Sunday Fulham Stuff - 06/10/19...

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Results

Saturday
Fulham	2-2	Charlton
Bristol City	1-0	Reading
Derby	2-0	Luton
Huddersfield	3-0	Hull
Millwall	2-1	Leeds
Nottm Forest	1-0	Brentford
Preston NE	5-1	Barnsley
Swansea	1-2	Stoke
QPR	4-2	Blackburn
Sheff Wed	1-0	Wigan
West Brom	4-2	Cardiff

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Fulham 2-2 Charlton Athletic

Ivan Cavaleiro scored his first goal in six Fulham appearances to make it 1-1

Fulham twice came from behind to draw a pulsating London derby against Charlton Athletic at Craven Cottage.

The Addicks, who have started the season impressively since winning promotion from League One, deservedly led at the break through Conor Gallagher's smart low finish.

The lively Ivan Cavaleiro fired into the top corner after exchanging passes with Bobby Reid to make it 1-1, only for Macauley Bonne's looping header to restore Charlton's advantage 90 seconds later.

But Fulham, much improved in the second half, levelled for a second time when Aleksandar Mitrovic forced the ball home from close range.

Mitrovic, who had earlier diverted Anthony Knockaert's cross against the bar, has now scored eight times in 11 league games and tops the Championship goalscoring charts.

His link-up with half-time substitute Reid helped the hosts take complete control after the interval, with the former Bristol City striker complementing Mitrovic's bustling forward play with pace and industry.

But, having been instrumental in the turnaround, Reid then twice wasted opportunities to score the winner - first seeing a curling effort tipped over by Dillon Phillips and then being denied at point-blank range with the goal at his mercy.

Defeat would have been harsh on Lee Bowyer's visitors, who played some excellent football during the first 45 minutes and would have been further in front if Darren Pratley and Jonny Williams had made more of good opportunities.

Charlton have won five and drawn three of their first 11 fixtures, while Fulham are now unbeaten in six games.

Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer:

"We've gone toe-to-toe with Fulham, Leeds and Swansea in one week and we've been OK.

"It doesn't surprise me because I believe in the players I have. I know they'll give me 100 percent every time and I know they can play football.

"We've just come up and I was hoping that teams would underestimate us a bit and that's what's happening."

Fulham manager Scott Parker:

"The hangover from last year was still there early in the season but in the last two or three weeks I feel the tide is firmly with us. The international break has probably come at a bad time.

"I'm probably a little bit disappointed we've not come out winners in the end. We had a couple of glorious chances and the keeper has pulled off a world-class save.

"We're a big team in this league. Sides will come here and pay us a lot of respect and we need to live up to that and then our quality will prevail."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49861212

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Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker is delighted with the second-half performance against Charlton Athletic at Craven Cottage.

The Whites twice had to come from behind, and in the end had to settle for a point in what was an eventful London derby.

"We're certainly a little bit disappointed that we haven't come out winners in the end," said Fulham's Head Coach.

"In the first-half they caused us problems and were worthy of their one goal lead.   

"The game was pretty stretched, and we looked like we lacked a little bit of energy, maybe that was a knock-on effect from the past two games.   

"We changed it around a little bit and their keeper pulled off a couple of world class saves, and it was a difficult game against a stubborn defence."   

Bobby Decordova-Reid came on as a half-time substitute, and Scott was very pleased with the impact he made.   

"They pressed with numbers and our spare man was Mitro and while we got the ball to him, there wasn't a lot of support," Parker explained.   

"Obviously, bringing Bobby on to get around Mitro caused them a few problems. Bobby was first class.   

"We then got a sucker punch and they scored, but I'm pleased with the character on show.   

"There's one thing we need to address and change here is a mentality, show a real desire and urgency and togetherness, which takes time.

"This is a team that three months ago was used to losing football games, got relegated and there are still some scars. Every day we work on the mentality.   

"I want to see a real work ethic and a never say die attitude, and I certainly got that in the second-half.   

"We're a big team in this league. Teams will come here and show us respect, and we must rise up to that challenge and not shirk it, not hide away from it, stand up to it.

"If we do that, our quality will prevail and we'll be alright."   

The Whites head into the international break unbeaten in six matches, and Fulham's Head Coach believes his side are in a good place.   

"I feel a real shift and turn," said Parker.   

"The hangover was there early in the season, but in the last or two or three weeks, momentum is firmly with us.   

"Maybe the international break has come at a bad time for us.

"We're a very good side. Along the way there are going to be some bumps. We need to understand that when the bumps come, we have to be man enough to stand up and ride over them. We're in a place where we can do that.   

"The players can now have some rest, as it's been a tough couple of weeks.

"They've done brilliantly. We end this period with a second-half performance that delighted me massively."

Finally, Parker reserved special praise for his talisman Aleksandar Mitrović, who bagged his 8th goal of the campaign.   

"Mitro in the second-half represents everything I want my team to be," enthused Parker.   

"If you look him as a man and what he represents, he's a man who works his socks off.   

"Taking out the detail from his play and just look at him as a man, he's someone who's desperate to win, who tried his hardest to get a goal and tried to do everything to win. For me that's the most important thing.   

"Of course, the detail of the work we do is vitally important, but I want to see players like Mitro taking it by the scruff of the neck."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/october/05/scott-parker-press conference-charlton

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Fulham 2-2 Charlton: Controversial Aleksandar Mitrovic strike earns point for Cottagers in enthralling draw with Charlton who led twice in all-London Championship clash

    Fulham and Charlton played out brilliant Championship draw at Craven Cottage
    Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher opened scoring late in first half after fine move
    Ivan Cavaleiro equalised for Fulham early in second half with thunderous strike
    Macauley Bonne put Addicks back ahead before Aleksandar Mitrovic equaliser

Give a hand to the goalkeepers.

Beaten four times between them, it could have and should have been far more as Marcus Bettinelli and Dillon Phillips ensured the points were shared.

As it was, Conor Gallagher and Macauley Bonne struck for Charlton while Ivan Cavaleiro and Aleksander Mitrovic provided Fulham's two levellers. 


Aleksandar Mitrovic wheeling away in celebration after earning Fulham a point vs Charlton


Conor Gallagher celebrating Charlton's brilliant opener at Craven Cottage with Jonny Williams


Ivan Cavaleiro equalised for the Cottagers in the second half with a powerful left-footed strike

But a Phillips wonder save at the death spoke for a game in which neither stopper deserved to lose.

'Phillips was outstanding,' Bowyer said. 'For me that's the best performance he's had since I've been in charge. 'I'm really pleased with him because he's working really hard on his shot stopping.'

Charlton dominated the early proceedings. They had 11 shots in the first-half, although it was the last of these, from Gallagher that breached Bettinelli.

Cavaleiro equalised after the break before Bonne put Charlton ahead again with a flicked header. 


Aleksandar Mitrovic cut a frustrated figure up front for Fulham until his goal on 63 minutes


Mitrovic expertly lifting the ball over Dillon Phillips to score Fulham's equaliser, making it 2-2

Mitrovic then reacted quickest to a brilliant Phillips save to level the game again – although there were suspicions he was offside.

By the end though, the keepers had faced 34 shots between them.

Phillips twice saved Charlton at the end, tipping over a long-range Reid effort and then somehow stopping the Fulham man again at his far post.


Charlton's Jonny Williams was a thorn in the side of Fulham's defence until he was substituted

'Their keeper pulled off a couple of world class saves,' Scott Parker admitted. 'It proved difficult in the end in terms of them having a stubborn defence.

'We're a little bit disappointed we've not come out winners.'

There might not be much mutual admiration between the two London rivals but this ended up as something of a glove affair. 


Conor Gallagher battling with Harry Arter who was substituted at half-time after an injury



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7540779/Fulham-2-2-Charlton-Aleksandar-Mitrovic-strike-earns-point-Cottagers.html

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REPORT | Fulham 2 Charlton 2

Charlton and Fulham shared the spoils in a breathtaking game in front of the Sky Sports cameras at Craven Cottage.

The Addicks were outstanding in the first half, taking a deserved lead through the imperious Conor Gallagher but Fulham fired back after half time and Dillon Phillips made several superb saves to ensure the Charlton secured an impressive point.

Manager Lee Bowyer made five changes to the side that played against Swansea City in midweek and also opted for a change in formation. The Addicks lined up in what looked like a 3-4-2-1 formation with Gallagher and Jonny Williams supporting Macauley Bonne up front.

In an open start to the game, the Addicks impressed with their neat passing football and some high pressing.

Jake Forster-Caskey hit an early free kick into the wall and Bonne nearly connected with a Williams pulled back cross but was just beaten to the ball by Tim Ream.

In the 22nd minute the Addicks went back to the free kick routine used so successfully against Doncaster in last year's play-off semi-final but Darren Pratley's header was straight at Marcus Bettinelli in the Fulham.

Minutes later Chris Solly fed the outstanding Josh Cullen who laid off for Gallagher. The Chelsea loanee's effort deflected wide.

The Charlton pressure continued and Williams, fed by Cullen, got in behind the Fulham defence but saw his left-footed effort from just inside the box well saved by Bettinelli.

The Addicks limited the Fulham first half chances, with Aleksandar Mitrovic heading over Fulham's best chance of the half.

When Charlton did take the lead in the 41st minute it was very much deserved and it was a well-executed move. Bonne won ahead to flick on to Gallagher who played the ball wide to Jake Forster-Caskey. The former Brighton man drove a pin-point cross onto the head of a free Solly at the back post. A composed Solly calmly headed the ball back to Gallagher who swept the ball home from 12 yards.

The Addicks impressive first half forced Fulham Manager Scott Parker into a double substitution and the second half started at an even more intense pace than the first.

Ivan Cavaleiro levelled the scores with a superb strike after playing a neat one-two with substituted Bobby Decordova-Reid.

It took the Addicks just 90 seconds to take the lead again. A Charlton corner caused problems but was cleared as far as Darren Pratley on the left wing. The veteran midfielder clipped in a lovely in-swinging cross with his right foot and Bonne climbed superbly to beat Mitrovic to the header, looping it over Bettinelli in the process.

Fulham weren't done though and hit the crossbar twice in quick succession, firstly with a mis-hit cross from Joe Bryan and then from a firm Mitrovic strike.

The scores were level again in the 63rd minute. Phillips did brilliantly to deny Tom Cairney but Mitrovic, who had been in an offside position, stabbed home the rebound.

Neither side were letting up and Charlton substitute forced a good save from Bettinelli with a curling effort from just outside the area.

At the other end Phillips made another outstanding save, this time tipping over from a Decordova-Reid shot from the edge of the area.

Phillips made another outstanding point-blank save to deny Decordova-Reid in stoppage time.

The home side couldn't get past Phillips again and the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Mawson, Johansen (Onomah, 87), Mitrovic, Cairney (C), Ream, Arter (Reed 46), Cavaleiro, Bryan, Knockaert, Sessegnon (Decordova-Reid 46)

Subs (not used): Rodak, Odoi, Le Marchand, Kamara

Booked: Bryan (8, foul on Williams), Mitrovic (78, foul on Pearce)

Goals: Cavaleiro 55, Mitrovic 63

Charlton: Phillips; Solly, Lockyer, Pearce (C), Sarr, Forster-Caskey (Field, 89); Pratley, Cullen, Gallagher, Williams (Leko 64); Bonne (Matthews 90 +3)

Subs (not used): Amos, Matthews, Oshilaja, Field, Lapslie, Oztumer

Goals: Gallagher 41, Bonne 57

Booked: Gallagher (30, foul on Bryan)

Referee: K Stroud

Attendance: 18,654 (1,970 from Charlton)



https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/view/5d989a4d26a5f/report-fulham-2-charlton-2

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Fulham and Charlton share the spoils in derby thriller

Fulham 2 Charlton 2

A thrilling second half display earned Fulham a point but it was honours even after a gripping east-west London derby.

Charlton, by far the better of the two teams in the first half, led twice, but suffered a fearful battering after the break as the Whites stormed back.

Goals from Ivan Cavaleiro and Aleksandar Mitrovic cancelled out the efforts of Conor Gallagher and Macauley Bonne. But sub Bobby Reid came so close to turning the game around completely after coming on at the start of a breathless second half.

Charlton's industry was hugely impressive throughout. Always tigerish, always looking to break forward in numbers, they showed why they have unexpectedly ruffled feathers this season.

When Jonny Williams forced Marcus Bettinelli to palm a strong left-footer away, there were three Addicks players in the area breaking a neck to join the attack.

Fulham found the hustling and bustling hard to deal with at first and struggled to open up a well-drilled defensive unit. In the first half, the Whites only had Stefan Johansen's powder-puff effort from distance to register in the on-target column.

It was no surprise when teenager Gallagher swept home from 12 yards on 42 minutes after a cross from the left by Jake Forster-Caskey had been headed back into the danger zone by Chris Solly.

It was the effervescent midfielder's fourth goal of the campaign.

Charlton fans teased former player Scott Parker with chants of 'Parker, Parker, what's the score? As the players trooped off at half-time.

With plenty to chew on at half-time, the Fulham boss decided to make a double substitution, bringing on Reed and Reid – Harrison and Bobby -  to try and inject greater presence in midfield.

And Bobby Reid it was who had a hand in the brilliant equaliser,  Cavaleiro playing a one-two with the sub before cutting across Naby Sarr and unleashing  a perfect left foot shot into the roof of the net.

But, moments later and the Addicks were back in front when Darren Pratley curled in a cross from the left edge of the box and Bonne got in front of Mitrovic to loop a header over the advancing Bettinelli.

Joe Bryan's cross from deep pinged onto the top of the crossbar, then Mitrovic thudded a left foot shot against the same bar after a cutback from Anthony Knockaert, as the action continued to ramp up.

But the Serb was not to be denied and he scooped the ball into the roof of the net from three yards after Dillon Phillips had saved a close-range header from Tom Cairney – Reid having provided the initial cross.

It was Mitrovic's eighth of the season and all the more impressive for having come after he had his ankle stamped on by Pratley early in the second half and needed medical attention.

Reid's cameo was a key feature of the Fulham revival and three times he very nearly scored his first goal for the club – a header and a dipping shot, and a volley from three yards all requiring excellent saves from Phillips. The third in particular showed fine reflexes.

Cairney hooked narrowly wide as the Whites piled on pressure late on and Charlton retreated to hold onto a point. It was a gripping second half and a far better one for Fulham than the first 45.

Fulham: Bettinelli – Sessegnon (Reid h/t), Mawson, Ream, Bryan – Johansen (Onomah 87), Arter (Reed h/t), Cairney – Knockaert, Cavaleiro – Mitrovic. Subs not used: Rodak, Odoi, Le Marchand, Kamara

Charlton: Phillips – Jolly, Lockyer, Pearce, Sarr – Pratley, Gallagher, Williams (Leko 64), Cullen, Forster-Caskey (Field 89) – Bonne (Matthews 90). Subs not used: Amos, Oshilaja, Oztumer, Lapslie.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2019/10/05/Fulham-and-Charlton-share-the-spoils-in-derby-thriller

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Fulham 2-2 Charlton: Aleksandar Mitrovic salvages point for Cottagers in London derby
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at Craven Cottage

Fulham twice came from behind as they drew 2-2 with Charlton in a pulsating Sky Bet Championship encounter at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher (41) scored his fourth goal of the season to put the Addicks ahead, before Ivan Cavaleiro (55) restored parity after a rampaging run and wonderful strike for Fulham 10 minutes after the restart.

A header from Macauley Bonne (57) put the visitors back in front inside 120 seconds, but Aleksandar Mitrovic (63) smashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range to set up a grandstand finish in the London derby.

The hosts' search for a winner intensified during nine minutes of second-half stoppage-time and an heroic late stop from Charlton 'keeper Dillon Phillips prevented Bobby Decordova-Reid side-footing home a dramatic winner.

How Mitrovic spared Fulham's blushes at Craven Cottage

Charlton sprung a surprise in the opening exchanges in south west London, with an aggressive pressing approach catching the Whites off-guard and the lively Jonny Williams proving a handful for Harry Arter.

The hosts did eventually settle after a frantic start but struggled to create openings and were denied a penalty when Mitrovic grappled with Tom Lockyer inside the 18 yard box.

A searching cross from makeshift left wing-back Jake Forster-Caskey was headed into the path of Gallagher by Chris Solly, and he struck a tidy fourth goal since a summer loan from Stamford Bridge to put Charlton in front.

Scott Parker switched to a back three at the break, and his tinkering evidently had a positive effect as Cavaleiro struck a magical equaliser after racing from halfway, exchanging passes with Decordova-Reid and dispatching a sublime strike past Marcus Bettinelli.

Team news

Scott Parker made two changes for the tie, with Steven Sessegnon replacing Denis Odoi at right-back and Ivan Cavaleiro starting ahead of Bobby Reid.

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer made five changes from the side that lost 2-1 to Swansea in midweek, with Jonny Williams, Jake Forster-Caskey, Darren Pratley, Chris Solly, Naby Sarr starting at Craven Cottage.

As Fulham's hunger to put the game to bed - and return to the summit as a result - grew, they hit the bar through Joe Bryan and Mitrovic, but between those two efforts, Bonne's towering header sent the away fans in the Putney End into raptures.

They did get back on level terms when sheer brute force saw Mitrovic rob the ball from Solly's feet and smash into the roof of the net, but the Addicks remained resolute and had Phillips to thank late on for his magnificent timely save to deny Decordova-Reid.

Man of the match - Dillon Phillips

Simply put, Charlton probably would not have left Craven Cottage with any points at all had Phillips not been in inspired form on Saturday lunchtime.

He twice saved from Bobby Decordova-Reid - who looked incredibly bright as a half-time substitute - and was unfortunate to concede the equaliser after initially pushing Tom Cairney's goal-bound effort away from danger

What the managers said...

Scott Parker: "In the first half, I thought Charlton were very good and we had to change things around second half and make a couple of changes because they caused us some problems, really, and we tried to match them up.

"On another day, a couple of very, very good chances go in, but full credit to Charlton - I thought they were very good today and we go again."

Lee Bowyer: "I can't praise them enough. I just went in there [the changing room] and I said "Be proud of yourselves, you are a pleasure to work with." I've got a group of lads who just give me everything every time.



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-charlton/report/409471

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Fulham 2 Charlton 2 - Addicks pegged back twice at Craven Cottage

Charlton left Craven Cottage with a point after being pegged back twice in an entertaining four-goal outing in West London.

Conor Gallagher gave Lee Bowyer's men the lead at the break before eight second half minutes saw Fulham draw level twice.

Ivan Cavaleiro and Aleksandar Mitrovic striking either side of Macauley Bonne's header which briefly saw the Addicks re-take the lead.

Fulham's searched for a late winner and thought they found one only to be denied by a great point-blank stop from Dillon Phillips in the Charlton goal which gave his side the point they deserved.

After a bright start from Bowyer's men, the home side settled and dictated possession, albeit without creating any clear-cut chances.

Charlton should've struck first on 20 minutes but Darren Pratley's header from a wicked Josh Cullen delivery was straight at Marcus Bettinelli in the Fulham goal.

On 35 minutes Bettinelli was called into action again, this time to deny a Jonny Williams effort that came after a rapid break.

Charlton looked threatening on the counter, and on 41 minutes they got their reward.

Jake Forster-Caskey's deep cross found Solly who's cushioned header perfectly found Gallagher who swept home from 12-yards out giving the Addicks the lead they'd feel theyb deserved.

Parker introduced Bobby Decordova-Reid at the break and he made his mark on 55minutes.

Playing a one-two with Cavaleiro, he dragged Naby Sarr out of position allowing the on-loan Wolves winger space to drill home past Phillips.

The celebrations were short lived as Bonne gave Charlton the lead two minutes later.

Failing to clear from corner, the forward rose higher than Alfie Mawson to flick home Darren Pratley's cross.

Before there was a chance to catch your breath, Mitrovic had levelled for the home side after a couple of warnings where they hit the bar.

On 63 minutes the Serbian showed some neat footwork to drill home from close rang after Tom Cairney's header was superbly stopped by Phillips.

Second viewing shows the forward was off-side when Cairney's headed goal-wards.   

Charlton were sinking deeper and deeper and was it not for Phillips making a sublime goal from Decordova-Reid from close range, they would've left empty handed after the home side piled the pressure on the Addicks net.



https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/17949362.fulham-2-charlton-2---addicks-pegged-back-twice-craven-cottage/

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Fulham 2 Charlton 2 - Player ratings from Craven Cottage

Here's how the players rated in Charlton's 2-2 encounter at Craven Cottage.

Dillon Phillips 9

Had little to do in the first 45 despite conceding possession. That said, made a number of vital punches from teasing crosses in the second half. and a number of great saves, including a crucial point blank stop from Anthony Knockaert late on. Fantastic.

Chris Solly 8

A man who doesn't get the credit he deserves. Nothing flashy but does the basics. Helped-out Lockyer at the back who seemed to be struggling to deal with the tricky Cavaleiro. His contribution going forward shouldn't be underestimated either, a perfectly cushioned header for the opener was exquisite.

Naby Sarr 6

Out of position for Fulham's equaliser, dragged away from goal allowing Cavaleiro the space to drill home.

Jason Pearce 9

A mountain of a performance from the skipper despite conceding two. Stood up to the physicality of Mitrovic as you'd expect.

Tom Lockyer 7

Struggled against Cavaleiro in the first 45, with Solly helping out the Welshman in defence. Loves the competition and emptied the tank once again.

Jake Forster-Caskey 7

Shpwed great discipline in staying on the left. Dealt with the Knockaert threat superbly, so much so the Frenchman switched wings. Great delivery for the Charlton's goal.

Josh Cullen 8

Influential both in defence and attack. Against a highly experienced and quality midfield the West Ham man more than held his own. Turns defence into attack in seconds.

Darren Pratley 7

May not grab the headlines in the middle of the park but put the opposition under huge pressure when in possession. A dog in the middle and covered every inch of Craven Cottage.

Jonny Williams 7

A man playing with confidence.  Had the run on Sessegnon at the back and looked to get at the back four at every opportunity. Forced Bettinelli into a good stop first half, and was at the centre of most things from the boy in red.

Conor Gallagher 8

Booked in the first half but continued to play the only way he knows how and got rewarded. A real find by Steve Gallen. Came from deep to sweep home the opener, reminiscent of a former goal scoring Chelsea midfielder.

Macauley Bonne 7

Endless running as always but lacks the composure in the final third. Got the goal his effort deserved but one wonders if there should be more end product from the forward.

Subs:

Jonathan Leko

Fought a lonely battle up top and couldn't get into the game.

Sam Field

N/A



https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/17949368.fulham-2-charlton-2---player-ratings-craven-cottage/

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Cottage Talk Full Time: Our Initial Reaction To Fulham's 2-2 Draw Against Charlton Athletic

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

This is our "Initial Reaction Show" as Emilio Di Nello and Craig Coben who were at Craven Cottage shared their thoughts on this crazy 2-2 draw for Fulham against Charlton Athletic. We recorded this episode shortly after the match ended so you are getting fresh opinions on this draw. The guys talked about the poor first half for Fulham, but how the second half was completely different. We will have a complete Post Match Show in a few days as well.


Lastly, you can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/10/5/20900119/cottage-talk-full-time-our-initial-reaction-to-fulhams-2-2-draw-against-charlton-athletic

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Parker determined to change Fulham's mentality

Scott Parker wants to change Fulham's mentality and called for greater desire, urgency and togetherness after his team drew 2-2 with Charlton.

The Whites had to twice come back from a goal down at Craven Cottage, with Ivan Cavaleiro cancelling out Conor Gallagher's opener before Aleksandar Mitrovic levelled after Macauley Bonne's header.

Fulham boss Parker believes it will take time to change his squad's mindset from last season but is also pleased with the momentum which has been built in recent weeks.

"I often speak about this team and there is one thing we need to address, and we need to change here, [and that] is the mentality," he said. "A real desire and a real urgency about us and a togetherness. That takes time.

"This is a team which, three months ago, was used to losing football matches, got relegated and all the negativity what comes around that. There are still some scars along the way and, ultimately, every day we work on a mentality and I see that.

"I want to see a team that represents myself on the sideline. I want to see a desire, a real work ethic and a togetherness and a never-say-die attitude and, certainly, in the second half I felt like I got that.

"The challenge for me, and the challenge for the players, is to keep believing in that. Instead of getting it in bits and drabs, or one 90 minutes here and another there, the next challenge is [that].

"We are a big team in this league and teams are going to come here and pay us a lot of respect and we need to live up to that challenge. Not shirk it, not hide away from it, stand up to it.

"Because I feel that if we stand up to the challenge, what teams bring, our quality will prevail and we will do alright."

Fulham have now amassed 10 points from a possible 18, and remain in the play-off spots heading into the international break.

Although Parker admits the two-week hiatus may have come back at a bad time, he is also looking forward to the rest before they travel to Stoke City.

"I feel a real shift and a real turn," he added. "The hangover of last year probably was still [felt in the] early part of the season. There are some new players here who are getting to grips with it, getting us to gel and stuff like that.

"But I feel like momentum is firmly on our way to be fair. Maybe the international break does come at a bit of a bad time for us. It is my job, and the players', to now reboot. We are 11 games down, I like where we are.

"I think we are a very good side. Like I say, the message keeps coming from me to this team, to these players and the whole football, the fans included, that along the way there are going to be some bumps this year, of course there are, and I am fully aware of that."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-wls-parker-determined-to-change-fulhams-mentality-after-draw-with-charlton

[WhiteJC]

Fulham frustrated by crafty Charlton in derby draw

This was a strange – and gloriously gripping – game. Fulham would justifiably leave frustrated with a point – despite having come from behind twice – but Lee Bowyer's Charlton, who are making a habit of surprising opponents on their return to the Championship, would have felt they were good value for the draw as well.

The Addicks certainly surprised Fulham with an adventurous approach from the off, setting Scott Parker's side on the back foot without managing to carve out a clear opening. The Whites boss had made two changes from the midweek mauling of Reading at the Madjeski Stadium, but that seemed to stall the momentum gained from that performance. Steven Sessegnon returned at right back but his shaky performance underlined that, for all his undoubted promise, the teenager still has a lot to learn at this level.

Charlton may been without the services of striker Lyle Taylor, but they created the better chances after absorbing plenty of patient possession football from the hosts. Former Fulham midfielder Darren Pratley should have opened the scoring but could only direct his header straight at Marcus Bettinelli, who also thwarted the lively Jonny Williams after a swift Charlton counter.

Referee Keith Stroud waved away a strong penalty shout when Aleksandar Mitrovic looked to have been hauled down by Tom Lockyer and the Serbian striker then headed over the bar from being found by a beautiful chip from Stefan Johansen, but it was little surprise when the visitors got the goal their enterprise deserved four minutes before the break. Jake Forster-Caskey was given far too much time to cross from the left and Chris Solly leapt under little pressure to cushion the ball down for Conor Gallagher, whose low shot trickled under Bettinelli.

Parker made radical changes at half-time, hauling off Sessegnon and replacing an injured Harry Arter with the composed Harrison Reed as he went to an experimental back three. The tactical switch did the trick as Fulham looked much more threatening with Bobby Decordova-Reid offering support to a previously isolated Mitrovic. The on-loan Cardiff forward nearly made an immediate impact but drove wide from range, although an effort from distance did level matters ten minutes after the interval.

Decordova-Reid had a hand in the equaliser as well, as his precise pass allowed Ivan Cavaleiro to roam infield from the right and the Portuguese winger crashed an unstoppable effort past the otherwise impregnable Dillon Phillips from 20 yards. The relief around Craven Cottage was tangible, but Fulham's fragility at the back soon set them back once again.

The home side had ample opportunities to clear their lines from a corner but couldn't get out of the box and Macauley Bonne climbed above Alfie Mawson to loop a header over Bettinelli and restore Charlton's advantage. That set the stage for a rip-roaring final half an hour as Fulham poured forward in search of an equaliser.

They rattled the woodwork three times in quick succession. The first was fortuitous as Joe Bryan's overhit cross almost embarrassed Phillips, but Mitrovic perhaps should have done better than find the crossbar when found by low crosses from Knockaert and Johansen. 

The equaliser did arrive just after the hour mark as Mitrovic showed commendable quick thinking to scoop the ball over a grounded goalkeeper from close range after Phillips had pulled off another stunning save to keep Tom Cairney's flying header. Charlton almost went straight up the other end and scored again, with Bettinelli producing an excellent stop of his own to deny substitute Jonathan Leko.

Fulham laid siege to the visitors' goal in the final stages but couldn't find a winner – even during seven minutes of second half stoppage time. Phillips was to the fore in Charlton's resistance, whilst Lockyer and Jason Pearce fought a physical battle with Mitrovic that referee Stroud struggled to control. The goalkeeper made a string of fine saves, first positioning himself perfectly to pluck Decordova-Reid's near post header out of the air and then turning aside the lively forward's low shot after a dangerous one-two with Johansen.

The finest save of them all came right at the start of added time when he somehow denied Decordova-Reid, sliding in at the far post from three yards out, with the goal gaping. Fulham's final opportunity was a central free-kick some 25 yards out that was mystifyingly curled over by Mawson when Cairney or Knockaert appeared far saner takers. Victory would have taken Fulham top, but Parker's men will need to cut out the silly defensive mistakes if they are to threaten the automatic promotion places.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; S. Sessegnon (Decordova-Reid 45), Bryan, Mawson, Ream; Arter (Reed 45), Johansen (Onomah 87), Cairney; Knockaert, Cavaleiro, Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Rodak, Odoi, Le Marchand.

BOOKED: Bryan, Mitrovic.

CHARLTON ATHLETIC (3-5-1-1): Phillips; Lockyer, Pearce, Sarr; Solly, Forster-Caskey (Field 89), Cullen, Pratley, Gallagher; Williams (Leko 64); Bonne (Matthews 90). Subs (not used): Amos, Oshilaja, Oztumer, Lapslie.

BOOKED: Gallagher.

GOALS: Gallagher (41), Bonne (57).

REFEREE: Keith Stroud (Gloucestershire).

ATTENDANCE: 18,654



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