Thursday Fulham Stuff - 28/11/19...

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Results

Wednesday
Blackburn	1-0	Brentford
Hull	4-0	Preston NE
Middlesbrough	1-0	Barnsley
QPR	0-4	Nottm Forest
Sheff Wed	1-1	Birmingham City
West Brom	4-1	Bristol City

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Parker singles out Fulham man for praise after frustrating period

Scott Parker has praised Bobby Reid after the Jamaican international got his first goal for the club in their 3-0 win over Derby County in the Championship last night.

In what was arguably Fulham's most complete home performance under Parker, with Reid opening the scoring on seven minutes when he met an in-swinging cross from Aboubakar Kamara.

Their lead was doubled before half-time when Aleksandar Mitrovic scored on his return to the side and with a minute of the second-half remaining, Tom Cairney added a third and his sixth of the season.

A third-straight win in the Championship for Fulham which takes them up to 3rd, five points behind leaders West Brom.

Speaking to the media after the game, Parker commended Reid on finally breaking his duck for the club:

"It was his first goal for us tonight, which is remarkable. He's been top class since he has come in, and while the goals haven't been there, the work ethic and mentality is everything we want."

Reid started the game just behind Mitrovic in what was a slightly changed formation for Parker. It looked more like a 4-2-3-1 with Reid filling in that number ten role behind the forward.

"Where Bobby played tonight is probably his best position," said Parker. "He's a player that takes everything on board, and delivers. He's someone who's always in and around it."

A one-time golden boot winner in this division, that was Reid's first goal in 16 league appearances for Fulham but an important one nevertheless, as Fulham cruised to a simple home win over Derby.

The verdict

Reid was going to score sooner or later and now that he has, fans feel like he'll have the confidence to recapture his goal-scoring form of old.

He faces stiff competition in the side though. Mitrovic is obviously their main man but after his brace against QPR last week, Kamara has also out himself in contention. With so many attacking outlets at his disposal, it's a nice problem that Parker has.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/parker-singles-out-fulham-man-for-praise-after-frustrating-period/

[WhiteJC]

Key Fulham figure sends message following impressive midweek win

Fulham co-chairman and sporting director Tony Khan has sent a message to supporter's after his club made it three league wins in a row on Tuesday night.

The Whites emphatically beat Derby County 3-0 at Craven Cottage to move up into third place for now and Khan was clearly hugely impressed with what he saw; both on the pitch and off it.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote: "What a great night at the Cottage! 3 points, 3 straight wins, 3 goals & a clean sheet! Thank you all @FulhamFC supporters + a huge thank you to everyone at the Cottage tonight for our 3-0 win! Thank you to the Fulham squad & staff for that outstanding performance! Come on Fulham!"

Khan took up his position in February of 2017, overseeing the club's rise back into the top-flight during his first full season at Craven Cottage as Fulham beat Aston Villa in the 2018 play-off final.

It is now his intention to take them straight back to the Premier League after being relegated last season, and it is a case of so far so good.

Birmingham City, QPR and now Derby have all been beaten in their last three fixtures and they now sit third and four points outside the automatic promotion places, with goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Tom Cairney finishing the job against the Rams.

Their next test comes on Friday night when they travel to fellow high-flyers Swansea City in the Championship, a tough test, but in their current form, Parker will be confident of taking on any challenger.

The verdict

Parker spoke about the importance of momentum after their win against QPR, and it is clear that they are really starting to build up a head of steam.

Derby came into this one having just beaten Preston but Fulham did not give them even a glimmer of hope on Tuesday night.

It was the sort of display that fans will want to see more of. Ruthless in attack and defensively astute at the back.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/key-fulham-figure-sends-message-following-impressive-midweek-win/

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'Finally we've got a defence!' – These Fulham fans react to win against Derby

Fulham made it two home wins in the space of four days as they defeated Derby County 3-0 at Craven Cottage yesterday evening.

Goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Tom Cairney lifted the Cottagers up to third in the Sky Bet Championship table.

It is the third win in succession for Scott Parker's side, who have bounced back in the best possible fashion following their 3-0 defeat to Hull City at the beginning of the month. It is also their first clean sheet since late October.

Despite the positive result, the win was marred by the injuries suffered to Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aboubakar Kamara, who both came off with suspected hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.

The recent form for the west Londoners also relieves the pressure on Scott Parker, as his side now sit four points shy of the automatic promotion places.

Cottagers supporters were pleased with the manner of the performance, and here are some of their responses on Twitter after yesterday's win...



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/finally-weve-got-a-defence-these-fulham-fans-react-to-win-against-derby/

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Leeds Sources: Bielsa is a 'Huge admirer' of Fulham player who flopped in PL

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is a "huge admirer" of Fulham playmaker Tom Cairney, Football Insider has learned.

The Scotland international has been revitalised this season after struggling to make an impact during the London club's season in the Premier League.

A Leeds source has told Football Insider that Bielsa has told allies he regards Cairney as one of the outstanding players in the Championship as well as the best in his position in the division.

Bielsa is convinced the 28-year-old is good enough to thrive in the Premier League and has grown to be a "huge admirer" of a player who's spent almost his entire career in the second tier.

The Argentine has been impressed by Cairney's technical ability, inventiveness, passing range and ability to operate in tight spaces and make good decisions quickly.

Cairney joined Fulham from Blackburn Rovers in 2015 and has made 180 appearances for the club, scoring 34 goals and supplying 27 assists.

Predominantly an attacking midfielder but occasionally used in central midfield, he was integral to promotion two seasons but then failed to reproduce that form in the Premier League.

He scored just once and provided only one assist from 33 matches last season as Fulham were relegated at the first attempt.

Back in the Premier League, he has looked far more sure of himself and has spearheaded the club's fine start to the campaign.

Cairney scored his seventh league goal of the season last night as Fulham defeated Derby County 3-0 to climb to third in the Championship.

He signed a contract extension in May that runs until 2024 with the option of another year.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-united-sources-bielsa-is-huge-admirer-of-fulham-player/

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Ream Up For Player of the Year

Tim Ream is amongst the nominees for US Soccer Player of the Year.

The Fulham centre-back is up against Chelsea's Christian Pulisic, Schalke 04 midfielder Weston McKennie, and MLS trio Aaron Long, Gyasi Zardes, and Jordan Morris.

Ream captained his country six times in 2019, winning four and drawing one of those. His nominee bio on ussoccer.com reads:

A long-time veteran of the National Team, Tim Ream earns his first Player of the Year Nomination after achieving a career high 14 appearances in 2019. Showing a steady hand in providing veteran leadership, Ream captained the USMNT six times -- more than any other player in 2019 – with the side going 4-1-1 in matches where he wore the armband. Leading the team with 1,210 minutes played, the 32-year-old showed his versatility in playing both at left-back and centre-back, while also providing to the team's offensive output with two assists on the year. Ream has continued to be a mainstay for Fulham in 2019, making 33 appearances across all competitions for the Whites as they split time between the English Premier League and League Championship.

Votes are collected from respective National Team coaches, National Team players who have earned a cap in 2019, members of the US Soccer Board of Directors, US Soccer Athletes' Council, National Women's Soccer League head coaches for the USWNT and American soccer league (MLS and USL) head coaches for the USMNT, select media members and former players and administrators.

The winner will be announced during the second week of December.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/november/27/tim-ream-nominated-for-player-of-the-year

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3 things Scott Parker will have learned after Fulham's impressive midweek win

Fulham made it three wins in a row in the Championship on Tuesday night as they comfortably saw off Derby County at Craven Cottage.

First-half goals from Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aleksandar Mitrovic put the hosts in control and Tom Cairney rounded off the 3-0 win late in the game.

It moves the Whites into third in the Championship table and will no doubt give Scott Parker plenty to smile about.

And here are THREE things he will have learned from the performance...

Attacking depth

The fact that the Whites were able to drop Anthony Knockaert for this one and still come out on top comfortably tells you all you need to know.

Aboubakar Kamara started again, on the wing this time as Mitrovic made his return up front, and Bobby Decordova-Reid also started in attacking midfield.

Both were excellent on the night until they picked up knocks, but being able to rotate their front line like they did will stand them in extremely good stead for the rest of the season.

Momentum is key

Parker said after the win against QPR that the side need to build momentum as that is so often what sees a side win promotion come May.

With three wins on the bounce, he will have now realised that he is in the midst of that key momentum and will be excited to see where it takes them over the next few gameweeks.

Fortress Craven

That win against the Rams saw Fulham move up to second in the table based on home form, behind only Preston.

The embarassing defeat to Hull City aside, opponents clearly do not like coming to play at the South West London club and that is something that Parker will hope to see maintained.

QPR threw away a 1-0 lead last week and you could tell that playing at home had given Fulham the confidence to know that they could get back into it. That mentality could be huge going forward.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-things-scott-parker-will-have-learned-after-fulhams-impressive-midweek-win/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's Scott Parker issues injury update on Aboubakar Kamara after Derby win

Fulham moved up to 3rd in the Sky Bet Championship table yesterday evening, with a convincing 3-0 win over Phillip Cocu's Derby County at Craven Cottage.

Goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Tom Cairney set the Cottagers on their way to their second home win in the space of four days, and their third victory in succession.

Despite the positives, both Reid and Aboubakar Kamara were taken off injured during the contest, which will be a concern for Scott Parker, especially regarding the Frenchman.

Kamara has taken his chance after previously being on the fringes of the first-team, starting for Fulham in their last two games. He found the net twice against Queens Park Rangers last Friday, and provided an important assist last night against Derby.

It will be a blow for the player and the club if it's a serious problem, and Parker addressed it in his post-match press conference last night.

Speaking to the club website, when asked if he knows more about the injury, Parker said Kamara has yet to be assessed.

"It's too early at the moment," he said.

"But it looked like he's rolled his ankle. We'll assess it tomorrow morning.

"He's had to wait a long time to get his opportunity and you only take those opportunities to score two goals and perform like he did tonight if you prepare right."

The Verdict

The injuries suffered to Reid and Kamara will make last night's win against Derby bittersweet for Scott Parker, as Kamara has proved his worth to the team in the past week.

It will be more of a disappointment for the Frenchman than anyone else, however, as he has only just got his chance back in the first-team.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulhams-scott-parker-issues-injury-update-on-aboubakar-kamara-after-derby-win/

[WhiteJC]

Boss Parker hails Fulham duo

Boss Scott Parker says he has been impressed by the impact that both Aboubakar Kamara and Bobby Decordova-Reid have had in Fulham's recent run of form.

Kamara has been behind current Championship top scorer Aleksandar Mitrović in the Whites' pecking order up top since the Serb's arrival in January 2018, and had a somewhat rocky relationship with the club at times, but Parker praised his patience and tenacity since returning from his loan spell in Turkey last season.

"A special comment for him, really," Parker said. "He's had to wait a long while to get his opportunity, which had come last week.

"You only take the opportunities to score two goals [against QPR on Friday] and perform like he did against Derby if you prepare right before that chance. He's trained well, put himself in a physical shape. Fair play to him."

In addition to his double against Fulham's local rivals when he stepped in for the suspended Mitrović, the Frenchman was rewarded with another starting berth and capitalised by adding a pin-point assist in the 3-0 demolition of Derby, though he hobbled off through injury early in the second half.

"He justified it [his selection]. His all-round play, his work ethic, everything about him was first-class," Parker said.

On the injury, Parker added: "We'll assess it  and see where we are. It looks like he's rolled his ankle."

A similar evaluation will be made on the hamstring of Bobby Decordova-Reid, who played in a more advanced role behind Mitrović and notched his first goal in Fulham colours on Tuesday evening before being substituted as a precaution.

And though it has taken 17 matches for the Cardiff loanee to find the net for the Whites – much to his head coach's surprise – Parker has been equally satisfied with Decordova-Reid's versatility and attitude.

"The way you see him tonight is probably in his best position," said the former Whites captain. "He's a player who takes everything on board, whatever you ask of him. He's always in and around it. He scored his first goal for us tonight but, to be honest with you, it's quite remarkable that it's taken this long.

"He's been top class since he's come in. Maybe the goals have not been there, but in terms of the work ethic and mentality, he's everything we want in our squad."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/boss-parker-hails-fulham-duo

[WhiteJC]

'Top ownership' – Loads of Fulham fans lavish key figure with praise after he sends message

Loads of Fulham fans have reacted to club chairman and sporting director Tony Khan's post match comments following their 3-0 win against Derby last night.

It was a win that saw them move up into third place for now and Khan was clearly hugely impressed with what he saw; both on the pitch and off it.

Khan took up his position in February of 2017, overseeing the club's rise back into the top-flight during his first full season at Craven Cottage as Fulham beat Aston Villa in the 2018 play-off final.

It is now his intention to take them straight back to the Premier League after being relegated last season, and it is a case of so far so good.

Birmingham City, QPR and now Derby have all been beaten in their last three fixtures and they now sit third and four points outside the automatic promotion places, with goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Tom Cairney finishing the job against the Rams.

patdesantis94 🤘🏼🤘🏼🖤🖤🤘🏼🤘🏼🖤🖤🤘🏼🤘🏼

nick_l_brown Absolutely on 🔥🔥🔥 ⚫️⚪️⚽️

aljazbedenefans Top two are a bit further away but think Scotty may have turned a cottage corner

eoin.dillon And up to 3rd 😁

sledgey9 Top ownership 🙌🙌

daviderashed 💪👍👍

platinumsoundsuk Will be able to watch a performance like that from that rooftop pool soon 🤣



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/top-ownership-loads-of-fulham-fans-lavish-key-figure-with-praise-after-he-sends-message/

[WhiteJC]

Parker demonstrates improvement as a manager with tactical display for Fulham last night

Scott Parker's Fulham won their third-straight game in the Championship with a 3-0 win over Derby County last night.

The mood around Craven Cottage this time last month was low but today, after Fulham went 3rd in the Championship, everything looks to be rosy again.

Parker was a man under pressure with his Fulham side under-performing, and that pressure peaked when the club were beaten 3-0 at home to Hull City at the start of the season and Fulham falling well out of the top-six.

But three games and three wins later and suddenly, Parker's Fulham look like promotion contenders again. Last night was one of their most complete performances of the season against a Derby County side who've now lost their last four away games to nil.

Bobby Reid headed Fulham into an early lead, the Jamaican finally breaking his duck at the club, with Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring on his return to the team after missing the win over QPR through suspension – he's now on 13 Championship goals for the season, 22 for club and country.

The win was rounded off in the 89th minute when the Serb turned provider for Tom Cairney to net his sixth of the season and Fulham's third on the night – a fine win in-front of a healthy crowd at Craven Cottage.

There was plenty to please the Fulham faithful last night and Parker, who's one criticism this season has been his stubbornness to stick with the same tactics, showed that he is more than a one-tactic pony.

His usual 4-3-3 became more of a 4-2-3-1 last night. Having been on a good run going into the game, Parker had no reason or need to change his set-up for the visit of Derby but he did, and it paid off.

Aboubakar Kamara came into the team after his brace against QPR whilst Bobby Reid returned to the fold, playing just in behind Mitrovic. Harrison Reed missed out leaving Cairney and Stefan Johansen the two midfielders and Ivan Cavaleiro also kept his place, Anthony Knockaert started from the bench.

It was a slightly new-look Fulham and those that came in impressed. Kamara swung in a fine cross for Reid to head home the first and after the game, Parker said that he thinks Reid's best position is behind the striker, and that inaugural goal could see him capture his form of old.

Parker showed his tactical dynamism last night. Nearly four months into his first full-season in management has brought up some sticky situations and he looks to be coming out on top, developing his knowledge along the way and putting together a fine team at Fulham.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/parker-demonstrates-improvement-as-a-manager-with-tactical-display-for-fulham-last-night/

[WhiteJC]

Skilling Skills Challenge

Skilling, our back of shirt sponsor and principal partner, have launched a competition to find out which Fulham fan has the best skills.

Prizes include a VIP matchday experience for four, a signed Fulham shirt, and tickets to a game at Craven Cottage.

To enter, simply upload a video clip of you doing your best football skill to Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #FFCSKILLSCHALLENGE

Entries close on Sunday 8th December.

For inspiration, have a look at how Aboubakar Kamara got on when he was tasked with showing off his best skills.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/november/27/skilling-skills-challenge

[WhiteJC]

Talking Points: Derby County

Fulham's 100% midweek record and Bobby getting off the mark are just two of our latest Talking Points.

1. No shots on target

Fulham's dominance is perhaps most demonstrable by the fact that Derby failed to muster a single shot on target in the game. Forwards Martyn Waghorn, Chris Martin, Tom Lawrence, Jack Marriott and Morgan Whittaker played for a combined 283 minutes, but Marek Rodák went the full match without having to make a save.

2. Bobby off the mark

Few have deserved a first goal for their new club more than Bobby Decordova-Reid. Despite not previously finding the net, his performances have been of a high standard and so fans have been totally on his side, and they took as much delight in his opener on Tuesday as he did.

3. Right on target

The Whites have used the right flank to devastating effect in our previous two fixtures. After getting on the end of Denis Odoi's Beckham-esque cross on Friday, Aboubakar Kamara turned provider this week, curling over a stunning delivery for Bobby to divert home.

4. Momentum building

Three wins a row has lifted Fulham to third in the table – for the time being at least – but now is when the fixture list becomes really testing. Our next five outings all come against sides in the top-eight, and so we will be in a really strong position if we can keep building this spell of momentum.

5. Midweek joy

Fulham's record in midweek matches this season is immaculate, with four wins from four so far. We're still unbeaten if you throw Friday matches into contention as well, with 10 points taken from a possible 12.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/november/27/talking-points-derby-county

[WhiteJC]

USMNT names 6 player of the year nominees

Yesterday, the United States Soccer Federation announced the 6 nominees for the 2019 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. Defenders Aaron Long and Tim Ream, midfielders Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic, and forwards Jordan Morris and Gyasi Zardes are the listed nominees for achievements with club and the USMNT.

Aaron Long had the most starts of any USMNT player in 2019 with 14, with 3 goals and 1 assist for the USMNT. Tim Ream also had 14 starts, serving as captain of the USMNT 6 times throughout the year. Weston McKennie had a brilliant year in the middle with 5 goals and 2 assists for the USMNT, while Christian Pulisic had 5 goals and 3 assists for the team. Gyasi Zardes led all USMNT scorers with 6 goals, while Jordan Morris had 5 goals and 4 assists, factoring into 9 of the last 16 goals for the USMNT in 2019.

The winners will be announced by U.S. Soccer in December. Hit the comments to discuss who you think should be U.S. Soccer's Male Player of the Year.



https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/usmnt-news/2019/11/27/20985844/usa-usmnt-player-of-year-nominee-christian-pulisic-jordan-morris-gyasi-zardes-weston-mckennie

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Fulham signing this impressive 25-year-old star would surely help their promotion bid

Why Joseph Attamah could be a smart signing for Fulham

Back in January, Daily Mail had claimed that Fulham were interested in signing Istanbul Basaksehir defender Joseph Attamah. However, no deal materialised and the Cottagers eventually got relegated from the Premier League at the end of 2018/19 campaign.

Joseph Attamah, 25, joined Istanbul Basaksehir back in 2016 from fellow Turkish club Adana Demirspor. He could only manage 11 appearances in the Super Lig last season. The Ghanaian defender is currently on loan at Caykur Rizespor and has been a regular fixture at the club, starting nine out of 12 games.

With Attamah impressing for Caykur Rizespor, Fulham must reignite their interest in the defender when the transfer market reopens.

Fulham made it two home wins in the space of four days as they defeated Derby County 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Tuesday. Goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic, Bobby Reid and Tom Cairney lifted the Cottagers up to third in the Championship table.

It is the third win in succession for Scott Parker's side, who have bounced back in the best possible manner following their hapless 3-0 defeat to Hull City at the beginning of November.

Interestingly, it is also their first clean sheet since late October. The recent upturn in form for Fulham has also relieved some pressure off Parker's shoulders, as his side are just four points adrift of automatic promotion places.

The Cottagers' winning mentality could be huge going forward but Parker should be wary that his squad needs more quality and depth to continue their hunt for promotion. The winter transfer window would provide Fulham with the opportunity to strengthen the squad and Parker must make the most use of it.

As the west Londoners managed their first clean sheet since late October in their 3-0 win over Derby, the defence appears to be an area Parker could do well by strengthening in the New Year. Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson have been Parker's first-choice central defenders and while they have done a decent job, the Cottagers have managed just seven clean sheets this season.

For a team that is aiming for promotion, it doesn't bode well. To put things into perspective, Fulham need a new central defender and Joseph Attamah would be a good fit.

Attamah is a central defender by trade but he is also comfortable operating as a defensive midfielder, as seen this season, where the majority of his appearances for Caykur Rizespor has come in the holding role.

As per WhoScored.com, the Ghanaian has averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.7 clearances and 1.2 aerials won per game, whilst attaining 82.7% pass success rate.

Verdict

There is no question that Attamah has the potential to be an inspired signing for Fulham. And with the Cottagers aiming for promotion at the first time of asking, the 25-year-old could perhaps make a huge difference.



https://soccersouls.com/fulham-signing-this-impressive-25-year-old-star-would-surely-help-their-promotion-bid/

[WhiteJC]

Five Thoughts: Fulham 3-0 Derby County

Three goals, three victories on the bounce and a 100% midweek winning record. Forget Saturdays, Tuesday and Wednesday nights by the river are the in thing and we're wholeheartedly here for that. The last time Derby County came to town, Fulham were heart breakers. This time, with the Rams wanting to exact revenge, the Whites stamped the visitors' dignity into pitiful pulp.

Phillip Cocu's continental philosophy wilted under Scott Parker's homegrown regime. In the post-match press conference, the Dutchman praised his opponents, labelling the Cottagers as the best side in the Championship. Flattering, but the article is by no means finished – we've still some editing and aligning to do before that title's claimed as ours indefinitely.

Parker's first true test came after that abnormal defeat against Hull City. Galvanising his camp was imperative and the young manager has since answered his critics and disbelievers. His corner has been fought by each member of the squad, with fringe players making their mark to revive our campaign. Navigating the next 5 matches, though, could define his fledgling career in the dugout. Swansea City, you're up.

Front Foot Fulham
Energy is what we asked for from the off on Tuesday evening and Fulham, taking stock of our pleads after an early Tom Lawrence scare, ambushed Derby at a breakneck, fever pitch speed. Zipping the ball across the turf, fashioning piercing patterns of play, the Whites set the tone for the encounter in the 7th minute through Bobby De Cordova-Reid, his first for the club, at last. The Rams couldn't handle the intensity behind Fulham's approach and were drowned out in the early stages. From that moment on, Parker's men dictated the tempo and completely monopolised possession.

Ivan Cavaleiro was a menace on the break, brandishing deceptive shoulder dips and dazzling trickery, luring Jayden Bogle out of position. As per, Joe Bryan hared up the channel on the overlap and took Derby's penalty area hostage. Collectively, Fulham's work-rate was astonishing. Cav' very rarely tracks back to cover but the searing winger chipped in defensively to relinquish the brewing threat posed by Martyn Waghorn. The 26-year-old still s dwells on the ball on the edge of the 18, but the way he manoeuvres possession within the final third is dizzying. There were many catalysts moving forward, but he was an incessant initiator on the break.

From the back, Denis Odoi intercepted and charged with the ball at his feet, drunk on momentum following his inspired outing against Queens Park Rangers. In essence, every department practised the club's potent philosophy, a unified harmony that was deeply pleasing on the eye. The game was managed at a steady pace for the vast majority following the Cottagers' 40th-minute second and Fulham were issued the license to record 62% possession, a resounding strangle hold that Derby – though they rallied briefly in the second-half – couldn't wriggle free of. 659 passes compared to their 387 tells the tale perfectly. We did drop off slightly with a few laboured sequences creeping into the frame, but the visitors were limited to cold scraps at Fulham's piping-hot buffet. A swagger been restored and now, Fulham are swaying to an infectious beat.

Show-Stopping StefJo
Stefan Johansen was nothing short of immense beneath the lights on Tuesday. Versed, acclimatised to the expectations of the Championship, I can't really express just how valuable he is and will be to our cause this term, but the Norwegian supremo literally ran the show alongside Tom Cairney in the heart of the Whites' engine room and, surprisingly, he didn't rise or retaliate to any hostile antics Derby hurled his way. Are we witnessing the birth of a new, level-headed StefJo? A very large part of me hopes not but in all sincerity, it was unquestionably his most accomplished performance for the Whites this season.

Chopping up and cutting out hopeful through balls pledged by Krystian Bielik and George Evans, the 28-year-old was a persistent calming influence. Patrolling the midfield and shielding back four, Johansen was also a makeweight between defensive consolidation and offensive authority,a filter that purified Fulham's spells in possession. Unyielding, persevering the Nordic playmaker was the mastermind behind Fulham's controlled, measured disposition. Everything ticked systematically under his supervision.

There's an obvious cohesion within the midfield with Johansen involved. Yes, he's a tad irrational and over-invested but I'd still rather him than Harry Arter and as for Harrison Reed, the Southampton loanee's much more effective from the bench as a disruptive element in the final 15-20 minutes. Johansen marries method with madness and that's a formula that certainly works in England's second division, an environment where soft ethics and pussyfooted principles simply don't cut it.

Abou' Acquires Ammo
Reborn again, Aboubakar Kamara started his second consecutive domestic meeting and continued where he left off against QPR, epitomising Fulham's verve and dynamism. Terrorising Bogle and Max Lowe with virtually every breath he drew into his iron lungs, AK47 morphed into a tiger tank with ammunition in the turret. Sounds like an innuendo, but the scorer provided a sublime crafted assist for Bobby's volleyed opener. Mimicking Odoi on the right channel, Abou' lifted his head and pinpointed the lingering Jamaican attacker with a deftly-weighted cracker of a cross. Another string to ad to the bow, it seems.

Direct, stomping his markers into oblivion, Kamara sounded the bugle and the hunt was well and truly on. There was no hiding place for Derby's back four, the bamboozling Frenchman came at our guests barrel chested and full of fire. Okay, the odd pass rifled from his boots, nearly cleaning out its intended target in the process, but I was impressed yet again by his animated exploits. I was in raptures when he collected possession in the middle of the park, treating two-or-so Derby midfielders like bowling skittles, zigzagging into the open like a distressed house cat. He really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Kamara covered a lot of ground and pulled his weight defensively, making himself a mischief as usual but sadly, and hopefully not detrimentally, his night was over in the 54th minute. Sat on the deck, fatigued, the 24-year-old was in discomfort, clutching his ankle with a grimace. He did stumble off the park and obviously I hope it's not too serious. He's come back into the fold with a reinvigorated devotion and is no longer singular. Speaking openly, I'd prefer him to start in place of Anthony Knockaert on a weekly basis, and I never thought I'd ever utter that statement willingly. Get well, Abou', you're no longer surplus in my estimation.

Superb Serb Supplies
The king returns. Aleksandar Mitrovic, back in the fold after serving a 1-match ban, ruled the final third typically without mercy or remorse. Curtis Davis grappled, Craig Forsyth cowered, the tyrannical super Serb reigned supreme and was, well, bloody amazing. That's 13 Championship goals this season and, to the dismay of defences far and wide, the last few weeks have only been a dress rehearsal. Bit of a broken record, but we definitely have the best striker outside of England's top six on our books, and that's being modest.

A sign of the Apocalypse, Fulham finally scored from a corner, befitting that it came against the Rams, and it was Mitro' that glanced past a rooted Kelle Roos. Sardined between a melee of spearmint jerseys, Mitro' bustled through numerous bodies to divert before the interval, a debilitating sucker punch and a pill too sour for Derby to swallow. AK fed off Mitro's aerial prowess and the brutish duo dismantled Derby in tandem – on that basis, it's now officially deemed possible for the brawny attackers to grace the starting XI, side by side, to form a mega beast that will frighten rearguards shitless.

Incorporating raw power with a deadly acumen, the striker sensed his teammates and linked up with his midfield string pullers excellently throughout. Stealing Bielik's ridiculously weighty touch, if we can call it that, in the 89th minute, Mitro' jinked towards the danger area and was geared for punishment. TC made a supporting run and the attentive assassin unselfishly threaded his skipper into the 18-yard box. Given the flickering form he's in, you'd have expected him to wield his right cannon for a brace, but this particular emperor takes care of the people. A goal and an assist, not a bad day on the throne.

Duo Douse Derby
Double acts have featured heavily in this article and there's one pairing that doesn't always get the credit it deserves. Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson kept Derby at bay and a positive partnership is blooming between the two enforcers. Fair enough, Derby's offensive armoury have been awful this season and their blunted strikers on the night, Chris Martin most notably, basically nullified themselves, but it's a sturdy foundation to build upon for our boys at the back, who contributed towards another well-earned clean sheet.

Ream mopped up when and where he was required to do so and Mawson filed in behind, just in case the Rams spilled through the American enforcer. Calling the line, leading from the back, Ream was a diligent drill master and his experience, command and authority certainly elevated Mawson's performance. The 32-year-old administered possession timely and switched the ball productively, nominating AK as his preferred outlet. That studied left peg makes him the USMNT's head honcho at set-pieces nowadays and he put it to good use.

Mawson still worries me whenever the ball ventures into his path, but for a 25-year-old defender that's been blighted by injury, he's still got so much to give in his career and there's no better tutor in the squad than Ream for that nurturing purpose. An understanding is vital because the heart of the defence is such a vulnerable, sensitive sector and Ream and Mawson, tasked with the duty of safeguarding Marek Rodak's penalty box, set the standard. Now, for the 5 testing games that lay before us, they have to maintain that benchmark without quivering at the weight of expectation or necessity.



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