Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 05/10/21...

[WhiteJC]

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa speaks out on future after Fulham loan exit

Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has admitted 'time will tell' if he deserves a permanent move to Serie A outfit Napoli, saying he isn't currently thinking about his contract in an interview with Radio Kiss Kiss.

The 25-year-old pushed for a move away from Craven Cottage after the west London side's relegation, notifying the English side's officials of his intention to leave the club and being left out of their opening league game against Middlesbrough because of this.

However, manager Marco Silva decided to recall the Cameroon international for the next three games, coming off the bench against Huddersfield Town, Millwall and Hull City before being an unused substitute against Stoke City at the end of August.

This was the last time he was seen in the Cottagers' matchday squad, leaving the club temporarily to join Napoli three days later on transfer deadline day and signing a one-year extension at Craven Cottage shortly before his departure.

But after seeing Fulham bring in Nathaniel Chalobah on the same day, arriving from Watford on a permanent deal, there are huge doubts over his future with the second-tier side with Jean Michael Seri, Harrison Reed and Josh Onomah available as other options in the middle of the park.

After remaining silent about his Fulham future during the summer, Anguissa has finally spoken out about his mindset and said to Radio Kiss Kiss (via Tribal Football): "I immediately realised that Naples would be the right choice for me because I immediately felt everyone's trust, when the proposal arrived, I did not think twice to accept.

"At this moment, I don't think about the contract. I'm interested in playing: time will tell if I deserve to move here permanently.

"I am very happy to be here in Naples. We will see what happens, but now I think of the field and give my best every time I play."

The Verdict:

Only a Premier League return would make it a real possibility for the midfielder to make a return, but you have to wonder whether he's already burnt his bridges at Craven Cottage after stating his desire to leave.

Not only that, but the likes of Nathaniel Chalobah and Jean-Michael Seri will also do a good job in his place and Tom Cairney may also make his return from injury at some point, potentially playing in a deeper position under a new manager.

As per Gazzetta dello Sport (Via Sport Witness), there is a €15m option to make this deal permanent and after seeing Daniele Adani label the 25-year-old as the 'best midfielder in Serie A' with his recent performances, it would be hard to see Luciano Spalletti's side not take up that option as things stand.

Anguissa is right to be cautious on his future though, because he will need to retain his consistency if he wants to secure a move to a side that are likely to be playing European football for the foreseeable future.

So although he signed a new one-year extension just before signing for Napoli, it would be hard to see him stay in the capital beyond next summer, unless former interested side Arsenal come calling.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/andre-frank-zambo-anguissa-speaks-out-on-future-after-fulham-loan-exit/

[WhiteJC]

3 things we clearly learnt about Fulham after their 4-1 defeat to Coventry City

Fulham enter the international break with a lot of things to ponder following their surprise 4-1 defeat at Coventry City on Saturday in the Championship's early kick-off.

Marco Silva's side went into the game aiming to build on their impressive performance in their 3-1 win against Swansea City in midweek at Craven Cottage.

That result had seen them bounce back from taking just one point from a possible six against Bristol City and Reading.

Things started well for Fulham at Coventry with Silva's side taking the lead after 18 minutes after Kyle McFadzean's own goal was allowed to stand by the officials despite a potential foul from Aleksander Mitrovic in the build-up to the goal.

However, Fulham were unable to build on that and in the end were pulled apart by a rampant Coventry side in the second 45 minutes.

The defeat saw them drop down to fifth place in the league and leaves plenty of issues for them to sort in the next two weeks.

Here, we take a look at THREE things we learnt about Fulham following their 4-1 loss to Coventry...

Fulham's players showed a potential vulnerability in handling setbacks in games
The second 45 minutes at Coventry clearly highlighted a vulnerability in the mindset of Fulham's squad that we have not seen from them in their previous ten Championship games this season.

Silva confessed to the media following the second half collapse from his side that he was surprised with the way that they responded to the pressure that Coventry put them under at times in the second period.

Fulham can be aggrieved with the decision to award Coventry their penalty just a few minutes after they had got back on level terms.

Matt Godden did not appear to be fouled by Antonee Robinson but went over and then compounded that by scoring from the spot himself.

However, Fulham never recovered from that setback and it will be a major concern that instead of going again they went into their shell and allowed Coventry to take the game away from them.

It was perhaps a major lesson for Silva that he needed to learn.

He will now have the chance to work with the squad during the international break to try and help them deal with setbacks in games better than they did at Coventry.

Paulo Gazzaniga's place in the side could now be under threat to Marek Rodak
Another thing that we learned from Fulham's defeat at Coventry is that Paulo Gazzangia might potentially have opened the door for Silva to consider giving Marek Rodak a run back in the side.

Gazzaniga has been Fulham's clear first-choice keeper in the Championship since he arrived at Craven Cottage in the summer.

He enjoyed a bright start to his time with the club in his opening few games and the 29-year-old has been averaging 1.9 saves per match in his 11 appearances.

However, against Coventry, Gazzaniga did not command his penalty area as well as Fulham needed to during the periods where they were being pushed back and put under real pressure.

The keeper was able to make just one save and one punch. Fulham needed a little more from their keeper to relieve the pressure on their goal at times in the second period than that.

Whilst the defeat can not be blamed solely on Gazzaniga, there will now be some doubts over whether he can command his box as much as you need your keeper to do in the Championship.

Rodak is a tried and tested option at this level to turn to. The Slovakian was a crucial part of the side that earned promotion to the Premier League in 2019/29 and he kept 13 clean sheets in his 33 league appearances.

It might be time for Silva to consider giving Rodak the chance to come back into the side and show what he can bring to the table.

Fulham need to find a way to come back from behind to take points
It has not happened many times this season so far in the Championship, but whenever Fulham have gone behind in a game so far this term in the league they have ended up on the wrong end of the result.

Fulham have been beaten by all three teams to have taken the lead against them so far in the shape of Blackpool, Reading and now Coventry.

If you are going to win promotion from the Championship then those kind of moments where a team goes a goal behind are crucial in terms of how they can react to dig out a result.

Coventry were in complete control of the game from the moment. They got into a 2-1 lead against Fulham on Saturday and it looked likely that Silva's side would get back into the contest.

There are some really tough matches to come for Fulham following the return to action after the international break, not least their derby clash with QPR.

In those games, they are going to have to show that they do have the character to respond to setbacks in games and still come away with a result.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-things-we-clearly-learnt-about-fulham-after-their-4-1-defeat-to-coventry-city/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Women 3-1 Eastbourne United

A well-organised and unwavering Fulham kicked off their Vitality Women's FA Cup journey with a hard-fought victory over Eastbourne United. Coming back from a goal down at the break, the Whites scored three second half goals to take the tie and make it back-to-back wins at Motspur Park.

In what was a fiery 90 minutes, both teams delivered impassioned performances in front of a superb support that made it clear they were up for the cup tie occasion.

The Whites pressed high from the get-go and had several chances in the first quarter: Gemma Taylor linked up neatly with Georgia Heasman who found space and pushed an early attack, while a long ball from Mary Southgate found Helen Ogle who's first shot on goal didn't hit the mark but travelled out for a corner. Taylor's ball in found Ellie Olds whose header floated over the crossbar. Minutes later, Sophie Modak found space on the left, but her strong shot inched wide. Modak was involved in the next attack, collecting a Lilly Lambird pass to eventually find Ogle, who's attempt drifted over the goal.

Despite Fulham's early possession and constructive play, the visitors tenaciously dug in and, in the 25th minute, went a goal ahead when an Eastbourne forward's smart run forced Emma Marlow to commit early but the keeper was beaten. Fulham looked quickly to respond, but the efforts were unsuccessful. Ella Meehan's 33rd minute free kick from 15 yards out glided into the box but couldn't connect, while a minute later, Heasman's excellent cross in front of goal was just too long for Ogle. Meehan was in the centre of the action once more before half time when her on-target header found the gloves of goalkeeper Meagan Sagar.

The second half started with as much pace and intensity as the first. Fulham were put under pressure in the 46th minute when a dangerous Eastbourne United attack almost doubled their lead, but Marlow boldly punched the ball clear. When a Meg Mendes pass found Oana Negrea in the 65th minute, the forward struck hard but directly at the keeper, while Heasman's super strike in the 69th minute flew just centimeters wide of the far post. The hosts continued to push their opponents to find the equalizer.

The breakthrough and turnaround came in a two-minute spell when Ogle scored twice: the first in the 57th minute whipping the ball past Sagar and again, in the 59th minute, to complete a brace that put the Whites deservedly ahead. At 2-1 up, Fulham were eager to convert more chances. Mendes' 83rd minute freekick struck the crossbar and an outstanding fingertip save from the keeper denied Negrea's follow up shot. However, it was the trusty Ogle and Olds partnership that ultimately ended Eastbourne United's FA Cup journey. Ogle provided the perfect pass for Olds, who calmly delivered Fulham's third and final goal in the 84th minute to take the Whites through to the next round.

Fulham are back in London & South East Regional Women's League action next week when they travel to Prince's Park to face Dartford.

Fulham FC: Marlow, Meehan (70' Foreman), Southgate, Modak, Christison-McNee, Taylor, Mendes, Lambird (50' Negrea), Ogle, Olds, Heasman

Subs: Kelly, Bird, Foster, Foreman, Negrea, Stormer



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/october/04/fulham-women-3-1-eastbourne-united/

[WhiteJC]

Robinson in: Fulham's best starting XI from what we've seen so far this season – Agreed?

Fulham have been far and away one of the Sky Bet Championship's early season pace setters so far, with Marco Silva having seen his side make a great start to the campaign.

The Portuguese has come into Craven Cottage over the summer and implemented an exciting and expansive style of play that has really made people sit up and take notice.

Regular goals from the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and summer signing Harry Wilson have greatly helped their cause, whilst the defence has remained as watertight as possible during the opening 11 league games.

Silva is now closing in on what many assume to be his strongest eleven, with his multi talented squad at Craven Cottage throwing him up plenty of dilemmas along the way in West London.

Here, we take a look at the best Fulham starting eleven that we have seen so far this season. Be sure to let us know in the comments if you agree with our selection!

Paulo Gazzaniga has proven to have been an inspired signing by Silva, with the towering Argentine having established himself as the club's undisputed number one since his free transfer arrival after his release by Tottenham Hotspur.

In defence, Antonee Robinson and Denis Odoi provide both defensive and offensive quality in equal measure from the full back positions, whilst centre backs Tim Ream and Tosin Adarabioyo have been superb so far this term.

In midfield the rejuvenated Jean Micheal Seri is partnered by the more attack minded Josh Onomah, with both players having shown a good level of tactical understanding so far this season.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Wilson provide a constant threat from the wide attacking berths, with both players liking to cut inside onto their stringer foot, whilst Fabio Carvalho was going from strength to strength as a number 10 until he picked up an injury which has kept him on the sidelines for the time being.

And lastly, Mitrovic leads the attack after scoring an impressive 10 goals in the league so far and he continues to prove that he is the best striker around at this level.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/robinson-in-fulhams-best-starting-xi-from-what-weve-seen-so-far-this-season-agreed/

[WhiteJC]

Ticket update: Fulham v QPR

AWAY tickets for QPR's upcoming Sky Bet Championship clash with Fulham are now SOLD OUT.

Ticket information is as follows:
Fulham v QPR – Sky Bet Championship – Saturday 16th October 2021, 12.30pm

The QPR Box Office would like to advise supporters tickets for this fixture are now SOLD OUT.

Supporters are advised, this reduced allocation is due to the ongoing Riverside Stand redevelopment at Craven Cottage.

Supporters are advised regular checks are carried out at the turnstiles. Supporters purchasing concession tickets are advised to bring identification with them to the match and anyone trying to gain entry to the stadium with a concession ticket they do not qualify for will face refusal of entry/ejection without refund.

The QPR Box Office would like to advise supporters any changes or refunds to bookings must be completed prior to tickets going off sale at 12noon Thursday 14th October subject to availability.

COACH TRAVEL: The QPR Box Office would like to advise supporters that there will be no coach travel for this fixture.



https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/ticket-news/tickets-fulqpr-041021/

[grandad]

The Footballleague world has to be the biggest joke site ever. They have put Robinson & Onomah in their best starting xi.

[filham]

The Footballleague world has to be the biggest joke site ever. They have put Robinson & Onomah in their best starting xi.

Two players I think should be left out of our starting line up for a while based on their part in the terrible failure at Coventry.

[davew]

The Footballleague world has to be the biggest joke site ever. They have put Robinson & Onomah in their best starting xi.

And Ream and Odoi, they are joking??

[Bassey the warrior]

The Footballleague world has to be the biggest joke site ever. They have put Robinson & Onomah in their best starting xi.

Yep.