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Saturday Fulham Stuff (23/02/19)...

Started by WhiteJC, February 23, 2019, 07:42:14 AM

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WhiteJC

 
West Ham United 3-1 Fulham


Hernandez took his tally to 50 Premier League goals

Javier Hernandez's controversial goal with his arm contributed to Fulham's 18th Premier League defeat of the season as West Ham fought back from behind to win at London Stadium.

On initial viewing, it looked like Hernandez had headed in from a yard to punish goalkeeper Sergio Rico's mistake, but a replay from behind the goal clearly showed the Mexican striker converting via his arm.

Hernandez's equaliser was followed by Issa Diop's towering header five minutes before half-time and Michail Antonio nodded in a third late on.

The visitors had started brightly and got off to the perfect start after just three minutes through Ryan Babel's close-range finish - the Dutchman making amends for a glaring miss within the opening 30 seconds.

Looking to get back into the game in the second period, Fulham skipper Tom Cairney had a low shot smothered by goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, their only real chance of note.

West Ham move up to ninth but Claudio Ranieri's side stay in 19th place - eight points adrift of safety - missing a crucial opportunity to claw back the deficit on 17th-placed Cardiff who were thrashed 5-1 by Watford.

Time running out for Fulham


Babel scored his first goal for Fulham since signing from Besiktas in January

Fulham need a remarkable turnaround if they are to avoid dropping straight back into the Championship.

The club had high hopes on their return to the top flight after a four-year absence and may well have expected a top-10 finish after becoming the first promoted side to spend £100m or more in a single transfer window.

But the Cottagers have struggled badly and title-winning Ranieri, who replaced Slavisa Jokanovic as manager in November, has failed to shore up a porous defence.

The numbers look miserable for Fulham, they have now:

    Conceded a league-high 61 goals this season.
    Won just four of their 27 games.
    Lost six of their last seven games.
    Failed to win a single game away from home all campaign.

Former Liverpool winger Babel finished off a swift team move to open the scoring early on, but that was their only high point, and another fellow ex-Reds winger signed in the January transfer window, Lazar Markovic, was unable to make an impression on his debut from the bench.

Ranieri said: "We were solid but we didn't have a chance to score again. Time is running out but we never give up, we must be confident and we must dream and continue to fight.

"I tell my players if we fight, maybe we can win. If we don't fight, we have lost before we play. It's important to stay together and continue to try our best."

Hernandez's helping arm

West Ham also invested heavily in the summer, close to £100m, and move into the top 10 despite an inconsistent season.

The Hammers collected just their second win from their last eight games, though their 10 victories this season is equal to their total number of triumphs last term.

But the points came courtesy of a huge helping hand from Hernandez, who stooped to put the ball into the net after goalkeeper Rico was unable to clear a corner and both Michael Antonio and Angelo Ogbonna had flicked on.

Referee Lee Mason was stood at the edge of the box, but his view of the incident was obscured by bodies and an incensed Ranieri gesticulated to his arm on the touchline.

"It's an intentional handball, Hernandez knew what he was doing," said former West Ham defender Matthew Upson on BBC Radio 5 live.

"But Sergio Rico should have done better for the goal. The punch was so poor. You just can't make those mistakes at this level."

Fulham never looked like getting back into the game from that point and Diop rose to head in from Robert Snodgrass' corner.

Substitute Marko Arnautovic, who had a thumping shot brilliantly tipped onto the bar by Rico, chipped the ball back for Antonio to score the third.

Declan Rice has earned rave reviews for his performances this season and playing in his first match since declaring his international availability for England, the midfielder was superb once more.

Not only did the 20-year-old keep the play ticking for his side but he gave a solid defensive display with six tackles and three interceptions, regaining the ball 13 times - better than any of his team-mates.

Rice told Sky Sports: "The manager has been on at me all season to protect the back four.

"I've been playing so much in midfield now that that's where I want to see my future. I'd love to play in that holding role but there's still much to improve on."

Another positive for West Ham was the return to action of midfielder Manuel Lanzini, who played the final 14 minutes after being out injured since May because of a knee injury.

Man of the match - Declan Rice (West Ham)

It was handball - Pellegrini

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini: "We started the game asleep, the first 10 minutes was unbelievable. After that we played a very good game. We scored three goals and had three or four clear chances.

"It was a complete game - apart from the first 10 minutes. You never know the reason, maybe we were distracted. The important thing is we changed our attitude.

"From my position I couldn't see the handball, I have seen it since and it is handball. Nobody saw it very clearly at the time, there was not too many complaints. I don't think that the goal decided the game.

"I never complained when we didn't have results because I don't like excuses but it is very difficult when you have eight or nine injuries but now you can see that we have players coming back."

Babel's long wait for PL goal - the stats

    Fulham's nine London derby defeats in a row is the longest such losing run in Football League history by any London side.

    West Ham have completed the league double over Fulham for the first time since the 2008-09 campaign, when they were managed by Gianfranco Zola.

    West Ham's victory means the Hammers have picked up 14 points from London derbies in the top flight this season (W4 D2 L2). Only Spurs (15) and Arsenal (16) have managed more.

    Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is now winless in his last 22 Premier League games away from home - the longest run for a manager in the competition since Roy Hodgson back in October 2010 (also 22).

    Manuel Pellegrini has now won each of his four Premier League encounters against Fulham, only versus West Brom (6/6) does the Chilean have a better 100% winning ratio in the competition.

    Ryan Babel's strike for Fulham was his first Premier League goal since December 2010 (Liverpool v Aston Villa), 3000 days ago.

    West Ham striker Javier Hernandez has become the first Mexican player to score 50 Premier League goals. All 50 have been scored from inside the box.

    Michail Antonio made his 100th Premier League appearance for West Ham in their match against Fulham. Only Tottenham Hotspur (24) have seen more Englishman play at least 100 games in the competition than the Hammers (21).

    Fulham have become just the fourth side in the Premier League era to concede at least 60 goals after 27 matches of a single campaign. Only Barnsley (63 in 1997-98) conceded more than Fulham's 61 so far this season.

What next?

West Ham travel to champions Manchester City on Wednesday (20:00 GMT), while Fulham face Southampton at St Mary's on the same day (19:45).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47248479

WhiteJC

 
Manager Reaction

Claudio Ranieri reiterated the importance of maintaining a fighting spirit, following the 3-1 defeat to West Ham at London Stadium.   

Goals from Chicarito, Issa Diop and Michail Antonio was enough to give the Hammers the win.   

"We started very well,we created some good chances and scored a goal," said Ranieri.   


"We suffered a lot on our left flank and set plays. It was a pity that the referee was covered for the handball by Chicharito.   

"I hope for VAR next season could make it better. Now football is so fast and there are so many players in the box.   

"For the referee, it's very difficult to see everything. For this reason, VAR could make it better. It exists in Italy, in the Champions League and VAR will be important in England to help the referee.   

"After the draw, West Ham increased their confidence, moved the ball very fast and we were a little scared.   

"We started well, we should've continued playing. In the second half, it was much better. We had more control of the game, but without creating chances.

"For us, I know it's tough, but we must believe. We must continue to fight because I don't like players who give up. I know it's very difficult, but we must fight.   

"Of course, when you score a goal, you increase your confidence. You see the draw come from handball and it creates tension, but I don't want this, we have to always fight.   

"They were very dangerous on set plays - we knew that and they were better than us.   

"The level of confidence increases when you win. Now, our last victory was a long time ago. It's important that we continue to fight. In training, they train very well, which means they believe.

"We will fight together. If you fight, you may have a chance. If you don't fight, you've lost before play.   

"I believe in every one of my players. They have very big hearts. They have to believe, and something will change."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/february/22/manager-reaction-west-ham

WhiteJC

 
Andrason Departs

The Club can confirm that Atli Andrason has signed for Knattspyrnufélagið Víkingur on a permanent transfer today.

The former Iceland Under-19 midfielder joins the Vikingur after he impressed on trial for The Whites in 2016.

The 20-year-old midfielder has featured sparingly this season partly due to injury, and partly down to a loan move to the Reykjavik based side in which he joins permanently on a two-year deal.

All the best in the future, Atli.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/february/22/andrason-departs


WhiteJC

 
'It's cheating': Jamie Carragher slams Javier Hernandez for handball goal against Fulham

Javier Hernandez scored a controversial goal on Friday night to add to relegation-threatened Fulham's woes.

The West Ham striker flung himself to the floor at the far post to level things up in the first half and score a milestone 50th Premier League goal.

But while the goal stood, replays clearly showed the former Manchester United man putting the ball into the back of the net with his hand.

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri cut a frustrated figure on the sideline, having seen Ryan Babel's early opener cancelled out, and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was heavily critical of the Mexican attacker.

'His reaction was telling, how long he stayed on the ground,' Carragher told Sky Sports.

'Week after week there's arguments, debates about diving, cheating, whatever it may be.

That's exactly the same. 'He knows exactly what he's doing punching the ball in at the back post.

'Is it cheating? Is it gamesmanship? It's cheating. He knows exactly what he's doing.

'Would I complain if my own striker did it? Probably not. 'VAR would clear that up.

It was a blatant handball from Hernandez and it's completely changed the ascendancy of this game.'

West Ham centre-back Issa Diop put his side 2-1 up with a header from a corner just before half-time and Michail Antonio secured all three points with a 90th minute header.



Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2019/02/22/cheating-jamie-carragher-slams-javier-hernandez-handball-goal-fulham-8720617/?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

WhiteJC

 
Ben Davis and National Service

Fulham made a little bit of history back in 2017 when Ben Davis, a 16 year old from Singapore signed to the academy. A Singaporean has never played in the Premier League or Championship, and Davis could be the first one to do that. The only other player from Singapore to play in the professional game in England is Daniel Bennet, who played for Wrexham in the  old English Third Division a number of years ago.

However, back when Davis signed for Fulham, the question of his duty to complete National Service in Singapore when he became 18 came up straight away. In Singapore, every male at the age of 18 must complete some form of National Service for two years. Around the same time that Davis signed, he and his family had applied for deferred NS, but his request was rejected. NS can be deferred, but it mostly happens for academic purposes, but it can happen for the Arts and for sport. Sport is a difficult one, because it's only for sportsmen and women who are "...representing Singapore in top-tier international competitions," or "...displaying potential to win (medals)."

While Davis is seen as a huge talent in Singaporean football, he isn't yet close to helping them win medals at an event. In fact, deferring NS for sport has only happen three times since 2003, twice for national swimmers and once for a sailor. Davis has been called up to the Singapore national side but is yet to win a cap which could be one of the reasons why he hasn't been able to defer it. It's important to note that Davis is not trying to get away with doing his NS altogether, rather it's putting it off until his football development is much further on.

We are now at the stage were Davis should be back in Singapore starting his NS, so because he has essentially defaulted, he is now in danger of being sent to prison if and when he returns home. He is at the age were NS is due, and he should have reported back to Singapore in January. According to 'Singapore Legal Advice', any defaulter can be punished with "...a fine of $10,000 and/or a term of imprisonment up to 3 years."

This is a potentially very serious issue for Davis and his family if he ever wants to return back to Singapore, but his family are said to be appealing the original decision to reject to request of deferment. Generally speaking, countries who have NS are very strict with it. In the case of Son Heung-min of Spurs, he had to actually win the Asian Games with his South Korean football side to be spared military service there, so who knows if Davis will ever be in a position were he can help Singapore win a competition.

One thing is sure though, taking two years out of football at 18, just when you could be on the brink of making it, is more of less kissing goodbye to a career in England. Watch this space.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/02/ben-davis-and-national-service/

WhiteJC

 
Chicharito reaches 50 Premier League goals with strike against Fulham

The striker became the first Mexican to reach the milestone when he scored the equaliser against the Cottagers on Friday

West Ham striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez scored his 50th career Premier League goal with his equaliser against Fulham on Friday.

With Fulham up 1-0, the Mexico international turned home from close range in the 29th minute after a scramble off a corner kick.

Replays showed that Hernandez got the final touch with his hand, but with no VAR in place in the Premier League until next season, the tally was allowed to stand.

With the goal, Hernandez became the first Mexican to reach the 50-goal milestone in the Premier League – and the 106th player overall in the league's history.

Additionally, the 30-year-old has managed to score all 50 of his goals in the English top flight from inside the 18-yard box.

Hernandez joined Manchester United from Mexican side Chivas in 2010 and took to life well in England, scoring 37 league goals during his time at Old Trafford.

At United, Hernandez would be a part of Premier League title-winning sides in 2010-11 and 2012-13.

The striker eventually moved on to Real Madrid on loan in 2014-15, before joining Bundesliga side Bayer Lekerkusen ahead of the following season.

After two prolific years in Germany, Hernandez returned to England with the Hammers in the summer of 2017.

And following his goal on Friday, Hernandez has now scored 13 times in the league with West Ham to complete his career half-century.



https://www.goal.com/en/news/chicharito-reaches-50-premier-league-goals-with-strike/118bbcc9a0p4h10op262diqhci


WhiteJC

 
Javier Hernandez scores handball leveller for West Ham in Fulham win as Jamie Carragher labels striker 'cheat'

    Javier Hernandez scored West Ham equaliser against Fulham with his hand
    The Mexican's 50th Premier League goal was allowed to stand despite handball
    Ryan Babel gave visitors  lead but Issa Diop and Michail Antonio also struck
    Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri led the protests in vain from the touchline

Referee Lee Mason and his assistants failed to spot a clear hand ball by Javier Hernandez as he converted West Ham's equaliser against Fulham.

The striker used a raised hand to turn home Angelo Ogbonna's header after half an hour to cancel out Ryan Babel's opener for the hosts, before Issa Diop and Michail Antonio completed the comeback.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher criticised Hernandez for his 'gamesmanship' and insisted VAr would have resolved the matter swiftly.


Despite going for the ball with his head, it was Javier Hernandez's hand that turned it home

amie Carragher told Sky Sports: 'His reaction was telling, how long he stayed on the ground.'

'Week after week there's arguments, debates about diving, cheating, whatever it may be. That's exactly the same.

'He knows exactly what he's doing punching the ball in at the back post. 'Is it cheating? Is it gamesmanship? It's cheating. He knows exactly what he's doing.

'Would I complain if my own striker did it? Probably not.

'VAR would clear that up. It was a blatant handball from Hernandez and it's completely changed the ascendancy of this game.'

Post-match he added: 'Terrible punch, really poor and weak. Anotonio does well with header, but we can't get away from the fact he punches it in with his hand.

'He knows its gone past his head and telling reaction is how long he stays on the floor for. Can't blame Lee Mason, look at his view. That's why we talk about tech coming in.'


Fulham had gone ahead through Ryan Babel's early goal before Hernandez's intervention

Fellow pundit Gary Neville added: 'They've had a nightmare on corners, Fulham.

'They do get a huge slice of luck, the ref and assistants are not able to spot it. He knows, Chicharito, he hasn't celebrated it because he thinks it will be given.

'Actually not many Fulham players' complaining. It was probably Ranieri the most making a fuss.

'He might be blocked Lee Mason and can't see, but VAR will remove this.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6735403/Javier-Hernandez-gets-away-handball-equaliser-West-Ham.html

WhiteJC

 
Fulham player ratings: Tom Cairney shows his worth as Cottagers struggle vs West Ham

Fulham were beaten 3-1 by West Ham despite taking the lead in the opening stages through Ryan Babel

West Ham inflicted yet another away day defeat on Fulham as a Javier Hernandez handled the ball, Issa Diop scored from a corner and Michail Antonio netted to win 3-1.

Fulham had a glorious chance to open the scoring after just minutes when Ryan Babel capitalised on a Pablo Zabaleta pass back, but he fired his shot straight at Lukasz Fabianski.

But he made amends just a minute later when Ryan Sessegnon was played in down the left and put the ball into the six yard box, where the forward was waiting to tap it home.

But despite a strong opening Javier Hernandez got the side level when Sergio Rico fluffed a corner, with the ball finding its way to the striker who looked to handle it into the bottom corner of the net.

They got a second from a corner once more - Issa Diop got a run on Sessegnon and rose highest to nod home past Rico.

And they finally got the third to kill the game off when West Ham broke on Fulham, with Antonio rising highest to nod home.

Here's how we rated the side:

Sergio Rico - 3

Made a real muck up of the corner that led to West Ham's equaliser. Looked like he was lacking confidence all game and looked very suspect when he came for cross with no real control of his box.

Denis Odoi - 4

His marking was poor for the corners while he struggled to contain Felipe Anderson down the right hand side, letting too many crosses like on the left.

Tim Ream - 3

Was all at sea for the crosses into the box for the corners and struggled in defence all night long.

Havard Nordtveit - 4

ot a great debut for Nordtveit - he did okay but didn't really show anything that none of the other defenders at Fulham don't have.

Joe Bryan - 4

Endured a tough time on the left against Zabaleta and Antonio, struggling to contain the pair and allowing too many crosses into the box. Was also beaten a fair few times too.

Calum Chambers - 5

Didn't have his usual game in front of the back four and struggled to deal with West Ham's attacking players during the game.

Jean-Michael Seri - 5

Did really well to put Sessegnon down the left in the build up to the first goal. Had a good half by all accounts and looked decent on the ball but was hauled off for Anguissa at half time.

Tom Cairney - 7

Was moved into his favoured midfield position and it showed - he was Fulham's best player in the second half as he got on the ball and looked to make things happen.

Ryan Babel - 5

Missed a glorious chance but made up for it minutes later when he got on the end of Ryan Sessegnon's cross. Didn't have too much impact as the game progressed.

Ryan Sessegnon - 4

Lovely ball across the face of goal for the opener. Did well in the opening but struggled as the half progressed to deal with Zabaleta's runs. Lost track of Diop for the second goal.

Aleksandar Mitrovic - 6

Battled well throughout the game as he usually does but the gap between him and the midfield was so large that he rarely had any support to help him.

Substitutes

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa - 5

Broke up play a few times but didn't really have much impact after coming on at half time.

Lazar Markovic  - 5

Got the ball out wide from time to time and had a few decent touches but looked like he struggled to get up to pace with the speed of the game.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-player-ratings-tom-cairney-15874897

WhiteJC

 
Javier Hernández on hand as West Ham recover from early blow to beat Fulham

Fulham have only themselves to blame for their season, confused decision-making and erratic management probably sending them straight back to the Championship. But on this one occasion they can feel genuinely aggrieved that their fate was unfairly decided by someone else.

They were ahead and playing well against West Ham, when Javier Hernández punched home a goal and changed the course of a game that ended in defeat for Claudio Ranieri's side.

Ranieri was furious at the time but later was more sanguine about Lee Mason's failure to spot the offence. "It's too easy to say yes," he said, when asked if the handball had affected the outcome. "After the equaliser West Ham increased their confidence, and we were a little scared. It was a big pity the referee was covered [unsighted]."

Replays seemed to show Mason had a good view of the incident but the referee was far from the only one to miss it: only a couple of Fulham players protested and it did take four or five replays to be 100% sure the touch came from hand rather than head. Still, perhaps the forward's guilty glance like a child with his hand in the sweet tin might have been proof enough. "Only he knows the truth," said Ranieri, smiling ruefully.

It had all started so well. Ryan Babel gave Fulham the lead in the third minute, sweeping home after a low Ryan Sessegnon cross fell perfectly in the six-yard box, and for about 20 minutes Fulham were purposeful, strong and in control. It felt strange. It felt like it could not last, although legally speaking it should have. The controversial equaliser came from a Robert Snodgrass corner, improperly cleared and turned in at the far post. Just before the break West Ham were ahead, again from a Snodgrass corner but this time it was fair, Issa Diop given all the time and space he needed to batter a close-ranger header past Sergio Rico.

Fulham were slightly the better team after half-time but as Ranieri said that did not translate into many real chances. The home crowd was roused first by the return of Manuel Lanzini, on as a substitute after missing the season to date with a cruciate ligament injury, and then West Ham's third goalin the final moments, Michail Antonio bouncing a header in from a Marko Arnautovic cross.

It was West Ham's first win in six weeks, gratefully received even if the performance was not dazzling. "After those 10 strange minutes [at the start] we dominated the game," Manuel Pellegrini said. "It was a good performance."

For Ranieri and Fulham, who are eight points from safety, time is running out. "It'll be a miracle [to survive] but we must fight together," he said. "I believe in my players. They lack experience but they have a very big heart. We have to believe that something will change."



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/feb/22/west-ham-fulham-premier-league-match-report


WhiteJC

 
West Ham 3-1 Fulham: Javier Hernandez's controversial goal helps earn hosts win
Report and highlights as West Ham earn first league win in five

Fulham's relegation fears heightened after a 3-1 defeat at West Ham on Friday, but they will feel hard done by after Javier Hernandez's controversial equaliser proved decisive.

Ryan Babel was gifted the opportunity to break the deadlock with less than a minute on the clock, only to be denied by Lukasz Fabianski, but he made amends two minutes later, firing home from close range to score his first goal for Fulham since joining in January.

Then came a real moment of controversy, as Hernandez appeared to divert the ball in to equalise with his hand in the 19th minute, with the goal allowed to stand, much to Claudio Ranieri's frustration on the bench, before Issa Diop headed his first Premier League goal to turn the match on its head five minutes before half time.

Fulham mixed things up in the second half, but offered little as an attacking threat, with Michail Antonio heading home a third West Ham goal in stoppage time to make sure of their first win in six in all competitions, while Fulham's position looks even more perilous, eight points from safety, having shipped 60 league goals already and winless away from home in the Premier League this season.

Player ratings

West Ham: Fabianski (7), Zabaleta (6), Diop (8), Ogbonna (7), Cresswell (7), Noble (7), Rice (8), Antonio (7), Anderson (6), Snodgrass (6), Hernandez (6).

Subs: Arnautovic (7), Lanzini (7), Fredericks (6)

Fulham: Rico (4), Odoi (4), Sessegnon (5), Ream (5), Bryan (5), Nordveit (4), Chambers (5), Seri (4), Cairney (5), Babel (7), Mitrovic (7).

Subs: Markovic (5), Anguissa (4).

Man of the Match: Declan Rice

Fulham flew out of the traps, with Babel latching onto an underhit back pass from Pablo Zabaleta. Fabianski, though, stood firm to deny Babel, but could do nothing as the same man got on the end of a Ryan Sessegnon cross before slamming the ball home.

West Ham struggled to get going, but were gifted a way back into the contest. Sergio Rico firstly failed to deal with a corner, Angelo Ogbonna flicked the ball back towards goal, Hernandez leaned into the ball, but the last touch seemed to come off his hand.

Fulham's defensive frailties came to the fore once again in the 40th minute, as Diop was allowed to climb highest to head home from Robert Snodgrass' corner, meaning Fulham have now conceded more than once 21 times this season, including all of the last seven in 2019.

Team news

Just the one change for West Ham, with Pablo Zabaleta in for Ryan Fredericks. However, the big news was that after missing the entire season so far, Manuel Lanzini was fit enough to take his place on the West Ham bench. Three changes for Fulham, with Ryan Sessegnon, Tom Cairney and former Hammers midfielder Havard Nordtveit coming in. There was no place for Andre Schurrle in the squad.

Ranieri made two changes at the interval, introducing Lazar Markovic and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, but neither could really have any real effect on the game, as West Ham stood firm.

Another substitute, Marko Arnautovic, came within a whisker of adding his name to the scoresheet, but was denied an equaliser by a combination of Rico and post.

However, Antonio's bullet header in the 91st minute, on the end of an Arnautovic cross, did put the seal on the three points for West Ham and compounded another miserable night for Fulham.

Opta stats

    Fulham's nine London derby defeats in a row is the longest ever such losing run in Football League history by any London side.
    West Ham have completed the league double over Fulham for the first time since the 2008-09 campaign, when they were managed by Gianfranco Zola.
    West Ham's victory means the Hammers have picked up 14 points from London derbies in the top-flight so far this season (P8 W4 D2 L2), only Spurs (15) and Arsenal (16) have managed more.
    Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is now winless in his last 22 Premier League games away from home (15 for Leicester City, 7 for Fulham); the longest such run for a manager in the competition since Roy Hodgson back in October 2010 (also 22).
    Manuel Pellegrini has now won each of his four Premier League encounters against Fulham, only versus West Brom (6/6) does the Chilean have a better 100% winning ratio in the competition.
    Ryan Babel's strike for Fulham was his first Premier League goal since December 2010 (Liverpool v Aston Villa), 3000 days ago.
    West Ham striker Javier Hernandez has become the first Mexican player to score 50 Premier League goals; indeed, all 50 have been scored inside the box.
    Michail Antonio made his 100th Premier League appearance for West Ham in their match against Fulham; only Tottenham Hotspur (24) have now seen more Englishman make at least 100 apps in the competition than the Hammers (21).
    Fulham have become just the fourth side in the Premier League era to concede at least 60 goals after 27 matches of a single campaign; indeed, only Barnsley (63 in 1997-98) conceded more than Fulham's 61 so far this season.

Man of the match - Declan Rice

The stats don't lie. Declan Rice won six tackles at London Stadium, double that of anyone else on the pitch. No player made more interceptions, while he gained possession more than anyone else on the pitch, five more than any team-mate. No player made more interceptions, either. The young midfielder has decided to pledge his allegiances to England, and on this evidence, he could well become a regular starter, not just a squad member, very soon indeed.

What's next

West Ham face the daunting task of a trip to Manchester City on Wednesday, while Fulham travel to Southampton.



https://www.skysports.com/football/west-ham-vs-fulham/391026

WhiteJC

 
Babel first Premier League goal since 2010 not enough for Fulham

Ryan Babel scored his first Premier League goal since joining Fulham but it could not prevent a 3-1 loss to West Ham United.

The Dutch international had already missed a great chance by the time he fired Fulham ahead from close range after only three minutes.

The goal was the first Babel had scored in the Premier League since the 12th of December 2010, 3000 days ago.

The goal was not a catalyst for a much-needed victory, though as Javier Hernandez, Issa Diop and Michail Antonio all netted to secure a 3-1 win for West Ham.

Fulham remain 19th in the Premier League and eight points from safety.



http://www.football-oranje.com/babel-first-premier-league-goal-since-2010-not-enough-for-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham fall deeper into trouble with loss at West Ham

Fulham fell deeper into relegation trouble with a 3-1 Premier League defeat by West Ham United at London Stadium on Friday.

Claudio Ranieri's 19th-placed side made the ideal start, grabbing the lead in the third minute with former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel scoring from close range after he had earlier missed a golden chance.

There was controversy about West Ham's equaliser when Mexican striker Javier Hernandez stooped to head in from close range but replays suggested the ball went in off his arm.

Issa Diop's first Premier League goal, with a header five minutes before the break, put West Ham in charge and while Fulham produced some decent football after the break, they rarely threatened.

Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini made their returns for West Ham as substitutes.

But it was not until stoppage time that the Hammers made sure of the win as Michail Antonio powerfully headed home a cross from Arnautovic.

Not surprisingly, Ranieri was upset about West Ham's equaliser.

"We created very good chances and it was a pity that the referee didn't see the handball. VAR is very important for next season," said the Italian.

"But we never give up. We concentrate now for the next match. It's important to recover very soon the energy and psychologically as well.

"I change so many times, five at the back, four, to try to find a solution. But when the other teams have more quality and more experience it's very tough. We continue to try to find the solution," he said.

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini admitted that Hernandez's goal should have been ruled out.

"From my position I couldn't see the handball, I have seen it since and it is handball. Nobody saw it very clearly at the time, there was not too many complaints. I don't think that the goal decided the game," he said.

"We started the game asleep, the first 10 minutes was unbelievable. After that we played a very good game. We scored three goals and had three or four clear chances," Pellegrini added.



https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-whu-ful/fulham-fall-deeper-into-trouble-with-loss-at-west-ham-idUKKCN1QB2KV?rpc=401&;


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West Ham battle back to defeat Fulham

Hammers recover from conceding early to claim a victory that moves them into ninth place

West Ham United came from a goal down to beat Fulham 3-1 at London Stadium.

Ryan Babel put Fulham ahead in only the third minute. A low ball into the box from Ryan Sessegnon found the Dutchman and he fired in from eight yards.

West Ham were level through Chicharito on 29 minutes when he turned in a flick from Issa Diop at the back post.

Five minutes before half-time, Diop put the Hammers in front after a late run at the near post for his first PL goal.

After the break Fulham battled for an equaliser but it was the home side who came close, when substitute Marko Arnautovic's effort was pushed onto the crossbar.

In stoppage time, Michail Antonio made sure of the victory with a powerful header to move West Ham up to ninth on 36 points.

Fulham remain 19th with 17 points, eight points off 17th place and safety.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1061438

WhiteJC

 
Claudio Ranieri says Fulham 'scared' after West Ham's controversial goal in loss

Claudio Ranieri believes his Fulham side were "scared" as they collapsed following Javier Hernandez's controversial equaliser to lose 3-1 at West Ham on Friday night.

Ryan Babel's first goal for Fulham gave the visitors an early lead, until Hernandez appeared to divert the ball into the net with his hand in the 29th minute, with referee Lee Mason allowing the goal to stand.

Issa Diop's header turned the match on its head in the 40th minute, before Michail Antonio made sure of the win for the hosts in stoppage time, much to Ranieri's frustration.

"We started very well," Ranieri told Sky Sports. "We missed a great chance, but after we score a goal.

"They were very dangerous on corners, it is normal with their tall players, and the referee was under cover with the players and could not see it was handball from Chicharito [Hernandez]. After that, West Ham increased [the tempo], more and moved the ball very quickly.

"I don't know if we were a little scared. Why? We started very well, we should have continued to play.

"The second half was much better, we controlled the ball, but without doing something good. I tried to add more physical [presence] in the middle."

Fulham are eight points from safety, having already conceded 60 goals in the Premier League this season, but Ranieri remains defiant.

"We are always speaking about keeping our concentration and to be determined, but also need some luck, as it is unbelievable what has happened this year," Ranieri added.

"We will never give up, we will concentrate for the next match, and it is important to recover very soon - physically and psychologically."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11645327/claudio-ranieri-says-fulham-scared-after-west-hams-controversial-goal-in-loss

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Cottage Talk Full Time: West Ham vs. Fulham
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, we shared our "initial reactions" to Fulham's 3-1 loss to West Ham. Co-host Max Cohen shared his thoughts on another Fulham loss.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/2/22/18236879/cottage-talk-full-time-west-ham-vs-fulham


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Jamie Carragher: No way out for Fulham in Premier League fight
"Almost impossible" for Cottagers to avoid Premier League relegation, says the Sky Sports pundit

Jamie Carragher believes there is almost "no way out" for Fulham in their Premier League survival fight after a 3-1 defeat at West Ham United.

The Cottagers got off to the perfect at the London Stadium on Friday night when Ryan Babel opened the scoring in the third minute, only to lose to a controversial Javier Hernandez goal and further strikes from Issa Diop and Michail Antonio.

And with games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City coming up, Sky Sports pundit Carragher believes time is running out for Claudio Ranieri's side, who are now eight points adrift of safety.

"There's a huge gap between them and safety and I don't see them bridging it," Carragher said.

"It's almost impossible I would say - not just because they have lost the game, but it was a game they had an outside chance of winning when you look at some of the fixtures coming.

"They've had West Ham tonight, then Southampton and then a tough run of fixtures.

"It was these two games they had to pick four points out of, possibly six, and I don't see any way out for them.

"Maybe between now and the end of the season, it is perhaps a case of getting ready for the Championship."

Gary Neville also believes Fulham have "all the hallmarks" of a relegation side and are too "nice" for a scrap at the bottom of the table.

"I am always wary of saying a team will go down but they've got all the hallmarks," Neville added.

"Football is fine lines and it's about moments but they're not picking not up points and are not clinical enough in either box.

"Certainly defensively, they don't smell danger and they're not alert enough to it.

"It doesn't feel right watching them, they are a nice team - nice to watch, pretty in their football but it's not effective and they are going to go down, I think."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11645331/jamie-carragher-no-way-out-for-fulham-in-premier-league-fight

WhiteJC

 
Ranieri urges Fulham players not to give up

Claudio Ranieri urged Fulham's players not to give up fighting against relegation after West Ham came from behind to beat them 3-1 at the London Stadium.

Ryan Babel's early goal put the Whites ahead but Javier Hernandez's equaliser was allowed to stand despite the striker using his hand to nudge the ball into the net.

Issa Diop put the Hammers ahead and Michail Antonio added a third – the 61st Premier League goal conceded by Fulham this season.

Their chances of staying up look bleak, but manager Ranieri said: "I know it's very, very difficult, but we have to fight.

"It's tough but we must believe. We must continue to fight, because I don't like players who give up."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-wls-i-dont-like-players-who-give-up-ranieri-reacts-to-defeat-at-west-ham

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Ranieri hoping for 'miracle' as Fulham's relegation woes worsen at West Ham

Fulham have slipped eight points off safety ahead of the weekend fixtures.

Claudio Ranieri was left hoping for a miracle after Fulham's relegation troubles deepened following the 3-1 defeat at West Ham.

Ryan Babel's third-minute goal for the Cottagers was cancelled out by a controversial Javier Hernandez equaliser, and they were sunk by further strikes from Issa Diop and Michail Antonio.

Hernandez knocked the ball in from close range with his hand and it was a punch which ultimately floored Fulham as they never looked like getting anything out of the match after Diop scored soon after.

Antonio's last-minute goal finished them off, leaving Fulham eight points adrift of safety with most of their relegation rivals still to play over the weekend.

Boss Ranieri admitted: "The level of confidence increases when you win and now that's a long time ago. But they train well and this means they believe.

"It will be a miracle, but we must fight together. If you fight you have one chance, if you don't you won't."

Hardly any Fulham players appealed for the handball and Ranieri only saw the infringement when it was replayed on the big screen – to the dismay of the travelling fans.

"It was a big pity with the goal, the referee was covered," said the Italian. "I hope with the VAR next season it will be better.

"I didn't see but I watched it on the screen. Maybe also the other players didn't see it and maybe of the West Ham players only Chicharito (Hernandez) knew the truth."

West Ham recovered from a dodgy opening few minutes, during which Babel could have scored twice, to eventually run out comfortable winners and climb to ninth.

"We are not sure if it was handball or not," said manager Manuel Pellegrini.

"But it wasn't the goal that won the game, we scored three goals and the keeper made a lot of saves."



http://sport.bt.com/news/ranieri-hoping-for-miracle-as-fulhams-relegation-woes-worsen-at-west-ham-S11364338885065


WhiteJC

 
We must fight Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri admits Premier League survival would be a miracle after West Ham defeat

Cottagers boss hopes players will continue battle so they can take any chance that come their way

Claudio Ranieri was left hoping for a miracle after Fulham's relegation troubles deepened following the 3-1 defeat at West Ham.

Ryan Babel's third-minute goal for the Cottagers was cancelled out by a controversial Javier Hernandez equaliser, and they were sunk by further strikes from Issa Diop and Michail Antonio.

Hernandez knocked the ball in from close range with his hand and it was a punch which ultimately floored Fulham as they never looked like getting anything out of the match after Diop scored soon after.

Antonio's last-minute goal finished them off, leaving Fulham eight points adrift of safety with most of their relegation rivals still to play over the weekend.

Boss Ranieri admitted: "The level of confidence increases when you win and now that's a long time ago. But they train well and this means they believe.

"It will be a miracle, but we must fight together. If you fight you have one chance, if you don't you won't."

Hardly any Fulham players appealed for the handball and Ranieri only saw the infringement when it was replayed on the big screen – to the dismay of the travelling fans.

"It was a big pity with the goal, the referee was covered," said the Italian. "I hope with the VAR next season it will be better.

"I didn't see but I watched it on the screen. Maybe also the other players didn't see it and maybe of the West Ham players only Chicharito [Hernandez] knew the truth."

West Ham recovered from a dodgy opening few minutes, during which Babel could have scored twice, to eventually run out comfortable winners and climb to ninth.

"We are not sure if it was handball or not," said manager Manuel Pellegrini.

"But it wasn't the goal that won the game, we scored three goals and the keeper made a lot of saves."



https://talksport.com/football/499377/fulham-manager-claudio-ranieri-admits-premier-league-survival-would-be-a-miracle-after-west-ham-defeat/