Thursday Fulham Stuff - 27/02/20...

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Results

Wednesday
Blackburn	0-0	Stoke
Fulham	1-0	Swansea
Hull	0-1	Barnsley
Middlesbrough	0-1	Leeds
Millwall	0-0	Birmingham City
Sheff Wed	1-0	Charlton
Reading	0-3	Wigan

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Fulham 1-0 Swansea

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his 23rd Championship goal of the season

Aleksandar Mitrovic snatched an injury-time winner to lift Fulham back into third place as they saw off Swansea City at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic headed the only goal from Aboubakar Kamara's cross four minutes into added time as the Whites climbed back above Nottingham Forest in the table.

Only minutes earlier the Serbian striker's penalty had been saved by Swansea goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, after Connor Roberts was adjudged to have fouled Neeskens Kebano.

The Swans, who had battled hard to shackle the Championship's top scorer for much of the game, remain in ninth place, five points off the play-off positions.

Fulham dominated their visitors during the opening 20 minutes, with Ivan Cavaleiro clipping the bar from a corner and Woodman called into action to foil Anthony Knockaert and Bobby Decordova-Reid.

Mitrovic went close to breaking the deadlock for the Whites in the first half, giving Joe Rodon the slip only to fire over and then swivelling to rifle another volley off target from distance.

Swansea created chances themselves as Andre Ayew rounded Marek Rodak, but was foiled by Denis Odoi's challenge, and Jake Bidwell headed wide from a corner to the near post.

The visitors felt they might have had a penalty after the break when Ayew appeared to be tripped in the box by Odoi, but their appeals were waved away.

Instead, it was Fulham who were awarded a spot-kick in the 88th minute - but Woodman dived to his right to deny a weak effort from Mitrovic and then saved the rebound from Kamara.

However, the home side kept pressing and gained their reward when Kamara supplied a cross from the right and Mitrovic leapt to head in his 23rd league goal of the season.

Fulham head coach Scott Parker told BBC Radio London:

"We didn't get out of jail, I thought we were exceptional from start to finish.

"They came with a little bit of pressure but we moved the ball well, there was an attacking impetus about us and we had a lot of conviction.

"You miss a penalty and you think 'maybe it's not our night' but full credit to my team the commitment they showed, the belief, the mentality and in the end you deserve your moment to win the game."

Swansea City head coach Steve Cooper:

"A last-minute or last-second goal is always a tough one to take but the nature of the decisions that went against us makes it even more frustrating.

"I've no disappointment or frustrations with the players, the opposite actually. They gave everything tonight and for four decisions to go their way and not ours is unacceptable really.

"To lose the game that way on those decisions is just unfair."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51533034

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Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker believes Wednesday night's events were about more than just three points for Fulham.

It looked as though the opportunity for victory may have passed us by when Aleksandar Mitrović's 89th minute penalty was saved.

But the spirit of the side did not waver, as the final moments of stoppage time saw Joe Bryan bust a gut to quell a Swansea City attack, which turned into Aboubakar Kamara delivering a wonderful cross for Mitrović to power home.

"When you miss a penalty late on obviously you feel a bit like it's not your night, but full credit to the team," Parker said. "Full credit to the whole squad.

"I've been in this job now for a year and we often speak to the players about the detail in the way we want to play and the technical side, but I talk about building the mentality more than anything, building a never say die attitude.

"We've fallen short in that side of the game before, but what top teams do is what we did tonight. After missing the penalty there was an option for Mitrović to think it maybe wasn't his night, there was an option for Joe Bryan not to chase back in that dying moment to make a last ditch tackle, and for us to not go up the other end.

"Abou Kamara's put a cross in and Mitrović has the desire and the mentality to think, 'you know what, this needs to go on my head, I need to climb above this centre-half and put it in the goal.'

"That's what pleases me the most."

He continued: "The team need to understand that what they've done tonight, what Mitrović has done, what Abou Kamara has done coming off the bench, maybe disappointed he didn't start tonight, what Joe Bryan has done, and as a team what we've done is sometimes more important than the result.

"And when you're trying to develop a team and trying to become a top team, which is our aspiration, for me as the coach there's a bigger picture sometimes."

That 94th minute winner takes Mitrović's tally to 23 Championship goals for the season, and Parker hopes he maintains that relentless fight which he showed on Wednesday.

"For me as a coach, when you're giving messages to the team and you're trying to change a mentality, and I include Mitrović in that because he is so young still, it's moments like this that really force your words," he explained.

"If you don't have these moments, your words sometimes can maybe fall a little bit short. I hope that Mitro understands that by going and going and going, from zero to 90 or 95 [minutes] then you've always got a chance, and that's what top players do, that's what top teams do.

"I thought the way we played tonight was very good, I thought we were exceptional. Over the last few games we've had a control about us but probably not moved the ball as quick as I'd like, but certainly in the first half today I've seen a team that was really forward thinking.

"We had a real purpose about us and maybe could have been two up at half-time."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/26/head-coach-press conference-swansea

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Galatasaray plot summer move for £18m Fulham FC loanee Jean Michael Seri

Galatasaray are looking into the possibility of signing Jean Michael Seri on a permanent deal from Fulham.

The midfield-playmaker joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan after falling out of favour at the London based club.

Despite enduring a difficult start to his loan move at Galatasaray, Seri has gone onto establish himself as a key player for the Lions.

Jean Michael Seri put in a man of the match performance during Sunday's intercontinental derby win against Fenerbahce.

According to the Turkish outlet Fotospor, Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim has instructed the club to do all they can to sign Seri in the summer.

Galatasaray does have an €18 million option-to-buy clause included in the loan deal with Fulham.

However, Galatasaray are unlikely to be able to match the clause due to UEFA Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Fotospor goes onto state that Galatasaray officials will meet with Fulham to work out a way to extend Seri's stay at the club.

Jean Michael Seri has two assists and a goal to his name after 16 Turkish Super Lig appearances for Galatasaray so far this season.



https://turkish-football.com/galatasaray-plot-summer-move-for-18m-fulham-fc-loanee-jean-michael-seri/

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European club plotting summer move for Fulham midfielder

Galatasaray are set to attempt to sign Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window, according to Turkish outlet Fotospor.

The midfielder is currently out on loan at the Turkish club but the deal is set to run out at the end of the season.

After a slow start to life in Turkey, Seri has improved over the last few months and even put in a man of the match performance against Galatasaray's fiercest rivals, Fenerbahce, on the weekend.

According to Fotospor, Galatasaray manager Faith Terim has told the club that he wants Seri to join at the end of the current campaign. The Turkish giants do have an option-to-buy clause in the current loan deal that stands at €18 million.

Seri's career never quite worked out at Fulham. The central-midfielder had a very disappointing first season as he struggled to get to grips with the fast-paced Premier League.

The Verdict

The Turkish club have had a very good season so far and it seems as though Seri has played a very important part in that.

He's been much improved since the first half of the campaign and he must have done something right if the Turkish giants want him to stay on.

Seri could potentially have been a good asset to Fulham in the Championship and if they were to be promoted then it would be interesting to see Scott Parker's stance on the midfielder.

The season is now coming to a close and if Fulham are to lose the midfielder permanently it looks as though they'll get a large fee for him.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/european-club-plotting-summer-move-for-fulham-midfielder/

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Aston Villa chose not to meet £40m asking price for 22-goal star – A bad choice by Smith?

Why Aston Villa missed a trick by not signing Aleksandar Mitrovic

In January, the Daily Star had claimed that Aston Villa were interested in signing Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. However, they refused to meet Fulham's £40m valuation of their star striker and thus, a move didn't materialise during the January transfer window.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, 25, has been in stunning form for Fulham this season, scoring 22 goals in 31 appearances in the Championship. He has played a key role in helping the Cottagers to third place in the table, with Scott Parker's men five points off second-placed Leeds United.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are just a point above the relegation zone and have tasted three consecutive defeats with the latest coming at the hands of Southampton. Dean Smith's side have done well to reach the Carabao Cup final, where they'll play Manchester City on Sunday, but as far as their league campaign is concerned, they have utterly disappointed.

The Birmingham-based club seem to be struggling to get goals in the top-flight despite making some big signings in the last two windows. They have lacked the quality and experience while moving forward, thus resulting in a poor run of form.

Wesley Moraes has been ruled out for the season with a knee ligament injury, while Jonathan Kodjia was sold to Qatar Stars League side Al-Gharafa SC in the January transfer window.

The Villans did sign Mbwana Samatta from Genk and Borja Baston on a free transfer from Swansea City last month. But Baston's addition until the end of the season is certainly a big surprise considering his record in English football is simply not good enough. Keeping that in mind, Smith has missed a trick by not signing Aleksandar Mitrovic last month.

Mitrovic cost Fulham £22million back in July 2018 (h/t BBC) and he has proved a revelation for the West Londoners. In 90 appearances for the Cottagers, he has scored 45 goals and is currently the top goalscorer in the Championship. The Serbian international's goalscoring track record has been impressive this season and he could have helped revive Villa's attack.

Verdict

The 25-year-old knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and such know-how could have been benefited Smith's Villans in their bid to beat the drop. Mitrovic didn't enjoy much success with Newcastle but he has been fantastic ever since joining Fulham and purely going by his goalscoring record in the last two years, the centre-forward would have been a great acquisition.

Thus, Villa have committed a blunder by not meeting Fulham's £40m valuation of Mitrovic last month.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2020/02/27/aston-villa-chose-not-to-meet-40m-asking-price-for-22-goal-star-a-bad-choice-by-smith/

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Fulham 1-0 Swansea: Aleksandar Mitrovic makes up for a missed penalty with late winner to keep Cottagers in automatic promotion hunt

    Aleksandar Mitrovic continued his fine form with a late winner for hosts Fulham 
    His late winner ensured Fulham remain in the hunt for automatic promotion
    Mitrovic missed an 89th-minute penalty before netting winner in stoppage time

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic marked Scott Parker's one-year anniversary in charge of the club with a stoppage-time winner against Swansea — and the manager hailed his 23-goal Championship top scorer as 'first class'.

The Serbia international scored late on to add to two goals he netted in the reverse fixture in November.

'He's certainly up there,' said Parker when quizzed on whether the 25-year-old is the best striker in the league.


Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic heads the Cottagers home to win them the game at the death


The Championship top scorer had just moments earlier missed penalty after kissing the ball


Swansea's Conor Gallagher stands dejected as Fulham players celebrates Mitrovic's late goal

'I still think that Mitro lacks the belief sometimes and it's moments like tonight that will determine whether you're a top-class player or top-class athlete. It is how you react — and his reaction after missing a penalty was one that was first class.'

Mitrovic continued his impressive form with a towering header to seal the win for Fulham, now third in the table, after earlier seeing his penalty dramatically saved.

Parker's side were winless in three games and this will help their confidence ahead of a season-defining run of fixtures — with fellow promotion chasers Preston, Bristol City, Brentford and Leeds all to play in the coming weeks.

Fulham dominated possession and created more chances but did not find the breakthrough until the fourth minute of injury time.

It looked as though Fulham were heading for another draw as they came up against a well-drilled Swansea outfit.

Parker's side dominated possession and created the most chances but could not find the breakthrough until the fourth-minute of injury time thanks to their star man.


Swansea's Joe Rodon is challenged by Fulham's Ivan Cavaleiro during the Championship clash

Mitrovic rose above the Swansea defence to meet substitute Aboubakar Kamara's delightful cross. He headed the ball past goalkeeper Freddie Woodman in explosive style.

Just moments before he was denied by Woodman from the penalty spot after Connor Roberts was deemed to have fouled Neeskens Kebano.

Parker will see it as a deserved victory after controlling the game from the first whistle, although Swansea looked a threat on the counter.

Fulham could have taken the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Anthony Knockaert called Woodman into action in the first 60 seconds with a low driven shot.

Moments later and Woodman's crossbar was shaking following an inswinging corner from Ivan Cavaleiro, who was brought into the starting line-up by Parker for the clash.

Mitrovic tried his luck in the first half but Swansea had the best chances in the first 45 minutes through Andre Ayew and Jake Bidewell.

Ayew found himself through on goal but after shrugging off the challenge from Fulham defender Tim Ream was thwarted by a combination of Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak and full back Denis Odoi as he tried take the ball round Ream.


Ivan Cavaleiro battles with Swansea City's Joe Rodon as the sides fought to break the deadlock

With Fulham growing increasingly frustrated, Cooper's side almost broke the deadlock from their first corner of the match. Bidewell's header went past the post from close range with Rodak rooted to the spot.

It was a frantic end to the game with Swansea having a penalty appeal of their own before Mitrovic went from zero to hero.

Cooper was left frustrated by the refereeing decisions, he said: 'Any late goal like that is always a tough one to take. We would have taken the point, we came here to win but we're struggling to look past the penalty decisions which were cruel on us really.'

After three games without a win Parker won't care how late the victory came as their hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League remain alive.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8048111/Fulham-1-0-Swansea-Home-sides-promotion-hopes-continue-Swans-broken-death.html

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Fulham 1-0 Swansea: FLW Reports as Mitrovic rescues three points for home side

Fulham edged Swansea City on Wednesday night in the Sky Bet Championship as an Aleksandar Mitrovic header at the death sealed all three points at Craven Cottage.

Heading into this one, both sides were ready to embark on important runs in terms of their promotion-challenging campaigns. Fulham face five promotion rivals in their next run of matches – the Swans included – whilst the Welsh outfit have ties with West Brom and Blackburn on the way.

The home side, fresh from a 3-0 defeat at home to Barnsley at the weekend, made one change as Ivan Cavaleiro returned whilst Swansea fielded the same team as they did for their win over Huddersfield.

Pre-game, Scott Parker urged his side to respond in his programme notes and the early exchanges, as they often do here, saw the home side dominate possession – though chances were few and far between.

The pair, both capable of owning the ball, were evidently feeling each other out and the fact that the best chance for the first portion of this game was a Cavaleiro corner hitting the bar, largely summed up some well-intended but tentative first throes.

Someone needed to lay a glove, then, and on the 20-minute mark we were close to getting that. Swansea had been largely comfortable in looking to break and seize on Fulham's at-times overplaying up to now and found an opening. Andre Ayew burst into the box after latching onto a loose ball and rounded Marek Rodak, but for Denis Odoi to spring into action and sweep up.

A bit of a spark, though, and as the second period of the first half opened up, so did the game. Fulham, in truth, had the better chances from here, too. Ivan Cavaleiro saw an effort just dip over, aided by a topspin-induced deflection, whilst Aleksandar Mitrovic was played in but he clipped over – hitting the stanchion behind the goal rather than the net itself.

Next, the Serbian would try something a bit more audacious. Chesting down an aerial ball he'd swivel and drive for home from 25 yards, it would prove narrowly over but the home side were beginning to warm up.

Swansea, then, needed to again lay a glove back on their hosts and Rhian Brewster certainly showed no hesitancy in doing so, crashing into Tom Cairney with a forceful challenge. It looked pretty nasty at full speed and it was late, but replays showed it to be clumsy more than anything else and both he and Cairney remained in play.

A more productive bit of Swansea work was then put in practice as Jake Bidwell rose to bullet a header goal-wards from a corner. It would flash wide and the defender was adamant another corner was needed but our referee Mr Robinson was uninterested.

Before half-time, Cairney would whip one over from inside the box as Fulham pressed the most out of the two but, in a half that offered little in the way of gilt-edged chances, their work was to no avail.

Swansea, then, seemed comfortable enough in their game plan to let Fulham have it and then look to strike whilst the home side needed a bit more impetus after the break.

The early stages of the second half would see the Swans looking to impose themselves that bit more. The men in yellow started the brighter for the first 10 minutes after the break as they looked to strike early. Playing higher up, they aimed to press in the final third and had a big shout for a handball in the box that was waved away but, again, in terms of clear-cut chances we were still lacking.

The minutes would tick by, Fulham would wrestle back control in terms of possession but just seemed to run out of puff in the final third. For a side with one of the best strikers outside of the Premier League, they looked fairly blunt here and whilst their endeavour was good, that clinical bit of quality needed to really carve their visitors open was awry.

Indeed, it was the away side who looked that bit more threatening with Jordon Garrick coming on and looking spritely as he just about mistimed a run to end up offside when clean through, whilst Rhian Brewster flashed wide from long range and Andre Ayew tricked past Michael Hector before forcing Rodak into action.

Indeed, Ayew was looking up for making himself the hero as he buzzed around the usually serene Hector, smile wide on his face.

That soon turned to a look of sheer disbelief, though, as he and his teammates felt they'd been denied a penalty with ten minutes to go.

After some penalty box pinball, the ball would fall to Ayew on the left and with one touch he looked to have opened a shooting opportunity up. Instead of a strike at goal, though, he hit the deck and screamed for a spot-kick but it was adjudged that Denis Odoi had got a foot on the ball. Looking to the sky incensed, he'd soon lose his cool even further...

Up the other end we went and a cross went deep from the Fulham right, Neeskens Kebano looked to get after it but tripped over a Connor Roberts leg. Enough to warrant penalty? The man in the middle felt it was and Ayew, still seething after what had happened minutes before, had to be held back by his team-mates as his appeal threatened to boil over.

Fortunately for him, though, Freddie Woodman had no plans on losing his clean sheet and superbly got down to his right to save Mitrovic's effort from the spot.

This had 0-0 written all over it, then, and for the first time after 66 meetings we were heading for a scoreless game. If we couldn't get a goal when a chance had been handed on a plate, surely we weren't seeing any strikes tonight.

At the death, though, the record was maintained to the delight of a relieved, vociferous home side. Aboubakar Kamara, often the impact sub to decent effect this season, had only been on the pitch for about ten minutes but found some space and swung in a frankly delicious cross, hung up and begging to be attacked.

And, for all the struggles Fulham had had in front of goal tonight, you'd still only want one man on the end of such a ball. Mitrovic rose in the air, smashed his marker to the ground and the ball crashed in off the crossbar. A mighty goal and a mighty celebration around the Cottage to leave the Lilywhites still just about in touch of the top two.

Ultimately, they'll need to be better than tonight but moments like that can be a catalyst for a run – and, as mentioned, the home side are about to embark on a rather important one.

Swansea, meanwhile, will feel perhaps rightly hard done by. They'd executed their game plan well, held Fulham off pretty easily and had some decent chances to get the goal that perhaps would have sealed it. On another day they could have had a penalty and Woodman's save would have made them feel as though a point was theirs.

Now, though, they must pick themselves up after the most dramatic of finishes.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-1-0-swansea-flw-reports-as-mitrovic-rescues-three-points-for-home-side/

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Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham Find A Way To Win Again!

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

In this episode, Emilio Di Nello shared his initial reaction to Fulham's dramatic 1-0 victory against Swansea City at Craven Cottage. Emilio was at the match and went through the key moments of this match which included the dramatic ending.


Lastly, you can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/2/27/21155304/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-find-a-way-to-win-again

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Last-gasp Mitrovic goal gives Fulham dramatic win

Fulham 1 Swansea 0

Aleksandar Mitrovic headed in an injury-time winner shortly after missing a penalty.

It gave promotion-chasing Fulham a priceless victory and moved them up to third in the Championship table

t seemed they would have to settle for a point after keeper Freddie Woodman saved Mitrovic's late spot-kick after Connor Roberts was adjudged to have fouled Neeskens Kebano.

However, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Aboubakar Kamara delivered a superb cross and Mitrovic headed in off the underside of the bar.

Without a win in three, Fulham were keen to stay within reach of automatic promotion rivals Leeds, while Swansea began the evening five points off the play-off spots.

Fulham started on the front foot, with Bobby Decordova-Reid and Anthony Knockaert testing the keeper from distance. Ivan Cavaleiro then followed suit, forcing a save directly from a corner – just as Derby did to Fulham last week.

A clever flick from Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher – who caused Fulham trouble while at Charlton earlier this season – sent Andre Ayew through, but a combination of keeper Marek Rodák and Denis Odoi rescued Tim Ream after his poor challenge.

Cavaleiro responded with a shot deflected just over, after good link-up play with the marauding Joe Bryan. A fantastic team move sent Mitrovic through shortly afterwards, but he misjudged his strike, curling just high and wide.

Rhian Brewster escaped a red card after a wild challenge on Tom Cairney, before Swansea's first shot arrived late in the first half, as Jake Bidwell failed to convert a free header from a corner.

Swansea began the second half with a penalty shout for a handball by Bryan, which the referee waved away. Poor defending from Fulham then allowed Ayew to fizz a shot at Rodak, who parried well.

Despite their possession, Fulham struggled to create meaningful chances as the game wore on, but were given a lifeline when Kebano was minimally fouled in the box. But Mitrović failed to convert, with Woodman's double save leaving Fulham scrambling for a winner.

But the Serbian striker made amends with a towering goal to win the match.
Fulham: Rodák; Odoi, Hector, Ream, Bryan; Arter (McDonald 96); Cairney, Decordova-Reid; Knockaert (Kamara 83), Cavaleiro (Kebano 78), Mitrović.
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Johansen, Christie, Sessegnon.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/last-gasp-mitrovic-goal-gives-fulham-dramatic-win

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Fulham 1-0 Swansea: Aleksandar Mitrovic strikes last-gasp winner
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at Craven Cottage

Aleksandar Mitrovic made up for missing an 87th-minute penalty with the added time header that secured Fulham's 1-0 win against Swansea at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic connected with Aboubakar Kamara's right-wing cross to deliver his side's first win in four games and boost their hopes of breaking into the Sky Bet Championship top two.

But moments earlier it appeared as though the Serb would be the villain when he was denied by Swansea 'keeper Freddie Woodman after Neeskens Kebano had gone down under a challenge from Swansea's Connor Roberts.

Fulham manager Scott Parker had made no attempt to disguise the importance of this game and Saturday's visit of Preston.


Aleksandar Mitrovic scores Fulham's winner with his head in second-half stoppage-time

Parker was desperate for his side to move on from their woeful display last time out at Craven Cottage when they slumped to a shock 3-0 defeat against struggling Barnsley.

And he acknowledged these two games marked an opportunity to put pressure on their promotion rivals.

Parker made just one change to the side that drew 1-1 at Derby with Ivan Cavaleiro coming in for Stefan Johansen.

And the Cottagers made the kind of positive start their manager was looking for with Anthony Knockaert and Cavaleiro drawing saves from Woodman.

The home side's early momentum disappeared, though, and they were fortunate to escape when Andre Ayew out-muscled a defender inside the Fulham penalty area in the 20th minute.

The Swans striker moved past 'keeper Marek Rodak but was denied by a superb covering tackle from Denis Odoi.

The near-miss appeared to spark Fulham into life with Cavaleiro seeing a second effort deflected over the bar before Mitrovic came close from the edge of the box after dispossessing Swansea centre-back Joe Rodon.

While Parker's side dominated possession they were unable to create enough good openings and were largely restricted to efforts from outside the Swansea area.

The visitors were entitled to feel satisfied with their defensive efforts - particularly in the way they handled Championship leading scorer Mitrovic - but were forced to spend long periods in their own half.

A rare attack five minutes into the second half brought an unsuccessful appeal for a penalty after Jay Fulton's cross appeared to strike Joe Bryan's arm.

And Ayew again threatened late on when he drew a fine save from Rodak.

Fulham's late chance to seal the game came when Kebano went down as he attempted to reach Odoi's cross but Woodman stood firm to deny Mitrovic.

A final opportunity came when Kamara swung in a cross from the right and this time Mitrovic made no mistake.

What the managers said...
Fulham's Scott Parker: "I have been in this job for a year now and speak to the players about the detail and the way we want to play. But I talk about mentality more times than anything. We have had some disappointing results here and have fallen short of that side of the game in terms of what top teams do.

"But top teams do what we have done tonight. We missed a penalty and there was an option for Mitrovic to think this was not his night. But he had the desire and mentality to know it had to go on his head. That's what pleases me most and that's a big moment for me."

Swansea's Steve Cooper: "We are struggling to look past the penalty decisions which were cruel on us, all four of them. I've been to see the referee and I'm not going to criticise too much here. But we've just said we have to report this beyond the normal system of reporting referees' performances because we can't let this happen.

"We need to help the game. If we don't share our feelings we won't be helping the game."



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-swansea/report/409757

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Fulham v Swansea player ratings

Fulham snatched all three points against Swansea City with a last-minute winner from striker Aleksandar Mitrović. Here's how we rated the Whites players.
Marek Rodák : 7

Unburdened in the first half aside from denying Andre Ayew a shot when sent through, before making an assured stop from the Swansea winger in the second half.
Denis Odoi: 6

Less influential than Joe Bryan in Fulham's attacking play, but reliably made covering challenges. Out of position when Ayew forced Rodák into his first meaningful save, and got away with a rash challenge in the box late on, perhaps nipping the ball.
Tim Ream: 7

Lost out to Ayew in Swansea's first foray into the box, but grew into the game and made some important challenges late on to maintain the clean sheet.
Michael Hector: 7

Always stands out for his ability to anticipate important tackles, although he was caught out for Ayew's shot on goal. Another clean sheet at Craven Cottage for the relatively new addition.
Joe Bryan: 8

Showed impressive energy in an all-round impressive display, participating in many of the Whites' best moves. Unlucky not to see one of his many crosses lead to a goal.
Harry Arter: 6

Kept Conor Gallagher quiet on the whole, allowing Fulham to dominate possession. A reserved performance in favour of Tom Cairney and Bobby Decordova-Reid getting forward.
Tom Cairney: 7

Continually got on the ball in the left channel, creating chances for Mitrovic and curling over himself in the first half. Much of Fulham's most fluid play came through the captain when he connected with Bryan.
Bobby Decordova-Reid: 6

Initially found pockets of space well between the lines, but became anonymous as the match progressed. An uncharacteristically quiet performance from the attacking midfielder.
Anthony Knockaert: 6

Tested the keeper with a fizzed shot early on but struggled to make his mark on the game as it progressed. Often got back well, but failed to find Ivan Cavaleiro when Fulham had a clear counter attack on, frustrating the home fans.
Ivan Cavaleiro: 6

Perhaps inspired by Derby's exploits last week, forced a save directly from a corner in the first half. But snatched at his more obvious chances, and struggled to link up with Knockaert when afforded space.
Aleksandar Mitrović: 8

A dramatic performance ending with a flourish – failing to convert a penalty, before smashing in a header in the last minute to win Fulham all three points.
Neeskens Kebano: 7

Made little impact until he earned Fulham a late penalty by going down in the box under minimal contact. Played his part in the home team's final push for the win.
Aboubakar Kamara : 8

Crossed speculatively for Kebano when the latter earned Fulham a late penalty. But then found the assist with a similar ball into the box, which Mitrović's duly smashed in.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-swansea-player-ratings-260220

[WhiteJC]

Mitrovic makes up for penalty miss with late winner to down Swans

Aleksandar Mitrovic made up for missing an 87th-minute penalty with the added time header that secured Fulham's 1-0 win against Swansea at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic connected with Aboubakar Kamara's right-wing cross to deliver his side's first win in four games and boost their hopes of breaking into the Sky Bet Championship top two.

But moments earlier it appeared as though the Serb would be the villain when he was denied by Swansea keeper Freddie Woodman after Neeskens Kebano had gone down under a challenge from Swansea's Connor Roberts.

Fulham manager Scott Parker had made no attempt to disguise the importance of this game and Saturday's visit of Preston.

Parker was desperate for his side to move on from their woeful display last time out at Craven Cottage when they slumped to a shock 3-0 defeat against bottom club Barnsley.

And he acknowledged these two games marked an opportunity to put pressure on their promotion rivals.

Parker made just one change to the side that drew 1-1 at Derby with Ivan Cavaleiro coming in for Stefan Johansen.

And the Cottagers made the kind of positive start their manager was looking for with Anthony Knockaert and Cavaleiro drawing saves from Woodman.

The home side's early momentum disappeared, though, and they were fortunate to escape when Andre Ayew out-muscled a defender inside the Fulham penalty area in the 20th minute.

The Swans striker moved past keeper Marek Rodak but was denied by a superb covering tackle from Denis Odoi.

The near miss appeared to spark Fulham into life with Cavaleiro seeing a second effort deflected over the bar before Mitrovic came close from the edge of the box after dispossessing Swansea centre-back Joe Rodon.

While Parker's side dominated possession they were unable to create enough good openings and were largely restricted to efforts from outside the Swansea area.

The visitors were entitled to feel satisfied with their defensive efforts – particularly in the way they handled Championship leading scorer Mitrovic – but were forced to spend long periods in their own half.

A rare attack five minutes into the second half brought an unsuccessful appeal for a penalty after Jay Fulton's cross appeared to strike Joe Bryan's arm.

And Ayew again threatened late on when he drew a fine save from Rodak.

Fulham's late chance to seal the game came when Kebano went down as he attempted to reach Odoi's cross but Woodman stood firm to deny Mitrovic.

A final opportunity came when Kamara swung in a cross from the right and this time Mitrovic made no mistake.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mitrovic-makes-penalty-miss-late-winner-down-swans

[WhiteJC]

The referee action Swansea City have vowed to take as Steve Cooper highlights four 'cruel' Fulham decisions

Steve Cooper was understandably livid with the performance of the match officials during Swansea's 1-0 defeat to Fulham

Steve Cooper has revealed Swansea City will go beyond the regular reporting process when giving feedback on the performance of Tim Robinson during his side's 1-0 defeat to Fulham.

The West Sussex official refused to point to the spot on three separate occasions for the visitors while he awarded a dubious penalty in favour of the hosts late on.

Freddie Woodman denied Aleksandar Mitrovic from the spot, although the Serbian made amends by netting the winner three minutes into injury time.

It brought an end to Swansea's three-game unbeaten run and more importantly denied Cooper's men the chance to close the gap to the Championship's top six.

And the Swansea head coach has stated that his side will go above the usual process of lodging a complaint regarding match officials.

"Any late goal like that is always tough to take and in the end we would have taken a point," he said.

"We came here to win. But we're struggling to look past the penalty decisions which were cruel on us. All four of them.

"It's a tough one to take. There's no disappointment with the players or frustrations with them, the opposite feeling if anything.

"They're very angry and feel more than hard done by. We have to make sure it doesn't affect us going into the next game at Blackburn.

"The first one was clear in the first half when the keeper brought him (Andre Ayew) down. And in the second half when Denis Odoi brought him down.

"And then it's handball, the full-back, his arm was in an unnatural position, and then the one he gives, Connor (Roberts) doesn't even know where he is.

"I've been to see the referee. I'm not going to criticise him too much here, obviously we disagree fundamentally with the decisions, especially after seeing them back.

"But we've just said we have to report this further and beyond the normal reporting system of referees' performances which we do online, but we have to take it a bit further, because that can not happen."

Swansea return to action against Blackburn on Saturday, although the gap to the play-off places remains at just five points ahead of the game at Ewood Park.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/swansea-city-fulham-aleksandar-mitrovic-17821997

[WhiteJC]

Parker praises Mitrovic after he bounces back to net winner against Swansea

Scott Parker praised Aleksandar Mitrovic's reaction to missing an 87th-minute penalty after the striker sealed Fulham's 1-0 win against Swansea with an added time header.

Mitrovic headed his 23rd goal of the season from Aboubakar Kamara's cross moments after seeing his spot-kick saved by keeper Freddie Woodman.

The victory was Fulham's first win in four games and keeps them within five points of second-placed Leeds.

And Parker believes the manner of the success spoke volumes about the progress of Mitrovic and the rest of his players.

The Fulham manager said: "I have been in this job for a year now and speak to the players about the detail and the way we want to play. But I talk about mentality more times than anything.

"We have had some disappointing results here and have fallen short of that side of the game in terms of what top teams do.

"But top teams do what we have done tonight. We missed a penalty and there was an option for Mitrovic to think this was not his night.

"But he had the desire and mentality to know it had to go on his head. That's what pleases me most and that's a big moment for me."

He added: "People forget how young Mitro is. He is only 25. I say to him that top strikers have a mentality about them.

"Sometimes he lacks that belief and it's moments like this tonight that will help make him understand what determines whether you are a top class player or team is how you react."

Steve Cooper believes his side should have had three penalties before referee Tim Robinson adjudged Fulham's Neeskens Kebano to have been fouled by Connor Roberts.

And the Swansea manager intends to register a complaint about the performance of the match officials.

He said: "We are struggling to look past the penalty decisions which were cruel on us, all four of them.

"I've been to see the referee and I'm not going to criticise too much here. But we've just said we have to report this beyond the normal system of reporting referees' performances because we can't let this happen.

"We need to help the game. If we don't share our feelings we won't be helping the game.

"The whole team did well tonight. Apart form an early shot I can't think of another clear chance they had before the penalty.

"It's a tough one at the moment. We have been unfairly treated tonight by the officials.

"I've said to the players all along we have to stick together and be strong. Whatever we do this year it won't be for a lack of fight, even if we are playing against more than just the teams we are playing against."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/parker-praises-mitrovic-after-he-bounces-back-net-winner-against-swansea

[WhiteJC]

Mitrovic's late show lifts Fulham to third

Aleksandar Mitrovic has never let Fulham down. Even tonight, when it seemed his late penalty miss might make their dreams of automatic promotion even more remote, the Serbian striker popped up with a more decisive moment at the death. Mitrovic leapt high to meet Aboubakar Kamara's inch-perfect cross and thunder home a trademark header in off the crossbar and clinch a vital three points against distraught fellow promotion chasers Swansea City.

Swansea boss Steve Cooper was as enraged as his players, who surrounded referee Tim Robinson following the final whistle, suggesting that the official had overlooked as many as three penalty appeals, whilst granting Fulham a spot-kick after Neeskens Kebano had tangled with Connor Roberts' legs at the back post. That award certainly appeared generous – and there was an element of justice served up almost immediately when Freddie Woodman saved both Mitrovic's unconvincing spot-kick and Kebano's follow-up.

The penalty miss seemed to drain the life out of a Fulham side who had started at a much higher tempo than in recent weeks. But with time ticking by, Kamara grabbed his opportunity to improve. The French forward, given only eight minutes to turn what was by then a very open contest in Fulham's favour, drove defiantly down the right and produced an outstanding cross for Mitrovic to bullet home an emphatic header having soared above Ben Cabango in the air.

There was no time for a crestfallen Swansea side to respond. Andre Ayew had to be dragged away from the officials by his team-mates, incandescent with rage at Robinson's decision to award Fulham a penalty but reject his strong appeals at the other end. He appeared to have been crudely taken out by Denis Odoi, who slid in violently to end a slalom run that had carried him clear of Michael Hector and a couple of other Fulham challengers, as well as waving away convincing claims for handball against Joe Bryan.

Bryan produced a critical piece of defending deep into injury time to divert the ball away from Connor Gallagher as the Chelsea loanee seemed set to burst through on goal and thirty seconds later the ball was in the Swansea net. The visiting players and fans were angered by Robinson's decision to play on – but television replays appeared to confirm that Bryan, who has been criticised for his defending this season, played the ball cleanly.

In the light of Leeds' narrow win at relegation-threatened Middlesbrough, this proved a precious three points for Fulham. For an awfully long time, it looked like being another frustrating evening on the bitterly cold banks of the Thames. Scott Parker's side began with purpose, with much more penetration than of late, but still lacked the decisive touch in front of goal. Woodman made a smothering save inside the first thirty seconds with Anthony Knockaert, who flattered to deceive once again, whipping in a shot at the near post.

The goalkeeper then made amends for a poor clearance by thwarting Bobby Decordova-Reid and later acrobatically tipped an inswinging Ivan Cavaleiro corner onto the crossbar. Swansea took a while to get themselves into the contest, but the visitors soon created openings of their own. Joe Rodon flicked a free-kick right across the face of goal and Ayew did brilliantly to burst away from Tim Ream and onto Gallagher's clever flick but couldn't find a finish after rounding Marek Rodak, allowing Odoi to nip in and clear in the nick of time.

Fulham continued to apply serious pressure of their own. Cavaleiro's curler looped wide after Cabongo had closed the winger down effectively – bringing to an end a sweeping move that saw the Whites work their way out from the back before Cairney and Bryan fashioned the opening down the left. Mitrovic inexplicably shanked an effort wide after being released by Knockaert following a rare mistake from Joe Rodon and then volleyed fractionally over having made an opportunity all for himself: chesting down Rodak's long kick and swivelling to shoot in an instant. Swansea could have been in front at the break, though, with former Brentford full-back Jake Bidwell heading agonisingly wide from a near post corner.

The second half didn't quite have the same intensity to it initially, but it bubbled up nicely. The speedy Rhian Brewster, booked in the first half for a nasty lunge at Tom Cairney, fired straight at Rodak and Bryan was fortunate to survive penalty claims when he appeared to handle a cross from Jay Fulton. At the other end, Rodon produced a couple of excellent bits of defending in quick succession to repel Mitrovic and Cavaleiro.

Swansea had good chances to open the scoring on the break. Brewster spurned a good chance created by Bidwell and substitute Jordon Garrick was foiled by a great reaction save from Rodak and the offside flag. Ayew sped clear twice down the left wing, once he was denied by Rodak, and then by the referee when he was sent sprawling to the turf by Odoi's ill-judged lunge.

The spot-kick actually arrived at the other end, when Robinson pointed for a penalty after two substitutes collided at the far post. It seemed an accidental tangling of legs between Kebano and Roberts, but the referee was adamant. Mitrovic went for placement rather than power and Woodman palmed away both the penalty and the rebound – only to be beaten at the very last by the Serbian's moment of redemption.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak; Odoi, Bryan, Hector, Ream; Arter (McDonald 90+5), Cairney, Decordova-Reid; Knockaert (Kamara 83), Cavaleiro (Kebano 78), Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Christie, S. Sessegnon, Johansen.

GOAL: Mitrovic (90+4).

SWANSEA CITY (4-2-3-1): Woodman; Naughton (Roberts 82), Bidwell, Cabango, Rodon; Grimes, Fulton; Kalulu (Garrick 64), Ayew, Gallagher; Brewster. Subs (not used): Mulder, Wilmot, Dhanda, Cullen, Dyer.

BOOKED: Brewster, Fulton, Naughton, Ayew.

REFEREE: Tim Robinson (West Sussex).

ATTENDANCE: 17,626.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/02/mitrovics-late-show-lifts-fulham-to-third/

[Bill2]

Just seen the Dennis Odoi tackle which Steve Cooper is whinging about. From the camera angle it looks like a great tackle, Dennis won the ball and Ayew fell over his outstretched leg.