Monday Fulham Stuff - 06/07/20...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Sunday
Swansea	2-1	Sheff Wed
Middlesborough	0-1	QPR
West Brom	4-2	Hull

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker relieved as Fulham keep automatic promotion hopes alive

Scott Parker admitted his relief after Josh Onomah's added-time goal secured Fulham a 1-0 Sky Bet Championship win over Birmingham.

Parker's side appeared set for frustration until Onomah finally broke the deadlock in the fifth minute of added time.

And after seeing his side move to within four points of second-placed West Brom, the manager has no doubt they are still in the hunt for an automatic promotion spot.

Parker said: "A sense of relief, as the game goes on, you miss some big chances, and the keeper pulls off an amazing double save.

"You start wondering if it is not your day. It was tough. We came up against a team who came here to play for a draw. At times the game was played in their half.

"It's a massive win for us, the way things have panned out in terms of lockdown, the games we have left.

"I think there will be many twists and turns. Our main focus is to win games. We have some tough games coming up.

"Whether you play someone at the top end or mid-table, they will be very big games.

"We need to plan and prepare to win them. We want to get on a good run. That's two back-to-back wins. We will keep winning."

Parker praised Onomah's contribution after stepping off the bench midway through the second half to hit the winner after Fulham had struggled to make up for the absence of suspended leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic.

He added: "Josh has been fantastic since he came in. I have worked with him for large parts. I know the quality he has.

"If you take out a player with 23 goals, then the threat he possesses, it will only be hard. Fair play to my team.

"In Mitro's absence, we found a different way. We had to alter and change things and still be an attacking threat."

Pep Clotet was convinced his side deserved something from the game and admitted the manner of defeat was hard to take.

The Birmingham manager rued his side's failure to make more of their first-half chances – Jude Bellingham headed against the bar and slipped when given a sight of goal – and believed they could have had a penalty for a first-half handball.

"I'm devastated," he said. "Devastated for the players, for the club and for the fans.

"I thought the result was completely unfair. We had the most chances. We had two good chances in the first half and possibly a penalty. If we had scored those chances it would have been a completely different games.

"It's unfair but that happens. We deserve a point and could have had three.

"Unfortunately we lost the point we worked so hard to get. But I am pretty sure the performances will get better.

"I am not looking over my shoulder. We want to finish as high as possible."

He added: "I think we are possibly not being even when it comes to penalties. We must understand the referee is doing his work and I totally respect him that he came and said he didn't see it."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-relieved-as-fulham-keep-automatic-promotion-hopes-alive-1593883745000

[WhiteJC]

'Go for him', 'Having a laugh' – Fulham fans debate sacked Championship manager after unconvincing win

Fulham fans have been debating the prospective appointment of ex-Bristol City manager Lee Johnson.

The long-term Bristol City boss was last night relieved of his duties. His side had just succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at home to Severnside rivals Cardiff City, and now Fulham fans are talking of his potential appointment.

Scott Parker has been hit with criticism throughout the season. His side claimed another uninspiring 1-0 win over the lowly Birmingham City yesterday, keeping them in the play-off mix.

But unconvincing the win was, and Fulham fans are still debating the dismissal of Parker and are now touting Johnson as his likely successor.

It'd be a strange turn of events if Johnson were to be unveiled as the new Fulham coach. Parker likely has the job in the bag for now, but depending on how the play-offs pan out, that could quickly change.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/go-for-him-having-a-laugh-fulham-fans-debate-sacked-championship-manager-after-unconvincing-win/

[WhiteJC]

'Class act', 'Pay him whatever he wants' – Plenty of Fulham fans urging club to sign PL man

Fulham fans have hailed the performance of on-loan star Harrison Reed after the 1-0 win over Birmingham City.

Scott Parker's side churned out another uninspired win yesterday. This time it was the lowly Birmingham City who were dealt a late blow, with Josh Onomah scoring the goal.

It was a dull performance all-round, but one man stood out. Reed has been a favourite amongst Fulham fans since signing on-loan from Southampton at the start of the season.

Although he's missed large parts through injury, he's managed 21 league appearances for the club, and plenty of fans would love to see him sign a permanent deal ahead of next season.

Parker has already made the stays of Ivan Cavaleiro and Bobby Reid permanent, and is set to make Anthony Knockaert's stay a permanent one as well.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/class-act-pay-him-whatever-he-wants-plenty-of-fulham-fans-urging-club-to-sign-pl-man/

[WhiteJC]

Five Thoughts: Fulham 1-0 Birmingham City

We were milliseconds away from registering our first 0-0 at Craven Cottage since 2011 but it just wouldn't be Fulham if there wasn't a morsel of late drama to digest. Birmingham City advertised a stubborn fight, although there were no Saturday blues to endure for those backing the Whites.

Pep Clotet's men barricaded their penalty area intently, however football's a savagely cruel mistress. Scott Parker's set-up are still markedly uninspired but that's two, yes two, wins in a row and these points are invaluable. It doesn't matter how we claim them, just as long as we do.

As ever, though, we're a pedestrian existence that's motionless in possession, and that's not because of Aleksandar Mitrovic's absence. We've a packed week ahead and we've Nottingham Forest up next, a team that's making their case for promotion known to the masses and an obstacle riddled with hidden trip hazards. Personal protective gear in the shape of Parker's Fulham – best tread carefully.

Switching On Style
My word, sitting through that first-half was torturous. Biting the bullet to shell out a tenner for FFCtv's prosaic live coverage, I simply couldn't concentrate on the action properly, because there wasn't any to enjoy whatsoever. Not even Jim and Jamie's countless birthday shout-outs could capture my interest. Other than Birmingham's squandered chances, the opening 45 minutes had zero appeal and it didn't get much better after the break, either. The sluggish, languid tempo that plagued our approach lasted for 90+ minutes and there was no clear indication to when we were going to at least give it a go. The game was nondescript, and as the drinks breaks came around, I'd down off as many Budweisers as I could, praying they'd plunge me into an alcohol-induced coma.

Predictably flat and easily quelled by the visitors, who squatted in their own half for the vast majority of the game, Fulham were flummoxed. The Blues offered very little going forward and a 0-0, though it may have been the correct outcome, would have been an injustice in that respect – how did we not capitalise on their hesitancy, too? Birmingham didn't want the win, that was obvious. They were playing for a point and, whilst breaking down two banks of four – and the rest – is a troublesome task, we didn't show enough desire and impulsiveness. DIY lobotomy, brought to you by Parker's surgery of trepidation.

In the final third, even with 62% possession, nothing was sticking. Marc Roberts pressed, Ivan Sunjic constricted and a chubby Lee Camp foiled us with a superb double save but then, at the death, Fulham suddenly sparked into life with an incisive team effort, dissecting Birmingham's defensive line in a matter of seconds. Why did it take us so long to establish our rhythm? Literally out of nowhere, the Whites expended their get out of jail free card to switch on the style. We've a wealth of creation in our ranks alongside players with true clinical prowess, but bravery's a trait we're precariously short of. The shackles are loosening, the cell door's dangling by its hinges, but the rotten stench of Parker's last meal is wafting ominously.

Onomah's Finishing Touch
Joshua Onomah and Harry Arter. These are two vastly contrasting midfielders with numerous dissimilarities but the main determining difference between the pair is simple: you'd never catch Arter in a prime scoring position like Onomah did with moments to spare. The former Tottenham Hotspur man replaced the AFC Bournemouth loanee just before the hour mark and took matters into his own hands. For once, Parker actually made a shrewd substitution that worked in our favour, rather than against it.

Onomah came on with half an hour left and actively aimed to alter proceedings for the better, whereas Arter stumbled over routine phases and rolled around on the deck, crying, again. Comparing Arter to his teammates has become a regular occurrence because we have much better options at our disposal, but they're criminally overlooked. I can't begin to explain just how much I detest Arter's inclusion in the starting XI when we have capable alternatives in Stefan Johansen, Kevin McDonald and Onomah on the bench.

Sod the family favouritism, Scott, you have to start Onomah against Nottingham Forest. His intelligence eclipses the Irishman's and he has to be rewarded for his game-changing impact. The 23-year-old was a progressive catalyst, a pragmatic makeweight between offence and defence, and his positive industry has to be trusted. I called him out as a weakling at the start of the campaign, but now I'm buzzing for the lad. Embrace that enthusiasm, Josh! Your stellar efforts are greatly appreciated.

Kebano's Disposable Energy
It's time to talk up another first-rate Neeskens Kebano cameo, I think. Kebano replaced Ivan Cavaleiro on 70 minutes and outperformed the Portuguese winger in virtually every possible aspect. His energy and directness unsettled Maxime Colin, who'd coasted through the game unscathed before Kebano's emergence, and I'll never tire of watching a winger hit the byline with a burst of intensity.

Cav' spent the majority of his afternoon shuffling across the park without a purpose, a menacing cutting edge, but Kebano wanted to commit his marker, and that stimulating courage is currently in sparse supply across the camp, that's for sure. There's always been great competition for places out wide, and though Cav's a terrific source of zest on the break, he's lost when he's sized up by the opposition. That's not Kebano's bag, though, he loves a battle of wits and gets a sick kick out of snapping ankles.

Spinning defenders silly is all well and good but truth is, regardless of form and proficiency, Kebano has always been disposable. He's not explosive enough to warrant an undisputed starting spot and though he's effective over 20 yards, he burns himself out very quickly indeed. That's why he's a super sub, not a fantastic first-choice. With 15-20 minutes left, his refreshing services are essential, and it proved to be that way against Birmingham.

Was Hector Drunk?
What in the blazes was up with Micheal Hector in the opening stages? For the first time this season, the Jamaica international made me nauseous. Shaky, limp passes weren't welcome, not from a player of his stature and quality. Hector plated up a golden opportunity for Jeremie Bela and my blood boiled instantly. We don't expect that from you, Micheal. Leave the defensive gaffs for Tim Ream and Joe Bryan. It was almost like he was sleepwalking or trapped in a trance, but I never thought I'd see Hector lumber in such a despondent way.

Hector is supposed to be the stronger component within our central defensive department, but he was the secondary sidekick alongside Ream, a shift in authoritative power on Independence Day. Hector soon snapped out of his downcast malaise, although an abnormal grogginess hung over his overall performance, which is wildly out of character. Those customary switches were telegraphed and aerially, he'd lose out far too often to a 5'11 Scott Hogan.

Surely Saturday's atypical outing was just a minor blip, a mere lapse, but we can't be having that kind of uncertainty on a regular basis, not from him, not now. My knickers are in a twist with this. We won and recorded a clean sheet, so things couldn't have been that bad, but we'll salute Marek Rodak for that particular feat. The Blues rarely breached our back four but when they did, as a result of Hector's early irresolution, we could've been lamenting the 27-year-old's bloopers a lot more closely if our Slovakian stopper didn't deliver.

Praising Reed's Initiative
Harrison Reed, here's to you. Supreme in the middle of the park once again, the 25-year-old anchor was a tenacious guardian throughout and is an indispensable mainstay. If there's one man that's worthy of glowing recognition, it's him. Jude Bellingham and Gary Gardner couldn't surpass the Southampton loanee's resolute endeavour and for the umpteenth occasion this term, he was the dominant contender.

I'm rarely unimpressed by Reed, in fact, I can't recall a moment where he's been anything less than a 10/10 competitor. Bullish in 50/50s, a merciless pickpocket, Reed was always on the ball carrier's heels, gnashing like a protective doberman in hot pursuit of the postman. Shielding our defensive line unremittingly, Birmingham were denied credible opportunities to test our target because of his secure expertise. Holding midfielders aren't typically exciting, but Reed's a different breed.

Provider of Onomah's sweeping winner, Reed displayed an awareness, a responsibility to locate his teammate, who was better placed to bulge the net. He could have taken a pop shot himself, but his astute perception of the situation enabled us to dispatch a highly attractive passage of play. Peerless at the base of the midfield, constructive before all was too late – that initiative is crucial and Reed's resourcefulness is all our engine room needs to remain a valid force at this level.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-07-05-five-thoughts-fulham-1-0-birmingham-city/

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker labels Fulham's clash with Nottingham Forest as 'huge'

A win for the visitors on Tuesday would effectively seal their play-off spot

Fulham boss Scott Parker admits Tuesday's clash with Nottingham Forest falls into the category of a huge game.

The Cottagers travel to the City Ground on the back of a late 1-0 victory over Birmingham City on Saturday, their second successive win and one which moved them up to fourth, two points above Forest.

Forest drew 1-1 at Derby County earlier in the day and that win for Fulham ensured they'll start the midweek encounter two points above the Reds in the play-off zone knowing a win would almost certainly seal their place in the top six.

Tuesday's match could prove to be a precursor to a meeting in the play-offs later this month, but despite a nine-point cushion with just five games left to play, Parker says his side won't be taking their foot off the pedal as they look to keep their momentum going.

"Our main focus is to win games and we've got tough ones coming up," said the Fulham chief.

"I think whether you're playing top, mid table or bottom, every game will be huge. These are ones we need to prepare for and try and get on a good run.

"Back-to-back wins are huge."


Fulham's Joshua Onomah is mobbed after scoring the winning goal against Birmingham (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Fulham returned from the break with two straight defeats against Brentford and Leeds, but have found some form at the right time and with such a hectic schedule, Parker says the workload on the players is proving tough.

"It's difficult," he said.

"You have to get back up to speed and it's a long season.

"This should be pre-season. There are five games to go and this is where either seasons fritter away or people put their foot to the floor. That's the challenge. Let's make this season something we look back on.

"After three months without being around my players, I knew the ones coming back in the best physical nick would perform. This week was our 20 session contact wise.

"We've done all we can. It's been a quick turnaround, but I'm pleased. We lost 2-0 and 3-0 against Brentford and Leeds and we didn't deserve that.

"We've deserved these two wins and we need to keep going."



https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/scott-parker-labels-fulhams-clash-4296344

[WhiteJC]

Games for mid-week 07/07
Another mid-week game, this time we're away to Nottingham Forest.

So after we'd huffed and puffed our dire performance against Birmingham was rescued by a last gasp goal by Onomah.
Forest were pinned back in their local derby by a last minute equaliser, nice to see Chris Martin do us a favour for once.

Forest will be up for this game, a win will see then overtake us once again and may give them "hope" of automatic promotion, in "theory" that's still possible for us but not the way we've played since the re-start, however with both Leeds and West Brom winning it's very unlikely.

Our record against Forest couldn't be more even, 4 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw in the most recent games, so this could be a close one?

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Tuesday 7th
Forest v Fulham
Brentford v Charlton
Cardiff v Rovers

Wednesday 8th
Millwall v 'Borough
West Brom v Dearby
Wigan v QPR

Thursday 9th
Leeds v Stoke

come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1194

[filham]

Time to recognize  that automatic promotion is all but sewn up by WEst Brom and Leeds, in form Brentford alone have an outside chance with the rest of us flexing muscles for the play off battles.