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Sunday Fulham Stuff - 10/11/19...

Started by WhiteJC, October 30, 2019, 02:32:53 PM

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WhiteJC

Results


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

WhiteJC

Birmingham City 0-1 Fulham


Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has now scored 12 goals in the Championship this season

An error by goalkeeper Lee Camp allowed Aleksandar Mitrovic to score the only goal in Fulham's Championship victory at Birmingham City.

Camp dropped substitute Cyrus Christie's 52nd minute cross before Mitrovic tapped in.

Blues went close to equalising late on but visiting keeper Marek Rodak made a point-blank save to deny Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Fulham could have doubled their lead at the death, however, as substitute Aboubakar Kamara hit the post.

Serbia striker Mitrovic thought he had given the visitors an early lead when he bundled the ball over the line after Camp had spilled an attempt by Bobby Decordova-Reid.

Decordova-Reid then went close himself when he touched the ball inches wide of the post.

Kristian Pedersen, Kerim Mrabti and Fran Villalba were all denied by Rodak in the first half.

Meanwhile, Cottagers defender Maxime Le Marchand limped off and was replaced by Christie after just 34 minutes following a challenge by Jutkiewicz.

There was some controversy about Fulham's 52nd-minute winner as Camp dropped Christie's cross under pressure before Mitrovic found the net.

A first victory in three games moves the west Londoners up to sixth in the table.

Birmingham City's caretaker head coach Pep Clotet told BBC WM:

"We controlled pretty much the whole first-half, we knew the game would open in the second-half but I think Fulham were fortunate with the goal. It's a clear foul on Marc Roberts.

"Lee Camp needs to catch the ball but Aleksandar Mitrovic makes a terrible foul on Roberts. He was not even looking at the ball, it's absolutely unbelievable they didn't see that.

"We had enough to end up thinking that we should have had a draw or even the win.

"What's important to me was that the team always had courage until the end."

Fulham head coach Scott Parker:

"It is a tough place to come and we were coming off a disappointing result last weekend.

"The whole week was framed around character, enthusiasm, belief and desire - and we got that today.

"We all understand what we are as a team technically and what we can do individually but at times this year that has not been enough - and it won't be enough if we want to be successful this year.

"We have got a clean sheet and a 1-0 win and the most pleasing thing is we showed some real desire to get that result. Give that every week and we will be alright."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50271671

WhiteJC

Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker was most pleased about the character shown by his side in the win over Birmingham City.

Fulham went into the match on the back of a poor result at home to Hull City, but they ground out a gritty victory at St Andrew's – only the second loss Blues have suffered on their own patch this season.

When asked if it was a deserved three points, Parker said: "I think so. It's a tough place to come. They've had one defeat here all year.


"We knew it was going to be tough. First half we had a goal disallowed but second half I thought we were very dominant.

"It's been a tough week, there's been some questions asked of the team, mainly by me after a 3-0 loss at home. That was bitterly disappointing but we came here and showed real character, in difficult conditions, and I thought we were worth the win.

"I said to the team in the lead up that the main focus I wanted to see was character. That's how I determine a footballer, that character and passion about them. If you've got that first and foremost, you'll be alright.

"We all realise that if you want to be successful as a team and as a player, you need something that's in the gut of your stomach, that's a desire about you and a mentality.

"The travelling fans were superb, supporting the team all the way through, and were top drawer. It was a good day. We'll take a deep breath, relish this moment, but now we need to build on this."

Aleksandar Mitrović's 12th goal of the season proved the difference, and the stand-in captain was a thorn in City's side all afternoon.

"He was pivotal," Parker admitted. "For all his goals and everything that goes around Mitrović, all I ask from him every week is to turn up and be the Mitrović that has me standing on the side of the pitch thinking, 'this guy is an absolute animal.'

"If that's his base and his platform, goals will come, the wins will come. He's a talisman, he's the guy everyone looks to, and there's a lot of pressure on him.

"He needs to live with that pressure and understand what he gives to this team, and he did that massively today."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/november/09/scott-parker-press conference-birmingham


WhiteJC

Report: Blues 0 Fulham 1

Blues suffered a narrow home defeat to Fulham as Aleksandar Mitrovic's goal proved the difference between the sides.

The Championship's top scorer took his tally to 12 for the season, pouncing to knock the ball in from close range early in the second period.

Both sides played some nice one-touch football, although Pep Clotet's men didn't quite reach the same heights of recent home displays.

There was an encouraging debut off the bench from new signing Jeremie Bela, whilst Jefferson Montero also came on to make his return after two months out with injury and created Blues' best opening. His cross was met by stand-in-captain Lukas Jutkiewicz, the striker's header diverted onto the woodwork by Fulham keeper Marek Rodak.

Suspended skipper Harlee Dean was replaced by loanee Jake Clarke-Salter in the only change for Blues, who were led out for the first time by Jutkiewicz.

Rodak was called into action as early as the fifth minute when a great ball from just outside his own penalty area from Dan Crowley set Blues on the attack. Kerim Mrabti took up the charge and teed up Kristian Pedersen who tried his luck from just outside the visitors' area on the left, Rodak beating away the shot.

The visitors thought they'd taken the lead on 14 minutes when Mitrovic had the ball in the net after good work on the right from Anthony Knockaert, but the assistant's flag quickly cut short the celebrations. Blues immediately switched play to the other end where Crowley created himself a shooting chance but his drive from 20 yards flew well over Rodak's crossbar.

Mrabti was next to test the Cottagers custodian's reflexes but his low side-footer from just inside the area was straight at Rodak. The Swede turned provider moments later when he got to the byline on the left and pulled the ball back to Fran Villalba whose first-time effort was turned away by Rodak down to his right.

Both teams were passing the ball around well on the wet pitch, but the zippy surface was to the disadvantage of Fulham on 26 minutes. Jude Bellingham was robbed of the ball inside his own half and Knockaert then threaded a clever pass through the Blues backline towards Bobby Decordova-Reid who was inches away from getting his studs to the ball as it skidded off the turf in front of him.

Tempers flared in first-half stoppage-time after Bellingham and Mitrovic squared up to each other whilst the game was continuing elsewhere on the pitch, the referee pausing play and eventually booking both players after consulting with his assistant.

Fulham started the first-half on the front foot and had a good opportunity to open the scoring after Blues struggled clear their lines and the ball dropped to Decordova-Reid inside the area, but the former Bristol City man's shot was straight at Lee Camp who claimed the ball at the second attempt.

But the visitors didn't have to wait long to edge ahead – and, predictably, it was Mitrovic that was the man to inflict the damage. Cyrus Christie, on for the injured Maxime Le Marchand, dinked an inviting cross towards the far post and Camp came out to claim, but dropped the ball at the feet of Mitrovic who gleefully gobbled up the chance from only a yard out.

With their tails up, Fulham went in search of a second goal to try and fill game off, Knockaert chipping an effort just over the bar and Denis Odoi crashing a long-range shot wide.

Bela's first notable contribution was impressive as he produced a neat backheel to open up a crossing opportunity, the Frenchman whipping in a dangerous low cross towards the six-yard box but the visitors got to the ball first to clear.

Pedersen's header inside a packed penalty area looped just wide of the post as Clotet's raised the intensity levels in the hunt for a way back into the game. Alvaro Gimenez was also thrown into the fray and he too was unable to hit the target with a headed opportunity, the Spaniard nodding just over from Villalba's deep cross.

Bellingham miscued a shot wide from outside the area before Fulham enjoyed their first foray into the Blues area for some time, Mitrovic causing the home defence problems before throwing himself dramatically to the floor. The referee deciding it wasn't a foul and waved away the visitors' penalty appeals but opted against issuing a second yellow to the Serbian.

Montero was introduced as Blues' third and final change, the Ecuadorian international straight into the action in superb style as he clipped a wonderful cross into the box from the byline, Jutkiewicz seeing his header diverted onto the bar by the fingertips of Rodak.

Montero and Jutkiewicz combined again when the substitute's cross was met by the striker's towering header, this time Fulham defender Alfie Mawson getting in the way to block the ball.

Fulham could have made sure of the points when sub Aboubakar Kamara raced clean through on goal but saw his shot deflected onto the post by the feet of Camp. In the end it didn't matter and the visitors survived five additional minutes to see out the win.

Blues (4-4-2): Camp; Colin, Roberts, Clarke-Salter, Pederson; Crowley (Gimenez 62), Bellingham, Sunjic, Villalba (Montero 79); Mrabti (Bela 61), Jutkiewicz

Subs (not used): Harding, Davis, Maghoma, Trueman (GK)

Bookings: Bellingham (45+3), Clarke-Salter (86), Roberts (90+4)

Fulham (4-3-3): Rodak; Odoi, Mawson, Ream, Le Marchand (Christie 34); Johansen, Reed, Knockaert; Decordova-Reid (Kamara 81), Mitrovic, Cavaleiro (Onomah 65)

Subs (not used): McDonald, Kebano, De La Torre, Bettinelli (GK)

Goal: Mitrovic (51)

Bookings: Mitrovic (45+3), Christie (78)

Referee: Jarred Gillett

Attendance: 21,234 (1,505 away)



https://www.bcfc.com/news/articles/2019/report-blues-0-fulham-1/

WhiteJC

Mitrovic boosts Fulham to victory at Birmingham



Aleksandar Mitrovic's 12th goal of the season clinched Fulham a 1-0 win at Birmingham.

The Serbian striker, who earlier had an effort disallowed for offside, hooked home in the 52nd minute after Birmingham goalkeeper Lee Camp dropped substitute Cyrus Christie's cross.

Fulham had to withstand heavy pressure from the hosts in the latter stages but goalkeeper Marek Rodak made a superb save from striker Lukas Jutkiewicz's point-blank header while Maxime Colin had an effort blocked.

The visitors could have made it 2-0 at the death but substitute Aboubakar Kamara's shot hit the inside of a post on the break.

Birmingham's only change saw on-loan Chelsea centre back Jake Clarke-Salter replace captain Harlee Dean, who started his three-match ban for his red card in the 4-2 defeat at Cardiff last week.

New striker Jeremie Bela, who left Spanish side Albacete to join the Blues, made his debut as a 62nd-minute substitute after receiving international clearance.

Fulham made three changes from their 3-0 defeat at Hull. Manager Scott Parker recalled Rodak, Maxime Le Marchand and Anthony Knockaert for Marcus Bettinelli, Joe Bryan and Tom Cairney.

Le Marchand, though, lasted just 35 minutes before he limped off following a challenge on Jutkewicz.

The Blues went close when left-back Kristian Pedersen, who had scored in his previous two games, unleashed a fierce angled drive which was tipped wide by Rodak.

Fulham thought they had broken the deadlock in the 14th minute. Mitrovic bundled the ball home after Camp dropped Bobby Reid's shot when Knockaert crossed, but the linesman's flag immediately went up for offside.

The Blues hit back strongly and Kerim Mrabti's first-time effort was smothered by Rodak before the Fulham keeper made a superb reflex save to his right from Fran Villalba's flick following a cross.

The home side had a let-off in the 26th minute. Jude Bellingham gave the ball away in midfield and Fulham swept forwards, Knockaert crossing for Reid, who just missed when sliding in from point-blank range.

There was a flashpoint off the ball in the third minute of first-half stoppage time after Knockaert landed on Bellingham, apparently splitting the Birmingham midfielder's lip.

Mitrovic and Bellingham then shared a heated exchange and players from both sides became involved before Bellingham and Mitrovic were booked.

Fulham threatened when Reid's snapshot was smothered by Camp after Mitrovic won Colin's headed clearance.

Mitrovic remained centre stage as he gave Fulham the lead in controversial fashion.

The Serbia international, making his 150th league start, tapped home after Camp dropped Christie's cross under pressure.

The Cottagers looked to double their lead and Knockaert's chip dropped not far over the bar, before Ivan Cavaleiro drove wide.

The Blues finally forced another save from Rodak in the 80th minute when Jutkiewicz's header from point-blank range was tipped over by the Fulham keeper.



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mitrovic-boosts-fulham-victory-birmingham#uvdV6dsA36p2Sepg.99

WhiteJC

 Birmingham 0-1 Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic hits winner at St Andrew's
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at St Andrew's

Aleksandar Mitrovic's 12th goal of the season clinched Fulham a 1-0 win at Birmingham.

The Serbia striker, who earlier had an effort disallowed for offside, hooked home in the 52nd minute after Birmingham goalkeeper Lee Camp dropped substitute Cyrus Christie's cross.

Fulham had to withstand heavy pressure from the hosts in the latter stages but goalkeeper Marek Rodak made a superb save from striker Lukas Jutkiewicz's point-blank header while Maxime Colin had an effort blocked.

The visitors could have made it 2-0 at the death but substitute Aboubakar Kamara's shot hit the inside of a post on the break.

Birmingham's only change saw on-loan Chelsea centre back Jake Clarke-Salter replace captain Harlee Dean, who started his three-match ban for his red card in the 4-2 defeat at Cardiff last week.

New striker Jeremie Bela, who left Spanish side Albacete to join the Blues, made his debut as a 62nd-minute substitute after receiving international clearance.

Fulham made three changes from their 3-0 defeat at Hull. Manager Scott Parker recalled Rodak, Maxime Le Marchand and Anthony Knockaert for Marcus Bettinelli, Joe Bryan and Tom Cairney.

Le Marchand, though, lasted just 35 minutes before he limped off following a challenge on Jutkewicz.

The Blues went close when left-back Kristian Pedersen, who had scored in his previous two games, unleashed a fierce angled drive which was tipped wide by Rodak.

Fulham thought they had broken the deadlock in the 14th minute. Mitrovic bundled the ball home after Camp dropped Bobby Reid's shot when Knockaert crossed, but the linesman's flag immediately went up for offside.

The Blues hit back strongly and Kerim Mrabti's first-time effort was smothered by Rodak before the Fulham keeper made a superb reflex save to his right from Fran Villalba's flick following a cross.

The home side had a let-off in the 26th minute. Jude Bellingham gave the ball away in midfield and Fulham swept forwards, Knockaert crossing for Reid, who just missed when sliding in from point-blank range.

There was a flashpoint off the ball in the third minute of first-half stoppage time after Knockaert landed on Bellingham, apparently splitting the Birmingham midfielder's lip.

Mitrovic and Bellingham then shared a heated exchange and players from both sides became involved before Bellingham and Mitrovic were booked.

Fulham threatened when Reid's snapshot was smothered by Camp after Mitrovic won Colin's headed clearance.

Mitrovic remained centre stage as he gave Fulham the lead in controversial fashion.

The Serbia international, making his 150th league start, tapped home after Camp dropped Christie's cross under pressure.

The Cottagers looked to double their lead and Knockaert's chip dropped not far over the bar, before Ivan Cavaleiro drove wide.

The Blues finally forced another save from Rodak in the 80th minute when Jutkiewicz's header from point-blank range was tipped over by the Fulham keeper.

What the managers said...
Birmingham's Pep Clotet: "We had 16 shots, they had 10, we had four shots on target, they had three and from these three, two were valid, because I think the goal is a blatant foul on Marc Roberts. Mitrovic never wanted to head that cross - he thought the keeper was going to catch it and he just bashes against Marc Roberts who had the position won.

"Roberts was sent three yards outside then the ball dropped to Mitrovic, who was in that position thanks to a foul, so it's a clear foul. But those are margins. We had very clear chances as well that we should have scored. I thought we had everything there to have secured points, if not three then one."

Fulham's Scott Parker: "He looks like an absolute animal, chasing things down, and if that is the base, the goals will come. That's what we want from him; he is the talisman, the guy everyone looks to and the pressure is on him. He needs to understand what he gives to the team.

"For all his goals, for everything that goes round him, all I ask of him is forget the goals, just go and turn up and be the Mitrovic he can be."



https://www.skysports.com/football/birmham-vs-fulham/409529


WhiteJC

Mitrovic beats Blues

Aleksandar Mitrovic's twelfth goal of the season helped Fulham to a gritty win over Birmingham City this afternoon in the teeming rain. The Serbian striker capitalised on an error from Blues' goalkeeper Lee Camp, who spilled Cyrus Christie's cross, clinically firing home the winner from close range. The only dampener on the afternoon for Scott Parker was Mitrovic's fifth booking of the season – after a clash with Jude Bellingham – that rules him out of the upcoming local derby with QPR.

Mitrovic, who captained the side in the absence of the ill Tom Cairney, had a storming game up front for the visitors. He had a goal ruled out for offside after ten minutes and frequently linked up effectively with Bobby Decordova-Reid, who went agonisingly close to opening his Fulham account but steered wide on the stretch inside the six-yard box. After the break, Mitrovic did brilliantly to flick another ball into Decordova-Reid's path but Camp stood up for long enough to repel the shot.

The decisive moment came seven minutes in the second half. Christie, on as an early substitute for Maxime Le Marchand, burst clear down the right flank but his cross appeared to be simple for Camp to deal with at the back post, only for the Northern Ireland international to fumble it and Mitrovic tucked away the loose ball with aplomb.

Fulham passed up several good opportunities to extend their lead. Camp let a Christie header spill out of grasp and Anthony Knockaert's attempted chip deflected wide. The unlikely source of Denis Odoi almost supplied a second but his rasping drive from the edge of the box flew narrowly off target. Mitrovic created the best opening with a sublime through ball in the second minute of stoppage time, but Aboubakar Kamara was denied by an excellent save from Camp, who got a crucial touch to the Frenchman's finish with his feet – diverting onto the base of the post.

At the other end, Marek Rodak, who came back in for Marcus Bettinelli after his suspension for being sent off at Middlesbrough, produced a mature performance to repel a lively Blues' attack. The Slovakian made a smart save to deny left back Kristian Pedersen after three minutes and the home side stepped up the pressure after that in a ten minute spell when they penned Fulham back. Former Arsenal youngster Dan Crowley drilled over from twenty minutes and Rodak made a couple of good stops in quick succession as he fielded a shot from Kerim Mrabti and then pushed away Fran Villalba's volley.

Birmingham pushed for an equaliser with sending on Jeremie Bela, who had joined on a free transfer in midweek, and Jefferson Montero. The latter almost produced a goal with his first touch as his floated cross found Lukasz Jutkiewicz  at the far post, but Rodak reacted quickly to turn the striker's header onto the crossbar. Fulham held firm during five nervy minutes of stoppage time to record their second clean sheet in as many away games and tiptoe into the top six.

BIRMINGHAM CITY (4-2-3-1): Camp; Colin, Pedersen, Roberts, Clarke-Salter; Sunjic, Bellingham; Crowley (Gimenez 64), Villalba (Montero 79), Mrbati (Bela 62); Jutkiewicz. Subs (not used): Trueman, Harding, Davis, Maghoma.

BOOKED: Bellingham, Clarke-Salter, Roberts.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak; Odoi, Le Marchand (Christie 35), Mawson, Ream; Reed, Johansen, Decordova-Reid (Kamara 81); Knockaert, Cavaleiro (Onomah 66), Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, McDonald, de la Torre, Kebano.

BOOKED: Mitrovic, Christie.

GOAL: Mitrovic (52).

REFEREE: Jarred Gillett (Australia).

ATTENDANCE: 21,334.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/11/mitrovic-beats-blues/

WhiteJC


Cottage Talk Full Time: Massive Away Victory For Fulham

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

In this episode, Yannis Tjanetis and Max Cohen gave their initial thoughts to Fulham's 1-0 victory against Birmingham City.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/11/9/20956841/cottage-talk-full-time-massive-away-victory-for-fulham

WhiteJC

Result: Aleksandar Mitrovic's 12th goal of season earns Fulham victory at Birmingham

Aleksandar Mitrovic's 12th goal of the season clinched Fulham a 1-0 win at Birmingham.

The Serbian striker, who earlier had an effort disallowed for offside, hooked home in the 52nd minute after Birmingham goalkeeper Lee Camp dropped substitute Cyrus Christie's cross.

Fulham had to withstand heavy pressure from the hosts in the latter stages but goalkeeper Marek Rodak made a superb save from striker Lukas Jutkiewicz's point-blank header while Maxime Colin had an effort blocked.

The visitors could have made it 2-0 at the death but substitute Aboubakar Kamara's shot hit the inside of a post on the break.

Birmingham's only change saw on-loan Chelsea centre back Jake Clarke-Salter replace captain Harlee Dean, who started his three-match ban for his red card in the 4-2 defeat at Cardiff last week.

New striker Jeremie Bela, who left Spanish side Albacete to join the Blues, made his debut as a 62nd-minute substitute after receiving international clearance.

Fulham made three changes from their 3-0 defeat at Hull. Manager Scott Parker recalled Rodak, Maxime Le Marchand and Anthony Knockaert for Marcus Bettinelli, Joe Bryan and Tom Cairney.

Le Marchand, though, lasted just 35 minutes before he limped off following a challenge on Jutkewicz.

The Blues went close when left-back Kristian Pedersen, who had scored in his previous two games, unleashed a fierce angled drive which was tipped wide by Rodak.

Fulham thought they had broken the deadlock in the 14th minute. Mitrovic bundled the ball home after Camp dropped Bobby Reid's shot when Knockaert crossed, but the linesman's flag immediately went up for offside.

The Blues hit back strongly and Kerim Mrabti's first-time effort was smothered by Rodak before the Fulham keeper made a superb reflex save to his right from Fran Villalba's flick following a cross.

The home side had a let-off in the 26th minute. Jude Bellingham gave the ball away in midfield and Fulham swept forwards, Knockaert crossing for Reid, who just missed when sliding in from point-blank range.

There was a flashpoint off the ball in the third minute of first-half stoppage time after Knockaert landed on Bellingham, apparently splitting the Birmingham midfielder's lip.

Mitrovic and Bellingham then shared a heated exchange and players from both sides became involved before Bellingham and Mitrovic were booked.

Fulham threatened when Reid's snapshot was smothered by Camp after Mitrovic won Colin's headed clearance.

Mitrovic remained centre stage as he gave Fulham the lead in controversial fashion.

The Serbia international, making his 150th league start, tapped home after Camp dropped Christie's cross under pressure.

The Cottagers looked to double their lead and Knockaert's chip dropped not far over the bar, before Ivan Cavaleiro drove wide.

The Blues finally forced another save from Rodak in the 80th minute when Jutkiewicz's header from point-blank range was tipped over by the Fulham keeper.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/birmingham-city/result/result-aleksandar-mitrovics-12th-goal-of-season-earns-fulham-victory-at-birmingham_378467.html


WhiteJC

Fulham boss Scott Parker salutes 'animal' Aleksandar Mitrovic



Fulham manager Scott Parker branded Aleksandar Mitrovic an "animal" and saluted his side's character after they returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory at Birmingham.

Mitrovic's 12th goal of the season silenced the Birmingham boo-boys and moved the Cottagers up to sixth.

The Serbian striker, who had an effort disallowed and was booked for his part in a flare-up with Jude Bellingham, hooked home in the 52nd minute after Birmingham goalkeeper Lee Camp dropped substitute Cyrus Christie's cross.

Parker was delighted with the contribution of Mitrovic.

"He looks like an absolute animal, chasing things down, and if that is the base, the goals will come," he said.

"That's what we want from him; he is the talisman, the guy everyone looks to and the pressure is on him. He needs to understand what he gives to the team.

"For all his goals, for everything that goes round him, all I ask of him is forget the goals, just go and turn up and be the Mitrovic he can be."

Parker was also delighted with the character of his team after they bounced back from a 3-0 home defeat to Hull last week.

"We came here and showed real character in tough conditions and were worthy winners," he added.

"First and foremost you must show character, desire and passion and if you have that, you will be all right, because there's no doubt we have technical, gifted players."

Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak made superb saves from striker Lukas Jutkiewicz's point-blank header, Kristian Pedersen's early angled drive and Fran Villalba's flick as Blues were sentenced to a second successive defeat.

Blues caretaker head coach Pep Clotet felt his team was hard done by.

He said: "We had 16 shots, they had 10, we had four shots on target, they had three and from these three, two were valid, because I think the goal is a blatant foul on Marc Roberts.

"Mitrovic never wanted to head that cross – he thought the keeper was going to catch it and he just bashes against Marc Roberts who had the position won.

"Roberts was sent three yards outside then the ball dropped to Mitrovic, who was in that position thanks to a foul, so it's a clear foul.

"But those are margins. We had very clear chances as well that we should have scored.

"I thought we had everything there to have secured points, if not three then one."

But the visitors could have made it 2-0 at the death when substitute Aboubakar Kamara's shot hit the inside of the post on the break.

Fulham were denied by the offside flag in the 14th minute when Mitrovic pounced after Camp dropped Bobby Reid's shot.

There was a flashpoint off the ball at the end of the first half after Anthony Knockaert landed on Bellingham, apparently splitting the Birmingham midfielder's lip.

Mitrovic and Bellingham then shared a heated exchange and both players were booked.

Parker said: "I just see it as heat of the moment, and they just squared up – it's handbags really."

Clotet said: "It was normal emotions in the game – I don't think much happened. I don't know what Jude was booked for."



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulham-boss-scott-parker-salutes-animal-aleksandar-mitrovic#CWbEFPr0LYiCE6ex.99

WhiteJC

A familiar Fulham tale

Blues went down at home to Fulham, with Andy Munro watching.

If ever there was a bogey team then F ulham are just that, with a semi-final defeat and relegation scraps some of the many lowlights in Blues fixtures against the Cottagers.

This time, in my view, we were 'out footballed' on the day and much of this was because we were pressed out of our comfort zone by a team who play purist football of the sort, in fairness, we are still in the earlier stages of producing.

However, the difference is that they have the sort of pace in their team that we have been lacking and were able to break quickly whilst our build up was rather laboured at times simply because our starting line-up lacked penetration in the final third.

Fans may claim (to some but not complete justification) that it was all Lee Camp's fault for dropping the ball under pressure, while Pep can complain there was a foul on Roberts. Yet apart from a very bright first half hour by the Blues, Fulham bossed the game until we made some belated subs.

It didn't help that Roberts was at his clumsy worst and the midfield didn't function with its usual smoothness, Bellingham and Villablanca definitely not them selves. Meanwhile, the Juke worked tirelessly but fruitlessly up front with little support other than the occasional spark from Mrabti.

It's just a shame that the subs weren't made earlier with the elusive Montero and the pacy Bela lighting up the scene, waking the crowd out of their depression. This also started to give the Juke the service on which he thrives and only the woodwork prevented him getting a just-about deserved equaliser.

It will be interesting to see what happens in terms of team selection in our next two games away from home. Let's hope that Pep goes for pace on the break and causes the opposition the discomfort and uncertainty that Fulham never had to experience until the last twenty minutes.



http://thebirminghampress.com/2019/11/a-familiar-fulham-tale/

Stoneleigh Loyalist

With all of the analysis from our supporters more should take notice of this very balanced analysis from the .Blues point of view.