Sunday Fulham Stuff - 11/08/19...

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Results

Saturday
Leeds	1-1	Nottm Forest
Birmingham	1-1	Bristol City
Cardiff	2-1	Luton
Charlton	3-1	Stoke
Derby	0-0	Swansea
Fulham	2-0	Blackburn
Hull	2-1	Reading
Middlesborough	0-1	Brentford
Preston NE	3-0	Wigan
QPR	1-1	Huddersfield
Sheff Wed	2-0	Barnsley
West Brom	1-1	Millwall

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Fulham 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

Aleksandar Mitrovic's late second goal ensured a first win of the season for Fulham

Fulham claimed their first win since being relegated from the Premier League despite the best efforts of Blackburn Rovers.

Tom Cairney spectacularly opened the scoring against his former club as his left-footed effort from 25 yards nestled into the top corner.

Adam Armstrong almost levelled early in the second half, but his low, long-distance effort flashed past the post.

But Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed the win when he tapped in from close range late on after great work by Joe Bryan.

Having brought in four players before the transfer deadline, Fulham boss Scott Parker opted to start just one in Harry Arter, but his decision was vindicated when he put in a great sliding block to deny Bradley Johnson after 14 minutes.

It was one of a number of Rovers chances as Fulham looked shaky to start with - Mitrovic almost scored an own goal with a sliced clearance, while Armstrong also went close.

But the Serbian forward galvanised his side midway through the half as he created a chance for Anthony Knockaert before going close himself.

Elliott Bennett produced a great block to deny Ivan Cavaleiro's goalbound effort, and Knockaert also went close for Fulham in the second half.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Sam Gallagher's header just went wide for Blackburn five minutes before Mitrovic's clinching goal as Rovers tried to get an equaliser that their efforts probably deserved.

The win ended a three-game run without scoring or getting a point for Fulham, who last tasted success when they beat Cardiff 1-0 at Craven Cottage in the Premier League in mid-April.

Blackburn have now lost their opening two league games for the second time in three seasons - although when they last had such a start in 2017 they went on to win automatic promotion from League One.

Fulham boss Scott Parker told BBC London:

"It was a big game for us and the result was key. We were disappointed after last week as a group, but today we gave ourselves an opportunity to win the match. We did the basics well.

"Last week I felt we took the easy option at times and these players can't play that way. As much as it looks a little pedestrian at times, there's a reason behind it and I felt the boys were really brave in that instance.

"The first 15-20 minutes, I sensed a nervousness. The (first) goal changes the game - it's a world-class strike and it does settle nerves. But there's plenty more to come from us."

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray told BBC Lancashire:

"I think there wasn't much in the game - it could easily have been a game that we won 2-0. The frustration is that we weren't clinical. We had plenty of opportunities to work their goalkeeper and score goals, but it didn't happen and ultimately we got punished.

"We know Cairney's left foot can be magical at times and he put one in the top corner. I'm not sure how much we could have done about it, to be honest. The second goal was very frustrating because the game was very scrappy and there was nothing in it.

"First half I thought we were the dominant team and probably deserved to score and come in ahead - and yet we've found ourselves 1-0 down. People who haven't seen the game might think 2-0 was a pretty academic home victory, but it was never that easy."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49214323

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Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker was pleased with how his players stuck to their principles in the 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

After something of a coy start to the game, Fulham grew in confidence after Tom Cairney's superb opener, and ended up seeing the match out without too many issues.

"I think there was a bit of edginess, a few nerves amongst us [at the start]," Parker said. "But saying that I probably sound like I'm contradicting myself as I thought the boys were really brave in the way I wanted us to play.

"With the way we play comes a certain risk. Today I thought the players were brave in taking on that risk.

"Last week at times we took the easy option and, for me, as a footballing side we're not going to win matches in that way. As much there was a real nervousness, there was [also] a real bravery amongst us, and obviously a world class strike eases that and from there we had control of the game.

"They caused us one or two problems with some balls into the box but overall I was quite comfortable in the way we ended the game."

He continued: "All week we spoke about the Barnsley result and how we came up short in terms of the physicality of that game, in terms of the basics of the game. I said to them about giving themselves a platform and a foundation, and that comes from doing the basics well.

"Today the defensive line was perfect, distances between our units were spot on. We won second balls, played the way we could, and that gave us the foundations for individuals to do their work."

Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrović scored their first goals since committing their futures to the Club, while Harry Arter also shone on his first appearance since joining on loan.

"I look at the team with Cairney, Mitro and Arter, who won promotion with Bournemouth," Parker stated. "They've been around the league before and it puts us in a good position going forward. We're expecting a big season.

"We all realise how difficult and tough this league is, and along the way there will be some blips, as that's what the league produces.

"It will be tough at times and I'd like to think over the next few weeks we'll sustain a mentality. Today we've bounced back and we look forward to next Friday away at Huddersfield Town."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/august/10/scott-parker-press-conference-blackburn

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Cairney and Mitrovic strikes help Fulham see off Rovers


Tom Cairney curls home from 25 yards

FULHAM 2
(Cairney, 35) (Mitrovic, 82)

ROVERS 0

Rovers are still waiting for their first points of the season, after defeat at Fulham, courtesy of goals from Tom Cairney and Aleksandr Mitrovic.

The scoreline flattered the hosts somewhat, with Rovers having put in a much improved display than on the opening day against Charlton.

A stunning 25-yarder from Cairney 10 minutes before the break, and Mitrovic tap-in eight minutes from time however, consigned Rovers to a second successive defeat.

Rovers had their chances, with Sam Gallagher, Adam Armstrong and Bradley Johnson all going close, but a failure to draw a save from Marcus Bettinelli will be a real disappointment given the amount of possession they had.

The Rovers team showed three changes, with a debut for Tosin Adarabioyo as Darragh Lenihan and Ryan Nyambe were both ruled out through injury.

Derrick Williams partnered the Manchester City loanee with Joe Rothwell preferred to Stewart Downing.

Inside 20 seconds, Rovers had their first opening of the game as Bradley Johnson turned wide an Armstrong cross.

In their new third kit, there was plenty of early encouragement for Rovers with Bradley Dack seeing a shot deflected wide in the sixth minute.

Frustration was growing in the home stands, now least with Fulham's obsession with playing out from the back.

And they were indebted to a Harry Arter block to deny Johnson's shot from inside the box after more good work down the Rovers right.

Aleksandr Mitrovic had been an isolated figure at the head of their attack, and almost put through his own net when wildly slashing at an Elliott Bennett free kick. Fortunately for the Serbian, the ball flew over the bar.

Rovers were having to remained focused at the back given the quality the hosts possessed in the final third.

Adarabioyo did well to block an Anthony Knockaert cross, before two chances in a matter of minutes saw Christian Walton extended.

Mitrovic took advantage of indecision over a bouncing ball to fire wide, while Knockaert went even closer with a strike from 20 yards.

The two combined moments later, as after Amari'i Bell was caught out of possession, Knockaert's shot was blocked, with Mitrovic acrobatically volleying over the looping ball.

Then came the opening goal, 10 minutes before the break in what was an open half.

A neat pass found Cairney in space, and he had time to pick his spot from 25 yards, his curling effort nestling in the top corner.

Sprits weren't dampened in the Rovers camp though as Armstrong continued to get more joy down the right. A late break allowed Bennett to cross for Sam Gallagher to glance a header wide.

Fulham continued to play a risk game out from the back which almost allowed Rovers to level eight minutes after the re-start. Armstrong was found by Dack and drilled a shot narrowly wide of the far post with Marcus Bettinelli beaten.

Stand-in skipper Bennett was to the rescue at the other end, his vital interception stopping Ivan Cavaleiro from rounding the advancing Walton before Arter blasted wide from 20 yards.

Things had gone a little flat as Ben Brereton replaced Joe Rothwell and playing on the break, Fulham looked a danger.

Knockaert was getting closer as he sent another effort just wide when cutting back inside on to his left foot.

Rovers did draw a fine save from Bettinelli, as he clawed away Dack's strike, but the offside flag had already been raised.

As Tony Mowbray made his remaining two substitutions, Rovers  ended the game with four strikers on the pitch and Bradley Dack in central midfield.

It almost paid dividends as Bennett crossed to the far post where Gallagher guided a header towards the far post, only for it to loop just wide.

With eight minutes to go, the game was  put beyond doubt. Joe Bryan drove forward down the left and somehow managed to squeeze the ball across goal where Mitrovic was able to turn in from three yards.

It could have been worse for Rovers two minutes from time, only for Bobby Decordova-Reid to somehow fire wide from eight yards as the home fans prepared to celebrate a debut goal.

Fulham: Betinelli, Odoi, Mawson, Johansen (Decordova-Reid, 62), Mitrovic, Cairney, Ream, Arter, Cavaleiro (Reed, 79), Bryan, Knockaert (Le Marchand, 84)

Subs: Rodak, McDonald, Ayite, Christie

Rovers: Walton, Bennett, Adarabioyo, Williams, Bell (Downing, 71), Travis (Graham, 74), Johnson, Rothwell (Brereton, 65), Dack, Armstrong, Gallagher

Subs: Leutwiler, Evans, Platt, Buckley



https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/rovers/news/17829334.cairney-mitrovic-strikes-help-fulham-see-off-rovers/

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Report: Fulham 2-0 Rovers

Rovers suffer defeat on the road despite an encouraging performance at Craven Cottage against The Whites

A goal in each half did the damage as Rovers suffered defeat on the road against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the second Championship outing of the season.

Tom Cairney's stunner roared the hosts into life midway through the half before a close range Aleksander Mitrovic made the result safe late on for the west Londoners.

It was a much improved performance from Tony Mowbray's charges, who restricted Fulham to very few chances throughout the encounter and will feel unfortunate not to have taken something back to East Lancashire.

The best chances came through Bradley Johnson and Adam Armstrong, but Rovers returned north pointless and will look to get on track in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday against Oldham Athletic.

Mowbray named three changes to his starting lineup with Charlie Mulgrew, Darragh Lenihan and Stewart Downing dropping out, with Tosin Adarabioyo, Derrick Williams and Joe Rothwell coming into the side.

Mulgrew's departure to Wigan Athletic and an injury to Lenihan saw Adarabioyo and Williams appear for the first time this season, with the former making his debut for the club after arriving from Manchester City.

Fulham included two ex-Rovers in their squad, with Cairney taking the armband for the hosts and Harrison Reed - a deadline day arrival - on the bench.

Rovers came flying out of the traps, and Johnson nodded wide from the edge of the box after being picked out by Adam Armstrong just 20 seconds in.

The next opportunity came soon after, with Dack - on his 250th career league appearance - seeing his drive deflect just wide off Tim Ream.

It was a really open start in the capital, and only more good defending denied Johnson's strike from 18 yards from testing Marcus Bettinelli.

Two quickfire opportunities came the way of Scott Parker's side midway through the half, with the dangerous Mitrovic poking wide of the target before Anthony Knockaert dragged wide just a moment later.

Rovers were having the better of the game, but it was Cairney who came back to haunt his old employers with a superb curling effort from the edge of the box that gave Walton no chance just after the half hour mark.

Mowbray's men went in at the break a goal down, but to their credit the performance had been very encouraging against the favourites to win the division.

Rovers continued to probe the home side and Armstrong fired just past Bettinelli's right-hand post just after the interval as the visitors kept the search on for the equaliser.

At the other end, recent signing Harry Arter sent an effort wide from range, with The Whites ensuring the Rovers backline were kept busy.

Knockaert was next to try his luck, but this time his curled effort drifted comfortably over Walton's upright just after the hour mark, before Cairney curled over from a free kick

Mowbray played all his cards to end the game with five strikers on the pitch, and one of those in Gallagher saw his header fly inches wide with 15 minutes left.

But with nine minutes remaining Mitrovic made the game safe from close range. A bustling run from Joe Bryan saw the left back advance and find a way through into the box, and his low ball in was simply finished off by the big Serb.

It could have been 3-0 later on, but Bobby Decordova-Reid, on his debut, lashed wide of the target from close range in the last notable action of the game.

Fulham: Betinelli, Odoi, Mawson, Johansen (Decordova-Reid, 60), Mitrovic, Cairney (c), Ream, Arter, Cavaleiro (Reed, 79), Bryan, Knockaert (Le Marchand, 86).

Unused substitutes: Rodak, McDonald, Ayite, Christie.

Goal: Cairney, 34, Mitrovic, 82

Rovers: Walton, Bennett (c), Adarabioyo, Williams, Bell (Downing, 70), Travis (Graham, 74), Johnson, Rothwell (Brereton, 65), Dack, Armstrong, Gallagher.

Unused substitutes: Leutwiler, Evans, Platt, Buckley.

Booked: Johnson, 59, Bennett, 85

Referee: Keith Stroud.

Attendance: 17,987



https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/august/report-fulham-a/

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Fulham 2 – 0 Blackburn Rovers: FLW report as Scott Parker's troops bounce back impressively at Craven Cottage

Fulham are no strangers to a slow start at Craven Cottage – they have after all won just two of their last 11 opening home matches to a campaign.

However, that trend was well and truly bucked on a ridiculously windy day on the Thames as the home crowd were treated to the performance they were so keen to see following their opening day defeat at Barnsley.

Scott Parker captained the Whites when they were last relegated to the second-tier in 2014 but, now in the dug-out, it was his choice of skipper who set the match alight against Rovers.

Following a post-free-kick melee, the ball eventually trickled out to Tom Cairney. His intentions were immediately apparent. Two perfect touches followed. One to control the ball and the other to send a glorious strike looping into the top-right corner.

Christian Walton in the Rovers goals must have known he was beaten the moment the ball left the midfielder's left-boot, but he dived for it anyway, although hands twice the size would not have stopped that strike nestling in the net.

There had been plenty of frustration among the home fans prior to that moment of magic. Parker's insistence on playing out from the back is one that is largely admired at the club but with Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson playing upwards of three passes between themselves after every goalkick, tempers were beginning to fray.

After an opening day defeat of their own, however, Rovers were looking for redemption as well.

And they could sense that trepidation in the Fulham defence too. The energetic trio of Bradley Dack, Joe Rothwell and Adam Armstrong gave the duo hell throughout the first-half and broke beyond the backline on more than one occasion, but Sam Gallagher remained frustrated with the final pass.

With no changes at half-time things cotinued in much the same way, although a crisp strike from Armstrong had Marcus Bettinelli worried.

But the minutes ticked by and despite looking shaky, the Fulham defence held firm as Rovers tired. Bobby Reid was introduced just after the hour mark – just in case Mitrovic, Cavaleiro and the excellent Knockaert were not enough to concern Mowbray's men.

Danny Graham and Ben Brereton were both thrown on in the hope of finding an equaliser but with the Rovers attack now devoid of energy, chances were very much at a premium.

And eventually, Fulham's class told. Joe Bryan had been surprisingly quiet in an attacking sense but his first forray of note down the left yielded the second goal of the game.

Some excellent persistence from the former Bristol City man eventually led to a cross, the sort that Mitrovic no doubt dreams of regularly, and the Serbian fired the second goal of the game into the empty net.

The other former Robin in the Fulham side should have made it three later on as well, but he lashed his shot just wide following a flick on from Mitrovic.

But it was not a chance they were made to regret. Fulham up to 11th for now and bouncing back impressively. For Rovers, however, the wait for three points goes on as they prop-up the table.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-2-0-blackburn-rovers-flw-report-as-scott-parkers-troops-bounce-back-impressively-at-craven-cottage/

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Tom Cairney's thunderbolt sees off Blackburn and gives Fulham first win


Fulham's Tom Cairney celebrates scoring the opening goal with Aleksandar Mitrovic. Photograph: David Shipman/CameraSport via Getty Images

After suffering a shock opening-day defeat to a newly promoted side, it was imperative for Scott Parker that his Fulham team got their first league win in their clash with Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage. But more than that, he wanted to see "bravery" from the Championship favourites to continue playing out from the back - even when the home fans made their frustrations about Fulham's new style of play perfectly clear.

Parker, though, was vindicated after Tom Cairney's superb long-range strike in the 35th minute handed the hosts the lead before Aleksandar Mitrovic's tap-in with nine minutes remaining secured a 2-0 win.

"I felt there was a little bit of edginess, bit of nerves among us. But I thought the boys were very brave in the way we started the game," Parker said.

"With the way I want us to play, that comes with a bit of risk. Last week I felt, at times, we took the easy option and, for me, as a football team we aren't going to win matches that way.

"A world-class strike eases [the nerves] and we really had control of the game. We've got experience in this team. We're expecting a big season."

Despite the uplifting end result, it was not plain sailing for Fulham as Blackburn, who came to Craven Cottage having lost their opening game of the season to newly promoted Charlton, threatened through Bradley Johnson and Bradley Dack's headers in the first half.

Adam Armstrong then drove just wide of the far post in the 53rd minute, but Blackburn could not muster a shot on target against Fulham, which only served to strengthen Tony Mowbray's pre-match concerns about his side lacking creativity and flair up front.

Fulham's success against Blackburn was down, in part, to their improved collective defending since the previous week and, indeed, positive performances from new signings Harry Arter, who set up Cairney's opener, and wide man Anthony Knockaert.

The latter, on loan from Brighton, saw a curling second-half effort fly just over the bar, which may have alleviated fans' fears about Fulham's attacking threat following the sale of academy starlet Ryan Sessegnon to Tottenham on deadline day.

"We know the quality he [Knockaert] brings - he always gets you off you seat as a fan," Parker said. "You always sense something is going to happen. He's been superb. I know there's still plenty more to come from him so that's pleasing.

"After last week against Barnsley, I felt we came up short in terms of physicality, the basics of the game. We've been going on all week about giving yourself a platform, a foundation and that comes from doing the basics well. Last week, we didn't do the basics well and we never got a foothold into the game because of it.

"We all realise how difficult this league can be. I'm sure there will be some blips. But I'd like to think that over the coming weeks, we'll create a mentality where we can bounce back."

This is something that will also concern Mowbray, whose Blackburn side sit rock bottom of the Championship after their second straight loss of the season. "I thought we played really well," he said. "In the first half, we were the dominant side. We didn't punish them."



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/aug/10/fulham-blackburn-championship-match-report

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Cairney stunner sets Fulham on their way to victory over Blackburn

A superb Tom Cairney goal helped Fulham record their first victory of the fledgling season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage.

The Fulham captain, who endured a frustrating season in the Premier League, demonstrated the poise, positional sense and positivity which sets him apart at Championship level.

He bestrode the game and capped a fine individual display with a long-range strike 11 minutes before half-time.

Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed victory by tapping home an 82nd-minute Joe Bryan cross.

How different it might have been. Blackburn came within a mistimed Bradley Johnson header of taking the lead within the opening 50 seconds.

Adam Armstrong swung over a cross that hung in the swirling breeze by the banks of the Thames and denied Johnson the chance to power home his header. Instead, his effort apologetically bounced wide of Marcus Bettinelli's left-hand post.

Harry Arter was then on hand to fling his body in the way of a Johnson shot as Fulham were guilty of overplaying at times. Insistent on passing out from the back, they gave the ball away while still in their own half on a number of occasions.

Indeed, Mitrovic's most telling contribution in the opening 20 minutes was a blistering volley over his own crossbar as he defended a free-kick.

The home side finally roused themselves. First, Mitrovic dragging his shot wide after being set free on the halfway line, then Anthony Knockaert went closer with another left-foot effort.

Cairney did not miss when Fulham took the lead in the 34th minute. Cairney collected a short pass 30 yards out, sized up his angles and let fly with a sumptuous left-foot strike which had Rovers keeper Christian Walton grasping at thin air as it struck the net.

Fulham emerged for the second half buoyed by the lead they were enjoying. They pressed forward at every opportunity with Cairney outstanding in his ability to create time and space in which to direct attacks.

Blackburn were being hemmed in, yet broke away in the 53rd minute and almost equalised through Armstrong whose skimming shot missed the far post by inches.

As the game began to swing from one penalty area to the other, Ivan Cavaleiro was thwarted by a superb last-ditch tackle by Elliott Bennett as he rounded Bettinelli.

Next, Knockaert was left hopping in frustration after scooping an angled shot over the bar before Blackburn substitute Danny Graham headed a Bennett cross wastefully wide three minutes after replacing Lewis Travis.

Fulham's victory was assured eight minutes from time when the excellent Bryan galloped forward from left-back, rode two challenges and pulled the ball square for Mitrovic to tap home from six yards.



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/cairney-stunner-sets-fulham-their-way-victory-over-blackburn#WSE3mDecqot3J2Yd.99

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Fulham 2-0 Blackburn: Tom Cairney inspires Cottagers to first win of the season with stunning strike

    Goals from Tom Cairney and Aleksandr Mitrovic helped Fulham beat Blackburn
    It was the newly-relegated Cottagers first Championship victory of the season
    They will next travel to Huddersfield Town for their next Championship clash

A superb Tom Cairney goal helped Fulham record their first victory of the fledgling season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage.

The Fulham captain, who endured a frustrating season in the Premier League, demonstrated the poise, positional sense and positivity which sets him apart at Championship level.

He bestrode the game and capped a fine individual display with a long-range strike 11 minutes before half-time.


Tom Cairney's wonder-strike helped Fulham beat Blackburn for their first win of the season

Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed victory by tapping home an 82nd-minute Joe Bryan cross.

How different it might have been. Blackburn came within a mistimed Bradley Johnson header of taking the lead within the opening 50 seconds.

Adam Armstrong swung over a cross that hung in the swirling breeze by the banks of the Thames and denied Johnson the chance to power home his header.

Instead, his effort apologetically bounced wide of Marcus Bettinelli's left-hand post.


Harry Arter made his Fulham debut after joining on loan from Premier League Bournemouth

Harry Arter was then on hand to fling his body in the way of a Johnson shot as Fulham were guilty of overplaying at times. Insistent on passing out from the back, they gave the ball away while still in their own half on a number of occasions.


With 35 minutes gone, the club captain unleashed a shot from outside the box


Blackburn keeper Christian Walton was helpless to stop the ball hitting the back of the net

Indeed, Mitrovic's most telling contribution in the opening 20 minutes was a blistering volley over his own crossbar as he defended a free-kick.

The home side finally roused themselves. First, Mitrovic dragging his shot wide after being set free on the halfway line, then Anthony Knockaert went closer with another left-foot effort.

Cairney did not miss when Fulham took the lead in the 34th minute. Cairney collected a short pass 30 yards out, sized up his angles and let fly with a sumptuous left-foot strike which had Rovers keeper Christian Walton grasping at thin air as it struck the net.

Fulham emerged for the second half buoyed by the lead they were enjoying. They pressed forward at every opportunity with Cairney outstanding in his ability to create time and space in which to direct attacks.

Blackburn were being hemmed in, yet broke away in the 53rd minute and almost equalised through Armstrong whose skimming shot missed the far post by inches.

As the game began to swing from one penalty area to the other, Ivan Cavaleiro was thwarted by a superb last-ditch tackle by Elliott Bennett as he rounded Bettinelli.

Next, Knockaert was left hopping in frustration after scooping an angled shot over the bar before Blackburn substitute Danny Graham headed a Bennett cross wastefully wide three minutes after replacing Lewis Travis.

Fulham's victory was assured eight minutes from time when the excellent Bryan galloped forward from left-back, rode two challenges and pulled the ball square for Mitrovic to tap home from six yards.


All three points were secured thanks to Aleksandr Mitrovic's first goal of the season late on



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7344555/Fulham-2-0-Blackburn-Tom-Cairney-inspires-Cottagers-win-season-stunning-strike.html

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Parker predicts 'big season' for Fulham after first win

Fulham boss Scott Parker is confident of "a big season" ahead following the 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage.

The Whites were worthy of their first three points back in the Championship against a physical Rovers' outfit, with goals from Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic crowning a confident and robust display.

The victory was important for Fulham, after their surprise opening day defeat at Barnsley – and Parker was pleased with the response overall.

"We've got real experience in this team with Tom, Mitro, Harry (Arter) who has been through a promotion before so we're expecting a big season," he said. "We all realise how tough this league can be.

"I felt at the start there was a little edginess but I thought the boys were very brave and played in the way I want them to play. It was world class strike (from Cairney) to ease us and we had control of the game despite them causing us a few problems. I was quite comfortable by the way we finished.

"We spoke after last week against Barnsley – I felt we came up short on the physicality and the basics but we got a foothold today. We did the dirty side and got second balls, with Cairney and Mitrovic giving us a real platform to win the game."

Parker also singled out Anthony Knockaert who made a real impact and feels his team can now go a consistent run, beginning on Friday away to Huddersfield Town.

"He gets you off your seat and you sense he makes things happen," added the manager. "It's pleasing for me as there will be a lot more to come from him as well. Along the way there will be blips but if we can sustain a good mentality we can look forward to Friday against Huddersfield."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-predicts-big-season-for-fulham-after-first-win

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 Fulham 2-0 Blackburn: Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic get Cottagers off the mark
Scott Parker earns first win of the season as Fulham win at Craven Cottage

A superb Tom Cairney goal helped Fulham record their first victory of the fledgling season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage.

The Fulham captain, who endured a frustrating season in the Premier League, demonstrated the poise, positional sense and positivity which sets him apart at Championship level.

He bestrode the game and capped a fine individual display with a long-range strike 11 minutes before half-time.

Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed victory by tapping home an 82nd-minute Joe Bryan cross.


Fulham's Tom Cairney celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game

How different it might have been. Blackburn came within a mistimed Bradley Johnson header of taking the lead within the opening 50 seconds.

Adam Armstrong swung over a cross that hung in the swirling breeze by the banks of the Thames and denied Johnson the chance to power home his header. Instead, his effort apologetically bounced wide of Marcus Bettinelli's left-hand post.

Harry Arter was then on hand to fling his body in the way of a Johnson shot as Fulham were guilty of overplaying at times. Insistent on passing out from the back, they gave the ball away while still in their own half on a number of occasions.

Indeed, Mitrovic's most telling contribution in the opening 20 minutes was a blistering volley over his own crossbar as he defended a free-kick.

The home side finally roused themselves. First, Mitrovic dragged his shot wide after being set free on the halfway line, then Anthony Knockaert went closer with another left-foot effort.

Cairney did not miss when Fulham took the lead in the 34th minute. Cairney collected a short pass 30 yards out, sized up his angles and let fly with a sumptuous left-foot strike which had Rovers keeper Christian Walton grasping at thin air as it struck the net.

Fulham emerged for the second half buoyed by the lead they were enjoying. They pressed forward at every opportunity with Cairney outstanding in his ability to create time and space in which to direct attacks.

Blackburn were being hemmed in, yet broke away in the 53rd minute and almost equalised through Armstrong whose skimming shot missed the far post by inches.

As the game began to swing from one penalty area to the other, Ivan Cavaleiro was thwarted by a superb last-ditch tackle by Elliott Bennett as he rounded Bettinelli.

Next, Knockaert was left hopping in frustration after scooping an angled shot over the bar before Blackburn substitute Danny Graham headed a Bennett cross wastefully wide three minutes after replacing Lewis Travis.

Fulham's victory was assured eight minutes from time when the excellent Bryan galloped forward from left-back, rode two challenges and pulled the ball square for Mitrovic to tap home from six yards.

The managers

Scott Parker: "There was a bit of edginess and nerves at the beginning from us, but at same time the boys were also very brave. The way I want us to play comes with a certain risk and a world-class strike from Tom [Cairney] eased things for us.

"Last week at Barnsley, we took the easy option at times. As a team we're not going to win football matches that way."

Tony Mowbray: "We were the dominant team for the whole of the first half. On balance, it looked like there was only one team going to score. The second half was scrappy and neither side had many chances.

"I thought we played really well for spells. It's pretty easy to write that it was a mundane 2-0 victory for the home side, but I don't think that was the case at all."



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-blackburn/report/409364

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham Win In Home Opener Against Blackburn

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This is our initial reaction to Fulham's 2-0 victory against Blackburn. Co-host Emilio Di Nello was at Craven Cottage and he shared his view of this match. We also discussed who could be the "Fulham Man Of The Match".


Lastly, you can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/8/10/20800099/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-win-in-home-opener-against-blackburn

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker hails Fulham's bravery after edging past Blackburn

Fulham manager Scott Parker praised his side's bravery as they adhered to his passing creed to secure a 2-0 victory over Blackburn at Craven Cottage.

There were numerous occasions in the first half when the home side lost possession in their own half and had Fulham supporters hiding faces behind fingers in anxiety.

Yet Parker insisted his footballing way is the best path for promotion as Fulham aim to regain their place in the Premier League at the end of the season.

"There was a bit of edginess and nerves at the beginning from us, but at same time the boys were also very brave," Parker said.

"The way I want us to play comes with a certain risk and a world-class strike from Tom [Cairney] eased things for us.

"Last week at Barnsley, we took the easy option at times. As a team we're not going to win football matches that way."

Parker was full of praise for Fulham goalscorers Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic, as well as the experience of defender Tim Ream.

He believes the experience gained by winning promotion 15 months ago will serve his side well in the current Sky Bet Championship campaign, notably by dealing the aerial threat and physicality.

"Of course Blackburn caused us one or two problems with some big balls into the box, but we had control of the game after Tom's goal," Parker added.

"We were a bit short in terms of physicality and the basics of the game last week, so we spoke all week about giving ourselves the foundation by doing the basics well.

"We did the dirty side well and that gave us the platform to go and produce through the individuals we have.

"We have got a lot of experience in this team with Tom, Mitro and Tim Ream in this team. And Harry Arter has come in who had a promotion with Bournemouth.

"We all realise how tough this league is, but we're expecting a big season here."

By contrast, Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray bemoaned his side's inability to turn their first-half territory and possession into the goal which would have given the match an altogether different feel.

Rovers remain pointless after their opening two fixtures, but Mowbray insisted there is no need top panic just two games in.

Mowbray said: "We were the dominant team for the whole of the first half. On balance, it looked like there was only one team going to score. The second half was scrappy and neither side had many chances.

"I thought we played really well for spells. It's pretty easy to write that it was a mundane 2-0 victory for the home side, but I don't think that was the case at all.

"Their goal came in isolation, I would suggest. We kept taking the ball off them and got in great positions, but didn't punish them so we'll get back on the bus and go home. It was a little bit the same as last week against Charlton.

"I'm sure that Scott will say it will take time to bed his side down but if Fulham are a lot of people's favourites to get promotion this year, then I don't think there is much between the teams."



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-hails-fulhams-bravery-after-edging-past-blackburn#IvZWLcudTmDj1S1Y.99

[WhiteJC]

Cairney curler sets Fulham on their way

A sublime strike from skipper from Tom Cairney against his former club set Fulham on their way to their first Championship victory of the season as the Whites beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

Cairney's audacious curler from 25 yards gave Scott Parker's side a half-time lead that Fulham barely merited, given a nervous start and the fact that Blackburn produced a far better display than during their opening day defeat to newly-promoted Charlton. The hosts had their own poor start to rectify following a lamentable reverse at Barnsley and the assured debut of new signing Harry Arter added a bit of bite and mobility to a midfield that had been far too passive at Oakwell.

There still enough signs of sloppiness to frustrate Parker in an error-strewn opening, however. Rovers might have taken the lead inside the first twenty seconds when Bradley Johnson steered an inviting cross from Adam Armstrong wide of Marcus Bettinelli's goal. The dangerous Bradley Dack had a low drive deflected fractionally wide in a bright Blackburn opening and Arter had to produce a desperate block with Johnson ready to pounce at the back post after a neat move down the right.

The closest Aleksandar Mitrovic, who looked a forlorn figure at the heart of the Fulham attack again in the early stages, got to making an impression was at the wrong end when he skied a clearance over his own crossbar. Fulham threatened in fits and starts with Anthony Knockaert, on his first start for the Cottagers, looking the most likely source of an opportunity as he cut in from the right flank. Toison Adarabioyo blocked his low cross-cum-shot, but the French winger's energy seemed to lift his team-mates.

Fulham fashioned a pairing of decent chances in the space of two minutes. Mitrovic outmuscled two Blackburn defenders to surge up to the edge of the box, but slashed a shot wide, before Knockaert drove dangerously into the box himself and dragged his own effort wide. Knockaert then had a goalbound shot blocked and Mitrovic's ambitious overhead kick flew harmlessly wide.

The home side were working up a head of steam but Cairney's opening strike still came somewhat out of the blue. There appeared little danger as Arter was faced by two defenders 25 yards from goal, but the on-loan Bournemouth midfielder did brilliantly to feed Cairney, who had enough time to pick his spot and beautifully found the top corner with a trademark left-footed effort from range.

Blackburn, to their credit, still pushed forwards before the break. Armstrong's clever movement was causing some serious problems for a Fulham back four that continues to look frail, with Sam Gallagher flicking a header wide from an Elliott Bennett cross. Tony Mowbray's men had been more than a match for their hosts in the first half and could justifiably consider themselves unfortunate to be behind.

Parker has continued to ask his side to play out from the back, but the Whites haven't found their feet in that respect. Wayward passes created problems at Barnsley and Blackburn had clearly been taking notes as Dack pounced on a poor ball to send Armstrong clear, but the forward's shot flew wide of the far post with Bettinelli stranded.

There were a few defensive jitters at the other end, too. Ivan Cavaleiro looked the favourite to gallop around Christian Walton before Bennett intervened and, shortly afterwards, Arter drilled a sighter wide from the edge of the box. Fulham were getting a bit more joy from their attacks as the second half progressed – with one swift counter-attack culminating in Knockaert curling a left-footed strike fractionally wide as he darted into the box.

Mowbray threw on a couple of forwards in search of a spark and Rovers almost found one when Gallagher did well to drift between Alfie Mawson and Tim Ream but sent a looping header wide. But the visitors' ambition left more space at the back, something ruthlessly exploited by Joe Bryan's surging run from left back that finished the contest with nine minutes to play.

Bryan, whose dreadful effort had led to Barnsley's opening last week, galloped more than 50 yards with the ball at his feet and then had the presence of mind to square for Mitrovic as a retreating Rovers' defence closed in – leaving the former Newcastle front man a simple finish from close range.

A third would have been exceedingly harsh on Mowbray's side but Bobby Decordova-Reid really should have marked an encouraging cameo with a debut goal. Bettinelli went route one from a goalkick and Decordova-Reid, a deadline-day arrival from Cardiff City, gambled to reach Mitrovic's flick but then contrived to shoot wide from eight yards with only Walton to beat.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Odoi, Bryan, Mawson, Ream; Arter, Johansen (Decordova-Reid 62), Cairney; Knockaert (Le Marchand 84), Cavaleiro (Reed 79), Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Rodak, Christie, McDonald, Ayite.

GOALS: Cairney (35), Mitrovic (81).

BLACKBURN ROVERS (4-2-3-1): Walton; Bennett, Bell (Downing 71), Adarabioyo, Williams; Johnson, Travis (Graham 74); Rothwell (Brereton 65), Armstrong, Dack; Gallagher. Subs (not used): Leutwiler, Platt, C. Evans, Buckley.

BOOKED: Johnson, Bennett.

REFEREE: Keith Stroud (Bournemouth).

ATTENDANCE: 17,987.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/08/cairney-curler-sets-fulham-on-their-way/

[WhiteJC]

Parker praises Fulham's response

Scott Parker was pleased with Fulham's response to their opening day defeat at Barnsley – praising his side's bravery for sticking to their style of play during today's 2-0 win over Blackburn.

The Whites recorded their first three points of the Championship campaign with a home victory that was without a few sloppy moments – but Parker insisted his team should stick to playing in the manner he has drilled them in throughout pre-season.

    There was a bit of edginess and nerves at the beginning from us, but at same time the boys were also very brave. The way I want us to play comes with a certain risk and a world-class strike from Tom [Cairney] eased things for us. Last week at Barnsley, we took the easy option at times. As a team we're not going to win football matches that way.

    Of course Blackburn caused us one or two problems with some big balls into the box, but we had control of the game after Tom's goal. We were a bit short in terms of physicality and the basics of the game last week, so we spoke all week about giving ourselves the foundation by doing the basics well.

    We did the dirty side well and that gave us the platform to go and produce through the individuals we have. We have got a lot of experience in this team with Tom, Mitro and Tim Ream in this team. And Harry Arter has come in who had a promotion with Bournemouth. We all realise how tough this league is, but we're expecting a big season here.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/08/parker-praises-fulhams-response/