Sunday Fulham Stuff - 19/07/20...

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Results

Friday
Huddersfield	2-1	West Brom

Saturday
Charlton	2-2	Wigan
Stoke	1-0	Brentford
Blackburn	4-3	Reading
Fulham	5-3	Sheff Wed
Hull	0-1	Luton
Middlesborough	1-3	Cardiff
Preston NE	2-0	Birmingham
QPR	4-3	Millwall
Swansea	1-0	Bristol City

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Fulham 5-3 Sheffield Wednesday

Neeskens Kebano's goals were his first since December 2017

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Neeskens Kebano both scored twice as Fulham won a nervy eight-goal thriller against Sheffield Wednesday to stay in the race for automatic promotion from the Championship.

The Cottagers knew victory against the Owls would keep them in the hunt for a top-two finish after Brentford were beaten by Stoke earlier on Saturday and West Bromwich Albion were undone by Huddersfield on Friday night.

The first of two well-taken Kebano goals put the hosts ahead early on before Mitrovic took his goal tally to 26 for the season with a double.

His first was a coolly taken first-time finish from a tight angle, while his second was somewhat less assured as he slipped in the process of putting his penalty away after Dominic Iorfa brought down Kebano.

Marek Rodak's foul on Jacob Murphy soon after the interval allowed Atdhe Nuhiu to pull a goal back from the spot, but a Kebano free-kick restored the three-goal advantage before Murphy grabbed a second late on for the Owls.

Nuhiu set up a tense finish with an 89th-minute header, but Bobby Decordova-Reid's injury-time goal from distance made the three points safe for a Fulham side that finished a man down after Harrison Reed was shown a second caution.

Fulham still in the automatic mix
Victory leaves Scott Parker's side fourth in the table, but a win at Wigan on Wednesday, coupled with defeat for West Brom and anything less than a win for the Bees, would secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

Fulham's failure to beat any of the three sides above them in the table since the Championship's resumption, following the three-month interruption brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, seemed to have scuppered their aspirations for automatic promotion.

The draw against West Brom on Tuesday, which ended the London club's four-match winning run following back-to-back defeats by Leeds United and Brentford in June, left Parker's side five points adrift of second spot.

But defeats for West Brom and the Bees in the space of 24 season-defining hours have rekindled hopes, as well as handed Leeds promotion as league champions.

The Owls remain ensconced in mid-table, eight points from the relegation places and 14 adrift of the play-off spots, but also have the looming threat of a possible points deduction hanging over them.

Wednesday boss Garry Monk has previously said "it makes no sense" that the club are still waiting for a verdict over a charge of misconduct.

While there remains uncertainty off the pitch, the Yorkshire club's on-field exertions have earned them eight points from a possible 24 since the Championship's restart to keep them clear of relegation trouble.

Parker, perhaps forward planning for a play-off campaign, made five changes for the visit of Wednesday, with Reed and the fit-again Tom Cairney among those on the bench.


Fulham were completely dominant in the first half and led 3-0 at the break

Kabano was one of the quintet to come in and he was quick to make an impact, cutting in off the left on 11 minutes to beat Joe Wildsmith at his near post with a low shot from distance.

Cyrus Christie twice tested Wildsmith before the break, his efforts coming either side of Mitrovic's first goal of the afternoon - a well-placed finish inside the far post after running onto a brilliantly threaded pass from Josh Onomah.

Wednesday offered little threat going forward before the break and only invited further misery on themselves when Iorfa's needless challenge on Kebano sent Mitrovic to the penalty spot.

A lunge from Rodak that felled Murphy after the break allowed Nuhiu to score from the spot, with the goal serving to spark Wednesday to life while Fulham began to look nervy for the first time.

Kebano's clever low free-kick that skimmed under the wall in the 73rd minute looked as though it would settle the contest, but a heavy deflection off the attacker at the other end from a Murphy shot got the Owls back into it.

Nuhiu's powerful header then raised panic, only for Decordova-Reid to hit back in emphatic fashion in a truly bizarre second half that ended with Reed sent off and banned for the all important final regular-season match.

Fulham manager Scott Parker: "It's a massive win, result-wise it was key for us today, we understood that, we knew what was at stake.

"There were two scenarios obviously, and we saw the West Brom and Brentford results, so we knew we needed to win today to keep the automatic hopes alive.

"The result was key, and we stood up to that today. If our season ends on Wednesday, amazing, and if it doesn't we'll try to finish it off."

Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk: "To score three goals against a very good side but come off losing, through errors we have made, it is very frustrating.

"We make a few steps forward, then take a few back and that has proved very costly for us.

"They were poor goals and when we got them on the ropes, we compounded ourselves with more errors."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53371801

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Head Coach press conference

A bullish Scott Parker took to the media after edging an eight-goal thriller at the Cottage.

It was far from comfortable at times for his side, who ran out 5-3 winners over Sheffield Wednesday, which sets up a grand-stand final day in Wigan.

Today was all about keeping hot on the heels of those fighting for a place in the Premier League.

"Results wise, it was key for us today, we understood that, we knew what was at stake." He said. "There's two scenarios and we saw the West Brom and the Brentford results and we needed to keep our hopes alive.

"There's been some upsets along the way for everyone. My team had pressure on them today, but we've had pressure on us throughout the year.

"There are different pressures that have been asserted, coming from me and from the outside. That's 23 wins for us in this division, we take this into the last game. We go to play an in-form Wigan team and we'll look to get another result and see where we end up. If it doesn't take us to where we want to be, we'll try and finish it off later."

Parker was delighted with the first 45 minutes he witnessed, but less so with the manner in which three second half goals were surrendered.

"For 45 minutes I thought we looked like a top team." He continued. "Everything we had discussed was excellent. Some elements were perfect. Second half they knocked balls into us, and I was a bit disappointed that we conceded the goals we conceded. Having said that, five goals is the most important thing and the three points keeping the pressure on."

A player that has struggled for consistency and a place in the team is Neeskens Kebano. The winger put in a match winning performance today that the Gaffer saluted.

"It was brilliant for Neeskens [Kebano] with Ivan Cavaleiro out injured. People have had to stand up. We had three positive COVID tests at the start of lockdown and Mitro suspended for three games, we've had to fix things. Neeskens was a prime example of that today. He deserved that; he was very good."

The pressure will be off Fulham heading into the final game – knowing the ball isn't in their court. But Parker credited his team who have slugged away to stay in touch.

"We had two negative results coming out of lockdown in Leeds and Brentford, but since then my team have been very good at grinding out results."

"There are times we've been 10-13 points adrift. We've had to fight and battle with pressure that comes with that and the outside voices. We've not got the credit we deserve at times. To take this season, and the teams above us, like Brentford and West Brom who are fantastic teams to the wire is fantastic. We're two points off them."

"Winning games in this division is no easy feat. Along the way we've managed to pull out results and I've seen another side of us. Momentum is with us and this league throws up surprises. The other teams have had negative results, but it remains out of our hands.

"Our focus has been to worry about ourselves. If the season ends on Wednesday. Amazing. If not, we'll be ready for another three games."

Aleksandar Mitrović has taken the Captain's armband in Tom Cairney's absence and Scott was quizzed on the leadership qualities the big man has shown.

"There's one thing I bang on about with him, he needs to show more of that." He exclaimed.  "He has ability, he's been our focal point. There's one thing I try to drum home with him: he needs to show his leadership qualities and show how important he is. He has done that massively. He's still only young.

"He [Mitro] is still growing and learning. He's accepting that responsibility and the pressure that's heaped on centre forwards. That's a big pressure and his performance was fantastic. He works hard for the team and I know the goals will come."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/july/18/head-coach-press conference-sheffield-wednesday

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Fulham to rival Premier League duo for 5-goal attacker

Fulham are one of several English clubs interested in signing Bright Osayi-Samuel after Club Brugge had an offer accepted for the QPR man.

The winger has been a bright spark for the R's this season, impressing down the flanks with his ability on the ball, skill and pace.

Such displays have caught the eye of others though, with reports revealing yesterday that the Belgian champions had agreed a fee worth around £4.7m for Osayi-Samuel.

And, it appears that has prompted further interest in the 22-year-old, with Football Insider claiming that the Cottagers, Leicester and Brighton are all showing interest and they could be ready to make a move.

Clearly, they would have to match the fee that Brugge have paid and it would then be down to the player to decide where to go, as he approaches the final year of his deal with the R's.

Interestingly, the report also adds that Leeds and Southampton, who had been previously monitoring Osayi-Samuel, will not be pursuing a move for the wide man.

The verdict

Osayi-Samuel is a player with huge potential and for the fee suggested he would turn out to be a bargain for someone.

With that in mind, the interest from the three domestic sides is no surprise but they will need to act quickly as Brugge can discuss personal terms with the youngster and the chance to play in a different country, and in the Champions League, may appeal.

Unfortunately for the R's, Osayi-Samuel's departure seems inevitable and he is going to be very tough for them to replace.


https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-to-rival-premier-league-duo-for-5-goal-attacker/

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Eight-goal thriller at the Cottage sees Fulham still in with chance of automatic promotion to Premier League as Owls are downed 5-3

Fulham 5 Sheffield Wednesday 3

Fulham could still steal an automatic slot to the Premier League after a brace of goals from Alexander Mitrovic and Neeskens Kabano saw off dogged Sheffield Wednesday in a goal-fest 5-3 at Craven Cottage this afternoon. Substitute Bobby Decordova-Reid finally ending the resistance of the Yorkshire side to nab the fifth seconds before the end of regulation time.

Goals just flowed easily and regularly like the gentle tide of the adjacent Thames besides the stadium, as the Owls, rugged and aggressive kept on the coattails of their smoother looking opposition.

It's an unlikely scenario - but with one game to go, Fulham have to beat Wigan Athletic while WBA and Brentford have to lose their final match against QPR and Barnsley respectively to book their spot with the big boys next term.

Which made the start of the game all the more curious as the visitors came out of the blocks all guns blazing, with Fulham looking ponderous on the ball and unsure how to proceed.

Michael Hector had to be in the perfect position on seven minutes as the Yorkshire side produced a fine counter attack. But the centre-back intercepted Joss Windass's cross, which, if its arrived, would have seen Alessio da Cruz a free run on goal.

Incredibly, and against the run of play the home side took the lead. A long ball by Hector was wonderfully trapped by Neeskens Kebano. In one swift movement, he cut in from the left and let fly with a crisp right-footer that squeezed between Joe Wildsmith's right and and post.

The confidence from the Whites oozed out from that lead and Cyrus Christie almost doubled the lead on 17 minutes but Wildsmith parried the shot away for a corner.

Another quick break by Windass who split the Fulham defence apart with a magnificent through ball that almost reaped dividends as Kareem Harris raced through. Bu the speedy wide man could only get a weak left-footer on target that Marek Rodak easily snaffled on 24 minutes.

But Fulham showed brilliant clinical finishing after a wonderful passing sequence that started from the back ended up with Alexander Mitrovic with the task of smashing the ball home - which he did with aplomb.

Christie almost made it three two minutes later. His blistering half-volleyed right-footer was well saved by Wildsmith.

Five minutes from the break and Kebano - a constant threat on the left was bundled over by Moses Odubajo. Up stepped Mitrovic who smashed the ball home to put the Londoners 3-0                          up.

AnthonyKnockaert had the first chance of the second half, his low, left-footed drive went straight  into the midriff of Rodak. But seconds later the visitors took advantage of a shaky Fulham defence and were rewarded with a penalty - substitute  Atdhe Nuhiu thumped home to reduce the deficit to two goals.

This knocked the home side back for a period, and it took a while before the whits could get a foothold back in the game, but they did.

When sub Harrison Reed was taken out just on the edge of the Wednesday penalty are, up stepped Kebano.

Wednesday put in front of him a tall wall, so the winger opted something different and daisy-cutter his right-footer that foxed the jumping wall, allowing the ball a free run inti the back of the net on 73 minutes.

But like an irritating rash, the Owls just would not go away and they got there second on 77 minuted when substitute  Jacob Murphy managed to drive home a 20-yarder that took a deflection on the way.

With two minutes left on the clock, the Owls got their third when a powerful header by Nuhiu zipped passed Rodak to set up a nervy finish.

But substitute Bobby Decordova-Reid finished off the Owls resistance with a pile-driver from long range.



Teams: Fulham, Rodak, Hector, Kebano, Johansen, Mitrovic, Ream, Arter, Le Marchand, Christie, Knockaert, Onomah

Subs, Bettinelli, Odoi, Manson, McDonald, Cairney, Decordova-Reid, Reed, Bryan, Sessegnon

Sheff Weds, Wildsmith, Harris, Pelupessey, Bannan, Borner, Lees, Louongo, Odubajo, Iorfa, Da Cruz,

Subs: Dawson, Palmer, Rhodes, Murphy, Nuhiu, Wickham, Reach, Hunt, Waldock

Referee: Darren England



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2020/07/18/Eight-goal-thriller-at-the-Cottage-sees-Fulham-still-in-with-chance-of-automatic-promotion-to-Premier-League-as-Owls-are-downed-5-3

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Result: Five-star Fulham remain in automatic promotion hunt with win over Wednesday

Aleksandar Mitrovic fired himself top of the Championship scoring charts and kept Fulham's automatic promotion hopes intact in a turbulent 5-3 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Mitrovic bagged a brace to take his league tally to 26 for the season, overhauling Brentford's Ollie Watkins again and twisting the knife after the Bees' 1-0 loss at Stoke.

Neeskens Kebano plundered a double too, drilling his first Fulham goal since December 2017 to end a 35-match scoring drought before slotting a neat free-kick.

Atdhe Nuhui's double and Jacob Murphy's effort set up a needlessly tense finish, but Bobby Decordova-Reid's strike finally sealed a vital Craven Cottage victory for Scott Parker's men.

Fulham's comfortable win tees up a nail-biting last round of fixtures on Wednesday night, especially in light of Brentford's loss at Stoke and West Brom's shock 2-1 defeat by Huddersfield.

Leeds were crowned Championship winners without even kicking a ball given defeats for the Bees and the Baggies.

But the next offshoot of those results was to leave Fulham still holding a chance of sneaking into second, and an immediate top-flight return.

Fulham sit two points off second-placed West Brom and just one behind Brentford in third, with only Wednesday's nervy night left to play.

Parker's west Londoners travel to Wigan, Brentford host Barnsley and Slaven Bilic's West Brom will entertain QPR.

In theory, all three promotion chasers ought to win, which would maintain the status quo, with West Brom going up automatically and rivals Fulham and Brentford heading into the play-offs.

But theory had no regard for Brentford turning a five-match slump without a win before the coronavirus shutdown into eight victories on the spin after the resumption.

Theory had no thought either for Fulham losing their first two games after the return, before now conjuring five wins and a draw in six.

Parker's five changes could have backfired in the wake of Brentford's slip-up at Stoke, but any such fears were quickly allayed thanks to Kebano's thunderbolt.

The Congo star's sublime first touch from Michael Hector's raking ball left Moses Odubajo sliding into thin air, and his angled drive propelled the Whites into a deserved early lead.

Only moments earlier Anthony Knockaert had wasted a big opening by overhitting what should have been a simple ball for Mitrovic. Instead of gleefully lapping up a cakewalk in on goal, Fulham skipper Mitrovic was left to rue the scraps of that loose pass.

Mitrovic nodded a tough chance wide from Harry Arter's deep cross, before Cyrus Christie drew a good save from Joe Wildsmith.

The Wednesday keeper would later palm away well from Josh Onomah's stinging half-volley, but had no chance when the same Fulham man threaded a fine ball for captain Mitrovic.

The Serbia hitman almost had time to toast the quality of the supply chain before steadying and drilling home for a fine goal.

Onomah would have made it three with a walk-in had he been able to reach a low cross, but Fulham were not made to wait long to extend their advantage again.

Kebano duped Dominic Iorfa with smart footwork in the area, drawing the foul and penalty to leave the Wednesday defender beating the turf in frustration.

Mitrovic stepped up and thumped home the spot-kick to overhaul Brentford's Watkins at the top of the league's scoring charts once again.

Fulham should have been home and hosed when 3-0 up at the break, but started the second-half like a team intent on coasting to the win.

Wednesday replacements Nuhiu and Connor Wickham had other ideas though.

Kosovo striker Nuhiu buried a penalty, before Wickham forced a decent save from Marek Rodak.

Kebano's free-kick kept Fulham in control, only for Murphy to slot a neat strike and Nuhiu to nod in on the cusp of full-time.

Just when Parker's men feared a nervous injury time however, up popped replacement Decordova-Reid with a long-range effort, finally cementing the win, although there was still time for Whites midfielder Harrison Reed to be given his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/championship-promotion-race/result/result-five-star-fulham-remain-in-automatic-promotion-hunt-with-win-over-wednesday_407078.html

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Fulham 5-3 Sheffield Wednesday: Cottagers keep automatic-promotion hopes alive
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at Craven Cottage

Aleksandar Mitrovic fired himself top of the Championship scoring charts and kept Fulham's automatic promotion hopes intact in a turbulent 5-3 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Mitrovic bagged a brace to take his league tally to 26 for the season, overhauling Brentford's Ollie Watkins again and twisting the knife after the Bees' 1-0 loss at Stoke.

Neeskens Kebano plundered a double too, drilling his first Fulham goal since December 2017 to end a 35-match scoring drought before slotting a neat free-kick.

Atdhe Nuhui's double and Jacob Murphy's effort set up a needlessly tense finish, but Bobby Decordova-Reid's strike finally sealed a vital Craven Cottage victory for Scott Parker's men.

Fulham's comfortable win tees up a nail-biting last round of fixtures on Wednesday night, especially in light of Brentford's loss at Stoke and West Brom's shock 2-1 defeat by Huddersfield.


Fulham beat Sheffield Wednesday 5-3 in a frantic encounter at Craven Cottage

Leeds were crowned Championship winners without even kicking a ball given defeats for the Bees and the Baggies.

But the next offshoot of those results was to leave Fulham still holding a chance of sneaking into second, and an immediate top-flight return.

Fulham sit two points off second-placed West Brom and just one behind Brentford in third, with only Wednesday's nervy night left to play.

Parker's west Londoners travel to Wigan, Brentford host Barnsley and Slaven Bilic's West Brom will entertain QPR.

In theory, all three promotion chasers ought to win, which would maintain the status quo, with West Brom going up automatically and rivals Fulham and Brentford heading into the play-offs.

But theory had no regard for Brentford turning a five-match slump without a win before the coronavirus shutdown into eight victories on the spin after the resumption.

Theory had no thought either for Fulham losing their first two games after the return, before now conjuring five wins and a draw in six.

Parker's five changes could have backfired in the wake of Brentford's slip-up at Stoke, but any such fears were quickly allayed thanks to Kebano's thunderbolt.

The Congo star's sublime first touch from Michael Hector's raking ball left Moses Odubajo sliding into thin air, and his angled drive propelled the Whites into a deserved early lead.

Only moments earlier Anthony Knockaert had wasted a big opening by overhitting what should have been a simple ball for Mitrovic. Instead of gleefully lapping up a cakewalk in on goal, Fulham skipper Mitrovic was left to rue the scraps of that loose pass.

Mitrovic nodded a tough chance wide from Harry Arter's deep cross, before Cyrus Christie drew a good save from Joe Wildsmith.

The Wednesday keeper would later palm away well from Josh Onomah's stinging half-volley, but had no chance when the same Fulham man threaded a fine ball for captain Mitrovic.

The Serbia hitman almost had time to toast the quality of the supply chain before steadying and drilling home for a fine goal.

Onomah would have made it three with a walk-in had he been able to reach a low cross, but Fulham were not made to wait long to extend their advantage again.

Kebano duped Dominic Iorfa with smart footwork in the area, drawing the foul and penalty to leave the Wednesday defender beating the turf in frustration.

Mitrovic stepped up and thumped home the spot-kick to overhaul Brentford's Watkins at the top of the league's scoring charts once again.

Fulham should have been home and hosed when 3-0 up at the break, but started the second half like a team intent on coasting to the win.

Wednesday replacements Nuhiu and Connor Wickham had other ideas though.

Kosovo striker Nuhiu buried a penalty, before Wickham forced a decent save from Marek Rodak.

Kebano's free kick kept Fulham in control, only for Murphy to slot a neat strike and Nuhiu to nod in on the cusp of full time.

Just when Parker's men feared a nervous injury time however, up popped replacement Decordova-Reid with a long-range effort, finally cementing the win.

What the managers said...
Fulham's Scott Parker: "The momentum is definitely with us. I feel we had two negative results coming out of lockdown, but since then my team have been very, very good and we've ground out results. This season at times we've been 10, 13 points adrift, we've had to fight, battle and understand the pressures that come with that.

"My team probably haven't got the credit they've deserved. West Brom and Brentford, people have said how fantastic they are, and they are, but we're two points off it. This league pulls up many surprises and in this current climate that is still going to be the case."

Sheffield Wednesday's Garry Monk: "To score three goals against a very good side but come off losing, through
errors we have made, it is very frustrating. We make a few steps forward, then take a few back and that has proved very
costly for us. They were poor goals and when we got them on the ropes, we compounded ourselves with more errors.

"But the time for talking is done and there will personal changes and the club will help me do that to get that consistency we desperately need. It's bitterly frustrating. We have to finish at home with a win."



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-sheff-wed/report/409880

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Fulham win thriller to keep chance of automatic promotion

Fulham maintained their outside chance of automatic promotion to the Premier League with an entertaining win at Craven Cottage.

The 25 and 26th goals of the season – with one from the penalty spot – for Aleksandar Mitrovic in addition to a double by Neeskens Kebano and a late shot by Bobby Decordova-Reid saw off mid-table Sheffield Wednesday.

Kebano got things off to a great start in the 11th minute. The midfielder controlled a lovely cross-field pass from Michael Hector, before cutting in from the left and drilling home a low shot from 20 yards.

Talisman Mitrovic doubled the lead in 26 minutes. Fastening on to Josh Onomah's irresistible pass, the Serbian striker composed himself before rifling the ball under Wednesday keeper Joe Wildsmith from a 12-yard angle.

Mitrovic then stepped up five minutes from the break to fire home a penalty after Owls' defender Dominic Iorfa tripped Kebano just inside the box.

TheWhites possessed enough breathing space – until the visitors pulled a goal back with 49th minutes gone.

Atdhe Nuhiu converted from the spot for the Owls after Fulham keeper Marek Rodak conceded a foul in the six-yard area, but Wednesday failed to capitalise thereafter.

Kebano punished the Yorkshire side further with a 73rd minute clincher – a low effort from a 20 yard free kick, leaving Wildsmith stranded.

With 12 minutes to go, Wednesday netted a fortuitous second when Jacob Murphy's long-range effort took a deflection, before a nervous finish when Nuhiu drew matters back to 4-3.

Fortunately for Fulham, they added a fifth at the climax with a fierce shot by substitute Decordova-Reid, with the Whites, overall, meriting the points.

Fulham: Rodak, Hector, Ream, Christie, Kebano (Decordova-Reid 78), Johansen (Reed 67) , Arter (Odoi 89), Le Marchand, Mitrovic, Knockaert (Sessignon 89) , Onomah (Cairney 78).
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Odoi, Mawson, McDonald, Bryan, Sessegnon.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-win-thriller-to-keep-chance-of-automatic-promotion

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Scott Parker: 'Fulham have the momentum in promotion race'

Scott Parker heaped the Premier League promotion pressure on rivals Brentford and West Brom by insisting Fulham have the momentum now.

Aleksandar Mitrovic went top of the Championship scoring charts with a brace to reach 26 league goals for the season as Fulham saw off Sheffield Wednesday 5-3 at Craven Cottage.

Neeskens Kebano also bagged a brace, with Bobby Decordova-Reid netting late on before Harrison Reed saw red, as Fulham carried the promotion race into Wednesday's final round of fixtures.

Fulham travel to Wigan, third-placed Brentford host Barnsley and second-placed West Brom entertain QPR. The Whites can still swipe second place and automatic promotion, leaving Parker bullish about Fulham's chances.

"The momentum is definitely with us," said Parker.

"I feel we had two negative results coming out of lockdown, but since then my team have been very, very good and we've ground out results.

"This season at times we've been 10, 13 points adrift, we've had to fight, battle and understand the pressures that come with that.

"My team probably haven't got the credit they've deserved.

"West Brom and Brentford, people have said how fantastic they are, and they are, but we're two points off it.

"This league pulls up many surprises and in this current climate that is still going to be the case."

West Brom's 2-1 loss at Huddersfield and Brentford's 1-0 defeat at Stoke opened the door for Fulham to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive.

And Parker admitted Fulham can take great confidence from securing a fifth win in six matches.

"It's a massive win, result-wise it was key for us today, we understood that, we knew what was at stake.

"There were two scenarios obviously, and we saw the West Brom and Brentford results, so we knew we needed to win today to keep the automatic hopes alive.

"The season at times this year there's been some upsets along the way.

"There's been big pressure throughout the year, but there's different pressures asserted on my team, from me and the outside.

"The result was key, and we stood up to that today.

"We take this to the last game, which is massive really.

"We go now to a very good in-form Wigan team, and hopefully we can get another result there.

"If our season ends on Wednesday, amazing, and if it doesn't we'll try and finish it off."

Fulham boasted a 3-0 lead at the break in west London and were coasting, until Wednesday's half-time changes added impetus to the Owls.

Atde Nuhiu's double and Jacob Murphy's strike ensured a nervy finish for the Whites, but Decordova-Reid's goal cemented another big win for Parker's men.

Wednesday boss Garry Monk lamented a fruitless comeback for his side.

"To score three goals against a very good side but come off losing, through errors we have made, it is very frustrating," said Monk.

"We make a few steps forward, then take a few back and that has proved very costly for us. They were poor goals and when we got them on the ropes, we compounded ourselves with more errors.

"But the time for talking is done and there will personal changes and the club will help me do that to get that consistency we desperately need. It's bitterly frustrating. We have to finish at home with a win."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/championship-promotion-race/news/scott-parker-fulham-have-the-momentum-in-promotion-race_407089.html

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Cottage Talk Full Time; Fulham Beat Sheffield Wednesday

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

Matt and Russ share their initial reactions to Fulham's 5-3 victory against Sheffield Wednesday!


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/7/18/21329627/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-beat-sheffield-wednesday

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Five-star Fulham take promotion race to final day

Confirmation of the craziness of the Championship came at Craven Cottage as Fulham rekindled their feint hopes of automatic promotion with an insane victory over Sheffield Wednesday. The Whites capitalised on Brentford's surprise slip-up at Stoke City to record a win over the Owls that takes the race for second spot to the final day, but they might have squandered a comfortable advantage during a frantic finale.

Scott Parker rotated his side with the prospect of the play-offs in mind, making five changes from Fulham's ultimately unsatisfactory draw against West Brom in midweek. It didn't seem to disrupt Fulham's rhythm as they raced into a commanding three-goal lead, with Neeskens Kebano firing in the opener and Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic bagging a brace to overtake Ollie Watkins as the division's top scorer.

But Fulham's defensive frailities were uncovered by Atdhe Nuhiu, one of three half-time Wednesday substitutes, whose early second-half spot-kick sparked a spirited revival from the visitors. It looked as if Kebano's clever free-kick had restored Fulham's comfortable lead, but when Jacob Murphy's deflected drive from distance was followed by a trademark Nuhiu downward header, there was plenty of reason for the home side to panic.

In keeping with a crazy game, Fulham went straight down the other end and increased their advantage. Bobby Decordova-Reid slammed home a Mitrovic knock-down from outside the box to make it 5-3, although Harrison Reed – so pivotal in midfield for Fulham since the league's resumption – will miss Wednesday's crucial trip to Wigan Athletic after being sent off deep into stoppage time.

Kebano, who seems to save his best performances for Sheffield Wednesday, made the most of his opportunity to impress after Ivan Cavaleiro's injury. The Congolese winger opened the scoring with a low finish from just outside the box after drifiting inside from the left having been found by a sweeping ball from Michael Hector. Some of Fulham's football in first half was spellbinding and Cyrus Christie almost doubled the advantage from an acute angle – the Irish full-back denied by a smart save from Joe Wildsmith.

The second arrived on 26 minutes courtesy of a sumptuous passing move from the back. Fulham worked the ball patiently into midfield with a succession of short passes before Josh Onomah unlocked the Owls' defence with a through ball that was perfectly weighted for Mitrovic to saunter clear. Although the striker's run took him wide of goal, Mitrovic made light of the decreasing angle, confidently finding the bottom corner as Wildsmith rushed from his line.

More goals were on the cards with Onomah, in excellent form of late, sending a powerful half-volley fractionally wide. The chance to add a third came from the penalty spot after Dominic Iorfa crudely cut down Kebano in the area. Mitrovic made no mistake from twelve yards, despite slipping as he took the spot-kick, sending his finish straight down the middle.

The contest appeared as good as over at half-time but Garry Monk's tactical switches gave Wednesday an impetus they had previously lacked. They got a penalty shortly after the break after a poor pass from Tim Ream played Maxime Le Marchand into trouble and Marek Radek was penalised for a two-footed challenge on Jacob Murphy. Nuhiu converted the spot-kick and the Owls came forward with more confidence afterwards.

Stefan Johansen and Mitrovic went close to restoring Fulham's three goal lead after Wednesday's strong spell, but it took a surging run from Reed to induce an error from the Wednesday rearguard. After the Southampton loanee was chopped down just outside the box, Kebano's clever free-kick that crept under the wall gave Wildsmith no chance.

To Wednesday's great credit, they refused to throw in the towel. Murphy's speculative shot flew in off Kebano and, when Nuhiu nodded in from the winger's right-wing cross, all the momentum appeared to be with the visitors. Fulham roused themselves in stoppage time, with Decordova-Reid making sure of the points by firing home his third goal of the season after Mitrovic had won a towering header. There was still time for Reed to see red, something which will complicate Parker's preparation for a must-win clash at the DW Stadium, but the fact that Fulham are still in contention for second spot seems like something of a bonus.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak; Christie, Le Marchand, Hector, Ream; Arter (Odoi 90), Johansen (Reed 68), Onomah (Cairney 79); Knockaert (S. Sessegnon 90), Kebano (Decordova-Reid 79), Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Mawson, McDonald, Bryan.

BOOKED: Decordova-Reid, Reed.

SENT-OFF: Reed (90+3).

GOALS: Kebano (11, 73), Mitrovic (26, pen 41), Decordova-Reid (90+1).

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY (5-3-2): Wildsmith; Odubajo (Murphy 45), Harris, Iorfa, Lees, Boerner; Pelupessy (Hunt 79), Bannan, Luongo (Reach 75); Da Cruz (Nuhiu 45), Windass (Wickham 45). Subs (not used): Dawson, Palmer, Waldock, Rhodes.

GOALS: Nuhiu (pen 49, 89), Murphy (78).

REFEREE: Darren England.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/07/five-star-fulham-take-promotion-race-to-final-day/

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Momentum is with Fulham, says Parker

Defiant Scott Parker vowed that Fulham would keep the pressure on promotion rivals Brentford and West Bromwich Albion into the last game of the regular season.

The Whites boss watched as his team overcame Sheffield Wednesday in a 5-3 thriller at Craven Cottage, thanks to braces from both Aleksandar Mitrovic and Neeskens Kebano, as well as a late goal from Bobby Decordova-Reid.

With west London rivals Brentford losing at Stoke City, Fulham travel to Wigan Athletic in midweek needing a win to maintain any prospect of automatic promotion.

Fulham are guaranteed a play-off place at least – and Parker has called for one final big performance on Wednesday night, although he must do without Harrison Reed, who was sent off at the end of Saturday's victory.

"Momentum is with us and this league throws up surprises," said Parker. "The other teams have had negative results, but it remains out of our hands.

"Our focus has been to worry about ourselves. If the season ends on Wednesday, amazing. If not, we'll be ready for another three games.

"Results-wise, it was key for us today, we understood that, we knew what was at stake. There's two scenarios and we saw the West Brom and the Brentford results and we needed to keep our hopes alive.

"There's been some upsets along the way for everyone. My team had pressure on them today, but we've had pressure on us throughout the year."

Fulham were tremendous for the first 45 minutes against the Owls, going into the break 3-0 ahead.

Parker admitted he was concerned for spells in the second half, but satisfied with the eventual, deserved, outcome.

"For 45 minutes I thought we looked like a top team," he explained. "Everything we had discussed was excellent. Some elements were perfect.

"Second half they knocked balls into us, and I was a bit disappointed that we conceded the goals we conceded. Having said that, five goals is the most important thing and the three points keeping the pressure on."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-fulham-will-keep-the-pressure-on-brentford-and-west-brom

[WhiteJC]

'He's accepting that' – Fulham boss details Aleksandar Mitrovic situation after Wednesday win

Fulham boss Scott Parker has insisted that forward Aleksandar Mitrovic is accepting the responsibility that comes with being the club talisman, after once again taking the armband in yesterday's win.

The Serb returned to his perch at the top of the Championship scorers' list yesterday. He netted twice in the 5-3 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday, taking his league tally to 26 for the season.

Club captain Tom Cairney started from the bench yesterday. The 29-year-old had missed the previous three through injury and in two of them, Mitrovic was handed the armband.

He took on the role at Craven Cottage yesterday as well, and speaking to www.fulhamfc.com, Parker explained the importance of giving Mitrovic some more responsibility within the team:

"There's one thing I bang on about with him, he needs to show more of that. He has ability, he's been our focal point...He needs to show his leadership qualities and show how important he is. He has done that massively. He's still only young.

"He is still growing and learning. He's accepting that responsibility and the pressure that's heaped on centre forwards. That's a big pressure and his performance was fantastic. He works hard for the team and I know the goals will come."

Cairney has had a somewhat contested season. He's managed a respectable eight goals in the league this term but his own leadership qualities have been called into question at times.

Now with Mitrovic taking the armband, it could mean Cairney might have to work hard to take it back – he might even struggle to get back into the starting line-up given the strong competition in central midfield.

The verdict

Mitrovic has become a real class act over the past few seasons. From the fiery youngster who kept getting sent off for Newcastle, to the 26-goal Championship striker he is at Fulham – Mitrovic's journey has been an inspired one, and he only seems to be getting better under Parker.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/hes-accepting-that-fulham-boss-details-aleksandar-mitrovic-situation-after-wednesday-win/

[WhiteJC]

Neeskens Kebano sends inspired message to Fulham fans after Wednesday win

Neeskens Kebano scored twice in Fulham's 5-3 win over Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship yesterday.

The Congolese international has been a bit part player at Fulham this season. Competing with the likes of Ivan Cavaleiro, Anthony Knockaert and even Aboubakar Kamara, it's thrust Kebano right down the pecking order.

But he's been given the odd chance by Fulham boss Scott Parker, who gave the 28-year-old a rare start at Craven Cottage yesterday.

It paid off as well – Kebano opened the scoring with his first goal of the season, before netting his second midway through the second-half. After the win, he took to Twitter to share this message:

What a spectaculary match as we like!🤪I'm very happy to have scored⚽⚽, always fight, never give up. Thank you very much to the fans for the #FULFORCE 💪🏾🔥 pic.twitter.com/I0KM0UkYRo

— Neeskens Kebano (@Neeskens_Kebano) July 18, 2020

Fulham have a lot of players like Kebano. They have a lot of players in the 'second team' and the reserves who can quite easily make the step up into the first-team, and Kebano was a prime example of the depth that Fulham have.

Another example of that kind of player is Stefan Johansen – he started yesterday first the first time since the restart, and impressed alongside Harry Arter in midfield, who's also had spells out of the side this season.

The verdict

Kebano has long been a favourite of Fulham fans. The sprightly winger always gives his all when called upon, and has played his back-up role well this season.

It's great for him to grab a couple of goals as well – aside from Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham have somewhat struggled for goals this season, and Kebano's contribution will hold his side in good stead as they look set for the play-offs.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/neeskens-kebano-sends-inspired-message-to-fulham-fans-after-wednesday-win/

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EFL pundit predicts one final twist as West Brom, Brentford and Fulham prepare for promotion decider

Clinton Morrison says there will be one final upset in the race for promotion to the Premier League.

West Bromwich Albion are back in the box seat with their promotion destiny in their own hands - but there will be one final twist in the promotion race Quest pundit Clinton Morrison

The Baggies have clung onto second in the Championship, despite being beaten by Huddersfield Town on Friday night.

But now Brentford, who themselves dropped points away at Stoke City, are now as close as they have ever been to the top two with one final game to play.

"It just didn't work out for Brentford, that's all," he told Quest.

"It's been a huge blow because, obviously, West Brom dropped points and put Brentford in the box seat, but now West Brom are back in the box seat," he said.

The weekend's results, with both West Brom and Brentford droppings points, have dragged Fulham back into the mix.

And Morrison believes Scott Parker's side will make one final slip up on the final day, allowing Albion to win promotion and Brentford to follow them in third.

But it won't be easy for Slaven Bilic's side, he says: "West Brom are the favourites now, but you never know against QPR, they have some really talented players.

"Mark Warburton is their manager, ex-Brentford, he'll want to finish the season on a high.

"I think Brentford will beat Barnsley, it's going to be difficult though because Brentford will be wounded animals after today's result.

"And Fulham have Wigan. That's a tough place to go, Wigan. They're in great form at home, so I am going to go with a Wigan win."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-brentford-fulham-championship-18622733