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Sunday Fulham Stuff - 05/01/20...

Started by WhiteJC, January 04, 2020, 06:40:35 PM

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WhiteJC

Fulham 2-1 Aston Villa

Substitute Harry Arter scored moments after coming on to send Fulham into the fourth round of the FA Cup with victory over Premier League side Aston Villa.

Anthony Knockaert had put the Championship club ahead with a stunning strike before Anwar El Ghazi equalised less than 10 minutes later.

But Arter restored the hosts' lead with a blistering effort of his own from 30 yards - his first Fulham goal.

The Cottagers are into the fourth round for the first time in three seasons.

But Villa - who are 17th in the Premier League - have now gone four years without winning an FA Cup match.

They have been eliminated by sides from lower leagues in their past two ties in the competition.

In what was the first FA Cup meeting between the sides since 1999 - and their first encounter since the 2018 Championship play-off final - Knockaert opened the scoring after the break with a left-footed effort from outside the area.

But El Ghazi, who had gone close to opening the scoring for Dean Smith's Villa on the stroke of half-time only to be denied by Marek Rodak, cancelled out the Frenchman's goal by tapping in Jonathan Kodjia's goal-bound effort.

Fulham boss Scott Parker brought Arter on for Kevin McDonald and his switch was rewarded just one minute and 45 seconds later when the 30-year-old - on loan from Bournemouth - thumped the ball into the top corner for his first goal since November 2017.

Knockaert saw a chance to extend Fulham's lead go begging in the dying stages of the match, Jay Stansfield's cross passing just millimetres from his toe in front of goal.

The goals came following a cagey first half in which neither side had truly threatened with the exception of El Ghazi's last-ditch attempt.

Villa had seen both Marvelous Nakamba and Neil Taylor go into the book early on for ill-timed challenges, while Kodjia had scuppered the visitors' first chance to take the lead, firing over the bar after good play by El Ghazi to bring the ball into the box.

Ahmed El Mohamady and Jota also went close to opening the scoring for Villa, while Knockaert and Joe Bryan both had efforts on goal for Fulham.

After the break, Knockaert saw a blistering strike brush past the post before finally opening the scoring, while Bryan and Cyrus Christie also peppered Orjan Nyland's goal with shots as Fulham - now dominating the match - looked to hit the final nail in Villa's coffin.

Man of the match - Anthony Knockaert (Fulham)

Anthony Knockaert scored Fulham's opener and could have added several more. He had more shots (six) than any other player on the pitch.

'I thought the performance was outstanding' - what they said

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, speaking to BBC Sport: "We had a much-changed team, we had to with the amount of games we've had.

"There wasn't an awful lot in the game - they scored two wonder goals and beat us.

"While the FA Cup means an awful lot to us, it's not top of our priority list given the injuries we've got and the games coming up.

"It was an opportunity for players to show me they want to be in the first time. Some did OK and some didn't deliver."

Fulham boss Scott Parker, speaking to BBC Sport: "The most important thing was the result - but, more importantly, I thought the performance was outstanding.

"We caused them a lot of problems; we got in the right areas.

"Winning becomes a habit like losing does. Ultimately, you need a winning mentality and a habit of being winners, and that is going to take time. You can't just click your fingers, but games like this help against very good opposition."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50976028

WhiteJC

Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker hopes victory over Aston Villa kickstarts a winning run in Fulham's season.

Wonder strikes from Anthony Knockaert and Harry Arter secured safe passage through the Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup, but Parker hopes the win has a greater effect than just that.

"First and foremost the result was pleasing but I think overall the performance and the way the team played today was outstanding," he said. "In the first half I thought we had a lot of control and we put our mark on it but lacked a little bit in the final third.

"We spoke about that at half-time and how we can be a little bit more forceful when we get in those areas, and I thought second half we executed that very, very well.


"Overall it was a fine performance and one which we can build on. Winning football matches is vitally important for us. This team was used to losing football matches and losing becomes a habit, just like winning does.

"Big performances and big wins against Aston Villa, a Premier League side, is what brings belief. The players start believing a bit more and understand what they're about, so it's a key moment in that sense."

The goals which sent the Whites through were straight out of the top drawer, with Arter's particularly poignant following his spell on the sidelines.

"Both goals were pretty special," Parker admitted. "For Harry, he's been out for three months, worked hard. Long and lonely days when you're injured for some time.

"To come on and score the winner justifies everything when you've had those lonely days. Two great finishes and, on the run of play, second half we could have got a couple more as well.

"Fair play to Ant, because we brought him in and he's got off to a slowish start, I think he'd be the first to admit that, but the last three games I think you're seeing the Knockaert that we're all familiar with.

"Today we saw glimpses of him with the ball, but I thought out of possession today he was exceptional."


Parker handed two debuts to players on Saturday, one of which was 17-year-old Jay Stansfield, who was rewarded for a prolific first half of the season with our Under-18s.

"He's been scoring goals in the Under-18s, training with us for the last week and he's one which we brought in and had full belief in," Parker said.

"Like a lot of the players since I've been in charge here, whether it be Harvey Elliott, Marek Rodák, Matt O'Riley, they give you something different these young players, and it's something I firmly believe in.

"I was a 16-year-old kid once who was desperate for an opportunity to prove myself, and I certainly won't be looking any further than the Academy here to bring in and bleed these young players, and give them every chance to make a name for themselves at their club.

"There will be many more appearances from Jay, and he deserves his moment tonight."

Michael Hector was the other man making his Fulham bow, and his Head Coach was pleased with what he saw.

"First class," Parker said. "I think he executed everything right for 99 per cent. He was maybe at fault for the goal, but other than that I see a player.

"It's a shame we didn't do it in time on deadline day in the summer and we missed out on having him for four months. I think we saw a player today that we've needed at times this year.

"He brings character, a certain mentality, he's an aggressive defender, and he'll play a big part from now on hopefully."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/january/04/head-coach-press conference-villa

WhiteJC



WhiteJC

White's double sees off Fulham Under-18s

Spurs 4-1 Fulham (Under-18 Premier League)

A brace from Harvey White helped our Under-18s get their year off to the perfect start with a 4-1 Under-18 Premier League win over Fulham on Saturday morning.

Taking the lead on 17 minutes at Hotspur Way via the midfielder's spot-kick, our youngsters quickly extended their advantage to 3-0 in the opening minutes of the second half thanks to Romaine Mundle's first goal of the season (46) and a second penalty from White (54). Fulham did pull a goal back with 12 minutes to go through Jean-Pierre Tiehi but we replied almost immediately with substitute Tarrelle Whittaker restoring our three-goal advantage to seal the win just four minutes later.

The match may have finished with a commanding scoreline in our favour but for the opening quarter-of-an-hour of the encounter, it had been anyone's game. However, when Max Robson was brought down in the box by Aprion Pajaziti, we took control of the proceedings as White lashed home the resultant spot-kick.

From there, we pushed forward in the game with a certain vigour, aggressive on the high press but controlled in our challenge, Mundle and J'Neil Bennett providing the width while Robson and Rafferty Pedder worked tirelessly behind front man Kion Etete.

It was the work of Bennett that created our next big chance on 27 minutes. The winger latched onto a searching diagonal ball, burst past his man and into the box but could only divert his drilled effort into the side netting. Then, 10 minutes later, it looked like we had doubled our lead but centre-back Malachi Fagan-Walcott was adjudged to have been off-side when he headed in.

The pressure was continuing to mount and there was a feeling that our second of the afternoon wasn't far off. Just seconds after we kicked off for the second half, that vital goal duly came. Once again, Bennett was creating the danger on the left and when he picked out fellow winger Mundle in the box, he had the simple task of just picking his spot and converting.

It was an important time to score and seemed to get our tails up even more, so much so that just eight minutes later, we had our third. Bennett once more was wreaking havoc on Fulham's right side, twisting and turning with such agility that when he slipped into the box, he drew a foul and we were awarded our second penalty of the day. White stepped up once more to thrash the ball home.

As the game moved into its final half-an-hour, our visitors did start to come back at us. Defensively, we had remained composed throughout the match and when any danger had emerged, we had been able to snuff it out quickly and clear our lines. However, on 70 minutes, Fulham knocked on the door for the first time, clipping the frame of the goal and then eight minutes later, they found their way through, forward Tiehi profiting off the endeavour of Michael Olakigbe to pull one back for his side.

Yet, we moved quickly to restore our lead back to three. Substitute Whittaker was the scorer with the creativity coming once more from Bennett to polish off a fantastic team performance and seal a comfortable win.

Key moment

To double our advantage within just 60 seconds of the second period starting was a crucial moment in the game. It put the direction of proceedings firmly in our hands, giving us the confidence to kick on and make it back-to-back league wins at this level.
Coach's view

Under-18s boss Matt Taylor was delighted with his side's display against second-placed Fulham, especially in the second half, as we cantered home. And, comparing the performance to the reverse fixture from the first matchday of the season when we had suffered a 4-0 defeat away to the west London side, he was pleased with how the team executed the game plan.

"What we did was use that defeat earlier on in the season to try and get the boys in the right frame of mind for the game today," he explained. "I thought we set out our stall exceptionally early today and I'm really pleased for the group of players that they've managed to get a very convincing home win against a Fulham team that beat us too easily on the opening day of the season. Today it was a performance from the players that, in the first half, was good but it was excellent in the second half – the only blip on the display was the fact we conceded a goal, taking the gloss off what was a very good performance.

"We had a specific game plan going into the match and the boys managed to implement that. What we knew from playing Fulham earlier in the season was that they are very organised and they are at the top end of the division for a reason – they play good football and they have good players. We had to match that today and I thought there were some stand-out performances from individuals... in fact, I could go through the whole team. It was a performance that was needed and hopefully we've now got a chance to take some momentum into the FA Youth Cup fixture against Wigan this week."



https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2020/january/whites-double-sees-off-fulham/

WhiteJC

Fulham 2-1 Aston Villa: Anthony Knockaert and Harry Arter both score screamers to knock Premier League strugglers out of the FA Cup

    Anthony Knockaert's strike put Fulham in front in the FA Cup third-round tie
    Knockaert's effort was a thunderbolt from outside the area into the top corner
    Fulham's Irish midfielder Harry Arter scored their second goal at Craven Cottage

How magical the FA Cup remains is now an ongoing debate but a couple of wonder goals that fit precisely that description helped Fulham pull off a minor upset against Premier League Aston Villa.

Anthony Knockaert's opener, a 25 yarder bent into the top corner after he cut in from the right, was very good.

Harry Arter's winner, a devilish, dipping, left-footed drive that only stopped moving when it hit the back of the net that it entered via the top corner, just two minutes after his brother-in-law boss Scott Parker introduced him off the bench, was even better.


Fulham's Irish midfielder Harry Arter celebrates scoring their second goal at Craven Cottage


Arter scored a stunning goal which proved to be the winner and sent them into the next round


It was some way for Arter to end a goal drought that stretched all the way back to November 2017 when he last scored, for Bournemouth, his parent club during this loan spell at Fulham.

It was also some way for Arter to mark his return to action after a calf problem that had kept him on the sidelines for the best part of three months.

Thanks to their two goal of the day contenders Championship Fulham claimed the fourth round place at the expense of Villa whose equaliser, a one-yard tap-in from Anwar El Ghazi nicked off Jonathan Kodjia, was not a patch on the two efforts served up by the home side.

Parker said: 'Both goals were pretty special. For Harry, he has been out for three months, worked hard, long and lonely days when you are injured for some time and even more so for the physios who have worked hard with him and doubt what you have. To come on and score the winner probably justifies everything.

'For the moment and what it was, Harry's goal [was probably the best], but overall two great finishes,'

Parker hopes this not at all surprising victory for a lower league side over top flight opposition - his side are fifth in the Championship and Villa fourth bottom – will have a significant knock-on effect.

He added: 'This team [relegated from the Premier League lasts season] was used to losing football matches.

'Losing becomes a habit just like winning does and it's moments like this, big performances and big wins against Aston Villa, a Premier League side, bring belief and the players start believing a bit more and understanding what they are about so it is a key moment in that sense.'

If ever there was a defeat that Dean Smith will not be too disappointed about it this one.

Villa have bigger priorities – Premier League safety and even the Carabao Cup, having reached the semis where they face Leicester in the first leg on Wednesday.

Having also lost Tom Heaton, Wesley and John McGinn to serious injury during a gruelling period of fixtures it was no surprise a number of his other stars were taken out of the firing line.


Anthony Knockaert's strike put Fulham in front at home during their FA Cup third-round tie



Captain Jack Grealish, Tyrone Mings and Douglas Luiz were among those left at home as Smith made nine changes to his starting XI.

Villa manager Smith said: 'I don't like losing in any competition but everyone can see from the selection that it was not our top priority and that's simply because we have had three major injuries to three key players.'

There was little action of note in the first half other than an excellent reaction stop from Marek Rodak on the stroke of half-time to deny El Ghazi.

Knockaert, a busy performer in the opening period, had Fulham's first effort of the second half and it proved a sign of things to come when he cut in from the right and fired just wide.

In the 55th minute he repeated the trick and found the top corner with a sumptuous bending strike.


Knockaert's effort for Fulham was a thunderbolt from outside the area into the top corner

Debutant defender Michael Hector had waited a long time to make his first appearance for Fulham having joined from Chelsea in September but not been able to play since. His last domestic game was back in May for Sheffield Wednesday.

He had been a commanding presence at the heart of Fulham's defence and not put a foot wrong in an impressive first hour.

That was until the 63rd minute when he tried to step in front of Kodjia to cut out Jota's pass but misjudged the bounce which allowed the striker to lift the ball over Rodak and, he thought, into the net, celebrating wildly as if the goal was his.

Except El Ghazi got a touch just before the ball crossed the line, stealing the goal off his teammate.

In stark contrast, Arter's winner was a thing of beauty. He came on in the 72nd minute and let fly two minutes later, when little else appeared on as Stefan Johansen's pass rolled his way.

His decision paid off handsomely when his effort soared and swerved through the air and into the net past Orjan Nyland, whose despairing, full-length dive made it look even better.


Aston Villa's Ivorian striker Jonathan Kodjia (L) chips the ball over Fulham's Marek Rodak



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7851423/Fulham-2-1-Aston-Villa-Anthony-Knockaert-Harry-Arter-score-screamers.html

WhiteJC

Aston Villa felled by duo of Fulham wonderstrikes in FA cup

Aston Villa travelled to Craven Cottage on a brisk Saturday afternoon for the third round proper of the FA Cup, with a much rotated side – including youngsters Jacob Ramsey and Indiana Vassilev on the bench.

Marvelous Nakamba picked up a yellow card in the fifth minute of the game as an over-hit pass from Nyland forced a fifty-fifty challenge between the Zimbabwean and Joe Bryan.

Jonathan Kodjia looked like he was through on goal in the 13th minute, but was called offside before he jokingly did a few step-overs in the face of the Fulham 'keeper and poked the ball into the net.

Neither side looked like they were truly interested in the opening 35 minutes, with passes going awry for both sides and a number of players.

Jota had a rare chance on the cusp of the half-time whistle as he chested the ball down and volleyed it just wide of the post.

Anwar El Ghazi registered the first shot on target in 45 minutes of football directly before the whistle, forcing a strong save out of Joe Rodak.

Fulham's McDonald picked up a yellow card in the opening three minutes of the second half for catching Henri Lansbury with a flailing hand.

Anthony Knockaert opened the scoring in the game with a sublime curling finish from outside of the box following a Fulham counter-attack as Anwar El Ghazi was dispossessed in the opposition box. Orjan Nyland was at full stretch to try and save, but couldn't quite get there.

Directly after, Orjan Nyland produced an excellent save to deny Bryan the opportunity to double the lead with a half-volley, before Bjorn Engels turned the ball off the line after the follow up from Cyrus Christie.

Aston Villa equalised just after the hour mark, as Jota played a teasing ball over the Fulham defence, allowing Kodjia to break and lob the keeper – with the ball going into the net regardless – but El Ghazi tapped home from a few yards out just to ensure the ball found its way home.

Jota forced Rodak into a strong save with a curling effort directly after as Aston Villa found their foothold in the game.

Fulham's McDonald was replaced by Harry Arter in the 72nd minute.

Moments later, Arter pulled out an absolute beauty of a strike that dipped just under the crossbar to nestle into the net past Orjan Nyland.

The 75th minute saw Trezeguet come onto the pitch, replacing Jota, in Dean Smith's first change of the afternoon.

The second change saw young American Indiana Vassilev making his senior debut, replacing Marvelous Nakamba in the 80th minute. Villa's final change came in the form of Jacob Ramsey replacing Anwar El Ghazi five minutes before time.

Aston Villa bow out of the FA Cup in the third round – a blessing in disguise, perhaps?



https://underagaslitlamp.com/2020/01/04/aston-villa-felled-by-duo-of-fulham-wonderstrikes-in-fa-cup/


WhiteJC

Arter's first takes Fulham into next round of FA Cup at Aston Villa's expense

Fulham 2 Aston Villa 1

Two stunning left-foot strikes set Fulham on their way to an excellent FA Cup win over top-flight Villa – the winner from Harry Arter coming just moments after he entered the fray.

It was the on-loan Bournemouth midfielder's first goal for the club in his first game since the October defeat to Stoke City.

Having only had a tally of two yellows and a red so far, it was a welcome change of fortune for the 30-year-old, who has endured a fitful start to his Fulham career.

There looked to be little on when he collected possession 25 yards out in the 74th minute, but lack of options forced his hand and he wrapped his foot around the ball to find the top corner.

If that was spectacular, Fulham's first from Anthony Knockaert in the 54th minute was no less eye-catching. It  followed a fine break out of defence from Joe Bryan and a quick pass out to the right to the winger.

Knockaert saw the possibility, cutting inside across the edge of the area before unfurling a beautiful shot beyond keeper Orjan Nyland.

The drama of the second half was hard to anticipate after an insipid opening 45 minutes which was a far cry from the teams' last encounter – the play-off final of two seasons ago at Wembley.

It also seemed a long way off being the sort of blood-and-thunder FA Cup tie you might anticipate when a Premier League side has to visit a club from lower down.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has a League Cup semi-final and top-flight flight survival to negotiate and he rested a raft of the usual starters in readiness for those challenges.

Scott Parker too demonstrated that his interest can only go so far when the big pressure this season is to finish in the top six at least in pursuit of a return to the Promised Land.

Resting Aleksandar Mitrovic made perfect sense given the workload already undertaken by the Serb this season, but of course it was also a signal of the lesser priority the FA Cup has become. Tom Cairney was also missing.

If anything, the New Year's Day loss to Reading has ratcheted up the desperation to channel resources into that league campaign.

There is no like-for-like when it comes to number nines at Fulham, so Ivan Cavaleiro was played through the middle, but it does not feel like his natural position. As part of the shake-up, Whites fans got a first proper sighting of Michael Hector in defence – the signing from Chelsea making his much-anticipated debut.

The first half was sprinkled with a few half-chances. Jota fired just wide for Villa, who had the best chance just before the interval when Kodjia wiggled past Alfie Mawson and slipped the ball in for an unmarked Anwar El Ghazi.  It needed an excellent save from Marek Rodak to stop the Dutchman's low shot from finding the net.

Knockaert raised the temperature after the restart with a dart in from the right and bullet drive across the face of goal. Not long after, he broke the deadlock.

Soon after, Bryan had a shot palmed away by Nyland and Cyrus Christie almost scored – his first saved shot rebounding goalwards as it cannoned back off his face.

On 63 minutes, Villa drew level – Kodjia lofting a fine angled ball from Jota over the advancing Rodak and El Ghazi applying the finishing touch from no distance.

Hector, who looked a little nervous and hit some wayward passes, was too easily beaten by Kodjia for the goal but luckily for him, it was not a fatal error – thanks to Arter's crowning  moment.

Line-up: Rodak - Hector, Mawson, Odoi – Christie, Johansen, McDonald (Arter 72) – Knockaert, Onomah (Stansfield 81), Bryan – Cavaleiro (De La Torre 84). Subs not used: Bettinelli, O'Riley, Harris, Jasper.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2020/01/04/Arters-first-takes-Fulham-into-next-round-of-FA-Cup-at-Aston-Villas-expense

WhiteJC

Harry Arter's long-range winner fires Fulham past weakened Aston Villa


Harry Arter marks scoring Fulham's second goal against Aston Villa. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images

Harry Arter had not scored since November 2017 and nor, by any measure, had he been a roaring success since joining Fulham on loan from Bournemouth in August. The impression has been one of a career in decline and when he replaced Kevin McDonald in the 72nd minute for his first appearance since a calf injury in mid-October there was little expectation he might avert the outcome nobody wanted.

Within 120 seconds Arter, receiving Stefan Johansen's square pass 25 yards out, took a touch and beat Orjan Nyland all ends up with a scorching, dipping left-footer that may not be bettered all weekend. It ensured a goal of similar merit by Anthony Knockaert, cancelled out by Anwar El Ghazi, was not in vain and handed Fulham the minor scalp of Aston Villa in a tie that improved immeasurably after an awful opening period.

"Both goals were pretty special," said the Fulham manager, Scott Parker, before settling on Arter's as his slight favourite.

Arter happens to be his brother-in-law, but it was a fair call: the shot had found the one spot Villa's keeper had no chance of reaching and may also have the longer-term effect of kick-starting the midfielder back into form.

"It's a big shame he had a bit of a setback with injury, but he's a character and we all understand the player we've got," said Parker, who also added that Bournemouth have no option to recall Arter this month. "It's moments like this, for Harry and the team, that you need to build on and get a bit of a lift."

Parker now hopes Arter can help wrench Fulham back out of the Championship. They had succeeded in a similar quest the last time these clubs met, winning the play-off final in May 2018, and although their respective fortunes have made 180 degree turns since then it is perfectly feasible that they may switch places again in four months' time. That possibility was at the front of both managers' minds, Parker making six changes from Fulham's previous league outing and the Aston Villa manager, Dean Smith, nine, and the result was a game whose general level of quality was wildly at odds with the goals that settled it.

Knockaert's strike, nine minutes into the second half, came as a blessed relief. There had barely been a chance to speak of until Marek Rodak saved from an unmarked El Ghazi just before half-time; almost anything that occurred after the restart would constitute an improvement and Knockaert, a loan signing from Brighton and another player whose stint at Fulham had yet to ignite, quickly delivered.

He had already arrowed a shot just wide when the ball reached him on the right touchline with open grass to exploit. Marvelous Nakamba's presence required him to check inside and, moving away from goal, seek a shooting angle a few yards outside the D. His effort flew across Nyland and prompted Parker to wonder whether he, too, might be clicking at the right time.

"We brought him in and he's got off to a slowish start," he said. "But in the last three games you've seen the Knockaert we're more familiar with."

Given the visitors' hectic schedule, the next instalment of which is a League Cup semi-final first leg at Leicester on Wednesday, it was fair to wonder what kind of Villa we would see after they went behind. A replay was at the bottom of their wishlist but they did rally and El Ghazi equalised after Jonathan Kodjia, capitalising on a missed clearance by Michael Hector, knocked the ball past Rodak.

It looked as if Villa might effect a complete turnaround but Arter then unleashed his thunderbolt. Smith was keen to highlight the poverty of the overall spectacle and his lack of apology for fielding a second-string side came with a measure of regret.

"For whatever reason it's lost its sparkle and it wasn't top of our priorities," he said of the FA Cup.

There is an element of chicken-and-egg about that attitude but, on a week when Villa lost Tom Heaton and Wesley to long-term injuries, he could be forgiven for feeling distracted. Fulham, for their part, hope this win has recharged two key players for the season's business end.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jan/04/fulham-aston-villa-fa-cup-match-report

WhiteJC

Fulham see off Villa in FA Cup

Fulham 2 Aston Villa 1


Stunning strikes from Anthony Knockaert and substitute Harry Arter sent Fulham into the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2017.

Knockaert's 25-yarder early in the second half was cancelled out when Anwar El Ghazi stole in to tap home on the line after Jonathan Kodjia had lobbed goalwards.

But Arter, on his first appearance since mid-October, unleashed a left-foot rocket into the top corner 16 minutes from time to upset their Premier League opponents.

Scott Parker also found time in the closing stages to give a senior debut to 17-year-old forward Jay Stansfield, whose low cross was stabbed wide by Knockaert in injury time.

The two goals that lit up the second half were in marked contrast to a poor first period, when neither goalkeeper was tested until injury time, Marek Rodak making a smart stop with his legs to deny El Ghazi.

Villa earlier had half chances through Kodjia, El Ghazi and former Brentford winger Jota.

The Whites, though, had enjoyed the lion's share of possession before the break, but often overplayed and were restricted to off-target efforts from distance.

But it was that keenness to get a shot away that paid dividends, Knockaert arrowing in a shot after Fulham swept forward on the counter.

Joe Bryan then forced a save as the Whites displayed renewed confidence, only for Villa to level when Kodjia snuck in ahead of debutant Michael Hector and lifted the ball over Rodak, with El Ghazi making sure.

Rodak then denied Jota before Arter, minutes after coming on, proved the hero a week after he turned 30.
Fulham: Rodak; Christie, Hector, Mawson, Odoi; Knockaert, McDonald (Arter 71), Johansen, Bryan; Onomah (Stansfield 81); Cavaleiro (De La Torre 84). Subs not used: Bettinelli, O'Riley, Harris, Jasper.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/arter-stunner-sees-fulham-floor-villa-in-fa-cup


WhiteJC

Stunning Harry Arter goal sees Fulham dump Aston Villa out of the FA Cup


Winner! Arter celebrates after scoring what proved to be the decisive goal against Aston Villa ( AFP via Getty Images )

Harry Arter climbed off the bench to dump Aston Villa out of the FA Cup with a spectacular long-range strike.

The midfielder had been on the pitch for barely 90 seconds when he let fly from 25 yards to seal a 2-1 win for Championship Fulham.

Anwar El Ghazi had earlier cancelled out Anthony Knockaert's cracker, but Arter's rocket fired the Cottagers through to round four.

Defeat may well end up being a blessing in disguise for Villa, however, as they battle to stay in the Premier League and begin their bid for a place in Carabao Cup final against Leicester on Wednesday.

These sides last met at Wembley in the 2018 Championship play-off final when Fulham clinched promotion.

They went straight back down and now, with Villa threatening to do the same and Fulham in the play-off spots, priorities for both clearly lay elsewhere.

Dean Smith duly made nine changes for Villa with Orjan Nyland in goal in place of the injured Tom Heaton, while Fulham boss Scott Parker rested top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic.

A scrappy first half almost came to life when El Ghazi danced into the Fulham penalty area and found Jonathan Kodjia, who took a touch but lashed his angled drive just over the crossbar.

Then Henri Lansbury swung in a free-kick which Ahmed Elmohamady headed across goal and wide before El Ghazi's drive skidded the wrong side of the near post.


Knockaert celebrates putting Fulham ahead Photo: AFP via Getty Images

With the last kick of the first half El Ghazi had the best opportunity but Fulham keeper Marek Rodak made a fine save with his legs.

Early in the second half Knockaert cut inside from the right and sent a curling shot inches wide.

It proved to be the perfect sighter as, in the 54th minute, the winger repeated the trick, dancing past Marvelous Nakamba and, this time, launching a superb shot past Nyland into the top corner.

Cyrus Christie almost made it two at the far post but his effort was saved by Nyland and the rebound, off Christie's face, had to be cleared off the line.

Instead Villa hit back in the 63rd minute when Michael Hector, making his long-awaited Fulham debut after signing from Chelsea in September, lost Kodjia on the edge of the box.

Kodjia lifted the ball over Rodak towards an empty net, where El Ghazi tapped the ball in from all of six inches out.

But Arter was introduced in the 72nd minute and his first contribution settled the match, leaving Nyland with no chance as he launched his looping, dipping shot into the top corner.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fa-cup-harry-arter-aston-villa-result-a4326436.html

WhiteJC

Harry Arter climbs off the bench to dump Aston Villa out of FA Cup with spectacular long-range strike


Harry Arter fires in from 30 yards Credit: action images

Harry Arter unleashed a wonder strike to score his first goal in two years – within two minutes of coming off the bench – as Championship promotion hopefuls Fulham knocked out struggling Premier League club Aston Villa.

Arter has been on loan at Fulham, managed by his brother-in-law Scott Parker, from Bournemouth and his first goal for the club – a dipping, left-footed beauty from 30 yards – clinched victory for the London club.

A talented player, whose career has waned, had used the stage of third-round day to script his own renaissance story. He ran jubilantly towards the physio, pointing at him after three months of work on a leg injury, while Parker nodded and applauded.

Anthony Knockaert had earlier also scored a stunning goal from a similar distance to put Parker's men 1-0 up early in the second half.

Dean Smith, the Villa manager, was punished for fielding a heavily changed line-up, with their goal coming after a blunder by Michael Hector on his Fulham debut, which ruined an otherwise impressive display by the defender.

Smith spoke afterwards about his belief that the FA Cup had lost its "sparkle" even though those present were dazzled by Fulham's finishing.

"Both goals were special," said the Fulham manager. "The result was pleasing but the performance was outstanding. Wins against a team like Aston Villa, a Premier League club, brings belief."

Parker had refreshed his team with five changes – including Aleksandar Mitrovic not being in the squad – but Smith went even further with nine.

The Villa manager described his team's display as "average" but acknowledged that his men had been undone by two "wonder goals", claiming that "Harry Arter has scored a goal that he will never score again".

Smith added: "Everybody can see from the selection that this wasn't top of our priorities. The amount of games we've played since December 17 has been incredible. I've had to rest players."

That busy schedule started with a game in the EFL Cup – in which they are in the semi-finals, facing Leicester City – but this competition was one challenge too far for them.

On the FA Cup, he said: "It's lost its sparkle, I must admit. It doesn't help when there are kick-offs at 5.30. There was a cup final the same day as a Premier League programme."

Discussing the prospect of goalkeeper Joe Hart arriving, he said: "There are an awful lot of candidates. We want to try to recruit as quickly as possible."

These clubs last met at Wembley in the 2018 Championship play-off final, when Fulham went up and Villa stayed put – and, although their roles have been reversed since then, some of the home side's men looked keen to show they still have top-flight class.

Craven Cottage has long been an unhappy hunting ground for Villa, who have now lost on five successive visits.


Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland can't stop Anthony Knockaert's shot finding the top corner Credit: getty images

Fulham had passed the ball around patiently and neatly at times in the opening 20 minutes, but neither side threatened at that stage.

Smith's men then started missing chances as Jonathan Kodjia shot over, Ahmed Elmohamady glanced a header off target, before Jota struck wide.

The lively Anwar El Ghazi missed the best opportunity of them all before the break, having a strike kept out by the goalkeeper Marek Rodak, when one on one.

Villa were to pay for their misses in the second half, when Fulham added more threat in the final third.

Knockaert put the home side ahead by evading Neil Taylor and Marvelous Nakamba – the two survivors in the starting line-up from Villa's previous game – then curling a stunning, 30-yard shot into the top corner.

Villa pulled level when Jota lofted the ball forward, from close to the halfway line, and Hector could not clear on the edge of his 18-yard box. That allowed Kodjia to lob Rodak, with El Ghazi adding the finishing touch to make sure.

Arter then arrived to stun them again though, ending a sweeping passing move by striking into the top corner from Stefan Johansen's pass.

Knockaert twice missed chances to finish off Villa, but the Midlands club still exited limply.
Match details

Fulham (4-3-3): Rodak; Christie, Hector, Mawson, Odoi; Onomah (Stansfield, 82), McDonald (Arter, 72), Johansen; Knockaert, Cavaleiro (De La Torre, 84), Bryan.
Subs not used: Bettinelli, O'Riley, Harris, Jasper.
Booked: Hector, McDonald, Knockaert.
Goals: Knockaert (54), Arter (74).

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Nyland; Elmohamady, Engels, Chester, Taylor; Lansbury, Nakamba (Vassilev, 80), Hourihane; Jota (Trezeguet, 76), Kodija, El Ghazi (Ramsey, 86).
Subs not used: Kalinic, Konsa, Guilbert, Hause.
Booked: Taylor, Nakamba, Lansbury.
Goal: El Ghazi (63).

Referee: Craig Pawson (Yorkshire).




https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/01/04/harry-arter-climbs-bench-dump-aston-villa-fa-cup-spectacular/

WhiteJC

Aston Villa: Fans fume at latest setback as they are dumped out of the FA Cup by Fulham

Lots of Aston Villa fans have been left furious by their FA Cup defeat against Fulham, as the Cottagers stunned Dean Smith's side on Saturday afternoon.

Just when things are starting to back on track the Villans have suffered some huge setbacks this week.

A dominant display at Turf Moor against Burnley looked to be the start of a much-needed turnaround in fortunes, only for the joy of that victory to be ruined by serious knee injuries to Tom Heaton and Wesley.

Now Smith's side have just one trophy left to fight for in the shape of the Carabao Cup, as they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Fulham on Saturday.

Anthony Knockaert opened the scoring shortly after half-time before Anwar El Ghazi levelled things up, but Harry Arter sent the hosts into the fourth round with a fine strike from outside the box.

Fans were quick to share their feelings on social media, slamming the performance and result.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/aston-villa/aston-villa-fans-fume-at-latest-setback-as-they-are-dumped-out-of-the-fa-cup-by-fulham/


WhiteJC

Harry Arter stunner sees off Villa

Harry Arter climbed off the bench to dump Aston Villa out of the FA Cup with a spectacular long-range strike.

The midfielder had been on the pitch for barely 90 seconds when he let fly from 25 yards to seal a 2-1 win for Championship Fulham.

Anwar El Ghazi had earlier cancelled out Anthony Knockaert's cracker, but Arter's rocket fired the Cottagers through to round four.

Defeat may well end up being a blessing in disguise for Villa, however, as they battle to stay in the Premier League and begin their bid for a place in Carabao Cup final against Leicester on Wednesday.

These sides last met at Wembley in the 2018 Championship play-off final when Fulham clinched promotion.

They went straight back down and now, with Villa threatening to do the same and Fulham in the play-off spots, priorities for both clearly lay elsewhere.

Dean Smith duly made nine changes for Villa with Orjan Nyland in goal in place of the injured Tom Heaton, while Fulham boss Scott Parker rested top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic.

A scrappy first half almost came to life when El Ghazi danced into the Fulham penalty area and found Jonathan Kodjia, who took a touch but lashed his angled drive just over the crossbar.

Then Henri Lansbury swung in a free-kick which Ahmed Elmohamady headed across goal and wide before El Ghazi's drive skidded the wrong side of the near post.

With the last kick of the first half El Ghazi had the best opportunity but Fulham keeper Marek Rodak made a fine save with his legs.

Early in the second half Knockaert cut inside from the right and sent a curling shot inches wide.

It proved to be the perfect sighter as, in the 54th minute, the winger repeated the trick, dancing past Marvelous Nakamba and, this time, launching a superb shot past Nyland into the top corner.

Cyrus Christie almost made it two at the far post but his effort was saved by Nyland and the rebound, off Christie's face, had to be cleared off the line.

Instead Villa hit back in the 63rd minute when Michael Hector, making his long-awaited Fulham debut after signing from Chelsea in September, lost Kodjia on the edge of the box.

Kodjia lifted the ball over Rodak towards an empty net, where El Ghazi tapped the ball in from all of six inches out.

But Arter was introduced in the 72nd minute and his first contribution settled the match, leaving Nyland with no chance as he launched his looping, dipping shot into the top corner.




https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/harry-arter-stunner-sees-villa

WhiteJC

Parker hopes Arter wonder-strike builds winning momentum for Fulham

Scott Parker saluted a pair of wonder-strikes after Anthony Knockaert and Harry Arter fired Fulham past Aston Villa and into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Knockaert cut inside to curl home a trademerk strike from the corner of the penalty area to put Fulham ahead nine minutes into the second half.

And after Anwar El Ghazi equalised for the Premier League side, Arter climbed off the bench to score a memorable first goal in almost two years and seal a 2-1 win.

The on-loan Bournemouth midfielder had been on the pitch for less than two minutes when he took aim from 25 yards.

His looping, dipping effort crashed into the top corner out of the reach of helpless Villa keeper Orjan Nyland.

It was a particularly special moment given Arter was making his first appearance in three months after being struck down with a calf injury.

Parker, who is Arter's brother in law, said: "Both goals were pretty special.

"But for Harry, in the sense he has been out for three months, he's worked hard for some long and lonely days, and when you probably doubt what you have, to come on and score the winner probably justifies everything.

"So for that moment, and for what it was, probably Harry's was better.

"I'm pleased for him, he's worked hard. He's got himself a positiion and had a shot. It was a good moment.

"He came in at the beginning of the season and is a player we knew would give us something.

"It's a shame he had a big injury but we all understand the player we've got. It's moments like this, for both Harry and the team, that we need to build on.

"The result was plaeasing and the performance was oustanding. We lacked a bit in the final third in the first half and we spoke about that at half-time, and in the second half we executed it very well.

"Hopefully we can build on that. Winning football games is vital for us. This team was used to losing and losing becomes a habit like winning does.

"Big performances and big wins, against a Premier League side like Aston Villa, build belief. It's a key moment for us in that sense."

After a scrappy first half, Knockaert began the second by cutting inside from the right and sent a curling shot inches wide.

It proved to be the perfect sighter as, in the 54th minute, the winger repeated the trick, dancing past Marvelous Nakamba and, this time, launching a superb shot past Nyland.

Villa hit back in the 63rd minute when Michael Hector, making his long-awaited Fulham debut after signing from Chelsea in September, lost Jonathan Kodjia on the edge of the box.

Kodjia lifted the ball over Fulham keeper Marek Rodak towards an empty net, where El Ghazi tapped the ball in from all of six inches out.

But Arter was introduced in the 72nd minute and his first contribution settled the match, leaving Nyland with no chance as he launched his rocket into the top corner.

Villa boss Dean Smith, who also has a Premier League survival battle and a League Cup semi-final against Leicester on Wednesday to contend with, made nine changes to his side.

He said: "You never like losing, but with the amount of games we've had and the amount we've got in January, I think everyone could see from the selection that this wasn't our top priority.

"I didn't think it was a great spectacle, to be honest, but the game has been won by two wonder goals.

"It was an average performance. It appeared to be two even teams on the day, we had the best chances in the first half, when El Ghazi should score.

"We huffed and puffed in the first half, then in the second half El Ghazi gets tackled at one end and Knockaert sticks one in the top corner at the other.

"We got a good equaliser, and then Harry Arter scored a goal he'll never score again."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/parker-hopes-arter-wonder-strike-builds-winning-momentum-fulham

WhiteJC


Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham vs. Aston Villa


Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.In this episode, Craig Coben and Scott Tanfield shared their initial thoughts on Fulham's 2-1 victory in the FA Cup against Aston Villa.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/1/4/21049715/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-vs-aston-villa


WhiteJC

Arter screamer sends Fulham through

Two stunning strikes from Anthony Knockaert and Harry Arter helped Fulham overcome a much-changed Aston Villa side and reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Dean Smith made no excuses for altering his starting eleven, with an eye on Tuesday's League Cup semi-final and trying to secure Villa's place in the top flight for another season, admitting that the world's oldest club cup competition had lost something of its sparkle. There was something of an experimental nature of Scott Parker's line-up as well with Joe Bryan operating as a left-winger in a side that was without a recognised centre forward.

But the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Aboubakar Kamara allowed a fluid front three to outfox Villa with a combination of movement and probing passing. Bryan survived an early injury scare to turn in an adventurous display in an unfamiliar position, whilst Ivan Cavaleiro and Knockaert interchanged more effectively than they have for most of what has been an individually underwhelming season to date. Fulham began the brighter but struggled for penetration in the final third with a couple of dangerous crosses from Cyrus Christie going uncoverted.

Villa gradually got a foothold in the contest and fashioned a couple of promising openings. Former Brentford midfielder Jota, a regular Fulham scourge in seasons past, drilled a speculative shot just past the post after the home side had failed to clear a free-kick. Jonathan Kodija lost his composure having waltzed past three Fulham defenders, including new arrival Michael Hector who made his debut at centre back, before spooning a shot over from a tight angle whilst Ahmed Elmohamady glanced a free-kick fractionally wide with his head.

Bryan blasted an effort towards goal that James Chester did well to divert wide after another threatening run in from the flank, but it was Villa who should have gone in front on the stroke of half time. Kodija slipped away from the attentions of Alfie Mawson far too easily and squared for Anwar El Ghazi eight yards out, only for the Dutch international to be denied by Marek Rodak, who clawed the shot away at full stretch with his left hand.

A game that had been short on quality in the final third came to life in the second half as both sides sought to avoid a replay they could do without. Knockaert drove infield from the field and fired a shot agonisingly across goal, but Villa failed to heed that warning.

Instead, the on-loan Brighton winger opened the scoring in mesmerising fashion ten minutes after the break. After making a vital tackle in his own area, Bryan presented him with the opportunity to saunter forward down the left, where there appeared to be little danger, and Knockaert seemed outnumbered even as he drifted inside. A hesitant Villa back line stood off, Knockaert worked the ball onto his right foot and curled a mangificent finish around Ørjan Nyland and into the top corner. It felt like the goal he'd been trying to score all season – and it enlivened the Cup tie.

Fulham went in search of a second and Bryan, having opened up Villa's defence with a one-two at pace with Cavaleiro, drew a sprawling save from Nyland after shooting towards goal from seven yards out. Chester and Bjorn Engels blocked follow-up efforts as Villa scrambled the ball to safety.

The visitors profited from Fulham's inability to extend their advantage when Jota floated a ball in behind the home defence. Hector looked the favourite to reach it but inexplicably allowed Kodija to drift beyond him. The forward lifted a lovely finish over the advancing Rodak with El Ghazi making sure of the equaliser by rolling it over the line from close range. Fulham looked shaky in the immediate aftermath of losing their lead, with Rodak pushing away a Jota curler as the hosts backed off.

Parker then gave Arter his first taste of action since October and his brother-in-law paid the Fulham boss back into unexpected fashion. There appeared nothing on when the Bournemouth loanee collected a square pass from Stefan Johansen some thirty yards out two minutes later, but Arter's ambitious strike swerved and dipped into the top corner leaving Nyland pawing at fresh air.

Villa probed for an equaliser without carrying a great deal of threat and Parker's decision to send on 17 year-old Jay Stansfield, who has been scoring goals for fun at youth level since signing from Exeter in the summer, offered a different type of threat up front. The teenager certainly made an impact on his senior debut, almost laying on another one for Knockaert with a teasing cross from the left, and worrying the Villa defence with his pace. Knockaert could have sealed it late one but, after slaloming his way through the Villa defence, he opted to try and dink a finish over Nyland rather than playing a pass to his right with others waiting for a tap-in.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak; Christie, Odoi, Hector, Mawson; McDonald (Arter 72), Johansen; Onomah (Stansfield 82); Knockaert, Bryan, Cavaleiro (de la Torre 84). Subs (not used): Bettinelli, O'Riley, Harris, Jasper.

BOOKED: McDonald, Knockaert, Hector.

GOALS: Knockaert (54), Arter (74).

ASTON VILLA (4-3-3): Nyland; Elmohamady, Taylor, Chester, Engels; Lansbury, Nakamba (Vassilev 80), Hourihane; El Ghazy (Ramsey 86), Jota (Trezeguet 76), Kodija. Subs (not used): Kalinic, Konsa, Guilbert, Hause.

BOOKED: Nakamba, Taylor, Lansbury.

GOAL: El Ghazi (63).

REFEREE: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire).

ATTENDANCE: 12,980.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/01/arter-screamer-sends-fulham-through/

WhiteJC

Former Tottenham man Jermaine Jenas pays Fulham the biggest compliment after Aston Villa win

Whites made it through to the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a fine 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Saturday and will await the fourth round draw


Harry Arter of Fulham celebrates scoring the second goal against Aston Villa (Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

There was a bit of added spice to the FA Cup third round clash between Fulham and Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Whites earned promotion to the Premier League at the expense of Villa in the 2018 Championship play-off final at Wembley.

But a year later, Fulham were back in the second tier, with Villa replacing them in the Premier League following a second, more successful visit to Wembley in the play-off final.

Fulham spent big in the summer that they went up, but the big-money signing failed to save them from relegation.

Villa spent big last summer too and comparisons were made between the two sides.

And with Villa no struggling at the foot of the Premier League table, they could suffer the same fate.

The two teams were paired together in the FA Cup third round and once again it was Fulham who got the better of their Birmingham rivals, with Anthony Knockaert and Harry Arter scoring the goals to hand them a 2-1 win.

And former Spurs man Jermaine Jenas paid Fulham the biggest compliment he could when analysing the game on Match of the Day.

Jenas said: "Quality was the biggest thing I saw with Fulham. They looked like the Premier League side.

"Listening to Dean Smith's interview he made changes. Did he take it seriously or not? It didn't seem that way unfortunately.

"They fall into a similar boat to what Brighton are in really. Premier League survival is their priority and the changes were made accordingly.

"Fulham played some really good football. There were a couple of wonder strikes which won the game."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/former-tottenham-man-jermaine-jenas-17514248

WhiteJC

Parker hopes FA Cup win can build belief

Fulham boss Scott Parker hopes his side can grow in confidence after knocking Premier League Aston Villa out of the FA Cup this afternoon.

The Whites saw their hopes of gaining automatic promotion from the Championship dealt a serious blow when they lost to Reading on New Year's Day at Craven Cottage. Fulham got back to winning ways with an impressive win over a weakened Villa side thanks to superb strikes from Anthony Knockaert and substitute Harry Arter in the second half.

Knockaert's individual goal was his first Fulham since September, whilst Arter marked his first appearance for the Whites since October with a goal just 105 seconds after replacing Kevin McDonald. Parker was full of praise for the impact of his brother-in-law:

    Both goals were pretty special. But for Harry, in the sense he has been out for three months, he's worked hard for some long and lonely days, and when you probably doubt what you have, to come on and score the winner probably justifies everything.

    So for that moment, and for what it was, probably Harry's was better. I'm pleased for him, he's worked hard. He's got himself a position and had a shot. It was a good moment. He came in at the beginning of the season and is a player we knew would give us something. It's a shame he had a big injury but we all understand the player we've got. It's moments like this, for both Harry and the team, that we need to build on.

The Fulham head coach was delighted with the application of his side, who coped admirably in the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic, and the way in which they responded to being pegged back by their top flight visitors.

    The result was pleasing and the performance was outstanding. We lacked a bit in the final third in the first half and we spoke about that at half-time, and in the second half we executed it very well. Hopefully we can build on that. Winning football games is vital for us. This team was used to losing and losing becomes a habit like winning does.

    Big performances and big wins, against a Premier League side like Aston Villa, build belief. It's a key moment for us in that sense.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/01/parker-hopes-fa-cup-win-can-build-belief/


WhiteJC

Five Thoughts: Fulham 2-1 Aston Villa

The blissful magic of the FA Cup. It's been a long time. Last season, Fulham were outplayed by a struggling Oldham Athletic without a manager but this year against a teetering Aston Villa, directed by former Brentford boss Dean Smith (double points), the Whites progressed to the 4th round of the planet's oldest club competition. Is, is that Wembley in the distance?


The foaming anger I felt following our impotent loss on New Years Day hasn't subsided, although it's a small step in the right direction. The one thing we are, however, is inconsistent and just because we defeated a weakened Villa, it doesn't mean we're over the hill, skipping towards pastures new.

Saturday's victory is, however, a reason to be mildly cheerful. It's a welcome break from the Championship and an opportunity to regroup. A cup run would be fantastic and a relieving antidote to the uncertain slog league football throws up, so if we're gonna go on a little knees up, let's take it in our stride. Thanks for making the journey, Villa fans. We enjoyed having 50,000 of you at our quaint little stadium.

Goals, Good Gravy
Not a terrible place to start at all, no? The Hammersmith End has witnessed a treasure chest of exceptional goals this season. Tom Cairney's spanked off two blinders from his left peg, Ivan Cavaleiro assaulted the target against Charlton Athletic and Anthony Knockaert's cross-come-shot against West Bromwich Albion was, before Saturday afternoon, the best thing the Frenchman's done during his scrutinised loan spell at the club to date. He's definitely not a favourite of mine, but his outrageous 54th-minute opener certainly is.

The Whites sprung out of their own half after stealing possession from Villa and within a matter of seconds, Knockaert dipped into net-busting range. Slaloming from the right flank, the 28-year-old didn't think twice about wrapping his left peg around the ball from 25 yards, launching it past a powerless Ørjan Nyland. That, that was special. The Brighton & Hove Albion loanee's a trigger-happy customer, known for his speculatively selfish punts from outlandish areas. This one, however, didn't balloon into FF, H4, and it didn't provoke groans of despair from the terraces, it induced various expletives of the positive, jovial kind.

Alan Partridge's World Cup '94 commentary springs to mind with the second of the afternoon, detonated by a midfielder returning from exile. Harry Arter hadn't featured since our draw at the Cardiff City Stadium in October but bloody hell, he made an instant impact. At least 30 yards out, the forgotten Republic of Ireland international hammered through, propelling the ball into the postage stamp, first class. "twit! What a goal." Two fatal strikes, both capable of starting and ending WW3. Blitzkrieg in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, and no better way to send our complacent visitors packing.

Sharp Second Showing
Not to break a trend, the first-half was timid, tame and or patterns of play took an absolute age, as always, to build. I don't recall us even testing the target before the break, not seriously, and that's purely because there was such a dire lack of impetus in the final third. Cyrus Christie was a persistent outlet but there was no one to hit in the penalty area and, if we tried to construct centrally, we resorted to shifting possession side to side as we couldn't physically grind Villa down. If it wasn't for Marek Rodak's superb reaction save to deny Anwar El Ghazi just before the interval, we'd have rood our lifeless enterprise.

The Whites did string together attractive sequences in the first 45 and were the better outfit for the majority, but something had to give, a change of attitude or a spark of genius. With both squads vying to land the opener, the second-half was a vastly open affair and Fulham clearly wanted it more. Villa's mentality bruised as the game progressed and the hosts stepped up after conceding. There was something in this game for Fulham and they could smell it. Hunting in packs, maintaining a relentlessly strenuous press and pouncing on Villa's inactive strategy, Parker's men were completely superior.

Bravery told with our efforts to exploit Villa along the flanks and confidence oozed in virtually every touch of the ball. This, for many reasons, was a prime opportunity for Fulham to redeem themselves. We've been branded predictable, boring and listless but our rapid, straightforward disposition against a Premier League collective, albeit a faltering one, was extremely pleasing to behold. This galvanised reaction fundamentally means nothing, though. If we're to trust and believe in the courage that surfaced, we have to see it translate into the league. If anything, treat each Championship fixture like a knock-out encounter, one game at a time.

Deliberating Defender's Debut
For a man that hasn't played a competitive first-team game for half a season, Micheal Hector didn't seem overly rusty on his debut for the Whites. The physical centre-half embodies a commander and, whilst he could have done better for Villa's equaliser, of course, he made a promising statement with a relatively assured performance alongside a haphazard Alfie Mawson. To be fair, Mawson actually performed splendidly, not a calamitous mistake in sight, and I put that down, solely, to his new partner at the back.

Hector, from the off, restored order to the Whites' flaky defensive department, initiating and stunting sequences from the back without being rushed or perturbed. Villa's midfield playmakers tried to pierce through the middle with hopeful forward passes but the Jamaica international, sharp and aware, intervened to halt the visitors' obvious approach. Villa went long, relying on Jonathan Kodjia to hold possession, but Hector read the memo and was aerially imperious.

A few wayward passes here and there, not getting goal-side to blockade Kodjia, as mentioned, but there's definitely an efficient defender in Hector. Was howling when Henry Lanbury thought his minerals were big enough to confront the sizeable centre-back, and it soon became clear that Hector didn't care for handbags, or puny cajones. Discipline, that's what we've sorely missed! Crowned Sheffield Wednesday's Player of the Season last term, the 27-year-old isn't quite up to speed just yet, but he's a reputable enforcer that will certainly make a significant difference to the heart of our back four.

Starlet Stansfield Shines
I presume Parker put an arm round Jay Stansfield before he was introduced to first-team matters in the 82nd minute and said "run around, be a nuisance and show them who you are." At just 17-years-old, Stansfield could have been overawed by the occasion, intimidated by an expectant home following although it was quite the contrary. He didn't necessarily set the world alight, but an enthusiastic, nearly profitable showing educated us to the natural intelligence and devotion the excelling starlet readily applies to his budding game.

Cav' started up top as the central component of our front three but we couldn't manufacture beneficial phases with the Portuguese winger in that capacity. Stansfield, a goal machine by trade, hounded James Chester and Bjorn Engels incessantly, as any centre-forward typically should, sustaining Fulham's high press with a hunger to impress. Darting beyond Neil Taylor, Stansfield lifted his head and blazed a tantalising cross into the 6-yard box from the right channel. Charging in at the back stick, Knockaert could have added a third goal but he was inches, a hair's width away from diverting. Stansfield didn't ponder his options, diver with indecision, he just knows where to stick the ball. An innate gift, undeniably.

Since joining the Whites from Exeter City in August 2019, there's nothing to suggest that the prolific youngster's afraid of his new surroundings in the capital. In fact, he's flourished into the academy's free-scoring hitman and he's certainly got a bright future in SW6 ahead of him. With 22 goals in 13 games for the Whites' development folds this term, ranging from the U18s to the Premier League 2 set-up, Stansfield is a scary talent and he's one of ours. Definitely want to see more of him in the next round and, if he's given the nod domestically beforehand, I won't have any reservations whatsoever.

McDonald Makes Most
Penning a new contract midweek, Kevin McDonald to Fulham's starting XI and buttressed the middle of the park faultlessly, calling upon his experience and conveyance to escort the Whites through a game that could have been very treacherous without his trusted resourcefulness. Acting as an auxiliary defender, KMac dropped deep in support of Mawson and Hector, shielding Kodjia from getting in behind unattended, the Scotsman was the protective blanket we needed and it's a real wonder why he hasn't gained more game time this season. He prevented trouble excellently, but what else do we really expect?

As well as his reinforcing defensive responsibilities, McDonald endeavoured to support in the final third, making contributory – yet particularly foreseeable – runs into the 18-yard box to distract Villa's defenders from our other more equipped weapons of choice. He also distributed effectively, mixing it up with a range of simple and adventurous passes, chipped or putted smoothly to its intended destination. A calming influence making the most of his rare outing from the sidelines, the 31-year-old shored things up quite nicely indeed.

Substituted in the 72nd minute for Arter, McDonald's relevance is still very much alive and well. Perhaps he can't last a full 90 week after week anymore and, given a full fit midfield department, I don't expect he'd feature ahead of the likes of Harrison Read, Tom Cairney, even Arter for that matter, but he's undoubtedly an older head we can always rely on, and the fact he signed a deal to prolong his stay at Craven Cottage until 2021, proves he's on board with the club's near future aspirations, be it a pivotal or peripheral figure.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-01-05-five-thoughts-fulham-2-1-aston-villa/

WhiteJC

Arter winner is just reward for effort put in to turn his season around, says Fulham boss

Scott Parker says Harry Arter's stunning winner for Fulham in Saturday's FA Cup tie against Aston Villa was a perfect reward for his battle to recover fitness in recent months.

The midfielder, on loan for the season from Bournemouth, had a red card early in the season and was then sidelined through injury, but the Whites' boss believes this could be a turning point for the player – whose 74th minute strike from outside the box was worthy of settling any tie.

"Both goals were pretty special," Parker said when asked to compare Arter's with an equally stunning first goal in the game from Anthony Knockaert.

"I think for the moment, and what it was, it was probably Harry's goal that shaded it.

"Harry's been out for three months. He's worked hard. They are long and lonely days when you're injured for some time. The physios have worked hard with him as well.

"You probably doubt what you have, so to come on and score the winner probably justifies everything, and those days when you are a bit lonely.

"It was a great finish and I'm pleased for him. It was a good moment. He's a character and it's moments like this for Harry and the team which you need to build on."

Parker said of his other goal hero: "Anthony could have had a hat-trick. He scored a great goal and could have finished off another couple.

"Fair play to him. We brought him in and he's got off to a slowish start – I think he'd be the first to admit that – but the last three games, I think you're seeing a Knockaert we are all familiar with really.

"Today we saw glimpses of him with the ball but I thought out of possession as well, he was exceptional."

Parker gave debuts to defender Michael Hector and 17-year-old Jay Stansfield, whose impessive cameo off the bench almost included an assist.

"He's been scoring goals in the under 18s, he's been training with us for the last week, 10 days and he's obviously someone we have full belief in," Parker enthused.

"They give you something different these young players and it's something I firmly believe in. There will be many more appearances from Jay and he deserves his moment tonight."




https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2020/01/05/Arter-winner-is-just-reward-for-effort-put-in-to-turn-his-season-around-says-Fulham-boss