Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 02/12/20...

[WhiteJC]

More home struggles for Vardy as Lookman's FPL form continues

Leicester 1-2 Fulham

    Goals: Harvey Barnes (£6.9m) | Ademola Lookman (£5.0m), Ivan Cavaleiro (£5.3m)
    Assists: Jamie Vardy (£10.2m) | André-Franck Zambo Anguissa (£4.5m), Bobby Decordova-Reid (£5.3m)
    Bonus points: Cavaleiro x3, Anguissa x2, Lookman x1

KING SOUR STADIUM

Jamie Vardy's (£10.2m) lacklustre home form reared its ugly head yet again as Leicester suffered a 2-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Fulham in Gameweek 10.

As has often been the case at the King Power Stadium this season, the Foxes' front-man was unable to have much influence on the game, faced with yet another home game where the opposition dropped deep throughout.

He did show some smart play when he knocked down a second-half cross for Harvey Barnes (£6.9m) to fire into the top corner but, apart from that, Vardy never got a chance to stretch his legs.

A five-point score will feel somewhat anti-climactic for over one-million Fantasy Premier League managers who captained Vardy, especially considering it was against Fulham who, up until now, have boasted one of the division's worst defences.

But his struggles at the King Power Stadium are nothing new, as has been well documented this season. Across his four Premier League home appearances this season, Vardy has averaged just 3.3 points per game.

Such information is likely to cast doubt on Vardy's Fantasy credentials for upcoming home meetings with Brighton (Gameweek 12) and Everton (Gameweek 13), especially if he could not even buck his home-trend against Fulham.

Thankfully for his 28.7% ownership, Gameweek 11 takes Vardy into a much more favourable scenario: a trip to Sheffield United.

80.3% of his points have come on the road this season, an average of 10.6 points per away game, while the Blades are the only Premier League team without a clean sheet in 2020/21.

BARNES DOOR

The 4.1% invested in Barnes were among the rare winners of Leicester's defeat to Fulham as he scored the Foxes' only goal of the game.

Finding the net, the former West Bromwich Albion loanee certainly sent a message to manager Brendan Rodgers who left him out of the starting XI initially, despite a strong performance midweek.

Neither James Maddison (£7.0m) nor Dennis Praet (£5.5m) provided much support for an isolated Vardy as Rodgers went with a 3-4-2-1 formation which lacked the width to really stretch Fulham's deep block.

It was in the second half that the hosts were able to make some limited progress, as Barnes and Cengiz Ünder (£5.9m) came on for Praet and wing-back Luke Thomas (£4.3m) respectively, allowing for a slight improvement in the fluidity of their attack.

TAKE A LOOK

y contrast, Fulham went about Monday night's encounter with a cut and thrust that Leicester could not replicate.

The result itself might have been a surprising one but it was a fully deserved win for the visitors, especially considering Scott Parker made the bold decision of benching key players in Aleksandar Mitrović (£5.7m) and Tom Cairney (£5.3m).

Ivan Cavaleiro (£5.3m) was handed the centre-forward role and, despite his embarrassing penalty miss last time out, was brave enough to step up for the latest Fulham spot-kick and slammed it past Kasper Schmeichel (£5.5m). That ensured the Cottagers did not become the first Premier League team to miss three penalties in a row.

"I asked him yesterday, 'are you ready to take this penalty if we get one?' and he looked me dead in the eye and said 'yeah, I'm ready'. The courage, the bravery to step up there, they're things that we need." – Scott Parker

There was also a strong showing from Ademola Lookman (£5.0m) who has also responded well to his recent penalty woes.

Since sending a stoppage-time spot-kick into Lukasz Fabianski's (£5.0m) arms at West Ham, the Fulham winger has gone on to get himself a goal and assist across the last two matches, going close with some direct free-kicks too.

Matches with Manchester City (away) and Liverpool (home) over the next two Gameweeks are likely to ward off any Fantasy interest but as Fulham's fixtures turn more positive in Gameweek 13, Lookman's propensity to shoot could mean he finally fulfils his potential as a budget midfield option.

"He came in for a lot of stick when he did the penalty, rightly so, you need to take your medicine after that. What is going to determine, like anyone Cavaleiro – last week he slips for the penalty. I'm not on Instagram but I can only imagine what was being said, the jokes for everyone to see and Cav would have seen that. Ade's performance tonight, earned the right to score a goal." – Scott Parker

Leicester City XI (3-4-2-1): Schmeichel; Fuchs, Evans, Fofana; L Thomas (Ünder 46′), N Mendy (Iheanacho 70′), Tielemans, Justin; Maddison, Praet (H Barnes 46′); Vardy.

Fulham XI (5-4-1): Areola; A Robinson, Adarabioyo, Andersen, Aina, Decordova-Reid; Lookman (Bryan 90′), Zambo-Anguissa, Reed, Loftus-Cheek (Lemina 77′); Cavaleiro (Mitrović 87′).



https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/12/01/more-home-struggles-for-vardy-as-lookmans-fpl-form-continues/

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker praises 'courage' of Fulham forwards after vital win at Leicester


(Image credit: Rui Vieira)

Scott Parker praised the bravery of his Fulham strikers after they fired the Cottagers to victory at Leicester.

Ivan Cavaleiro struck from the spot after Ademola Lookman's opener to give the visitors a 2-1 win on Monday.

Harvey Barnes' late goal ensured a nervy finish but Fulham held on to climb out of the Premier League's drop zone.

Both Cavaleiro and Lookman have been criticised this season for missing penalties – Fulham having squandered three this season – but boss Parker believes they stood up when it mattered.

He said: "Ade came under a lot of stick when he did the penalty (a chip against West Ham) and he needed to take his medicine.

"Cav slipped last week and I'm not on Twitter or Instagram but I can only imagine what was being said, the jokes at his expense and Cav would have seen that.

"I said to him: 'Are you ready to take one if we get it?' He looked at me dead in the eye and said: 'I'm ready'.

"The courage to step up there are the things we need. Ade earned the right to score his goal and Cav put himself up to be scrutinised.

"There's no denying there's relief. We're in a world where it's win or lose for all of us and that's the big picture. I've spoken to them about not letting defeats cripple us."

Leicester twice came close to opening the scoring after 19 minutes when James Maddison's free-kick hit the wall.

The ball bounced to Youri Tielemans who hit the post, with the rebound falling for Wesley Fofana but he struck the bar from six yards.

It was costly and Fulham took the lead 11 minutes later when Andre-Frank Anguissa's strong run ended with the midfielder slipping Lookman through and he took a touch before beating Kasper Schmeichel.

Fulham celebrated with a Senegal shirt to pay tribute to former midfielder Papa Bouba Diop, who died on Sunday.

Parker added: "The kitmen brought the shirt to the changing room and the players were shown it before the game.

"That was a decision we as a club made and the players were happy to do it. For someone to lose their life at a young age is tragic."

The Cottagers grabbed a second eight minutes later after VAR intervened to help award them a penalty.

Play continued after Bobby Decordova-Reid went down under a challenge from Christian Fuchs before it was checked and referee Simon Hooper went to his screen.

He pointed to the spot and, after penalties woes this season, Cavaleiro – who ballooned over against Everton last week – fired in.

Leicester had little response until the 86th minute when Barnes scored his fifth of the season from Jamie Vardy's knockdown.

But Fulham held on to deny the Foxes, who remain fourth, the chance to move level on points with Tottenham and Liverpool at the top.

Boss Brendan Rodgers said: "We're disappointed, mistakes were made in the first half and it was an uphill climb. We had a lot more of the ball but lacked creativity.

"I thought Fulham deserved to win it, they had more energy in the first half and pounced on our mistakes and in the second half they dropped deep.

"It was more to do with ourselves, we knew they would be compact and tight but in the first half the speed and creativity in our game was not there.

"You can't get away from the fact the players up until this point have done fantastically, considering the quality of players we've had out.

"In the last few games we've made mistakes and got punished. It's a young team and sometimes they play young."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-praises-courage-of-fulham-forwards-after-vital-win-at-leicester-1606768345000

[WhiteJC]

Is Timmy Abraham doing well away from Fulham in the EFL?

After a small taste of senior football at Bristol Rovers last term, a  move back out on loan seems like the right next step for Timmy Abraham in the summer.

The striker joined Fulham from Charlton Athletic in 2017 but has never made a first-team appearance for the club.

It seems his time at Craven Cottage was close to coming to an end in the summer window as Transfermarkt reported that a move to Borussia Dortmund fell through.

Instead, he had to settle instead for a loan move to Argyle, by no means a bad side to join given they're known for their attacking football under Ryan Lowe, as with the Cottagers now a Premier League club, opportunities looked set to be scarce this term.

So far things haven't quite clicked for Abraham in League One and despite Lowe's men making a strong start to the 2020/21 campaign, he is yet to find the net.

The 19-year-old has made four appearances for Plymouth in total – coming off the bench three times in the league and starting once in the Papa John's Trophy.

Opportunities in the league appear to have dried up for him recently and he hasn't featured since October but by far his most impressive game for the League One side came earlier this month in the cup as he provided two assists in their 3-1 win against Newport County.

Despite sparkling in that game, he doesn't seem to have won Lowe round just yet as he hasn't been has only been included in a League One matchday squad once this month.

Abraham's loan with Argyle runs until January, at which point both Fulham and Plymouth will have a decision to make.

You'd imagine that the west London club and their teenage forward will want him to have to increased involvement over the next month or so.

If that doesn't happen, a loan move elsewhere may follow.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/is-timmy-abraham-doing-well-away-from-fulham-in-the-efl/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's Three Nigerian Musketeers React To First Away Win Of The Season Vs

Tosin Adarabioyo, Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman played a key role for Fulham as they registered their first away in the English Premier League this term with a shock 2-1 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday night.

While Lookman scored the all-important first goal on the half-hour mark, Adarabioyo and Aina were part of the Fulham defence that did not concede until the 86th minute and helped the team hang on to their slender lead.

The three English-born Nigerian players have made an impact since their arrival at Fulham in the summer transfer window, starting each of the last six matches contested by Scott Parker's side in the top-flight.

The trio have taken to Twitter to celebrate Fulham picking up their first away win of the season.

Ola Aina said: "Big win for the boys today , meant a lot to everyone. So does every other game. We push on again. let's go Fulham 💪🏾! @FulhamFC".

Adarabioyo, who is very active on social media before and after matches, added : "Class performance from the team and a big win away from home! Thoroughly enjoyed that! @FulhamFC 🔥⚽️".

Lookman stated :  "Fantastic performance from the boys🔥 Massive 3️⃣ points We go again on Saturday now 💯 @FulhamFC".

Fulham are 17th with seven points from ten games before their visit to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Saturday, December 5.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel




https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=38184

[WhiteJC]

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville disagree over Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek was part of the Fulham side who stunned Leicester 2-1 last night.

The Cottagers clambered out of the bottom three with the impressive victory at the King Power Stadium.

The game was shown as part of Sky Sports Monday Night Football, and just before kick off (5:25pm, 30/11), Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville disagreed over the English midfielder.

Neville was full of praise for Loftus-Cheek, claiming he needs a run of games to show what he can do, while Carragher is clearly impatient about the player's development.

When asked if it's a big season for Loftus-Cheek, Carragher jumped in, saying: "We say that every season!"

Neville was more measured, claiming: "I take He needs to play every week, play 40 games a season, year in, year out and have consistency and belief, and I'm sure he'll have a great career."

"I take offence to statements like that because you're judging him against expectations he hasn't set for himself," concluded Neville.

"What Jamie's judging him against is the expectations. He didn't set those expectations. He's got a massive talent, he hasn't played enough games to have a chance to show his full potential yet."

Loftus-Cheek has been a player talked about for a number of years and from that point of view, Neville is spot-on.

He's only really had the year on loan at Crystal Palace in 2017/18 where he played regularly.

And he impressed enough then to get into Gareth Southgate's England squad for the 2018 World Cup.

Carragher's point is valid in that since then, he hasn't kicked on and finds himself farmed out again.

But he has a chance to play regularly in the Premier League and that's something Neville feels he needs. It's difficult to disagree.



https://www.thefocus.news/football/jamie-carragher-and-gary-neville-disagree-over-chelsea-loanee-ruben-loftus-cheek/

[WhiteJC]

OPINION: QPR should return to Fulham outcast ahead of January 'loan search

QPR manager Mark Warburton is looking to recruit in the January transfer window, but admits he'll be 'restricted to the loan and free markets'.

Earlier in the month, Warburton expressed his interest in signing a defender in the upcoming transfer window, with Conor Masterson likely to head out on loan.

It comes after another season of defensive downfall at QPR.

Rob Dickie was signed in the summer and has so far proved a hit with fans, but another name who QPR were linked with was Fulham's Michael Hector.

A loan deal was rumoured to be on the cards and Warburton could well reignite his interest in the Fulham defender, who's featured just three times in the Premier League this season.

Formerly of Chelsea, Reading, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday amongst others, Hector proved a worthy player in Fulham's promotion-winning season last time round.

He arrived midway through the campaign following a belated move from Chelsea.

In the second-half of last season he featured 23 times in the Championship and play-offs, helping Fulham beat Brentford in the final to secure an immediate return under Scott Parker.

Now though, Hector has become an outcast with the arrivals of Joachim Andersen Abdul Adarabioyo and Ola Aina in defence.

QPR then could recruit a Championship-quality defender in Hector.

He'd likely be available for a loan move given his lack of involvement and being based in West London, the move makes all the more sense.



https://the72.co.uk/203794/opinion-qpr-should-return-to-fulham-outcast-ahead-of-january-loan-search/

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker hails courage of Ivan Cavaleiro with Fulham penalty redemption



Scott Parker says the "courage" Ivan Cavaleiro showed to atone for his penalty howler is just what Fulham need to beat the drop. 

Cavaleiro  had slipped and shanked a spot-kick over the bar in embarrassing fashion against Everton last month, but he stepped up again to score what turned out to the winning goal from 12 yards as Fulham stunned Leicester to move out of the relegation zone last night.

Fulham had missed their previous three penalties and Parker praised Cavaleiro after he ended that hoodoo. 

Parker said: "Last week, he slipped taking the penalty. I am not on Instagram or Twitter but I can only imagine what was being said, the jokes and the laughter at one's expense. 

"We practised penalties all week and I asked him if he was ready to take this penalty if we get one. He looked me dead in the eye and said, 'Yeah, I am ready'. 

"The courage, the bravery after a slip and some of the things he has probably seen that have been said about him, to step up... they are the things that we need. They are the things that will determine what we become."

Ademola Lookman also scored against Leicester, three weeks after he was widely criticised for a failed attempt at a Panenka-style penalty at West Ham.

"There is no denying there's relief," said Parker.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-news-leicester-scott-parker-ivan-cavaleiro-b128027.html

[WhiteJC]

Anguissa excels in Fulham's engine room

Much has been written about Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in the past year. The Cameroonian midfielder was made one of the scapegoats for Fulham's dreadful relegation from the Premier League in 2018/2019, an apparent misfit and the poster child for the club's reckless spending after winning promotion, someone who was ill-suited both to English football and the role he was asked to play in a struggling side, and regularly features on those lists of worst transfer purchases that clog up cyber space. Gradually, the punditocracy may be revising their considered opinion after another dominant display in the Fulham midfield.

It took Sky's commentary team less than eight minutes to reference Fulham's 2018 splashing of the cash last night. Anguissa always seemed something of an awkward target for that sort of criticism, though. It used to be accepted that signings from the continent needed at least a year – and sometimes much longer – to adjust to the unique pressures of the English game. Anguissa certainly didn't get that time. It was obvious, too, that he struggled with being the lone holding midfielder in front of a dysfunctional defence. He didn't fulfil that role at Reims or Marseille and was frequently facing several opposition midfielders rampaging through at pace.

Claudio Ranieri is rumoured to have told the Fulham hierarchy on his departure that the club had a serious talent at their disposal in Anguissa, which makes you wonder why the Italian didn't deploy him more regularly. Scott Parker certainly rated him – something which Anguissa himself recognised before his departure to Spain on loan. The spell with Villarreal saw him utilised as more than a mere destroyer and was so successful that El Submarino Amarillo strove to sign him permanently this summer before reluctantly admitting defeat when he became clear that Fulham wanted to fit him into their first-choice midfield.

There's no doubting the attributes that Anguissa brings to the table. He's a powerful presence precisely in the place where Fulham have previously appeared lightweight and easy to play through. But he's a much more progressive player than we've seen in the past. Freed up from some of those defensive duties by the presence of Harrison Reed, who continues to look like a crucial acquisition, Anguissa can stride forward with real purpose and pick out a pivotal pass in a manner that would make Tom Cairney proud. Evidence of this was on display at Elland Road where, with Fulham seemingly hopelessly adrift in the second half, Anguissa shrugged off Kalvin Philipps' attempts to tackle him with a drop of the shoulder and sent Bobby Decordova-Reid clear with a perfect pass. He made excellence look easy.

There was another example at Leicester last night – and it arguably turned the game. He got a touch on a wayward pass from Youri Tielemans and when receiveing a short pass from Reed, he could have taken his time on the ball, allowing Fulham's defence to reorganise and take the sting out of a period of prolonged home pressure. That might have been what would have been expected given the magnitude of this fixture and Parker's attempt to nullify the Foxes' midfield. Anguissa had something else on his mind, however – he injected pace and power into the game in an instant, driving forward with the ball at his feet, carrying it past would be tacklers and deep into Leicester territory, before slipping a wonderfully weighted ball to locate Ademola Lookman's run in on goal. The winger finished with commendable composure, but the goal was made by Anguissa's outstanding intervention.

Anguissa's energy and sense of adventure, married with Reed's apparently insatiable appetite for hassling and harrying opponents, immediately makes Parker's side far more difficult to brush aside. The pairing are undoubtedly vital as Fulham look to amass the sort of points total necessary to secure a second season in the top flight, something that doesn't look as outlandish now as some of the pundits were suggesting at the beginning of the campaign. As we've already seen, Anguissa adds a fresh attacking dimension as well – he's already one of the division's most proficient dribblers (he leads the league currently with 48 in total) – and it is clear to see why Parker wanted to make him a key part of his reshaped side.

Parker was far too polite to offer a pointed reply last night to Jamie Carragher's brazen assertion that 'Fulham are going down. I've never been so certain of anything in my life,' which Sky put to him during their post-match interview. The former Liverpool defender, now occupying a cosy pundit's chair instead of learning his trade as a manager, was far from the only offender as the talking heads went for hyperbole in the opening weeks of the season. If Fulham prove them wrong, it will be a brilliant achievement – and Anguissa will deserve some plaudits too.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/12/anguissa-excels-in-fulhams-engine-room/

[WhiteJC]

The taste of victory: why a win's been coming
Ben explains why, despite our league position, a turn in fortunes has been on the cards.

If I had a pound for every opposition fan preview where I'd noted Fulham as showing "green shoots of progress" recently I'd be a millionaire, I tell you. In all seriousness though, there is an underlying feeling that the win against Leicester, and a result of this type had been coming. Fulham have turned a corner and it was a matter of time before they began picking up points.

There's certainly been what feels like a significant upturn in performances over the past month. The West Ham game definitely felt like a result that slipped through our fingers. But the resilience we showed that night proved to be the building blocks for a display of defensive solidity against the Foxes. Finally, we're beginning to see a gelling of an entirely new back four and more importantly a fresh out-of-the-box centre-half pairing.

Rather playfully, I christened Joachim Andersen the "Putney Piqué" and while I may have used creative licence, there are some similarities: his ability to step in to the midfield and use of the ball are very encouraging, as is his leadership at such an early stage.

Showing adaptability
Yes, the first half against Everton was nothing short of a shambles, and to forget about it would be wrong. We were undone too often and found ourselves unable to shape-shift to counter those problems. But the second half showed that the Whites can compete, and put the so-called "bigger" teams on the back foot.

There was plenty of shape-shifting against Leicester though. With no Tom Cairney or Mitrovic, more than a few eyebrows were raised. The result on the pitch though was, in my opinion, an attempt at out-maneuvering Leicester. To use mobility to find gaps in behind their back three, to break quickly and wide. Pack as much pace in to 11 players as possible, and be incisive when hitting those counter punches. The first goal typified that approach entirely.

Finding our rhythm
The passing tempo has dramatically increased, that slow Fulham that seemed to be lolling around the pitch in the early stages of the season has evaporated. During the game against Leicester, there was almost surprise with the ease with which we kept, recycled and threatened with possession. Fulham fans, though, have seen that quiet evolution in recent weeks.

Finally, the balance of the midfield has been established. Harrison Reed has allowed Anguissa to flourish, cementing himself as one of Fulham's most crucial players. His burst up the pitch and slide rule pass for Ademola Lookman underlining the quality that some elements thought that he didn't have. Surely they are now convinced.

Scott talks a lot about "mentality" and "belief", and the influence of both will only drive a team so far, but it's clear to see that all of the squad are pulling in the same direction as the manager. They're knuckling down and fighting for each other. It does seem peculiar to reference Instagram comments in this section, but clearly the squad have a great sense of togetherness and respect for each other from their captions on posts.

Some serious credit to Scott is due, though. Like many of you, I am often frustrated that ideas from the manager can take a few games to implement, and substitutions too late. However, tactically Scott is beginning to find balance and decisions to play Tom Cairney in an advanced role to increase efficiency on the counter, and Bobby Decordova-Reid as a right wing-back/inside-forward hybrid to counter full-backs were signs of maturity and great foresight.

So let's bask in that sweet, sweet taste of victory. It hasn't come around very often for Fulham recently; so watch it, drink it in, boast about it to your mates. That's what it's all about – and I've got a feeling there might be a few more wins to brag about as this season goes on.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-12-01-the-taste-of-victory-why-a-wins-been-coming/

[WhiteJC]

Leicester fall flat against Fulham

Leicester City 1:2 Fulham

City missed out on a chance to go level on points with Spurs and Liverpool with a hugely disappointing defeat at home to Fulham on Monday night...

Brendan Rodgers made five changes to the side that secured Europa League qualification in Braga for the visit of Fulham, with Fofana, Mendy, Tielemans, Maddison and Vardy back in the side.
After tributes to Diego Maradona and former Fulham player Papa Bouba Diop the game was underway, but neither side could make much headway in the pouring rain.
The first attempt on goal arrived in the 15th minute, but Lookman sent his free-kick well over the bar.
City then had a couple of chances at the other end. Maddison fired a free-kick from the edge of the area straight into the wall and Tielemans seized on the rebound and sent a volley against the left hand post. Fofana reacted swiftly to reach the loose ball but hit the bar from close in.

City pressed forward and a low cross from Praet was met with a pirouetting back heel from Vardy, but Areola managed to block it at his near post.
It appeared that City were knocking at the door at this stage, but then Fulham took the lead on the half hour.
City's defence were caught cold as Anguissa charged down the middle and set up Lookman for a composed finish past Schmeichel.
Things got worse eight minutes later when Fulham were awarded a penalty. Decordova-Reid chased a long ball down the right channel and there was a coming together with Fuchs in the area. After a long passage of play VAR rewound time and, after consulting the monitor, referee Simon Hooper pointed to the spot. Although the Cottagers had missed their last three penalties Cavaleiro found the net with this one, just beyond Schmeichel's reach.

Just before the break Schmeichel denied Cavaleiro a second goal, saving an effort from close in.
City headed down the tunnel two goals down and with plenty to think about.

Brendan Rodgers brought Ünder and Barnes on for Thomas and Praet for the second half, but there was no real improvement. Passes continued to go astray and the performance was lacking the usual tempo.
Fulham, desperate for the points that would lift them out of the relegation zone, defended resolutely, but also threatened on the break and
Schmeichel kept City in the game with a good block from Lookman.
City struggled to create anything going forward and the introduction of Iheanacho for Mendy in the 70th minute had little impact.
City finally breached Fulham's defence in the 86th minute, Tielemans swung a cross over from the right which found Vardy at the far post. He nodded it to Barnes who controlled it on his chest and fired a composed shot just inside the left hand post.

City couldn't apply any sustained pressure in the remaining time, with a half chance for Iheanacho being missed.
It was a poor performance from City, and it looked as though the relentless run of fixtures had finally caught up with them.
With a trip to the Ukraine on Thursday this won't get better any time soon and the injured players can't come back soon enough.

Leicester: Schmeichel, Fofana, Evans, Fuchs, Justin, Tielemans, Mendy (Iheanacho 70), Thomas (Ünder 45), Praet (Barnes 45), Maddison, Vardy.
Substitutes: Morgan, Albrighton, Ward, Choudhury.
Fulham: Areola, De Cordova-Reid, Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Robinson, Loftus-Cheek (Lemina 77), Reed, Zambo Anguissa, Lookman (Bryan 90), Cavaleiro (Mitrovic 86).
Substitutes: Cairney, Rodák, Ream, Kamara.

Referee: Simon Hooper.


https://thefoxfanzine.wordpress.com/2020/12/01/leicester-fall-flat-against-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Andersen: Win Was Coming

Joachim Andersen was not surprised by Fulham's 2-1 victory over high-flying Leicester City on Monday night.

The Foxes could have gone joint-top of the Premier League with three points, but Scott Parker's side were disciplined out of possession and devastating on the break, leading to a fully deserved first away win.

"From our side, I think it was a really, really good match," Andersen told fulhamfc.com. "We did everything that we'd spoken about in the week. The way the lads performed in their shape, on the counter attacks, was absolutely amazing.

"Of course you always want a clean sheet but I just care about three points at the moment, I don't actually care about the clean sheet!

"Now I've played four matches and all four I think we could've won, but we just missed out at the last part.

"We've been speaking a lot about that at the Training Ground, about these small errors we need to delete. We did that yesterday, and got the win.

"All four matches I felt the team performed really well and that we just had to continue to do what we had been doing and then I was sure we would get a lot of points.

"The way the guys worked yesterday and in the other games has been amazing, and that's how you win football matches."

With Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrović both on the bench, Andersen was given the armband at the King Power Stadium, and he was extremely grateful to Parker for the show of faith.

"I had some conversations with the Gaffer and I feel so much trust from him," he said. "I feel really, really good here.

"To be captain after only four matches is amazing, and I'm really proud and happy that I was able to do that yesterday, so I need to give a big thanks to him."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/december/Andersen-Win-Was-Coming/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham may have dodged an €18m bullet as player still hasn't made an appearance for new club

At 21 years of age, Jean-Clair Todibo has managed to make his debut at Toulouse, be transferred to Barcelona as well as being loaned out twice, first to Schalke 04 and now Benfica in Portugal.

Despite boasting an already more eclectic career than most players 10 years his elder, the centre-back only has 25 professional games under his belt, and yet Fulham, in dire need of a defender during the last transfer window, were prepared to pay €18m for his services.

Todibo, not wanting to move to the Premier League, turned down the chance to taste England's top-tier, instead opting to play under Jorge Jesus in Lisbon.

Well, we say play, but the youngster has yet to make an appearance for the Portuguese side, mostly because of injury issues, and he could end up returning to Barcelona in January.

That's according to Sport, who explain Benfica appear to have a clause in the deal allowing them to send him back to Catalonia.

The newspaper explain that while this wouldn't be great for Barcelona themselves, it could be a welcome move for Ronald Koeman, who finds himself short in defence after losing Gerard Piqué for an extended period of time, which is added to the setbacks suffered by Araujo and most recently Clément Lenglet.

With no guarantees they can get Eric García from Manchester City in January, the return of Todibo could help them, even if they have no idea if he'll up to the level required at the Nou Camp.

Either way, with no games played this season as of yet, it appears Fulham and Scott Parker have dodged a bullet here, and saved themselves €18m.

That might change down the line, since there's plenty of time for Todibo to become the player many believe he can be, but, for now, the Cottagers can count themselves fortunate to have seen their offer turned down by the player.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-may-dodged-e18m-bullet-player-still-hasnt-made-appearance-new-club/

[WhiteJC]

Decordova-Reid's hard yards seal success

If ever an individual performance typified a team's collective desire, it was Bobby Decordova-Reid's selfless showing at the King Power Stadium last night. It would be easy to characterise this as the classic backs-to-the-wall display by a side struggling at the wrong end of the table, but that would do a disservice to how successful Scott Parker's tactics were. Fulham not only nullified Leicester's main attacking threats and made the Foxes look ponderous in possession, but they proved the far more dangerous side on the counter-attack for good measure. And Decordova-Reid, operating for much of the evening in unfamiliar territory as a right wing-back, was everywhere.

The Jamaican has had plenty of criticism in a Fulham career that has sparked plenty of debate. I've been a detractor – suggesting that he isn't quite clinical enough to operate as a forward and probably doesn't fit the first team system in another position. But nobody can question his work rate or his heart. He'll run his socks off for you in any number of positions, get through a magnitude of the not so glamorous work that's vital to win football matches, and still be popping up in promising positions. Decordova-Reid was one of those loan purchases that seemed surprising when the Whites were still scrapping to get out of the Championship, but he's stepped up beyond massive as Fulham moved into the top flight. Such has been the consistency of his performances, you wouldn't be surprised if he's one of the first names on Parker's team sheet at present.

If there had been question marks about his finishing ability, he's answered them with two terrific strikes at Leeds and at home to Everton last week. Had Fulham defended better on either occasion, those instinctive finishes might have got a little more attention. But the way he has slotted into any number of different positions without complaint over the past few weeks – from winger, to wide forward, number ten and now right wing-back, has been seriously impressive. It seemed a bold move to place Decordova-Reid – not known for his physicality or his tackling ability – in a position designed to offer protection to Fulham's vulnerable defence, but the man's tenacity and attention to detail made it an inspired choice.

Decordova-Reid was clearly given instructions to try and shackle attacks down the Leicester left – and he seemed to take it as a personal affront if Dennis Praet found any space in that area. He dovetailed with Ola Aina so effectively in shutting down that flank that Brendan Rodgers sent on Cengiz Under at half-time, but the Foxes still got little change out of Decordova-Reid defensively. He won five tackles and filled in front of what became a back three that dropped deeper and deeper as the night went on, filling his new role with real relish. Perhaps his most decisive contribution came in the other penalty area when he sprinted nearly seventy yards to reach Aina's lofted forward ball first, luring Christian Fuchs into a desperate challenge and winning a penalty that proved pivotal. That ceaseless energy and commitment to the cause was one of the major factors behind Fulham's surprise success.

The experiment proved so profitable that he wouldn't be surprising to see Parker asked Decordova-Reid, who apparently went through a few training sessions in his new position in the run up to this game, take on a similar role in the games to come as a way of trying to frustrate the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. What you know with the former Bristol City and Cardiff City man is that he'll give you absolutely everything he's got. That might be considered the bare minimum where footballers are concerned in the eyes of the fans but, as last night's performance showed, Decordova-Reid often goes well beyond the call of the duty. In a modern game full of hype and sophisticated skills, there's still recognition for old-fashioned hard graft – as shown by the fact that Decordova-Reid earned the fans' man of the match award for another all-action performan



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/12/decordova-reids-hard-yards-seal-success/

[WhiteJC]

New Premier League transfer rules confirmed as clubs learn post-Brexit regulations

Premier League clubs have learned the new rules regarding transfers post-Brexit, which includes the fact that they will no longer be able to sign highly-rated foreign teens under the age of 18

Premier League clubs will no longer be able to sign foreign youngsters under the age of 18 after after post-Brexit transfer rules were confirmed on Tuesday evening.

Clubs will also be restricted to just three overseas signings under the age of 21 from January onwards, and only six foreign players per season moving forwards.

At a time when the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are snapping up Europe's best stars at increasingly young ages, it puts Premier League clubs firmly behind the eight ball when it comes to landing the game's best teenage talent.

The simple fact is, it could cost them millions.

It will also see the Premier League elite increasingly raid the academy systems of lower league English clubs - which is devastating news for those clubs, given the compensation afforded is never really fit for purpose.

The Premier League, EFL and the Football Association have agreed a framework with the Home Office for EU players to move to English football on a points basis decided by a Governing Body Endorsement panel.

Points will depend on:

    Senior and youth international appearances

    Quality of the selling club, based on the league they are in, league position and progression in continental competition

    Club appearances, based on domestic league and continental competition minutes

The criteria will provide the framework for Premier League and EFL clubs to sign overseas players when the UK leaves the European Union (EU) after 31 December 2020.

Richard Masters, the Premier League's chief executive, said: "The Premier League has worked with the FA to come to an agreement to ensure no part of Brexit should damage the success of the Premier League, or the prospects of the England teams.

"We welcome the news that the Home Office has approved the Governing Body Endorsement plan for the January 2021 transfer window.

"Continuing to be able to recruit the best players will see the Premier League remain competitive and compelling and the solution will complement our player development philosophy of the best foreign talent alongside the best homegrown players.

"Following the January transfer window, we look forward to reviewing the agreement with the FA."

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: "Despite having different starting perspectives on how Brexit should impact football, this is another example of how the football authorities can work effectively together for the greater good of the game."

In a joint statement, the Premier League, EFL and FA declared: "The system meets the joint objectives of the Premier League and The FA allowing access to the best players and future talent for clubs, as well as safeguarding England teams, by ensuring opportunities for homegrown players.

"The agreement is in accordance with the Government's required criteria and will come into effect when the UK leaves the European Union in the new year.

"It will be implemented in the January 2021 transfer window and reviewed in full ahead of the summer 2021 transfer window."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/premier-league-transfer-rules-brexit-23100024

[WhiteJC]

Andersen delighted with 'amazing' win

A proud Joachim Andersen was delighted with Fulham's application after they earned an impressive victory over Champions' League-chasing Leicester City at the King Power Stadium last night.

A cool finish from Ademola Lookman and Ivan Cavaleiro's penalty gave Scott Parker's side a shock 2-0 lead before half-time and, although Leicester did the visitors under serious pressure after the break, they struggled to break through Fulham's resistance. Substitute Harvey Barnes did set up a nervous finale with six minutes left, but the Whites hung on to secure a precious victory and move out of the relegation zone.

Speaking to Fulham's official website, Andersen was delighted with how the side had carried out Parker's clear pre-match instructions.

From our side, I think it was a really, really good match. We did everything that we'd spoken about in the week. The way the lads performed in their shape, on the counter attacks, was absolutely amazing. Of course you always want a clean sheet but I just care about three points at the moment, I don't actually care about the clean sheet!

The Danish centre back has been impressed with the consistent nature of Fulham's displays since coming in from Lyon on loan, even if the results have not necessarily followed.

Now I've played four matches and all four I think we could've won, but we just missed out at the last part. We've been speaking a lot about that at the training ground, about these small errors we need to delete. We did that yesterday, and got the win. All four matches I felt the team performed really well and that we just had to continue to do what we had been doing and then I was sure we would get a lot of points. The way the guys worked yesterday and in the other games has been amazing, and that's how you win football matches.

Andersen also spoke about how much confidence he has gained from the faith shown him in Parker, who named him as captain having left Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic out of his starting line-up to face the Foxes.

I had some conversations with the Gaffer and I feel so much trust from him. I feel really, really good here. To be captain after only four matches is amazing, and I'm really proud and happy that I was able to do that yesterday, so I need to give a big thanks to him.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/12/andersen-delighted-with-amazing-win/

[WhiteJC]

'Give him the armband': Did Southampton sell the new Hojbjerg for just £8m?

Scott Parker may have felt like he was having an out-of-body experience during Fulham's 2-1 win at Leicester City on Monday night.

Because, in little Harrison Reed, the visitors have a midfield destroyer reminiscent of the Fulham boss in his own playing days.

And it's no coincidence the Cottagers have improved dramatically – from relegation dead-certs to surprise package – as soon as Reed forced his way back into Parker's starting XI.

After four games out of the team, the summer signing played a major role off the bench as Fulham finally won a Premier League game at the seventh time of asking against West Brom a month ago.

Reed hasn't missed a single second of action since.

And after a monstrous midfield performance at the King Power, one that would have made ex-Leicester hero N'Golo Kante proud, that £8 million investment suddenly looks like one of the most inspired signings of the whole summer (Daily Mail).

Reed not only completed a game-high five interceptions, he also won four tackles and succeeded with 80 per cent of his attempted passes.

It was a performance full of endeavour, character, effort and quality from a Fulham team that, after defeating Leicester on their own soil with a classic counter-attacking display, moved out of the relegation zone and six points clear of bottom-place Sheffield United.

And that brings us on to Southampton.

The Saints paid £11 million to replace departed captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in October, signing Ibrahima Diallo from Brest. But while the Frenchman has yet to hit the ground running in the top flight, the same can't be said of a man sold to make way for Diallo's arrival.

There was certainly a hint of Hojbjerg in the way Reed ran the show at Leicester last night.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/12/01/give-him-the-armband-did-southampton-sell-the-new-hojbjerg-for-just-8m/

[WhiteJC]

Jack and Loz Not at the Cottage - Blog 151

Opposition: Leicester City

Score: 1-2

Fulham goal scorers: Lookman, Cav (pen!)

MOTM (football): Frankly, this is a difficult decision. Could it be Cav, switching off his nerves and stepping up for that penalty? Could it be Lookman for a scintillating performance culminating in that superb goal? Could it be Harrison Reed for ceaselessly sensing danger and seeing it off before it ever arrived? Could it be BBR, BAE at RWB? It could have been any of them (and possibly more) but in an all round excellent team performance one man was first among equals: Andre. Frank. Zambo. Anguissa. Powerful, commanding, incisive, implacable.

MOTM (non-football): Papa Bouba Diop was taken much too soon but he was looking down on his old club on Monday night and the players did him proud with their tenacity and fighting spirit 🖤

Drinks: Jack - San Pellegrino aranciata; Loz - a Ruben Loftus-Cheeky glass of Chardonnay

We started this blog over 6 years ago when a top half Championship finish felt like an impossible dream, never mind two trips to Wembley and two promotions back to the Premier League. We have blogged about big games before of course, and important games and even perfect games. But we have never written a blog about an away win against a top 4 Premier League side and, Franky, we have to keep pinching ourselves to make sure it really happened: that we really went to Leicester on a cold, wet winter's evening, and Scott Parker really conducted a tactical master class, and we really played a game of defensive solidity and fast counterattacks. And we really.....won.

Frankly, Fulham have been more frustrating than usual recently. There have been a lot of good performances but too few points, a lot of skilful play and relentless hard work marred by poor decision making and naivety. But we could see, particularly in the narrow losses to West Ham and Everton that the team had the makings of something. That we were a few clinical finishes and a smidgen of defensive understanding away from coming good.

And on Monday night, unexpectedly, against one of the best teams in the league, it happened.

For most of the match, Fulham looked, Frankly, not just like a Premier League team, but the best team on the pitch. Between hitting the bar in the opening minutes and scoring their consolation goal, Leicester didn't know how to deal with opponents as wily as the Foxes usually are. We are used to a decent midfield, a shaky defence and an inconsistent attack. On Monday we had a brilliant midfield, a strong, well organised defence and a lighting fast, dagger sharp attack.

This was a different way to play football. No slow, safe possession, no swinging in crosses and hoping for the best. No faffing around at the back, silly short corners or strange sub strategies. Frankly, we don't remember the last time Fulham played a fast counter attacking game, never mind played it so effectively. It helps that we now have the personnel for it. Of the starting 11, only 3 players featured last year and Bobby played in a different position, Harrison was often injured and Cav rarely started.

Watching a pacy, white clad counter attacking hoard marauding down the pitches of top Premier League sides is going to take some getting used to, but what a pacy, white clad hoard of marauders they are! Antoneeee, so fast he creates space and even time for himself; Lookman, as slippery as quicksilver and just as enthralling to watch; Cav, strong, purposeful and brave; Harrison, scampering, agile and alert with his interceptions and his blocks. And, of course, Frank - silky, classy, so good at football he makes it look effortless. The perfectly weighted pass for Lookman's goal was sublime.

But every marauding hoard needs a solid defence behind them. A unit to soak up the pressure, foil the opposition and then spring the attackers loose. Joachim Andersen is a young man who has only been at Fulham, on loan, for a short time but on Monday night he was a Fulham captain as good as almost any - vocal, invested, visibly proud of his promotion. Next to him, Tosin had his best game for us yet. Aina was impressive but all 3 were overshadowed by Fulham's newest and best defender. Bobby-Bobby Reid has always been a versatile player and he's always been a forward willing and capable of tracking back. But as a wing back he was a revelation - tough, composed, and alert, there wasn't a blade of grass on the pitch untouched by Bobby's flying feet and he used his pace and experience as a striker to win the penalty.

A word here on RLC who didn't shine quite as brightly as his teammates. But he was manhandled and heavily marked, drawing defenders away from Lookman and Cav. It was harsh on TC, who has been playing well recently to be dropped, but this wasn't the game for his slow, precise passes or his quiet leadership. Mitro made the most of his cameo with some clever game management but, Frankly, had he and Tom started the match, we wouldn't have won it.

Leicester are, of course, an excellent team and we didn't have it all our own way but although they had a lot of possession it was mainly in midfield and, Franky, we thwarted most of their attacks quite easily, including defending set pieces calmly and competently. A lot of the time, when we had possession, especially with the two goal cushion, we were toying with them. Fulham! Teasing a top 4 team! Lookman should have made it 3 around 70 minutes Schmeichael showed his quality. Leicester came to life after their goal and we lived dangerously for a while but we were still full of running and strength and this wasn't the Fulham of times past which would crumble under pressure.

This was a vital and impressive win and a fitting tribute to a lost hero. But it also a quest for redemption which both Lookman and Cav achieved. We have to salute Cav's courage again - to step up and take a penalty only days after missing the last, crucial one and to take it so well says far more about Cav than his unspectacular performances of late.

Cav said it was Scott who gave him the confidence to take the penalty and really, despite that moment and Bobby's performance and Frank's exquisite game, the whole match was about Scott Parker. He picked an unlikely line up and devised a risky strategy but, as he said afterwards, he believes in his team and that belief was justified. Every player gave 100% in terms of work rate and execution of Scott's plan. His game management was good - the starting 11 were playing so well that we didn't want any of them to be replaced but the late late subs shored up the defence and ran down the clock. That final short short corner to see out the last few seconds was the best we've ever taken.

We have said it before and no doubt we will have to say it again: Scott is still learning the role and sometimes he mistakes but he has put his heart and soul in the Club and he puts them on the line every time he sends his players out to play for us. He has brought us back to the Premier League, this time with a fighting chance of staying in it. Let's stick with him and see how much further we can go.

Random musings:-

- thanks to Leicester for the lovely photo of Papa displayed during the minute's applause

- as for Lookman, our number 19 holding up Papa's number 19 Senegal shirt was both fitting and poignant

- Scott looked like he meant business with his collar turned up against the cold and the criticism. As usual, he celebrated the goals as passionately as a fan, then carefully neatened his hair

- on the subject of hair, Fofana needs to get rid of that lilac rinse

- at one point it was raining very hard. Not cats and dogs but badgers and foxes

- just as we were wondering if we could hang on, Joe Bryan brought on a note saying, apparently, "hang on"

- and they did.

We have been Fulham fans for a long time. Long enough to have watched Papa Bouba Diop in his prime and long enough to know that as good as the performance against Leicester was and as amazing the result it doesn't mean we've found a winning formula and that the rest of the season will be easy.

But, considering the quality of the opposition, that was one of the best matches Fulham have played since we were beating European giants. This is a team which is as compelling as they are resilient. We can't wait to watch them play again. For the first time in a very long time it feels like we really belong in the Premier League.



https://werdsmith.com/p/9TSwWqsg9SATD