Sunday Fulham Stuff - 10/01/21...

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Queens Park Rangers 0-2 Fulham

Extra-time goals from substitutes Bobby Decordova-Reid and Neeskens Kebano against QPR sent a much-changed Fulham into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, who started for Fulham despite breaking Covid rules, had sent a header wide and saw a chance cleared off the line in normal time.

Two fine Marek Rodak saves for Fulham and Lyndon Dykes' lack of composure for QPR sent the tie to extra time.

Decordova-Reid's low shot and Kebano's powerful strike decided the derby.

The west London rivals were both in action for the first time in 2021 after coronavirus outbreaks interrupted their recent schedules.

Manager Scott Parker opted to rotate his squad for what was Fulham's first game in 14 days after having two Premier League fixtures postposed, calling on Josh Onomah for the first time for more than three months and bringing in fit-again defender Terence Kongolo for his first appearance since making a £4m move from Huddersfield in October, as well as reinstating Mitrovic.

Macauley Bonne, who came in as the only change for a strong QPR side, wasted two clear openings either side of half-time - first heading over from close range inside three minutes, then sending a half-volley wide after the break.

Bonne and Dominic Ball both tested Rodak after the break. However, the Championship side's best chance to avoid a sixth defeat in a 10-game winless run fell to Dykes, but he ballooned his effort wildly off target when he had time to control the ball and pick his spot late on.

QPR moved quick to bolster their attacking options after Saturday's game, bringing 31-year-old West Bromwich Albion striker Charlie Austin back to the club on loan for the rest of the season.

Fulham failed to get a first-half shot on target, with Mitrovic heading just wide from a corner after having an effort blocked by Yoann Barbet, who was also crucially on the line to hook away a second-half chance that the Serb had squeezed past goalkeeper Seny Dieng.

Decordova-Reid's fine finish - his sixth goal of the season - Kebano's powerfully struck, first-time effort - his first of 2020-21- ensured the Cottagers progressed.

'A lot of positives' - reaction
Queens Park Rangers boss Mark Warburton: "The question before the game was, 'we are playing a strong Premier League team, where are we in comparison?'

"After 90 minutes we were very close. I thought we went toe to toe. I thought it was an entertaining 0-0 draw for the neutral.

"We've created four or five gilt-edged chances and we have to take them - simple as that.

Fulham boss Parker: "We had to move things around a little bit in terms of the squad because that's the position we're in.

"I'm pleased overall because momentum sticks with us - it's a win. We are unbeaten in five, with a clean sheet as well, and overall there are a lot of positives."

On starting Mitrovic after he breached Covid rules: "We've dealt with the matter internally. Aleks knows my position - we turn the page now and move on.

"He's been punished. He has to face the consequences but now we move on and he moves on, keeps improving and showing his quality."




https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55574467

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Parker's Post-QPR press conference

After overcoming QPR with a solid extra time display to take Fulham into the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup, Scott Parker addressed the media with his immediate thoughts.

"It was a tough game," said our Head Coach. "The same as when we played them last year so we knew that.

"I think over the 90 minutes we both punched away and both teams had some good chances.

"After the couple of weeks we've had, to go to extra time and look as strong as we did was pleasing.

"Momentum sticks with us, it's a win. Unbeaten now in five, a clean sheet as well so a lot of positives out there today."

With this game being Fulham's first slice of action for two weeks there was a chance for a few players to recover and get themselves into the starting line-up, something that proved a useful exercise for Scott's squad.

"Of course, three players out there that started the game were returning," he explained. "One of them hasn't played for near on a year- his first game back, in Terence Kongolo. Josh Onomah hasn't played for some time and the same with Kenny (Tete) as well.

"We had to move it around a little bit in terms of the squad because that's the position we're in at the moment."

Bobby De Cordova-Reid was on the scoresheet once again with another neat finish to continue his fine form this campaign, and Parker knows of his value to the side.

"He's very important," stated our boss. "He's got a real knack of being in the right areas, got an eye for a goal which we're going to need.

"He's someone who can get goals for us this year and his finish today was fantastic."

Another star man in Fulham's midfield was the returning Josh Onomah, who Scott heaped heavy praise upon.

"I thought he was superb, Parker said. "I didn't expect the performance in terms of how well he did physically – certainly going into extra time.

"The conditioning guys have done a fantastic job with him to get him to this level. That was his first game for some time and I thought it was the Josh Onomah we've got to know so I was very, very pleased.

"He looked powerful and of course, I think we all understand from last year, he's got quality and I think he's got a big part to play. Still more to come."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/january/Parker-s-Post-QPR-press conference/

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QPR 0-2 Fulham (AET): Bobby Decordova-Reid and Neeskens Kebano strike in extra-time to send Scott Parker's side to the fourth round of the FA Cup

    Fulham needed extra-time to beat QPR  to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup
    Goals from Bobby Decodova-Reid and Neeskens Kebano ensured a 2-0 win
    QPR missed chances to score in normal time with Lyndon Dykes going close

Eventually, Fulham shook off the rust after two weeks of Covid-enforced inactivity to claim the local bragging rights and a place in round four.

Subs Bobby Decordova-Reid and Neeskens Kebano scored in extra time to settle an end-to-end game that seemed destined for penalties as both sides spurned chance after chance.

But Scott Parker's changes ultimately made the difference against struggling QPR as Fulham returned to action after having their last two games postponed following a coronavirus outbreak to win this West London derby ahead of another against Chelsea on Friday.


Extra-time goals from Bobby Decodova-Reid (right) and Neeskens Kebano (left) gave Fulham a 2-0 victory over QPR


Reid broke the deadlock in the 104th minute with a finish from the edge of the box


Kebano made it 2-0 four minutes later with a fierce strike into the top right hand corner

Parker, whose side extended their unbeaten run to five games, keeping their third clean sheet in that sequence, said: 'I'm pleased in the end that when we took it to extra time and after the couple of weeks we were as strong as we were.

'Momentum sticks with us, it's a win, unbeaten in five, a clean sheet as well, and overall a lot of positives.'

In the stands, QPR had a reminder of the quality they had, in Ebere Eze back to watch his old team following his £20m summer move to Crystal Palace, and what they need, in Charlie Austin, on the verge of sealing a return on loan from West Brom.

They could have done with them on the pitch as QPR created chance after chance and were eventually punished for failing to convert them.


Macauley Bonne had a chance in the second half but his effort was saved by Marek Rodak


Lyndon Dykes also went close for the home side in the second half but couldn't find the target

Macauley Bonne was one of the guilty parties for QPR, heading an early chance over and volleying off target too before blasting another attempt straight at Marek Rodak after a cross deflected favourably into his path.

Lyndon Dykes was a major culprit too, volleying high and wide after Seny Dieng's clearance put him through on goal and then failing to sort his feet out in time to convert Bright Osayi-Samuel's cross.

Both of those chances were spurned in quick succession in the final 20 minutes paving the way for extra time.

Fulham had been just as wasteful in front of goal until then.

Aleksandar Mitrovic - one of the Premier League players in his manager's bad books for breaching Covid-19 regulations over the festive and New Year period – more than once, Josh Onamah and Joe Bryan all missed chances in normal time.

Joe Bryan – scorer of a Wembley wonder goal from long-range to earn Fulham promotion – almost repeated the trick against QPR and Decordova-Reid also turned a free-header wide in extra time.

But a few minutes after that he fired in the opener after exchanging passes with Mitrovic before having a hand in Kebano's clincher with the last kick of extra time's first half.

QPR's winless run has now stretched to 10 games and boss Mark Warburton said: 'We went toe-to-toe and looked a good team against a very good team but at the end of the day it's all about the scoreline. You have to put the ball in the net to change games.'

Club favourite Austin could change all that and Warburton added: 'We're getting very, very close.

'The squad is exceptionally light so we need to add some freshness to it, some experience as well.'


Aleksandar Mitrovic missed two big chances in 90 minutes but was involved in the first goal


Kebano's strike ensured the Premier League side would progress to the fourth round



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9129625/QPR-0-2-Fulham-AET-Bobby-Cordova-Reid-Neeskens-Kebano-strike-extra-time.html

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Grim QPR and Fulham tie underlines turmoil of FA Cup for English football's middle class

Scott Parker's team needed extra-time to progress in a spectacle that lacked any sparkle

What does the FA Cup mean to a mid-sized club in 2021? Too big to get excited by a plum draw and too small to realistically win the competition, those from the bottom rungs of the Premier League to the lower reaches of the Championship largely find this a magic-free distraction from what really matters.

As Queens Park Rangers and Fulham stepped on to the pitch at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this afternoon, there was no great sense of anticipation from either side - despite Mark Warburton and Scott Parker naming stronger teams than many of their contemporaries.

What followed was a grim spectacle between two sets of forwards that did everything they could not to score. In the end the top-flight team still prevailed after a scoreless 90 minutes, thanks to a rare sliver of quality from substitute Bobby Decordova-Reid in the 104th and a rare effort from Neeskens Kebano three minutes later.

But it all felt instantly forgettable; an afternoon that was more chore than joy.

It is now accepted by everyone aside from the rapidly-dwindling number of romantics clinging on to nostalgia that other priorities, driven by money, take precedence for England's middleweight scrappers. And the recent trend indicates that it is only becoming more difficult for them to go deep in the competition.

Only one team outside of the traditional big six have lifted the trophy in a dozen years and they ended up being relegated; the last non-Premier League team to reach the last four was Reading in 2015. Last season's semi-finalists were Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City, all possessing squads where the fringe players have the beating of lesser opponents at full strength nine times out of 10.

There are anomalies, freak results and, yes, the occasional fairytale. But that feeling is far more concentrated for those lower down the pyramid and even those journeys end in defeat eventually. Cute stories are as plentiful as runs that become damaging. Ask Wigan or Watford.

To begin with QPR, entering the game with one win in a dozen and none since November, appeared a tad more up for this tie than their neighbours and it was interesting to hear Warburton explain to football.london pre-match why his team would be taking this tie seriously despite a punishing Championship schedule and a relegation battle potentially looming.

"Look at the Carabao Cup this season and you see Brentford taking on Tottenham and Stoke in the round before that," he said. "The FA Cup is recognised globally as one of the highest-level competitions in history and the tradition associated with it.

"I hear that about it being diluted in quality and I understand why in terms of the financial arena and what it means to the clubs in the Premier League and pushing for the Champions League. But the FA Cup is an outstanding competition that should never be disrespected. Certainly we won't be doing that and we want to go as far as we can. I'd be amazed if any club has a different view to that."

By contrast Parker spelled out why Fulham would be focusing on the league games to come, although coronavirus problems meant that this was their first match in a fortnight and he therefore had a number of players itching to get going again.

"We've got some big games coming up and there's no denying that our focus is the league," he said. "Our squad is not blessed in terms of big, big numbers in the sense of quality. In saying that we've had two weeks off and need to get right back up the speed."

Certainly it looked like a layer of rust needed to be scraped off in the early stages of such a scrappy, low-energy affair. Aleksandar Mitrovic, fresh from a lockdown misdemeanour and without a goal since September 19, snatched at the visitors' two best first-half opportunities, while Josh Onomah understandably required time to get back into his stride following injury and Terence Kongolo made his first appearance since last February.

As the game wore on both sides wasted a number of glaring opportunities, most notably a pair of sitters from Rangers forward Macauley Bonne. Extra time felt inevitable long before referee Simon Hooper brought an end to a grim regulation 90 minutes. Did anyone want another half an hour?

Parker said it would be an "incredible feat" for Fulham to win the FA Cup for the first time but given an either or choice the bigger carrot must be Premier League survival.

The wider impact of coronavirus on the Cup must not be overlooked, of course, even if this particular derby would unlikely have led to sold out signs at the gates. A deeply concerning surge in positive cases among squads meant a number of clubs had to put out their academy players, fellow West Londoners Brentford one of several without their head coaches in the dugout for an evening kick-off against Middlesbrough.



https://www.football.london/queens-park-rangers-fc/grim-qpr-fulham-tie-underlines-19595053

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Fulham prevail in extra-time - but QPR rue lack of finishing in cup tie there for the taking

FA Cup Third Round

QPR 0 Fulham 2 (after extra-time)

Bobby Decordova-Reid ended the west London derby stalemate with a goal at the end of the first half of extra time to tilt a pulsating cup tie decisively Fulham's way.

Moments later, Neeskens Kebano – another of the 10 subs used in total by both sides - thumped a second into the roof of the net from inside the box to seal the deal.

Reid had already gone close to breaking the deadlock with a glancing header which shaved past a post but his excellent finish after playing a one-two with Aleksandar Mitrovic was a moment of class that had been a long time coming after a game littered with missed chances.   

His low strike from outside the box gave Seny Dieng no chance.

For all the flaws, this was a compelling tie that a raucous crowd would have appreciated.

In a compressed season dominated by thoughts of survival for both sides, it is doubtful that a long FA Cup run features prominently in the thinking of either manager.

Premier League survival is everything to Scott Parker's men while Rangers are too close to the Championship relegation fray to become overly ambitious about their targets.

But the football was entertaining and belied the theory that this was a third-round tie neither of these west London rivals would much care for.

All that was missing for the most part was composure in the final third because both sides created plenty of opportunities to win it in normal time. 

But the abject finishing did lend the game an appropriately chaotic feel, as befits some of the best FA Cup ties.

Fulham undoubtedly had the better of the opening half, with Joe Bryan almost catching out Dieng with a cheeky first-time effort from 45 yards which drifted over the Rangers keeper but inches wide – the stopper having raced from his line to deal with Bryan's through ball to Ivan Cavaleiro.

Bryan then set up Josh Onomah for a low shot that flashed just wide of the far post. Earlier, Cavaleiro blazed over when well placed.

Mitrovic – who rumours suggest may move on after an unhappy season at Craven Cottage – looked rusty but was twice close to giving the Whites the lead. 

It needed a brilliant smothering challenge from Yoann Barbet to block the Serb in front of goal and the striker also sent a header just past an upright from a corner.

There was plenty to encourage the hosts, however, with Ilias Chair testing Marek Rodak from outside the area early on, and the Fulham keeper needing to have a strong raised arm to halt a full-blooded drive from Bright Osayi-Samuel – the opening having been made by Lyndon Dykes after a scamper down the right flank and perfect cross into the danger zone.

The chances kept coming after the interval, Mitrovic again showed lack of form in failing to control a fine pass from Harrison Reed, when a better first touch would have left the goal at his mercy. Bryan then forced another save after being worked into a shooting position by Mitrovic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

After a Fulham breakaway led by Cavaleiro, Mitrovic had a low shot cleared off the line by Barbet.

As long as it stayed 0-0, Rangers had hope and they might have led when a deflected Todd Kane cross was volleyed over by Macauley Bonne at the far post and Rodak did well to later block a near post ball which fell Bonne's way, six yards out.

There was an even better chance when a long ball over the top found Dykes, who disappointingly blasted into the upper tier of the Loft End as glory beckoned.

Soon after, Dominic Ball released Osayi-Samuel down the left-hand side and a low cross inside the six-yard box was a fraction away from being turned in by the onrushing Dykes. 

Rangers finished the game looking like the side most likely to spare us extra-time, but we were destined to see the drama prolonged – and for the top flight club to ultimately prevail.

QPR: Dieng – Kane, Dickie, Cameron (Masterson 90), Barbet, Osayi-Samuel (Hamalainen 90)– Chair (Thomas 82), Ball, Carroll (Bettache 82), Bonne (Kelman 73) - Dykes. Subs not used: Willock, Barnes, Adomah

Fulham: Rodak – Aina, Ream, Kongolo (Hector 68) – Tete (Odoi 90), Reed (Kebano 78), Loftus-Cheek (Robinson 90), Bryan – Onomah, Cavaleiro (Decordova-Reid 67) – Mitrovic. Subs not used: Adarabioyo, Fabri, Carvalho, Jasper



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/fulham-prevail-in-extra-time-but-qpr-rue-lack-of-finishing-in-cup-tie-there-for-the-taking

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Extra-time goals give Fulham cup victory over QPR

Extra-time goals by Bobby Decordova-Reid and Neeskens Kebano took Fulham through to the FA Cup fourth round.

Decordova-Reid broke the deadlock in the west London derby by firing into the corner of the net after exchanging passes with Aleksandar Mitrovic near the edge of the penalty area.

Kebano sealed the Whites' win by scoring three minutes later.

After Joe Bryan had done well on the left, Josh Onomah teed up Kebano and the Frenchman finished emphatically.

QPR strikers Lyndon Dykes and Macauley Bonne spurned glorious chances to score in normal time.

An unchallenged Bonne headed Ilias Chair's corner over the bar and later volleyed wastefully over after being found by Todd Kane's low cross from the right.

Dykes was guilty of an appalling miss in the second half, blasting woefully high and wide after Seny Dieng's long ball left the Scot through on goal.

Fulham's best opportunities before their breakthrough fell to Mitrovic, whose shot was cleared off the line by Yoann Barbet, and Bryan, who fired straight at keeper Dieng after being set up by Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

QPR: Dieng, Kane, Cameron (Masterson 90), Dickie, Barbet, Ball, Carroll (Bettache 81), Chair (Thomas 81), Osayi-Samuel (Hamalainen 90), Bonne (Kelman 73), Dykes.
Subs not used: Barnes, Adomah, Willock.

Fulham: Rodak, Aina, Ream, Kongolo (Hector 67), Tete (Robinson 90), Onomah, Reed (Kebano 78), Loftus-Cheek (Odoi 90), Bryan, Cavaleiro (Decordova-Reid (67), Mitrovic.
Subs not used: Fabri, Adarabioyo, Carvalho, Jasper.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/football-extra-time-goals-give-fulham-cup-victory-over-qpr

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Decordova-Reid and Kebano fire Fulham into round four

It took until deep into the first period of extra time, but goals from Bobby Decordova-Reid and Neeskens Kebano secured a safe passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup for Fulham and killed off the brave resistance of Queens Park Rangers. Scott Parker was keen for his side to maintain the momentum they had generated before coronavirus had ripped through their playing squad and, whilst there were signs of serious rustiness in Shepherd's Bush, this was another morale-boosting success as the Whites tuned up for tough league tussles against Chelsea and Manchester United in the next few days.

Parker opted not to give youth its head in a local derby but there were returns for Josh Onomah, who hadn't featured in the first team since October, Kenny Tete and Terence Kongolo, whose own recovery from a serious knee injury had left him on the sidelines since signing permanently from Huddersfield at the end of the summer transfer window. Marek Rodak was handed a rare start in goal, whilst Aleksandar Mitrovic began up front, but had been stripped of the captaincy following his New Year's party with Luka Milivojevic.

The visitors took a while to settle. QPR began expansively, seeking a first win in seven, and spurned a great opportunity when Macauley Bonne contrived to send a free header over the top from six yards out after beating Mitrovic to Tom Carroll's corner. The lively Ilias Chair tested Rodak with a drive from distance whilst Fulham were still feeling their way into the contest. Ivan Cavaleiro replied with a rather wild effort from long range, but there was some artistry about the build-up with Tete driving down the right encouragingly and Onomah's deft pass inviting the Portuguese winger to shoot.

Tete was required to intervene at the other end, twice sliding in at the last possible moment to thwart Bright Osayi-Samuel from profiting inside the area, before Fulham's opposite wing-back Joe Bryan almost stole centre stage. Bryan hasn't found the net for the Whites since his brilliant brace against Brentford that secured their return to the top flight, but he almost produced another moment of genius – as a wonderfully weighted chip nearly caught out Seny Dieng in the QPR goal. The left back linked brilliantly with Onomah to allow the former Tottenham midfielder a shooting chance from the edge of the box, but his effort drifted tamely wide.

Mitrovic toiled manfully but looked well short of both the usual menace he carries and that predatory instinct that has eluded him for much of this season. He was denied a shot on goal by a well-timed saving tackle from former Brentford defender Yoann Barbet, couldn't get another ball out of his feet to fire goalwards on the edge of the box and then sent a header wide on the stroke of half-time from a teasing Bryan corner. At the other end, Rodak saved well to prevent Osayi-Samuel converting a clever delivery from Lyndon Dykes – and a half-time stalemate felt appropriate after an even contest.

Fulham began the second period with much more urgency, but it was QPR who carved out the clearer chances. Bonne missed another glorious opportunity when Todd Kane's cross nicked off Kongolo and fell invitingly for him at the far post. The former Charlton forward opted to hit it first time and fired disappointingly over, when he had the chance to take the ball down and produce a much more composed finish. Rodak made two magnificent saves in quick succession to preserve parity, the first a reaction block with his knees at the near post to deny Bonne and then a diving effort that saw him turn aside an angled Chair drive as the Championship side threatened to go in front.

Parker's men persisted with pretty football but lacked the ruthlessness in the final third to match. Bryan couldn't make the most of a decent opportunity on his weaker right foot before Cavaleiro dallied inexplicably in front of goal, allowing Barbet to get back and clear Mitrovic's eventual shot off the line. Decordova-Reid then joined the Serbian as an orthodox strike partner as Fulham went for the win, but the substitution actually allowed Rangers – who had gone a bit more direct themselves – to have another significant period of pressure.

Dykes should have handed them the advantage when he sprung the Fulham offside trap in the simplest terms by chasing a long clearance from goalkeeper Dieng. He reached it ahead of Michael Hector and should have volleyed home after Rodak opted not to charge from his line but screwed his shot harmlessly wide. A classier opening was fashioned by fine wing play from Osayi-Samuel as he sauntered down the left and produced a brilliant cut-back but Charlie Kelman couldn't turn it home at the near post.

Parker sent on Kebano with time ticking away and then introduced Antonee Robinson and Denis Odoi at the start of extra time. That saw the Whites switch to a back four with Ola Aina operating as a holding midfielder – and Fulham had the better of the exchanges after that with Robinson and Bryan dovetailing effectively down the left. Decordova-Reid glanced a header agonisingly wide from Bryan's deep cross and you felt like the game was nailed on to finish in one of those classically calamitous Fulham penalty shoot-outs.

Decordova-Reid had other ideas though. Robinson located him 30 yards from goal with a purposeful pass, but there was still plenty to do. Fulham's man of the season did brilliantly, spinning to face goal, playing a quick one-two with Mitrovic, and finding the bottom corner with a brilliant low shot – making the most of the space that a tired Rangers defence had erred in giving him. There was a second even before the first period of extra time was complete with Kebano, impressive after coming off the bench, lashing home at the first post after Decordova-Reid and Onomah had knitted together a dangerous move inside the QPR box.

This was by no means a complete performance, but there will be elements of it that Parker will be delighted with after a difficult fortnight down at Motspur Park. A potential banana skin has been averted, several fringe players and potential key performers have more minutes in their legs, and there are reasons for real positivity as the Whites ready themselves for another pivotal run of fixtures.

QUEENS PARK RANGERS (3-4-3): Dieng; Barbet, Cameron (Masterson 91), Dickie; Kane, Osayi-Sameul (Haemaelaeinen 91), Ball, Carroll (Bettache 82); Chair (Thomas 82), Bonne (Kelman 73), Dykes. Subs (not used): Barnes, Adomah, Willock.

BOOKED: Barbet, Haemaelaeinen.

FULHAM (3-4-2-1): Rodak; Aina, Ream, Kongolo (Hector 68); Tete (Odoi 91), Bryan, Reed (Kebano 78), Loftus-Cheek (Robinson 91); Onomah, Cavaleiro (Decordova-Reid 67); Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Fabri, Adarabioyo, Carvalho, Jasper.

GOALS: Decordova-Reid (106), Kebano (108).

REFEREE: Simon Hooper (Swindon).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/decordova-reid-and-kebano-fire-fulham-into-round-four/

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Fulham man free to leave if they receive 'a good offer' – Club won't 'actively' look to sell

Aleksandar Mitrovic is free to leave Fulham this month after falling down the pecking order under Scott Parker.

That's according to Het Niewsblad, who say the striker will not be actively pushed out the club but is free to leave should an offer arrive.

Mitrovic has found himself increasingly out of the picture at Fulham in recent weeks. He started the season as first choice and maintained that until the end of November.

He's started one league game since then, last month's 1-1 draw with former club Newcastle, and instead played a substitute role.

That looks set to continue in the near future, with Fulham having explicitly stated their displeasure over the striker's breaking of COVID regulations on New Year's Eve.

That, among other things, has left the club 'tired' of the Serbian, say Het Nieuwsblad, and as such, they would be happy to sell him if the situation requires.

They say the striker is spending more time on the bench than he would like and can look for a 'new employer' this month.

While Fulham would not 'actively' look to sell him, he can leave if they receive 'a good offer' from any interested parties.

What the Cottagers asking price would be isn't mentioned but it's likely they would look to recoup as much as they can of the £22m they paid Newcastle in 2018.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-mitrovic-sale-january-good-offer/

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Joe Bryan was Scott Parker's star against QPR

Fulham secured their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup after defeating QPR 2-0 at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon, although they needed extra time to get past the Championship side.

Scott Parker named a much-changed starting side for the FA Cup tie, with the likes of Kenny Tete, Tim Ream and Josh Onomah all making rare starts.

However, it was the performance of Joe Bryan which may have impressed the English manager the most, as the left-back was superb throughout the 120 minutes at Loftus Road.

As per SofaScore, the former Bristol City man picked up an 8.1 match rating for his display, which, in terms of Fulham players, was only bettered by Marek Rodak in the Fulham goal.

During the game, Bryan would have 91 touches of the ball, with 45/58 of his passes finding a Fulham shirt, resulting in a solid pass accuracy rate of 78%.

Perhaps most impressively, the 27-year-old would contribute three key passes during the game, creating two big chances for his teammates in the process, which they were unfortunately unable to put away.

Bryan also superbly won 100% of his duels during the game, demonstrating that the QPR players rarely had the better of him.

Whilst the left wing-back would lose possession 22 times during the game, which was the joint-most of any Fulham player, he was a threat with his attacking play throughout the game and was solid defensively.

After scoring a brace in the play-off final to earn Fulham promotion last year, you would have perhaps expected Bryan to feature more this season and he is perhaps unfortunate that summer signing Antonee Robinson has done so well since signing.

However, today's performance against QPR proves that Bryan can be relied upon to do a job in Parker's side, so perhaps he should be trusted to start more often in the Premier League.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-news/joe-bryan-fulham-qpr-scott-parker-cottagers

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Parker identifies the Fulham star critical to their chances of survival

Fulham boss Scott Parker picked out a particular star of their FA Cup victory over QPR as being vital to achieving their aims this season.

Fulham left it late, but with the aid of extra time ultimately progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Two goals in four minutes from Bobby Decordova-Reid and Neeskens Kebano secured the tie against their London rivals.

Speaking to the media following the match (via the PA), Parker said: "We had to move things around a little bit in terms of the squad because that's the position we're in.

"I'm pleased overall because momentum sticks with us, it's a win. We are unbeaten in five, with a clean sheet as well and overall there are a lot of positives."

FULL MATCH REPORT: Spirited QPR succumb to Prem class as Fulham scrape through in extra time

Parker handed a start to Aleksander Mitrovic despite the Serbian being disciplined for a breach of Covid-19 restrictions on New Year's Eve.

Parker said: "We've dealt with the matter internally, Aleks knows my position, we turn the page now and move on.

"He's been punished, he has to face the consequences but now we move on and he moves on, keeps improving and showing his quality."

Picking out who is likely to play a crucial role in their bid for survival, Parker picked out their first goalscorer on the day, Decordova-Reid.

"He's going to be very important," said Parker. "He has a knack for being in the right areas, an eye for a goal and it's going to be important for where we are at the moment."



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/parker-identifies-fulham-decordova-reid-critical-survival

[WhiteJC]

Parker hails 'important' Decordova-Reid

Scott Parker hailed matchwinner Bobby Decordova-Reid after the forward stepped off the substitutes' bench to settle the west London derby against QPR and secure Fulham's place in round four.

Decordova-Reid fired home his sixth goal of the season to break the deadlock towards the end of the first period of extra time and had a hand in the second just two minutes later that put the game well beyond the Championship side. The Fulham boss was delighted with the Jamaican international's impact and believes he will have a huge part to play as Fulham battle to survive in the Premier League.

Parker told his post-match press conference:

He's going to be very important. He has a knack for being in the right areas, an eye for a goal and it's going to be important for where we are at the moment. He's someone who can get goals for us this year and his finish today was fantastic.

Parker also heaped praise on the returning Josh Onomah, who made his first senior appearance since October.

I thought he was superb. I didn't expect the performance in terms of how well he did physically – certainly going into extra time. The conditioning guys have done a fantastic job with him to get him to this level. That was his first game for some time and I thought it was the Josh Onomah we've got to know so I was very, very pleased. He looked powerful and of course, I think we all understand from last year, he's got quality and I think he's got a big part to play. Still more to come.

The Fulham boss was delighted that his side managed to overcome a potential banana skin having had two weeks off after a coronavirus outbreak at Motspur Park forced two postponements after Christmas.

We had to move things around a little bit in terms of the squad because that's the position we're in. I'm pleased overall because momentum sticks with us, it's a win. We are unbeaten in five, with a clean sheet as well and overall there are a lot of positives.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/parker-hails-important-decordova-reid/

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham Beat QPR

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

This episode is our initial reactions to Fulham's 2-0 victory for Fulham against QPR in the FA Cup.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/1/9/22222509/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-beat-qpr

[WhiteJC]

Fulham verdict: Whites' quality showed in the end, but Parker needs a striker

Fulham made hard work of their FA Cup win over QPR.

In the end, a 2-0 passage to the fourth round after extra time needed fresh legs off the bench Scott Parker would have preferred to rest.

Instead, the team left standing after 120 minutes was missing three, maybe four, players likely to start against Chelsea next Friday.

QPR played their part in making it a competitive tie, but that little bit extra Premier League quality arrived when Bobby Decordova-Reid's strike broke the dam before Neeskens Kebano sealed the victory.

This was a chance for the bench and returning players from injury to prove their worth.

So, who might passably claim a Premier League spot in the coming month?

Kenny Tete played for the first time in three months, although you might want to tell Bright Osayi-Samuel that.

The QPR winger usually finds space down the left in Championship matches, but Tete rarely gave him an inch, and made his presence known in the very first minute when he took the ball cleanly off BOS's toes.

Tete got through 90 minutes, and didn't appear to be suffering when he made way for extra time.

The others did a job, and Marek Rodak made two excellent stops, but it would have needed another half-dozen on top and a couple of penalty saves to usurp Alphonse Areola.

Parker will be quietly pleased he got 68 minutes out of Terence Kongolo, playing his first game in 11 months.

One wonders whether Aleksandar Mitrovic was left on the pitch until the bitter end as some sort of penance for recent misdemeanours.

Having been chastised by the club for a mindless Covid breach on New Year's Eve, the Serbian striker missed everything that came at him.

Either a poor first touch or the wrong pass before it became the single right one for Decordova-Reid's goal, was Mitro's lot.

He lay down in frustration at one point in the second half arms outstretched like some sort of human starfish imploring the ground to swallow him up.

Parker no doubt left him on to score, and thus restore a modicum of confidence.

The surprise will be if he starts against Chelsea. This is not his time.

What was Ivan Cavaleiro doing cantering when through on goal in the second half?

Had he gone any slower, he would have been walking as Fulham breached the offside trap.

It was almost as if the Portuguese was as amazed as everyone else that he had the goal at his mercy.

In the end, retreating defenders saved the day, but it's pretty obvious why Parker has put a striker at the top of his January wish list.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-verdict-whites-quality-showed-in-the-end-but-parker-needs-a-striker

[filham]

I hope there is no truth in the report above stating that Mitro is free to leave. The hard fact is that Mitro is our best target man and until we find a replacement his services are much needed.