A nervous final 10 minutes looked in prospect until Cairney struck the crossbar and Vietto tucked the rebound away to complete the dramatic turnaround.


https://talksport.com/football/484583/fulham-brighton-cottagers-fightback/

[WhiteJC]

 
Mitrovic at the double as Fulham hit back to beat Brighton

The Premier League strugglers had been two goals down before recovering to win 4-3.

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as Fulham came from two goals down to breathe life into their relegation battle with a 4-2 win over Brighton.

The Cottagers, who had lost all four of their previous matches since the turn of the year, were staring down the barrel of another defeat after two first-half goals from Glenn Murray.

But Calum Chambers pulled one back with his first Fulham goal before two trademark Mitrovic headers put the hosts in front, and Luciano Vietto opened his account with the fourth to wrap up the victory.

Manager Claudio Ranieri had urged his players to "continue to fight" after the narrow defeat by Tottenham nine days ago.

It was a message taken a little too literally by striker Aboubakar Kamara who has since been suspended by the club following an altercation at the training ground.

But Fulham certainly showed plenty of mettle in a thrilling second-half display which will raise hopes that they can still save themselves this season.

Fulham have conceded more goals than any other team in Europe's five major leagues this season, and it was easy to see why in the first half.

Just three minutes had elapsed when Martin Montoya was allowed to stride unchallenged down the right and cross for Murray to guide home.

Then another Montoya ball into the box was only half-cleared by Denis Odoi and Pascal Gross' attempted shot fell kindly for Murray to strike again, hitting his seventh goal in his last five league matches against Fulham.

Ranieri had seen enough, and defender Tim Ream suffered the ignominy of being substituted after just 27 minutes with Tom Cairney sent on.

Murray twice almost completed a first-half hat-trick,  Sergio Rico blocking his close-range effort with his legs before the striker hooked another chance wide, while Davy Propper's 25-yard drive crashed against the crossbar.

Yet somehow Fulham clawed themselves back into the contest two minutes after the interval, Chambers beating Maty Ryan with a thumping drive from 20 yards.

Suddenly Fulham were peppering the Brighton goal, and Vietto and Odoi saw efforts blocked before Mitrovic bravely threw himself at a bouncing cross to head in the equaliser.

With their tails up, the hosts were denied by the woodwork when Jean Michael Seri hit the foot of a post.

Rico was called into action to keep the scores level with a fine stop from Murray's header, and it proved a vital save as moments later Mitrovic rose highest to nod in a Joe Bryan cross and give Fulham the lead.

A nervous final 10 minutes looked in prospect until Cairney struck the crossbar and Vietto tucked the rebound away to complete the dramatic turnaround.


http://sport.bt.com/news/mitrovic-at-the-double-as-fulham-hit-back-to-beat-brighton-S11364331608317

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 4-2 Brighton: Aleksandar Mitrovic scores twice in stunning comeback

Relegation-threatened Fulham came from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Brighton 4-2 at Craven Cottage on Tuesday.

Claudio Ranieri said this was a must-win game for Fulham and must have feared the worst when Brighton's Glenn Murray struck twice in the opening 17 minutes.

Four unanswered second-half goals from Calum Chambers, two for Aleksandar Mitrovic and Luciano Vietto completely changed the game and secured the points for Fulham.

The first Brighton goal arrived when Martin Montoya was allowed to bring the ball forward from full-back, resulting in a dangerous cross into the box which Murray flicked into the far bottom corner.

Player ratings

Fulham: Rico (7), Le Marchand (7), Christie (7), Ream (5), Odoi (7), Bryan (7), Seri (8), Chambers (7), Schurrle (6), Mitrovic (9), Babel (8)

Subs: R Seesegnon (6), Cairney (8), Vietto (8)

Brighton: Ryan (7), Montoya (6), Duffy (6), Dunk (6), Bong (6), Stephens (6), Propper (6), March (5), Locadia (5), Murray (7), Gross (6)

Subs: Subs: Andone (5), Knockhaert (5)

Man of the match: Aleksandar Mitrovic

The lead was doubled when Fulham cleared a cross only as far as Pascal Gross who produced an overhead kick straight into the path of Murray, allowing the striker to jab the ball home.

Fulham were disappointed that Dale Stephens only saw yellow following a studs up challenge on Andre Schurrle but the referee showed leniency.

The hosts took until the 32nd minute to threaten the goal when Ryan Babel exchanged passes with Mitrovic and fired in a shot from 25 yards but Mat Ryan dived to his right to palm the shot wide.

Team news

Fulham kept the same XI which was defeated by Spurs in their last fixture.There was just one change for Brighton as Mat Ryan returned in goal following his time playing at the Asian Cup.

It fell to Chambers to finally bring Fulham back into the game through a 25-yard volley after Shane Duffy headed a long ball straight into his path.

Babel hit a high cross into the box which Brighton failed to deal with as the ball bounced, allowing Mitrovic to beat the flatfooted Ryan and Duffy to head home from six yards for the equaliser.

Mitrovic completed the turnaround when he rose above Lewis Dunk to head a Joe Bryan cross down and into the corner to sends the fans wild.

Vietto was one of the players to make the difference off the bench and he got his reward after fellow substitute Tom Cairney's shot hit the crossbar, the rebound landed at Babel's feet and his mishit shot fell to the Argentine who volleyed home.

The managers

Claudio Ranieri: "We made a little step but we are alive but now we are a little more confident something can happen.

"It was important for us to react and react well. To win at the end. I said it at 2-0 goal it is much better to be like this at the beginning of the match than the end.

"We had all the time to have something good. It was great to score at the beginning of the second half, the players got the confidence, it was unbelievable."

Chris Hughton: "For as good as we were in the first half period, we were as bad in the second half period.

"We knew that they would come at us second half having changed it, we knew they would come at us but you have got to defend."

Opta Stats

    Fulham vs Brighton is just the second match-up in Premier League history to see both sides come from two goals behind to avoid defeat in their two meetings within a season, after Blackburn Rovers vs Bolton Wanderers in 2003-04.
    Fulham came from behind in a Premier League game after being 2+ goals down at half-time for the first time since April 26th 2008; when they beat Manchester City 3-2 away from home after being 0-2 behind at half-time.
    Glenn Murray's opening goal ended an eight-game run without a goal for Brighton & Hove Albion - his worst-ever run without a goal in the Premier League for the club.
    In scoring the first goal of this game, Glenn Murray opened the scoring in a Premier League match for the sixth time this season - only Mohamed Salah (nine games) has done so more often than the Brighton and Hove Albion striker (level with Harry Kane).
    Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 10 Premier League goals in 2018-19, one more than his previous best tally within a season in the competition (nine in 2015-16 with Newcastle)

Man of the Match: Aleksandar Mitrovic

The striker led by example for Fulham, even in the first half he was relentless with his chasing down of the opposition and got his rewards after the break with two fine finishes.

Mitrovic was tenacious throughout, driving his team forward and giving a real focal point to an attack which needed to prove itself.

What's next?

Fulham travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Saturday 2 February at 3pm. Brighton return to the Amex where they will host Watford at the weekend.



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-brighton/report/390989

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham pull off brilliant comeback to beat Brighton

Fulham 4 Brighton 2

Fulham breathed new life into their relegation fight with a thrilling second-half fightback – spearheaded by two-goal Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serb took his tally for the season to 10 with two towering headers, after Calum Chambers had bagged his first Fulham goal at the start of the second half to begin the incredible turnaround at 2-0.

And with the Whites rampant, substitute Luciano Vietto nodded in a fourth for good measure – also his first for the club – after a Tom Cairney curler had come back off the bar and found its way to the onrushing Italian.

Cairney, brought on after only 27 minutes following a disastrous start to the game, almost crowned a superb contribution with an identical curling shot onto the crossbar.

There was no hint of what was to come during an abject first half, which ended in a chorus of boos from home fans.

The game was less than three minutes old when the Whites fell behind to the first of two Glenn Murray goals.

Martin Montoya was allowed an unimpeded run down the right flank and his low cross was clipped in by Murray at the near post – the veteran striker getting ahead of Maxime Le Marchand.

And on 17 minutes, Murray stabbed home from six yards after Pascal Gross had overhead kicked a ball back into the danger zone.

Only a trailing leg from Sergio Rico denied Murray a hat-trick following a free-kick into the danger zone, and there was another chance for the ex-Crystal Palace man before the break when he got in front of Denis Odoi to almost poke in a third.

Andre Schurrle had a goal-bound far-post volley cleared off the line, and Davy Propper crashed a shot against the bar in a game of unrelenting action.

Boss Claudio Ranieri opted for the same starting line-up which ran Spurs so close in the last home match. But the absence of Cairney denied Fulham the creativity they needed and the midfielder was soon on for Tim Ream, as Fulham switched to a back four.

It was a switch which paid off handsomely.

Barely a minute into the second half, Chambers rifled home after Cyrus Christie's launched cross towards Mitrovic was headed invitingly out to the midfielder, standing just outside the area.

The goal had a galvanising effect and it was no surprise when Mitrovic was on hand to nod in from close range after Brighton allowed a ball to bounce after it came in from Ryan Babel on the right and keeper Mat Ryan failed to get there first with his fist.

There looked only one winner after that. Jean Michael Seri found the bottom of a post with a fine angled strike that went for accuracy rather than pace.

And on 74 minutes, Mitrovic rose above Seagulls skipper Lewis Dunk to get on the end of a Joe Bryan cross from the left edge of the area. Vietto's goal was the icing on the cake.

Fulham: Rico; Odoi, Le Marchand, Ream (Cairney 27); Christie, Seri, Chambers, Bryan (Sessegnon 77); Schurrle (Vietto h/t), Mitrovic, Babel.
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Kebano, Ayite, Cisse.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-pull-off-brilliant-comeback-to-beat-brighton

[WhiteJC]

Ranieri declares Fulham are 'alive' after comeback

Claudio Ranieri declared Fulham are "alive" again following the dramatic 4-2 win over Brighton.

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as the Whites came from two goals down to breathe life into their relegation battle.

Fulham, who had lost all four of their previous matches since the turn of the year, were staring down the barrel of another defeat after two first-half goals from Glenn Murray.

But Calum Chambers pulled one back with his first Fulham goal before two trademark Mitrovic headers put the hosts in front, and Luciano Vietto opened his account with the fourth to wrap up the victory.

"This three points means that we are alive, we can see a little light in front of us," said manager Ranieri.

"It is only a little step but we are alive. We showed very good fighting spirit.

"It was a very strange match, we were 2-0 down after 17 minutes. At half-time, I gave confidence to my players and positivity. I told them we are in the match.

"The goal from Chambers was very important, it gave the players the opportunity to say 'we can do something good tonight'.

"We deserved to win and we played very good football."

Murray had not scored in his previous nine Premier League matches but found Fulham's defence as accommodating as usual – he had tucked away his sixth and seventh goals in his last five games against them.

Yet somehow Fulham clawed themselves back into the contest two minutes after the interval, Chambers beating Mat Ryan from 20 yards before Mitrovic twice threw himself in where it hurts to turn the match on its head.

A nervous final 10 minutes looked in prospect until Tom Cairney struck the crossbar and Vietto tucked the rebound away to complete the dramatic turnaround.

Fulham remain second from bottom but are now two points behind Cardiff and five from safety.

It is now three straight defeats for Brighton, and manager Chris Hughton said: "Of course I was angry afterwards. You don't expect to concede four goals. That's not like us.

"I thought as good as we were in the first half we were as poor in the second half.

"Mitrovic is a very good player but we conceded poor goals. If I'm looking at the first goal we allow a player to strike from the edge of the box and that gives them momentum.

"Looking at the four goals we conceded they are four poor goals which is not like us, particularly in the form we have been in. We found it hard to cope in the second half and we didn't work hard enough."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/sport/ranieri-declares-fulham-are-alive-after-amazing-comeback

[WhiteJC]

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic scores twice as Fulham fight back to dramatic win over Brighton

Fulham recovered from a 2-0 half-time deficit CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

Claudio Ranieri insisted Fulham's dramatic second-half recovery when they overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a much-needed victory has breathed fresh life into their efforts to avoid relegation.

Without a point since the turn of the year, Ranieri's side appeared to be on course for another demoralising defeat when Glenn Murray scored twice in the opening 17 minutes. Ranieri insisted he never lost belief, but at that point it was impossible to foresee the kind of response that would follow.

Calum Chambers's 47th-minute reply provided the initial impetus before two headed goals from the outstanding Aleksandar Mitrovic put Fulham ahead. Luciano Vietto completed the win that offers promise for the remaining weeks of the season.

"These three points mean we are alive," said Ranieri. "I can see some light in front of us. It means we are alive. I want to see again this fighting spirit together again.

"We are confident and I am positive with this kind of win. We believe, always (that we can stay up). I tell my players now, 'enjoy this win but tomorrow morning, we start again'."

Fulham were certainly entitled to enjoy this win having been left in no doubt about the views of the home supporters when they left the pitch at half-time.

"It was a very strange match," added Ranieri. "We were down after 17 minutes, 2-0, but believe me, in that moment, I said, 'it's much better at the beginning than the end!' We reacted. And the goal from Chambers at the start of the second half was very important because it gave the players confidence."

While Ranieri had every reason to be pleased with his players' response, Chris Hughton, the Brighton manager, was understandably unhappy with his players' second-half display.

"For as good as what we were in the first half, we were as poor in the second half," he said. "Of course I was angry with the team. From 2-0 up in the game, comfortable, then concede four goals in one half, then yes, I was angry. That was not like us, that second half. That's not us. We've played top-six teams where they can have 70-80 per cent possession and not conceded four goals."

Murray put Brighton ahead in the third minute when he met Martin Montoya's cross and turned the ball home at the near post. It was the worst possible start for the home side, who were immediately stripped of any confidence they might have brought into the game. Brighton began to impose themselves with Fulham struggling to mount any meaningful response before Murray added his second to put the visitors firmly in control of the match.

Once again, Fulham's defence did themselves no favours as they attempted to deal with Solly March's cross from the right with Denis Odoi's half-clearance looping into the air, allowing Pascal Gross to acrobatically volley the ball back into the goalmouth where Murray finished from close range in the 17th minute. Ranieri had seen enough and the manager withdrew centre-back Tim Ream in the 27th minute, reverting to a back four in an attempt to change the course of the game.

The change did help Fulham impose themselves more and they would have gained a foothold in the game had Shane Duffy not produced an outstanding clearance to deny Andre Schurrle.

But their vulnerability remained and they were fortunate not to fall further behind when Davy Propper struck the bar from long range. Fulham needed a positive response early in the second half and they immediately pressed forward in the manner of a side that had been forced to listen to home truths at half-time.

Their efforts were quickly rewarded when Duffy failed to get sufficient distance on a headed clearance and the ball fell for Chambers to volley past Ryan from the edge of the area.

And 10 minutes later Mitrovic headed the home side level when he rose above Duffy to meet the bouncing ball after Brighton had failed to clear.

Brighton were now reeling and Mitrovic again dominated the Albion backline to head his second before Vietto wrapped up the win five minutes later.



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/01/29/aleksandar-mitrovics-double-pushes-fulham-stunning-comeback/

[WhiteJC]

 
Mitrovic inspires comeback win for Fulham

Striker scores twice as Cottagers fight back from 2-0 down to beat Brighton 4-2 and boost hopes of avoiding relegation

Aleksandar Mitrovic struck twice as Fulham fought back from 2-0 down to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2 at Craven Cottage.

Glenn Murray gave the visitors a third-minute lead with a volley before doubling their advantage 14 minutes later after linking up with Pascal Gross.

Calum Chambers pulled a goal back with a superb volley into the top-left corner on 47 minutes, before Mitrovic headed Fulham level just before the hour mark.

With both sides searching for a winning goal, Murray was denied by a fantastic Sergio Rico save before Mitrovic headed a Joe Bryan cross past Mat Ryan.

Luciano Vietto headed Ryan Babel's wayward shot into the net to complete the scoring 11 minutes from time.

The result means Fulham move to 17 points, five below 17th-placed Southampton, while Brighton remain 13th on 26 points.

Next fixtures

Fulham: 2 Feb v Crystal Palace (A)
Brighton: 2 Feb v Watford (H)



https://www.premierleague.com/news/986234

[WhiteJC]

 
'We are alive': Claudio Ranieri pleased with Fulham's fighting spirit in their relegation battle after coming from behind to beat Brighton

    Fulham came from two goals down in the first half to beat Brighton 4-2
    Claudio Ranieri was pleased with his team's 'fighting spirit' saying 'we are alive'
    However, Fulham are still in the relegation zone, five points clear of safety

Claudio Ranieri declared Fulham are 'alive' again following the dramatic 4-2 win over Brighton.

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as the Cottagers came from two goals down to breathe life into their relegation battle.

The Cottagers, who had lost all four of their previous matches since the turn of the year, were staring down the barrel of another defeat after two first-half goals from Glenn Murray.


Claudio Ranieri praised Fulham's fighting spirit after they came from behind to beat Brighton


Fulham were 2-0 down early, but goals from Aleksandr Mitrovic helped them comeback to win

But Calum Chambers pulled one back with his first Fulham goal before two trademark Mitrovic headers put the hosts in front, and Luciano Vietto opened his account with the fourth to wrap up the victory.

'This three points means that we are alive, we can see a little light in front of us,' said manager Ranieri.

'It is only a little step but we are alive. We showed very good fighting spirit.

'It was a very strange match, we were 2-0 down after 17 minutes. At half-time, I gave confidence to my players and positivity. I told them we are in the match.

'The goal from Chambers was very important, it gave the players the opportunity to say 'we can do something good tonight'.

'We deserved to win and we played very good football.'


Fulham are still in the relegation zone despite the win, and are still five points from safety

Murray had not scored in his previous nine Premier League matches but found Fulham's defence as accommodating as usual - he had tucked away his sixth and seventh goals in his last five games against them.

Yet somehow Fulham clawed themselves back into the contest two minutes after the interval, Chambers beating Mat Ryan from 20 yards before Mitrovic twice threw himself in where it hurts to turn the match on its head.

A nervous final 10 minutes looked in prospect until Tom Cairney struck the crossbar and Vietto tucked the rebound away to complete the dramatic turnaround.

Fulham remain second from bottom but are now two points behind Cardiff and five from safety.


Meanwhile, Brighton are starting to sink into trouble as well after three straight defeats

It is now three straight defeats for Brighton, and manager Chris Hughton said: 'Of course I was angry afterwards. You don't expect to concede four goals. That's not like us.

'I thought as good as we were in the first half we were as poor in the second half.

'Mitrovic is a very good player but we conceded poor goals. If I'm looking at the first goal we allow a player to strike from the edge of the box and that gives them momentum.

'Looking at the four goals we conceded they are four poor goals which is not like us, particularly in the form we have been in. We found it hard to cope in the second half and we didn't work hard enough.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6646473/We-alive-Claudio-Ranieri-pleased-Fulhams-fighting-spirit.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Claudio Ranieri: says win over Brighton gives Fulham belief they can stay up

Fulham's stunning 4-2 comeback win over Brighton will give them the confidence to believe they can stay up, says Claudio Ranieri.

Relegation-threatened Fulham went two goals behind in the in opening 17 minutes at home to Brighton on Tuesday night but recovered to score four goals in the second half.

"It is a little step but we are alive, that is very, very important," Ranieri said. "We know nothing is done but we survived. We are in the relegation zone and it is a little step and we are a little more confident something will happen.

"It was important for us to react and react well. To win at the end."

Glenn Murray's two early goals will have made Ranieri fear the worst but he knew his side had time to turn things around.

Calum Chambers' goal just after the break ignited the Fulham players and kick-started the comeback.

"I said it at 2-0 goal it is much better to be like this at the beginning of the match than the end, Ranieri added. "We had all the time to have something good. It was great to score at the beginning of the second half, the players got the confidence, it was unbelievable."

Ranieri brought on Tom Cairney before the break and Luciano Vietto at half-time and both had a huge impact on the outcome of the game.

"After the substitution, the team was more organised in the substitution and we made something good," he said.

The Fulham manager reserved special praise for his captain Aleksandar Mitrovic who scored twice in the comeback.

"He [Mitrovic] is crucial," Ranieri added. "He is important. Mitrovic is our goalscorer and he plays in this way. He gives us spirit."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11621899/claudio-ranieri-says-win-over-brighton-gives-fulham-belief-they-can-stay-up

[WhiteJC]

 
Mitrovic's brace breaks Brighton

In September surrendered a two-goal lead at Brighton and Slavisa Jokanovic's side never rediscovered the swashbuckling football that had characterised their rise to the Premier League. Tonight, at Craven Cottage, in a strange reversal of that glorious sunkissed afternoon at the AMEX Stadium, Claudio Ranieri's men breathed some life into their stagnant relegation battle by storming back from a two-goal deficit. The villain on the south coast Aleksandar Mitrovic, who conceded a late penalty that day, was the hero tonight – proving pretty much unplayable as Fulham scored four goals without reply whilst playing a brand of football that would have had Jokanovic purring.

The transformation from a ragged side that seemed resigned to relegation at half-time was quite something. Fulham were fitful in the first half and Albion appeared likely to score every time they mounted an attack down the right flank. Chris Hughton's side went ahead with their first serious attack in the third minute. Martin Montoya, a summer transfer target for the Whites, was afforded far too much time to advance into a dangerous position and whip over a dangerous cross for the seasoned poacher Glenn Murray, who stole ahead of Tim Ream and steered a fine finish into the far corner.

The veteran's instinctive finishing doubled Brighton's lead after seventeen minutes. The goal was unorthodox in its creation with Pascal Gross's ambitious overhead kick causing consternation in the Fulham back line – Murray was the quickest to react and flicked another impudent finish past the helpless Sergio Rico. The 35 year-old hadn't scored in eight league games prior to his visit to west London and should have had a hat-trick before the interval. He snuck clear of Denis Odoi but headed the wrong side of the far post. Rico was totally beaten by a thumping drive from Davy Propper that rattled the crossbar – and Fulham, whose only serious openings fell to the lively Ryan Babel and the otherwise anonymous Andre Schurrle, were unsurprisingly booed off at half-time.

The home side's lethargy had forced Ranieri into an early reshuffle as he introduced Tom Cairney in place of Tim Ream with just 26 minutes on the clock and the Scottish playmaker at least established a foothold in the contest for Fulham. Luciano Vietto came on for Schurrle at the back and produced his liveliest display of the season, roaming infield from the left wing to great effect. You felt an early goal was necessary and it arrived from the unlikeliest of sources when Calum Chambers, outstanding again in the holding midfield role he has made his own, displayed magnificent technique to fire an unstoppable effort into the top corner from 20 yards after Mitrovic's knock-down.

That goal galvanised Fulham. The Hammersmith End's boos had now turned to exhortations of encouragement. Against all the odds, Ranieri's men pulled themselves level just before the hour mark. A corner sparked pinball in the Brighton box and the ball was only half-cleared. The impressive Babel whipped over another dangerous ball and Mitrovic fought off the attentions of two Brighton defenders to reach the ball before Mat Ryan and head into the net. Pandemonium ensued in the stands.

The gravity of Fulham's situation meant a draw would change little. They had to go for the win and, in doing so, left themselves open at the back. Rico made a splendid reaction save when Murray seemed certain to score from another Montoya cross and the white shirts continued to pour forward. A wonderful move that saw Babel and Vietto link intelligently culminated in Jean-Michael Seri, who probably had his best game into a Fulham shirt, striking the base of the near post with a low drive from the edge of the box.

Fulham kept on asking questions of a creaking Brighton defence and finally Joe Bryan, who looks far more comfortable going forward than defensively, prized it open with a wonderful goal. Mitrovic outjumped Lewis Dunk and planted a header beyond the despairing Ryan to complete the most incredulous of turnarounds. Given how porous their defence has been for most of the season, Fulham weren't about to sit on their slender lead. Cairney was denied a deserved goal when his lovely curler came back off the crossbar but Babel was alive to the rebound prodding back into the danger area, where Vietto guided home his first Fulham goal to give Ranieri's men a bit of breathing space.

A guttural roar enveloped Craven Cottage. They might have had a fifth, with Cairney again denied by the crossbar as he sought to bend home a finish after Mitrovic and Babel had pulled the Brighton defence from pillar to post. The effervescence with which Fulham finished the game suggests that they have both the spirit and the quality to make a decent fist of their survival bid but Ranieri will know they need to back up these three points with another strong showing at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

FULHAM (3-4-3): Rico; Odoi, Le Marchand, Ream (Cairney 26); Christie, Bryan (R. Sessegnon 77), Chambers, Seri; Schurrle (Vietto 45), Babel, Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Cisse, Kebano, Ayite.

BOOKED: Seri, Babel.

GOALS: Chambers (47), Mitrovic (58, 74), Vietto (79).

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION (4-3-3): Ryan; Montoya, Bong, Duffy, Dunk; Groß (Andone 77), Stephens, Propper; March, Locardia (Knockaert 71), Murray. Subs (not used): Button, Bruno, Burn, Kayal, Bissouma.

BOOKED: Stephens, Duffy, Dunk.

GOALS: Murray (3, 17).

REFEREE: Lee Probert (South Gloucestershire).

ATTENDANCE: 22,008.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/01/mitrovics-brace-breaks-brighton/