Saturday Fulham Stuff - 18/01/20...

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Fulham	1-0	Middlesborough

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Fulham 1-0 Middlesborough

Anthony Knockaert scored his first Championship goal since September to give Fulham victory

Fulham moved up to third in the Championship as Anthony Knockaert's early goal gave them victory over in-form Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage.

Knockaert capped a blistering opening half an hour from the hosts with what proved to be the winner, meeting Joe Bryan's low fizzing cross to tap home at the far post.

It was the least Fulham deserved for their relentless first-half pressure, with the absence of injured top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic perhaps telling as Scott Parker's side squandered at least three guilt-edged opportunities.

Ivan Cavaleiro and Josh Onomah were most guilty, both failing to hit the target when well placed, while Denis Odoi deflected Hayden Coulson's cross on to his own crossbar on a rare foray forward from Boro.

The contest was much tighter after half-time, although Odoi thought he had made the game safe when his glancing header found the corner of the net - only to be flagged offside by the barest of margins.

But Fulham were able to see the game out relatively comfortably to leapfrog Brentford and close the gap to the automatic promotion places to four points.

The result also checks Middlesbrough's recent resurgence, with defeat in west London their first in six league matches, after they had clawed themselves clear of relegation trouble.

That run included eye-catching wins at West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End, but they never came close to repeating that level of performance against Fulham.

Knockaert had already curled one effort wide even before opening the scoring in the sixth minute, while captain Tom Cairney and Bryan also had efforts saved.

Paddy McNair came closest to an equaliser in the closing stages, inadvertently guiding a free-kick from out wide towards the far corner and forcing goalkeeper Marek Rodak into a smart save.

Fulham manager Scott Parker told BBC Radio London: "I thought we were very, very good first half. And I thought second half we had some big chances but didn't capitalise.

"We weren't clinical enough in the first half. I thought everything we've worked on this week worked so well.

"But we won the game with another clean sheet, we looked pretty solid and for the majority of the game we played some good stuff."

Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate told BBC Tees: "Fulham are a good team. They were right on top. But we kept on going.

"We didn't give up. In the second half, we were miles better."

On the signing of goalkeeper Dejan Stojanovic on Thursday, Woodgate added: "His concentration level is very good. He makes important saves, he's quick off his line.

"It's Aynsley [Pears]'s shirt to lose at the minute so Dejan will come in and challenge Aynsley for the number one spot along with Tommy [Tomas Mejias]. You can't drop Aynsley. He's done really well."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51058095

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Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker was thrilled with the two sides to Fulham he witnessed on Friday night.

The Whites were electric in the opening half an hour and could have been out of sight, whereas in the second half we dug in to grind out an important 1-0 win.

"First half I thought we were fantastic in what we did, the way we played and the way we moved the ball," Parker said.

"Everything we worked on in the week worked well, with Bobby [Decordova-Reid] dropping down as a bit of a false nine and overloading them in the middle of the park. We were dynamic at times with some lovely bits of play.

"In the second half we had some big, big chances to put the game to bed, and obviously it gets a bit edgy [when we don't do that]. If it's 2-0, 3-0 at half-time I think everyone says it's a fair reflection of the first half.

"Second half you're searching for that one goal to take a deep breath and see the game out, but we saw the game out well.

"Another clean sheet, which was key. It was a good performance all round for us.

"I think you've seen two sides to this team, which pleases me most. First half you've seen a team that moves the ball well, a dynamism about us. Second half you've seen a grittiness about us where we can see a game out."

Victory moved Fulham to within four points of second place Leeds United, but while Parker still views that as a positive, he's more concerned about his own side.

"It's always good," he admitted. "You're playing early before the teams above you that you're trying to chase, and you put that pressure on.

"The main aim for us is to focus on ourselves and keep working on what gets you results in this league. And what gets you results is an endeavour, a work ethic, and we've shown that the last few weeks.

"At times this year we've been in a good position and we've slipped up, and we've hit little bumps. We now need to concentrate on ourselves, keep winning games and ultimately keep producing what we've produced tonight."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/january/17/scott-parker-press conference-boro

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Fulham 1-0 Middlesbrough: Early Anthony Knockaert strike secures win as Scott Parker's men move within four points of Championship top two

    Anthony Knockaert turned in Joe Bryan's cross as Fulham took an early lead
    Middlesbrough almost levelled when Hayden Coulson's cross hit the bar
    The hosts were denied a second when Denis Odoi's header was ruled offside
    Boro had a late penalty appeal turned down when Ashley Fletcher fell to the turf

There's never a good time to lose your 18-goal leading goalscorer for three weeks to an ankle injury.

Luckily for Fulham, it seems the other members of their free-flowing attack are ready and able to compensate for the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic and keep their promotion push on track.

Here against Middlesbrough, opportunity knocked for Anthony Knockaert and the Frenchman wasn't found wanting.


Anthony Knockaert celebrates at Craven Cottage after scoring his third goal of the season


Knockaert latches onto Joe Bryan's cross to give Fulham the lead over Middlesbrough

His sixth-minute tap-in moved Fulham back into third place and within just four points of Leeds United in the second automatic promotion spot. If Leeds lose at QPR on Saturday, things could get very interesting.

Suddenly, the top two of West Bromwich Albion and Leeds don't seem so far removed from the chasing pack in their rear view mirrors.

As Knockaert said afterwards: 'Even the team that is 10th in the league at the moment can still go up with automatic promotion. We know what it takes to win promotion.'

Fulham should have won by many more but Knockaert's touch to Joe Bryan's left-side cross early on proved sufficient. In Mitrovic's absence, the impressive winger, on loan from Brighton, really made the difference.

Perhaps a better side than Middlesbrough would have punished Fulham's wasted chances but Scott Parker's side got the job done in the absence of the Championship's joint top scorer.


Denis Odoi celebrates after heading in, but his strike was later ruled out for offside

Parker said: 'In the first-half we were dynamic and there were some lovely bits of play. Two-nil or three-nil at half-time would have been a fair reflection.

'But in the second-half there was a grittiness and we saw the game out. You miss Alex [Mitrovic] and what he brings but how we looked in the first-half was very pleasing.'

Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate said: 'You need to come out the traps quick and we didn't lay a glove on them. We played a lot better second half but the damage was done.

'I'm not going to berate my players as there's some really tired bodies in there. They've played three games in six days and it caught up with us.'


Boro forward Rudy Gestede challenges for the ball with Fulham defender Michael Hector

Without Mitrovic, it was Bobby Decordova-Reid who occupied the centre forward's role here, flanked on the left by Ivan Cavaleiro and on the right by Knockaert.

It didn't take long for Fulham to settle into their familiar passing rhythm and with Middlesbrough makeshift at the back with four defenders out injured, the chances soon flowed.

Knockaert had already curled an effort high and wide by the time he started and finished the move for the opening goal on six minutes.

The Frenchman collected the ball wide on the right, slipped a pass infield to Tom Cairney and continued running. Cairney picked out Bryan on the left with a diagonal pass and he twisted and turned into a crossing position.

Knockaert smartly kept himself onside in the centre and when Bryan fizzed the ball across the six-yard box, he simply had to extend a leg and tap home.

Boro had been undone in the early minutes by Tottenham in their FA Cup replay on Tuesday night and there was a real sense of resignation here as Fulham zipped the ball about with impunity.


Boro captain Jonny Howson vies for the ball with Fulham forward Ivan Cavaleiro

Away goalkeeper Aynsley Pears saved low from Josh Onomah, before Cavaleiro squandered a golden opportunity, firing over in a one-on-one situation with Pears after a slick one-two with Reid.

Onomah was then guilty of heading wide at the back post after Boro's defenders had inexplicably left him unmarked at Knockaert's corner.

Scott Parker became increasingly animated in his technical area, wondering, as we all were, how Fulham weren't out of sight. He'd seen the script before where Fulham enjoy 75 per cent possession and all the chances, only to not but the game to bed.

As if on cue, and as if experiencing some great hallelujah moment they weren't three or four behind, Middlesbrough came out of their defensive bunker.

Their physical penalty area presence caused issues for Fulham keeper Marek Rodak from a couple of Paddy McNair corners, with Rudy Gestede heading over.


Fulham manager Scott Parker observes the action from the home dugout at Craven Cottage

Hayden Coulson then surged down the left and let fly, seeing his shot deflect off Denis Odoi's boot and possibly Rodak's gloves and cannon back off the crossbar before bouncing clear, to Fulham's evident relief.

The second-half was scrappier and short on highlights. Boro saw more possession and were more positive, with Gestede heading over again from a corner.

There were optimistic handball shouts from the travelling fans when Djed Spence's low cross was cleared by Odoi into the chest of Onomah inside the box.

But Fulham rallied, with Knockaert shooting narrowly wide. Odoi then thought he'd settled it, nodding home from Cavaleiro's left-side free-kick. Having performed a couple of stylish backflips in celebration, Odoi looked pretty devastated to see the linesman's flag raised.

Boro had created little after the break but still mustered some late alarm. McNair's curling free-kick from the left required Rodak to push the ball over the bar.

As if on cue, and as if experiencing some great hallelujah moment they weren't three or four behind, Middlesbrough came out of their defensive bunker.


Jonathan Woodgate lamented the busy fixture list after Middlesbrough's third game in six days

Their physical penalty area presence caused issues for Fulham keeper Marek Rodak from a couple of Paddy McNair corners, with Rudy Gestede heading over.

Hayden Coulson then surged down the left and let fly, seeing his shot deflect off Denis Odoi's boot and possibly Rodak's gloves and cannon back off the crossbar before bouncing clear, to Fulham's evident relief.

The second-half was scrappier and short on highlights. Boro saw more possession and were more positive, with Gestede heading over again from a corner.

There were optimistic handball shouts from the travelling fans when Djed Spence's low cross was cleared by Odoi into the chest of Onomah inside the box.

But Fulham rallied, with Knockaert shooting narrowly wide. Odoi then thought he'd settled it, nodding home from Cavaleiro's left-side free-kick. Having performed a couple of stylish backflips in celebration, Odoi looked pretty devastated to see the linesman's flag raised.

Boro had created little after the break but still mustered some late alarm. McNair's curling free-kick from the left required Rodak to push the ball over the bar.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7900825/Fulham-1-0-Middlesbrough-Early-Anthony-Knockaert-strike-secures-Championship-victory.html

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Knockaert's early goal gives Fulham victory
Fulham 1 Middlesbrough 0

An early goal from Anthony Knockaert was enough to lift Fulham into third place in the Championship.

The home side, who were without the injured Aleksandar Mitrović, started brightly with Knockaert blazing over, though former Fulham academy player Djed Spence threatened with a shot that flashed wide within the first five minutes.

And moments later, Knockaert made no mistake from close range as he met Joe Bryan's excellent driven cross at the back post for his fourth goal of the season.

The in-form Frenchman put in another tireless shift and was involved again early on with good work down the right flank, pulling back for Josh Onomah, who should have doubled the Whites' lead.

It was the theme of the opening half, with a neat give-and-go between Ivan Cavaleiro and Bobby Decordova-Reid sending the former Wolves man through on goal, but he lifted his shot over the bar.

Onomah then wasted another glorious chance when he was left bizarrely unmarked from a corner, but glanced his header wide from six yards.

Fulham almost paid the price for their wastefulness when Hayden Coulson's deflected cross looped over Marek Rodák, only for the ball to bounce off the bar to safety.

Boro raised their level after the break, but the introduction of Stefan Johansen 20 minutes from time injected some much-needed energy into Fulham.

Knockaert went close twice again – either side of Denis Odoi's disallowed goal that appeared to be given wrongly offside – but his strike was enough to secure his side a third consecutive win in all competitions.
Fulham: Rodák; Odoi, Hector, Ream, Bryan; McDonald, Cairney (Johansen 68), Onomah (Arter 80); Knockaert (Mawson 90), Cavaleiro, Decordova-Reid.
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Christie, De La Torre, Stansfield.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/knockaerts-goal-gives-fulham-victory-over-middlesbrough

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Unsworth Praises Under-23s' Creativity After Victory In Thriller

David Unsworth admitted Everton Under-23s "made it difficult at times" but praised his team's creativity after they beat Fulham 4-2 in an entertaining Premier League Cup clash at Southport FC on Friday night.

Dennis Adeniran struck twice as the Toffees secured a victory which takes them top of qualification Group B, one point ahead of Fulham.

Everton went ahead early on when Fulham's Zico Asare scored an own goal, but the away side responded almost instantly through Timmy Abraham.

Adeniran then struck either side of half-time to put the young Blues 3-1 ahead.

Martell Taylor-Crossdale's 72nd-minute penalty set up a grandstand finish but Manasse Mampala's stoppage-time strike sealed victory for Everton.

"We made it difficult for ourselves at times, but we got the win," said Unsworth.

"We created so many opportunities but we're giving away sloppy goals which gives teams the chance to get back into the game.

"We continued to play the right way, though, and we carved the opposition open time and time again.

"Throughout the spine we were quite solid and we were convincing winners."

The Blues almost took the lead in the eighth minute. Ellis Simms ran onto a flick from Antony Evans and clipped the ball over the keeper only for an unbelievable goal-line clearance from Connor McAvoy to deny him.

Everton opened the scoring two minutes later when Kyle John crossed from the right and Fulham defender Asare inadvertently headed the ball into his own net.

The lead lasted just three minutes. A long pass forward found Taylor-Crossdale and when he was challenged by Con Ouzounidis, the loose ball fell to the feet of Timmy Abraham - brother of Chelsea striker Tammy - and he planted it past Joao Virginia.

Everton were the better team in the first half and a lovely move on 38 minutes almost led to a goal.

Beni Baningime fed the ball to Adeniran and his clever reverse pass played in John down the right. John's cross was cleared to the feet of Evans ,who lashed the ball over the bar.

The second goal was not long coming, though. Evans did very well to dispossess Ryan De Havilland in the 41st minute and he crossed low for Adeniran to slam the ball home.

Evans then smacked the post with a lovely free-kick in first-half stoppage time.

Six minutes into the second period, Everton increased their advantage and it was Adeniran again.

He intercepted a sloppy Fulham pass and powered down the right before planting a sweet finish into the corner of the net.

Adeniran was enjoying himself against his former club. A lovely forward ball from Feeney found Simms and he pulled the ball back for Adeniran, but the two-goal man was off balance and pulled his shot wide.

There was a remarkable piece of play on 70 minutes. Evans collected a forward pass but his first shot hit the right-hand post and his follow-up effort struck the opposite post.

"Antony played very well tonight," said Unsworth.

"He showed his quality on a very difficult pitch. The fact that we passed the ball well tonight is great credit to the lads."

Fulham reduced the arrears in the 72nd minute when Taylor-Crossdale converted from the spot.

Shortly after, the woodwork was struck again, this time by Fulham's Ryan De Havilland.

Everton wrapped up the victory in stoppage time when substitute Manasse Mampala forced the ball home from eight yards.

The game provided 17-year-old centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite with his Everton debut after he joined the Blues from Carlisle United earlier this week.

"He did okay and there's lots to work with," said Unsworth.

"He's a young kid and anybody playing alongside Morgan [Feeney] will be fine because I thought he was terrific tonight - a typical captain's performance."



https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1574264/unsworth-praises-under-23s-creativity-after-victory-in-thriller

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 Fulham 1-0 Middlesbrough: Anthony Knockaert lands knock-out blow
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at Craven Cottage

Fulham moved to within four points of the automatic promotion places in the Sky Bet Championship after Anthony Knockaert's close-range finish secured a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage.

Knockaert met Joe Bryan's low ball after six minutes to nip in front of Hayden Coulson and convert his third league goal of the season as the hosts leapfrogged their west London rivals Brentford into third place.

Scott Parker's side spurned good opportunities to extend their lead in the first half with Josh Onomah, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Ivan Cavaleiro all guilty of wasteful finishing.

But Middlesbrough, who remain in 16th, were below par and failed to register a shot on target until the final five minutes as their recent revival was ended in the capital.


Anthony Knockaert tucks home the opener after just six minutes


Player ratings

Fulham: Rodak (6), Bryan (7), Hector (8), Ream (7), Odoi (7), McDonald (6), Cairney (6), Knockaert (8), Onomah (7), Cavaleiro (7), Decordova-Reid (8).

Subs: Mawson (n/a), Arter (5), Johansen (6).

Middlesbrough: Pears (7), Spence, Howson, McNair, Fry, Coulson, Clayton, Saville, Tavernier, Roberts, Gestede.

Subs: Wing (5), Nmecha (5), Fletcher (5).

Man of the match: Anthony Knockaert.

How Fulham applied the pressure

Fulham were without their talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic due to an ankle injury, and the size of the task facing Parker's team was made all the more daunting by the form of the visitors.

No side had taken more points than Middlesbrough in the previous five games - a run that had seen them move closer to the top six than the bottom three - but Fulham swiftly converted their bright start into a lead.

The hosts, who were beaten at home by Reading on New Year's Day, showed an immediate reaction to that surprise setback in front of their own supporters. Bryan and Knockaert had already combined for an early shot over the bar, but the Middlesbrough defence had not learned their lesson.


Knockaert was unmarked to fire home his four goals in all competitions this term

Former Bristol City full-back Bryan showed why he has recently been linked with a move to the Premier League as his pinpoint low cross was gratefully tapped home by Knockaert, who had escaped Coulson.

Fulham were excellent in the opening period but lacked precision with their finishing as moments after Onomah had flashed a fierce drive wide from the edge of the penalty area, Cavaleiro combined brilliantly with Decordova-Reid but was unable to curl his shot on target.

Team news

Fulham made two alterations to the side that beat Hull 1-0 in their last outing as Cyrus Christie dropped to the bench while an ankle injury ruled out Aleksandar Mitrovic. Tom Cairney and Joe Bryan returned to the starting line-up.

Jonathan Woodgate stuck with nine of the players who started in the 2-2 draw with Derby the last time his side took to the field in the Sky Bet Championship. Lewis Wing and Ashley Fletcher dropped out as Adam Clayton and Rudy Gestede started.

The Middlesbrough defence was all at sea in the opening half an hour as Onomah wasted a glorious chance to head home unmarked from Knockaert's cross - but the visitors then came within inches of equaliser against the run of play.

Coulson nearly atoned for his role in Fulham's goal as his cross inadvertently deflected onto the crossbar, but without Ashley Fletcher leading the line, Woodgate's side lacked a focal point.

The Boro boss sought to inject greater urgency into his players after the restart as Lewis Wing replaced Marcus Tavernier, but it was Fulham who were dramatically denied a second with 17 minutes remaining by the linesman's flag.

Cavaleiro's wicked delivery was glanced beyond Aynsley Pears, but the Fulham defender had moved fractionally too early.


Marek Rodak shows his delight as Fulham sealed the points at Craven Cottage

It was not until the 85th minute that the visitors registered a shot on target with Marek Rodak tipping Paddy McNair's free-kick over the bar as Fulham deservedly took the points.

Man of the match - Anthony Knockaert

Bobby Decordova-Reid and Michael Hector were both outstanding for Fulham, ensuring that Middlesbrough's hopes of a comeback were ended through their tireless running and discipline, but Knockaert was the standout performer.

In the absence of Mitrovic, Fulham were in need of a bit of magic, and the winger on loan from Brighton showcased his qualities, creating three good chances to go alongside his match-winning strike.

What the managers said...

Fulham boss Scott Parker: "It is always a little nervous at 1-0 but we limited them to very few chances. There's always that little bit of stress but I thought we were fantastic this evening.

"On another day, we could've gone in two or three goals up and that would've given the game a different picture."

Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate: "We've had three games in six days with a really young squad and we didn't really turn up in the first half. We were slow out of the traps and you can't start like that.

"We needed to get closer to them but we were better in the second half. Ashley Fletcher had been tired after the last two games so I needed to rest him. We've been on a fantastic run so I can't fault their attitude."

What's next?

Fulham travel to face Charlton on Wednesday; kick-off 7.45pm. Middlesbrough host Birmingham the previous night at the same kick-off time.



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-mboro/409675

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Fulham v Middlesbrough player ratings

Fulham saw out a 1-0 win against Middlesbrough to notch their third consecutive win. Here's how we rated each Whites player.
Marek Rodák: 6

Suspect with his kicks and punches at times, but only required to make one save – crucially tipping over a free-kick late on.
Denis Odoi: 7

Still full of energy and adept in the right-back spot. Unlucky to have a goal disallowed in the second half and had another far-post header blocked.
Tim Ream: 7

A quiet night for the American, highlighting Fulham's composure in their defensive third. Contributed reliably to another home clean sheet under the Craven Cottage lights.
Michael Hector: 8

The new man brings some useful height to the Fulham back line and was a great match for Rudy Gestede in the air. Equally composed with the ball at his feet in his home league debut and made a vital tackle on Djed Spence late on.
Joe Bryan: 7

A superb low cross to assist Knockaert's goal and connected well with Bobby Decordova-Reid later on. Kept an eye on Patrick Roberts well as the second half developed.
Kevin McDonald: 7

Certainly understands the intricate way Fulham want to build attacks, but not athletic enough to quash counter-attacks by spritely attackers like former Fulham man Patrick Roberts. Booked following a desperate lunge to recover a lost ball.
Tom Cairney: 7

Kept Fulham ticking on his return, especially in their excellent opening 20 minutes. But struggled to be as dominant in the second period and began to tire before he was taken off.
Josh Onomah: 7

Always in the thick of the midfield battle, propulsive on the ball and unafraid to make tackles. Missed a couple of key chances and less influential as Fulham flagged midway through the second half.
Anthony Knockaert: 9

Showed great instinct and anticipation to tap in Bryan's cross and continually pressed Middlesbrough's left side. Fired just wide with a cracking shot from 25 yards later on and continued to toy with the opposition in a man-of-the-match performance.
Ivan Cavaleiro: 7

Blazed over when through on goal but deserved an assist for a gorgeous one-two with Cairney. Like Knockaert, continued to drive forward in the absence of Aleksandar Mitrović and linked well with the midfield.
Bobby Decordova-Reid: 7

Often played with his back to goal and had a quiet first half until he fashioned his own chance. Operated more at the top of a midfield diamond, so did well in his role linking play.
Stefan Johansen: 7

Introduced to bring some much-needed energy to Fulham's second-half performance. Middlesbrough were growing into the game before the Norwegian added his nous.
Harry Arter: 6

Got stuck in during the final stages to help Fulham see out the win.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-boro-fulham-ratings-0120-html

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Result: Wasteful Fulham hold on to beat Middlesbrough

Anthony Knockaert struck in the sixth minute to secure Fulham's 1-0 home victory against Middlesbrough and move Scott Parker's side up to third in the Sky Bet Championship.

The on-loan Brighton winger claimed his fourth goal of the season as the Cottagers overcame the absence of 18-goal leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic to move within four points of second-placed Leeds.

Mitrovic was ruled out with an ankle injury picked up in Saturday's win at Hull and is expected to be out for up to three weeks.

Boro – who arrived as Craven Cottage as the division's in-form side following their recent upturn in results – a third game in six days proved too much as they suffered a first defeat in six league outings.

The Cottagers quickly showed they were capable of overcoming the loss of their main forward during a blistering opening.

Knockaert immediately demonstrated his threat by cutting in from the right before firing over with a left-footed shot.

And while former Fulham youngster Djed Spence responded with a similar effort for the visitors, that proved to be a rare early opening for Jonathan Woodgate's side.

Instead Boro were forced to focus on keeping a foothold in the game after Knockaert had given the home side a sixth-minute lead.

The opening came after Tom Cairney had switched play to find left-back Joe Bryan who drilled a low cross into the visitors' six-yard box where the French winger turned home from close range.

It was the perfect start for Parker's side who should then have gone on to put the game out of Boro's reach in the opening half hour.

Fulham's approach play was exhilarating as Knockaert set up Josh Onomah for a shot that was well saved by Aynsley Pears before Ivan Cavaleiro shot over after being sent clear on goal by Bobby Decordova-Reid.

Onomah and Cairney squandered further openings yet while Parker was entitled to be pleased with his side's display, the Fulham boss will have been concerned at their failure to make the pressure tell.

And that feeling was only reinforced when Boro left-back Hayden Coulson's cross was deflected against the bar in the 31st minute before Marcus Tavernier somehow directed a close-range volley over from the resulting corner.

Boro continued to improve after the break, enjoying more possession, but striker Rudy Gestede wasted a good headed opportunity to level.

And it was Fulham who regained control in the latter stages although they were unable to find the finish that would have made for a more comfortable end to the game.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/result-wasteful-fulham-hold-on-to-beat-middlesbrough_386489.html

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Fulham leapfrog west London rivals Brentford as Anthony Knockaert's goal sinks in-form Middlesbrough


Early winner: Anthony Knockaert nets the only goal of the game for Fulham ( Getty Images )

Fulham have moved up to third in the Championship table after Anthony Knockaert's early effort secured a narrow 1-0 home victory over Middlesbrough on Friday night.

The on-loan Brighton winger claimed his fourth goal of the season as the Cottagers overcame the absence of leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic to move within four points of second-placed Leeds.

Mitrovic was ruled out with an ankle injury picked up in Saturday's win at Hull and is expected to be out for up to three weeks.

For Boro - who arrived as Craven Cottage as the division's in-form side following their recent upturn in results - a third game in six days proved too much as they suffered a first defeat in six league outings.

Fulham quickly showed they were capable of overcoming the loss of their main forward during a blistering opening.

Knockaert immediately demonstrated his threat by cutting in from the right before firing over with a left-footed shot.

And while former Fulham youngster Djed Spence responded with a similar effort for the visitors, that proved to be a rare early opening for Jonathan Woodgate's side.

Instead Boro were forced to focus on keeping a foothold in the game after Knockaert had given the home side a sixth-minute lead.

The opening came after Tom Cairney had switched play to find left-back Joe Bryan, who drilled a low cross into the visitors' six-yard box where the French winger turned home from close range.

It was the perfect start for Scott Parker's side, who should then have gone on to put the game out of Boro's reach in the opening half hour.

Fulham's approach play was exhilarating as Knockaert set up Josh Onomah for a shot that was well saved by Aynsley Pears before Ivan Cavaleiro shot over after being sent clear on goal by Bobby Decordova-Reid.


Denis Odoi celebrates a goal that was subsequently ruled out for offside (Getty Images)

Onomah and Cairney squandered further openings yet while Parker was entitled to be pleased with his side's display, the Fulham boss will have been concerned at their failure to make the pressure tell.

And that feeling was only reinforced when Boro left-back Hayden Coulson's cross was deflected against the bar in the 31st minute before Marcus Tavernier somehow directed a close-range volley over from the resulting corner.

Boro continued to improve after the break, enjoying more possession, but striker Rudy Gestede wasted a good headed opportunity to level.

And it was Fulham who regained control in the latter stages although they were unable to find the finish that would have made for a more comfortable end to the game, with Denis Odoi denied by the offside flag.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-vs-middlesbrough-result-anthony-knockaert-a4337791.html

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Anthony Knockaert's early goal moves Fulham up to third after Middlesbrough victory 


The French midfielder broke the deadlock after six minutes  Credit: PA

Fulham 1 Middlesbrough 0

Aleksandar Mitrovic would probably have fancied himself to score a hat-trick given the number of chances Fulham missed as they closed the gap on the Championship's top two.

Scott Parker's side were excellent throughout and thoroughly deserving of the victory they secured with Anthony Knockaert's early goal.

The Frenchman, on loan from Brighton, fired in at the far post from Joe Bryan's low cross as the home side set about a leggy Middlesbrough, who were playing their third game in a week.

"You miss Alex and what he brings to this team but I thought what the players did and how we looked was very pleasing for me," said Parker.

"We had some big big chances to put the game to bed. The main aim for us is to focus on ourselves and keep working out what gets you results in this league."



This was the first defeat in six league games for Jonathan Woodgate's side which contained six changes from the midweek FA Cup defeat at Tottenham.

"The games probably caught up with us over the past fortnight," said Woodgate.  "I'm not going to berate my players. They gave me everything they've got and there's some tired bodies in there."

Ivan Cavaleiro and Josh Onomah missed excellent chances to extend the lead in a first half dominated entirely by Fulham.

Boro's only real threat came as Hayden Coulson's cross deflected off Denis Odoi and cannoned against the crossbar.

Woodgate's side were better after the break but still it was Fulham who created the chances.

Odoi harshly had a goal ruled out for offside as he touched in from Cavaleiro's free-kick whilst Knockaert twice went close before being substituted to a standing ovation late on.

"Even the team that is 10th in the league at the moment can still go up with automatic promotion," said Knockaert. "We know what it takes to win promotion," added the Frenchman who was integral in Brighton's rise to the Premier League.

Match details

Fulham (4-3-3): Rodak; Odoi, Hector, Ream, Bryan; Cairney (Johansen 68), McDonald, Onomah (Arter 79); Knockaert (Mawson 90), Reid, Cavaleiro.

Subs: Bettinelli, Arter, Christie, De La Torre, Stansfield.

Booked: McDonald.

Middlesbrough (3-4-2-1): Pears; Howson, McNair, Fry; Spence, Saville (Fletcher 80), Clayton (Nmencha 80), Coulson; Robert, Tavernier (Wing 61); Gestede.

Subs: Mejias, Johnson, Wood, Liddle.

Booked: McNair.

Referee: Mr D Webb.
Attendance: 18,375



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/01/17/anthony-knockaerts-early-goal-moves-fulham-third-middlesbrough/

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Aymeric Laporte set to return to action in Manchester City's FA Cup clash with Fulham next week after five-month layoff with knee injury

    Aymeric Laporte has been back in Manchester City training since turn of the year
    The central defender damaged his cartilage and later meniscus in August
    His return represents a major boost for Pep Guardiola and his side

Aymeric Laporte is eyeing a long-awaited return from a knee ligament injury next week in a major boost for Manchester City.

The central defender has spent almost five months on the sidelines since damaging his cartilage and lateral meniscus in August.

Laporte has been training with Pep Guardiola's squad since the turn of the year but Saturday's game against Crystal Palace was deemed too soon.


Aymeric Laporte is eyeing a long-awaited return from a knee ligament injury next week

The 25-year-old is instead hoping to play some part of next weekend's FA Cup clash against Fulham.

City have suffered in his absence - conceding 22 goals in the 18 Premier League matches since the injury - and Guardiola is buoyant about the comeback of the club's best defender.

Guardiola did launch an impassioned defence of his stars yesterday (FRI), however, claiming they have proven to be the best English champions of recent years.

'What happened to the last (few) champions, the year after when they didn't have chance to be champions again? They finished 10th, 12th or fifth and qualify for the Champions League,' the City boss said.

'It happened to the last champions (Chelsea). We won back-to-back but we are still fighting. We're far away because the opponent is exceptional.

'I'm so proud of my players, it is a huge compliment to them that we are still there in every match. The main target is to play good and prepare for the knockout games.'

Guardiola, who turns 49 on Saturday, maintained his disinterest in how Liverpool perform and there is no guarantee the Spaniard will watch tomorrow's game against United. He also confirmed the City squad had his permission to party with Instagram models following last weekend's win at Aston Villa.

The City manager revealed he took no issue with revelry as 22 Italian women flew into the £150-a-night Mere Golf Resort in Knutsford.

'I knew it. When they have time, they make a lot of times dinners together, with the staff,' Guardiola said.

'They did it many times anyway. And I like it when they are together outside here, the do it sometimes at home, sometimes in a restaurant as was the case. It was nice.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7900951/Aymeric-Laporte-set-Man-City-return-week.html

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Parker believes Fulham put pressure on top two with victory over Middlesbrough

Scott Parker believes Fulham shifted the pressure onto the top two after his side moved up to third place in the Sky Bet Championship following a 1-0 defeat of Middlesbrough.

The Cottagers closed the gap on the automatic promotion places to four points, a day before second-placed Leeds' meeting with QPR, with leaders West Brom in action on Monday.

And Fulham boss Parker said: "It's always good to play early and before the teams above who you are trying to chase. You put that pressure on.

"The main aim for us is to focus on ourselves and keep working out what gets you results in this league, and what gets you results is an endeavour, a work ethic. And we've shown that the last few weeks.

"At times this year we have been in a good position and we've slipped up and we've hit little bumps.

"But we have to concentrate on ourselves and keep winning games but ultimately keep producing what we produced tonight. I think you have seen two sides of this team which pleases me most.

"The first half you saw a team that moved the ball well and in the second half you saw a grittiness to us."

Anthony Knockaert's sixth minute goal was enough to secure the points but Fulham failed to make the most of a succession of chances in the first half to establish a more commanding lead.

Parker, though, was pleased with the way his side overcame the absence of leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic to secure a valuable win.

He added: "You miss Aleks and what he brings to this team but I thought the way we played and what the players did, how we looked in the first half was very pleasing for me really.

"The first half I thought we were fantastic in what we did, the way we played, the way we moved the ball. Everything we worked on in the week worked well.

"Two or three nil at half-time I think would have been a fair reflection of what we did. And in the second half really we were just searching for that second goal to take a deep breath and see the game out.

"But we saw the game out and kept a clean sheet which was key and a good performance all round."

Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate was frustrated by his side's slow start but believes the demands of playing three games in six days – including Tuesday's FA Cup replay at Tottenham – caught up with his players.

He said: "We didn't start fast enough out of the traps. The games have probably caught up with us over the last fortnight, especially with the squad low on numbers and resting a few more players.

"But it's difficult because we didn't really lay a glove on them in the first 25 minutes and that's when you are playing against a team of Fulham's calibre, you need to come out of the traps quick and we didn't do that. But second half we stayed in the game and played a lot better.

"We were playing against an ex-Premier League team with Premier League players. On Tuesday night we played against a Premier League team. So I'm not going to berate my players, they gave everything they've got and there are some really tired players in there."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/parker-believes-fulham-put-pressure-top-two-victory-over-middlesbrough

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Parker: Fulham game plan worked perfectly

Scott Parker said his Fulham side executed his plans superbly against Middlesbrough, despite another nervy finish to a narrow Championship win.

The Whites reduced the gap between themselves and the automatic promotion spots to four points, courtesy of Anthony Knockaert's goal in a second consecutive 1-0 victory.

But it was his players' energy as well as their resolve to see out the match that Parker was most impressed with.

"In the first half, I thought we were fantastic in the way we played, the way we moved the ball," he said.

"Everything that we worked on in the week worked well, with Bobby dropping down as a bit of a false-nine overloading them in the middle of the park. We were dynamic in the first half with lovely bits of play. I don't think they had a shot on target.

"I thought in the second half we had some big, big chances to put the game to bed. Obviously, it gets a bit edgy, but we saw the game out well. Another clean sheet, which was key, and another good performance all round for us.

"You see two sides of this team, which pleases me the most. You see in the first half a team which moves the ball well, which is dynamic, and in the second half, you see a grittiness about us that can see a game out."

Fulham made it five wins from five matches under the Friday night lights this season – a trend that Parker values, but only so much, as second-placed Leeds travel to west London to face QPR and leaders West Brom host Stoke on Saturday.

He added: "Playing before the teams above you that you're trying to chase, you put that pressure on.

"The main thing for us is to focus on ourselves and keep working out with this team what gets you results in this league. And what gets you results is an endeavour, a work ethic, and we've shown that in the last few weeks.

"At times this year, we've been in a good position and we've slipped up and hit little bumps. We now need to concentrate on ourselves, keep winning games, and ultimately keep producing what we produced tonight."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-fulham-game-plan-worked-perfectly

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Parker pleased by Fulham's 'grittiness'

Scott Parker was delighted that Fulham piled some pressure on the Championship's top two by beating Middlesbrough tonight – but also hailed the way his side married their pretty football with a steely determination to grind out a win.

Fulham were good value for their victory over in-form Boro and should have scored more than Anthony Knockaert's early close-range finish, but Parker was pleased that the Whites were able to leap above local rivals Brentford before the Bees, Leeds and West Bromwich Albion play their fixtures tomorrow.

    It's always good to play early and before the teams above who you are trying to chase. You put that pressure on. The main aim for us is to focus on ourselves and keep working out what gets you results in this league, and what gets you results is an endeavour, a work ethic. And we've shown that the last few weeks.

Parker also applauded his side's sheer grit as they survived a much improved Boro showing in the second half, with new arrival Michael Hector to the fore.

    At times this year we have been in a good position and we've slipped up and we've hit little bumps. But we have to concentrate on ourselves and keep winning games but ultimately keep producing what we produced tonight. I think you have seen two sides of this team which pleases me most. The first half you saw a team that moved the ball well and in the second half you saw a grittiness to us.

The Fulham head coach was happy to claim three points in the absence of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic – appreciating the movement of his forwards in a first half that the home side dominated.

    You miss Aleks and what he brings to this team but I thought the way we played and what the players did, how we looked in the first half was very pleasing for me really. The first half I thought we were fantastic in what we did, the way we played, the way we moved the ball. Everything we worked on in the week worked well.

Two or three nil at half-time I think would have been a fair reflection of what we did. And in the second half really we were just searching for that second goal to take a deep breath and see the game out. But we saw the game out and kept a clean sheet which was key and a good performance all round.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/01/parker-pleased-by-fulhams-grittiness/

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Danny Cowley on likelihood of permanent Fulham switch for on-loan Terence Kongolo

The Terriers boss has "no regrets" over Dutchman's exit

Huddersfield Town boss Danny Cowley says Terence Kongolo's loan to Fulham is good for all parties.

The 25-year-old Dutch defender signed on loan for Scott Parker's side until the end of the season and was in the squad for the first time as they took on Middlesbrough.

Kongolo has not been available for Town since November, in readiness for a move away in the January transfer window, but Cowley says that if he reproduces the form of his initial Terriers loan, when he joined from Monaco, then the deal could become permanent.

"It's a good move for all parties," said Cowley.

"Fulham wanted a player in that position, so it's a good move for them, a good move for Terence and a good move for us - we are pleased with the deal and the finances associated with it.

"It allows Terence to go and play some football, it gives him a fresh opportunity and, as Town fans know, if Terence gets his head and his heart in the right place, he can be a top player."

Cowley added: "It has to work for everybody and we felt for us, here and now, that a loan was the best option, and he goes to a club fighting at the top end of this division.

"They have the potential to be promoted, and Terence has made it quite clear he sees himself playing at either the elite level of the English game or the elite level of another European country."

Is there any regret that the club's transfer record-breaking signing is out of the door?

"I don't think there is any regret from my part," said the boss.

"I think there is always a disappointment when a player is not in the right place to play at their best. That's always a frustration.

"It's sacred to be a professional footballer. I know millions and millions of people who would love to be pro footballers.

"I think that anyone who is a pro has the duty to do it to the best of their abilities, every single day.

"For us, we remind our players every day how lucky they are to be professional footballers, what their responsibility is to the football club and, most importantly, to the supporters and the community.

"We have a group here now who all understand that and are completely committed to trying to get Huddersfield Town back to a position where we think the club deserves to be.

"And we are working hard to try and give the supporters a team they can be associated with and they can be proud to be associated with."

So has Kongolo's loan been negotiated with a view to a permanent transfer?

"I think there is always that potential when a player goes on loan," answered the manager.

"I know they were very keen on him. Terence had some good options available to him, but we felt this was a good move for us financially and Terence thought it was a good move for him professionally.

"So, we will see how that unfolds. Certainly, if he does as well as people tell me he did in his loan spell at Huddersfield then I am pretty sure Fulham, and quite a lot of other clubs, are going to want to take him permanently in the summer."



https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/cowley-kongolo-fulham-transfer-likelihood-17587889