Sunday Fulham Stuff - 29/08/21...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Saturday
Cardiff	1-2	Bristol City
Derby	1-1	Nottingham
Barnsley	1-1	Birmingham
Fulham	3-0	Stoke
Huddersfield	4-0	Reading
Hull	0-0	Bournemouth
Luton	0-0	Sheff Utd
Middlesborough	1-1	Rovers
Millwall	2-1	Blackpool
Preston NE	3-1	Swansea
QPR	2-0	Coventry
Peterborough	0-1	West Brom

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 3-0 Stoke City

Bobby Decordova-Reid's goal was his first since January

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his fourth goal in as many games as Fulham swept aside previously unbeaten Stoke to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Mitrovic, who on Friday signed a new five-year deal to stay at Craven Cottage, set up Harry Wilson to give the Whites an early lead.

The Serbia striker was also involved when Bobby Decordova-Reid made it 2-0 soon after the restart and then hit the third to wrap up Fulham's victory.

Mitrovic might have inflicted further damage on Stoke, but his injury-time penalty was kept out by visiting goalkeeper Josef Bursik.

Wilson - returning to the side after suspension - initiated and finished the move that earned Fulham a fifth-minute advantage, with Decordova-Reid and then Mitrovic teeing up the Wales international to fire past Bursik.

The home side swarmed forward with confidence and should have stretched that advantage before half-time as Jean Michael Seri, Fabio Carvalho and Tosin Adarabioyo all forced saves from the Potters' keeper.

Decordova-Reid also went close with an attempt that whistled narrowly over the bar, while Stoke were largely restricted to counter-attacks as they battled to stay in the game.

However, Fulham effectively killed off the visitors' hopes eight minutes into the second half after Bursik parried Mitrovic's shot and the lively Decordova-Reid followed up to tuck away the rebound - the first time he had found the net since January.

Wilson then almost registered his second of the match, but was denied by the post after Josh Onomah had played him through.

It was Mitrovic who made certain of the win, tapping home in the 72nd minute after Decordova-Reid and Wilson had combined again to pull Stoke's defence apart.

The only blemish on Fulham's performance came late on, when Neeskens Kebano was brought down and Bursik denied Mitrovic from the spot.

Marco Silva's side are now two points clear of neighbours QPR, while Stoke drop to fifth place after their first defeat of the season.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva told BBC London 94.9:

"I said before the match we had to be at a very good level to win the game and we were clearly the best team on the pitch. We were the dominant team, we created more chances than the opponent and we didn't give many things for them to punish us.

"When you're playing the way we play and taking some risks, if you're not giving much to them, that means we did a very good job. Our organisation with and without the ball was really good. The players are happy, I'm pleased to see that and congratulations to them."

Stoke manager Michael O'Neill told BBC Radio Stoke:

"In periods of the game we played quite well, we just made it difficult for ourselves. We lost a goal early on, we got our pressure wrong on that side between Leo [Ostigard], Tommy [Smith] and Sam Clucas and they exposed that.

"The difference in the final third of the pitch was key. Goals two and three were poor and preventable, then the game becomes very difficult because you have to chase it. You're always going to have to rely on your goalkeeper to make some good saves down here. Joe [Bursik] had a good game today and he's had a good start to the season.

"We had a young goalkeeper and a young back three playing against probably the best front three in the league today. They saw where the standard is and hopefully they'll learn from that."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58289215

[WhiteJC]

Post-Stoke Press Conference

Marco Silva was able to reflect on arguably Fulham's best match of the season following a 3-0 victory over Stoke City.

The margin may well have been even greater, such was his side's dominance over the previously unbeaten Potters.

"Very good performance, no doubt about it," he said. "For sure, at home it was our best game. I can tell you, maybe, in general as a team it was our best game.

"I said before the match, a very good Fulham Football Club on the pitch can win this game, the way we did it was a very good performance from the first to the last. We were the dominant team, we controlled the game, trying to score always more goals.

"1-0 at half time was not enough, because the chances we created in the first half, we should score more to be more clinical. But we started strongly in the second half with very good work from our players, not just on the ball, without the ball.

"I said to you before the match we will play against a very good side, with very good ideas. But a team working hard like we did, with a good organisation, like we had during the game, can block their game.

"They are a good side, with good players and they can create the spaces in the opposition if you are not in a good shape and if you don't work hard without the ball, and we did that.

"A good example was the work that Fabio did today without the ball. He did fantastic work and I have to give congratulations to all of them.

"We are Fulham. This is our way to play and what we like to do.

"Some moments we showed that character and personality that we need to put on the pitch because we knew before the game Stoke would come here to press us and try not give us time to play.

"But we showed the courage that we need to put on the pitch and the way we need to play, and the first goal was a good example, a good moment. We want to play.

"The second goal is something we planned before if they come here to press, we have another way to arrive on the opponent's box.

"I'm pleased to see the way we won, congratulations to our players, they did a really good job.

"Again, [it's] just five games, we won one more, just three points in our box, nothing more."

The result keeps Fulham at the top of the Sky Bet Championship, but Silva stressed that there's a long way to go.

"We are doing well," he admitted. "It is really important for me. It is something I like to see, step by step and game by game you are seeing better things.

"We didn't have too much time to gel everything and put everything on the right track. We had just four weeks to work with these players. Even during this period some of them were not here with me.

"The time was not enough but, in the meantime, we have to rush some things for the first game, for the way we want to play. It's a process, we are building something, we are creating an idea inside this football club, with these players.

"And when you are a manager they have to understand as quick as they can, but in the meantime, they have to buy the idea of the manager, and they are doing that.

"They are enjoying it, we are winning games, and they are working really hard, but everything is so, so early to talk about it.

"It is not a moment for us to look for the future. Analyse this game, that is what we will do.

"We are happy, we will analyse, we will show the players what we did well, what we must improve and prepare the next one, nothing more."

Aleksandar Mitrović was involved in all three goals, but Silva was quick to praise every member of his side.

"Not just him, I have to be fair with all of them," he stated. "Fabio does not come on the highlights and you are not asking me about him, [but] he was one of the most important players for us this afternoon.

"Tim Ream did a fantastic game this afternoon again. Of course, you like to look for the guy who scores more goals and that normally that will be the striker. That is not my way to see football.

"Many, many people work so hard for [Mitrović]. He did a good game for sure, he's happy, he is an important player for sure, no doubts about it.

"He missed a penalty but that doesn't matter for us, he will score the next one and he will be there to score.

"But so many players, they did a fantastic game this afternoon, it will be unfair just to talk about him. As a team we did well, that is the most important thing."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Post-Stoke-Press-Conference/

[WhiteJC]

Policing Survey

Policing at football matches is a subject of interest to all supporters, whether or not we have direct contact with officers on duty.

Whatever your views, there is a chance to express them in the online survey recently published by the Home Office.

The Trust maintains a strong link of communication with Fulham's Police Liaison Officer and we have had a representative on the Metropolitan Police Independent Advisory Group on policing at football since it was set up in 2018. The involvement of football fans in the way the game is policed is paramount to maintaining and improving the service, and your opinion is important, so the Trust is encouraging Fulham supporters to take ten minutes to complete the survey, which covers issues around policing at both home and away fixtures.

If you have any queries with the survey please contact the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) directly via [email protected].




https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2021/08/policing-survey/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 3-0 Stoke: Cottagers go two points clear at top of Championship and extend unbeaten start to the season as Harry Wilson, Bobby Decordova Reid and Aleksander Mitrovic strike

    Aleksandar Mitrovic could've had a brace but missed a stoppage time penalty
    The Serbian striker signed a new five year deal to remain with Fulham this week
    Stoke struggled to create anything of note during the defeat at Craven Cottage
    Harry Souttar went closest for Stoke but failed to direct his header on target

Aleksander Mitrovic marked his new Fulham deal with his fourth goal of the season as the Cottagers showed why they are the early frontrunners in the Championship promotion race.

Mitrovic put pen to paper on a five-year contract this week and responded by scoring his side's final goal in a one-sided win.

The Serb struck after Harry Wilson and Bobby De Cordova-Reid had put Marco Silva's side on course for the win that extends their unbeaten start to the campaign.


Harry Wilson's first half strike fired Fulham into an early lead against Stoke City


Wilson is mobbed by his team mates after his goal put Fulham 1-0 up at Craven Cottage

And he would have had an even greater cause for celebration had he not placed his added time penalty too close to Stoke keeper Josef Bursik.

Cottagers manager Silva was unconcerned by that miss after seeing his side produce a display that will register with their promotion rivals.

We did a really good job. But it's just five games and nothing more," said Silva."It's a process. We are building something and creating something inside the football club.

"The players have to buy the idea of the manager and they are doing that. They are working hard, they are winning games. But it's so early to talk about it. It's not the moment to look to the future and say what we can do."

He added: He (MItrovic) had a good game for us and he is happy. And he is an important player for sure, no doubts about it. he missed a penalty, that doesn't matter, he will score the next one."

Both teams have started the season impressively coming into this game with identical records of three wins and a draw from their opening four league games.

But Stoke manager Michael O'Neill admitted his side had been second best, but insisted he would happily accepted a return of ten points at this stage of the season.

"Of course the players are disappointed," he said. "We were unbeaten coming here and in a buoyant mood.

"It could be a good thing because it shows the players what we have to do to get to this level.

"We look at it as we are going into the international break with ten points and we haven't had a an easy start. Had you offered us ten points from the first five games we would have taken that."


Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson battles for possession with Stoke goalkeeper Josef Bursik

The task confronting Stoke became more daunting when Wilson made the early breakthrough in the fifth miniute after being set up by Mitrovic.

Bursik was by far the busier of the two keepers and he did well to keep out Fabio Carvalho's shot after the young Fulham midfielder had initially picked up the ball inside his own half.

He then produced an even more eye-catching save to deny Tosin Adarabioyo's header immediately before the interval.


Bobby Reid celebrates with Aleksandar Mitrovic after putting the home side 2-0 up


Mitrovic scored to make it 3-0 to the Cottagers and sealed a comfortable home win

De Cordova-Reid finally confirmed Fulham's superiority seven minutes into the second period.

Mitrovic was again involved, this time collecting De Cordova-Reid's pass before drawing a save from Bursik and the winger followed up to finish into an empty net.

And the Serb got his name on the scoresheet when he turned home from close range after Wilson met De Cordova-Reid's cross.

But he fluffed his lines in the third minute of added time when he Bursik saved his spot-kick after the keeper had fouled Neskens Kabano.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9935817/Fulham-3-0-Stoke-Cottagers-Championship.html

[WhiteJC]

Potters unbeaten run ends at Fulham

Stoke City's unbeaten start to the season came to an end as they were beaten 3-0 at Craven Cottage by table-topping Fulham.

A first goal from Harry Wilson and second half strikes from Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Aleksander Mitrovic consigned the Potters to a first defeat in seven league and cup outings this term.

The margin of defeat could have been greater had it not been for Joe Bursik who once again underlined his growing reputation with a string of outstanding saves, not least from a last-gasp penalty.

O'Neill named the same starting line-up and bench that had overcome Forest a week earlier and earned the Potters their best start to the season for 23 years.

Fulham went into the game on the banks of the River Thames with the same points tally as the Potters and they wasted little time in drawing first blood.

They were ahead after four minutes as summer signing Wilson capped a flowing move down Fulham's left flank with a tidy finish past Bursik from close range.

Harry Souttar had an opportunity to register a quick-fire reply but he powered his header from a Mario Vrancic corner over the bar from an unmarked position.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who had played a pivotal role in Fulham's opener, went close himself with a long-range effort, whilst Bursik made an outstanding save to keep out a long-range effort from Michael Seri.

The home side should have extended their lead from the resultant corner which City failed to clear but Denis Odoi somehow failed to hit the target from no more than six yards out.

Bursik had to be at his best again to deny Fabio Carvalho after City had cheaply lost possession in the Fulham half of the field, whilst he made further good saves before the break to thwart Antonee Robinson and Tosin Adarabioyo as Fulham looked to extend their lead.

Bursik was beaten for the second time with eight minutes of the second half on the clock; he did well to deny Alexsandar Mitrovic but De Cordova-Reid was on hand to slot home the rebound.

Souttar again went close from a corner as City looked to establish a foothold in the game, whilst substitute Sam Surridge forced the first save of the game of the afternoon from Paulo Gazzaniga.

Wilson went close to his second, firing against Bursik's left-hand upright after Josh Onomah's pinpoint through ball had sent him clear of the City defence.

Mitrovic got in on the goal-scoring act with 18 minutes left as he converted from close range after Wilson had got on the end of De Cordova-Reid's cross from the left and diverted the ball into his path.

Josh Tymon failed to capitalise on an opportunity reduce the deficit with 14 minutes left when he failed to convert from close range with the goal at his mercy.

Bursik handed Fulham a chance to make it 4-0 in added time when he conceded a penalty by bringing down substitute Neeskens Kebano but the young 'keeper made amends by producing a superb save to keep out Mitrovic's spot-kick.



https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2021/august/Potters-unbeaten-run-ends-at-Fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 3-0 Stoke City: FLW reports as Bobby Decordova-Reid inspires Whites win

Bobby Decordova-Reid helped inspire Fulham to an impressive 3-0 victory over Stoke City on Saturday afternoon in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Whites and the Potters came into this clash locked on points in the league table but, unfortunately for the away side, a lot of the game showcased a gulf in class on the pitch, with Fulham's attacking talents coming to the fore – most notably of all their no. 14 on the day.

Indeed, it was Decordova-Reid's cross into Aleksandar Mitrovic five minutes into the game that set-up the first goal, with the Serbian – fresh from signing a new contract in the week – laying off for Harry Wilson to lash home, a fine way to mark his return for suspension.

A sign of things to come for the remainder of the afternoon, though Stoke did actually respond well to going behind and had some decent possession for a ten or so minute spell, though they never managed to get an equaliser.

Instead, the chances would continue to come at the other end, with Josef Bursik pulling off a number of fine stops in goal for the Potters.

After Decordova-Reid had flashed over, Jean Michael Seri and Fabio Carvalho saw their curled efforts saved, whilst a fine one-handed stop denied a Tosin header on the stroke of half-time.

Stoke had seen Josh Tymon eventually go closest for them after bursting away down the left but his shot was straight at Paulo Gazzaniga.

You felt that Stoke obviously had the capability to get into the game – they've started this season well after all – but Fulham's extra quality told in the second half, as they managed to put the game beyond the Potters in a 20-minute spell after the break.

Decordova-Reid got a deserved goal, tapping home after Aleksandar Mitrovic's shot was parried by Bursik and he'd then revert back to chief orchestrator as his deep cross just after 70 minutes found Harry Wilson, who managed to turn the ball into the path of the Serbian for the easiest of finishes.

Stoke manager Michael O'Neill will probably be a little upset the Potters couldn't do more damage this afternoon but, ultimately, this match perhaps demonstrated why Fulham are expected to stay near the summit all season, and City are being tipped more as play-off dark horses.

Certainly, this is a good Stoke side that will give plenty headaches this season but Fulham just have that extra level of quality they can call upon – summed up incredibly well by the work of the triumvirate of Wilson, Mitrovic and, most notably this afternoon, Decordova-Reid – and that's before you get to their options off of the bench.

A fine win for Fulham and a tough experience for Stoke – one Michael O'Neill will at least hope helps develop his young side further for the season ahead, he'll at least take some solace from Bursik's performance in particular with him saving a late Mitrovic penalty.

Both have had a good start to the campaign as we head into the international break, then, but it's the Cottagers who will be happiest of all as September approaches.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-3-0-stoke-city-flw-reports-as-bobby-decordova-reid-inspires-whites-win/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham brush aside Stoke to stay top

Goals from Harry Wilson, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aleksander Mitrovic helped Fulham to a comfortable win over unbeaten Stoke to maintain the Whites' strong start to the season.

Wilson opened the scoring after just five minutes, putting the finishing touches to a free-flowing move involving De Cordova-Reid and Mitrovic.

Fulham continued to dominate after Wilson's strike but were denied a second goal before half-time by two decent saves from Josef Bursik to thwart Antonee Robinson and Tosin Adarabioyo, with Tim Ream shooting over from close range with the goal at his mercy.

Decordova-Reid doubled his side's advantage when he tapped in from close range after a Mitorovic shot was parried into his path by Bursik early in the second half.

Wilson almost grabbed a second when he fiercely-struck effort came back off the post before Mitrovic made it 3-0 and then missed a penalty in the final minute when the impressive Bursik kept out of his poorly-struck effort.

Fulham: Gazzaniga, Odoi, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson, Onomah, Seri, Wilson, Carvalho (Reed 70), De Cordova-Reid (Cavaleiro 75), Mitrovic.
Subs not used: Rodak, Kebano, Bryan, Mawson, Zambo-Anguissa.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-brush-aside-stoke-to-stay-top

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 3-0 Stoke City: Cottagers cruise to victory

Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash between Fulham and Stoke City at Craven Cottage as goals from Harry Wilson, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aleksandar Mitrovic saw Marco Silva's side win comfortably.

Aleksandar Mitrovic struck his fourth goal of the season to cap Fulham's convincing 3-0 win over Stoke at Craven Cottage and extend the Championship leaders' unbeaten start.

Mitrovic - who this week signed a new five-year contract - struck his side's third goal after Harry Wilson and Bobby Decordova-Reid had put Marco Silva's side in control.

But the striker missed out on a second goal when his added-time penalty was saved by goalkeeper Josef Bursik.

The two teams came into this game with identical records of three wins and a draw from their opening four league games.

But it was Fulham who underlined their early promotion credentials with a comprehensive victory that brought Stoke's best start to a campaign in 23 years to an abrupt halt.

The outcome was never in doubt from the moment Wilson put the home side ahead in the fifth minute.

The midfielder was back in the Fulham starting line-up after serving a three-match suspension following his dismissal during the 5-1 win at Huddersfield.

And he wasted no time making his presence felt when he found Decordova-Reid on the left and continued his forward run to collect Mitrovic's lay-off and place a left-footed shot beyond keeper Bursik.

Stoke had an opportunity to work their way back into the game when Harry Souttar headed over from a Mario Vrancic corner.

But it was Fulham who dominated the opening half and Marco Silva's side would have extended their lead but for Bursik.

The keeper produced his best effort to deny Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo after the centre-back rose to meet Jean Michael Seri's free-kick immediately before the interval.

Fulham were also guilty of failing to make more of the opportunities that came their way.

In particular, centre-back Tim Ream was left holding his head in his hands after diverting the ball over the bar with his knee from close range after Mitrovic headed Wilson's free-kick across goal.

Stoke needed to make a positive start to the second period if they were to work their way back into the game.

But they found themselves further behind just seven minutes after the restart when Decordova-Reid added Fulham's second.

The winger again combined with Mitrovic, playing the striker in on goal and then following up when Bursik could only parry the Serb's shot.

The second goal finally came seven minutes into the second half when Decordova-Reid followed up to finish after Mitrovic's shot was saved.

And Mitrovic added the third when he turned home from close range after Wilson connected with Decordova-Reid's cross.

He was unable to double his tally though when he placed his 93rd-minute spot-kick too close to Bursik after the keeper had brought down Neeskens Kebano.

What the managers said...
Fulham's Marco Silva: "It was a very good performance from the first minute until the last. We were the dominant team and controlled the game. The only thing was we should have scored more goals. 1-0 was not enough from the first half with the chances we created. We should be more clinical. We did a really good job. But it's just five games and nothing more.

"It's a process. We are building something and creating something inside the football club. The players have to buy the idea of the manager and they are doing that. They are working hard, they are winning games. But it's so early to talk about it. It's not the moment to look to the future and say what we can do."

Stoke's Michael O'Neill: "It was disappointing. We knew it would be as tough as you can get in this league. We were disappointed with the way we started. We didn't get to the right people at the right time. And then we had a good period in the game and should have done better. But the second goal was poor and then we were chasing the game. But overall the speed of their play was better than ours and the level of their players is better than ours.

"There is a lot of quality in their side at this level, especially the front three. Mitrovic is obviously excellent and it was a big challenge for a young back three. We look at it as we are going into the international break with 10 points and we haven't had a an easy start. Had you offered us 10 points from the first five games we would have taken that."



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-stoke-city/report/447389

[WhiteJC]

Result: Championship leaders Fulham still unbeaten after cruising past Stoke

Aleksandar Mitrovic struck his fourth goal of the season to cap Fulham's convincing 3-0 win over Stoke at Craven Cottage and extend the Championship leaders's unbeaten start.

Mitrovic – who this week signed a new five-year contract – struck his side's third goal after Harry Wilson and Bobby Decordova-Reid had put Marco Silva's side in control.

But the striker missed out on a second goal when his added time penalty was saved by goalkeeper Josef Bursik.

The two teams came into this game with identical records of three wins and a draw from their opening four league games.

But it was Fulham who underlined their early promotion credentials with a comprehensive victory that brought Stoke's best start to a campaign in 23 years to an abrupt halt.

The outcome was never in doubt from the moment Wilson put the home side ahead in the fifth minute.

The midfielder was back in the Fulham starting line-up after serving a three-match suspension following his dismissal during the 5-1 win at Huddersfield.

And he wasted no time making his presence felt when he found Decordova-Reid on the left and continued his forward run to collect Mitrovic's lay-off and place a left-footed shot beyond keeper Bursik.

Stoke had an opportunity to work their way back into the game when Harry Souttar headed over from a Mario Vrancic corner.

But it was Fulham who dominated the opening half and Marco Silva's side would have extended their lead but for Bursik.

The keeper produced his best effort to deny Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo after the centre-back rose to meet Jean Michael Seri's free-kick immediately before the interval.

Fulham were also guilty of failing to make more of the opportunities that came their way.

In particular, centre-back Tim Ream was left holding his head in his hands after diverting the ball over the bar with his knee from close range after Mitrovic headed Wilson's free-kick across goal.

Stoke needed to make a positive start to the second period if they were to work their way back into the game.

But they found themselves further behind just seven minutes after the restart when Decordova-Reid added Fulham's second.

The winger again combined with Mitrovic, playing the striker in on goal and then following up when Bursik could only parry the Serb's shot.

The second goal finally came seven minutes into the second half when Decordova-Reid followed up to finish after Mitrovic's shot was saved.

And Mitrovic added the third when he turned home from close range after Wilson connected with Decordova-Reid's cross.

He was unable to double his tally though when he placed his 93rd-minute spot-kick too close to Bursik after the keeper had brought down Neeskens Kebano.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/result-championship-leaders-fulham-still-unbeaten-after-cruising-past-stoke_461322.html?newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Mitrovic fires leaders Fulham to easy win over Stoke

FULHAM'S ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC delivered a man-of-the-match display to celebrate his new contract as the Serbia striker inspired his Championship side's 3-0 win against Stoke on Saturday.

Mitrovic signed a five-year deal with Fulham this week and he began to repay their faith in the demolition of Stoke at Craven Cottage.

He set up Harry Wilson for the Cottagers' opener after five minutes, had a shot saved from which Bobby Decordova-Reid scored the rebound for Fulham's second, before getting on the scoresheet himself with a simple tap-in to make it three.

Mitrovic did miss a stoppage-time penalty but that was only a minor blemish as Fulham moved three points clear at the top of the Championship after four wins from their first five games.

Fulham's west London rivals QPR moved up to second place with a 2-0 win against Coventry at Loftus Road.

Lyndon Dykes came on in the 67th minute and had broken the deadlock 60 seconds later, with Yoann Barbet doubling their advantage nine minutes later to secure a first home win of the campaign.

Sorba Thomas starred as Huddersfield romped to a 4-0 win against Reading.

Lewis O'Brien turned home Thomas' inviting cross to open the scoring after 39 minutes and Matty Pearson prodded in another Thomas delivery to double Huddersfield's lead.

Two goals in quick succession put the game to bed as Thomas got the goal he deserved with a low shot and Danny Ward tapped in a fourth.

Sheffield United remain bottom after they could only manage a goalless draw at Luton.

Hull and Bournemouth also played out a 0-0 stalemate, while Blackpool stay in the relegation zone after they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Millwall.

Andreas Weimann was the Bristol City hero as Cardiff were beaten 2-1 in an entertaining Severnside derby.

Brennan Johnson eased some of the pressure on boss Chris Hughton with a late strike that earned Nottingham Forest a 1-1 draw at midlands rivals Derby.

Barnsley and Birmingham played out a 1-1 draw, while Sean Maguire set up Preston's second goal in a 3-1 win against Swansea.

Middlesbrough and Blackburn ended with 10 men each in their 1-1 draw.

In League One, Troy Parrott teed up Mohamed Eisa for the opener in MK Dons' 2-0 win over Accrington Stanley, while Anthony Scully netted a late consolation from the spot as Lincoln City went down 3-1 to Oxford United.

Down in League Two, Ireland underage international Tyreik Wright opened the scoring for his loan club, Salford City, in their 3-0 victory over Newport County. Former Cork City man Gavan Holohan, meanwhile, scored Hartlepool's winner as they downed Carlisle United 2-1.



https://www.the42.ie/football-league-results-5534574-Aug2021/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva believes Fulham will improve as unbeaten leaders ease past Stoke

Marco Silva insists there is more to come from his Fulham side after sweeping aside Stoke to maintain their unbeaten start to the Championship season.

Silva's side completed a comfortable 3-0 victory with goals from Harry Wilson, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

And the manager admitted the margin of victory should have been even greater.

Silva said: "It was a very good performance from the first minute until the last. We were the dominant team and controlled the game.

"The only thing was we should have scored more goals. 1-0 was not enough from the first half with the chances we created. We should be more clinical.

"We did a really good job. But it's just five games and nothing more.

"It's a process. We are building something and creating something inside the football club. The players have to buy the idea of the manager and they are doing that.

"They are working hard, they are winning games. But it's so early to talk about it. It's not the moment to look to the future and say what we can do."

Wilson put the home side ahead after five minutes and Decordova-Reid added the second in the 53rd minute before Mitrovic completed the scoring in the 72nd minute.

The Serb signed a new five-year deal last week and would have had a second had his penalty not been saved by Stoke goalkeeper Josef Bursik.

Silva added: "He (Mitrovic) had a good game for us and he is happy. And he is an important player for sure, no doubts about it. He missed a penalty, that doesn't matter, he will score the next one.

"But so many players did well it would be unfair of me to just talk about him."

Stoke manager Michael O'Neill admitted his side had been handed a harsh lesson after their own unbeaten run had come to an end.

He said: "It was disappointing. We knew it would be as tough as you can get in this league. We were disappointed with the way we started.

"We didn't get to the right people at the right time. And then we had a good period in the game and should have done better.

"But the second goal was poor and then we were chasing the game. But overall the speed of their play was better than ours and the level of their players is better than ours.

"There is a lot of quality in their side at this level, especially the front three. Mitrovic is obviously excellent and it was a big challenge for a young back three.

"Of course the players are disappointed. We were unbeaten coming here and in a buoyant mood. We weren't in any way arrogant about the situation.

"It could be a good thing because it shows the players what we have to do to get to this level. We are very attack minded in terms of the system we played.

"We look at it as we are going into the international break with 10 points and we haven't had a an easy start. Had you offered us 10 points from the first five games we would have taken that."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/marco-silva-believes-fulham-will-improve-as-unbeaten-leaders-ease-past-stoke_461358.html?newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Fluent Fulham stroll past Stoke

Marco Silva's contented smile at full time said it all. Fulham underlined their promotion credentials by passing their toughest test of the season – and sweeping aside Stoke City, one of the early pacesetters, with a bit to spare. It took Harry Wilson five minutes to mark his return from suspension with a well-worked first and second half goals from Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aleksandar Mitrovic ensured the Whites remained top of the Championship. The margin would have been far greater were it not for a world-class goalkeeping display from Joe Bursik, who superbly saved a late Mitrovic penalty, and prevented Fulham from running riot.

Silva made three changes from the side that had beaten Hull City at Craven Cottage last weekend. Denis Odoi replaced Kenny Tete at right wing whilst Bobby Decordova-Reid and Harry Wilson came in for Neeskens Kebano and Ivan Cavaleiro on the wings. Odoi might not be the adventurous right back that the Portuguese head coach deserves but the Belgian defender did a decent job of getting forward from outset, winning an early corner and then having a goalbound header blocked.

The fluidity of Fulham's front line posed Stoke's three centre halves serious problems throughout – and this was seen in the way the home side hit the front. Wilson popped up in the inside left channel having darted right across the field without the ball and sprayed a lovely pass for the onrushing Decordova-Reid. The Jamaican international advanced down the left flank and fed Mitrovic in the box – with a cushioned lay-off allowing Wilson to find the far corner with a lovely left-footed low finish.

It was so simple – and yet, when Fulham are this fluent at full speed, they appear unstoppable. Another well-worked move down the left saw Antonee Robinson and Decordova-Reid, with the latter curling an effort fractionally over the bar from the edge of the box. Jean Michael Seri dictated proceedings peerlessly from the heart of the midfield and the Ivorian almost reprised his only Fulham goal with a fine effort from 25 yards that Bursik did brilliantly to palm away. Silva's side might have had a second from the corner but, after Mitrovic and Tosin Adarabioyo had efforts blocked, Odoi screwed a volley off target.

Stoke are more progressive than pugnacious under Michael O'Neill and had plenty of patient periods of possession but struggled to find a final ball. There was, though, almost a repeat of the glorious goal Josh Tyman scored against Nottingham Forest last weekend when Mario Vranic threaded a ball through for the overlapping wing-back but his shot was well smothered by Paulo Gazzaniga. The visitors were almost undone by a brilliant individual burst from Fabio Carvalho. The teenager won the ball deep in his own half and sprinted fully sixty yards before drawing another excellent save from Bursik when he pulled the trigger from just outside the area.

Adarabioyo went close to a second when he took aim from fully 30 yards but his ambitious effort didn't quite dip enough to trouble Bursik. Tim Ream somehow stabbed over when Mitrovic nodded down a Wilson free-kick and Bursik had to alert to prevent Robinson from ramming home a Decordova-Reid through ball as the full back raced in on goal, before Mitrovic curled fractionally wide from the edge of the box as the hosts finished the first half very much in the ascendancy. The Stoke goalkeeper showed wonderful agility to claw over Adarabioyo's header that appeared destined for the top corner – as Silva's side somehow went in just one goal to the good at the break.

Any worries that the Whites might pay for their prolificacy were banished eight minutes into the second period. Decordova-Reid's beautifully disguised pass allowed Mitrovic to advance into the penalty area and, although Bursik got a hand to the Serbian's shot after he had skipped inside Ben Wilmot, Decordova-Reid buried the rebound to notch his first goal of the season. It was a deserved reward for the winger's dynamism and ceaseless running that offered Fulham a different dimension in attack.

O'Neill sent on Sam Surridge to try and perk up his attack and the former Bournemouth forward quickly signalled his intentions, forcing a smart save from Gazzaniga at his near post within minutes of entering the fray. The visitors probed patiently for much of the second period but struggled to unlock a resolute Fulham defence and looked vulnerable to being picked off on the counter. That nearly happened when Josh Onomah's raking ball released Wilson, but the Welsh winger's measured finish hit the outside of the far post and rolled wide.

Mitrovic got his reward for a tireless performance, full of clever flicks and fine hold up play, with seventeen minutes remaining. It was a typical poacher's goal as he tucked home after Wilson had sent a Decordova-Reid cross back across goal – showing the finishing instincts that made the new contract he signed yesterday such a no-brainer. To their great credit, Stoke kept coming forward and should have grabbed a consolation when the rapid Alfie Doughty drove down the right and whipped a devilish cross only for Tymon to fluff his lines at the far post.

The only blot on the Fulham copybook came in added time after referee Jared Gillett generously awarded a penalty after Kebano went down under a challenge from Bursik. The goalkeeper – far from impressed by the decision – guessed right and saved Mitrovic's penalty, but such was the home side's superiority, it mattered little.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Odoi, Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Seri, Onomah; Wilson (Kebano 86), Decordova-Reid (Cavaleiro 73), Carvalho (Kebano 86); Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Rodak, Mawson, Bryan, Anguissa.

GOALS: Wilson (5), Decordova-Reid (53), Mitrovic (72).

STOKE CITY (3-5-2): Bursik; Ostigaard, Souter, Wilmot; Smith (Doughty 74), Tymon, Allen, Clucas (Sawyers 68), Vrancic; Fletcher (Surridge 59), Brown. Subs (not used): Davies, Baath, Thompson, Fox.

BOOKED: Wilmot.

REFEREE: Jarred Gillett (Australia).

ATTENDANCE: 16,791.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/fluent-fulham-stroll-past-stoke/

[WhiteJC]

Silva says Fulham can still improve

Marco Silva insists there is more to come from his Fulham side after watching the Whites beat Stoke City 3-0 earlier this afternoon.

The Cottagers maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a comfortable victory over Michael O'Neill's men at Craven Cottage – with goals from Harry Wilson, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aleksandar Mitrovic clinching all three points. Silva was delighted with what he felt was Fulham's most complete display since he took over from Scott Parker in the summer, but believed they should have won by a far bigger margin.

The Fulham boss told his post-match conference:

"It was a very good performance from the first minute until the last. We were the dominant team and controlled the game. The only thing was we should have scored more goals. 1-0 was not enough from the first half with the chances we created. We should be more clinical. We did a really good job. But it's just five games and nothing more.

"It's a process. We are building something and creating something inside the football club. The players have to buy the idea of the manager and they are doing that. They are working hard, they are winning games. But it's so early to talk about it. It's not the moment to look to the future and say what we can do.

Silva was pleased with Aleksandar Mitrovic's performance after the Serbian put pen to paper on a new five-year contract at Craven Cottage yesterday, but was reluctant to single out individuals for too much praise.

"He had a good game for us and he is happy. And he is an important player for sure, no doubts about it. He missed a penalty, that doesn't matter, he will score the next one. But so many players did well it would be unfair of me to just talk about him."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/silva-says-fulham-can-still-improve/

[WhiteJC]

Wilson buzzing after perfect return

Fulham winger Harry Wilson was delighted to mark his return from suspension in the perfect manner as he opened the scoring in this afternoon's commanding win over Stoke City.

The Welsh winger, banned for three games after being sent off for violent conduct at Huddersfield earlier this month, took just five minutes to fire Fulham in front at Craven Cottage this afternoon. Wilson admitted that he was desperate to return to action after his suspension, telling FFCTV after the final whistle:

"I couldn't wait for the three games to be over. I was quite lucky in a way that we were playing Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday so the ban went quite quick. I've learnt my lesson from that, it won't be happening again, and I was just delighted to be back out on the pitch and help the team get the win."

The former Liverpool winger was involved throughout the game as a livewire on the right flank and revealed he was revelling in Marco Silva's ultra-adventurous system.

"It's great. We've got quality throughout. We know the players at the back as good as they are as defenders, they are brilliant on the ball as well, so that sets up our attacks well. Us forward players know when to make our moves and once it goes through the three in midfield, we know once we get the ball at the top end of the pitch what we can do with it. We showed again today that we score goals."

He hailed the build up play that led to Fulham's opener, which set the tone for a dominant display.

"I think it was Jed who found me with a great pass through and then I found Bobby and Mitro's touch was perfect for me to run on. It was a pretty simple finish in the end, but that got us off to a great start. I felt we built on it from there. They had a few chances through set plays, but we said at half time that was probably the only way they were going to hurt us, so we are happy with the performance.

Wilson admitted that he would rather forego the international break given how well Fulham have started the season – and wants to ensure he is back at full sharpness for the trip to Blackpool in September.

"There's a great feel around the camp. We probably don't want it [the international break] to happen to be fair because we're feel like we're on a great run. We've won four and drawn one of the first five. If someone had offered that as a start, we'd have snapped their hand off for it. We've got to make sure that the boys who go away on internationals come back fit and the ones who don't train hard and we're ready to go again in two weeks."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/wilson-buzzing-after-perfect-return/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham U18s put four past Villa

Ollie Sanderson scored twice as Fulham's under 18s thumped Aston Villa 4-1 at Motspur Park this afternoon.

The young Whites took less than a minute to go in front with right back Devan Tanton racing down field and whipping in a dangerous cross that Jaylan Wildbore couldn't turn home, but Michael Olakigbe was on hand to force home from close range. Wildbore then missed a glorious chance to double the lead when he fired a terrific cross from the lively Olakigbe wide at the back post before Sanderson was denied by a brilliant reaction save from Oliwier Zych in the Villa goal.

The visitors equalised from their first serious attack. The impressive Tommi O'Reilly rifled a brilliant strike past Alfie McNally from outside the area in the bottom corner – with the home goalkeeper standing little chance. The leveller enlivened Fulham, with Wildbore restoring the lead within two minutes. The former Burton Albion forward scored a superb individual goal, driving deep into Villa territory after being found by Olakigbe, and driving home with real aplomb.

The second half was a much tighter affair, but this time Steve Wigley's side took their chances and made sure of the win. Delano McCoy-Splatt's rasping strike from distance rattled the woodwork, but fell kindly for Sanderson who tucked home the rebound. The pair combined again for the fourth when Sanderson got on the end of McCoy-Splatt's lovely defence-splitting pass and poked past the stranded goalkeeper to ensure the young Whites recorded their third consecutive win.

FULHAM UNDER 18s (4-2-3-1): McNally; Tanton, Araujo, Antonsson (de Fougerelles 69), C. Robinson; McCoy-Splatt, Lanquedoc; Olakigbe, Wildbore (Parker 74), Sanderson (Loupalo-Bi 80). Subs: Caton, Allen.

BOOKED: Lanquedoc.

GOALS: Olakigbe (1), Wildbore (23), Sanderson (61, 73).

ASTON VILLA UNDER 18s (4-4-2): Zych; Barber, Ealing, McBride (Pierre 72), Munroe; A. O'Reilly, Jay-Hart, Burchill, Afoka (Moore 69); Sewell, T. O'Reilly (Alcock 78). Subs (not used): Wright.

GOAL: T. O'Reilly (21).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/fulham-u18s-put-four-past-villa/

[WhiteJC]

Tony Khan says he wants to make Craven Cottage AEW's UK home

"Craven Cottage is very special to me."

AEW fans in the UK have been eagerly waiting to see the promotion live, ever since it's inception in January 2019.

Of course, due to the pandemic, it hasn't been possible for AEW to visit the UK over the past 18 months.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, AEW boss Tony Khan said that while he doesn't have an exact date for when AEW will be in the UK, he does have big plans for when they do eventually come.

"I have thought a lot about it, I don't have the exact date where I can announce it yet, but I do want to come to England," Khan said.

"It's a huge part of my life and I want to bring AEW to England officially. The TV penetration we have is amazing, it's a great thing we have going with ITV and with people buying AEW Plus on Fite, having Dynamite on ITV and ITV4 has been amazing for us and we have some great wrestlers from the UK, male and female, so I really want to get over there."

Khan then revealed his plans to make Craven Cottage, the ground of Fulham F.C., AEW's UK home. Fulham F.C. is owned by Khan's father Shahid Khan.

"I can't announce exact dates but I will say, for the first time officially, I want to bring AEW to Craven Cottage, very much so," he continued.

"Craven Cottage is very special to me. We put a lot into the development, redevelopment, the Riverside Stand, it's going to be amazing. The new Craven Cottage, with all of the new amenities and facilities, and all the beautiful additions, I think would be the best home in England possible for AEW."

Last Friday (August 20) CM Punk returned to wrestling after a seven-year absence, debuting on AEW Rampage.

Punk, who walked away from WWE following the Royal Rumble 2014, made his debut for AEW in his hometown of Chicago in front of a sold-out crowd at the United Center.

On September 5, Punk will wrestle his first match in AEW, taking on Darby Allin at All Out.



https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a37422764/aew-tony-khan-itv-craven-cottage/

[WhiteJC]

Denis Odoi: Fulham's dependable utility man delivers again

Nobody has quite introduced themselves at Craven Cottage in the manner that Denis Odoi did. He appeared a rather nondescript defender, a bit of a bargain plucked from Belgium to supplement Slavisa Jokanovic's resources as Fulham restocked for a promotion push, but proved so much more than that. Anyone present for his insane backflip that bamboozled Paul Dummett will never forget it. It was a magical moment on a night that a new-look Fulham showed the first signs of serious style under Jokanovic – and gave an early taste of Odoi's ability to surprise.

The likeable Belgian has never quite nailed down one position at Fulham and, rather like Chris Baird in the past, instead made a virtue of his versatility. He's played all across the back without complaint, filling at left back creditability before transforming into a ball-playing centre half who became the ideal partner for Tim Ream as that magical 23-match unbeaten run unfolded. His header against Derby wrote his name into Fulham folklore and it was just quintessentially Denis to end up on the Wembley crossbar toasting promotion despite having been sent off against Aston Villa.

Several times in his five year spell in south west London it seemed as though his Fulham career might be coming to an end. Marco Silva certainly doesn't see him as a first pick, but valued his contribution over the summer enough to reward the 33 year-old with the captaincy in last week's League Cup tie at Birmingham. Odoi responded with a mature and committed display that earned him an opportunity in the absence of Kenny Tete against Stoke yesterday – and he certainly didn't let anyone down.

He may not be the marauding full back that Silva's ever-so-adventurous system demands, but Odoi gave a good impression of one yesterday. He drove down the line, overlapping Harry Wilson from the first minute, to provide an option in the final third. His crossing is often underrated – remember the peach of the ball he provided for Aboubakar Kamara's equaliser against QPR a couple of years ago – and with a bit of luck he might have been on the scoresheet himself a couple of times before half-time.

Most crucially, Odoi decisively won the battle with Stoke's promising left wing-back Josh Tymon hands down yesterday. Once twice did Tymon get a clear sight of goal in the whole ninety minutes – and arguably he should have done better on both occasions – but Odoi bombed on to great effect, both as a decoy runner allowing Fulham's forward line to roam with intent and also utilising the ball intelligently when it came his way. He remained an organiser to the last – pointing out danger, coaxing others in better defensive positions and proving an integral part of another clean sheet against what looked like a very effective Stoke side. You can see easily appreciate why he's racked up 159 Fulham appearances.

I had the pleasure of a few minutes in Odoi's company on Thursday. He was characteristically engaging, curious and eager to make his mark in a season when you sense his opportunities might be limited. It may not be enough to dissuade Silva from entering the market for a new right back before the end of the month, but he certainly did that yesterday.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/denis-odoi-fulhams-dependable-utility-man-delivers-again/