Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 20/10/20...

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Assured Adarabioyo makes flawless start

Being disappointed that Fulham failed to keep a clean sheet marks significant progress during what has been an underwhelming start to the Premier League campaign. The concession of a late penalty that denied the Whites a first league success might have taken the shine off Tosin Adarabioyo's top flight debut somewhat, but the former Manchester City defender shouldn't allow it to detract from a commanding display at the heart of a rejigged back four that belied his tender years. Calm on the ball, confident in his decision making and a commanding presence in the centre of a defence that suddenly appeared much more secure, you would have been forgiven for thinking that Adarabioyo had been a regular fixture in the Fulham backline.

Adarabioyo's potential has been discussed in hushed tones around Manchester for many years. A natural leader from a young age, he captain City's youth side to the FA Youth Cup final in 2018 and was fast-tracked into the senior squad the following year, making his first-team debut against Chelsea in the FA Cup. City fought hard to prevent him from leaving for pastures new when the likes of Celtic and Spurs showed interest, but after honing his promise with Championship loans at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers, the lure of regular top flight football proved too rich to resist. Seasoned observers were surprised that Fulham were able to snare Adarabioyo, who Pep Guardiola had spoken about as a potential first-team centre half, for as little as £1.5m up front in the closing hours of the summer transfer window.

The 23 year-old's Fulham debut might have come a little quicker than envisaged after Joachim Andersen's untimely ankle injury earlier this week, but you would never have guessed it. A consummate ball-player, he slotted successfully alongside Tim Ream into what had been a jittery Fulham defence previously, immediately offering assurance and the calmness of a man who had played far more than eighty senior games. What was most notable was that Adarabioyo was quickly organising his colleagues, offering instructions from the outset, and none of the chances that fell to Ollie McBurnie as the Blades cranked up the pressure could be considered to have come from an error by the new man.

Instead, Adarabioyo was almost flawless. The best defenders are largely unnoticed for much of a match, not needing to resort to a last-ditch tackle or an eye-catching interception that would be lauded as an excellent defending, because of their positioning and reading of the game. Adarabioyo certainly had an eye for danger, blocking an early shot from Sander Berge, but he rarely needed to go to ground – making just a single tackle throughout the contest – because he was regularly in the right place to take control of possession. Similarly, there was just a solitary interception in the whole game, as he glided effortlessly through his first Premier League outing.

It was easy to see why Fulham felt Adarabioyo would fit their system. Since Scott Parker has sought to build his side from the Jokanovic template, it was no surprise that he would want to find a centre half who was comfortable with the ball at his feet. Adarabioyo definitely fits that bill – completing 96.4% of his 56 passes successfully, the highest percentage of anyone who started the game and he didn't fall short aerially either, winning five duels in the air against David McGoldrick and McBurnie, which is no mean feat. Such is his professionalism that he berated himself for failing to do better with a late headed chance from Tom Cairney's corner that might resulted in a dream winner.

I'm always rather weary of reading too much into a debut, but Adarabioyo's assured start has to be represent one of the biggest positives on an afternoon of mixed emotions in south Yorkshire. Fulham's battle for survival hinges on a cohesive defensive unit bedding in quickly so as to ensure Parker's charges don't find themselves cut adrift at the foot of the table. On this afternoon's evidence, Adarabioyo certainly won't be lacking in application, while his attributes and calm demeanour can give Fulham a fighting chance of staying up.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/10/assured-adarabioyo-makes-flawless-start/

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Mitrovic endures 'tough day' as he misses penalty and then concedes one
Sheffield Utd 1 Fulham 1


Aleksandar Mitrovic had a day to forget for Fulham at Brammall Lane. Photo: PA

It was a long journey back to London for Aleksandar Mitrovic after missing a penalty, conceding another, then wasting a golden opportunity at the death to earn Fulham a first victory of the season.

Both clubs secured their first point of the campaign, but there was a feeling of deflation for Scott Parker's team after Billy Sharp's equaliser from the penalty spot.

Ademola Lookman's spectacular goal on his full debut for the visitors had looked like giving them victory.

And still, with seconds remaining, Mitrovic had a chance for redemption only for his header to go wide.

"Aleks had a tough day, there is no denying that and he'll be the first to admit it," Parker said.

"The two chances, by his standards, he puts into the net and he'll be the first to say that.

"But this is a player who scored a lot of penalties before and this is sport - sometimes you have bad days when it goes like that.

"What will be the telling factor and the stature of the man is how he reacts and I have no doubt he will react in a positive way and come back firing."

Mitrovic has endured eventful recent trips to Yorkshire, picking up a suspension last season, then on his return to Elland Road he scored twice in a defeat last month.

Parker at least has cause for optimism. He also changed his team's shape to use three centre-backs and saw encouraging debuts for Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tosin Adarabioyo. His goalkeeper, Alphonse Areola, was also on good form, producing saves from John Lundstram, Enda Stevens and his best from Oli McBurnie when the Scotland striker headed towards the top corner from close range.

Parker's team were awarded their penalty when Jack Robinson, on as a substitute after Max Lowe had been concussed, needlessly jumped with arm in the air as he challenged Loftus-Cheek. Mitrovic went for power, but the ball kissed the top of the crossbar on its way into the empty stands.

Lookman's moment of magic came when he picked the ball up 30 yards out, then beat Sander Berge through skill and Chris Basham with a desire to keep the ball. As John Egan came across, Lookman lashed his shot into the top corner.

His previous appearance since his loan from Red Bull Leipzig was off the bench, but he will have a big say should Fulham fight their way out of relegation trouble.

Those positive signs, however, were undermined when Mitrovic challenged Robinson in the area. Referee Andre Marriner took a look at the pitchside monitor before deciding it was a penalty, although the Fulham striker clearly had eyes for the ball and his opponent nipped in front of him.

Sharp powerfully put his penalty into the roof of the net for his first goal of the season.

There was still time for Lookman to find Mitrovic with a cross, but the Fulham striker planted his header wide from a few yards out, his miserable afternoon completed with a glaring miss.

Chris Wilder was relieved to take a point after seven straight league defeatsm but admits his team lacks confidence. "It's obvious they looked a bit anxious in the second half," the United manager said.

"This is a tough sport, you're dealing with a Fulham team who have spent 13 of the last 18 seasons in the Premier League - there are no easy hits to get your confidence back.

"It has to come from within and a belief in what we do, which I believe there is. If it was easy, everyone would be at this level, but they're not." (© Daily Telegraph, London)



https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/mitrovic-endures-tough-day-as-he-misses-penalty-and-then-concedes-one-39639819.html

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Everton fans applaud Ademola Lookman after goal for Fulham on Sunday afternoon

Ademola Lookman scored for Fulham on Sunday afternoon as the Cottagers earned their first Premier League point of the 2020-21 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United – and Everton supporters have reacted on Twitter.

Fulham have been disappointing since their return to the Premier League, after a play-off win over Brentford. In the four matches before Sunday's draw against the Blades, they had conceded an enormous 11 goals – scoring only three.

But they looked more assured on Sunday, though the game could have gone either way. A moment of brilliance from Lookman saw Fulham take the lead in the second 45, and with Fulham leading in the last 10 minutes, they will be disappointed not to win.

Lookman, 22, joined Fulham on loan earlier this summer and was handed his first start – after falling down the pecking order at RB Leipzig despite having a hand in nine goals during his 24 appearances for the ambitious Bundesliga side.

He joined Leipzig from Everton where he played 48 times, but was clearly not fancied by Sam Allardyce who loaned him out – before Marco Silva sold him permanently for £22.5million (BBC). Now, he will be looking to reignite his career in west London.

He certainly made a good start on Sunday with his mazy run and powerful left-footed effort. Everton supporters reacted to the news that Lookman had scored an excellent goal against Sheffield United, and many questioned the decision to let him go.



https://tbrfootball.com/everton-fans-applaud-ademola-lookman-after-goal-for-fulham-on-sunday-afternoon/

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest fans react to performance of Cyrus Christie

Nottingham Forest secured their first three points of 2020/21 with a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Following the game, supporters took to Twitter to rave about on-loan defender Cyrus Christie.

The 28-year-old checked in from Fulham last month, having helped the Cottagers win promotion back to the Premier League during the 2019/20 campaign.

Christie made his third appearance for the Reds and turned in his best performance in the Garibaldi, with Chris Hughton placing his faith in the Republic of Ireland international.

Forest battled really well against a Blackburn side who had been free-scoring prior to Saturday's contest. The Reds did a number on the opposition with hard work and desire in abundance.

Christie was part of everything good about the performance from Hughton's team. The proven Championship performer showed superb energy going forward and was resolute defensively.

Forest will need more performances of this nature from Christie if they are to continue climbing the Championship table and the Blackburn result must be the start of a decent run.

Following his standout performance against Blackburn, Forest supporters took to Twitter to rave about Christie's strong showing.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2020/10/19/nottingham-forest-fans-react-to-performance-of-cyrus-christie/

[WhiteJC]

Parker backs Mitrovic after Fulham draw

Fulham boss has tipped Aleksandar Mitrovic to bounce back from his nightmare performance against Sheffield United on Sunday.

The Whites missed a glorious chance to secure a first Premier League win of the season in the 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane when the Serbian striker's penalty smashed off the crossbar.

Mitrovic then conceded a late spot-kick which was converted by Billy Sharp to hand the also winless Blades a share of the points.

The 26-year-old has been a prolific striker at Championship level, scoring 42 goals in 82 appearances and featuring in two promotion-winning campaigns with Fulham and another with Newcastle in 2016/17.

However, he has not been as successful in the top flight, scoring 23 times 82 games, but Parker insists he has full faith in his £27m forward.

"He had a tough day there is no denying that, he'll be the first to admit that," Parker said.

"A missed penalty and two other chances which by his standards he usually puts in the net.

"But this is a player that has scored a lot of penalties before.

"In sport you can have bad days. What is going to be the telling factor is how he reacts and I have no doubt he will in a positive way and come back firing."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-makes-prediction-about-mitrovic-after-fulham-draw

[WhiteJC]

Taylor-Crossdale Returns To Fulham

Striker heads back to parent club after short U's spell

Martell Taylor-Crossdale has returned to Fulham.

The twenty year old signed a season long loan at the U's on September 4th, and made his debut four days later in the EFL Trophy game at Portsmouth.

He found first team opportunities difficult to come by after that though, and it has been agreed by all parties that it would be best for him to return to Craven Cottage.

U's Director of Football Tony Humes told the official website: "It sometimes happens that loan spells  don't go the way we all want them to and this was one of those occasions."

"All three parties agreed that it was best for Martell that he went back to Fulham and we would like to thank him for his time here and wish him the best of luck in his future career."



https://www.cu-fc.com/news/2020/october/martell-taylor-crossdale/

[WhiteJC]

Marcus Bettinelli unbeatable as Reading run ends with Middlesbrough stalemate

Reading's 100 per cent start to the Sky Bet Championship season came to an end at the Riverside but the Royals remain unbeaten after claiming a goalless draw against Middlesbrough.

Veljko Paunovic's side just about shaded things on Teesside, but failed to seriously test Marcus Bettinelli in the Middlesbrough goal, while Jonny Howson had an effort hacked off the line for the hosts.

Neil Warnock, who could not bring in a striker ahead of Friday's domestic transfer deadline, saw his side's attacking limitations exposed as they failed to score for the second time in their opening five league matches.

Chances were at a premium all afternoon, with both defences severely limiting the number of opportunities that were afforded to the opposition.

Reading goalkeeper Rafael was called into action in the 10th minute, tipping a deflected effort from Howson over the crossbar, but it was the midway point of the first half before his opposite number Bettinelli was threatened.

Even then, the Middlesbrough keeper was hardly extended as he got down to claim a weak header from Lucas Joao.

Bettinelli was asked a more serious question shortly before the half-hour mark, but he answered it adeptly as he claimed Michael Olise's effort after the Reading forward twisted and turned to create space in the box.

Yakou Meite shot over after turning away from Howson, before Reading's best chance of the first half came to nothing seven minutes before the interval. A neat short free-kick routine ended with Josh Laurent being teed up on the edge of the penalty area, but his side-footed effort sailed over the crossbar.

The first half ended with Paddy McNair also shooting over from the corner of the Reading 18-yard box, and with both sides remaining compact and well-organised, the second period proved every bit as closely fought and competitive as the first.

Reading's neat passing interplay caused an occasional problem for the Middlesbrough backline, and Ovie Ejaria went close shortly after the hour mark. Andy Rinomhota sent Ejaria driving towards Boro's centre-halves, and the former Liverpool trainee drilled in a fierce low effort that whistled just past the left-hand post.

Howson had an effort ruled out as Boro stepped up their attempts to force a breakthrough – the veteran midfielder was offside as he swept home following a lay-off from George Saville – and was left frustrated again late on as his close-range strike was blocked on the line.

Howson did well to fashion a shooting position after the ball came in from the right, but Reading centre-half Liam Moore did even better as he got himself in the way of the shot.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/marcus-bettinelli-unbeatable-as-reading-run-ends-with-middlesbrough-stalemate-1602952575000

[WhiteJC]

Five Thoughts: Sheffield United 1-1 Fulham
Mitro has a mare in the Premier League's first pay-per-view fixture, but it's not all bad news as new signings outshine the old guard and we actually register a point. Read on, as Marco steps into Cam's shoes in this week's 5 Thoughts.

Buffering, refreshing, and an impressive number of singles in my area – streaming football online is an unhappy experience, but with Sky and BT Sport subscriptions I was not about to pay an additional £14.95 to watch Sheffield United versus Fulham.

Unfamiliar with the dark world of VPNs, I resigned myself to watching Fulham on a shady BeIN Sports stream with a familiar sense of impending regret. This time though, I'm glad I did.

In true Parker fashion, we relied on a moment of magic for our first point this season. Ademola Lookman looks a player. We were relatively solid. We even have a competent centre-back. But for a couple of acts of Serbian subterfuge, Sunday could have been so much more.

We have improved and we need to improve again. If Wolves was the foundation for some form of participation this season, Sunday was another step in the right direction. If we're to stand any chance of staying up, we need to build on this with three points next week. To do so, we need to take a serious look at some of our former heroes.

Out with the old...
A lot has been made about us learning from the mistakes of our previous promotion. Pundits talk of Parker keeping our promotion-winning squad together. Yet only four of Sunday's starting line-up featured last season—and for good reason.

Cairney is shockingly left footed. You can't help but feel this makes him predictable. Already, he's been pushed back into a more defensive role. Bar one good shot, Cairney spent much of his Sunday lunchtime running backwards or sideways with the ball.

Mitrovic looked hungover. Ream is an accident waiting to happen. Cavaleiro is a liability. When our regular counterattacks broke down, it was typically one of our old guard who under-hit a pass, over-hit a pass, mis-controlled the ball, or failed to manoeuvre their body to reach it. When we gave the ball away, it was typically Cavaleiro.

This shouldn't come as a surprise. People forget how poor we were for periods last year. We lost 3-0 at home to Barnsley. We signed Anthony Knockaert. We scraped goalless draws and 1-0 wins. Our play-off final masterclass masks one of history's least inspiring promotion campaigns.

On Sunday, the difference in quality between our old Championship-level players and some of our new signings was clear to see.

Areola was exceptional. Adarabioyo commanded a backline alongside a defender 10 years his senior. Robinson was a consistent threat and defensively sound. Loftus-Cheek was strong in the challenge and consistently won the ball back in midfield. Lookman's strike should have won us the game.

These are positive signs. It makes sense that new signings improve the team. As the team gels together, we should improve. So let's ditch Cavaleiro and crack on with it.

Moments of magic
It's one of the core foundations of Parkerball—wait for a moment of magic to save your bacon.  Lookman delivered on Sunday.

In fairness, we were a consistent threat in the second half. The likes of Anguissa and Loftus-Cheek drove us forward. Lookman started his delightful jinking run from just outside the box before smashing a close-range finish into the top corner.

After game upon game of watching limited wingers with no end product, Lookman is a breath of fresh air. His aggression and dribbling ability is something we haven't seen for some time.

Still, Parkerball persists. But for Sheffield United and Ollie McBurnie's impotence up front, we could have been a few goals behind by half time. Areola made five excellent saves. We boss possession, but we lack a penetrating edge. When we get forward, there's a frustrating lack of quality at times.

With Parkerball, it seems we're still utterly reliant on individual wonder goals to get anything out of a game. With Lookman in the team, let's hope these moments of magic keep on happening.

A* for Adarabioyo
Calm, assured, excellent on the ball – it's everything Manchester City need in a defender. Tosin Adarabioyo's Premier League debut was my highlight of Sunday's game.

Tosin hasn't come from nowhere. He's been on the fringes of the City team and praised by Guardiola. He's even played (briefly) in the Champions League.

He represented England from under-16 to under-19 level. He's had two full Championship seasons at West Brom and Blackburn. Blackburn were so impressed they tried to sign him. While he may have been Tony Khan's seventh choice centre back, at £2 million his signing looks a very clever move.

Of course, this is just one performance. Sheffield United are perhaps the worst attacking team in the league. How Tosin will respond to a mistake or a battering remains to be seen.

But in a shaky backline, his confident presence relaxed Ream and others around him. With Joachim Andersen injured, a lot will rest on the future performances of Mr Adarabioyo.

Mitro's mobility problem
It's hard to win a Premier League football match when your best player for the last two seasons misses and concedes a penalty in the same game.

Mitro lost us three points on Sunday. We'll allow him this one. But could Mitro's flagrant lack of mobility be a more serious problem?

For all his qualities, Mitro is not a quick mover. The deeper he plays, the more ineffective he gets. Ask him to get involved with play, to pass, or create, and he usually gets found out pretty quickly.

What was most concerning against Sheffield United was his hold up play. The ball simply didn't stick and he lacked the mobility to get into areas where he was needed. On counterattacks, he struggled to keep pace with overlapping wingers. When he missed the penalty, he looked tired.

Mitro is still a Fulham legend. When he missed his header in extra time, he felt it. But with new players changing the dynamic of the squad, Parker needs to work out how to get the best out of him.

Pain per view
I once went to West Ham away for a quid. It was awful. There were kids (for a quid) everywhere. From our front row seats at Upton Park, you couldn't see to the other end of the pitch.

But it was only a quid. I could have gone to West Ham 15 times for how much the Premier League, Sky, and BT are charging to watch second-rate Premier League games on pay-per-view.

Here's some more things you can buy for £15:

    A month of PureGym membership
    More than two months of Netflix
    A pair of decent wireless headphones
    15 McDonald's cheeseburgers
    Five pints in a university bar
    Three Wetherspoon's breakfasts
    1,500 penny sweets

We are in a time of economic crisis. Thousands of people are out of work. While coronavirus has instigated many acts of charity and kindness, the Premier League, Sky, and BT conspire to extort yet more money from football fans.

If a normal organisation behaved in this way during a global pandemic, it would cause irreparable damage to brand reputation. People wouldn't buy their products again.

But the Premier League and the broadcasters  know football is more than a standard commodity. They are not out of touch. They know the loyalty and passion of football fans can be exploited and they do so without consultation or remorse.

As long as pay-per-view continues, it's BeIN Sports, pop-up adverts, and Ray Hudson on commentary for me. I'll leave those singles for someone else, though.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-10-19-five-thoughts-sheffield-united-1-1-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

'Things are not getting any easier' - What the national media made of Sheffield United vs Fulham

Sheffield United's winless start to the Premier League campaign continued on Sunday as they drew 1-1 with Fulham at Bramall Lane, with Billy Sharp netting a late equaliser from the penalty spot

Sheffield United picked up their first point of the Premier League season on Sunday, with Billy Sharp's late penalty salvaging a 1-1 draw against an improved Fulham side.

In the end, there was an element of relief for Chris Wilder and his players, who were on course to fall to a fifth successive defeat when Ademola Lookman put the visitors in front.

Fulham also missed a penalty of their own with the scores level at 0-0 as Aleksandar Mitrovic struck the bar from the spot.

Here's how the national press reacted to the Blades' first point of the campaign against the Cottagers.

BBC Sport

"Chris Wilder has worked wonders at Sheffield United, guiding the Blades to their best league finish in 45 years on their return to the Premier League last season," Alex Bysouth wrote for BBC Sport .

"But their second term in the top flight is proving more difficult so far.

"The draw lifts Wilder's side out of the relegation zone on goal difference, but things are not getting any easier for them with their next three fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea."

Daily Mail

"Sharp, the experienced 34-year-old, leathered his shot beyond Alphonse Areola to ensure a point apiece was taken. With that, both Sheffield United and Fulham are off the mark for the 2020-21 season," Kieran Gill wrote for the Daily Mail .

"Supporters of these sides had not been given much incentive to pay £14.95 for this match, each having started the season with four successive Premier League losses.

"A relegation six-pointer in October? That's the way some were billing this before kick-off, possibly even Parker, who wants his players to understand the challenge they are facing."

The Times

"Two managers in search of a spark, looking on with plaintive hope for the catalyst that could turn their team around," John Westerby wrote for The Times .

"When you have endured the start to the season that Chris Wilder and Scott Parker have experienced, failing to pick up a point in your first four games, the transfer window and an international break offered a precious opportunity to bring in and integrate new signings who might just make all those other misfiring parts click back into place.

"Such wishful thinking is the habitual preserve of teams in the lower reaches of the Premier League, but both Wilder and Parker have bolstered their ranks with eye-catching recent additions, giving their supporters the hope of a little transformative stardust being sprinkled amid their spluttering squads, and both saw some early returns in this entertaining game.

"As a result, both teams picked up a valuable first point, a welcome crumb of comfort after such a lean start to the season."

The Sun

"While neither Chris Wilder nor Scott Parker will be happy with the point, they are both on the board to leave Burnley rooted to the bottom of the table," Oscar Paul wrote for The Sun .

"Sheffield United had not scored in their first two home games but they should have been out of sight at half-time – with Oli McBurnie the main culprit.

"The Scot glanced his first header just wide before scuffing a golden chance onto his shoulder that allowed Alphonse Areola to react.

"But if you cannot score yourself, at least you can rely on Fulham's generous defence to help."



https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/sheffield-united-latest-news-fulham-19127165

[WhiteJC]

Jack and Loz Not at the Cottage -Blog 146

Opposition: Sheffield United

Score: 1-1

Fulham goal scorer: Lookman

MOTM: regular readers will know that we are already fans of Ademola Lookman's dancer's feet, sprinter's pace and footballer's brain. On Sunday he used a politician's guile and a magician's trickery to weave into the box and smash home his first Fulham goal. The first of many, we have no doubt.

Snacks: Jack - smoked salmon bagel; Loz- endless cups of tea

An international break in a condensed season whilst a global pandemic is raging is a hard concept to understand never mind defend but Scott Parker made good use of the time off bedding in the new recruits whilst Tony Khan took to the virtual negotiating table again to re-secure the services of Terence Kongolo, this time on a permanent basis.

Kongolo didn't make the line up for Sunday's match against fellow Premier League strugglers Sheffield United and nor did Joachim Andersen who, in a worryingly Mawsonesque way, is already injured.

However, the starting 11 on Sunday was unrecognisable from the team which played against Arsenal 5 games ago in more ways that one. Not only have Antoneeee and Lookman quick dry cemented their places in the side but RLC and Tosin Adarabioyo have been parachuted in bringing Premier League credentials and lengthy surnames to the Club. Reuben looks like he might be something of a slow burner but we were hugely impressed with Tosin - an attack minded Centre Back who is tall, strong, assured, and confident. And ours.

But it wasn't just a case of a few new faces. There was a new dynamism and, at times, a new way of playing - a strong, disciplined high line at the back, counter attacking pace through the middle and an attack which is no longer the repetitive and ineffective cross-and-hope-for-the-best. In the second half in particular we managed to look dangerous going forward and solid at the back AT THE SAME TIME! United were lucky their goalie had a good game and they were lucky with both penalties too.

Old timers Ream and Cairney didn't look outclassed by their new teammates but raised their game to fit in. Both were excellent - Tom was passing and shooting like his old self and continuing to develop an understanding with Frank. As for Tim, we know his days are numbered but the combination of his wisdom and experience and Tosin's energy and ability make for a very effective partnership.

What we are really saying here is that his was an excellent team performance. What Scott has done, which seemed to be beyond Slav, is to take his old and new components - his acquisitions and his loans, his big reputations and potentially big egos, those with something to prove and those with a lot to learn, those to whom we owe a debt and those on whom we are taking a chance - and get them to play together for him, for each other, for us.

That high line - so high that most of the United team were off side in every attack - worked because the defenders trusted each other and listened to each other. We looked threatening when we attacked because each player was trying (too hard at times) to set up the best chance to score not to grab the glory for himself.

Within that cohesive team there were other good individual performances - Areola showed his class again; Frank dominated both on and off the ball; Lemina looked much better than his previous precarious performance and Aine proved good at making space for himself and equally good at using it.

Of course, it's not all sweetness and light - you could see sometimes why these teams are at the bottom of the table: United with their wild shooting and even Wilder crossing, Fulham giving the ball away too easily and conceding too many free kicks. Both Frank and Tom were too casual at times and the decision making going forward was erratic. Cav saw a lot of the ball but didn't do much with it; even the much improved defence still looked chaotic at times. And of course, there is a now a darkly bearded, exotically tattooed and menacing looking elephant in the room.

Aleksandar Mitrovic was the key to both our recent promotions. He gives 100% every game. In many ways he is the perfect striker - he doesn't just provide an expert finish, he holds the ball up and brings others into the game, he assists as well as scores and he celebrates every goal as if he scored it whether he was involved or not. He is a passionate team player who loves to play to the crowd but who can perform in a empty stadium. He is entitled to an off day. Unfortunately on Sunday he had one of the most Fulhamishly off days ever (everything which could go wrong did go wrong; a draw was snatched from the jaws of victory) and the irony isn't lost on us that he scored a penalty for Serbia 4 days previously. But Mitro's mistakes at both ends of the pitch came out of him trying too hard and getting too desperate. On Sunday he wasn't flammable, more like singed around the edges but he is Mitro and he will come back stronger like he always does.

Random musings:-

- it was nice to see Ollie Norwood again and his gesture to the inured Lookman was kind

- Scott Parker turned 40 this week and we have to say he suddenly looks it. Premier League manager must be one of the most high pressured jobs in the world. There are higher stakes in bomb disposal but a lot less money....

- Tosin's reaction when he thought he had scored an Own Goal - approximately half an hour into his Fulham career - says a lot about him. Is it too early to say we might have found a future Fulham captain?

PPV musings:-

- is £14.95 too much to pay (on top of your usual subscription) to watch a Premier League match? Yes. Did we both pay it? Yes

- the Scottish commentator had a nice voice, was balanced throughout and even complimentary at times. Like his brethren though he couldn't pronounce Cairney. Which is a Scottish name.

- this would have been a good game for a neutral but no one is going to pay to watch a match in which their team isn't playing

- compared to a normal match day (remember them?) which involves match ticket, train ticket, tube ticket, at least 2 cappuccinos (each), wine, food and possibly more wine £14.95 is quite cheap

- and yes we know the experience isn't the same but being able to watch Fulham on TV is something to cling onto in this endless nightmare of lockdowns and circuit breakers and tiers and tears

So Fulham have a point on the board and the fact that we are genuinely disappointed that we don't have 3 is actually another positive about this match. It's come a few games late but we have a foundation to build on and a group of players who don't look like a relegation team. They will only get better the more they play together just as Scott's management is getting better all the time (while his hair silvers and his worry lines deepen).

33 games to go. All to play for. And a table to climb.



https://werdsmith.com/p/T6SADBsexXvpk

[WhiteJC]

Colchester loanee Martell Taylor-Crossdale back at Fulham

MARTELL Taylor-Crossdale's loan spell at Colchester United has ended early after he returned to parent club Fulham.

The 20-year-old has hardly featured for the U's since joining them on a season-long loan from the Premier League new boys, in early September.

Taylor-Crossdale's only appearance for Colchester came in their EFL Trophy defeat at Portsmouth.

The young striker has not featured in the U's matchday squad for several weeks, leading him to a return to Craven Cottage.

Colchester's Director of Football Tony Humes told the U's website: "It sometimes happens that loan spells don't go the way we all want them to and this was one of those occasions.

"All three parties agreed that it was best for Martell that he went back to Fulham and we would like to thank him for his time here and wish him the best of luck in his future career."

Taylor-Crossdale arrived at Colchester with a promising reputation, having represented England at under-20, under-18, under-17 and under-16 level.

He was at Chelsea in their academy for 12 years but did not make a senior appearance.

Taylor-Crossdale joined Fulham in 2019 and has made one appearance for them to date, as a late substitute in their EFL Cup defeat to Southampton.

The striker also played in the EFL Trophy for their under-21 side against MK Dons and Stevenage, last season.

Taylor-Crossdale was crowned an under-18 Premier League winner twice, FA Youth Cup winner twice, and also a UEFA Youth league winner while playing for Chelsea.

He found the net an impressive 29 times in 37 games in the under-18 Premier League, and 11 times in 36 games in Premier League Two.

Taylor-Crossdale has also represented his country at youth level, having played for the England youth set-up from ages 16 to 20, scoring at every level.

However, it has not worked out for him at Colchester and he has now returned to Fulham.



https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/18804701.colchester-united-loanee-martell-taylor-crossdale-returned-fulham/

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Chelsea Here Chelsea There: Loftus-Cheek debut for Fulham

There were goals and debuts aplenty for our players out on loan this week...

Two of our young strikers continued their impressive goalscoring starts to the season in Europe this weekend. In the Eredivisie, Armando Broja's brace for Vitesse away at ADO Den Haag helped his new loan side into third after five matches in the Dutch top flight.

The opener after half an hour was a predatory finish on the rebound from 10 yards after a strike had been parried into his path, while his second later in the game was an even more impressive effort. Carrying the ball down the right, the 19-year-old cut inside and skipped past two defenders before beating the goalkeeper with a powerful, low left-footed shot.

Vitesse had seen a man sent off late in the first half but Broja's brace was enough to ensure they made it 12 points from 15 with only two goals conceded to date and added to his maiden senior career goal last month against Sparta Rotterdam.

Elsewhere in the Netherlands, George McEachran made his debut for MVV Maastricht in the second division, coming off the bench for the final 30 minutes as they were beaten 2-0 away at Excelsior.

Also among the goals on the continent was Ike Ugbo, who netted twice in a big 5-2 home win for Cercle Brugge over Gent in the Belgian Jupiler League. The brace doubles his tally for the campaign to four and takes the team into sixth position. Matt Miazga went straight into the Anderlecht side for his debut against Leuven but could not prevent Vincent Kompany's men dropping two points in a 2-2 home draw.

In the Premier League, Ruben Loftus-Cheek made his Fulham debut at Bramall Lane as the Cottagers picked up their first point of the season. The England international started in an advanced midfield role and played 81 minutes, his longest runout in 17 months following a long-term Achilles injury.

Aleksandar Mitrovic missed a penalty for the visitors just before the hour mark but Ademola Lookman, another new signing, looked to have won it for Scott Parker's men with a strike 13 minutes from time.

However, the Blades were awarded a spot-kick of their own late on and Billy Sharp made no mistake to ensure a share of the points. Ethan Ampadu was an unused substitute for the hosts.

Ross Barkley made it two goals in two games for Aston Villa with a stoppage-time winner against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. As a stalemate of a contest looked to be heading for an inevitable draw, the midfielder found the bottom corner from 25 yards out to maintain Villa's winning start to the season.

Michy Batshuayi started the first game of his second loan spell at Crystal Palace and was involved in winning an early penalty for the Eagles against rivals Brighton when he was pulled to the floor by former Blue Tariq Lamptey. Wilfried Zaha dispatched from 12 yards but Roy Hodgson's side then sat back and eventually conceded a late leveller to Alexis MacAllister.

Switching to Italy, Tiemoue Bakayoko made his debut for Napoli in an impressive win over Atalanta. Gennaro Gattuso's side raced into a 4-0 lead by half-time, with Bakayoko sitting in a deep midfield role for the hosts. It finished 4-1, with the 26-year-old withdrawn after 75 minutes.

Davide Zappacosta and Genoa were not in action after a number of positive Covid-19 test results saw their game postponed.

Kenedy played the opening hour of Granada's impressive win against 10-man Sevilla, the visitors to Stamford Bridge tomorrow in the Champions League. The Brazilian started in a wide-right attacking position and recovered from an early knock to play his part in a win that takes the Nazaries sixth in the early La Liga standings.

Meanwhile in France, Trevoh Chalobah played 76 minutes of Lorient's 3-1 win away at Reims.

In Turkey, Eddie Newton's Trabzonspor fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Basaksehir, with Lewis Baker playing throughout, while Victor Moses made his Spartak Moscow debut in their comeback win against Khimki. Spartak are joint-top after 11 games; Krasnodar, our Champions League opponents next week, are six points back in seventh.

Lucas Piazon was replaced 76 minutes into Rio Ave's 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Benfica in Portugal's Primeira Liga and Danilo Pantic played 50 minutes of Cukaricki's 2-1 loss to Proleter in Serbia.

Back in England, Marc Guehi's Swansea City lost their first game of the Championship campaign at home to Huddersfield Town. The defender played throughout in a back three, with former Chelsea youngster Kasey Palmer also making his debut for the Swans. It finished 2-1 to the Terriers in south Wales.

Jamal Blackman was unable to prevent Norwich City stealing a late winner against Rotherham United as Jordan Hugill scored a penalty four minutes into added time to seal a 2-1 win for the Canaries in Yorkshire.

Tariq Uwakwe and Jon Russell featured throughout as Accrington Stanley were beaten at early League One leaders Ipswich Town. Goalkeeper Nathan Baxter was on the bench. Also in that division, Luke McCormick started Bristol Rovers's 1-1 home draw with Burton Albion. Jamie Cumming's Stevenage lost 1-0 at Forest Green Rovers in League Two.



https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2020/10/19/chelsea-here-chelsea-there--goals-for-broja-and-ugbo-in-europe--?cardIndex=0-0

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Lookman lights up Fulham's forward line

Until yesterday, you'd have been hard pressed to find any real bright spots from Fulham's return to the top flight. The closest thing to a positive was probably the arrival and emergence, via two encouraging cameos off the bench, of Ademola Lookman that made the lively winger's introduction to the starting line-up a sure thing. Having perked up Fulham's attacking play against Brentford and Wolves, the on-loan Leipzig wide man was rewarded with a start at Sheffield United – and he marked the occasion with the sort of goal that he's been threatening to score since he made the switch to Craven Cottage.

The stunning individual goal will win all the plaudits – as it should – but it is Lookman's mentality and desire that have impressed me since he first feratured for Fulham. In a side that has proven predictable because of a preoccupation with possesion and a predilection for sideways passes, the nippy winger is ambitious and direct. He's not bothered by the prospect of getting clattered by defenders and, in a system that has previously seemed to shackle the creativity of our wide players, Lookman wants to take people on at every opportunity. It's a refreshing change – and one that is already reaping rewards.

The goal itself showed the limitations of Scott Parker's set up in the final third, in a perverse way. Lookman made it all himself, darting inside Sander Berge with real purpose and a turn of pace, before riding the challenge of Chris Basham and, crucially, gathering himself as the ball might have wriggled out of his control and firing an unstoppable shot high into the roof of the net. Watching his exploits again, it was notable that had he decided to head for the byline and cross for a team-mate, no other yellow shirt had made a move from the edge of the box. That static element of Fulham's play in the last third needs to change and Parker can't rely of moments of individual magic to deliver it.

Lookman's potential has never been a secret. He burst onto the scene so impressively as a teenager at Charlton and started well having earned a big move to Everton before his career rather fizzled out under Sam Allardyce. Harnessing his willingness to roam infield from a wide left position will be crucial to transforming Fulham's threat to the opposition, which has hitherto largely come from a horribly isolated Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Serbian striker had a day to forget yesterday – but there were still elements of the pair's link-up play to admire, especially when Lookman lifted in a peach of cross that Mitrovic headed wide in the closing stages.

There are things that can improve as his Fulham career progresses. The understanding with Antonee Robinson down the left flank might be one of the most exciting parts of his inclusion in this side, particularly when you consider how adventurous the former Wigan full-back is in his own game. Lookman rather ignored the American international at times in the second half as Robinson offered a promising overlap, preferring to plough his own furrow or shift the ball inside, but a partnership can be forged by a bit of hard graft and exploration at Motspur Park in the weeks ahead. With Ruben Loftus-Cheek now able to pull the strings from a number ten position, Lookman should have even more opportunities to terrorise top flight full backs in Fulham's upcoming fixtures. Keeping him fit and firing could pay real dividends.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/10/lookman-lights-up-fulhams-forward-line/

[WhiteJC]

Lookman: Should Have Been Three

Despite his wonderful individual display, Ademola Lookman cut a disconsolate figure at full-time on Sunday.

The forward marked his full Fulham debut with a stunning solo goal against Sheffield United, but a late penalty meant we had to settle for a draw at Bramall Lane.

"It's disappointing really," Lookman said. "I thought we should have got three points from the game, but it's done now, so onto the next one.

"We all believe we can do great things this season. Obviously we're a new group so we're still gelling together, but that will come.

"We expect good things will come in the near future."

The Blades certainly had the better chances in the first half, but Scott Parker rallied his troops at the break, and they went on to dominate the second 45.

"The Gaffer wanted us to play a lot quicker, especially when we got into the opposition half, to try and penetrate a lot more," Lookman explained.

"That's what we tried to do, and it worked for us. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to get us the three points.

"I definitely feel like in the second half we controlled the game a lot more, created a lot more chances and should have scored more than one.

"That's the important thing, though, that we're creating chances."

Lookman's opener demonstrated what he's all about, with a combination of skill and determination getting him into the box, before lashing home an unstoppable shot which left the otherwise unbeatable Aaron Ramsdale with no chance.

But with it not turning out to be the winner, Lookman was reluctant to wax lyrical about his strike: "I can score those goals. I can score all different types of goals, but it's just disappointing that we didn't get the three points."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/october/Lookman-Should-Have-Been-Three/

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Sanderson double sees Fulham U18s past Baggies

A brace from Olly Sanderson secured a comfortable 4-1 win for Fulham's under 18s at West Brom this morning.

Fulham made a flying start when Sanderson converted a low cross from Mika Biereth, but were quickly pegged back from the penalty spot after young left back Stefan Parkes was penalised for handball. Sanderson notched his second with a composed finish at the back post after a swift Fulham back down the right flank and Irish youth international Ollie O'Neil went close to extending the visitors' lead with a lovely curling effort that drifted just wide.

Steve Wigley's side grabbed a third before the break from the penalty spot after a beautiful pass from Luciana D'Auria-Henry sent Biereth through on goal. The Polish forward was brought down by the goalkeeper and Adrion Pajaziti coolly converted the spot-kick.

The second period was devoid of clear cut chances until Matt Dibley-Dias unlocked the home defence with a clever pass and Biereth cut in from the right flank and fired clinically past the onrushing goalkeeper. The convincing win means that Fulham have won three of their first four league games this season and currently sit third in the table, with a game in hand on Tottenham and Aston Villa above them.

FULHAM U18s: Borto; D'Auria-Henry, Parkes, Antonsson, Araujo; Pajaziti, Dibley-Dias, O'Neill; Harris, Biereth, Sanderson. Subs: McNally, Lanquedoc, Olakigbe, Caton, Avenall.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/10/sanderson-double-sees-fulham-u18s-past-baggies/

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Colchester United end Fulham starlet's loan spell after one game

Colchester United have confirmed on their official club website that loan man Martell Taylor-Crossdale has returned to parent club Fulham after just one substitute appearance for the club.

Just over a month ago, Colchester United moved to bolster their attacking ranks with the loan signing of Fulham youngster Martell Taylor-Crossdale. The clubs agreed a season-long loan deal to allow the young striker to pick up senior experience away from Craven Cottage.

However, after just one appearance for the club, Taylor-Crossdale's loan spell with the League Two side has been cut short. Colchester United confirmed the departure of the Fulham starlet on Monday, saying that the return is best for all parties after game time proved difficult to come by.

Speaking to the club's official website upon the announcement, the club's director of football, Tony Humes, wished Taylor-Crossdale the best for his future, saying:

"It sometimes happens that loan spells don't go the way we all want them to and this was one of those occasions.

"All three parties agreed that it was best for Martell that he went back to Fulham and we would like to thank him for his time here and wish him the best of luck in his future career."

In his brief stint with the club, Taylor-Crossdale came off the bench in his only appearance, playing 24 minutes in the EFL Trophy against Portsmouth.



https://the72.co.uk/197290/colchester-united-end-fulham-starlets-loan-spell-after-one-game/

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Former Brighton star Anthony Knockaert set for Nottingham Forest debut with Chris Hughton
Nottingham Forest could hand a debut to former Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert against Rotherham as they look to build on their first victory of the season.

Joe Lolley's last-gasp winner earned ex-Brighton boss Chris Hughton three points at Blackburn in his first game in charge, meaning new loan signing Knockaert has the chance to come into a winning team.

Knockaert enjoyed a hugely successful time under Hughton during their time at Brighton together and new Forest manager moved swiftly to bring the Frenchman in from Fulham.

Hughton has a couple of injuries to assess, with Tyler Blackett failing to make the squad at Ewood Park and Jack Colback being forced off early in the second half.

Harry Arter stands by for a recall, while Joe Worrall could reclaim his place in the squad.

Millers boss Paul Warne is still undergoing a period of self-isolation and will tune into the match via a live stream, while leading the half-time discussion on video link.

Defender Angus MacDonald will also be absent as he begins a three-match ban for his sending off against Norwich.

Joe Mattock was back in training on Monday after his own stint in isolation and could come back in at left-back, freeing up temporary stand-in Clark Roberson.

Chiedozie Ogbene faces four months out with a knee injury.



https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/former-brighton-star-anthony-knockaert-set-nottingham-forest-debut-chris-hughton-3007930

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Tosin: Tough To Take

Tosin Adarabioyo was frustrated that he couldn't cap his Premier League debut with a win, but feels Fulham are moving in the right direction.

A solid showing from the 23-year-old on his Whites bow looked set to help us to victory over Sheffield United, but a late Billy Sharp penalty meant it was one point rather than three.

"It's a tough one to take, not getting the three points that we think we deserved, but there are lots of positives to take from the game," Adarabioyo told fulhamfc.com.

"We were so close to getting a clean sheet, which would have been great, but it wasn't to be.

"It was a great experience making my Premier League debut, nice to get back out there, I really enjoyed it.

"I obviously came during the international break so I had lots of time to get used to how the team play, and get myself ready for this game. I feel nice and settled at the Club already.

"We wanted the three points, we got one. It's nice to get the first point of the season even if it's not the result we were looking for.

"Hopefully we can continue improving and can build on this result and performance."

Despite being under the cosh for a significant period of the first half, Fulham went into the break level, and were much improved after the restart.

"You have spells in the game where that can happen, but we stayed in the game," Adarabioyo explained. "It was great that we managed to score the first goal, but we all know how it ended.

"We felt like we did control the game for the majority of it, which is what we wanted to do. That led to us creating lots of chances, it's just a shame that we didn't get the result to go with it.

"We know what we need to do. We're going into this week focused on Crystal Palace, and hopefully we'll get maximum points in that one."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/october/Tosin-Tough-To-Take/

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'I can score different types of goals' – Lookman reacts after opening Fulham goal account

The Anglo-Nigerian ended his goal drought in the English top-flight with the Cottagers' only strike at Bramall Lane

Ademola Lookman thinks Fulham deserved maximum points after their "disappointing" 1-1 draw at Sheffield United on Sunday.

The 22-year-old fired Fulham ahead at Bramall Lane in the 77th minute but it was cancelled out by Billy Sharp from the penalty spot five minutes before the end of the encounter.

Lookman's solo strike was his first goal in the Premier League in over three years, when he scored against Manchester City on his Everton debut in January 2017.

He expressed confidence in his goalscoring ability after the game, and he remains upbeat about Fulham's chances as they continue to aim for their first Premier League win of the season.

"It's disappointing really. I thought we should have got three points from the game, but it's done now, so onto the next one," Lookman told the club website.

"We all believe we can do great things this season. Obviously we're a new group so we're still gelling together, but that will come.

"We expect good things will come in the near future.

"I can score those goals. I can score all different types of goals, but it's just disappointing that we didn't get the three points."

Fulham dominated both halves of the game on Sunday and Lookman, who played from start to finish, explained manager Scott Parker's impact at the break.

"The gaffer wanted us to play a lot quicker, especially when we got into the opposition half, to try and penetrate a lot more," he continued.

"That's what we tried to do, and it worked for us. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get us the three points.

"I definitely feel like in the second half we controlled the game a lot more, created a lot more chances and should have scored more than one.

"That's the important thing, though, that we're creating chances."

Lookman is currently in West London on a season-long loan from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and he has played two league matches so far.

Fulham are 19th on the Premier League table with a point after five games. They host Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage for their next league fixture on Saturday.



https://www.goal.com/en/news/i-can-score-different-types-of-goals-lookman-reacts-after/ima1crdkjtfh1og3rekc2dlmh

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Report: Fulham planning 2021 bid for Football League star Harry Kewell called 'fantastic'

Premier League strugglers Fulham are eyeing a January move for Peterborough United attacker Siriki Dembele, according to The Sun (18 October, page 61).

It's fair to say the Posh have a fine track record when it comes to polishing rough diamonds before selling them on to clubs higher up the Football League pyramid.

And, two years after snapping up the fleet-footed Dembele from Grimsby Town, Darren Ferguson's side could be about to make another major profit on a man who is attracting admiring glances from at least one top-flight club.

Fulham have been watching developments in London Road closely, although the Cottagers have yet to decide whether Dembele is ready to make an immediate step up to the Premier League.

A 24-year-old Ivorian who honed his considerable talents in the same Nike Football Academy that unearthed the likes of Tom Rogic and Matty Cash, Dembele isn't a prolific goalscorer like former Peterborough graduates Ivan Toney or Dwight Gayle.

But the gifted attacking midfielder is perhaps the most technically gifted footballer in League One, slaloming through even the wildest of challenges before carving apart opposition defences with his pinpoint passes.

"I saw Dembele play a couple of years ago. He's a fantastic prospect and I hope he continues his development," Harry Kewell, a man who knows a thing or two about shining in the Premier League, told the Grimsby Telegraph.

Fulham have been much improved in their last two Premier League matches and finally got a point on the board in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Sheffield United.

But with Aleksandar Mitrovic perhaps suffering from a lack of quality service, could Dembele be the link between a cultured midfield and an often isolated Cottagers front line?



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/10/19/report-fulham-planning-2021-bid-for-football-league-star-harry-kewell-called-fantastic/