Monday Fulham Stuff - 02/03/20...

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Former Bristol City favourite a major doubt for Ashton Gate homecoming

The influential Fulham left-back was substituted after nine minutes in the 2-0 win over Preston North End


Joe Bryan is helped off the field against Preston

Fulham's Joe Bryan will undergo a scan on a hamstring injury on Monday with the former Bristol City full-back a major doubt for Saturday's Championship game at Ashton Gate.

Bryan had to be replaced by Cyrus Christie at Craven Cottage on Saturday after tweaking the muscle which Parker admitted was down to "overuse"; only Tim Ream and Aleksander Mitrovic have played more minutes in the Championship this season.

Bryan left Bristol City in the summer of 2018 after nine years at his hometown club and although he faced the Robins in December in west London, he's yet to play at Ashton Gate since his departure.

Although Parker stopped short of detailing the exact timeframe as to his absence, the Fulham manager's demeanour indicated, at this stage, he's not expecting him to be fit for Saturday.

"It looks like he's hurt his hamstring. It's still too early to say ... the extent and how bad it is we'll have to assess that on Monday and scan it but he's been superb for us," Parker said. "It looks like he'll be out ... the time we're not sure but he'll be a big loss because, like I say, he's been very good."

Saturday's game between City and Fulham, which could also see Bobby Reid make his BS3 return, takes on extra significance beyond the Championship promotion battle as the Robins will be celebrating their 125th anniversary around the match.

From a footballing perspective, Bryan's absence will be a considerable boost to City as, beyond his consistency in the left-back role, he is one of the Cottagers main creative outlets with seven assists. The club leader alongside Ivan Cavaleiro.

Only QPR's Ryan Manning (57) has produced more key passes from left back than the 26-year-old (34) is likely to be replaced by Christie if Monday's scan proves to be bad news.

Fulham's 2-0 win over Preston kept them within sight of the automatic promotion places in the Championship as Parker's side have lost just one of their last 10 games.



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/former-bristol-city-favourite-major-3902611

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Stansfield salvages a point for Fulham U18s

A clinical finish from Jean-Pierre Tiehi and a late Jay Stansfield free-kick salvaged a point for Fulham's under 18s in an entertaining clash with Aston Villa this afternoon.

Ravaged by injuries, Steve Wigley was forced to deploy four centre halves in an unusual line-up. The changes gave sixteen year-old Xavier Benjamin the opportunity to show his capabilities on the right of a diamond, with Scottish youth international Connor McAvoy filling in at right back due to the lack of options. There was also a start for promising keeper George Wickens, who returned after a five month injury lay-off. Young striker Stansfield started again after his impressive brace against Southampton last weekend.

Villa went in front after twenty minutes after forward DJ Campton-Sturridge took a theatrical tumble in the penalty area and earned a spot-kick. Hayden Lindley's effort came back off the post but Charlie Farr was the quickest to react and fired home the loose ball. Wigley's young side might have been dispirited but they fought back admirably. Jean-Pierre Tiehi continued his fine run of form, scoring his fourth goal in six games, with a delightful finish six minutes before half-time, but the forward was forced off with an injury after a crunching tackle – which saw him on crutches after the game – before the interval.

The introduction of Imani Lanquedoc saw Mika Biereth deployed as a striker alongside Jay Stansfield, having previously operated behind Stansfield and Tiehi up until the substitution. Villa were certainly physical in their approach, with several heavy challenges aimed at Stansfield in particular, for which the referee issued three yellow cards.

A disappointing lapse in defensive concentration allowed Campton-Sturridge to restore Villa's lead ten minutes into the second half when he clinically converted Cameron Archer's clever pass. Fulham looked uncharacteristically lethargic until wonderkid Michael Olakigbe, fresh from a sensational performance against Watford, was summoned from the bench. The winger made an almost immediate impact, waltzing past a couple of defenders and winning a free-kick just outside the area. Stansfield stepped up and found the net with the aid of a massive deflection – earning a point with two minutes to play despite a below-par performance.

FULHAM U18s (4-3-1-2): Wickens (7); McAvoy (6), Murphy (6), Bowat (5, Olakigbe 86, 7), Odutayo (7); Page (6), Benjamin (6), O'Neill (7); Biereth (6); Tiehi (7, Lanquedoc 45, 5); Stansfield (8). Subs (not used): McNally, Araujo

GOALS: Tiehi (39), Stansfield (88).

ASTON VILLA U23s (4-3-3): Onodi; Farr, Sylla, Lindley, Sohna; Goodridge (Reddin 55), Appiah, Raikhy; Archer, Young, Campton-Sturridge (Rowe 84) Subs (not used): Marshall, Sewell, Ealing.

BOOKED: Lindley, Sohna, Sylla, Farr.

GOALS: Farr (20), Campton-Sturridge (53).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/02/stansfield-salvages-a-point-for-fulham-u18s/

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'Really stepped up today', 'World class' – These Fulham fans were very impressed with 27-y/o's weekend performance

Loads of Fulham fans have reacted to the impressive weekend performance of right-back Cyrus Christie as the Whites' saw off Preston North End 2-0 on Saturday.

Christie was not even involved in the starting XI but with Joe Bryan having to leave the action with an injury just nine minutes in, his moment came – albeit on the other side of the back-four.

After a cagey first-half Scott Parker's side edged in front just before the hour mark through an unlikely source as North End striker David Nugent fired into his own net from Anthony Knockaert's cross.

Christie came close to an equaliser himself before they were finally able to make the points safe.

Following a Preston corner, Michael Hector was able to clear for Aboubakar Kamara. The winger thundered down the pitch before squaring the ball to Ivan Cavaleiro, who then returned the favour, allowing Kamara to rap up the points.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Christie still came in for plenty of praise when his post-match comments were shared on Twitter...



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/really-stepped-up-today-world-class-these-fulham-fans-were-very-impressed-with-27-y-os-weekend-performance/

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'Completely changed us as a team' – These Fulham fans loved this key man's display against Preston

Fulham boosted their promotion hopes with a 2-0 victory over Preston North End on Saturday afternoon as a David Nugent own goal and Aboubakar Kamara's late strike sealed the win for Scott Parker's side.

The Cottagers entered the match with a spring in their step following a last-gasp 1-0 win over Swansea during the week, and the hosts took the lead in the second half via Nugent's own goal before Kamara struck in stoppage time to secure the three points.

Fulham remain five points adrift of the automatic-promotion spots following Leeds' victory against Hull, but both sides have now closed the gap on league leaders West Brom who suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at the hands of Wigan at The Hawthorns.

Parker's side delivered a well-rounded display against play-off contenders Preston despite some patchy performances of late, and they will feel particularly pleased to have prevented Preston from scoring as they sealed back-to-back clean sheets this week.

There were a number of stand-out performances from the likes of Cyrus Christie and Tom Cairney for the Cottagers, while Michael Hector also warranted plenty of praise for the continued impact he has had on the side since his debut back in January.

Plenty of Fulham supporters took to Twitter to hail Hector's performance against the Lilywhites, while others posed the question of where Parker's side would be in the table if they could have depended on the 27-year-old since the start of the campaign.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/completely-changed-us-as-a-team-these-fulham-fans-loved-this-key-mans-display-against-preston/

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Ivan Cavaleiro replies to Kalvin Phillips on Instagram after Leeds win

Fulham forward Ivan Cavaleiro has labelled Kalvin Phillips a beast after responding to the Leeds United star's post on Instagram following the Whites' win over Hull City.

Marcelo Bielsa's side produced one of their best performances of the season at the KCOM Stadium.

A brace from Tyler Roberts, as well as goals from Luke Ayling and Pablo Hernandez saw the promotion-chasers claim a 4-0 victory.

Leeds recovered from a somewhat lacklustre first-half display and produced a remarkable second-half performance.

The second goal certainly seemed to make a big difference. The visitors played with a lot more freedom and made sure to put the game to bed before the full-time whistle.

There were a number of man of the match candidates. But, for the first time in a long time, Phillips was perhaps not one of them.

The midfielder has been sensational since his return from suspension. But his performance went a little more under the radar with many others stealing the headlines.

Nevertheless, he has received praise from an arguably unlikely source. Cavaleiro – the £15 million signing (Express and Star) who helped Fulham move back to within five points of Leeds later on in the day – responded to Phillips's Instagram post.

Here is what Phillips posted, followed by Cavaleiro's response...

Neither Leeds or Fulham will be thinking too far ahead with 10 games to go. But it does feel like their meeting at Elland Road later this month could have huge implications for the promotion race.



https://tbrfootball.com/ivan-cavaleiro-replies-to-kalvin-phillips-on-instagram-after-leeds-win/

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Michael Hector aims cheeky dig at Ivan Cavaleiro following Fulham's win over Preston

Fulham made it back-to-back victories on Saturday afternoon as they sealed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Preston with a David Nugent own goal and Aboubakar Kamara's late goal settling the win for the Cottagers.

Scott Parker's side were looking to build on their last-gasp success over Swansea during the week, and the hosts took the lead in the 58th minute through the own goal before Kamara came off the bench to double their tally in the closing stages of the match.

The result means Fulham remain five points adrift of second-placed Leeds in the Championship standings, but they have closed the gap on league leaders West Brom who suffered a surprising 1-0 loss to relegation-threatened Wigan yesterday afternoon.

Fulham attacker Ivan Cavaleiro has now taken to Instagram in praise of his side's efforts during an excellent victory, with the 26-year-old having played the full 90 minutes during the Cottagers' success after being substituted during their game in midweek.

Michael Hector then responded with a comment on Cavaleiro's post-match update, with the Cottagers' centre-back teasing Cavaleiro for his lack of goals given he has fa

The Verdict

Fulham look like they are back on track in their promotion bid following two victories accompanied by two clean sheets this week, with Parker's side having banished the memory of their 3-0 defeat to Barnsley at Craven Cottage earlier this month.

Parker has largely stuck by Cavaleiro despite his somewhat inconsistent form for the Cottagers, but the Portuguese's record of six goals and seven assists for Fulham this term suggests he has made some important contributions during their promotion bid.

It seems likely that Parker will continue to place his trust in Cavaleiro given the quality he is capable of bringing, but the former Wolves man will need to start delivering the goods more regularly in order to maintain his spot in the starting line-up.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/michael-hector-aims-cheeky-dig-at-ivan-cavaleiro-following-fulhams-win-over-preston/

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Five Thoughts: Fulham 2-0 Preston North End

David Nugent really does know his way to goal. Alex Neil's one-time England veteran sealed our fate at Deepdale in December but in the blinding glare of early Spring's sunlight, the 35-year-old's expertly diverted own goal handed Fulham a lifeline in their quest for a place in the automatics. Cheers, Dave!

or the first time since October, the Whites won a game with more than a 1-goal gap. Hitting the back of the net has been a dilemma for Scott Parker's set-up and we're still nowhere near as ruthless as we should be, given the personnel we have, but we literally got the job done in the end against Preston North End.

We are 5 points off Leeds United and 6 points off West Bromwich Albion, well within the chasing pack, so all is to play for in terms of supremacy. Ashton Gate is our next destination and it's an away day I'm thoroughly looking forward to. Consistency is key and we've been severely short of it, so maybe this is where we unearth our formidable showpiece principles. Better late than never, right?

Stubborn Shape Satisfies
The game was very open in the first-half as both sides hunted for blood, but Fulham held their discipline and, ultimately, their shape to deny the visitors. Preston advanced through Tom Barkhuizen and Sean Maguire out wide and looked fairly menacing but, as the middle of the park was congested, neither side was able to construct meaningful phases. To Fulham's benefit, though, the compact complexion cemented the Whites' defensive composition, as they were rarely pulled out of sync.

Tim Ream and Micheal Hector worked in unison to shield Preston's attackers and with two clean sheets on the bounce, perhaps the misunderstandings, bloopers and bumps along the way have smoothed themselves out. Our American enforcer was excellent, but Hector was immense. The authoritative Jamaica international was first to loose balls, unrivalled aerially as per, and he also screened across the width of the defensive quarter to stunt visitors' cautionary flow. I'm still not entirely sold on the concept of religiously playing out from the back, although Hector was remarkably calm in possession, administering play sensibly and effectively, and he even sent Aboubakar Kamara on his way to initiate the move for the Whites' devastating second goal.

Latterly, Preston were reduced to a counteractive long ball game and Fulham's back four, supported by a stringent midfield corps, cooperated collectively to shepherd the ball out of play. Scott Sinclair, Daniel Johnson and Barkhuizen rallied but they simply couldn't break us down. Against a fellow promotion chaser, that's an achievement. We've buckled under the slightest of pressures before and once an opposition tightens their grip, we dwell on our vulnerabilities instead of resolving them. On Saturday, though, there was a refreshing sense of competence and qualification in our system, and every department coincided cohesively. Not a bad day at the office.

Christie Claims Credit
Entering proceedings early on for a crocked Joe Bryan, Cyrus Christie resumed services along the right channel expertly and was the rightfully accredited as Man of the Match. With an enlivened ethic and an unshakeable attention to his responsibilities, the "Irish Cafu" was our primary outlet in the final third, filling the void left in Bryan's abrupt absence seamlessly. Christie has reinvented himself from a tentative wimp into an irrepressible live wire.

The expeditionary right-back roamed his flank intently, flashing and wedging excellent crosses into the 18-yard box and, if play had been turned over, he'd bust a gut to intercept Preston's swift counters. Maguire's no slouch, but he couldn't steal a march on Christie, who stalked his compatriot like Joe Goldberg from Netflix's You. Even with a slight cramp-induced twinge in the second-half, he remained composed, aware and he really should have scored, but his adept chested volley skewed wide of the mark by a whisker.

All in all, it was a highly enterprising display from the reinvigorated 27-year-old, which aptly summarises his reformed status under Parker's supervision. Our fullbacks alternate regularly and we need every option to be primed for action – Christie rose to the occasion and was virtually faultless with every touch and interchange. Long may his excellent form and work-rate continue, because dishing out plaudits is much more rewarding than slopping up criticism.

Skipper's Suitable Shift
I've worried greatly about Tom Cairney's impact in recent weeks as his influence has simmered somewhat, but I was particularly satisfied with the skipper's industrious shift in an overpopulated midfield department at the Cottage. Something definitely hadn't been right in recent meetings and I'd questioned his dedication, but nothing was amiss against Preston. Finally, glimmers of the maestro we exalt and adore reemerged from the shadows, and the fraudulent passenger that had taken his being hostage relented as his dormant ingenuity came to prominence.

TC appeared energised in his expeditions in possession, advancing menacingly rather than opting for the safe, nullified route he'd opted for previously – notably against Millwall – where virtually every single pass he recorded went backwards, rather than forward. Weaving out of tight pockets in possession, the nimble 29-year-old spread play intelligently, inviting Ivan Cavaleiro and Bobby Decordova-Reid into direct passages as Fulham advanced. Rediscovering his artistic originality, Cairney set Fulham's sequences into motion with a purpose and vibrancy.

He and Aleksandar Mitrovic collaborated like the duo of old – the big man held it up whilst being marked by at least three men for the chief playmaker to construct, and I can't begin to stress just how important that connection is. Creativity linking up with raw power spells trouble for opposing defenders. His confidence has been running on empty but he played with a lifted chin and a trying determination. When he's feeling the beat, the whole squad does too. I pray he's working his way back to his exceptional self again, as he's the inventive spark our system requires so vitally.

French Favourite Found
This debate seems to have been relevant since the dawn of time. The Kamara versus Anthony Knockaert saga rumbles on after two starkly contrasting outings from the French flankers. One seized the day in a matter of minutes, the other was vastly hesitant and peripheral. I know who I'd prefer out on the right channel, but I understand others see things differently. Argue as you will, but AK47 surpasses his countryman by an immeasurable distance and is quite literally an absolute weapon. Kamara is evidently an effective substitute, but he undoubtedly offers so much more to the camp than Knockaert, so he deserves recognition and a starting spot.

Knockaert hardly got a sniff in the first-half, even though most of the progressive play came from his side, but we can thank Christie for that, rather than the Brighton loanee. Dipping inside, shuffling to the touchline, the 28-year-old didn't really know whether to stick or twist. Either commit your man or whip something tempting into the mixer – he did neither. Nothing boils my blood more than watching the winger abandon the byline with a series of excessive step overs and shimmies, suppressing Fulham's momentum simultaneously. Hit the penalty area or keep the ball moving, it's not that difficult at all.

Abou', however, made a huge difference from the bench against Swansea City and, typically by today's renewed standards, he did his bit to introduce late drama to the Cottage yet again. Streaming away from Preston's trailing defenders in the final seconds, the 24-year-old could have blazed over with the target approaching at full tilt, but he shrewdly played Cav' into position and, after the Portuguese attacker fainted and fooled Declan Rudd, Kamara was primed to sweep home, doubling the Whites' slender lead. Kamara is no longer irrational, illogical, insane. The fleet-footed assailant is now a creature of stealth, poise and assurance.

Marek's Marvellous Moment
Now, Marek Rodak didn't have a terrible amount to do but when he was called upon, the trusty saviour between the sticks did exacly what it says on the tin. From a matter of yards, the tall Slovakian stopper adjusted his enormous frame within the blink of an eye to deflect Patrick Bauer's destined header out of harm's way. For a big guy, he's extraordinarily sharp and supple. The victory, without his ready reflexes, was balanced on a tightrope, so we can thank the sturdy 23-year-old for preserving 3 critical points.

His distribution wasn't fantastic but who gives a toss? Lounging on his deckchair, Rodak surveyed proceedings terrifically. If there's one element any squad has to have, unconditionally, it's a firm-fisted goalkeeper and we can solemnly proclaim we've a rock in Rodak. There's sanctuary with the lanky lad within the 18-yard box and whilst Preston swarmed from set-pieces, he conducted his teammates to see out danger sufficiently.

There's not much more to write home about. Rodak, as contested previously, is just as important as Mitro' to our promotion aspirations. I'm going to wrap it up by boldly saying we've found Mark Schwarzer's successor, years in the making. We've an extremely talented 'keeper on our hands and I'm grateful for his point-sparing agility.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-02-29-five-thoughts-fulham-2-0-preston-north-end/

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Fulham keep up promotion pace with win against high-flying Preston

FULHAM maintained their push for automatic promotion with two second-half goals against Preston at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

With second-placed Leeds having won in the morning, the hosts entered the game eight points off an automatic spot and facing a Preston side looking to cement its position in the playoff places.

It was the visitors who started brighter, having a strike marked off for offside early on and creating several chances.

But in conditions that veered between sun, wind and rain, with every corner Fulham started to take hold of the game.

The breakthrough, when it came, was fortunate. Preston's David Nugent diverted Anthony Knockaert's corner with a header into his own net in the 58th minute.

It knocked the stuffing out of Preston, as North End manager Alex Nail said after the game: "Up to the first goal, we were the team to win it.

"From that point on they made it difficult. We believed at half time, that if we score the first goal we would win."

The scoreline was given a polish in the final minute of extra time when a Preston corner broke for Fulham, with the counter nicely finished by substitute Aboubakar Kamara.

Fulham manager Scott Parker said after the game: "For the first 20 minutes we had to weather the storm. They had the best of it. But as we showed in the midweek win against Swansea, we have built a strong winning mentality."

It's that winning mentality which Parker says is slowly coming back as Fulham push to close the gap on Leeds and West Brom.

"Last year this team won seven games. Then in the short space of three months, they are expected to win every game. It takes time. We still believe, and I feel over the course of the year that we are slowly getting there."




https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/s/fulham-keep-pace-win-against-high-flying-preston

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'Proving he has the hunger', 'Love it' – Loads of Fulham fans react as attacker impresses yet again

Loads of Fulham fans have reacted to Aboubakar Kamara's weekend display after he helped seal a 2-0 win against Preston North End at Craven Cottage.

After a cagey first-half Scott Parker's side edged in front just before the hour mark through an unlikely source as North End striker David Nugent fired into his own net from Anthony Knockaert's cross.

Cyrus Christie came close to an equaliser before they were finally able to make the points safe.

Following a Preston corner, Michael Hector was able to clear for Kamara. The winger thundered down the pitch before squaring the ball to Ivan Cavaleiro, who then returned the favour, allowing Kamara to rap up the points.

It was the second match in a row that the winger had come off the bench to impact a game, having set up Aleksandar Mitrovic's winner against Swansea on Wednesday, and he remains a firm favourite of the fans.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/proving-he-has-the-hunger-love-it-loads-of-fulham-fans-react-as-attacker-impresses-yet-again/

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Ivan Cavaleiro sends one-word message to Kalvin Phillips following Leeds United victory

Leeds United gave their automatic-promotion hopes a further boost on Saturday afternoon as they cruised to an impressive 4-0 victory over Hull City at the KCOM Stadium.

Marcelo Bielsa's side have now won their last four matches without conceding a goal with Luke Ayling and Pablo Hernandez both on target before Tyler Roberts netted a brace against the Tigers as Leeds climbed to within one point of first-placed West Brom.

The Humberside clash saw Leeds' midfield kingpin Kalvin Phillips return to the starting line-up following his recent injury problem, with the defensive midfielder delivering a typically assured performance after missing the win over Middlesbrough.

Phillips took to Instagram after the game to share a triumphant message which praised the Leeds supporters for their role in the win, while he also expressed his delight for Roberts who netted twice from the bench after sitting out the last four games.

Ivan Cavaleiro, who plays for Leeds' promotion rivals Fulham, then issued a simple response to Phillips' message as he labelled the midfielder as a "beast" on his return to Bielsa's starting line-up.

Cavaleiro has been a regular starter for Fulham following his move from Wolves, with the winger having netted six goals and registered seven assists to help Scott Parker's side to third spot in the Championship, where they are five points adrift of Leeds.

The Verdict

It would have come as a massive boost for Leeds that Phillips only needed to sit out one match due to his injury problem, with the midfielder set to be such a key player for the Whites during the remainder of their promotion push this season.

Fulham currently look like the team most likely to catch up with Leeds following their back-to-back victories this week, but the Cottagers will obviously not stand a chance if Leeds can keep extending their winning run over the coming weeks.

Cavaleiro's message to Phillips shows there is a clear mutual respect between the players despite their conflicting loyalties.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ivan-cavaleiro-sends-one-word-message-to-kalvin-phillips-following-leeds-united-victory/

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Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Fulham Get The Victory Against Preston North End

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

In this episode, Max Cohen and Yannis Tjanetis reviewed this 2-0 victory for Fulham against Preston North End. Along with discussing all of the key moments, they shared who they thought was Man Of The Match.


Lastly, you can listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/3/1/21160265/cottage-talk-post-match-show-fulham-get-the-victory-against-preston-north-end