Thursday fulham Stuff - 21/01/21...

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Results

Wednesday
Leeds	P-P	Southampton
Man City	2-0	Villa
Fulham	1-2	Man Utd

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Fulham 1-2 Manchester United

Edinson Cavani's fourth league goal for Manchester United set them on course for victory at Fulham

Paul Pogba scored a superb winner as Manchester United reclaimed top spot in the Premier League by coming from behind for a club-record equalling away win at Fulham.

In what is becoming a familiar pattern for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side outside Manchester this season, they fell behind early in the game, with Ademola Lookman beating the offside trap before firing in an angled drive.

But for the seventh time away from Old Trafford in 2020-21, United found a winning response - taking their run to 17 games unbeaten away in the Premier League - courtesy of a gift from their opponents and a bit of magic from their French midfielder.

Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has been a good addition for the Cottagers but in dropping Bruno Fernandes' cross at the feet of Edinson Cavani, he gifted his former Paris St-Germain team-mate the simplest of equalisers.

And on the hour mark, Pogba stepped up to decide the contest, firing a superb angled drive across the diving Areola and into the far corner from 20 yards.

The France international has come in for criticism at times this season but received nothing but praise from his manager after his winner.

"I am very happy with his performances," said Solskjaer.

"I know what he can do. He does everything. Now he is putting all the elements together in his performances and it is great to see.

"It was about getting him fit. He is enjoying his football, he is happy and physically in a good shape."

The win takes United to 40 points, two more than both Leicester and Manchester City, who had briefly taken top spot from the Foxes with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Solskjaer, though, was reluctant to get drawn into discussing his side's title credentials with so much of the campaign to go.

"It is always going to be talked about that when you are halfway through and top of the league, but we are not thinking about this, we just have to go one game at a time," he added. "It is such an unpredictable season."

Fulham remain in the bottom three, four points behind 17th-placed Burnley.

Hard-fought but deserved win for United
Solskjaer felt his side missed a big opportunity to fully assert their title credentials in failing to make the most of their chances in Sunday's 0-0 draw at champions Liverpool.

United were clearly in no mood to repeat such a mistake at a wet and windy Craven Cottage on Wednesday against a less daunting and defining opposition, but one that is far more robust now than they were in the season's first month.

The visitors fell behind, but this is par for the course for this side, who once again did not panic, wrestled control of the game away from their opponents and took the win.

It is a handy trick for a title-challenging side to have in their locker, although one they would rather not have to repeatedly pull.

In truth, they should have won more handsomely.

They had the far greater share of possession and territory and were well ahead of their opponents on shots taken until a frantic finale in which the Cottagers threw in all they had in pursuit of a point.

Fred felt he should have had a penalty in the first half courtesy of being caught in the box by a loose challenge from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but both on-field and VAR officials disagreed.

Harry Maguire twice headed wide from corners, the first from a far less forgivable, unmarked position than the second.

Equally, though, it is a game that could have seen them drop points, especially in light of Fulham's late barrage, which saw David de Gea save superbly with his legs to deny Loftus-Cheek, and the ball pinballing around the United box on more than one occasion.

The Cottagers demonstrated that they are no pushover, but they are making of habit of being on the rough end of fine margins.

Five straight draws followed by two defeats by a single goal suggests their battle against the drop will go right down to the wire.

"I'm really pleased but I'm disappointed at the same time, which shows how far we've come," said Cottagers boss Scott Parker.

"I saw a team today that looked threatening and tried their hardest to get back into the game, but we go again. The next challenge is to maintain where we are and don't let defeat sink us.

"No doubt we can win and operate in this division and we just need to push on and keep improving."

United lead the way in early concessions
    No side has conceded more goals in the opening five minutes of Premier League games this season than Manchester United (4). Manchester United have won seven Premier League games having gone behind this season - only Newcastle in 2001-02 (10) and Man Utd themselves in 2012-13 (9) have done so more in a single campaign.
    Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 17 Premier League away games (W13 D4), equalling their longest ever unbeaten run on the road in top-flight history (17 between December 1998 and September 1999).
    This was the 41st different game in which Fulham had led in all competitions under Scott Parker, but the first time they had lost such a game (W34 D6).
    Edinson Cavani became the first Man Utd player whose first four Premier League goals for the club were all scored away from home.
    Since his return to the club in 2016, no Man Utd player has scored more league goals from outside the box than Paul Pogba (6).
    Ademola Lookman has been involved in more Premier League goals than any other Fulham player this season (6 - 3 goals, 3 assists).
    Bruno Fernandes has gone three Premier League games without a goal or assist for the first time since his Manchester United debut in February 2020.

What next?

Fulham's next game is in the FA Cup, against Burnley on Sunday (14:30 GMT). Their next league fixture, an away game on Wednesday, 27 January, is a big one. Opponents Brighton are two places and five points above them in the table.

Manchester United host Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday at 17:00, live on the BBC. They are also in league action the following Wednesday hosting the league's bottom club Sheffield United in a 20:15 kick-off.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55642375

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Post-Man United Press Conference

Scott Parker had mixed emotions following a slender defeat to title challengers Manchester United on Wednesday night.

"I'm proud but also disappointed," said our Head Coach. "The players are disappointed as well.

"We managed to get our nose in front tonight, but a mistake and then a 35-yard screamer from a world class player has defined the game.

"We had the first big chance of the second half and a couple of big chances after that and they need to go in the net for us, we need to take those chances.

"We haven't managed to do that tonight; we probably haven't managed to do that enough over the course of the last few games. It's certainly an area where we need to get better and we will do that."

It's been a tough run of fixtures for Parker's men, but our boss knows there's been huge progress made by his team in this time.

"From the start of the season we saw where we needed to improve as a team and the players have worked relentlessly on the training field to do that," he said. "We've given ourselves a platform in games and been more solid and now that box seems to have been ticked.

"We now need to look at the other side and how we can take our chances in big moments in games because I think that will be the difference for us.

"We come out of a run here of nine games from Leicester away to Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, to a team that are going to fight for the Championship this year and went toe-to-toe with them.

"I'm very, very proud while also a little bit disappointed."

There was a slight mistake by Alphonse Areola for the Red Devils' equaliser, but Parker knows how much his 'keeper has brought to the side this campaign.

"Alphonse will be the first to hold his hands up and be disappointed with that," admitted Parker. "But the character of the man means he comes back in the game and pulls off some big saves.

"He's going to be vital for us this year and he's already proven that. It was a mistake and they can happen.

"We'll keep going, keep trying to improve and keep pushing on."

Over recent weeks and in difficult circumstances there seems to have been a real tight bond formed in the squad, often praised for its fighting attitude, but Parker says there's more to it than that.

"I don't think this is just a team operating on spirit, desire and passion," he stated. "I think you can see that in abundance in the team, but it's also clear to see there's some real quality in there, in how we're going about our business.

"We have become more solid. This is a team that are fighting for their lives every game they go out there, but also having a real threat about us and that needs to continue.

"I'm very pleased in the way the team are moving, delighted in that sense.

"The fine margins of this division are those key moments which we've not been on the right end of and we need to improve there."

Ademola Lookman thrived in a more central role, getting himself on the scoresheet with a cool finish after only five minutes, and Parker had plenty to say on his quality.

"We changed it up tonight in terms of Ade and got him central and I thought he was first class," said our boss. "Obviously it worked to a tee with the first goal.

"He had a lot of time on his hands when he went through and his finishing was deadly.

"We've been trying to look at ways where we can get people in the right areas that can score the goals for us really and I thought that worked really well.

"I think everyone's seen his quality in the short space of time he's been with us, outstanding.

"He's a player in this team that can score goals for us and that's what we need, and he proved that tonight."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/january/Post-Man-United-Press-Conference/

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Pogba's stunning goal consigns Fulham to another loss

Paul Pogba's stunning goal consigned Fulham to another defeat, despite another promising performance at a blustery Craven Cottage.

The Whites are now without a win in eight Premier League games, though they started brightly and were ahead within six minutes through Ademola Lookman's third goal of the season.

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa picked out his run in behind United's offside trap, and Lookman steadied himself to slot past David De Gea into the far corner.

But the visitors, who return to the top of the table with their win, secured more of a foothold in the game and found an equaliser after 20 minutes.

Bruno Fernandes first struck the post from the edge of the box, before collecting the ball and firing in a cross that Alphonse Areola spilled, enabling Edinson Cavani to pounce from close range.

Fernandes went close moments later, drawing a diving save from Areola, and Anthony Martial misdirected a couple of headers off target as United relied heavily on multiple crosses from both flanks.

Momentum shifted back to the home side after the restart, with Harrison Reed blazing over from range and Lookman shooting straight at De Gea from a pull-back from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was restored to the starting line-up.

Fulham pushed on, knowing that a win would have sent them within a point of safety, but were undone by a cracking left-footed strike from Pogba that swerved inside the post midway through the second half.

Cavani almost added another, though Areola got down to stop his header smartly.

The sub-par Ivan Cavaleiro was then replaced by Aboubakar Kamara, who made an instant impact by playing in Loftus-Cheek, but the Chelsea loanee couldn't find a way past De Gea with his low drive.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, back from a hamstring problem, was also thrown on for the last 10 minutes as the Whites piled on the pressure, with his deflected header going inches wide in added time.

Fulham: Areola, Tete, Aina (Mitrovic 83), Andersen, Adarabioyo, Bryan, Reed, Anguissa (Lemina 79), Cavaleiro (Kamara 71), Loftus-Cheek, Lookman.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-v-man-utd-report-200120897

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Spirited Fulham gave Man United a fright but Pogba's stunner seals the deal

Fulham (1) 1  Lookman 5

Manchester United (1) 2  Cavani 21, Pogba 65


Fulham gave themselves the massive lift of an early lead but ultimately fell to an assured United heading back to the top of the table.

Ademola Lookman's fifth minute strike raised hopes of an upset but the visitors had too much in their armoury, and far too much time to recover, as Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba pulled the strings in midfield.

Edinson Cavani equalised in the first half and Pogba scored a stunning second to maintain the visitors' uncanny knack of winning from losing positions on the road this season – where they have now won eight of their 10 fixtures.

Even with a win, the Whites would not have escaped the bottom three, but at least the recent revival in mood should not be damaged by a second successive home defeat to one of the Premier League's elite.

Indeed, they came close to snatching a point when sub Abou Kamara put Ruben Loftus-Cheek into space and it needed David De Gea to be alert to keep out the midfielder's low strike with his feet.

The on-loan Chelsea man also blazed over when well placed during the final knockings, while Aleksandar Mitrovic came off the bench to send a deflected header agonisingly wide of an upright.

The Whites only enjoyed 38 per cent possession throughout, but got off to a dream start, with Lookman drifting onto a lovely weighted pass from Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa before drilling low past De Gea. 

The winger had already tested United's keeper from distance in a confident start by the home side.

But United are a side brimming with belief right now and they were soon controlling the tempo and creating chances.

And moments after Fernandes had swivelled onto a Fred pass to sweep a low left foot shot against the far post, the visitors were level through Edinson Cavani – the Uruguayan firing home after Alphonse Areola had fumbled a left-wing cross from Fernandes.

With United increasingly in control, the Whites found themselves defending deep and in need of a few attacks of their own to give themselves a chance of avoiding the inevitable.

They at least managed that at the start of the second half, with Harrison Reed firing over and Kenny Tete and Loftus-Cheek combining to give Lookman an opening.

But it always seemed a matter of time before united would take the lead and the moment arrived with a beauty from Pogba, who drifted towards the right edge of the penalty area and unleashed a perfect shot across Areola into the far corner.

The Fulham keeper kept out a Cavani header soon after to keep Fulham alive but United held firm to secure their fifth straight win at the Cottage.

The Whites are without a win now in 13 meetings with the Old Trafford outfit, but context is everything, because as preparations for this match went, it could hardly have been more taxing.

Fulham have had to endure 10 days that included extra-time in the FA Cup, an extra away fixture imposed on them at 48 hours' notice and half a west London derby with 10 men.

Talk about a challenge. 

Few would have expected a first win in 11 years against the table toppers, who were last undone when Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff netted in a 3-0 win.

But Scott Parker will have been pleased to see the spirit still there in abundance and the fright they gave United towards the end. There is still much heart and hope in this side.

Fulham: Areola – Aina (Mitrovic 83), Andersen, Adarabioyo – Tete, Reed, Auguissa (Lemina 79), Bryan – Loftus-Cheek, Lookman - Cavaleiro (Kamara 71). Subs not used: Hector, Odoi, Kebano, Rodak, Ream, Onomah



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/spirited-fulham-gave-man-united-a-fright-but-pogba-s-stunner-seals-the-deal

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Scott Parker should take heart from Manchester United defeat as Fulham look capable of Premier League survival

Fulham may have only taken one point from their last three games, but nonetheless they should have given Scott Parker the belief his side can stay in the Premier League.

In that time Fulham have taken on Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United - all in the space of eight days and off the back of a Covid-19 outbreak at the club.

Against Spurs they claimed a point, while Chelsea downed them 1-0 thanks to Mason Mount's strike and only after Antonee Robinson had been sent off.

Before that, Fulham were well in the game and it was the same story against Manchester United, who ran out 2-1 winners here.

Parker's side went toe to toe with the visitors, who are now back at the top of the League thanks to this victory, and that should fill Fulham with confidence.

When Fulham welcomed Arsenal on the opening day of the season, they looked doomed for the drop after being hammered 3-0.

Now, though, they appear to be a side capable of staying in the top-flight - and this match against Manchester United, even if it ended in defeat, reaffirmed that.

Fulham battled and fought in defence, throwing themselves into tackles and scrapping for every second ball.

Going forward there were flashes of quality, particularly from Ademola Lookman - who opened the scoring after just five minutes.

The youngster was played in by Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who put in another excellent display in midfield, and, faced with David de Gea, Lookman made no mistake.

The forward buried the ball into the bottom corner to score his third of the season, which is the same number of assists he has. No Fulham player has been involved in more Premier League goals during the current campaign and, if they are to stay up, you suspect Lookman will be vital.

He played as a striker against United and his opening goal gave you the belief Fulham could pull off a shock.

United, however, had other ideas and after 21 minutes they were back on level terms. This time it was their striker getting in on the act, as Edinson Cavani tapped home when Alphonse Areola had spilled Bruno Fernandes' cross.

Earlier on this season, Fulham's heads may have dropped then - but not now. Instead, Parker's men dug in and held out until half-time.

After the break they looked bright, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek sparking into life and causing problems. Like Lookman, the Chelsea loanee is a player who could have a big say in keeping Fulham up if he clicks into gear.

It was another tall, languid midfielder, however, who turned out to be the matchwinner as Paul Pogba struck in the 65th minute.

Areola may have gifted United their first goal, but there was nothing he could do about this one. Pogba picked the ball up from outside the box and brilliantly bent it home.

It was a goal worthy of winning any game and, in the end, it secured United the three points they probably deserved.

Fulham, though, should take heart from this loss - particularly as they prepare for crucial matches against Brighton and West Brom. They may currently be 18th, but there is reason to be hopeful going forward.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-premier-league-scott-parker-manchester-united-b900531.html

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Fulham vs Manchester United player ratings as Kenny Tete & Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa show class

The Cottagers again put in a valiant performance but were unable to take their chances.

Alphonse Areola
A second mistake in as many games from the French stopper that has led to a goal. Palmed directly to Edinson Cavani for Manchester United's equaliser. Incredible save to deny Edinson Cavani in the second period. 6.

Kenny Tete
A workhorse between Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial and showed proficiency in his tackling and pressing. Can see the effort he puts in. 8.

Ola Aina
Quieter game than in recent weeks but still provided a solid connection between Tete and the centre of defence. 6.

Joachim Andersen
A constant communicator an once again showed his composure on the ball. 6.

Tosin Adarabioyo
Certainly not frightened to keep the ball under pressure and generally swept up well. 7.

Joe Bryan
Pinned back up aganst Mason Greenwood and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for much of the game and was unable to create the same outlet as Antonee Robinson so often does. 5.

Harrison Reed
Another impressive performance from the midfield dynamo. Roved along with his midfield partner to make his presence felt. 8.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
Looked more involved than in recent weeks and was afforded time on the ball. Anguissa took advantage to deliver a delightful ball to Ademola Lookman for the game's opening goal. Struggled to sustain it throughout the second period. 7.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek
A frustrating first half where he struggled to get involved with the game but much improved in the second. Showed a flash of how much quality he has with a quality turn on the right flank backed up with a good ball. Showed purpose on the ball but needs just a little more cutting edge. Created a good chance late on but showed no composure to lash over the bar. 6.

Ademola Lookman
The pillar of composure to slot past David De Gea early in the game. Looked good in the centre of Fulham's attacks and a threat in behind. 7.

Ivan Cavaleiro
Another difficult outing for the forward, and it simply looks like he's being tasked with a task beyond his ability. 4.

Substitutes:
Aboubakar Kamara: Had an impact immediately. Played an eye of the needle pass to Loftus-Cheek who couldn't finish. 7.

Mario Lemina: Was able to add energy to a tiring midfield. 5.

Aleksandar Mitrovic: Wanted to make something happen but not too many chances to do so. His header was nearly deflected in at the death. 6.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-vs-manchester-united-player-19668157

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Pogba's screamer fells Fulham

A sensational strike from Paul Pogba ensured Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were pushed all the way by Fulham in an engaging encounter at Craven Cottage this evening. Scott Parker's side had the temerity to take an early lead courtesy of a cool finish from Ademola Lookman and were well in the game even after the visitors established their expected dominance once Edinson Cavani had pounced on an Alphonse Areola error to level. That it took a moment of magic from the much maligned Frenchman to tilt this tie the way of the title contenders shows just how far Fulham have come of late, but that distinction will matter little to Parker.

After an FA Cup tie with Burnley this weekend, the Whites face a critical double header with their relegation rivals. A trip to Brighton is followed by a visit to the Hawthorns and Parker will be desperate to add additional firepower before those fixtures if at all possible. Fulham created plenty of presentable opportunities but couldn't convert their openings and a lack of ruthlessness in the final third threatens to undermine all of Parker's hard work in plugging a leaky defence with a smart change of system. Ruben Loftus-Cheek spurned a glorious chance to equalise and, in the last minute of added time, a back header from Aleksandar Mitrovic deflected off Eric Bailly and fell the wrong side of the far post with David de Gea beaten.

Parker made a pair of enforced changes from the side that were unfortunate to be beaten in the SW6 derby on Saturday with Joe Bryan replacing the suspended Antonee Robinson and Loftus-Cheek, ineligible against his parent club, coming in for the banned Bobby Decordova-Reid. The instructions were similar and United were rattled by Fulham's frenetic start, symbolised by Lookman driving with purpose at the visiting defence. He saw a speculative shot blocked before sending another straight at De Gea from twenty yards.

Solskjaer's side didn't heed the early warning, although the goal had a bit of subtly about it. Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa flighted a lovely ball over a horribly square United back line, with Lookman galloping clear and finding the bottom corner with a precise finish. Harry Maguire had been attracted to Ruben Loftus-Cheek stationed way on the left, Bailly inexplicably failed to read the danger in front of him – fatally pushing up to play offside when Aaron Wan-Bissaka was stationed far deeper than his two centre backs.

Fulham's resolute defence hadn't really been tested, although the Red Devils gradually garnered the lion's share of possession. Bruno Fernandes became increasing influential, dropping into pockets of space outside the Fulham box, and the Portuguese playmaker was heavily involved as United drew level. He crashed a 25 yarder against the post and then popped up on the left as Fulham scrambled to clear their lines. Areola anticipated the low ball in, but split it at his near post and Cavani, the master-poacher that he is, was on hand to roll home the equaliser. The French goalkeeper has been fantastic for Fulham this season but two errors in as many games have cost Fulham dearly.

He did partially redeem himself with a flying save two minutes later to prevent another Fernandes piledriver from putting United ahead and the visitors might have felt they should have headed in at half-time in the ascendancy after both Maguire and Anthony Martial failed to hit the target with free headers. Fulham responded in feisty fashion after the restart: an ambitious drive from Harrison Reed comfortably cleared the crossbar, but Loftus-Cheek produced an impudent stepover to maraud past Maguire and flash a dangerous ball across the six-yard and then set up Lookman, whose sidefooted effort was too close to De Gea.

Areola twice saved from Fernandes and Martial – although it transpired than both of those efforts would have been chalked off for offside – as United worked Fulham's disciplined defence from one side of the pitch to the other. With Joachim Andersen heading cross after cross clear, you sensed it was going to take something special to break the deadlock and Pogba eventually provided it midway through the second period. There appeared to be little danger as the Frenchman collected possession wide on the right, riding challenges from Reed and Cavaleiro, and glancing to the opposite flank in search of pass. When none was on, he curled a majestic finish into the far corner, leaving Areola grasping at air.

Areola kept Fulham in it moments later with a brilliant reflex save to claw away another Cavani header and, after Parker rung the changes, his side shrugged off their disappointment and went for broke. Substitute Aboubakar Kamara threaded a lovely ball for Loftus-Cheek to run onto, but the Chelsea loanee – finally showing why Fulham were so keen to bring him in this summer – saw his low effort from an acute angle saved by De Gea's legs.

Mitrovic was sent on as a focal point for more frenzied Fulham attacks and his introduction almost had the desired effect. Shaw, preoccupied by Mitrovic's hulking presence at the far post, backheeled a Lookman cross straight to Loftus-Cheek sixteen yards out but the England midfielder's hurried finish ended up high in the Putney End. Wan-Bissaka flung himself at a Lookman shot to concede a corner from which Fulham kept the pressure on and a brilliant ball in by Kenny Tete was headed towards goal by Mitrovic and diverted agonising past the far post by the unwitting Bailly. Such are the fine margins in the top flight. Fulham's luck is definitely out at the moment, but Parker's pugnacious side certainly won't be throwing in the towel.

FULHAM (3-4-3): Areola; Aina (Mitrovic 83), Adarabioyo, Andersen; Tete, Bryan, Reed, Anguissa (Lemina 79); Lookman, Loftus-Cheek, Cavaleiro (Kamara 70). Subs (not used): Rodak, Hector, Ream, Odoi, Onomah, Kebano.

BOOKED: Anguissa, Bryan, Aina.

GOAL: Lookman (5).

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, Bailly, Maguire; Fred, Pogba; Grenwood (Rashford 85), Martial (McTominay 85), Fernandes (Matic 90+4); Cavani. Subs (not used): Henderson, Telles, Tuanzebe, van de Beek, Mata, James.

BOOKED: Pogba.

GOAL: Cavani (21), Pogba (65).

REFEREE: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire).

VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/pogbas-screamer-fells-fulham/

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Parker explains rising confidence in Fulham fight against relegation despite Man Utd loss

Scott Parker saw the fact that he was disappointed Fulham didn't get anything against Manchester United as a sign of progress.

Fulham have a strong record after scoring first in games under Parker, but it was always going to be a challenge to hold on to the lead they gained against title challengers United.

After going 2-1 down, Parker's side kept probing and had chances to equalise – but ultimately got nothing from the match. They remain in the relegation zone as a result.

However, their recent form has suggested they have a chance of fighting to stay up. Indeed, Parker thought the performance against United showed they have the quality to compete in the Premier League.

He told Match of the Day: "I'm really pleased but I'm disappointing at the same time, which shows how far we've come. We've held our own against the top teams in the last few games.

"We caused them a lot of problems but the big moments in the game, we didn't execute them this time. I love the team at the moment and I'm really proud.

"We've worked tirelessly and we will work hard on the training field to execute those chances and hopefully it will improve."

Examining the goals that decided the game, Parker said: "[Ademola Lookman] had a lot of time to compose himself and it was a fantastic finish.

"We lost it on a mistake and a fantastic goal by Paul Pogba.

"Alphonse Areola has been fantastic all season and he'll be the first to be disappointed. He's made an error today but he'll come back."

Overall, Parker insisted that his "threatening" Fulham side can maintain a push to avoid the drop.

"I saw a team today that looked threatening and tried their hardest to get back into but we go again. The next challenge is to maintain where we are and don't let defeat sink us.

"No doubt we can win and operate in this division and we just need to push on and keep improving."

Solskjaer impressed with Man Utd reaction
Meanwhile, Man Utd boss Solskjaer admitted he was not happy with the way his side allowed Fulham to take the lead.

Even so, he was impressed with the way they reacted to going behind.

"I think we started slow but after their goal I felt we played well," he said. "We needed to wake up and after that we played really well."

Unpicking the first goal, where United's defenders appeared to stop, thinking Ademola Lookman was offside, Solskjaer said: "We don't do offsides really, we should follow the run.

"We had not woken up but good reaction."



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/scott-parker-rising-confidence-fulham-relegation-fight-man-utd-loss

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Parker rues costly mistake

Scott Parker was left ruing a costly mistake from Alphonse Areola as Fulham were beaten by league leaders Manchester United at Craven Cottage tonight – but believes recent performances have shown his side can avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Whites took a shock early lead through Ademola Lookman after a bright start, but Edinson Cavani equalised after Areola dropped a straightforward cross at his feet and a wondergoal from Paul Pogba completed United's comeback. Fulham were perhaps unfortunate not to emerge from an intriguing contest with a point and Parker is delighted with how his side have fared in a run of tough fixtures against some of the division's best sides.

The Fulham boss told the BBC's Match of the Day after the final whistle:

I'm really pleased but I'm disappointing at the same time, which shows how far we've come. We've held our own against the top teams in the last few games. We caused them a lot of problems but the big moments in the game, we didn't execute them this time. I love the team at the moment and I'm really proud. We've worked tirelessly and we will work hard on the training field to execute those chances and hopefully it will improve.

Ade[mola Lookman] had a lot of time to compose himself and it was a fantastic finish. We lost it on a mistake and a fantastic goal by Paul Pogba. Alphonse Areola has been fantastic all season and he'll be the first to be disappointed. He's made an error today but he'll come back.

I saw a team today that looked threatening and tried their hardest to get back into but we go again. The next challenge is to maintain where we are and don't let defeat sink us. No doubt we can win and operate in this division and we just need to push on and keep improving.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/parker-rues-costly-mistake/

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker proud of Fulham - but rues 'big moments' going for Manchester United

Scott Parker believes Fulham have what it takes to secure Premier League survival after a tight defeat against Manchester United, but was left to rue "big moments" going against his side.

Fulham have faced a tough run in their last three games, taking on Tottenham, Chelsea and United. Parker's men secured a fine 1-1 draw at Spurs, and impressed against both Chelsea and the Red Devils before falling to narrow one-goal defeats at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers went ahead through a fine Ademola Lookman goal early on against United on Wednesday night, but Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba struck to sent Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team back to the top of the table.

The 2-1 loss to United leaves Fulham four points adrift of safety habing played a game more than 17th-placed Burnley, but Parker feels there is plenty of optimism to take from their recent performances.

"I'm really pleased but I'm disappointing at the same time, which shows how far we've come," Parker told BBC's Match of the Day. "We've held our own against the top teams in the last few games.

"We caused them a lot of problems but the big moments in the game, we didn't execute them this time. I love the team at the moment and I'm really proud. We've worked tirelessly and we will work hard on the training field to execute those chances and hopefully it will improve.

"[Ademola Lookman] had a lot of time to compose himself and it was a fantastic finish. We lost it on a mistake and a fantastic goal by Paul Pogba. Alphonse Areola has been fantastic all season and he'll be the first to be disappointed. He's made an error today but he'll come back.

"I saw a team today that looked threatening and tried their hardest to get back into but we go again. The next challenge is to maintain where we are and don't let defeat sink us.

"No doubt we can win and operate in this division and we just need to push on and keep improving."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-news-scott-parker-proud-big-moments-man-utd-b900534.html

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham Go Down 2-1 To Manchester United

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

In this episode, Emilio Di Nello and Russ Goldman shared their initial thoughts on Fulham's loss to Manchester United.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/1/20/22241503/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-go-down-2-1-to-manchester-united

[WhiteJC]

Parker 'proud but disappointed' after Fulham defeat

Boss Scott Parker said he had mixed emotions following Fulham's narrow defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester United.

A stunning Paul Pogba goal turned the visitors' fortunes around after Ademola Lookman gave the Whites an early lead and Edinson Cavani pounced on a slip-up from Alphonse Areola to equalise.

With his side now without a win in eight league games and sitting four points off safety, Parker expressed his lament over their continuing wastefulness in front of goal.

"I'm proud but also disappointed," he said. "The players are disappointed as well. We managed to get our noses in front tonight, then a mistake and a 35-yeard screamer from a world class player has defined the game.

"We had the first big chance of the second half and a couple after that – they need to go in the net. We need to take those chances, really.

"We haven't managed to do that tonight. We haven't managed to do that enough over the course of the last few games.

"It's certainly an area where we need to get better, and we will do that."

The Whites got off to a promising start on a blustery night at Craven Cottage, with Lookman playing through the middle in the absence of Aleksandar Mitrović, who has not been at his best this season and sat out the last two fixtures with a hamstring problem.

While there was concern over their defensive strength at the beginning of the campaign, that run of eight matches has only seen four goals in Fulham's favour, including an own goal.

It is an area that Parker is looking to strengthen in the second half of the campaign to stand a chance of survival.

He added: "At the start of the season, we saw where we needed to improve as a team. The players have worked relentlessly in training to be more solid and give ourselves a platform in games.

"Now that box seems to have been ticked, but we need to look at the other side and how we can really take our chances in big moments in games.

"That will probably be the difference for us."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-focused-on-striker-search-after-fulham-defeat