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Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 27/11/19...

Started by WhiteJC, November 26, 2019, 11:37:44 PM

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WhiteJC

Results



Tuesday
Cardiff
1-0
Stoke
Fulham
3-0
Derby
Huddersfield
1-1
Swansea
Luton
2-1
Charlton
Millwall
2-2
Wigan
Reading
0-1
Leeds

WhiteJC

Fulham 3-0 Derby County


Bobby Reid's opener against Derby was his first goal for Fulham since joining on loan from Cardiff in August

Aleksandar Mitrovic's 13th league goal of the season helped send Fulham third in the Championship as they condemned outclassed Derby to a fourth straight away defeat.

Mitrovic, the division's leading scorer, headed home Ivan Cavaleiro's corner just before half-time to add to Bobby Reid's early opener and reward Fulham's first-half dominance.

Reid got in front of the Derby defence to poke home Aboubakar Kamara's inviting cross after just seven minutes to put the Cottagers on the way to a third successive win.

Serbia striker Mitrovic should have added to his tally in the second half but headed a good chance over before turning provider late on, setting up Tom Cairney to slot home Fulham's third.

Rams keeper Kelle Roos was hesitant to come off his line for both of Fulham's close-range goals but made fine stops from Kamara, Cavaleiro and Mitrovic to prevent Derby's margin of defeat being greater.

While Mitrovic, back from a one-game ban, again found the net, Kamara - keeping his place after scoring twice as a stand-in against QPR - equally caught the eye for the dominant hosts.

The French striker, continuing his return from exile after being arrested following a training-ground clash in January, was at the heart of Fulham's best moves before limping off in the second half.

Derby boss Phillip Cocu, meanwhile, will hope the impending introduction of Wayne Rooney into the coaching set-up can help provide a cure to their travel sickness.

The Rams have won their past five games at Pride Park, including the past four without conceding, but have suffered four straight away defeats, drawing a blank each time, and have not won on the road in the league since the opening day.

They could have remedied that before Reid's opener but Tom Lawrence scuffed wide when well placed and the Rams failed to register a single shot on target, with Lawrence and Martyn Waghorn both wayward with late efforts.

Fulham manager Scott Parker told BBC Radio London:

"Today was tough, we played in a short space of time this week and it was always going to be tough physically for us.

"I thought we executed everything we spoke about in the last few days, I don't think they had any shots on target and we really executed in the final third.

"I'm really pleased with the team and really pleased with the lads, it's a good result."

Derby boss Phillip Cocu told BBC Radio Derby:

"It's not good enough, because if we can avoid conceding from set-pieces, we'd have many more points than we have at the moment.

"After six minutes, the set-piece, I have to see it back, but I think it's a mistake. Then they had what they wanted. They were leading so they didn't really need to [attack].

"They tried to get us out and then they play in that strength with Mitrovic, so they can play the short game, get some midfielders out of position, then play direct. They're difficult to stop."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50469236

WhiteJC

Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker says it is too soon to judge the fitness of Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aboubakar Kamara.

The pair starred in the 3-0 win over Derby County on Tuesday, with Decordova-Reid playing as a number 10, and Kamara moved out to the right.


"It's too early at the moment," Parker said of Kamara. "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.

"He's trained well, put himself in a physical shape that when he's got his opportunity, he's taken it.

"He justified his place; his all-round play, work ethic and everything about him was first class. He deserves it."

And on Decordova-Reid, his Head Coach said: "Again, we'll have to assess it in the morning. There's something there. He felt his hamstring.

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

"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."

Fulham's opening two goals came about via corners, and Parker was pleased to see part of his gameplan put into effect.

"We saw they conceded a few goals from set-plays and obviously we managed to get two in today," he stated. "We haven't been the most clinical from set plays, but we've worked on it.

"Fortunately for us, they fell in the right place and got two goals."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/november/26/head-coach-press conference


WhiteJC

Fulham 3-0 Derby County: Tom Cairney, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Bobby Decordova-Reid strike to send Scott Parker's men into third place in the Championship

    Bobby Decordova-Reid grabbed the opener for the hosts inside seven minutes
    Aleksandar Mitrovic grabbed his 13th goal of the season to put them two up
    Tom Cairney finished the scoring with a low finish with 89 minutes on the clock

Scott Parker praised the 'animal' in Aleksandar Mitrovic after the striker returned from suspension to lead Fulham into third place in the Championship with a commanding win over Derby.

Mitrovic, starting in a three-man attack with Ivan Cavaleiro and Aboubakar Kamara, scored one and set up another in a dominant display after missing the win over QPR last week.

'He was pumped up, that's the animal we have got in him,' Parker said. 'He rested up and came in to tonight's game raring to go with one thing on his mind, and that was three points.'


Bobby Decordova-Reid beats Kelle Roos inside the opening 10 minutes to open the scoring


Reid celebrates with Ivan Cavaleiro after opening the scoring at Craven Cottage


Bobby Decordova-Reid poked Fulham ahead after seven minutes, ghosting through Derby's defence to convert Kamara's deep cross.

It was ruthless punishment for Derby, who should have scored moments earlier. Duane Holmes tackled Denis Odoi and fed Max Lowe, but his cutback was skewed wide by Tom Lawrence from six yards.

From then on, Fulham took complete control. Derby watched their opponents pass around them for phases of the first half.

Mitrovic doubled the lead shortly before half-time, beating two defenders to head home a Cavaleiro corner.

Parker's men didn't relent in the second period. Mitrovic spurned two good chances in two minutes, before Kamara hobbled off after a tangle of legs with Craig Forsyth. It took the sting out of Fulham's attack, and Parker was forced into a further reshuffle when goalscorer Decordova-Reid limped down the tunnel soon after Kamara.

But while their attacking impetus was stifled, their control on the game did not drift and their third was deserved.


Aleksandar Mitrovic watches on as his header flies into the back of the Derby County net


The Serbian celebrates after netting the second goal of the evening for his side


Mitrovic turned provider as Derby failed to clear their lines, playing in his captain Tom Cairney who duly slotted through the legs of goalkeeper Kelle Roos.

Fulham's dominance was helped in no small part by a slow and ponderous Derby attack that did not muster a single shot on target in the whole match. Wayne Rooney's arrival cannot come soon enough.

'Fulham were better today,' Phillip Cocu said 'We played the best team I have seen in the league until now. You have to give credit to your opponent and look at ourselves to do better.

'Rooney will be important for us. He is natural leader.'


Tom Cairney fires home from inside the area with 89 minutes on the clock to seal the win



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7728479/Fulham-3-0-Derby-County-Scott-Parkers-men-climb-Championship.html

WhiteJC

Fulham climb to third after polished stroll over Derby County

Fulham 3 Derby County 0

Bobby Reid finally broke his duck for Fulham and Aleksandar Mitrovic helped himself to his 13th goal of the season as Fulham racked up their third win in a row.

Skipper Tom Cairney added the icing on the cake a minute from time.

The Whites always looked in control against the Rams, who have now won only one of their past 15 games at the Cottage, which includes the famous play-off defeat in west London two years ago.

Victory has at last given Scott Parker's men a bit of momentum after a stuttering autumn and they are up to third all of a sudden and threatening to live up to the pre-season hype.

The only downside was injuries to two of the night's best performers which robbed the hosts of some of their urgency, though the hard work had already been done.

Reid's goal and intelligent play was one of the big plus points for the hosts.

The on-loan midfielder/striker was given a brief to patrol the spaces behind Mitrovic and he relished the role, timing a run into the box perfectly to get on the end of a pinpoint cross from the right from Abou Kamara and toe-poke home.

As well as giving Reid a lift, the seventh minute goal was a perfect follow-up for Kamara to last Friday's two goal haul that settled the west London derby against QPR.

He played because of Mitrovic's one-game suspension last week but deservedly kept his place in the team, at the expense of Anthony Knockaert.

Kamara's bullish presence on the right flank troubled Derby constantly and another of his charges in from the right offered Ivan Cavaleiro a sight of the target – Rams stopper Kelle Roos needing to stretch to his left to tip away.

Soon after, Kamara had a go himself – a low shot with his left peg keeping the Derby keeper honest - before a switch to the left flank saw him create another chance for Cairney.

But of course you can never hog all of the headlines when Mitrovic is around and the Serb announced his return to the side with a simple header from a Cavaleiro corner to make it 2-0 after 40 minutes. There will be inquests about how he managed to get the better of a static defence.

After the break, Kamara and Mitrovic combined before the latter stung the keeper's palms – no sign of last year's tensions between the pair here – before Mitro sent a header just over.

Kamara was unlucky to have his night ended too soon by what looked like an ankle injury. He had been enjoying himself and the same misfortune befell Reid, who took a knock and was subbed before an hour had been played. But the pair made telling contributions.

A late breakaway saw Mitrovic feed Cairney for his sixth goal of the season. By then Derby's token response had been easily repelled.

Before Fulham had got going, Tom Lawrence spurned a great early chance for the Rams, miscuing from about six yards. It was, in truth,  as close as they got to having a say in the night's proceedings.

Line-up: Rodak – Odoi, Mawson, Ream, Bryan – Johansen, Cairney, Reid (Onomah 60) – Cavaleiro (Christie 80), Mitrovic, Kamara (Knockaert 54). Subs not used: Bettinelli, McDonald, Kebano, O'Riley.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2019/11/26/Fulham-climb-to-third-after-polished-stroll-over-Derby-County

WhiteJC

Rams Suffer Defeat In The Capital Against Fulham

Derby County suffered a 3-0 defeat to Fulham in their midweek trip to the capital in Sky Bet Championship fixture.

Phillip Cocu made two changes to the team from the 1-0 win over Preston North End three days earlier, with George Evans and Martyn Waghorn replacing Graeme Shinnie and Mason Bennett, who both went off injured in the win over the Lilywhites.

Two first-half goals were the deciding factor with Bobby Decorvova-Reid netting in first before Aleksandar Mitrovic seeing the second in from the back of his head from a corner.

Tom Cairney then added the final touches in the final minute with a composed finish for the home side.

The Rams had made a bright start, finding the first opportunity of the night after just five minutes. Duane Holmes won the ball back in Fulham half before feeding out to Max Lowe down the left of the box. The left-back whipped a cross over towards Tom Lawrence in the middle of the area, but he scuffed his effort wide of the mark.

Derby would rue that missed early chance as just two minutes later, the home side had the lead. A Fulham corner was headed out by Krystian Bielik. However, it found Aboubakar Kamara who flung the ball back into the box for Decordova-Reid to flick in from a couple of yards out.

There were spells of good work from the Rams in the middle of the park, with a neat one-two between Holmes and Chris Martin lining up a shot for the latter, but the visitors struggled to find the end product they craved.

Down at the other end Fulham had a couple of good chances midway through the half, but both times were denied by Kelle Roos. On the 28 minute-mark, Kamara squared to Ivan Cavaleiro outside the box who rifled a goal-bound shot which the Rams stopper punched away.

Just three minutes later, Kamara looked to take aim himself with a left-footed shot from range but Roos stifled his attempt.

Fulham did find their second with five minutes to go in the half. Kamara sent a corner to the far post to find the head of Mitrovic.

Just two minutes after the restart, Roos was called into action again. Mitrovic created space inside the area after being played in by Kamara before firing his effort, which the Derby keeper punched away. The striker then headed over from close range from the resulting corner.

Clear chances were few and far between for both sides as the final half played out with Fulham sitting further back to defend their lead.

In the final minute Fulham hit the Rams on the counter attack with Mitrovic bursting down the middle of the pitch before feeding to an open Cairney to slot in their third of the night.

Fulham: Rodak; Odoi, Ream, Mawson, Bryan; Cairney (C), Johansen, Decordova-Reid (Onomah, 60); Kamara (Knockaert, 54), Mitrovic, Cavaleiro (Christie, 79)

Unused Subs: Bettinelli, McDonald, Kebano, O'Riley

Derby County: Roos; Bogle, Davies (C), Forsyth, Lowe; Holmes (Marriott, 76), Bielik, Evans (Dowell, 61); Waghorn, Martin (Whittaker, 59), Lawrence

Unused Subs: Hamer, Paterson, Bird, Malone



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2019/11/fulham-v-derby-county-report


WhiteJC

Fulham third after victory over Derby

Fulham 3 Derby 0


Bobby Decordova-Reid scored his first Fulham goal as the Whites moved up to third in the Championship after a dominant performance at Craven Cottage.

The league's top scorer Aleksandar Mitrović also brought his season's tally to 13 with a simple header from a corner, helping Fulham to three consecutive wins for the second time this term.

Having conceded early on Friday against QPR, the Whites could have been behind again five minutes in when a mistake from Denis Odoi allowed Duane Holmes to nip in, only for Tom Lawrence to eventually scuff his shot wide.

Decordova-Reid opened his account just a minute later though, as his outstretched leg met a pin-point cross from Aboubakar Kamara – who produced another superb display – to poke past Kelle Roos.

The Jamaican international almost doubled his tally in quick succession after latching on to an underhit backpass from Curtis Davies, but dithered as Roos closed him down.

Roos then parried a well-placed Cavaleiro shot from range after neat work from Mitrović and Kamara, before the Frenchman had a go himself and almost caught the goalkeeper out with his own long-distance effort.

The Whites eventually extended their lead through Mitrović five minutes before half-time, and Tom Cairney almost made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time with a dipping shot from the edge of the box.

Fulham started the second half as brightly as they ended the first, with Mitrović stinging the palms of Roos once more, though both Kamara and Decordova-Reid were forced off with apparent injuries.

The visitors – whom Fulham defeated at Craven Cottage in the 2017/18 play-off semi-final – offered very little going forwards, and Cairney capped off the victory in the closing stages by slotting through the legs of Roos after Mitrović unselfishly teed him up.

Fulham: Rodák; Odoi, Mawson, Ream, Bryan; Johansen, Cairney, Decordova-Reid (Onomah 60), Kamara (Knockaert 53), Cavaleiro (Christie 80), Mitrović.
Subs not used: Bettinelli, McDonald, O'Riley, Kebano



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-third-after-victory-over-derby

WhiteJC

Fulham go third after comfortable win over Derby



Fulham beat a disappointing Derby 3-0 at Craven Cottage to move into third place in the Sky Bet Championship table.

Goals by Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aleksandar Mitrovic in the first half and a late third by captain Tom Cairney gave Scott Parker's side a third successive victory and suggested that they are beginning to find the consistency that eluded them earlier in the season.

Derby's away woes continued. Although they have won their past five home games, they are without a league victory on the road since the opening match of the season.

Their impressive victory over third-placed Preston at the weekend was a distant memory here as they failed to make an impression after missing an excellent early chance.

They have now lost four consecutive away league matches for the first since March 2017 when Steve McClaren was in his unhappy second spell as manager.

They should have been ahead after five minutes but the unmarked Tom Lawrence miscued wide of goal from Max Lowe's cross from the left.

Instead it was Fulham who took the lead two minutes later when Derby only half-cleared a corner kick.

Aboubakar Kamara returned the ball to the near post where Decordova-Reid got his toe to the ball before Derby goalkeeper Kelle Roos to score his first goal since joining the London club on loan from Cardiff in August.

Fulham played some clever football but also showed that they could keep things simple when required. After 28 minutes, Ivan Cavaleiro forced a fine diving save from Roos with a swerving first-time shot from Kamara's low pass.

And it was the most basic of corner-kick routines that brought Fulham their second five minutes before half-time.

Mitrovic outmuscled his marker to get underneath Cavaleiro's kick from the left and head past a motionless Roos from six yards, the top scorer's 13th of the season.

A third would not have flattered Fulham and they almost got it in first-half added time when Cairney curled a shot inches over the crossbar.

And Roos came to the rescue after 47 minutes with a diving save to keep out a snap shot from Mitrovic.

After that Fulham were content to sit back and hit on the break, and almost scored again when Mitrovic saw a shot blocked after good work by substitute Anthony Knockaert and Cavaleiro.

But even then very little was seen of Derby as an attacking force until Martyn Waghorn shot wide from a cross by Max Lowe after 70 minutes.

Cairney completed the scoring in the 89th minute, striking the ball through Roos' legs from a pass by Mitrovic.



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulham-go-third-after-comfortable-win-over-derby#bmY6xBHiGc6FObO1.99

WhiteJC

 Fulham 3-0 Derby: Scott Parker's side cruise into third
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at Craven Cottage

Fulham beat a disappointing Derby 3-0 at Craven Cottage to move into third place in the Sky Bet Championship table.

Goals by Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aleksandar Mitrovic in the first half and a late third by captain Tom Cairney gave Scott Parker's side a third successive victory and suggested that they are beginning to find the consistency that eluded them earlier in the season.

Derby's away woes continued. Although they have won their past five home games, they are without a league victory on the road since the opening match of the season.


Bobby Reid scored the opener for Fulham

Their impressive victory over third-placed Preston at the weekend was a distant memory here as they failed to make an impression after missing an excellent early chance.

They have now lost four consecutive away league matches for the first since March 2017 when Steve McClaren was in his unhappy second spell as manager.

They should have been ahead after five minutes but the unmarked Tom Lawrence miscued wide of goal from Max Lowe's cross from the left.

Instead it was Fulham who took the lead two minutes later when Derby only half-cleared a corner kick.

Aboubakar Kamara returned the ball to the near post where Decordova-Reid got his toe to the ball before Derby goalkeeper Kelle Roos to score his first goal since joining the London club on loan from Cardiff in August.

Fulham played some clever football but also showed that they could keep things simple when required. After 28 minutes, Ivan Cavaleiro forced a fine diving save from Roos with a swerving first-time shot from Kamara's low pass.

And it was the most basic of corner-kick routines that brought Fulham their second five minutes before half-time.

Mitrovic outmuscled his marker to get underneath Cavaleiro's kick from the left and head past a motionless Roos from six yards, the top scorer's 13th of the season.



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-derby/report/409553


WhiteJC

Fulham v Derby player ratings

Fulham notched their second home win in five days with a solid 3-0 victory against Derby at Craven Cottage. Here's how we rated the players:

Marek Rodak: 7

Not given too much to do but showed an ability to punch away danger and a confidence in his passing and long balls. Did well to look for the direct route to Mitrovic's head when necessary.
Denis Odoi: 7

Aside from a trademark adventurous run from the back, Odoi was largely focused on his defensive efforts and reliably so, helping to stop Derby get a single shot on target.
Tim Ream: 7

A quietly assured display leading to another clean sheet despite a fair number of Derby attacks as the game wore on. A combination of opponents' lack of ability and good organisation saw Fulham maintain their strong defensive record.
Alfie Mawson: 7

Along with Ream, Mawson's contribution to another Fulham clean sheet can't be understated. Too often he sees his vertical passes intercepted, but that might be expected with Fulham's style of play.
Joe Bryan: 6

An off night for the full-back, failing to find his man with passes in the final third. But made key challenges when it mattered and continues to be crucial to the back four.
Stefan Johansen: 7

Ideal for backing up the highly attacking players ahead of him. His tackles in the first half stopped possible Derby counter-attacks and he maintained his energy in the quieter second half.
Tom Cairney: 7

A largely quiet night for the captain, with the absence of a deeper-lying midfielder forcing his more conservative positioning. Topped things off with a goal on the counter, in a performance mostly consisting of getting stuck in, as we are increasingly seeing from him.
Bobby Decordova-Reid: 8

Finally got the goal his lively play this season has deserved, scoring from Kamara's cross. Battled well once again, supporting both defensive channels, before a knock saw him replaced by Onomah after an hour.
Ivan Cavaleiro: 7

Didn't quite come off for him in the final third but delivered with an accurate cross to Mitrovic for Fulham's second. The wide man is always a challenge for opposition full-backs, creating space for the rest of the Fulham attackers.
Aleksandar Mitrovic: 8

On his return after one game out, the number nine was reliable as ever, winning headers and linking up with Kamara often. Got his goal in totemic fashion, towering among a crowd of Derby men to guide in Cavaleiro's corner, before setting up Cairney's clincher.
Aboubakar Kamara: 8

He might not have found a man with every one of his passes but he found Decordova-Reid for the key first goal and remained heavily involved throughout. Proved himself to be a handy alternative not only to Mitrovic but as a right-winger, before receiving a knock and coming off for Knockaert early in the second half.
Anthony Knockaert: 6

Whether dropped or rested for Kamara's inclusion, Knockaert had his sights on goal in the second half but his shots were wayward, while his defensive efforts weren't too successful – but no harm was done.
Josh Onomah: 6

Not afraid to get on the ball once he came on for the final half-hour, earning a few fouls to calm the game down.
Cyrus Christie: 6

Brought on in the final 10 minutes to face his former club and form a back five, helping to secure the win.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-fulham-derby-county-ratings-1119

WhiteJC


Championship: Jack Harrison sends Leeds top as Fulham move third

• Leeds leapfrog West Brom with 1-0 win at Reading
• Fulham take third spot thanks to 3-0 victory over Derby

Leeds went top of the Championship thanks to a late goal from Jack Harrison that secured a 1-0 win at Reading. Marcelo Bielsa's side chalked up a fourth successive win, and made it seven matches without defeat, to move a point clear of West Brom, who have played a game less.

Leeds saw an effort from Stuart Dallas hit the crossbar just after the hour then, with only three minutes left, Leeds went on a swift counter, with Helder Costa's deflected cross headed in by Harrison at the far post.

Fulham are up to third after a 3-0 home win over Derby. Bobby Decordova-Reid put his side in front early on and Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Championship's leading scorer this season, headed in a second just before the break for a 13th league goal.

Tom Cairney made it safe scored Fulham's third in the 89th minute as Phillip Cocu's side slumped to a fourth straight away defeat.

Cardiff's new manager Neil Harris saw his side take a 1-0 victory over struggling Stoke City from his first home match with a goal from Leandro Bacuna after 11 minutes.

Luton moved out of the bottom three after coming from behind to beat Charlton 2-1. The visitors went in front after seven minutes through Jonathan Leko but Luton's Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu equalised in the 19th minute – despite protests for an offside in the buildup. Izzy Brown, on loan from Chelsea, turned the match around early in the second half.

Huddersfield finished with 10 men as they drew 1-1 with Swansea at the John Smith's Stadium. Jay Fulton had given the visitors the lead in the 18th minute, but Karlan Grant levelled matters shortly before half-time. Trevoh Chalobah was sent off for violent conduct after pushing his head into George Byers's face following a challenge between the pair.

Millwall fought back to 2-2 at home to Wigan. The visitors went ahead through Anthony Pilkington after just three minutes, but Shaun Hutchinson headed in an equaliser from a corner. Antonee Robinson made it 2-1 after 56 minutes, but Wigan's lead was shortlived as Matt Smith levelled on the hour.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/nov/26/championship-jack-harrison-leeds-top-reading-fulham-third-derby

WhiteJC

Parker praises players after 'massive' Fulham recovery

Fulham boss Scott Parker praised the reaction of his players following their third consecutive win since a dismal home defeat by Hull at the beginning of November.

The Whites eased past Derby with goals from Bobby Decordova-Reid, Aleksandar Mitrović and Tom Cairney, but it was the manner in which they stifled the visitors' attacks that the head coach was most satisfied with.

"After the Hull game, we all held our hands up and said we underperformed," he said. "We weren't the team we are, and we weren't the team that I wanted us to be.

"We needed a reaction against Birmingham – we got that – and then against QPR. Now we've gone and won three on the bounce, which is massive for us.

"We've showed another side to us tonight, and all week. We got the result, but in the first 20 minutes it was evident that we were a little bit fortunate, to be honest. We had big gaps in the way we played, and it's something we've worked on in the past couple of days.

"But what pleased me the most was executing the gameplan tonight, limiting them to no shots on target. That was the foundation, the base, and from there we had quality to build attacks and be deadly."

It marked the second time this season that Fulham have strung together a trio of wins in a row, as victory lifted them up to third in the Championship ahead of their trip to promotion rivals Swansea on Friday night.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-praises-players-after-massive-fulham-recovery


WhiteJC

Parker hails recent improvement after Fulham defeat Derby

Fulham manager Scott Parker hailed his side's recent improvement after they moved into third place in the Sky Bet Championship with their third successive victory.

The London club were well worth their 3-0 win over lacklustre Derby.

Bobby Decordova-Reid gave them the lead after seven minutes with his first goal for the club, beating Derby goalkeeper Kelle Roos to a cross by Aboubakar Kamara just two minutes after Tom Lawrence had miscued a good chance to put Derby ahead.

Top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic headed his 13th goal of the season for Fulham after 40 minutes from Ivan Cavaleiro's corner and Mitrovic set up a late third for captain Tom Cairney in the 89th minute.

Fulham's present three-game run of wins followed a 3-0 home defeat against Hull and Parker praised his players' reaction.

"Sometimes you wonder how you have lost a game, but after the Hull game we held our hands up and said we underperformed and were not the team we are or that I wanted us to be," Parker said.

"We needed a reaction against Birmingham and we got that, and then again against QPR and now we have won three on the bounce and that is massive.

"We showed another side to us tonight. We were fortunate against QPR but what pleased me most is that we saw a team of players who executed the game plan tonight.

"We limited them to no shots on target and that was our application and our base. And from there we have the quality to build attacks and be deadly and we were that today."

Parker singled out Mitrovic for praise after his return to the team following a ban.

The Fulham boss said: "Last week he rested through suspension and he came into this game rested and with only one thing on his mind – to get three points. And we did that."

Derby have won five successive home games but have not taken three points away from Pride Park since the opening match of the season.

"The away games, they need a different mental focus to get results and this is something we have to talk about," Derby manager Phillip Cocu said.

"But you still have to find a way. At the moment we haven't apart from the first game and that was a long time ago."

One factor that could change that will be the arrival of Wayne Rooney as player-coach, which may happen as soon as this weekend's home game against QPR.

Cocu said: "I think so. He could be in the dugout. He had to plan his holiday break after the MLS season.

"He will be important for us because he is a natural leader and this is something we still struggle with.

"Reading the game, seeing what is necessary at moments and also verbally if somebody is not doing his job, getting everybody switched on.

"We don't have to talk about him as a player, but his experience will be very important for a lot of the young players in the squad."



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/parker-hails-recent-improvement-after-fulham-defeat-derby#dYqhzBpqw0D4u2Ed.99

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'Better than us' - Phillip Cocu had this to say after Derby County's defeat to Fulham

The Rams were beaten 3-0 in Tuesday night's Sky Bet Championship encounter at Craven Cottage

Phillip Cocu admitted that his Derby County team were beaten by the better side in Tuesday night's Sky Bet Championship encounter with Fulham.

The Rams went down 3-0 at Craven Cottage as their troubles away from home continued.

Bobby Decordova-Reid, Alexsandar Mitrovic and Tom Cairney got the goals for the home side.

"Today we have to accept that Fulham were better than us," Cocu told RamsTV.

"It was difficult to stop them. They have an excellent striker in Mitrovic and our defence struggled a lot with him, but again the goals have come from set pieces.

"I think the first goal we could avoid and after six minutes they had exactly what they wanted. They had the lead by a mistake from us in the set piece.

"We didn't get back in the game and they played with even more confidence after the goal. The second goal was also disappointing."

Cocu added: "In the second half we improved a lot, we pushed them back and got into better positions in front of the goal.

"We saw some crosses go into the box but maybe only in the last 10 minutes were they good that the strikers had the opportunity to get a shot in on goal.

"Before that, even in the first-half and especially in transition, we got in good positions across but the delivery was not good enough.

"The third goal is a mistake, but we had to try to get back in the game. We took more chances.

"We couldn't get it back to 2-1. If we had done it could have been a point there for us in the game because they would have perhaps got a little bit nervous in that period. With the 3-0 it was done."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/better-us-phillip-cocu-say-3581558

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Whites cruise past Derby and up to third

Fulham swatted aside Derby County's challenge with a swagger at Craven Cottage this evening – easily recording their third consecutive league win and moving up to third in the Championship table.

Scott Parker's side strolled to a comfortable victory courtesy of Bobby Decordova-Reid's first goal since moving from Cardiff on loan in the summer, a trademark header from the returning Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tom Cairney's clinical conversion of a sweeping counter-attack in the closing stages. This was the perfect way for Fulham to prepare for an intriguing trip to promotion rivals Swansea City on Friday night, although Parker will need to check on the fitness of Aboubakar Kamara and Decordova-Reid after both were forced off with injuries during the second half.

Parker's decision to place his faith in Kamara after his match-winning brace against QPR on Friday night paid handsome dividends. The Frenchman replaced his compatriot Anthony Knockaert on the right flank and turned in a dynamic display, creating the first goal with a gorgeous cross, and proving a real handful for the Derby defence. He was substituted after being caught by the follow-through of Curtis Davies' robust sliding challenge and must be a doubt for the trip to south Wales.

Derby posed very little threat throughout, with former Fulham striker Chris Martin largely anonymous on his return to the Cottage, but they should have taken the lead inside the opening five minutes. Duane Holmes robbed Denis Odoi of possession and Max Lowe crossed perfectly for Tom Lawrence, but the Welsh midfielder scuffed his shot well wide from five yards out.

The hosts were ruthless in response. It took two minutes for them to go ahead as Derby struggled to reorganise once Krystian Bielik had headed away a corner. Kamara floated in a menacing cross from the right and Decordova-Reid, arriving late having shrugged off the attentions of George Evans, poked a finish past a stranded Kelle Roos.

The Derby goalkeeper did then manage to bail out Davies after Decordova-Reid seized on his short back pass and threatened to double his tally, before he dived full length to turn away a venomous effort from Ivan Cavaleiro after fine approach play from the rampaging Kamara. Three minutes later, the French forward had a try from distance himself but Roos was easily able to field the effort.

But Derby's defence was breached again five minutes before the break. Cavaleiro lifted a cross towards the far post, where Mitrovic glanced his header into the bottom corner of the net, having been left staggeringly unattended by the visiting back line. Tom Cairney might have made it three in first-half stoppage time but his curler from the edge of the box just cleared the crossbar.

The second period began into a similar vein. Mitrovic and Kamara combined smartly before the Serbian striker was foiled by an excellent reaction save from Roos. He felt he should have grabbed a second when he ghosted away from his marker to meet Joe Bryan's free-kick but instead headed over from five yards out.

After Kamara's evening was prematurely cut short, Knockaert attempted to leave his mark on proceedings. He linked up effectively with Cavaleiro almost instantly, but the Portuguese winger's effort looped off the retreating Jayden Bogle and flew wide. Knockaert spurned three openings to kill off Derby, with Roos saving smartly at his near post, whilst two more efforts were off target.

The clinching third goal followed a period of sustained Derby probing that didn't unduly trouble Marek Rodak in the Fulham goal. Instead, the home side profited from a poor clearance by Roos as he tried to get the Rams moving forward. Mitrovic carried the ball deep into Derby territory and drew two defenders before playing in Cairney and the captain calmly threaded his finish between the goalkeeper's legs to more accurately reflect the gulf between these two sides.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak; Odoi, Bryan, Mawson, Ream; Johansen, Decordova-Reid (Onomah 60), Cairney; Kamara (Knockaert 54), Cavaleiro (Christie 80), Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, McDonald, O'Riley, Kebano.

BOOKED: Cavaleiro.

GOALS: Decordova-Reid (7), Mitrovic (40), Cairney (89).

DERBY COUNTY (4-2-3-1): Roos; Bogle, Lowe, Davies, Forsyth; Evans (Dowell 62), Bielik; Waghorn, Holmes (Marriott 77), Lawrence; Martin (Whittaker 59). Subs (not used): Hamer, Malone, Bird, Paterson.

BOOKED: Forsyth, Dowell.

REFEREE: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

ATTENDANCE: 16,856.



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