Saturday Fulham Stuff - 28/09/19...

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Results

Friday
Fulham	2-0	Wigan
Stoke	2-3	Nottm Forest

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Fulham 2-0 Wigan Athletic

Fulham ended their five-game winless run in all competitions with a deserved home victory over Wigan Athletic.
Joe Bryan fired into the bottom corner shortly after half-time to break the deadlock and Tom Cairney's sweet strike from the edge of the box found the top corner to seal the three points late on.
Those two second-half goals came after the hosts had controlled a goalless first half but had been thwarted by in-form Wigan goalkeeper David Marshall.
The result leaves the Latics with just one win in their past 26 away league matches since August 2018 and with just eight points from their nine league matches so far this term.
Scott Parker's side rose to seventh in the table with what was their third home win of the campaign.
Wigan had arrived at Craven Cottage after a recent upturn in form, after ending a five-game losing streak with two consecutive draws and then beating Charlton 2-0 last time out.
But Fulham, who had drawn their previous three Championship games 1-1, dominated the latter parts of the first half and went close through Aleksandar Mitrovic and Anthony Knockaert, with the latter denied by Marshall's fine near-post save.
After left-back Bryan's opener on the rebound, Marshall again parried a Knockaert effort following a fine run from the winger.
But as the away side looked for a leveller, the Latics keeper could do nothing about Cairney's perfectly-curled strike in the latter stages, after Knockaert had squared the ball to him outside the area.
Fulham boss Scott Parker: "I think everyone was relieved. I was relieved on the side, along with the coaches. Certainly the players, and I think the fans were as well.
"I think over the last few weeks the results haven't been there, but performances certainly have. We have probably played better over the course of the last few weeks and not got the results.
"I think the result was key tonight obviously, and the second goal going in probably just took that edginess off us.
"And I understand that. We have been wounded over the last few weeks and when you have sucker punches like we have over the last few weeks it has an effect. And certainly it has had an effect on the players and it probably had an effect on the crowd at times.
"But the players were superb tonight and it's a good result."
Wigan manager Paul Cook: "It was a fair result. I've no problems with the result in any shape or form.
"I think Fulham are a very, very good side and they played very well tonight and deserved the win.
"We keep going. It was always going to be a tough night. We stuck at it with admirable qualities without ever looking like we would get back into it."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49764488

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Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker was relieved to return to winning ways, as his side dismantled Wigan Athletic at Craven Cottage. 
A Joe Bryan goal just after the start of the second and a Tom Cairney left-footed special was enough to secure all three points. 
"I think everyone was relieved," said the Fulham Head Coach.
"Over the last few weeks, the results haven't been there, but the performances certainly have.
"We've probably played better over the course of the last few weeks and not got the result.
"The result was key tonight and the second goal took the edginess off us.
"When you've been hit by sucker punches, it has an affect on the players and the crowd, but the crowd were superb, and the players were superb.
"Every team that has come here have set there stall out, have been resilient in their work and it's been difficult to break them down.
"All week we've worked on moving the ball quickly and adding more crosses into the box.
"We tried to keep the tempo high, and we didn't let it drop. I felt we did well against a good, physical side.
"These past few weeks, when we went one-up, we probably sat back a bit, gave the other team impetus and ultimately paid the price, but tonight we went up another level, we raised the tempo and work rate, which was pleasing."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/september/27/scott-parker-press conference-wigan

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Fulham eye £7m deal for rising Liverpool star

Fulham are seeking a £7 million fee for Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott.
Elliott moved to Anfield this summer from the west Londoners, where he became their youngest-ever debutant and made three senior appearances last season.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were among those tracking the 16-year-old, who made his Reds debut during Wednesday's Carabao Cup win over MK Dons.
But Liverpool are yet to enter talks over a compensation agreement with Fulham for Elliott after he rejected a scholarship offer with the now Championship club.
The Cottagers have set the teenager's valuation ahead of a possible tribunal hearing which would determine the cost of the club's investment in the player.



https://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-transfers/34946-fulham-eye-7m-deal-for-rising-liverpool-star-harvey-elliott-ryan-kent/

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Fulham 2 Wigan Athletic 0

Wigan Athletic's three-match unbeaten run was sunk on the banks of the Thames as Fulham showcased their superiority across the park with a thoroughly convincing 2-0 victory.
Wigan's away-day misery continued, and there was never any real chance of a rare victory on the road as Scott Parker's promotion favourites bossed from start to finish.
Latics got off on the wrong foot when skipper Sam Morsy was yellow-carded inside three minutes for a foul - one of several lively challenges in the early exchanges.

When the football eventually broke out, Latics were indebted to Chey Dunkley for a superb block from Harrison Reed's snapshot.

Another Reed strike from distance was straight at David Marshall, who was then in the right place at the right time to pouch a goalbound flick from Aleksandar Mitrovic.
It was all Fulham at this stage, and Marshall made a fantastic save at point-blank range to deny Anthony Knockaert, after a lovely one-two with Tom Cairney.
A Knockaert cross from the left then found the unmarked Mitrovic, who made a decent connection, but the ball flew just over the bar.
Somehow Latics made it to the break, but the deadlock was broken within two minutes of the restart.

Half-time substitute Kal Naismith - on for Michael Jacobs - barely had time to draw breath before the home side went in front, Joe Bryan drilling past Marshall after the Latics defence failed to clear a corner.
Latics at least showed some fight by embarking on a couple of nice breaks, with Lee Evans firing just over the bar and having another effort well blocked.
Marshall made another stunning save to deny Knockaert, with Antonee Robinson clearing the ball before Ivan Cavaleiro could slot home the loose ball.
Evans sent another effort just over the bar before Latics were put out of their misery with seven minutes to go.


Fulham captain Cairney was given too much time and space 25 yards from goal, and he sent a magnificent left-footed strike past the despairing fingertips of Marshall and into the top corner.



https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/football/fulham-2-wigan-athletic-0-1-10021895

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Fulham 2-0 Wigan: Tom Cairney stunner seals points for Scott Parker's side to end five-match winless streak
Joe Bryan opened the scoring for Fulham with his strike on 47 minutes
Bryan's goal was a deserved reward for a dominant Fulham performance
Fulham's win sees them move up to seventh place in the Championship

After five weeks and five games of frustration, here was the welcome return of that winning feeling for Fulham.
Their last taste of victory had come against Millwall back on August 21, with a sequence of just three points from 12 in the Championship and a Carabao Cup exit dampening early season optimism.
And while battling Wigan ensured this was far from Fulham's prettiest performance, this win could well restore some momentum to their promotion bid.
After all, they're only three points off the top despite their barren run.
It had been almost exactly a year since Joe Bryan's last Fulham goal but the left-back picked his moment to reward their control of this contest.
And Tom Cairney's sumptuous late second gave the scoreline the complexion it deserved, the Fulham skipped picking out the top corner from 20 yards after Anthony Knockaert's run and pass. 
'We have been wounded over the last few weeks, when you have those sucker punches it has an effect,' Fulham manager Scott Parker said.
'In past weeks we've gone 1-0 up, sat off and paid the price but the players were superb tonight.'
'Fair result, they thoroughly deserved to win that. We stuck at it with admirable qualities but never looked like getting back into the game,' Wigan boss Paul Cook said.
'Fulham will go on and do well in the league this season.'
The first-half followed that familiar Fulham pattern. They dominated the ball, death by passing with up to 70 per cent of possession, slowly chipping away at a well-organised Wigan defensive line.
At first, the hosts got bogged down, Cairney, Knockaert and their other creative forces stifled by an effective Wigan press. But, as time wore on, they did grind away and begin to create chances.
The Latics had threatened in the third minute when Nathan Byrne was left criminally unmarked at the back of the Fulham box only for his low shot to lack the power to beat Marcus Bettinelli.
Thereafter it was one-way traffic with the average positions of the Fulham players inching ever further forwards.
Alfie Mawson flicked wide from Bryan's short corner before Harrison Reed fired straight at Wigan keeper David Marshall from 30 yards.
Such relentless possession left Wigan hemmed in and having been fitful at first, Fulham found their fluency in the final 10 minutes of the half.
Stefan Johansen sent in a ball from the right that Aleksandar Mitrovic hooked towards goal but Marshall was equal to it.
Cairney then slipped the perfect through ball into Knockaert inside the box and the Frenchman really should have hit it first time. Instead, he took two touches and Marshall spread himself to block with his chest.
The best chance of the half was the last one, the kind Mitrovic usually gobbles up. Knockaert swung in an excellent cross and the Serb lifted it over the top from 10 yards.
Clearly Scott Parker reiterated in his half-time address that continued pressure would yield rewards and so it proved just two minutes into the second-half.
Chey Dunkley fouled Cairney and was booked, the resulting free-kick lifted into a crowded area by Knockaert. It was Dunkley who initially headed clear and then blocked Bryan's first attempt.
But the ball pinged straight back to Bryan, whose follow-up found a path through the throng to break the deadlock.
Wigan had little choice but to commit forward and nearly equalised when Lee Evans' first-time strike from 25 yards brushed the roof of the net.
Dunkley then barged into Bettinelli from a corner, flooring the Fulham keeper and prompting a reaction from Reed, who shoved Dunkley over and was booked.
Normal service was swiftly resumed, with Marshall parrying away a fierce Knockaert drive after a characteristically mazy run.
And it was another Knockaert burst that provided the ammunition for Cairney's classy second to seal it.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7513521/Fulham-2-0-Wigan-Tom-Cairney-stunner-seals-points-dominant-Cottagers.html

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Wigan Athletic boss: We were well-beaten by Fulham

Paul Cook admitted his Wigan Athletic side can have no complaints whatsoever at their 2-0 defeat at Fulham.
Latics were second best across the board at Craven Cottage, as their three-match unbeaten sequence was smashed into the West London night.
After a goalless first-half, during which Latics were indebted to goalkeeper David Marshall for a number of fine saves, Fulham turned the screw in the second period.

Joe Bryan scored the opening goal within two minutes of the restart, and Tom Cairney secured the points seven minutes from time with a world-class strike from distance.

Indeed, only more fine goalkeeping from Marshall prevented the scoreline getting out of hand.
"It was a fair result," said the Latics boss. "I've got no problem with the result in any way, shape of form.
"They're a good side, they played very well and they thoroughly deserved their victory.
"You look around here and it's a fantastic, traditional stadium, a great place to play football.

"We knew it would be a tough night for us, but we stuck at it with admirable qualities - albeit we never looked like getting back in the game.
"The fixtures are what they are, and we're already thinking about Birmingham on Tuesday night.
"We certainly have a different agenda to Fulham, who look a very good side.
"I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see them doing very well in the league this year."


Cook confirmed Michael Jacobs was substituted at half-time because of a hamstring problem which will be assessed over the weekend.



https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/football/wigan-athletic-boss-we-were-well-beaten-by-fulham-1-10021911

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Result: Fulham end winless run with victory over Wigan Athletic

Tom Cairney's superb long-range strike capped Fulham's 2-0 home victory over Wigan which ended a run of five games in all competitions without a win for Scott Parker's side.

Joe Bryan had fired the Cottagers ahead two minutes into the second half and Cairney's outstanding effort from 25 yards seven minutes from time ensured there was no way back for the visitors.

The victory – that came after three successive 1-1 draws – moved the Cottagers up to seventh place in the Sky Bet Championship.

And for Wigan, defeat meant they extended a dismal away record that has seen them win just one of their last 26 league games on the road.

Parker's side had been left frustrated after conceding an added time equaliser at Sheffield Wednesday last time out.

But they were facing a Wigan side boosted by a 2-0 victory over Charlton, their first win since the opening day of the season.

That result came on the back of successive draws, boosting hopes Paul Cook's side had turned the corner.

But after a positive opening, it quickly became clear the visitors would face a testing evening as the home side settled to take control of the first half for long periods.

Yet while a succession of passing moves took Parker's men towards the edge of the Wigan penalty area, they struggled to deliver the kind of final ball that would trouble the Latics defence.

Visiting goalkeeper David Marshall was finally tested in the 37th minute when Fulham Aleksandar Mitrovic volleyed goalwards from Steven Sessegnon.

Marshall dealt with that effort comfortably but he was presented with a much sterner test two minutes later when Anthony Knockaert fired in an angled shot from close range that the keeper did well to beat away.

It was clear Parker's side would have to do more if they were to turn their dominance into goals.

And it took them just two minutes to find the cutting edge they had lacked in the first half to force the lead.

The chance came about after Wigan defender Chey Dunkley conceded a free-kick close to his own penalty area following a clumsy challenge on Cairney.

Knockaert's set-piece was headed clear by Dunkley, but only as far as Bryan who drilled the ball past Marshall after seeing his first effort blocked.

Wigan could no longer afford to sit back and they almost conjured a response five minutes later when Lee Evans fired over from 25 yards.

Marshall again denied Knockaert as Fulham went in search of the second goal that would provide much-needed breathing space.

And that finally came when Cairney strode forward and sent a dipping shot beyond Marshall in the 83rd minute



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/result-fulham-end-winless-run-with-victory-over-wigan_373102.html

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Fulham return to winning ways after seeing off stubborn Wigan

Tom Cairney's superb long-range strike capped Fulham's 2-0 home victory over Wigan which ended a run of five games in all competitions without a win for Scott Parker's side.
Joe Bryan had fired the Cottagers ahead two minutes into the second half and Cairney's outstanding effort from 25 yards seven minutes from time ensured there was no way back for the visitors.
The victory – that came after three successive 1-1 draws – moved the Cottagers up to seventh place in the Sky Bet Championship.

And for Wigan, defeat meant they extended a dismal away record that has seen them win just one of their last 26 league games on the road.

Parker's side had been left frustrated after conceding an added time equaliser at Sheffield Wednesday last time out.
But they were facing a Wigan side boosted by a 2-0 victory over Charlton, their first win since the opening day of the season.
That result came on the back of successive draws, boosting hopes Paul Cook's side had turned the corner.

But after a positive opening, it quickly became clear the visitors would face a testing evening as the home side settled to take control of the first half for long periods.
Yet while a succession of passing moves took Parker's men towards the edge of the Wigan penalty area, they struggled to deliver the kind of final ball that would trouble the Latics defence.
Visiting goalkeeper David Marshall was finally tested in the 37th minute when Fulham Aleksandar Mitrovic volleyed goalwards from Steven Sessegnon.
Marshall dealt with that effort comfortably but he was presented with a much sterner test two minutes later when Anthony Knockaert fired in an angled shot from close range that the keeper did well to beat away.
It was clear Parker's side would have to do more if they were to turn their dominance into goals.
And it took them just two minutes to find the cutting edge they had lacked in the first half to force the lead.
The chance came about after Wigan defender Chey Dunkley conceded a free-kick close to his own penalty area following a clumsy challenge on Cairney.
Knockaert's set-piece was headed clear by Dunkley, but only as far as Bryan who drilled the ball past Marshall after seeing his first effort blocked.
Wigan could no longer afford to sit back and they almost conjured a response five minutes later when Lee Evans fired over from 25 yards.
Marshall again denied Knockaert as Fulham went in search of the second goal that would provide much-needed breathing space.
And that finally came when Cairney strode forward and sent a dipping shot beyond Marshall in the 83rd minute.



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulham-return-winning-ways-after-seeing-stubborn-wigan#ylX2IkAhH06l5fCp.99

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Scott Parker "relieved" after Fulham end winless streak

Scott Parker was relieved as Fulham ended a run of five games without a win with a 2-0 defeat of Wigan at Craven Cottage.

Parker conceded his side had been scarred after conceding late equalisers in their previous two games.

But Tom Cairney's 83rd-minute strike created a two-goal cushion following Joe Bryan's 47th-minute opener to ensure there would be no repeat.

The manager said: "I think everyone was relieved. I was relieved on the side, along with the coaches. Certainly the players, and I think the fans were as well.

"I think over the last few weeks the results haven't been there, but performances certainly have. We have probably played better over the course of the last few weeks and not got the results.

"I think the result was key tonight obviously, and the second goal going in probably just took that edginess off us.

"And I understand that. We have been wounded over the last few weeks and when you have sucker punches like we have over the last few weeks it has an effect. And certainly it has had an effect on the players and it probably had an effect on the crowd at times.

"But the players were superb tonight and it's a good result."

Parker insisted his side had been forced to work hard for the win.

He added: "Every team that has come here has set their stall out and been very resilient in their work and been difficult to break down.

"We have worked all week on moving the ball and trying to get more balls into the box and keeping the tempo high. I felt we did that well tonight, against a good side.

"In the last few weeks, we have gone 1-0 up and probably sat off it a little bit and given the team a bit more impetus to come at us and we have paid the price for that."

Wigan manager Paul Cook had no complaints about the result which brought an end to his side's three-game unbeaten run.

He said: "It was a fair result. I've no problems with the result in any shape or form.

"I think Fulham are a very, very good side and they played very well tonight and deserved the win.

"We keep going. It was always going to be a tough night. We stuck at it with admirable qualities without ever looking like we would get back into it."

Michael Jacobs was substituted at half-time and Cook admitted the midfielder was withdrawn as a precautionary measure.

He said: "Michael was feeling his hamstring. He hasn't pulled it, but we can't take any chances.

"I was just disappointed with the result and the one or two niggles we picked up but that's football."

Jamal Lowe and Kieffer Moore, signed from Barnsley and Portsmouth respectively during the close season, are still looking for their first Wigan goals and Cook admits it will take time for the pair to settle in.

He said: "I think they are doing their best. They've stepped up a level and there is a big difference between League One and the Championship. The two lads are working hard and the goals will come."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/scott-parker-relieved-after-fulham-end-winless-streak_373112.html

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Fulham v Wigan player ratings

Fulham secured a 2-0 win over Wigan at Craven Cottage under the Friday night lights. Here's how we rated each Whites player.
Marcus Bettinelli: 7
No shots on target faced but assured with his passes and had any Wigan attempts covered. Continued playing after being dealt a heavy blow in an aerial challenge and did well against physical opposition.
Steven Sessegnon: 7
A solid display for the young full-back, showing great awareness and agility to make interceptions and making only the odd mistake. Always made himself available when Fulham attacked with his tucked-in positioning.
Alfie Mawson: 7
Rarely challenged by Wigan's attack but covered well and made clearances when required; didn't always find his man with passes but comfortable against relatively weak opposition.
Tim Ream: 8
Alert to loose balls and confident in possession as ever, setting the tone for Fulham's passing out from the back. Unfazed by Wigan's laborious forwards.
Joe Bryan: 8
Creatively pushed forward and fashioned opportunities before smashing in his first Fulham league goal – with his right foot.
Harrison Reed: 8
Intelligently positioned throughout while supporting Fulham's frequent attacks, testing the keeper with a long-range strike in the first half. A challenging role alongside two forward-thinking midfielders, but Reed fit the deep role excellently.
Stefan Johansen: 8
Full of energy and developed attacks with a couple of wise flicks through to the front trio; his impressive lofted through ball created Mitrovic's first clear-cut opportunity. Swapped for Arter after a great all-round performance.
Tom Cairney: 9
Man-of-the-match performance from the captain, who was adept as always in pockets of space as Fulham advanced into the final third. Created five key chances for his teammates, before finishing off a counter-attack with another clinical curler from distance to seal the three points.
Anthony Knockaert: 8
Evidently instructed to cross at every opportunity, and found routes into the box himself once he switched wings with Cavaleiro. Worked hard to support his full-backs defensively and delivered an assist for Cairney's cracking goal.
Ivan Cavaleiro: 7
A quiet evening for the winger, struggling to link up with Bryan or to find room to cut inside and shoot. Subbed off for Decordova-Reid after 68 minutes.
Aleksandar Mitrović: 7
A typically rugged performance with a handful of glimpses at goal. Made himself a nuisance to Wigan's defence and showed good footwork to hold the ball up, even tracking back to win the ball when required.
Bobby Decordova-Reid: 6
Immediately looked lively and popped up when Fulham looked comfortable attacking in the final stages.
Harry Arter: 6
Subbed on shortly before Cairney sealed victory, shoring up the midfield. Josh Onomah was brought on too, for the final few minutes.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/wigan-ratings-championship-270919

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Bryan and Cairney get Fulham back on track with Friday night win over Wigan

Fulham 2 Wigan Athletic 0
Joe Bryan's first league goal for Fulham at the start of the second half set up for a much-needed win to restore faith in their promotion ambitions.
The Whites found it tough going in their bid to end a five-game winless run in a bad-tempered match and after a fruitless first half, badly needed the pick-me-up Bryan provided.
A superb curling shot from outside the box from Tom Cairney on 84 minutes after a breakaway charge from Anthony Knockaert sealed the deal.
Left-back Bryan, who scored some spectacular goals for former club Bristol City, had an initial effort blocked, but fired in the rebound with his weaker right foot past keeper David Marshall – the relief inspiring a knee-slide celebration towards the Hammersmith End.
Wigan hit back almost immediately, with Lee Evans clipping a first-time shot onto the roof of the net, and with the mood continuing to be feisty, the points looked far from secure.
Following a melee in the Fulham area, Harrison Reed was yellow carded for a barge off the ball, then Aleksandar Mitrovic went into the book following a tangle with Joe Williams, who was also cautioned.
Wigan had two other players booked before then and the undercurrent of spikiness was never far away and made for an untidy contest at times. But Fulham had enough quality and mettle, to come through and revive their stalled progress in the Championship.
For the Whites, It was a familiar tale of owning much of the ball without threatening as much as they should in the first 45 minutes.
The tigerish Reed had a goalbound shot blocked and another straight into Marshal's midriff, while Mitrovic volleyed tamely with another effort.
But Scott Parker's men looked more menacing as the half ended, with Knockaert forcing Marshall into a sharp save at his near post – Tom Cairney having slipped the winger into a shooting position.
Then, Mitrovic clipped just over after a tantalising low cross from the left from Ivan Cavaleiro.
If they took a while to find any rhythm, it was probably down to some robust challenges from the Latics, which seemed to knock the home side off their stride and the evening as a whole  threatened to turn a bit House of Commons.
Luckily, the fans could give their team a firm vote of confidence by the end.
Fulham: Bettinelli – Sessegnon, Mawson, Ream, Bryan – Johansen (Arter 79), Reed, Cairney – Knockaert (Onomah 87), Mitrovic, Cavaleiro (Reid 69). Subs not used: Rodak, Odoi, Le Marchand, Kamara.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2019/09/28/Bryan-and-Cairney-get-Fulham-back-on-track-with-Friday-night-win-over-Wigan

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Cottage Talk Full Time: Initial Reactions To Fulham's Victory Against Wigan
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This episode is our initial reactions to Fulham's 2-0 victory against Wigan. Emilio Di Nello was at Craven Cottage, and he shared his view of this match. He also discussed who he thought was the Man Of The Match.


Lastly, you can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/9/28/20887920/cottage-talk-full-time-initial-reactions-to-fulhams-victory-against-wigan

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Scott Parker glad to see Fulham back to winning ways after 'wounding' few weeks

Scott Parker admitted he was relieved to see his side end a frustrating run of five games without a win as his side swept Wigan Athletic aside on Friday night.
The Whites were far from at their best and had to cope with some strong-arm tactics from the no-nonsense Latics. But in the end they prevailed 2-0 to get their season up and running again.
Joe Bryan's first league goal for the club just after the break broke the deadlock and a sumptuous Tom Cairney shot settled the outcome six minutes from the end of normal time.
"I think everyone was [relieved] – the coaches, certainly the players and the fans were as well," said the Fulham boss.
"I think over the last few weeks the results have probably not been there but the performances certainly have.
"We've probably played better over the course of the last few weeks and not got the result. I think the result was key tonight, obviously and that second goal just took that edginess off us really."
Parker added: "We've been wounded the last few weeks and when you have sucker-punches like we've had over the last few weeks, it has an effect and probably had an effect on the players and the crowd at times. The crowd tonight were superb and the players were superb and it was a good result.
"We go 1-0 up the last few weeks and we've probably sat off it a little bit – given the [opposition] team a bit more impetus to come at us and normally we pay the price on that but tonight we scored the goal and went up another level from that. We raised the tempo, we raised our work-rate and that was pleasing."
Parker was also delighted that his team showed the stomach for a fight and were not to be denied by sometimes aggressive opposition, who flew into tackles and raised the on-field temperature.
"We've faced that a lot this year," he said. "Every team that comes here, they've set their stall out. They've been very resilient in their work and it's been difficult to break down.
"We wanted to keep the tempo high and not let it drop and I think that we did that very very well tonight against a very good side. They're a physical side."



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2019/09/28/Scott-Parker-glad-to-see-Fulham-back-to-winning-ways-after-wounding-few-weeks

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Bryan and Cairney put Fulham back on track

This was more like it. Fulham, without a win in more than a month, brushed aside what Scott Parker described as 'a wounding few weeks' and returned to winning ways as they eventually wore down Wigan at Craven Cottage tonight. They were forced to wait until deep into the second half to settle matters, however, after another sweet strike from skipper Tom Cairney followed Joe Bryan's first league goal for Fulham and made sure of all three points.
It might seem absurdly early for managers to be under pressure, but there were a few whispers circulating about whether Parker, still at the start of his first full season in charge at Craven Cottage, had the nous to navigate his charges through a serious promotion push after Fulham had squandered winning positions against West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday in recent weeks. The home side were dominant for most of this match as well, but proved ponderous in possession once again and had to wait until after half-time for the breakthrough.
Wigan almost surprised their hosts inside the first three minutes when the lively Nathan Bryne sped down the right flank and slammed an audacious effort in at the near post that Marcus Bettinelli did well to keep out. That proved to be the Latics' most potent threat of the first half – the spiky tackling of Sam Morsy, who was booked for a late challenge early on, aside. The Whites quickly applied pressure on the Wigan goal with Harrison Reed only denied by a brave block from Chey Dunkley. The experienced David Marshall fielded another speculative effort from the on-loan Southampton midifelder and then claimed a header from Aleksandar Mitrovic, who posed the Wigan defenders all sorts of problems from the off.
Marshall used all of his experience to rush from his line and narrow the angle to prevent Anthony Knockaert from opening the scoring after the winger had worked a lovely one-two with Cairney and a superb cross from the left presented Mitrovic with a glorious opportunity but the Serbian striker sent an effort fizzing agonisingly over the crossbar.
Somehow, the visitors got through to the interval unscathed but Paul Cook's gameplan needed revising just two minutes in the second half. There was an element of fortune about the goal, as a Knockaert free-kick was only half cleared and Bryan's first effort was blocked by a defender. He tried again with his weaker right foot and found the bottom corner to ease any nerves inside the Cottage.
To their immense credit, the visitors pushed men forward in search of an equaliser and the contest became a much more open one. Lee Evans shot just over the bar and had another effort gamely blocked by Cairney, who was eager to make amends after being robbed in the middle of the park. Fulham were also fortunate perhaps not to be reduced to ten men after the tigerish Reed sent Dunkley tumbling to the floor in the Fulham penalty area after the defender had felled Bettinelli at a corner. Reed was only shown a yellow card, as was Mitrovic after another flare up in the middle of the field.
Fulham almost added the crucial second just after the hour when a beautiful spin from the recalled Stefan Johansen set Cavaleiro haring down the middle of the pitch. The Portuguese winger released Bryan down the left and he released Knockaert into the penalty area, but Marshall did brilliantly to parry away the on-loan Brighton winger's shot and the excellent Antonee Robinson did superbly to reach the rebound ahead of Cavaleiro and clear.
Wigan continued to threaten on the break themselves, forcing a succession of corners to hint at another late comeback, and the increasingly influential Evans almost curled an audacious leveller in from long range, but the visitors were eventually caught out by a goal of the highest quality. Knockaert carried the ball deep into Wigan territory and a tired defender stood off Cairney until it was too late, as the Fulham captain curled a majestic finish into the top corner from 25 yards.
Fulham were far from their fluent best, but Parker will have been pleased with the higher tempo of their passing in the final third in the second half. He will also have drawn great satisfaction from a clean sheet as the Cottagers' climbed to seventh in the table ahead of a trip to Reading on Tuesday night.
FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; S. Sessegnon, Bryan, Mawson, Ream; Reed, Johansen (Arter 80), Cairney; Knockaert (Onomah 87), Cavaleiro (Decordova-Reid 69), Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Rodak, Le Marchand, Odoi, Kamara.
BOOKED: Reed, Mitrovic.
GOALS: Bryan (47), Cairney (83).
WIGAN ATHELTIC (4-2-3-1): Marshall; Byrne, Robinson, Dunkley, Mulgrew; Williams, Morsy; Lowe (Gelhardt 74), Jacobs (Naismith 45), Evans; Moore (Garner 69). Subs (not used): Jones, Fox, MacLeod, Massey.
BOOKED: Morsy, Dunkley, Williams.
REFEREE: Dean Whitestone (Northamptonshire).
ATTENDANCE: 18,253.



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